Baseball players can't wait to get in the cage or on the mound to work on their craft without continuous reminders from mom, dad, or coach.
Baseball players aren't confused on the field; they already know what to do before the ball is hit.
Baseball players hate the off season if it lasts more than a few weeks.
Baseball players can shut off the TV or video game at any time if it means going to work out.
Baseball players take charge of situation and feel in control during a game.
Baseball players know there is always tomorrow to work on the mistakes of today and rarely get stuck in the past.
Baseball players understand that slumps are nothing more than part of the game. Minimizing and shortening them is the goal. Perfection will never come for very long.
Baseball players study what guys in the Bigs are doing. They observe and experiment with their game to find their style.
Baseball players enjoy when the work is hard because that simply means fewer players will do it.
Baseball players dream of playing in pressure situations and perform well when it occurs.
Baseball players don't care as much about their stats as they do about their team winning.
If you identify with only a couple of these points above, baseball is playing you and it's time to pick up your game or find yourself playing second string to a baseball player.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Too Hard
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2010
Is the Gamers Program too "hard"
Sometimes I hear comments or get impressions from some parents or players that the Gamers program is "too hard" -- that the expectations are too high, the time commitment too much, or the requirements too demanding. The statements sound something like this:
"_____ just wants to have fun playing baseball, the Gamers practice too much"
"I just want to play with my friends, who are playing legion ball"
"______ just wants more time to do other things, like hang out with friends, and do the things that teenage boys do"
"XYZ program doesn't practice as much, and wins just as many games"
" ______ wants to play other sports, and it is just too hard to play Gamers baseball and other sports"
"We love everything about the Gamers program, but we have other kids and just don't have the time to get _______ to the practices"
"______ just wants to have fun and play more relaxed baseball for a year, then we'll come back to the Gamers..."
"I just can't get _______ to games 90 minutes beforehand and then sit around waiting for the game to start"
There is a lot commonality in all these statements.
First, the word "just" comes up time after time. This can sometimes be an honest word. For example, when a player has made a tradeoff between a lower priority thing (baseball) and a higher priority thing (another sport?), and baseball is "just" not that important to him any more.
Or, sometimes "just" can be a very dangerous word that establishes artificial limits on effort and commitment, like "Little Johnny just doesn't want to work that hard".
Very few people in life are successful by "just" doing something. Success requires extraordinary effort, commitment and passion. The word "just" does not fit with success.
Not enough people are willing to be honest with kids and parents about this point. "Just" and "success" do not fit. By "just" doing something, you are choosing to fail. You are either committed, or you are not. This is true in baseball and in life.
We have dozens of players and families who successfully manage to fit Gamers baseball around incredibly demanding family, academic and other sport schedules. The lessons of commitment, of not settling for "just" tradeoffs, pay enormous dividends in all aspects of life.
The other commonality in the statements above is the seemingly opposite relationship between "fun" and "hard work". This is also very dangerous.
Being mediocre in anything, especially baseball, is not "fun". Sometimes, the teenage boy definition of "fun" is warped and looks a lot like laziness. A lot of bad things can happen when teenage boys pursue this brand of "fun". Pursuit of this "fun" is a dead end path.
To accept mediocrity as a tradeoff for superficial teenager "fun" is sad, immature and destructive. Young men should not be allowed to make this mistake. It is not "fun" to be irresponsible, lazy and disrespectful. It might feel good for a while, but it is not "fun".
But, too many parents, teachers and coaches are not willing to step in to the provide leadership and mentoring to help boys understand a simple concept:
There is a different kind of "fun", one that is sustainable, rewarding and does not come at others' expense. This is a true "fun", that comes from working hard, with others, towards a common goal.
The dialogue above is why the Gamers program is structured the way that it is. Our program was well thought out, not a random collection of ideas and buzzwords. It was never meant to be "just" baseball. It was never meant for players that have "fun" being mediocre.
Over the years, we have made some adjustments and changes to the program and will continue to do so. And, we make some mistakes, like all passionate, hard working people do.
But, our principles will not change. Our program is built on the foundation that success is the direct result of passion, effort and teamwork. This is true in baseball, and it is true in life. The Gamers program is not easy, because success is never easy.
Our program is designed for players who want to be exceptional and learn what it takes to be exceptional. It is not easy to be exceptional -- average people are not exceptional. And, "just" being a talented baseball player or athlete is not good enough. It does not make you exceptional.
A youth sports program that has the courage to follow and teach these principles can have a profound impact on young men, on the field and off.
