Shutting out the noise

I think we're now getting more into semantics. I've always defined white noise as something I don't hear. There nothing defineable to be heard and be a distraction. In basketball and football white noise was more of an issue if it made it hard to hear the coach yelling from the sideline. I never found 2,000 people outside at a baseball game a hearing issue.

 

Makes sense to me.

 

In my very humble opinion, the better players learn over time, after repeated exposure to events, what to do and what not to do. Will they still make mistakes?  Absolutely.

In my own son's case, it took years of talking about not allowing ANY outside distractions to affect him at the plate. His routine is to keep one foot in the box while he gets the sign. After he steps fully into the box he hears as close to nothing as possible. And count dad as one of those things he's learned not to hear.

I think that the greater issue for a player then noise, is expectation. Are you "expecting" a hit. I'm one of those that believes that those kinds of thoughts can not be allowed to manifest themselves in your brain while at the plate. While my son has faired well with that, I've seen more issues with that then crowd noise during his time.

In the few events where he has played with a couple of hundred fans or more, noise was never an issue for him. And fortunately he's done well not allowing outside thoughts during those events.

But a player has to experience it, fail at it, and learn from it. Another reason why baseball is such a difficult game.

Some people handle the crowd noise in different ways depending on the type of "noise":

 

Getting Heckled  

Bold is why and how I came up with a conclusion. These are also questions that you asked.

To be honest after reading your responses to the responses, I am not really sure of the point you really are trying to make.  Most of the players that you see on a daily basis, most likely will never go beyond the level you are watching. Do you think that wearing earplugs will make them better players in the long run, or just put a temporary fix on the lack of focus?

There are many books out there written on mental training, and would include learning how to focus better. I am not sure any of them include using ear plugs.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

A batter would have to step out of the batters box to look at the umpire for the call. 

Leagues are trying to figure out how to speed up the game, this would really help that I am sure.

 

Everyone hears the noise, the words, but how you learn to block them out when up at bat or on the mound is why some move forward and others dont.  This is just another skill needed to move forward which comes to many as they mature.

 

In order to play this game and be successful, there are a lot of things one must overcome and adjust to, and this is just one of them. Plugging up your ears, taking away the noise just isn't one of them.

 

I think Matt13 had a good response, its learning to go with your own rhythm. Using the pitcher as an example, if he is having a good day on the mound, nothing is going to bother him, if he is struggling, everything from the noise to the heat to the cold,  the feel of the ball, how he feels physically, etc. might be an issue and earplugs will not fix that issue!

 

 

 

Outfielders with fans close by have unique challenges!

 

Originally Posted by bballman:

You did say the following Stats:

Originally Posted by Stats4Gnats:

 IMHO, ANYTHING that distracts a player in a good way or bad, changes the way things take place. It might be that a player loses focus on a popup and drops it, 

Sounds like you're saying a fielder could benefit from earplugs. 

 

 I’m not trying to argue, and I do think fielders’ COULD benefit from earplugs. BUT, the reason I made sure to leave them out in the OP was, IMO the benefit of not being distracted for the occasional fielding play are far outweighed by not being able to communicate because fielding depends a great deal on communication.

 

No, I have never seen any of these things done in a game.  I have seen these things done in practices or bullpens, but never in a game.  

 

That’s because they’re drills to try to help players change something or learn something, which is how I was asking the question.

 

Bottom line is, you asked if using some kind of earplug to block out noise could be beneficial.  My answer is no, I don't.  I think the cons outweigh the pros and I think there are better ways to learn to block this out.  JMO, and that's what you asked for.

 

That’s exactly what I asked for, and the fact that we don’t agree is ok. I really didn’t expect everyone would agree with me, and was interested in hearing why they didn’t or did. I never thought for a second that it was something that should be used on everyone, but I still believe there are some players who would benefit from it.

 

You specifically asked if I've ever seen these things done in a game:

 

 

 

These things may be drills used outside of a game in practice which will eventually help in a game.  I don't think it would do a player any good to wear earplugs during practice to eventually help during a game situation.  It's already quiet at practice.  And as I stated, I don't like the idea of using earplugs in a game.

