tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18609010823397510362024-03-12T15:59:06.367-07:00EBCA Exchange ProgramEBCA Coaches Exchange ProgramEBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-43685291577024607642016-01-31T08:29:00.002-08:002016-01-31T08:29:44.226-08:00Vanderbilt University - Baseball - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The baseball at Vanderbilt is incredible.<br />
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This year, out of 37 players, they have 13 freshmen who are ranked the <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/recruiting-rankings-vanderbilt-finds-right-tune/" target="_blank">top recruiting class in the country</a>. It is the fourth time the Commodores have led the rankings during a record 11-year streak of Top 25 classes.<br />
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So, yes, it's fair to expect the talent displayed on the field to be a bit better than the norm.<br />
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I have seen 17 pitchers. Only possibly 3 or 4 of those are NOT clocked in the 90s with freshman Donny Everett who has reportedly been clocked at 100 mph last year, in high school.<br />
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During the first few days, the team only practiced. During the first week-end, they started to play intrasquad games, with a length depending on how many pitchers are available on a certain day.<br />
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Usually, the players do something before the actual start of the practice, on their own.<br />
Position players, for the most part, have developped their own hitting routines.<br />
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For one of the catchers, it's mostly tee work, drills to stay short and compact, for one of the infielders, short bat and front toss, for one of the outfielders, it's straight to the Iron Mike pitching machine.<br />
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It's not just random work. It's preparation. It's some degree of freedom and/or individualization.<br />
You don't hear guys joking, goofing around. They get their work done, with a purpose.<br />
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Before the start of the team practice, the team and all the staff meets in the classroom.<br />
That meeting usually lasts for about 30 minutes.<br />
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Coach Corbin introduces the potential guests of the day (possible recruits, visiting coaches,...) then starts the actual meeting.<br />
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Then, topics vary from weigth management, nutrition and hydration to adopting the Vanderbilt attitude to game strategy, MLB plays analysis to a lot of different matters.<br />
Of course, there is always a part of the description of what is coming next, on the field.<br />
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Everybody knows what to do and when to do it before getting into practice.<br />
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<br />EBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-63549089544385234072015-10-12T12:17:00.000-07:002015-10-15T00:01:05.806-07:00Vanderbilt University - Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvJDgLpVbfcpZGgqLsVR7prQfGuh3uvboVnx0nnq0CprlfORYDfIsfWzMbSFuRccnAOEWiNKJigXFi8yaccCEO07c5GcJcpty79cmR05EpjCH0tMqEj0tTr0HFuzns-QQ71NkK7Bv3XNG/s1600/vand-13-mast-wordmark.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvJDgLpVbfcpZGgqLsVR7prQfGuh3uvboVnx0nnq0CprlfORYDfIsfWzMbSFuRccnAOEWiNKJigXFi8yaccCEO07c5GcJcpty79cmR05EpjCH0tMqEj0tTr0HFuzns-QQ71NkK7Bv3XNG/s320/vand-13-mast-wordmark.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>* I originally named this post "Staff". I decided to change it to "Family" when I was almost done because it fits better.</i><br />
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Everybody has been extremely welcoming at Vanderbilt.<br />
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While Tim Corbin is the name that most of us know better, Vanderbilt Babseball program is much more than one man, no matter how good he can be.<br />
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Let's start with the coaching staff.<br />
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Of course, since 14 years, <a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/tim_corbin_276720.html" target="_blank">Tim Corbin</a> is the head coach of the Commodores baseball team.<br />
Under his watch, Vanderbilt has a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"> 567-271 record (,677 winning percentage).</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Coach Corbin is soft-spoken. He doesn't yell, is a pretty positive but demanding person.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">When he talks, people listen. He doesn't have to ask anything to anyone, it's the way it is.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">He has some really smart and inspiring ways to lead. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">One of the strengths of coach Corbin, is his ability to surround himself with the right persons.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">I received the privilege to witness the coaches meetings, and I have really seen a great team work and a group of people who are taking nothing for granted.