50-to-1 That is the ratio of the number of high school baseball players who eventually will get the opportunity to play at Division 1 college baseball. For players right here in New England, the odds drop to 96-to-1. For this lucky one who did earn a baseball scholarship, it will cover only a … [Read more...]
Fay: What do baseball players need in a coach?
Coaches, I know we don’t play favorites, but let’s be honest, we probably do play favorites. At one time or another, you have said, “I wish I had 12 Billys on this team,” or “I’d trade Jimmy for a pack of sunflower seeds” based on certain attitudes or characteristics. As one coach said to me last … [Read more...]
Fay: Eight simple tips for helping your player reach his potential
I led a talk for Positive Coaching Alliance last month with more than 25 Little League programs across New England, and I posed the following question: “What is your biggest challenge as a volunteer coach?” Perhaps leading an effective practice? Nope. Coaching a team comprised of different talent … [Read more...]
Volunteer Coach: Making forward strides amid avalanche of swing advice
Is there any movement in all of sports discussed, analyzed and debated more than a baseball swing? Do I swing down on the ball? Or up? High-leg kick like Donaldson? Or no stride like Molitor? Back elbow up or down? One-hand finish or two? Is hitting rotational or linear? What’s more important: my … [Read more...]
How to handle young pitchers
Biggest influence? Parents
Following Game 2 of the World Series, Mookie Betts was asked, "Do you ever get stressed out in a big situation? You always seem so relaxed." "I found something that helps me to breathe," Betts said with a smile. That "something" — according to the AL MVP favorite and World Series champion — is the … [Read more...]
Try to do nothing
This summer, I coached a Bay State team made up of 12 9-year olds from Wayland (Mass.) Little League. It was fun, challenging, rewarding and frustrating … and that was just the first inning of Game 1 of 20. In youth baseball, there typically is about 18-20 seconds in-between pitches — or about 2 … [Read more...]
Coaches can use baseball lessons for more than just baseball reasons
Can sports teach players life lessons? Absolutely. Do sports teach players life lessons and develop character? Unfortunately, not as often as it should. For years, I was of the belief that if kids play sports, they will reap many benefits. They will learn life lessons and develop character skills, … [Read more...]
What would you do?
There are no hidden cameras in this edition of baseball’s What Would You Do? Scenario No. 1 Your team is down, 10-0, after two innings. The game really was decided in warmups when the opposing team ran a perfect infield-outfield, while your team needed two ice packs during stretching lines. How do … [Read more...]
Why coach? Because it makes a difference
In my position with the Positive Coaching Alliance, I travel throughout New England speaking with the board of directors of youth sports organizations. In January, I was driving south on 95 when I asked myself a question, "Why do they do it?" Why do these dedicated group of volunteers meet in dingy … [Read more...]
College camp offers ‘well-rounded’ experience
Last year, my wife, Gina, told our sons, "I’d really like you to pick one week of summer camp that doesn’t involve a ball or a puck." Joey (8), Tommy (7) and dad all said the same thing in unison, "Why?" It really seemed like the only reasonable question. I mean, that’s what you do in the summer. … [Read more...]
Keep kids playing baseball
Where are all the baseball players? Last month, the Aspen Institute released a highly anticipated report on the state of youth sports in America. It isn’t pretty. In 2000, there were nearly 8 million baseball players between the ages of 6 of 12 competing in Little League, Cal Ripken, AAU, Pony and … [Read more...]