 

Some things have to be experienced to be able to overcome.  For instance, a pitcher has to fail (ie get hit hard and have a lot of runs scored off him) for him to learn to deal with failure.  A batter has to go through an extended slump in order for him to learn to deal with a slump and recover quicker from it next time.  A player needs to experience the distractions of a game in terms of the noise or heckling in order to deal with it and learn how to tune it out.  Using earplugs will do nothing but delay that experience and he will not learn to deal with it and be able to focus down the road as things get even more amplified.  

 

Like I said, that's my opinion, which is what you were asking for.

IMO, nearly every good athlete in the world lives for that big crowd and the noise! It makes everything seem much more important.  It is an adrenalin booster!

 

It is only a distraction when the noise is so loud it makes communication impossible.  The best example I can think of is football.  No matter how much noise the linemen have to hear the snap count.  That is what they concentrate on hearing through

the background noise.  But sometimes that noise gets so loud they simply can't hear the QB. Sometimes you will see the QB step out and ask the referee to stop the play clock. So obviously the noise is there and they hear it, I doesn't effect them much until that noise reaches a level where they can't hear what they are listening for. Then they have ways to get around that noise, but that way is not as good as hearing the QB. Most everything that happens after the snap is a result of eye sight and ability.  No matter how loud, they can focus on what they are trying to accomplish. The noise is still there, they hear it, but it doesn't register. Suppose some would say they don't hear the noise in that case. But it is there and it is taking a toll on their long term hearing ability In some cases.

 

In basketball we see free throw shooters dealing with noise and fans even waving objects behind the basket.  This takes concentration with both ears and eyes.  If a fan brings a whistle to the game and blows it during a play, the players stop. They hear the whistle!  That is why they would throw that fan out of the football or basketball stadium. So in the end athletes hear what they want hear and disregard the rest whenever possible.  It's all about what they are listening for and concentrating on.  The whistle is something they are listening for.  They recognize it as a different sound than the other noise.  However, at times the noise is so loud it dominates their hearing of the whistle. They just hear the noise at that point.

 

The only time I could imagine a player actually benefitting by using ear plugs would be if he couldn't perform well without them because of the noise.  For most the (ear plugs) would be a big disadvantage, the way I see it.  

 

TPM;

Many years ago in Winner, South Dakota, our Watertown team with three future MLB players[Ron Perranoski, Dick Howser and Howie Bedell] played the League Championship game with over 1,000 vocal fans in attendance.

 

During the game, a booming voice from the crowd remarked "paranites, I call see your ears wiggle". From 1b, I looked up and then heard "4 eyes what are you looking at"?

 

The result, we all loosen up and enjoy the humor. Ron pitched a 12 hitter, we won 2-1 and the League Championship in the Basin League.

 

Bob

 

Rude hecklers are easy to tune out. You want to ignore them. The funny ones are harder to tune out.

Originally Posted by PGStaff:

… For most the (ear plugs) would be a big disadvantage, the way I see it.  

 

I think you’re correct. For most it would be unnecessary and quite possibly be a disadvantage.

 

But where did you get the idea I was suggesting using them on anyone other than those who were having a problem nothing else was working on?

 

For a lot of you coaches, it seems to me you have the mindset that every player is going to get the same coaching, especially in a team setting. If Billy is going to be coached to hold the ball a certain way in order to throw a certain type of pitch, every pitcher is going to be told to hold the ball the same way. If Johnny is going to be coached not to uppercut when he swings, every hitters is going to be coached to do the same thing. The trouble is, that turns out a bunch of clones, many of whom can’t do their best they way they’re being told to do something.

 

So if you have 20 players on the roster and 19 aren’t bothered by off the field noise, but that other kid is and you can’t figure out how to stop it, you’d just let him continue to fail or keep trying the same things over and over again. I’m sorry, that might be the most efficient use of coaching time in a team environment, but it sure seems to be that it’s not in the best interest of the player.

 

IOW, what’s wrong with at least trying something? If it doesn’t work, fine. But not to try something because you don’t think it would work doesn’t seem to be very innovative.

How do you know if off the field noise is bothering someone, do you ask them, do they give up that info with no questions asked?

 

Wouldn't that be perceived as a crutch of some sort? You comparisons are ridiculous. This has nothing about how you swing the bat or how you throw a pitch. JMO  

 

I am not a coach, but the way I see t is that if the 20th player on a HS team is distracted by the noise (and using this as an excuse  as to poor performance, he most likely should be spending his time doing something else because it only gets louder and much more distracting at the next level.

