Things I wonder?

Coach

I am with you

There are those on here adult enough to stand up and be counted and then we have the others---

I think it is like the protective bubble of the car, same folks that hand out drive by middle finger fastballs because you changed lanes. Just a random thought, I leak.

Coachb25,

In reference to your first question - if you posted some of the things these folks posted over the last few years - you too might be tempted to change your id.

I have a theory.... The following is an article I started working on a while back but have never completed....

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Old Version: I'm not a psychologist but I play one on TV!

New Version: I'm not a psychologist, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn express last night!

With the growth of the Internet came the Internet Bulletin Board and chat rooms. They started out as a great new way for people to communicate. It didn't take long for bullies to arrive. Cloaked in the anonymity of the web, these bullies flexed what I call cyber muscles and attack anyone and anything they choose.

Historically, bullies were often weak minded but physically strong people who found pleasure in picking on weaker less protected individuals. It seems everyone has a bully story. Ask and most likely, people will remember the name of the bully who tormented kids at school. They remember because bullies can leave an indelible scar. There is no safe place anymore. You can be bullied 24-7. 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Even in the privacy of your own home. Cyber muscles allow anyone to be the bully now. Just make up a half truth, cover it in anger and you have the beginnings of a nightmare for others.

I have known people who in real life are quiet model citizens who grow fangs and horns when they get behind a keyboard. They may take a position in a chat or conversation that they do not really believe in just to attack the object of their hate.

We can see this behavior almost every day on line. Someone will disagree on a point or issue and off come the gloves. Personal attacks or name calling. Things seem to explode right in front of our faces.

Where does this hate come from?
It is hate or just some game people play?
Do these tormentor get some kind of satisfaction in hurting others?

Nice post cong,

I think there are different types of anonymous posters. Most posters on any internet forum are anonymous simply to avoid the personal attacks. That’s just being sensible. While anonymity may protect us, this protection also allows anyone the freedom to say what they like without repercussion. Why would this “freedom” loom important to someone? A couple of reasons. Cong may see it as "hate" but I see it a little differently. Society oppresses peoples' ability to be an individual because society dictates we conform to a strict set of rules. Red light STOP...green light GO. Stop here for next available teller. This establishment under 24 hour surveillance. Cut your grass every week. Keep dog on leash. Your children must go to this school. Don’t place your hands on the backstop screen. Don’t walk on the grass. Buckle your seatbelt. We have become just a robotic society....I’m not saying that’s bad because I understand rules are required for the preservation of society. Suddenly the internet arrives. Anonymity allows the “oppressed” (I use that for lack of a better word) to throw a pie in your face, without warning there is no time to duck, and the thrower remains unknown. To me the persistent anonymous poster it is an individual that lacks the self-confidence to say. “Here I am, take me for what I am”. Anonymous posters may have something to offer but in real life but they are probably brushed off as just a wannabe. Another class of anonymous posters is just idiots that are too lazy to spray paint abandoned buildings or forgot their pencil when they went to the truckstop bathroom.
I remember when Frank Shorter was running in the Olympics and an imposter jumped out of nowhere and ran into the stadium ahead of Shorter. For a brief moment he was cheered. He will always be a cheater but he wanted that few seconds of glory. In his eyes he was a winner if for only for a few seconds. I will never know this imposter’s name but I will never forget Frank Shorter.

Fungo, nice post yourself! (You complimente Cong's post) I agree with all that you said. I take the position that this is all fun and a learning experience. I admit I don't know much. I do have a lot of experience not knowing much and have some succes at this game. I don't mind if anyone knows who I am. I'm going to glee what I can from this site and will do anything to help my kids. That is why I continue to come to this site to learn.

I do question the motives of others that are constantly saying that their way is better, that they are the know all end all to this great game and who at the same time, continue to switch their identites in some vailed effort to maintain their web persona. Ironically, that same logic betrays them because they can't hide their web agendas. I guess Zebras can't change their stripes.

