all my high school is doing during fall is lifting,running,doing drills,and intrasquading.
We might have a few scrimmages against other schools but thats it.
I play from February until Early September,and thats enough for me.
IFD, I'm happy for your son that he was good enough that earning an invitation to a good program was easy for him. I truly am.
But not everyone is that good! Most aren't, if you look at the numbers. This is my point.
Your son was obviously very good. It is easy for you to sit back & say "Don't worry, be happy! Just sit back, relax & all the good things will come to you."
But that isn't true for the majority of the players. The majority of the HS players will NOT go on to play college ball. Just look at the numbers.
IMHO, it is not sound advice to tell a senior who hasn't found a place to play ball "Forget about fall ball - it's not important." If you really think it is sound advice for the average ballplayer, fine. We'll just have to agree to disagree.
But not everyone is that good! Most aren't, if you look at the numbers. This is my point.
Your son was obviously very good. It is easy for you to sit back & say "Don't worry, be happy! Just sit back, relax & all the good things will come to you."
But that isn't true for the majority of the players. The majority of the HS players will NOT go on to play college ball. Just look at the numbers.
IMHO, it is not sound advice to tell a senior who hasn't found a place to play ball "Forget about fall ball - it's not important." If you really think it is sound advice for the average ballplayer, fine. We'll just have to agree to disagree.
I spoke with Pat Murphy at Arizona State about this extensively about a week ago. He had some interesting observations.
1. Playing in the fall does not make you a better baseball player.
2. College coaches have plenty of time to see you (or hear about you) in periods other than the fall.
3. You need down time.
4. Playing football in particular builds better athletes and therefore better baseball players.
5. He prefers athletes to "baseball" players.
I know a lot of guys choose not to play football, but I spoke to a lot of other true baseball people (meaning they make their living through baseball) and every single one of them shared views very similar to Murphy.
1. Playing in the fall does not make you a better baseball player.
2. College coaches have plenty of time to see you (or hear about you) in periods other than the fall.
3. You need down time.
4. Playing football in particular builds better athletes and therefore better baseball players.
5. He prefers athletes to "baseball" players.
I know a lot of guys choose not to play football, but I spoke to a lot of other true baseball people (meaning they make their living through baseball) and every single one of them shared views very similar to Murphy.
So a kid who has never desired to play, and has never played, football should take it up?
Texan:
A lot of baseball people would say yes and I would agree. I have had three sons go through this and all played football and all benefited. The oldest never played football until his freshman year of high school. I do believe that any kid can benefit from football, even without the immediate desire. It might toughen him up in a good way, physically and mentally.
A lot of baseball people would say yes and I would agree. I have had three sons go through this and all played football and all benefited. The oldest never played football until his freshman year of high school. I do believe that any kid can benefit from football, even without the immediate desire. It might toughen him up in a good way, physically and mentally.
I have been told by more than a few knowledgeable people that the football weightlifting is definitely detrimental to the baseball player. That a baseball player needs to follow a lifting program designed for baseball players. One that maintains & grows flexibility along with strength.
Perhaps in some areas football players who are also baseball players don't have to follow the football lifting regimen. Around here, they do.
If someone wants to play football, great.
But there are other ways to build strength, endurance, etc.
Perhaps in some areas football players who are also baseball players don't have to follow the football lifting regimen. Around here, they do.
If someone wants to play football, great.
But there are other ways to build strength, endurance, etc.
I absolutely agree with you on the weightlifting. If a baseball player is going to play football, the lifting program should be tailored to take care of baseball needs. If that is not possible, then I would forego the football. Otherwise, I would definitely play.
I don’t understand why anyone would feel we might think a certain way, unless they just don’t understand. Personally I couldn’t care if someone decides to play in the fall or not. I do know that one of the biggest scouting events in amateur baseball is held in the fall, I really don’t care who does and who doesn’t play in the fall. So I don’t understand why someone could expect us to say anything about the subject other than speak the truth.