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBA4ZAdcjeUBny5G7TnQiNB-mJzlaVVwGK9meAKCMAGsA-GGh3tzjblPznIzgisUgsSl62nQ-qUxQgfcuzsBWwy4pC9D6Ol1QFYmQfBssBnFiAyg02HmLbL4kivjtjZNVpE8O_daFYWib/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBA4ZAdcjeUBny5G7TnQiNB-mJzlaVVwGK9meAKCMAGsA-GGh3tzjblPznIzgisUgsSl62nQ-qUxQgfcuzsBWwy4pC9D6Ol1QFYmQfBssBnFiAyg02HmLbL4kivjtjZNVpE8O_daFYWib/s320/IMG_2244.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travis Jewett (left) and Tim Corbin (right) during a coaches meeting</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">I'll introduce the rest of the staff with what the program is renowned for. The pitchers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">After the departure of Derek Johnson as a Minor League pitching coordinator to the Cubs, then St-John's pitching coach <a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/scott_brown_830039.html" target="_blank">Scott Brown</a> got hired by coach Corbin.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Scott enters his 4th year as a pitching coach and continued the tradition of great pitching at Vanderbilt. He coached Sonny Gray in his final year with the program, he coached Carson Fulmer, Tyler Beede, Walker Buehler, all first round draft picks over the last 2 years.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">The number of team strike-outs and ERA (2 straight season team ERA under3,00) have been unprecedented.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">If you have a chance to read his <a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/scott_brown_830039.html" target="_blank">bio</a>, please do, it's ridiculous what has been accomplished in just a few years.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">As I'm mostly interested in pitching, being around him for those 2 weeks was a real blessing.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">The hitting coach of the team is <a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/travis_jewett_811327.html" target="_blank">Travis Jewett</a>, who is also entering his 4th year at Vandy.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">For those who attended the last ABCA convention in Orlando, you will remember the brilliant lecture he did on hitting. We would sure like to add him to the EBCA Convention line-up some day.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Travis is much more then a hitting coach. He takes care of most of the baserunning drills, first base and outfield play and gets very involved in team offense and some defense too.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Travis is also bringing a lot (I mean A LOT) of energy to the field.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbKlXYu_PQwQvurbZtSq_263RtOy5GvpfEp_V_XtL6G7kzrxy7yg0O7AVD49-MdB1raHTEcxqsCVj5Te6cAgNCUAty3M85J8aouexAUwhFpWvI1Zyeh8Cy2PRFXM_xphsKwyeKYe806CP/s1600/IMG_2246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbKlXYu_PQwQvurbZtSq_263RtOy5GvpfEp_V_XtL6G7kzrxy7yg0O7AVD49-MdB1raHTEcxqsCVj5Te6cAgNCUAty3M85J8aouexAUwhFpWvI1Zyeh8Cy2PRFXM_xphsKwyeKYe806CP/s320/IMG_2246.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteer assistant Coach Blake Allen (Left) and pitching coach Scott Brown (right) during a coaches meeting.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/blake_allen_276723.html" target="_blank">Blake Allen</a></span> is the 4th coach on the staff. He just came back last year at Vanderbilt.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The main task of Blake is to take care of the catchers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He had a 4-year stint at Vanderbilt before moving to Western Kentucky University for 7 years.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">He was the hitting coach at first, then took the pitching coach job, having several draftees under his tutelage over those years.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On top of his work with the catchers, Blake helps mostly with the hitters but goes wherever he is needed on a certain day. I would say, he has the more freedom of all the staff.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Of course, the athleticism displayed on the field needs to be developed or at least maintained. That's where <a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/chris_ham_879886.html" target="_blank">Chris Ham</a>, the Baseball Strength and Conditioning coach comes into play.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV5cTfu3InpTSiIqtjXOUlzSFD8h9nzNqL8Du3wbVz3aLAO-RDmKXSAbZqC6KqMEBvwn6-Y7RzI9iYmm8F04zCIdHWyit9Nk31_Y3Q_MrULXVYNJoE-aASgXZ2xXMtx1cB92mmb6YVO3q/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV5cTfu3InpTSiIqtjXOUlzSFD8h9nzNqL8Du3wbVz3aLAO-RDmKXSAbZqC6KqMEBvwn6-Y7RzI9iYmm8F04zCIdHWyit9Nk31_Y3Q_MrULXVYNJoE-aASgXZ2xXMtx1cB92mmb6YVO3q/s200/IMG_1805.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Ham, using his trainer background to work on soft tissues for one of the pitchers.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Chris has joined Vanderbilt 9 years ago. He was originally a trainer for 7 years before moving in his new role past season.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As you see on the picture he also puts his trainer background to help with the recovery of the players.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Chris currently has an intern for the semester. His name is Eric and he helps out for the workouts. Not too bad of a place to intern, I think...