But, it takes courage and conviction to follow these principle -- anything else is "just" a compromise.
Posted by Mark Gallion at 5:08 AM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Google Buzz
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Is the Gamers Program too "hard"
Sometimes I hear comments or get impressions from some parents or players that the Gamers program is "too hard" -- that the expectations are too high, the time commitment too much, or the requirements too demanding. The statements sound something like this:
"_____ just wants to have fun playing baseball, the Gamers practice too much"
"I just want to play with my friends, who are playing legion ball"
"______ just wants more time to do other things, like hang out with friends, and do the things that teenage boys do"
"XYZ program doesn't practice as much, and wins just as many games"
" ______ wants to play other sports, and it is just too hard to play Gamers baseball and other sports"
"We love everything about the Gamers program, but we have other kids and just don't have the time to get _______ to the practices"
"______ just wants to have fun and play more relaxed baseball for a year, then we'll come back to the Gamers..."
"I just can't get _______ to games 90 minutes beforehand and then sit around waiting for the game to start"
There is a lot commonality in all these statements.
First, the word "just" comes up time after time. This can sometimes be an honest word. For example, when a player has made a tradeoff between a lower priority thing (baseball) and a higher priority thing (another sport?), and baseball is "just" not that important to him any more.
Or, sometimes "just" can be a very dangerous word that establishes artificial limits on effort and commitment, like "Little Johnny just doesn't want to work that hard".
Very few people in life are successful by "just" doing something. Success requires extraordinary effort, commitment and passion. The word "just" does not fit with success.
Not enough people are willing to be honest with kids and parents about this point. "Just" and "success" do not fit. By "just" doing something, you are choosing to fail. You are either committed, or you are not. This is true in baseball and in life.
We have dozens of players and families who successfully manage to fit Gamers baseball around incredibly demanding family, academic and other sport schedules. The lessons of commitment, of not settling for "just" tradeoffs, pay enormous dividends in all aspects of life.
The other commonality in the statements above is the seemingly opposite relationship between "fun" and "hard work". This is also very dangerous.
Being mediocre in anything, especially baseball, is not "fun". Sometimes, the teenage boy definition of "fun" is warped and looks a lot like laziness. A lot of bad things can happen when teenage boys pursue this brand of "fun". Pursuit of this "fun" is a dead end path.
To accept mediocrity as a tradeoff for superficial teenager "fun" is sad, immature and destructive. Young men should not be allowed to make this mistake. It is not "fun" to be irresponsible, lazy and disrespectful. It might feel good for a while, but it is not "fun".
But, too many parents, teachers and coaches are not willing to step in to the provide leadership and mentoring to help boys understand a simple concept:
There is a different kind of "fun", one that is sustainable, rewarding and does not come at others' expense. This is a true "fun", that comes from working hard, with others, towards a common goal.
The dialogue above is why the Gamers program is structured the way that it is. Our program was well thought out, not a random collection of ideas and buzzwords. It was never meant to be "just" baseball. It was never meant for players that have "fun" being mediocre.
Over the years, we have made some adjustments and changes to the program and will continue to do so. And, we make some mistakes, like all passionate, hard working people do.
But, our principles will not change. Our program is built on the foundation that success is the direct result of passion, effort and teamwork. This is true in baseball, and it is true in life. The Gamers program is not easy, because success is never easy.
Our program is designed for players who want to be exceptional and learn what it takes to be exceptional. It is not easy to be exceptional -- average people are not exceptional. And, "just" being a talented baseball player or athlete is not good enough. It does not make you exceptional.
A youth sports program that has the courage to follow and teach these principles can have a profound impact on young men, on the field and off.
But, it takes courage and conviction to follow these principle -- anything else is "just" a compromise.
Posted by Mark Gallion at 5:08 AM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Google Buzz
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Top 40 Baseball Rule Myths
All of the following statements are FALSE. Read the explanations and rule references to find out why.
Top 40 Baseball Rule Myths
1. The hands are considered part of the bat.
2. The batter-runner must turn to his right after over-running first base.
3. If the batter breaks his wrists when swinging, it's a strike.
4. If a batted ball hits the plate first it's a foul ball.
5. The batter cannot be called out for interference if he is in the batter's box.
6. The ball is dead on a foul-tip.
7. The batter may not switch batter's boxes after two strikes.
8. The batter who batted out of order is the person declared out.
9. The batter may not overrun first base when he gets a base-on-balls.
10. The batter is out if he starts for the dugout before going to first after a dropped third strike.
11. If the batter does not pull the bat out of the strike zone while in the bunting position, it's an automatic strike.
12. The batter is out if a bunted ball hits the ground and bounces back up and hits the bat while the batter is holding the bat.