Here is what I DO know. Let’s look at the young stars in baseball. Scott Kazmir, Carl Crawford, Chad Billingsley, Matt Cain, Jeremy Bonderman, Prince Fielder, Zach Greinke, Lastings Milledge, David Wright, Bobby Jenks, Brian McCann, I could keep on going for quite awhile…. When they were in high school they all played in the fall. Now name those who didn’t! There are a couple who played football, but not many. Same goes for most first round picks who haven’t made the Big Leagues yet! It’s not mandatory, but it’s fairly rare when the Justin Upton, BJ Upton, Delmon Young, Matt Bush, Kyle Drabek, Cody Johnson, Hank Conger, Ian Stewart, Robert Stock, etc. etc. doesn’t play in the fall. Name the top players and top draft picks who did not play football who didn’t play baseball in the fall! It really doesn’t matter what we might believe! Just look at the numbers. Some even played football and still played baseball in the fall.
Here is what I DO know. Let’s look at the young stars in baseball. Scott Kazmir, Carl Crawford, Chad Billingsley, Matt Cain, Jeremy Bonderman, Prince Fielder, Zach Greinke, Lastings Milledge, David Wright, Bobby Jenks, Brian McCann, I could keep on going for quite awhile…. When they were in high school they all played in the fall. Now name those who didn’t! There are a couple who played football, but not many. Same goes for most first round picks who haven’t made the Big Leagues yet! It’s not mandatory, but it’s fairly rare when the Justin Upton, BJ Upton, Delmon Young, Matt Bush, Kyle Drabek, Cody Johnson, Hank Conger, Ian Stewart, Robert Stock, etc. etc. doesn’t play in the fall. Name the top players and top draft picks who did not play football who didn’t play baseball in the fall! It really doesn’t matter what we might believe! Just look at the numbers. Some even played football and still played baseball in the fall.
Texan,
Nothing came "easy" for our son. He had no offers from a DI until July AFTER his senior year. He had one, and only one coach, from a DIII who pursued him during the recruiting process, and our son wanted to play DI.
Ultimately he compromised on the DI when the DIII coach convinced him he could lead the program to post season opportunities, the quality academics offered and how summer wood bat league opportunities could permit him to prove whatever he wanted and needed to prove.Not exactly easy and not what he hoped.
So let me try and provide some grading of the importance of Fall ball as I view it in relation to playing in college:
1.) If you feel you have to play DI,don't have a solid review from a camp or showcase and cannot see the importance or value of other opportunities, you should play fall ball.
2) If you feel having a baseball scholarship is critical for college and cannot compromise, you should play fall ball.
3.) If you are an average player, you should play fall ball if it is fun and enjoyable because there just aren't many average high school players playing college ball where fall ball made a difference.
4.) If, before the Fall,you have attended a showcase or college camp and have a rating that you feel is both accurate and reflects the ability to play well in college, playing Fall ball isn't critical, unless DI is an uncompromising criteria.
5.) If you have a solid rating from a college camp or showcase before the Fall and you are willing to compromise on DI in exchange for a college and a college coach who really wants you, commits to you and the academics/teammates are a fit, then fall ball isn't important/critical.
6) If your son wants to play football or another fall sport in high school, let them so long as it is understood that DI baseball may not be for them.
Texan, the people who have followed our son know that there isn't anything that came "easy." To his credit he earned every opportunity that came to him in college and beyond by working and grinding, hours on end, to become a good player. When he graduated high school, he had everything to prove and a DIII provided the only solid opportunity, and he took it. I know if he had to do it over again and sacrifice high school football to play fall ball because it afforded a DI scholarship, he would play football.
Nothing came "easy" for our son. He had no offers from a DI until July AFTER his senior year. He had one, and only one coach, from a DIII who pursued him during the recruiting process, and our son wanted to play DI.
Ultimately he compromised on the DI when the DIII coach convinced him he could lead the program to post season opportunities, the quality academics offered and how summer wood bat league opportunities could permit him to prove whatever he wanted and needed to prove.Not exactly easy and not what he hoped.
So let me try and provide some grading of the importance of Fall ball as I view it in relation to playing in college:
1.) If you feel you have to play DI,don't have a solid review from a camp or showcase and cannot see the importance or value of other opportunities, you should play fall ball.
2) If you feel having a baseball scholarship is critical for college and cannot compromise, you should play fall ball.
3.) If you are an average player, you should play fall ball if it is fun and enjoyable because there just aren't many average high school players playing college ball where fall ball made a difference.
4.) If, before the Fall,you have attended a showcase or college camp and have a rating that you feel is both accurate and reflects the ability to play well in college, playing Fall ball isn't critical, unless DI is an uncompromising criteria.