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/tracy_campbell_932150.html" target="_blank">Tracy Campbell</a> is the new athletic trainer, since 2015, after serving as the Commodores' football trainer the previous years.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/garrett_walker_879885.html" target="_blank">Garret Walker</a> is the equipment manager for the team. he is always in a good mood and gets people around in a good mood. During my stay in Nashville, coach Corbin gave him the stage in the classroom and he delivered a very strong speech about the Vanderbilt baseball family.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The team managers (Josh, Ben, Jack and Will) are students who are very much part of the team. Their duties consist in helping out Garret, and helping run the practice smoothly. They are the ones who get the field ready, machines, cones, set up before everything starts. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They also help with practice and scrimmage stats and anything that can make the practice more efficient.<br />Most of them pursue a career in sports (agent, front office,...) and being part of such a program is a good start.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Finally, <a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/keri_richardson_879884.html" target="_blank">Keri</a> and <a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/drew_fann_879883.html" target="_blank">Drew</a>, who are more doing mostly office work (at least when I was there).</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Drew is the one person who helped me arrange all my trip. He was a catcher for the Commodores and has been directing baseball operations since then.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Let's not forget <a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/vand-m-basebl-mtt.html" target="_blank">the players</a>. Of course the athleticism of those players is off the charts. But they are also great persons</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8n_oSEvLYn2EbwDDtBQkHOh5mU31U0xmOSJNRIUd4mRXMhRvoWRoyJgk8-qLRF-NCGPfU0ws_mMFtFELBZjAcJPxmMi-nVw0TTeBL0zhyphenhyphenyaQfY8gj5U82GvVpCdgNZgf4S7LmycTyCtLG/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8n_oSEvLYn2EbwDDtBQkHOh5mU31U0xmOSJNRIUd4mRXMhRvoWRoyJgk8-qLRF-NCGPfU0ws_mMFtFELBZjAcJPxmMi-nVw0TTeBL0zhyphenhyphenyaQfY8gj5U82GvVpCdgNZgf4S7LmycTyCtLG/s320/IMG_2334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Of course, the fans, led by coach Corbin's wife, Maggie, a former college athlete (tennis) who attends to a lot of the practices and games.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">I could have started upside down. No one makes himself feel more important than the other. Every member of the family knows his place and the group never misses a chance to reward the others for their work. The atmosphere is amazing and is a part of one of my next posts : Secret recipe. </span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I3d00h3DR35W0DMWS3kvEV7w2YaBgTlciVnMc5EZj8BJVjht6_2EJM0X4oOh1bucpjxVT9OnD7JfGjNjB0OlRG1NlxHqMTij9DpT_hWq0LNkazhzrBPHcgj7GMauou8iDYsux7R48_nb/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I3d00h3DR35W0DMWS3kvEV7w2YaBgTlciVnMc5EZj8BJVjht6_2EJM0X4oOh1bucpjxVT9OnD7JfGjNjB0OlRG1NlxHqMTij9DpT_hWq0LNkazhzrBPHcgj7GMauou8iDYsux7R48_nb/s400/IMG_1988.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fans start to gether for the first intersquad scrimmage of the Fall season.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">There are fans (and scouts, probably) showing up for each session in the Fall... Find out why in the next post : Baseball</span></span><br />
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<br />EBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-78724793557005138862015-10-11T02:55:00.000-07:002015-10-11T08:10:45.715-07:00Vanderbilt University - Facilities - Part2<div class="MsoPlainText">
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Behind the Green Monster, in left field, are the indoor batting cages.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the building that holds the batting cages and the Weight room</td></tr>
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The hitting room has 5 batting cages. Some have Iron Mike machines, some have 2-wheel machines and some have 3-wheel machines. There are also podiums in some of the cages to recreate the down angle of the balls.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The batting cages. Indoor pre-intersquad game, on a rainy day.</td></tr>
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Overlooking the batting cages, the weight room.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Power racks.<br />
Not seen, against the other wall of the room, the Air-resisted machines, which are amazing.</td></tr>
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The weight room isn't that big. It's nice but has little room for agility and med ball work.<br />
Work that is done in the hallway or in the batting cages.<br />
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That, again, won't be a problem anymore next year as the batting level is planned to be moved down to allow the weight room to get a lot bigger.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dumbell area. At the very end, the Omaha challenge winners board.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small group of players go through their foam roll routine</td></tr>
