Suggetions for starting a new team

Rule of thumb, strong up the middle (P, C, SS, 2B, CF).... But it's been a few years since my son played college ball and even more since I coached at the teen level but hopefully things haven't changed. Since it's a startup team let them have fun yet encourage the competitive nature of the game. However, no room for arrogance. You will be able to detect this readily. The players who know whats going on need to help those who do not. It is a team that will win or lose.

It is an upside that you have some of the better athletes in the area, just realize that because they are good at basketball or football doesn't make them good at baseball, especially from the arrogance/confidence standpoint. This was a common misconception when my son played in HS. Leadership is good but you have to couple that with baseball skills to back it up.

Coach,

First of all I think you have a great situation. Some may laugh at that, but I have always wanted to start a Program like you are. I will say in my 15 years, 13 as a head coach, I have always been at schools that weren't powerhouses when I got there. By the time I left, or even where I am now, we have either gotten to the playoffs or at least got to a higher level of competition.

I would wait to really see what I had before I place people in my head. In my opinion, I would focus on a catcher, 1B (cause he has to finish every out for the most part), then strength up the middle. I'm sure you will have one team based on numbers, so you can do a lot of situational work and teach the game. SO while it will be frustrating because as we all do, you have what you have, they will learn and grow quickly. Teach them all to pitch as well, if you can throw strikes you can win for sure.

Send me a pm with an email address. I have a few things that may help I could send you. I have been a Head coach at a private school in NC(was a 1A, 85 kids grades 7-12, all eligible to play varsity), a small 2A in Central Texas (school has missed 1A by a handful of kids every year, was 1A for 2 years recently) and now am at a 5A in Central Texas (and I stil lget kids who dont know the difference between right and left field!!). WHile I don't think I have all the answers, I think I have done well coaching kids of all skill/experience levels.

Anyway, gimme a shout if you'd like. Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by d8:
If you only had 4 kids that played last year where would you put them? I am thinking pitcher, catcher, 1st base, and SS since these are the positions that touch the ball the most……

I agree with your assessment regarding touches but, of course, the skill set of each player has to be a reasonable match.
Your situation brings to the forefront a few other topics of frequent debate here. I know that you are an experienced coach and are aware of these things but I'll bring them up for discussion anyway.

1. Many believe that a HS pitcher who gets a lot of innings should not also catch or play SS. With very limited talent, this could present some difficult decisions for you regarding arm care.

2. Regarding decisions about cuts( if any) and playing time for those other than the four who have played - if skill level and experience are about the same, do you keep and play the older players because it is "their time" or the younger players so they are more equipped to contribute next year and beyond?
I wouldn't ignore factors like maturity but, IN THIS INSTANCE, you are going to take heavy lumps the first year anyway. I would be inclined to play the younger kids in an effort to get the program up to speed more quickly and reap more rewards of your skill development efforts.
Just food for thought.

Hats off to you for taking this on. I hope the potential for a very rewarding experience is realized by both yourself and the boys.

turnin2...sound like we have some of the same experiences. Up until this year I have been a head coach from 2A-5A and been in the play-off in all of them. Now I guess we will see what happens in 1A.

I moved here a couple of years ago so my kids could grow up farming and ranching, and live a rural lifestyle. I finally talked the local supt. and AD into starting baseball back up and tranfered schools. It has been a lot of fun so far this school year as we had the opportunity to play in Cowboy Stadium for a football back to back state championship after starting the season 2-4.

We will not have cuts due to the lack of players coming out. We have good kids here that are willing to work, but like everywhere there will be a knuckle head or two that will not want to do the things required. Also, not much worry about playing the younger kids over the older ones as there are no Sr.s that are going to play.

We did start up a summer team this year, and I got to see a few practices and games.......whew, it was not pretty. I know athletic ability does not equal good players, but it is what I have to work with and make the best of.....Now if I could just learn how to steal 1st base we would be cooking with gas... From what I saw this summer, we will have 2 that can catch, 2 that can pitch, and 2 decent players that one will have to play CF/SS and vise versa. Cause I agree that you need to be strong as possible up the middle.

I believe there's an old thread on this subject. If I'm correct the coach involved us still a regular on this board

Wow d8 this is pretty big news for you. I remember you were at a place that had a facility that was dynamite (i remmber seeing that indoor football center)...
I really admire your resolve to get a program for the kids at your school....

I bet you will get them going in the right direction. best wishes and keep us posted.

I think your first move is to assure yourself that you'll have at least 12 guys come out for the team this year.