5.) If you have a solid rating from a college camp or showcase before the Fall and you are willing to compromise on DI in exchange for a college and a college coach who really wants you, commits to you and the academics/teammates are a fit, then fall ball isn't important/critical.
6) If your son wants to play football or another fall sport in high school, let them so long as it is understood that DI baseball may not be for them.
Texan, the people who have followed our son know that there isn't anything that came "easy." To his credit he earned every opportunity that came to him in college and beyond by working and grinding, hours on end, to become a good player. When he graduated high school, he had everything to prove and a DIII provided the only solid opportunity, and he took it. I know if he had to do it over again and sacrifice high school football to play fall ball because it afforded a DI scholarship, he would play football.
PG,
I don't think the discussion is about those who clearly have star written all over them or with star potential. Those guys don't need anything to get recruited, Fall or otherwise.
I think we were discussing the importance of Fall ball being "critical" for college baseball recruiting for the remaining 90% of those wanting to play college ball.
But, with that said, wasn't Jeff Francouer a pretty good football player?
I don't think the discussion is about those who clearly have star written all over them or with star potential. Those guys don't need anything to get recruited, Fall or otherwise.
I think we were discussing the importance of Fall ball being "critical" for college baseball recruiting for the remaining 90% of those wanting to play college ball.
But, with that said, wasn't Jeff Francouer a pretty good football player?
If those people are playing in the fall, how is it less important for others? Jeff Francouer was a good football player as was Kyle Drabek. BJ Upton signed as a dual sport football player. Carl Crawford had a football scholarship to Nebraska. He was one of the countries top QB prospects.
Some kids....ahEM!....are tall and skinny....great athletes, but 40-100 pounds lighter than most guys starting on the footbal team. These same kids will be playing a couple of the 'other' fall sports, plus fall baseball WORKouts. Some parents won't let their kids play football because of the risk of injury. It's all on a case by case basis.
No parent of a tall, skinny athlete wants to see the Rain Man run out onto the field and instantly count the number of pieces of the kid scattered on the ground. Some kids are recruited heavily by the school's football coaches to come in and play quarterback because of their strong arms, athleticism, and leadership qualities....but there are always going to be parents (and it's ALWAYS going to be a mom) who will say 'no, sorry.'
But I guess I do envy those with big, husky kids because some parents (at least fathers) would love to get out there, sit on a cushion under a blanket and under those Friday Night Lights and re-live their own gridiron days......some parents might secretly want to enjoy those moments.........
No parent of a tall, skinny athlete wants to see the Rain Man run out onto the field and instantly count the number of pieces of the kid scattered on the ground. Some kids are recruited heavily by the school's football coaches to come in and play quarterback because of their strong arms, athleticism, and leadership qualities....but there are always going to be parents (and it's ALWAYS going to be a mom) who will say 'no, sorry.'
But I guess I do envy those with big, husky kids because some parents (at least fathers) would love to get out there, sit on a cushion under a blanket and under those Friday Night Lights and re-live their own gridiron days......some parents might secretly want to enjoy those moments.........
It's high school football, not the NFL. There are injuries, but not nearly so many as might be presumed. Mainly, it is great fun for every player. Even for the skinny guys.
My oldest son played baseball from age 6 thru his senior year of High School. He was a great defensive player, lacking in hitting to make it to college. (HE) realized that baseball was not going to take him where he wanted to go so he quit and went to A&M and graduated with an electrical engineering degree. He is doing fine now although he has started playing Slow Pitch softball and it’s killing him. My middle son started at age 6 and played one year of Bronco, then he and his younger brother stopped playing and raced motocross for two years. In his eighth grade year he wanted to go back to playing baseball. He tried out for a select team, did not make it so he played rec during the spring season and worked on getting back to the level of play he was at when he stopped playing. He then played on a fall JV team and got his lunch ate at the plate. He took lessons during the winter months and then came tryouts for the freshman team. He made the team and led the team in doubles, fewest strike outs and was in the top in BA. Now both decided to play football for thier schools this year after never playing before and they are doing fine. “I” worry about injuries (not them) because “I” think baseball is more their sport and it could get them to college, but they are having a great time playing football and we support them. We are in Texas and they must play to be accepted, just kidding. One will play fall tournaments for a team from time to time and continue with baseball lessons. The younger brother is playing fall this year at his request. From him "because he must change his pitching distance and he wants to work on that". I tell you all this because our kids do these things because “they” want to. It is not about what “I” want them to do. I understand that the kid’s think they know everything, so we have conversations about what the want to do and what we as parents think they should be doing. We as parents must guide or kids but not live through them. If they tell us they want to play in college, then we will do whatever it takes to get them there, but it must come from them. If our kids do not make it to the college level as players, all is not LOST! They will make it in life just fine and hopefully remember what mom and dad did, all those years of running them “to and from” and raise their kid’s in the same manner. God gave us these kids to raise, HE is in control of their lives, not me, and all my kids know it. So if your son want's to play fall ball, let him because it is important to him.