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So, while I am sure there must be other college baseball programs with better facilities, I feel like Vanderbilt is a great place. Everything is done with a lot of class. Nothing crazy of flashy but everything beautiful and efficient.<br />
And it keeps getting better every year because on and off the field, people are always looking to improve at Vanderbilt.</div>
EBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-2397343453751307182015-10-09T11:24:00.003-07:002015-10-09T11:31:37.463-07:00Vanderbilt University - Facilities - Part 1<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvJDgLpVbfcpZGgqLsVR7prQfGuh3uvboVnx0nnq0CprlfORYDfIsfWzMbSFuRccnAOEWiNKJigXFi8yaccCEO07c5GcJcpty79cmR05EpjCH0tMqEj0tTr0HFuzns-QQ71NkK7Bv3XNG/s1600/vand-13-mast-wordmark.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvJDgLpVbfcpZGgqLsVR7prQfGuh3uvboVnx0nnq0CprlfORYDfIsfWzMbSFuRccnAOEWiNKJigXFi8yaccCEO07c5GcJcpty79cmR05EpjCH0tMqEj0tTr0HFuzns-QQ71NkK7Bv3XNG/s320/vand-13-mast-wordmark.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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I attended my first practice session on Tuesday September
22nd in the afternoon.</div>
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Drew Fann, the director of baseball operations at
Vanderbilt and who helped me to organize this trip, takes me around the facilities.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/vand/graphics/auto/hawkinsfield64013114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/vand/graphics/auto/hawkinsfield64013114.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawkins Fiels - Home of the Vanderbilt Commodores</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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As you can see on the pictures, it is gorgeous.</div>
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The football and baseball field are right by each other,
separated only by a walkway.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mounds from the pitching lab</td></tr>
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Under the football stands, what they call the pitching
lab. An underground room 30 to 35 meters long and about 15 meters wide.</div>
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The lab has a clay double mound. There is also a bunch of
nets, and a couple of portable mounds.</div>
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It also features all small equipment and tools dedicated
to pitching.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57wZiM_akN5ObZ10D9s8GUrBzT6TMTL74B_x8adz2knwwxLg_s02G93u6Huz6OHyQEpq5CI_z1gMcFEKnzh0y8ryHwH2ysTY1sjV7_PzT30uo6NdEjf_EPKa_sqeERwx7Yaq_dp4RNoxh/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57wZiM_akN5ObZ10D9s8GUrBzT6TMTL74B_x8adz2knwwxLg_s02G93u6Huz6OHyQEpq5CI_z1gMcFEKnzh0y8ryHwH2ysTY1sjV7_PzT30uo6NdEjf_EPKa_sqeERwx7Yaq_dp4RNoxh/s200/IMG_1766.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Players' locker</td></tr>
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Drew takes me to the lockers. There are 3 lockers. The
biggest one is for the players. It features a little room with sofas, TV and
sound system. The coaches also have a small locker room at the same level. Then,
the third locker room is reserved for the pros, who are coming back to work out
in the offseason. Vanderbilt alumni are still very much part of the family.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lounge room from the players' locker</td></tr>
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The problem is that the coaches' locker is now a bit
small and 2 staff members are using the pro locker. The second issue is that
the pro locker was probably perfect when Tim Corbin took the helm of the
program. Now, it's a bit different since this locker wouldn't hold the amount
of pro players who graduated in a single year. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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But as each problem has its <a href="http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ncc/baseball-facilities/" target="_blank">solution</a>, there will be some
construction work done after the 2016 season.</div>
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Among other things, the pro locker will have the same
size as the players' locker. </div>
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<br /></div>
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On the first floor of this building are the baseball
offices, the classroom (a key part of the program) and, what I call the walls
of fame, that feature framed jerseys of the most notorious baseball alumni.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The classroom</td></tr>
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The offices and the classroom are looking over left
field. </div>
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Hawkins Field is all turf. All turf, yes. It includes the
batter's box and more unusual, the brand new turf mound (which proved to be a
game changer already during my stay).</div>
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Vanderbilt alumni David Price framed jersey</div>
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Left field is a bit shorter and features a big green
wall, a la Fenway Park.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Just outside the playing surface, on the first and 3rd