I have seen instances where programs folded because, in circumstances somewhat comparable to what you have outlined, the coach simply could not persuade more than 8 guys even to sign up. You in fact have far fewer students to draw from, and presumably roughly half of the 120 you mention are women, so to me I see a big risk that you're about to put yourself way out there trying to build something that there may not even be any demand for. At least, not immediately.

With such little baseball-specific experience available, I would think the key obstacle would be the realization that any team you might field would be destined to get its brains beat out every game. You'd need a special breed of player who was prepared to make the sacrifice of living through that to help the school found and build a program.

If you came close but not quite, then I would think your goals this year would be to conduct a baseball club that focused on building baseball-specific skills. You could then reach down to your middle school to try to plant the seeds of a pipeline. I don't know for sure, but in the absence of any interscholastic competition, I would hope that you would have greater leeway with the governing authorities to do something like this.

quote:

...I would think the key obstacle would be the realization that any team you might field would be destined to get its brains beat out every game. You'd need a special breed of player...

I'm thinking feeling outmatched could prove to be a big issue during the season and if not managed well the first year will make it harder to get good athletes out the next year and be successful building a program. Early on I would be emphatic about setting the goals for the season and identifying the metics for what your team considers a successful season--and it is probably not the win/loss record. Setting achievable goals, measuring and continually marking improvement in the skills you care most about, and getting the players to buy-in to that will go a long way in getting them to understand they are building something.

Turnin2...thanks for taking the time for the e-mail and files. We had a big truck take out a power poll and wreaking havoc with our server.

RJM...I did start this thread back in the spring, but could not get the search history to work from my phone and wanted to bring it up again since season is almost on us.

T-S...thanks for the encouraging words, and yes my last school had some of the best facilities around.

M and 15 Dads...you guys are right. It will be tough to get and KEEP 12 guys to stay out and work hard while most prob getting the **** beat out of us.

What team and individual type goals are needed?

d8

I meant to add my good wishes to you project. It will no doubt be a lot of work, but they are lucky that you are dedicating your talents to it. I'm sure it will be rewarding.

As far as specific goals, I think those would have to be set based on your knowledge of the circumstances, the players, and your vision, but off the top of my head, the kinds of things I would think about doing would be:

* Presenting a three or four year picture of how you expect the program to develop, with a high-level goal for each year (it could be to improve everyone's skill 2X the first year and contend for a title in year 3 or 4). This would give the Seniors on the team an idea of what they will be doing for the younger classes and give the Freshmen an idea of what to expect in future years.

* Work out personal goals with each player. Daunting if you have to do it all yourself, but you could have each write down three or so goals and then work with each player on shaping his goals into something that is realistic and can be measured in either effort or results. Acknowledge players being asked to play a new position and maybe find a basic set of skills for each to work on.

* Spend time each week during workouts and pre-season talking about the season, challenges and what is expected of them individually and collectively in response to adversity. One or more team meetings to get input on goal-setting would make sense to give you an idea of where they are mentally. Flesh that out into a more complete set of goals for the first year. Maybe even break it into first half and second half goals.

* Consider mini-goals or game-specific goals: 3 or 4 shut-out innings against a powerhouse; an error-free game; X games without a base-runnig error; relays that keep a runner from taking an extra base; anything that you (and they) think stretches them but is achievable. Basically limit measuring yourself against the opponent and emphasize measuring yourself against your own standards. (But be sure to keep the underdog chip on their shoulder.)

* Look at keeping stats on quality at-bats rather than just batting avg. (I think GameChanger has the ability to do this).

I'm sure there are many more that others can think of. If you have good athletes who are not experienced baseball players, find ways for them to challenge themselves during practices--much more effective in getting them to focus than trying to hammer new skills home yourself (e.g., skills challenges for throwing, reps of a skill without a mistake, etc.). Let them compete against themselves and each other to get better, even when there may not be a player behind them ready to take their spot.

I would say a lot of your success will depend on what type of schedule you have to play. If your schedule is loaded with very solid teams it will be really hard to feel like you are having much success. If you can get some teams on there that aren't as tough you guys can have some success and then build on that...

Well, a little update on how this adventure is going.  We have had two scrimmages and they went pretty well. We went 1-1 in scrimmages (if you can actually win/lose a scrimmage) and came away with some positives.  We have played 3 games and we won one, lost one, and got run-ruled in one. District starts Tues. and consist of 16 games against some pretty good teams.  Our basketball kids got to start working out this week so that will help some.

 

I started out running practice above their skill level and have had to dial it down tremendously. I literally had to go back and teach that catching a ball above the waist the fingers point toward the sky and on low balls you have to turn you glove over and fingers point toward the ground.  We jog in a circle while throwing/passing the ball to the next guy in the circle. We did pick-offs/rundowns yesterday for the first time.  Up until then we have just been in two lines doing it in drill form with out a runner.