Normally, not so many injuries. Then there are those darn exceptions... Son's HS had two baseball starters go down injured in football last fall.
Just to be clear, I believe playing football is great. It is the very best reason for not playing baseball in the fall. We have known many who have done both, though.
I also believe in not playing because of recovering from an injury. There are many good reasons for not playing in the off season.
My only point is that we have found most (not all) of the very best players do in fact play in the fall. If a player has any room for improvement and isn't playing football or recovering from injury, he should probably be playing in the fall.
MLB scouts and college recruiters work hard in the fall so why would players not play? We expect over 600 college coaches and scouts in Jupiter in October. We have had a few players who say they have already committed to colleges so they don't need to attend. That is fine with me, but I've never understood that reasoning. Does improving your game become less important once a player has committed to a college?
By the way, there are young kids in the Dominican playing each and every day of the year.
I also believe in not playing because of recovering from an injury. There are many good reasons for not playing in the off season.
My only point is that we have found most (not all) of the very best players do in fact play in the fall. If a player has any room for improvement and isn't playing football or recovering from injury, he should probably be playing in the fall.
MLB scouts and college recruiters work hard in the fall so why would players not play? We expect over 600 college coaches and scouts in Jupiter in October. We have had a few players who say they have already committed to colleges so they don't need to attend. That is fine with me, but I've never understood that reasoning. Does improving your game become less important once a player has committed to a college?
By the way, there are young kids in the Dominican playing each and every day of the year.
quote:Does improving your game become less important once a player has committed to a college?
Absolutely not but unfortunately such may be more common than one would like to think...
To underscore the importance of playing in the fall, take a look at Jeff Locke's pathway to becoming a second round pick in the June draft. He was "discovered" at Jupiter last November.
It can also be important to a player if he just wants to play - because he likes playing.
quote:It can also be important to a player if he just wants to play - because he likes playing.
its,
BINGO! The very best if not ONLY reason to play in the off season. I wish more people understood just how important that is to scouts and college coaches everywhere.
How good can you end up being if you don't really love to play? Of course, there are still very good reasons for some not to play.
Here in Florida where the sun shines 375 days a year (almost) baseball is year round. Fall ball especially, a time to improve your skills for the spring. Unless you truely are a two sport star, you play baseball in the fall. Chances are if you don't, you find yourself on the bench, too much talent to compete with.
As a pitcher, we were careful to make sure if he played too much one season, the next season he played position. In advance from junior summer to senior summer we planned his showcase, tournament, camp, summer schedule around his HS spring schedule as not to overdue it.
My son was able to take off fall ball of senior year due to early commitment, but if he had not, you know he would have been playing.
Things have changed since my son was in HS. There are more chances to play, more opportunities to be seen all year round. Some overdue it, thinking they have to do it all. It is up to the parents, especially those of a pitcher, to plan carefully beginning early in HS so that your son is at his healthiest, his junior and senior years.
I have had some parents ask me how much their son should play in HS. That's up to you and your budget and position. But the following worked for us.
Junior fall, local fall ball and tournaments, Jupiter WB tournament.
Junior December, camp (one)
Junior January PG showcase prepare for
HS ball.
Senior summer, summer travel Connie Mack league included wood bat tournaments and PG showcase.
Senior fall shut down end of august, september (committed) early october prepare for Jupiter wood bat, shut down november, december.
Senior January prepare for HS ball, one MLB workout and showcase before the draft.
Summer before college,connie mack summer travel league, wood bat tournaments, connie mack regionals. His starts and innings were very limited.
As a pitcher, we were careful to make sure if he played too much one season, the next season he played position. In advance from junior summer to senior summer we planned his showcase, tournament, camp, summer schedule around his HS spring schedule as not to overdue it.
