Moving Forward

Ok. Parents and Players.

So. We've got a few logistics to cover. Uniforms:

I think the best way to do this is for everyone to get their own pair of GRAY baseball pants. Just plain old gray! This way they FIT, they can be the style you prefer, and if we choose, we can have them customized with piping, etc. For the time being, however, let's all go get some gray pants. Practice games are quite figuratively right around the corner.

I am planning to order some fun socks for the team, that will offer a throwback look to the multi-striped socks of years ago. When I play, I wear my pants to my knee, and show off the socks - personally I think you look faster with the pants at the knee, and everyone knows that the stripes were put on the socks to distract the opposition; however, if you prefer the "Pro-Flared" stirup pant that is popular these days, by all means, get what you're comfortable with, and what you want! As long as they're SOLID GRAY.

If you're into online shopping:

Eastbay

Baseball Express

*****PLAYERS*****

Are you doing 10-20 push-ups a day? Are you getting a ball into your hands everyday? Here are a couple drills that you can do by yourself or with a partner - one of these drills we did on Wednesday night.

Eyes Behind the Ball Drill

Batting Drill - You can do this with your own bat. Great drill to build strength and quick hands.

See you all on Sunday - 5:00 p.m. McCambridge #1

Great Practice!

Parents. Our next practice:

Sunday, March 1st - 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 - McCambridge Field #1.

Next week I will try to secure some time at one of the local batting cages, so we can meet there to work on hitting.

This Sunday, we'll work to put all of the elements together.

*******Players,

Great work on Wednesday night! I was worried about the time, and yep, it got too late...but Coach Greg and I are really proud of the work that everyone did! Continue to talk to yourselves about keeping your head down during your swing, and check out the link in one of the earlier blog posts about hitting instruction.

Again, here's my favorite player. I've said it a million times - I love him because he works so hard at his technique - his form. I'm not saying anyone needs to copy his style, but look at how athletic his stance is, and where his hands are placed.

Here's a photo just after contact with the ball. Look where his eyes and head are focused: At the POINT of contact. You'll hear me use that phrase a lot.

He's not looking "out" toward the pitcher, or the field. His head is down because he followed the ball all the way to the bat!!

Great work, Gashousers!

Bargain Hunting

Quickly, to let everyone know:

I buy most of my personal stuff here:

Baseball Express

Next Practice! Tonight!

Yes! We have a practice tonight!

McCambridge Park - Field #1 - 8:00 - 9:30

Players:

If you have one, bring your batter's helmet!

Also, everyone needs to make it a priority to get a cup!

Trying to keep it to about an hour tonight - if you're reading this, please be on time!

Coach Greg Scher was able to wrangle us a nice chunk of sponsorship to get that ball rolling, so be sure to tell him thank you!

Have a look at this great hitting lesson - Yes, it is Albert Pujols, and yes, I'm such a fan because his technique is without flaw. More important than anything else in this breakdown, notice where his eyes and head are focused.

Welcome to the Team Blog

Welcome to the Gas House Gang Blog. This is an attempt at expediency - a place to get the quick answers you need in regards to all things team-related! Our first two practices have been a joy for myself and Greg, and probably pretty boring for the kids. This...I realize. Bottom line, you can't take a trip until you decide on your method of transportation. Now that we know what we're driving, I can liken us to a classic car that has a lot of potential that needs some work to get up and running.

That being said, our next practice will be:

Wednesday, February 25th - 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 - McCambridge Field #1

-followed by

Sunday, March 1st - 5:00 p.m - 6:30 - McCambridge Field #1

Realizing that practice games are rapidly approaching, Greg and I feel it's a necessity to facilitate/offer some more "Spring Training" practice sessions. I understand that 8pm is getting late for several, and personally, we put our kids down pretty early, but that was a mid-week time available, so I snagged it. Because of the short notice, I understand if you can't make it this Wednesday, but if at all possible, we'd love everyone there who can make it. We're going to rapidly get into game situations.

In regards to needs, everyone seems to be on the right track, but here's a quick list:

-Cup (There are great shorts with a cup pocket that are far more comfortable than a jock strap)
-Cleats - Make all the difference in the world for the player.
-Helmet - It's just good to have your own helmet for safety and sanitary reasons.
-Bat - Ideally, it's great to have your own bat...doesn't need to be expensive...Here's a great article about Choosing the Right Bat - our league allows bats up to 32", yet between 28-30 is probably as big as we need to go. We have no weight restrictions, so if you do buy, get something they feel comfortable swinging. This is NOT a mandatory purchase. Just an idea.

To answer a few FAQs:

-Yes. You may go to the batting cages as often as you'd like. Step in and take a few swings yourself, and ask your child to critique your swing. It's quite enjoyable. As we get rolling, we'll start to meet for some live batting practice at one of the local places during the season.

-Yes. We are going to have uniforms. More information to come sometime later this week.

-Yes. If you work at a company that wants to offer some sponsorship to the team, that would be wonderful. The total costs for a team including everything from league fees to uniform costs and all things in between (officials, league betterment, balls, etc.) is approximately $1300-$1400/team - roughly $100/player. I know times are tight, but if some of corporate America is willing to chip in, we'll certainly do them proud on the field. Just so everyone is aware, I'm pursuing many avenues in this regard at present - have gotten a few no's, but I'll keep on pluggin'. If you have any leads, feel free to pursue them, or grab me, and let me know.

******Note to Players******

Dear Gashousers,

Welcome to the team!

As was mentioned during practice, it is imperative that we respect one another while on the field. That means always being attentive, and listening to ALL instruction, not just when a coach is speaking to you.

Even if we practice two times a week, that practice time alone is not going to make you a great ball player; however, if you have a desire to be great, then come to practice and do your very best, always looking to help your teammates - and every practice will make you a better player! Add up a bunch of practices where you get better, and eventually, you can achieve greatness!

Even though I'm here to coach baseball, I hope you know that this attitude can be applied to everything in life - especially school. I'll be putting out notes to all of your schools in the upcoming weeks, letting your principals know which team you're on, and that being a part of the Gas House Gang means that you're expected to offer your very best effort in school.

The reason why I hope you guys will choose to have this positive attitude, is so that you can enjoy the resulting success in everything you do: School, baseball, football, basketball, soccer...you name it. ANYONE can have a bad attitude, mess around during practice or while at school - that's easy to do. So, I'm asking all of you Gashousers to do what is right, even when no one is looking, and even if sometimes it's the hard thing to do. If we can do that, we're going to be an OUTSTANDING baseball team!

Last, but not least, click on this link, check out the video. This is something you can do inside with even a small, soft ball.

See you on the field!