 

Doing our drills as a comp. has helped. We have made almost everything a competition....from just doing a quick hand drill where we throw it to our partner and back 5 times to one of the drills I got off of the up-tempo practice thread. 

 

On the serious side, I am scared every day that one of them is going to get hurt from not being able to defend themselves with the glove on fly balls or hard throws (well any throws actually). On the lighter side, I had a dad tell me we needed to do more live bp on the field...I told him I just watched three kids strike out off of the tee. Not sure we were there yet.

 

It has been enjoyable even if it has not been at the level I am used to teaching. My asst. does not know any baseball, but he is learning and has a great attitude (what else could you expect for a guy who has the nickname Catfish?).  The players are up-beat and positive, and they are improving daily. 

 

Hope everyone's season is off to a great start and going well.

..just made my day   Can't wait to hear about the progress from this season to next.  Keep livin' the dream.

 

BTW, four years ago, we were pretty much in your shoes, taking over a very weak program.  4-17 and I would guess a few of the wins must have been forfiets.  Bus driver always had to be ready early because they were run-ruled on a regular basis.  Last year 18-4 and a 3-0 start this year, almost always against much bigger schools.

d8-

 

Based on your post they clearly have hired the right guy for this one.  Good Luck to you and your boys.

Fantastic.  How can you ask for more than that?

 

Sounds like things are on the right track and you have the foundation for some future success.  Good luck!

d8,

 

Congrats on getting this off the ground, and good luck in the up coming season.  I think if I was in your shoes, I would start writing down ideas on how to grow the program over the next 3-5 years.   Someone mentioned getting the word out to the middle school(s) possibly through the Middle School phys ed teachers.  I think that is a great idea to let people know that baseball is back in your town.  Another idea may be to create a booster club or 503-C organization where people/businesses can donate money as tax deductible contribution.  If you have someone who is familiar with finances, they could help you file the paperwork.  I'm sure you could find many uses for the money beyond what the school provides.   I'm sure "Catfish" is a great guy, and popular with the kids.  However, you may want to augment your staff with someone who can teach baseball skills and develop the players you have (besides yourself).  Good luck!

d8 - that sounds great. We finally got to go outside a few days in a row so I am happy... and SORE.  Sounds like your team has a great attitude and that is worth so much! keep us posted.

Fenway - Thanks for the ideas and we have already put some of those into motion.

 

Here is something that I was aware of before taking over this project, but did not realize the impact that it would have.  Since this is a small school most of the kids take part in multiple activities in the spring....track, band, ag, one act play, etc.  We have not started a practice yet with every player there.  So, some of you guys with small school experience how do you handle sharing players with so many other activities?

 

I think I will end each of these posts with some of the fun stuff that occurred at practice/games this year.  Yesterday we were working infield defensive situations with the outfielders being base runners.   Well, we were going to work bunt defense with a runner at second so I told one of the outfielders to go to second. He looked at me kind of funny then went and got his glove to play second base instead of being a runner at second base….  Later, I was hitting fungo to our first baseman and working on getting low and working ground up. He has a bad habit of flipping the glove down at the last second. I told him something along the lines of “put your glove on the ground”…..So, he throws his glove on the ground and gets ready to field the ball bare handed.  I stood there for a second and said, “no son, put your glove on the ground with your hand in it”.

 

It is Friday so game day for many……Good luck to all this weekend.

 

You are a good man and truly a benefit to those kids.  I wish you nothing but success and the patience to get the job done.

 

The school I was at in Kentucky had a lot of kids who did chorus.  Not going to lie but what those kids did in chorus was amazing so it was something I didn't want to fight.  Thankfully the chorus teacher was awesome to work with.  She and I would sit down with our baseball schedule and work out days the guys would show up late or leave early.  I would work practice around maximizing their time at practice.  It was frustrating at times but without working together it would have been an impossible situation.

 

My best piece of advice is try to sit down with those other coaches / advisors / whatever and work out a schedule.

proudhesmine.... We are in the smallest division that plays 11-man FB

 

Well, it has been another adventurous week….  We started district and we were run-ruled twice, but we did pick up the first district win in 11 years.  It was a pillow fight, but we came away with the 9-8 win. We did have a casualty of not being mentally tough and had a player quit in the middle of a game.  The other players took it in stride and we kept on playing. 