My son was able to take off fall ball of senior year due to early commitment, but if he had not, you know he would have been playing.
Things have changed since my son was in HS. There are more chances to play, more opportunities to be seen all year round. Some overdue it, thinking they have to do it all. It is up to the parents, especially those of a pitcher, to plan carefully beginning early in HS so that your son is at his healthiest, his junior and senior years.
I have had some parents ask me how much their son should play in HS. That's up to you and your budget and position. But the following worked for us.
Junior fall, local fall ball and tournaments, Jupiter WB tournament.
Junior December, camp (one)
Junior January PG showcase prepare for
HS ball.
Senior summer, summer travel Connie Mack league included wood bat tournaments and PG showcase.
Senior fall shut down end of august, september (committed) early october prepare for Jupiter wood bat, shut down november, december.
Senior January prepare for HS ball, one MLB workout and showcase before the draft.
Summer before college,connie mack summer travel league, wood bat tournaments, connie mack regionals. His starts and innings were very limited.
PG,
D just recently finished up a very busy summer league schedule - like so many other collegiate players. Figure he has played about 110 games so far this year.
As expected - an assortment of cuts, bruises and other remnants of a hectic - and fortunately successful - summer season.
He rests up for two weeks - and last night on the phone - he says to me "I cant wait for Fall games to start".
That pretty much sums it up for me.
D just recently finished up a very busy summer league schedule - like so many other collegiate players. Figure he has played about 110 games so far this year.
As expected - an assortment of cuts, bruises and other remnants of a hectic - and fortunately successful - summer season.
He rests up for two weeks - and last night on the phone - he says to me "I cant wait for Fall games to start".
That pretty much sums it up for me.
In Illinois, I think fall ball is great as the regular season is relatively short. My son plays about 65 games per year running from mid-April to mid-October. That's only an average of 10 games per month.
Besides, he doesn't play football, socker is stupid...what else are we going to do?
His 15-game fall schedule gives him 50+ at bat that much of his competition isn't getting.
Besides, he doesn't play football, socker is stupid...what else are we going to do?
His 15-game fall schedule gives him 50+ at bat that much of his competition isn't getting.
"D" is the kind of player that makes it "all the way" for his passion and persistance in his goal to reach highest levels. ITS, I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of sending that great picture in the photos section of this HSBBW site to Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Cliff Poole who is their professional big league field photographer. I told him that this player Darin M.(I spelled the whole name out for him) would be the next Ryne Sandberg and I have said this before several years ago if you recall in my writings. He is worthy of this comparison and calling. On a side note, Russell Branyan was traded to SD Padres from Tampa Bay for pennant run. Peace and have a great day, Shep
Shep
Have you seen "D" play live and up close ?
Have you seen "D" play live and up close ?
I agree that if a kid wants to play fall baseball, he ought to play, although it also is clear that substantial down time is important. That, however, is more of an issue in places like AZ, Texas, FLA and SoCal. Perfect Game, in my view, has made it either better or harder because Jupiter clearly is an important event that can pay great dividend. You do not want to go unprepared, which you will do if you are playing another sport.
It is never easy, which is why having fun ought to remain an important factor regardless of the decision.
It is never easy, which is why having fun ought to remain an important factor regardless of the decision.
Shep,
I understand that you really like “its” son. This is twice now that you have compared him to Ryne Sanderg. I sincerely hope you end up being correct, but isn’t that a bit over board. Did you really relay that info to a Major League Scouting Department? If so, that will definitely get them moving.
I’m also a fan of “D”, for all the reasons brought up by “its” and many others. It just seems like such an odd comparison of players you’re making. Absolutely no disrespect intended, but….
At age 21 Ryne Sandberg was in the Big Leagues
He was a 6’2/170 shortstop at the time
At age 22 he was a regular in the Big Leagues
At age 23 he won his first of 9 consecutive Gold Glove Awards
At age 23 he was named to the all star team
He was an all star for 10 consecutive years.
At age 24 he was the MVP of the National League
He was well known as a power hitting 2B.
He led the National League in Home Runs in 1990.
Ryne Sanderg was inducted into the Baseball Hall-of-Fame in 2005!
Wouldn’t a major leaguer like maybe Brian Roberts (Orioles) be a more realistic comparison?