base sides of the field, are the bullpens. One double bullpen on each side, all
turf. </div>
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Bullpen on 1st base side, with flat ground plates and home plates</div>
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<div style="border-image: none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
The stands and bleachers have a capacity of 3700 and
there is a press box behind home plate.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
EBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-61434465433021604832015-10-07T14:08:00.000-07:002015-10-08T01:52:51.241-07:00Vanderbilt University - Introduction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMRItqDxr1WlS24MqZVvux7mpI8P8_q1MbPNHHiZqMvv8DxPePPEymzSKqlTxiBlPWLOPsMBXfhGrsiYO_8lxEm9hJ5lxVb4NdtLtlTJUCkqlMfadPAnjib_Ak-Z0duw-8KstfdaWY5c-/s1600/vand-13-mast-wordmark.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="57" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMRItqDxr1WlS24MqZVvux7mpI8P8_q1MbPNHHiZqMvv8DxPePPEymzSKqlTxiBlPWLOPsMBXfhGrsiYO_8lxEm9hJ5lxVb4NdtLtlTJUCkqlMfadPAnjib_Ak-Z0duw-8KstfdaWY5c-/s320/vand-13-mast-wordmark.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">First of all, a little clarification. This experience doesn't exactly fall into the EBCA Exchange program category.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">My name is Christophe Dassy, from Belgium. I am of course a baseball coach but I am also a board member of the EBCA since 2008. I have organized, with the precious help of the EBCA staff, several exchanges for our members, connecting coaches in Europe (13 coaches, from 8 different countries, since 2011) with coaches in top programs around the globe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">We came close a few years ago to sending a coach to Vanderbilt but, mostly for financial reasons (the Vanderbilt exchange costing more for our coach than the deals we are usually providing), it eventually didn't happen.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">So Here I am, in Nashville, capital of Music and home of the Commodores baseball team.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">While this is not typically an EBCA exchange I felt the need to post on this blog for a few reasons.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">First, it is a reminder that we, EBCA, can connect our member coaches with programs abroad.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Many of the coaches we sent over the world have built long time relationships with their hosts and some received the chance to go back several times.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">All of these coaches have improved their skills and lived a great experience.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Then, it has been such an incredible experience that I want to let the world know about <a href="http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-basebl/vand-m-basebl-body.html" target="_blank">Vanderbilt University's baseball program</a>. A first class organization that does things right.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I liked the program for a number of years already but I am now an unconditional fan.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Lastly, I feel like I can't be selfish and keep all the information for myself. Baseball is about sharing. The people at Vanderbilt shared a lot with me with hope to impact as many persons as possible. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">I'm now putting a first brick in trying to do my part of the deal.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">My report will be split in a few sections:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Facilities </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Staff </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Baseball </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Commodores' Secret Recipe </span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGwC2GjX6runbQpcGA-X5E_JZJjNLql720DDVQA2ImImYGO8yz7TV_WozbKYcXDoMgdwWC14MP8WonMQqSu3ZtRSmPMLqv0Qx0dRNmVRpsFiQlah42ZxY6hafJhqPke6e8X5Hcj74KPMl/s1600/IMG_2381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGwC2GjX6runbQpcGA-X5E_JZJjNLql720DDVQA2ImImYGO8yz7TV_WozbKYcXDoMgdwWC14MP8WonMQqSu3ZtRSmPMLqv0Qx0dRNmVRpsFiQlah42ZxY6hafJhqPke6e8X5Hcj74KPMl/s320/IMG_2381.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last minute picture with Tim Corbin before he rushes to a charity dinner.<br />
Terrible quality of picture, but still priceless.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkzLHH1TbYouGs-4jOUWko70Djt7MRVyryaZezInXzdBYM0GpunZrXMnmak5fes5VL23fEuwgMyhWYPn7811ClbUJGlDGIxVu2Dq-gvWwI1io6TyZ7sEfwVnPheP3oIYh9odwgrziC0uU/s1600/IMG_2324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkzLHH1TbYouGs-4jOUWko70Djt7MRVyryaZezInXzdBYM0GpunZrXMnmak5fes5VL23fEuwgMyhWYPn7811ClbUJGlDGIxVu2Dq-gvWwI1io6TyZ7sEfwVnPheP3oIYh9odwgrziC0uU/s320/IMG_2324.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach Corbin allows me (in red) to address and thank the staff and the players in the classroom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>EBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.com0Tennessee, USA36.191092021824538 -86.7260742187534.539046021824539 -89.30786121875 37.843138021824537 -84.14428721875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-14113640103496275692015-03-18T01:02:00.000-07:002015-03-28T06:13:56.985-07:00Univerity of Whitewater - Warhawks<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