 

Bob, as a reliever, son gets a kick out out of coming out of the visitors bullpen hearing that he s*cks. It only fuels the fire to do better. 

Originally Posted by TPM:

…I am not a coach, but the way I see t is that if the 20th player on a HS team is distracted by the noise (and using this as an excuse  as to poor performance, he most likely should be spending his time doing something else because it only gets louder and much more distracting at the next level….

 

That’s precisely the kind of shortsighted attitude that I’m talking about. Not every player is planning on going to the next level, but every player on the team wants to help at the level they’re at, so why not help them do that? You’ve got this mental lock that every player exists and plays the game only to get to the next level, and if they can’t do that, they should quit the game immediately. That kind of philosophy sure seems goofy to me, since about 5 million kids start playing baseball as children, but only 750 make it to the ML at a time.

Short sighted no...realistic  yes.
I dont think that there's one person who comes here, player or parent, who doesnt wish that there player go to the next level.
What your problem is, you cant see past HS.  Once again there is mental training for those who need to focus.

What you are suggesting is just silly.

Stats,
Why not find a player who you believe cant focus and give him a pair of ear plugs.
If it works let us know.

But where did you get the idea I was suggesting using them on anyone other than those who were having a problem nothing else was working on?

 

Stats,

 

Where did you get the idea that my comments were directed at what you were suggesting.  Truth is I had forgotten what you suggested.  I was simply giving my opinion on the subject. All comments are not personal.  To me, things don't have to get personal on this board.  For some reason, you sometimes seem to take things personal even if they're not intended to be.  

 

You started an interesting thread to start a discussion. My comments are simply my opinions on the subject. Not trying to agree or disagree with anyone.  Have no interest in arguing with anyone here and understand that my opinions could be wrong.  

 

Not everyone here is interested in proving you wrong or even addressing you personally.  If I wanted to address you personally it would be done like this post.  Please don't take this personal, or think I have any lack of respect towards you. If that ever happens it will be very obvious.

 

Just saying my comments/opinions were not directed to you or any one person. 

Originally Posted by TPM:

Stats,
Why not find a player who you believe cant focus and give him a pair of ear plugs.
If it works let us know.

 

I already have, and it helped immensely.

Originally Posted by PGStaff:

Stats,

 

Where did you get the idea that my comments were directed at what you were suggesting.  Truth is I had forgotten what you suggested.  I was simply giving my opinion on the subject. All comments are not personal.  To me, things don't have to get personal on this board.  For some reason, you sometimes seem to take things personal even if they're not intended to be.  

 

Well, since I’m the person who started the thread, I took when you said “For most…” you misunderstood who I was suggesting would be a candidate for using them.

 

For sure I didn’t take what you’d said as any kind of personal affront. If you took it that way, you were mistaken and I’m sorry it happened.

 

 

 

ROFLMAO....so why if you did, have you wasted our time asking about it? Why didn't you just come out and say it stats?  Seems to me that you deliberately mislead people and then once again you turn the tables on them (or should I say us as that seems to be it, stats vs everyone else).

 

Actually I don't believe you, but that's JMO.

 

And you just blew whatever credibility you MIGHT have had here.

Originally Posted by TPM:

ROFLMAO....so why if you did, have you wasted our time asking about it? Why didn't you just come out and say it stats?

 

Actually I don't believe you, but that's JMO.

 

And you just blew whatever credibility you MIGHT have had here.

 

I blew credibility? What kind of goofy response is that?

 

Unlike many others, I was asked a straightforward question and answered it. Had I said what I had done, you’d have been the 1^st one attacking me for being a liar and saying how I didn’t understand the game or the people in it. As a matter of fact, I wanted to hear other opinions about it, rather than take something I had done and claim it to be the next cure for all baseball ills.

 

I don’t know what it is with you. PGStaff has said:

For some reason, you sometimes seem to take things personal even if they're not intended to be.  

 

and

 

Not everyone here is interested in proving you wrong or even addressing you personally.

 

He’s right. Not everyone is interested in proving me wrong or addressing me personally, but you sure do. For whatever reason, you almost always have something personal to say to or about me, and its sickening. If you hate me so and think I’m such a boor, why not just block me and be done with it, rather than subject me and everyone else to your diatribes against me?