I understand that you really like “its” son. This is twice now that you have compared him to Ryne Sanderg. I sincerely hope you end up being correct, but isn’t that a bit over board. Did you really relay that info to a Major League Scouting Department? If so, that will definitely get them moving.
I’m also a fan of “D”, for all the reasons brought up by “its” and many others. It just seems like such an odd comparison of players you’re making. Absolutely no disrespect intended, but….
At age 21 Ryne Sandberg was in the Big Leagues
He was a 6’2/170 shortstop at the time
At age 22 he was a regular in the Big Leagues
At age 23 he won his first of 9 consecutive Gold Glove Awards
At age 23 he was named to the all star team
He was an all star for 10 consecutive years.
At age 24 he was the MVP of the National League
He was well known as a power hitting 2B.
He led the National League in Home Runs in 1990.
Ryne Sanderg was inducted into the Baseball Hall-of-Fame in 2005!
Wouldn’t a major leaguer like maybe Brian Roberts (Orioles) be a more realistic comparison?
IMO - I think we are straying far far away from the topic - which was the importance - or lack of importance - of playing fall ball.
Some kids just want to play all the time.
The publicity or lack thereof - the scouting - and all the rest of the stuff pales in comparison to just playing and winning. That was the point.
Just wanting to play and win.
BTW - D turned 21 today. I think Sandberg gets the nod. LOL
Some kids just want to play all the time.
The publicity or lack thereof - the scouting - and all the rest of the stuff pales in comparison to just playing and winning. That was the point.
Just wanting to play and win.
BTW - D turned 21 today. I think Sandberg gets the nod. LOL
PG Jerry & Board
Yes I did relay that picture and "D"s name to DRays through there professional field photographer but not directly to the scouting department. Hopefully, the picture and name ended up there though. I did spell out the last name and did make this comparison to Sandberg.
I just really feel strongly about this player and will see him more this spring. He just has that IT factor for me and has destiny written all over him. I think several professional scouting departments did agree in this year's past draft and I admire Darin's honesty that he wanted to return to college this year for the 2007 season. They were going to draft him in the 2006 draft had he not been honest which would have waisted a draftpick if he had not signed. Other things I like about this prospect, he's getting it done with a woodbat as a hitter in a college woodbat league, excelled in summer ball with wood this summer and already ready to be back on field after just a couple of weeks. I definitely can identify a competitive spirit and I know you can too Jerry. Maybe their are better more viable comparisons to Sandberg at major league level but I think he, "Darin", has a bright future in this game and has the key element, desire. Like ITS says, "just hit the ball as hard as you can son and run like a wilddog after you hit it". He must have listened with all the triples he had this summer
Peace PG & Board, Shep
Yes I did relay that picture and "D"s name to DRays through there professional field photographer but not directly to the scouting department. Hopefully, the picture and name ended up there though. I did spell out the last name and did make this comparison to Sandberg.
I just really feel strongly about this player and will see him more this spring. He just has that IT factor for me and has destiny written all over him. I think several professional scouting departments did agree in this year's past draft and I admire Darin's honesty that he wanted to return to college this year for the 2007 season. They were going to draft him in the 2006 draft had he not been honest which would have waisted a draftpick if he had not signed. Other things I like about this prospect, he's getting it done with a woodbat as a hitter in a college woodbat league, excelled in summer ball with wood this summer and already ready to be back on field after just a couple of weeks. I definitely can identify a competitive spirit and I know you can too Jerry. Maybe their are better more viable comparisons to Sandberg at major league level but I think he, "Darin", has a bright future in this game and has the key element, desire. Like ITS says, "just hit the ball as hard as you can son and run like a wilddog after you hit it". He must have listened with all the triples he had this summer
Peace PG & Board, Shep
quote:By the way, there are young kids in the Dominican playing each and every day of the year.
So true....and in Korea, and in Japan, and who knows where else.
In Hawaii,..year round school and baseball!!
( & surfin' too,......................dude! )
( & surfin' too,......................dude! )
Very interesting thread!
But Jemaz, no way in heck is my LHP playing football when 1) he doesn't like football and 2) it is a very dangerous sport. (Yes, I played football, and I remember one year I was the ONLY player not bloodied.)
Truth is, football is not even the toughest sport. At my HS, 1/2 the football team turned out for wrestling, and all but one quit 3 days later. And God forbid a football player thinking about an iron-cross in gymnastics.