Dear fellow coaches,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="western">
Let me introduce myself.</h1>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
I'm Ignace Peeters, coaching the Junior
team at Brasschaat Braves. I'm coaching since 2006, small teams,
children between 6 to 14 years old.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
There are various reasons why I entered
this program:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
By attending various clinics, EBCA,
ECC, local clinics, following the winter program and actively
participating into the VBSLs summer program, I realised that there is
more to baseball then meets the eye. Becoming a good coach is only
possible if you listen and learn from other great coaches, attending
clinics – in short: by educating yourself – even if you have
played the game yourself.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
In recent years, we Europeans are
trying to overcome our deficiency with respect to the US, e.g. we may
have different views on pitching (Steven Janssens pitching program in
The Netherlands (being used in Belgium as well) differs from the
classical US programs), and we are maybe more into the motor learning
(e.g. Frans Bosch).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
Anyhow the sport is still evolving and
thus it is necessary to exchange information. It's not about right
or wrong, it is about player development.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
So how will me two week program look
like?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
First couple of days, I'll be at the
University of Wisconsin- Whitewater located in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
There I will meet John Vodenlich's team. Later that week we'll all
leave for Spring Training in Florida – 11 games in 8 days. Upon
our return, I hope to see the team's first double header in
Wisconsin, and then I'll be heading home.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
You're welcome to join me on the next
days. I'll try to keep you posted when interesting things happen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="western">
Arrival – day 1</h1>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
OK, I've survived the flight from
Brussels to Chicago, past through customs (apparently not an easy
job) and I'm picked up by assistant coach Justin Bach. This is my
first time in the US, so eyes wide open.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
We drive directly to Milwaukee Miller
Stadium, where we grab a bite to eat and drink a Stella (Belgian beer
:-) ). It's here where I later meet John Vodenlich and some other
assistant coaches (and there wives). The welcome is warm and
spontaneous – I feel at home.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="western">
<b>Day 2 – practice</b></h1>
Practice start in the afternoon, around 3pm. The player are
already warmed up when we arrive, had their swings into the batting
cage. The – Miller stadium – is a well organised facility.
Providing everything players and coaches need.<br />
The infield is Astro Turf, the outfield grass.<br />
The team has a scrimmage, they are preparing themselves for the
Florida trip.<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 3 – baseball camp</h1>
Today there is a baseball camp. The camp is organised in 3
sessions: throwing session, hitting session and fielding session. At
its peak, a merely 120 children will be attending. Wow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlu0XMc876fgrxB42GaPupsk6VPWHYgBesLcMgZUXEiK_d32T01QjCEWAF5kZj8fvqBC9Fu_ZgwWeKFRMYKvpJOH74MAQUtt0-lLhK2_zBgKs_WdFv-OU7xuSBVlRJ5R50f11gAQE3mA/s1600/IMG_20150315_083413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlu0XMc876fgrxB42GaPupsk6VPWHYgBesLcMgZUXEiK_d32T01QjCEWAF5kZj8fvqBC9Fu_ZgwWeKFRMYKvpJOH74MAQUtt0-lLhK2_zBgKs_WdFv-OU7xuSBVlRJ5R50f11gAQE3mA/s1600/IMG_20150315_083413.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What strikes me:
<br />
<ul>
<li>the organisation, flawless – every college player is
assigned a station – knows what to do, how to explain it and fixed
things. The stations take about 8 minutes<br />
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
the children – no fooling
around, working to become a better baseball player. These guys they
want it.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
The camp provides us also the
opportunity to get to know the players – great guys, all of them.
This is a great team, disciplined, focused. I'm convinced that this
team can achieve a lot.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
Throwing and hitting is indoor, the
fielding drill are performed on the football field (closer to the
gymnasium than the baseball field). It's good to be outside – the
weather is nice.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSywNVNJyOFQKGcFzmEAAOvpCyz95VQjTXZrfY8wNeQTZmG26tqonp9i4BP2YV7GKeYYxbkzGVNtt6rz9ubPrMu5pwHkfG5MBLqpirZabFdv2KM70U0s6B8-Zseb4SczMIIVlU4LuESho/s1600/IMG_20150315_170944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSywNVNJyOFQKGcFzmEAAOvpCyz95VQjTXZrfY8wNeQTZmG26tqonp9i4BP2YV7GKeYYxbkzGVNtt6rz9ubPrMu5pwHkfG5MBLqpirZabFdv2KM70U0s6B8-Zseb4SczMIIVlU4LuESho/s1600/IMG_20150315_170944.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="western">
Day 4 – practice</h1>
Coach John drops me off at the baseball field where I meet Justin.