Is the goal for him to keep using the earplugs, or is the goal to wean him off them to eventually be able to play without them?  What position did he play?  If you don't mind sharing, how exactly did it help him?

How do you know what I or others may have said? 
I dont like you because you were cut off here and you slipped in throufh the back door and still carry on.
You just keep to the right side of thatf fine line.
I hope I get called out for speaking up. But this is just another example of what you do and have been doing forever.

Originally Posted by bballman:

Is the goal for him to keep using the earplugs, or is the goal to wean him off them to eventually be able to play without them?  What position did he play?  If you don't mind sharing, how exactly did it help him?

 

He only wore them in about 5 practices and 2 games, and when he was throwing on his own.

 

He was a pitcher and position player, but only wore them when he was pitching.  

 

The boy was diagnosed with ADHD when he was about 10, and that was about the same time he decided he wanted to try pitching. It was nearly impossible to get him to concentrate when he was pitching. For some reason he didn’t have as much trouble fielding, he played 3^rd, or hitting. The docs theorized it was because he was alone out there and the center of attention. Perhaps it was a lot of psycho-babble, but it made sense at the time.

 

We’d tell him something or show him something and tell him to try it, but after just 1 or 2 tries, he was doing something else entirely. One of the docs he was seeing provided several “drills” that could be used to try to get him to focus on his schoolwork, and earplugs was one of them . We took it the next step to pitching, and it was like a light switch was turned on.

 

I’m not saying he went from stumblebum to Sandy Koufax in a couple of weeks, but it allowed him to keep his mind on what he was doing long enough to learn it without taking drugs, and that’s all we were trying to do. During the rest of his baseball career, he’d sometimes put in the plugs when he was trying something new. I don’t know exactly why it helped him, but we tried it on another boy about 5 years later when he was diagnosed the same way, and it sure seemed to help him as well.

 

His college pitching coach saw him doing it and asked why, and the next thing we knew, there were a few pitchers using them in bullpens. It’s not as though when you’re wearing earplugs you can’t hear ANYTHING, so it’s not that it becomes unsafe. It just cuts down on the “clutter” the mind has to deal with.

Originally Posted by TPM:

How do you know what I or others may have said? 
I dont like you because you were cut off here and you slipped in throufh the back door and still carry on.
You just keep to the right side of thatf fine line.
I hope I get called out for speaking up. But this is just another example of what you do and have been doing forever.

 

As I said, you make everything personal when it comes to me, and for what? Just what is it I do that no one else does that makes you so angry? Do I curse, or say terrible things about anyone’s child, the way some people have said things about mine?  Or is it that I simply refuse to take everything as being gospel, self-proclaimed experts like yourself say?

 

Get over it! I’ve been posting on baseball forums for almost 15 years now and I’ve made my share of friends and enemies, but there have only been a very few who have ever taking things as personally as you. I’ve blocked them, and since it evident you will continue to take this tack, I’ll just block you as well. That way you can continue saying whatever you like, and I won’t feel the need to reply, turning the board into children playing.

 

TTFN

So you couldnt post that in your first post?
You deliberately left it out and IMO you actually deceived us here into trying once again to try to make us look like fools when the time is right. 
The funny part is that you do this on several boards on the internet. How sad. You must be a pretty lonely guy to post several times a day on several different boards.
Do you actually know the drill they teach pitchers for attention deficient?
BTW if you dont like what I post than ignore it.

One more thing stats, about why I do not like you on how you conduct yourself here.

 

As someone posted to me in a pm..typical of you. Any normal person would have posted in their first post the experience you had, leading to a pretty fair discussion on how to handle players with disabilities.

 

Instead you withheld info to set others up, so that in the end you could rub it in peoples faces, that you have proof it worked. It was also noted that you had to use someone with a disability to prove your point, which really is a whole other discussion in itself (as mentioned above).  

And that is one of the reasons that you lack credibility here and I personally am leery you are truthful in what you have posted, because of the nature of how you go about things.

Another post I received is that you troll here for attention trying to show everyone how smart you think that you are. Again, I understand from others, that happens on other sites.

 

Just wanted to let you know if you think its just me, you are wrong!!!!