 

Another thing that is becoming brutally apparent is that trying to teach kids to pitch that have not played the game is more of a challenge than I first thought.  In our three district games, our pitching staff has accumulated a combined BB/HP total of 39 free bases.  I have a hard time comprehending not being able to throw a strike……not a good strike, but just in the zone somewhere.  Oh well, we will keep getting after it.

 

Here is another thing. Last week was spring break and we had two kids not show up for the week.  In years past for me this would mean that they prob. did not have a roster spot when they got back.  But this being the situation that it is, I may try to figure out some make-up work they can do.  I need to keep them out there if possible to build the team and program this first year.  

d8 - keep fighting the good fight. 

Thanks bballdad2016, it is getting tougher on me as the losses add up.  Last night almost got the best of me......we lost to a team wearing black pants.

Well a little update on how our team has progressed.  After the first round of district play we won 2, played 2 close, and were run-ruled 4. We are still seeing great progress every week, but we are a long, long way from being any where close to where I want to be.  On the up side we are starting to do some "baseball" stuff better.  We have picked runners off from every bag, had a couple of delayed steals last week, cut-off men are lining up to the right bags, etc.  

 

Here is the topic I am trying to tackle now.... So, if you have some input let me know.  I have to convince these guys that they are much, much better than when we started.  They are starting to get confidence in practice, and they are starting to look like a pretty good team, but turn on the lights, put an opp. on the field, and fans in the stands I believe that get nervous of making a mistake or not performing.  Mentally I don't think they trust themselves to make the play.  I am big on the mental part of the game. So, maybe over the next couple of weeks we can change that.

 

Hind-sight is 20/20...... I did not have a parent meeting this year because the few number of kids coming out, players starting the season at all different times due to soccer, basketball, etc, and little to no parent involvement at the school.  Well, that was a mistake.  I have had more parent conversation about how the team should be run than the last 10 yrs combined.  Here are a couple of ex.

 

Ex#1

Parent: How come my son did not start tonight?

Me: He did. He started as the DH.

Parent: What is a DH?

 

EX#2 (This parent has twin sons playing. One is a catcher and other a pitcher)

Parent: How come son #1 doesn't pitch more?

Me: You realize if son #1 pitches more, then son #2 will get fewer inning and you will be complaining why son #2 is not pitching more....but on the up side we have gotten son #1's pop time way down this week. He is below 2.2. That is why he threw his first two base stealers of the year out tonight.

Parent: What is a pop time?

 

EX#3

Parent in the stands is yelling out aligning our defensive players. Among other things, he is getting our 3rd baseman to hold the runner like a first baseman......Not only do we not do this, but there were 2 outs, bases loaded, and the pitcher in the wind-up.

Me to parent in the stands: This game is hard enough to play without extra distractions from the stands.  (Baseball gods were favoring me that night and the batter hit a soft line drive right to where I positioned the 3rd baseman to help prove a point)

 

LOL.....Well, at least we show up in style. We get to use one of the football buses to travel in.

D8..... I don't know whether to laugh or cry with you... keep 'em coming. Hey, San Diego State wears black pants so just picture Tony Gwynn in that other dugout beating the daylights out of you... haha...  Sounds like you are doing great.  good luck the rest of the way

Holly crap!  Small rural school and you have a bus like that.  I was envisioning the chruch bus from "Hoosiers." 

 

Anyway, my take is to have a team/parent meeting now.  Go over the progression of the improvments made, how much work everyone put in, etc.  Kind of a state of the program presentation.  You can then address any game day issues in general -- i.e; please don't coach from the stands.  Good luck. 

This made my day

 

I'm in a similar, but completely different, situation in my new gig. The kids have made a ton of progress from August, but sometimes it doesn't show up on game days. Mental errors or physical errors from mental tension are killing us. We get better most every day, though. 

 

The hardest part is having the kids buy into the progress in process sometimes when they're not seeing progress in the result, if that makes sense. The longer it goes the tougher it gets. We got our first big win last week, and seeing that result made a big difference to the kids, I think.

 

My mantra this year is simple: "Slow progress is still progress."

 

On a side note, shoot meet a PM if you have time. I'm guessing your budget isn't astronomical, and I may have some stuff i could pass along on "loan" that could help you out. 

 

Glad to hear you're hanging in there. Keep after 'em.

D8- You're at Tenaha? I feel your pain, I know that area fairly well...

You have to laugh. We are having a good time with it and the kids are learning a lot.

Thanks for the equipment offer, but the school has been great about getting the things we needed so far. We had to get everything from bases to L-screens. We are in the process of building a field. So we may need something when we get moved out there. 

Coach mills if you ever come through here look me up.

Sounds like a good set up then. Keep workin' em. If y'all ever play down Houston way let me know.