Justin is in charge of the field maintenance. We fix a couple of
things around the field – just having a good time.<br />
At 3:45 pm, practice starts, today we do defence, outfield,
infield, bunting, etc. We are ready for Florida.<br />
Tomorrow, is a day off for the team.<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 5 – a day off</h1>
OK, there are still things to do – e.g. getting ready for
Florida – so we pack our things and go to bed early – we'll be
leaving around 3:00 am.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 6 – Florida trip travel day</h1>
Getting up early, This day we'll travel to the sunshine state. It
will mostly be planes trains and auto-mobiles today.<br />
In the evening – starting 18h00 we have our latest practice.
Tomorrow we go live.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 7 – First game</h1>
Today we play one gaim against Framingam State<br />
We take an early lead by two runs. But then, I don not know what
happened, defence starts to struggle, no more hits, we get down 10 to
2. However the team fights back and we win the game with 12 to 11 in
an impressive 8 and 9<sup>th</sup> inning.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 8 – Warm...</h1>
Two games today. We play Patterson and Rowan; expectations are
high.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The game against William Paterson is a totally different game as
the game on March 19<sup>th</sup>.. Everything works – maybe not
as smooth as we want, but we win the game in 7 innings by 22 to 1.
The next game will shed more light on how strong this team is.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In the afternoon we play Rowan. This is a tough game. We get
behind on the score as the umpire makes multiple 'bad' call. This
shines of on the players and we start to fight our self. We can never
get a grip on the game – we lose 9 to 3. Work to be done –
hopefully a good nights rest will bring new energy to these guys.<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 9 – Even warmer</h1>
Rise and shine at 6h30, we have a double header, one against
Rowan, the other against Rutgers-Camden.<br />
Although early on the field – game starts at 10h00, the
Floridian sun burns. We play at the old Cleveland Indians main
filed. The stadium is nostalgic. We start the game against Rowan
with high hopes. We lead early with two runs. Around inning 5,
Camden evens at the runs, 4-4. We put on a fight and maintain a
lead, though close. We enter the ninth inning 9 to 8 – having the
lead, but we are visiting team, so this may get exciting. Nompleggi
closes the game – you can see the relieve on the player's faces.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
The second game against Rutgers-Camden is played on field 4 of the
Chain Lake baseball complex at 15h00. Rutgers-Camden starting
pitcher, struggles in the first two innings, but then find his pace.
He knows the throw a nice curve-ball which gets some outs on our
side. We fight and are able to build steadily a lead. This game
also ends as an 7-innings game – 8 to 7.<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 10 – Lake Myrtle</h1>
This is an impressive complex, with a number of sport field. I
counted at least 4 quality baseball fields. The dug-outs are
spacious, bull pen and batting cages are very nice.<br />
One single game today. The opponent is North Central (Ill).<br />
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<br />
Again the starting pitcher gives us a hard time. They score in
the first inning and have a small lead, 1 to 0. We score in the
second and the game remains close until the 7<sup>th</sup> inning.
Adding two runs provides us the lead of 3-1. Then all hell brakes
loose in the 8<sup>th</sup> and 9<sup>th</sup> inning, North Central
ties the game. In the 10<sup>th</sup> extra inning we build a lead of
two runs on a deep left field hit from Kuhmann.<br />
<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 11 – A day off</h1>
So no game today. So I take the opportunity to go and see NY
Yankees @ Washington Nationals in Space Coast Stadium. The weather is
rainy but anyhow, it's a great day to play.<br />
The game is on at 1:05 pm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfFrzImoOMMScmFlw5O83tIavBZo3tq-TH1wH_a4SND5FpA8Vbaqm9hI1lETG3_6q4_m3DYXjt2VjvKTlr8iOTklEXNrVanEUoxM-4JVjWUwpARIwNcjYlvqn2R9bintZ9C5K4EesvGg/s1600/IMG_20150323_131031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXfFrzImoOMMScmFlw5O83tIavBZo3tq-TH1wH_a4SND5FpA8Vbaqm9hI1lETG3_6q4_m3DYXjt2VjvKTlr8iOTklEXNrVanEUoxM-4JVjWUwpARIwNcjYlvqn2R9bintZ9C5K4EesvGg/s1600/IMG_20150323_131031.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Although 3 home runs from the Yankees, the Nationals win. Yankees
7, Nationals 8.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0mm;">
<h1 class="western">
Day 12 – Cloudy and cool</h1>
We play only one game today against Elmhurst,Ill at Lake Myrtle.
