The All-Star Game
As we approach the mid-summer classic, a few words to the wise: watch and learn. The games best hitters will be taking center stage and the fundamentals that got them there will be on display for all to see, for free, especially the home run hitting contest. Their mechanics are impeccable. Don’t watch the pitch or how far the ball goes, watch what they do. How do they stride? What do their hands do? Watch their hip drive. Watch their follow through. How is their balance? The broadcasting network does a phenomenal job of showing some slow motion video that really allows you to see what makes them successful. Can or does your swing compare?
When I watch mlb games or highlights, I watch the hitters; I don’t focus on the hit itself. I want to see what they do that makes them great hitters. That is what makes a student of the game, someone who really wants to learn. If I’m not doing what they are doing, I need and want to learn how.
I was watching an old rerun of the 1976 All Star game today and saw something amazing. Al Oliver was up and hit a chopper to the first baseman. He busted down the line and almost beat it out. His helmet flew off he was running so hard. I had to rewind to make sure I saw it correctly. A player actually trying to beat out an infield chopper to the first baseman in an All Star game that back then meant nothing? That is something that does not show up in the box score. Effort.
Another example was Mickey Rivers sliding into second base with his cleats up high to try and break up a double play. Not the cleanest play in the world, but effort nonetheless. It almost worked.
Gives you an idea of what it takes to make it to the big leagues and to be successful. If you want to learn and emulate from the best, do not miss this opportunity. Watch. Learn.
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Mid-Season Blahs
Here we are in the middle of the travel season and now you feel like you are wearing down when you should just be hitting your stride. Tired, slow, dragging, no energy, no bat speed, no fastball? There may be some reasons why.
First, school just ended a week or so ago. You were used to getting up at a certain time, eating at a certain time and going to bed at a certain time. Now you are staying up later, sleeping longer and maybe not eating as exactly as you were before. Your internal clock is a little mixed up and your body is telling you so.
How to Coach a Hitter During the Game
There are very few hitting faults that can be corrected during the game. The job of a hitting coach isn’t necessarily to teach during the game, but to motivate and encourage his players. Practice is the time to teach. However, there are subtle points a coach can make that can help a struggling hitter.
Expect to Win
Today I had the pleasure of being part of something special with my team. We didn’t win a championship, but we did play in a tournament this weekend where there was a championship at stake. As a coach, nothing gratifies you more than watching your team perform up to and beyond their capabilities. Sometimes little victories are more than big victories. We beat one of the best pitchers we’ve faced this season.
The Approach
So we’ve made it through the long winter, the cold spring, the nice weather and finally…the dog days are upon us. By now you have undoubtedly gone through the many phases of baseball-the highs, the lows and the in-betweens. The at-bats are piling up and you are getting a good indication of how your season will end up. It is my wish that all are having a great season.
Slumps
Slumps. You hate them, but sooner or later everyone has one (or two). Before I get into them, I want to discuss different hitting philosophies out there in regards to pitch selection. The big league approach, “See as many pitches as you can, make the pitcher work,” is a great one. Then there’s the swing at the first pitch. Then there’s the take the first pitch every at-bat approach. There are several to choose from. When a slump occurs, pitch selection becomes very important.
The Masters
Here’s hoping you all had a chance to watch The Masters this weekend. Golf is such mentally challenging sport only the strongest willed survives. You can look at every golfer’s swing and say they are perfect. What differentiates them? Their mind.
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