I'm a little disappointed that no one has reference the "how much is too much" portion of my previous post. I had a Dad ask me to work with his son this week. We did so and we kept it really basic. That young man had a lot of fun just keeping it basic and hitting the ball with a few cues. Yet, we use the same cues in our varsity practices. I left working with that you man and checked out this site before going home. I'm always amazed that the more things change, the more they seem to remain the same. I believe we only detail those portion of the swing or pitch more and I wonder if we are as effective. While I'm not one to say "swing hard and hope you hit it," I believe we can't take a swing and coach every inch of the swing plane, load, trigger, etc. At least not at the same time. I'm one who believes in breaking down stuff and coaching one portion of the swing at a time. Well, so much for my rambling. I apologize for the wordiness of this post.

Coach

I truly believe that "how much is too much" depends on the player and his ability

I am a firm believer in "one on one" instruction , LIVE AND IN PERSON. For me there is no other way because the game of baseball is determined by individuals within a team framework

When you do that, one on one live, you know when enough is enough because you see right then and there if the player is getting it or not.

Very good post TR. Right on the mark.

For a long time I was an anonymous poster. Only because I didn't feel comfortable revealing who I am/was.

I knew others who posted here and still do occasionally who are college coaches. There once was a MLB Scouting Director who posted on this site. Everyone can see why they would not want to devulge their name.

I don't think there is anything wrong with people keeping their names a secret. Most of these people are here for the right reason and do not attack others.

I think there should be a rule that disallows harmful or negative comments unless someone is willing to put their name on the line.

If people are allowed to say anything they want without any repercussions, just think of the dirt we could all spread. Who cares about proof or innocence, we could bury anyone we like, at least temporarily.

I don't know how this can be controlled, but I think the moderators do a very good job of keeping things in order.

Jerry, I am glad that you are not anonymous anymore, as you have much to share with the websters here at HSBBWeb. Having coached and scouted, having sons go to college and play pro ball and running a big baseball organization, you have much to offer and to the new webster, you have something that he is looking for....credibility. People that hide, may have something to offer, but for the most part, the people that know that person has something to offer don't need the advice. The newbies need a person that they can believe in to help them with college choices, showcases, high school coaches, pro ball etc.

CoachB25-
It comes down to those with true knowledge to share and those with borrowed or made-up knowledge that they want to validate. You and many others have changed the way I look at what I do as a coach, and I am thankful for that. I put my name on what I post because I am confident in it....even though I know there may very well be a better way of doing it that someone will post right behind me!
As far as "over analysis" goes, I'm with you. I could take a poor athlete and work with him until I'm blue in the face, and he still may never be a great player...and yet I've coached other guys who seem to just pick up a bat and rake from day one. Analysis is OK...but sometimes you have to remember: "Even the world's best jockey won't win the Kentucky Derby riding a mule!"

Some people talk about the swing or other skills like a dissertation in nuclear physics. I was always told KISS Keep it simple stupid. I will listen to anybody and remember the key word is listen. But I am more likely to pick something up from the simple explanation rather than all the scientific mumbo jumbo and kids are the same way. I believe a key word or phrase goes a long way.

Believe it or not the following happened to me a long time ago. I was a t a clinic where Ted Williams talked. In between sessions I was just sitting there listening to these 2 coaches talking and trying to impress each other. something came up in the conversation about what williams had said and the guy said Ted "WAS WRONG" " did not know what he was talking about" I just listened.

Will,

That must have been pretty special being at a clinic with Ted Williams. I would have been all ears too. From watching interviews and reading about him, he was quite a character.

Good rule of thumb.

If you spend more time posting than your kid does hitting balls then he will not play past HS.

Worked for me

Callaway

I was a young first year wet behind the ears coach. What happened that day was one of the best things ever. Williams gave his talk and it was great his enthusiasm was something I will never forget but better than that after he was done and left the stage another coach a college one(talk about a tough act to follow) was talking about how he worked with his kids with hitting. I happened to look in the back of the room and there was Ted Williams writing stuff down and just listening. If listening is good enough for "the last guy to hit 400" I guess I could learn to listen as well. Served me well.

Coach Knight, thanks for the compliment and for bumping this topic back into life. I love the quote about the Kentucky Derby and a mule!!!

Swingbuster, your son's gain is always our loss.

Finally, I agree with Calloway that anyone that was able to hear Teddy Baseball give a speech on hitting was blessed. Whether you agree with his approach or not, I bet you learned something.