13. The batter is out if his foot touches the plate.
14. The batter-runner is always out if he runs outside the running lane after a bunted ball.
15. A runner is out if he slaps hands or high-fives other players, after a homerun is hit over the fence.
16. Tie goes to the runner.
17. The runner gets the base he's going to, plus one on a ball thrown out-of-play.
18. Anytime a coach touches a runner, the runner is out.
19. Runners may never run the bases in reverse order.
20. The runner must always slide when the play is close.
21. The runner is always safe when hit by a batted ball while touching a base.
22. A runner may not steal on a foul-tip.
23. It is a force out when a runner is called out for not tagging up on a fly ball.
24. An appeal on a runner who missed a base cannot be a force out.
25. A runner is out if he runs out of the baseline to avoid a fielder who is fielding a batted ball.
26. Runners may not advance when an infield fly is called.
27. No run can score when a runner is called out for the third out for not tagging up.
28. A pitch that bounces to the plate cannot be hit.
29. The batter does not get first base if hit by a pitch after it bounces.
30. If a fielder holds a fly ball for 2 seconds it's a catch.
31. You must tag the base with your foot on a force out or appeal.
32. The ball is always immediately dead on a balk.
33. If a player's feet are in fair territory when the ball is touched, it is a fair ball.
34. The ball must always be returned to the pitcher before an appeal can be made.
35. With no runners on base, it is a ball if the pitcher starts his windup and then stops.
36. The pitcher must come to a set position before a pick-off throw.
37. The pitcher must step off the rubber before a pick-off throw.
38. If a fielder catches a fly ball and then falls over the fence it is a homerun.
39. The ball is dead anytime an umpire is hit by the ball.
40. The home plate umpire can overrule the other umps at anytime.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Top 40 Baseball Rule Myths
1. The hands are considered part of the bat.
2. The batter-runner must turn to his right after over-running first base.
3. If the batter breaks his wrists when swinging, it's a strike.
4. If a batted ball hits the plate first it's a foul ball.
5. The batter cannot be called out for interference if he is in the batter's box.
6. The ball is dead on a foul-tip.
7. The batter may not switch batter's boxes after two strikes.
8. The batter who batted out of order is the person declared out.
9. The batter may not overrun first base when he gets a base-on-balls.
10. The batter is out if he starts for the dugout before going to first after a dropped third strike.
11. If the batter does not pull the bat out of the strike zone while in the bunting position, it's an automatic strike.
12. The batter is out if a bunted ball hits the ground and bounces back up and hits the bat while the batter is holding the bat.
13. The batter is out if his foot touches the plate.
14. The batter-runner is always out if he runs outside the running lane after a bunted ball.
15. A runner is out if he slaps hands or high-fives other players, after a homerun is hit over the fence.
16. Tie goes to the runner.
17. The runner gets the base he's going to, plus one on a ball thrown out-of-play.
18. Anytime a coach touches a runner, the runner is out.
19. Runners may never run the bases in reverse order.
20. The runner must always slide when the play is close.
21. The runner is always safe when hit by a batted ball while touching a base.
22. A runner may not steal on a foul-tip.
23. It is a force out when a runner is called out for not tagging up on a fly ball.
24. An appeal on a runner who missed a base cannot be a force out.
25. A runner is out if he runs out of the baseline to avoid a fielder who is fielding a batted ball.
26. Runners may not advance when an infield fly is called.
27. No run can score when a runner is called out for the third out for not tagging up.
28. A pitch that bounces to the plate cannot be hit.
29. The batter does not get first base if hit by a pitch after it bounces.
30. If a fielder holds a fly ball for 2 seconds it's a catch.
31. You must tag the base with your foot on a force out or appeal.
32. The ball is always immediately dead on a balk.
33. If a player's feet are in fair territory when the ball is touched, it is a fair ball.
34. The ball must always be returned to the pitcher before an appeal can be made.
35. With no runners on base, it is a ball if the pitcher starts his windup and then stops.
36. The pitcher must come to a set position before a pick-off throw.
37. The pitcher must step off the rubber before a pick-off throw.
38. If a fielder catches a fly ball and then falls over the fence it is a homerun.
39. The ball is dead anytime an umpire is hit by the ball.
40. The home plate umpire can overrule the other umps at anytime.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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