INSTRUCTOR LIES?--- Please Read!!

Without knowing your talent level there is no way to answer your question. It sounds like you don't trust him, and that is less than an ideal situation. But let me ask you a few questions that might help you.

Is he a good hitting instructor? Do you feel you are seeing improvement taking lessons from him. That should be your first concern.

What is your basic goal with these lessons? To improve your hitting NOW - or to help you make it to the pros?

Now the most important question - would you return to him for lessons if he never suggested to you that you have a chance to go pro?

I hope that helps

There are many different types of “coaches” and your hitting instructor is a coach. Most coaches motivate and push their players to get better. One of the ways they do this is to describe a goal that you can reach if you WORK toward that goal. More than likely he is impressed with your talent. He may be “pumping” you up a little more than he should so don’t rule out a college education and the possibility of having to get a “real job” after college. Just to make conversation, you might ask some of his other students that are about your same age and see what he’s telling them? Being a MLB hitting coach I’m sure he knows hitting and you’re fortunate to have someone of that caliber to teach you hitting. Best of luck in your baseball.
Fungo

quote:

Originally posted by Fungo:
...Being a MLB hitting coach I’m sure he knows hitting ...

How are you sure?

Linear, not a personal attack here, but... dont be stupid, hes a MLB hitting coach. Thats why he does that, because he knows what hes doing.

.

NC Flamethrower...

Have taught youth sports professionally for 30 years, when I see extrodinary physical talent and a future in a young player I get very excited. And I say so.

But, pure physical talent is only on part of a complex puzzle. There is a great deal of hard work and luck and breaks and good decisions that will have to happen to make a future. And as Fungo says....this does not mean that plan B and plan C shouldn't be put into place. The comments are to be used as a nice motivator... now get over it and go back to work.

Stay with the same instructor?...Agree with APParent....

quote:

Is he a good hitting instructor? Do you feel you are seeing improvement taking lessons from him. That should be your first concern.

What is your basic goal with these lessons? To improve your hitting NOW - or to help you make it to the pros?

Now the most important question - would you return to him for lessons if he never suggested to you that you have a chance to go pro?

These are the REAL questions...Good luck and keep working as hard as you can...let the future fall where it may, you take care of today...

I wouldnt be concerned either way with him making that comment. Maybe he just thinks you are very talented and he wants you to work hard towards a goal. If you feel that the instruction he is giving you is helping you then thats all that matters. Good Luck this season.

quote:

dont be stupid, hes a MLB hitting coach. Thats why he does that, because he knows what hes doing.

NC Flamethrower,
Let me give you a piece of advice. Life is full of meaningless distractions. You have to learn to ignore these. You have to stay focused on your goal. Stopping to engage the absurd is a waste of time and will only hinder your progress. Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.

Best of luck.
Fungo

quote:

Originally posted by NC Flamethrower:
I go to a hitting instructor with strong ties to the major leagues(hitting coach). He tells me on almost every visit that I have a good chance to go pro. Im only a freshman in high school, so how could he know? Is he just telling me this so I'll come back, and give him more money? Thanks in advance for the advice.

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Well, let's see...how would this sound.

Now young man, I don't see a future in baseball for you, but you keep working and hoping and maybe after you listen to my instruction you "might" have a chance at the next level.

After you listen to that a few times you'd be wondering why you pay the guy too...but for the wrong reasons.

[quote]Let me give you a piece of advice. Life is full of meaningless distractions. You have to learn to ignore these. You have to stay focused on your goal. Stopping to engage the absurd is a waste of time and will only hinder your progress. Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.


Fungo:
That is the best advice I've read in a long time. Do you mind if I steal it? I'm going to hang it up on my refrigerator for all my children to study. And send it to my freshman son.......Actually, this makes for some good New Year Resolutions. Thank you!

it takes all kinds. Telling a 14 year old kid he has a good chance of going pro is off the wall no matter who says it. I have worked camps and yes have given instruction at baseball facilities and you do what you can to encourage kids but you use common sense.

NC....

Work hard and good things will happen.

Be happy that you have someone helping you that is also "encouraging" you to dream big dreams.

quote:

I have a good chance to go pro.

Maybe "go pro" means being a snake-oil baseball con like him one day.

NCFlamethrower, you're an incoming freshman who hasn't played a day of HS baseball.

His statement seems ridiculous UNLESS you:

1) Already are 6' 2" and are heading to 6' 6"
2) Have the ability to hit 350 feet at will
3) Are unphased by the pitching of the varsity kids you surely hang with.
4) Have parents who both played sports at the highest level.

Now, if you're name is Alomar, Bonds, Molina, Alou or such... that's another story.

NCFlamethrower

Take it a game at a time. Give the coaches forecast the same weight of those who say you have no chance.

My son was told the same thing when he was a Freshman. He went to a showcase and they rated him an "above average HS player". Maybe he had a bad day, maybe not. But, with that experience and rating he recieved through the mail, it made him more determined to work on his game.

Go with Fungo's advice, play ball, work hard on your game, and see what happens.

Fungo, thats good advice. Micdsguy: Im 5-8, and CAN hit the ball 350 feet at will. Don't know if that helps.

Flamethrower, you would be better off answering Linear's question.....Oh, and with a real answer, not a BS answer......

NC...LOLOLOLOLOL...My son is a 5'9" freshman, too. He has some skills.

To suggest, as a 5'8" freshman baseball player, that you can hit the ball 350 feet "at will"; and, being from a smallish town in North Carolina that most people in the US have never heard of, affects your credibility.

Be grateful that the coach has noticed you; that he has encouraged you into believing that you have a bright baseball future.

Don't be suspicious of his motivations/methodology. Be grateful that your parents can afford lessons; that he is around and encourages you; and, your "head" is not too, too big---yet!

LoL i cant do it at will. I do hit it over the 330 left field fence occasionally.

Beenthere, me being from a "smallish town in North Carolina" has absolutely nothing to do with it.