But Jemaz, no way in heck is my LHP playing football when 1) he doesn't like football and 2) it is a very dangerous sport. (Yes, I played football, and I remember one year I was the ONLY player not bloodied.)
Truth is, football is not even the toughest sport. At my HS, 1/2 the football team turned out for wrestling, and all but one quit 3 days later. And God forbid a football player thinking about an iron-cross in gymnastics.
SHEP
Have you personally seen "D" Play?
This is twice I have asked
Have you personally seen "D" Play?
This is twice I have asked
Bum:
If the boy does not like football, then I agree, he should not play. At the same time, I don't think it is all that dangerous at the high school level if you are strong and you are in shape. Lots of guys are not, though.
If the boy does not like football, then I agree, he should not play. At the same time, I don't think it is all that dangerous at the high school level if you are strong and you are in shape. Lots of guys are not, though.
quote:Originally posted by Texan:
I have been told by more than a few knowledgeable people that the football weightlifting is definitely detrimental to the baseball player.
The problem is that you can end up with muscle imbalances. You end up building up the accelerators but don't build up the decelerators.
It's like dropping a huge engine in a car and not upgrading the brakes.
I was catching up and reading through this thread and found that the discussion took several turns. Back to the initial issue, the American Sports Medicine Institute at http://www.asmi.org/ advocates down time for pitchers, expically high school and younger.
They have a complete program outlined you can get at their web site and you can get their program in a brochure for about $8 plus shipping. When you throw or shut down is up to you. But down time is not "couch potato" time. My son is working his but off trying to gain strength. He may not pitch from the first of Sept to mid Oct, but he is conditioning.
He has always thrown hard (at 14, 83 mph, this year at 15, 85/86 mph) Just turned 16 in July as he enters junior year. His goal, hitting 90+ by the this time next year, going into his senior year.
We try to get all the exposure we can, but bottom line is he will get quality down time this year. Then ramp up into what he hopes will be his best year yet!
They have a complete program outlined you can get at their web site and you can get their program in a brochure for about $8 plus shipping. When you throw or shut down is up to you. But down time is not "couch potato" time. My son is working his but off trying to gain strength. He may not pitch from the first of Sept to mid Oct, but he is conditioning.
He has always thrown hard (at 14, 83 mph, this year at 15, 85/86 mph) Just turned 16 in July as he enters junior year. His goal, hitting 90+ by the this time next year, going into his senior year.
We try to get all the exposure we can, but bottom line is he will get quality down time this year. Then ramp up into what he hopes will be his best year yet!
I was beginning to think I was the only one who favored down time for pitchers 
But having downtime does not have to mean not playing fall ball. Depends upon the individual situation and schedules.
08Dad,
I think most everyone here would be in favor of down time for pitchers.
The topic here is... "Is fall ball important?"
Down time can be many different things. How much down time? How long of down time? When should the down time be? What do you do during the down time?
Sometimes down time can be Sept/October, sometimes Nov/Dec, sometimes Jan/Feb. Those who are in the west and south will not take off Jan/Feb. Sept/Oct is Fall Ball. Some take off from August until March and then pitch for 4 or 5 months. Some pitchers take 2 weeks off to recover, others take a month, 2 months, 3 months or more. Some pitch nearly year round!
I think most everyone here would be in favor of down time for pitchers.
The topic here is... "Is fall ball important?"
Down time can be many different things. How much down time? How long of down time? When should the down time be? What do you do during the down time?
Sometimes down time can be Sept/October, sometimes Nov/Dec, sometimes Jan/Feb. Those who are in the west and south will not take off Jan/Feb. Sept/Oct is Fall Ball. Some take off from August until March and then pitch for 4 or 5 months. Some pitchers take 2 weeks off to recover, others take a month, 2 months, 3 months or more. Some pitch nearly year round!
I, my viewpoint only, look at down time here in the Northeast as not playing 5 games or more a week in the fall--- we play on the weekends only--our pitchers "throw" not pitch during the weekdays and pitch on weekends---we finish up at the end of October--- but our Northeast kids do not begin until middle or late spring
For us in the Northeast fall baseball is critical for advancement and improvement
It is also about what you want
For us in the Northeast fall baseball is critical for advancement and improvement
It is also about what you want