Solid pitching and 6 runs in the second inning give us the confidence
that this game is our game. Elmhurst fights back but can not score
the runs they hope for. Warhawks win with 7 to 3.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NLgMvQdcM83z1nWXnq47wf1bONDuNTAZZrkPiG4aIV_Dt_HCi1ct16ejIoEgHAqqFXn6EkYAKrVl-FBCxoeQ-ZYsV_9WO_yXa06NrD2weIsy4D4JS0tAUqHN8EVKl4ExwuRrE1pgEAM/s1600/IMG_20150324_104653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NLgMvQdcM83z1nWXnq47wf1bONDuNTAZZrkPiG4aIV_Dt_HCi1ct16ejIoEgHAqqFXn6EkYAKrVl-FBCxoeQ-ZYsV_9WO_yXa06NrD2weIsy4D4JS0tAUqHN8EVKl4ExwuRrE1pgEAM/s1600/IMG_20150324_104653.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 13 – Interesting day</h1>
This should be an interesting day as the Warhawks play one of
their biggest opponents St Thomas, Minn. in a double header.<br />
The first innings the battle is equal, until St Thomas changes
pitchers. Warhawks score 5 runs in the 5<sup>th</sup> inning and an
other amazing 11 runs in the 6<sup>th</sup> inning. They 7 inning
game ends with another win for the Warhawks, Warhawks 16, St Thomas
5.<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 14 – Last day in Floriday</h1>
This is our last day in Florida. One more game and we fly back to
Wisconsin. Temperature is up again to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A
unknown team to the Warhawks, Keuka N.Y. faces us in this last game.
First inning is already defining and and puts Keuka under pressure, 6
runs. Then the game slows down as other pitchers from Keuka try to
hold Warhawks of the bases. Warhawks score another 3 runs in the 4<sup>th</sup>
inning and a couple more runs later in the game. Warhawks 11, Keuka
3.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ00hfDy6IcWUEVUaV9yRd9apodGpKV893QVN1Ebsn0QUMqKhBxgEGQdaoLhasqJBVRSfcSAvp_pAlIiJUjLVywLBf7YN-0YChXizoiHAzCneukdLZ_b3wjFYGHiHGqdcE5XceLheQplM/s1600/IMG_20150326_134318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ00hfDy6IcWUEVUaV9yRd9apodGpKV893QVN1Ebsn0QUMqKhBxgEGQdaoLhasqJBVRSfcSAvp_pAlIiJUjLVywLBf7YN-0YChXizoiHAzCneukdLZ_b3wjFYGHiHGqdcE5XceLheQplM/s1600/IMG_20150326_134318.jpg" height="182" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h1 class="western">
Spring training recap</h1>
I've seen this team grow in a couple of days from a good team to a
better team. They are well prepared for the upcoming season. Spring
training proves that playing a lot of games really helps you improve
in a short time.<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 15 – Field preparation</h1>
The team is put at work to make the final preparations for the
start of the season. Small things around the field are cleaned up.<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 16 – Game day @ Ripon</h1>
Due to low temperatures 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees C) the
game is cancelled. A pity as I would have like to see their first
expected win of the official season.<br />
<h1 class="western">
Day 17 – Signing off.</h1>
Flying home, signing off. This was a great experience. I got to
meet great baseball teams, players, coaches, umpires, and others
people. This experience will remain with me for the remainder of my
life.
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671671699536961048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-53047638071066219492013-10-03T16:54:00.004-07:002013-10-03T23:45:56.630-07:00Oakland Athletics Exchange - European touchLast Day in Arizona :<br />
<br />
Andy PAZ Toulouse French Academy playing for the A's.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTY1hB1mtnpyGW5y0UDGnMhrFlIXdO0jx5lf0b7h-GuggJVAjuo02WBP2Vo6bOU7eI4A1ioWm1jKRoaI0Cd-VSxgvVieuZFbTMG5whZnc44N96YKGH5Q6T-RQkCPuUvGpWOdKUB9J3jOA/s1600/2013-10-03+11.03.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTY1hB1mtnpyGW5y0UDGnMhrFlIXdO0jx5lf0b7h-GuggJVAjuo02WBP2Vo6bOU7eI4A1ioWm1jKRoaI0Cd-VSxgvVieuZFbTMG5whZnc44N96YKGH5Q6T-RQkCPuUvGpWOdKUB9J3jOA/s320/2013-10-03+11.03.04.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlo1oDIscCl0yrC8JBhQSexDrbucanCIqihyphenhyphenmzgZyk44-yEfIqCiT9yTGEEyBIW2PdAzrK2XlXhnAMfBt33G5WdFmEKQTaUlXVgdi1-FrU0gmO3swT_ROuvbDZiGN4r1YmDT_oEh-vIs/s1600/2013-10-03+11.04.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlo1oDIscCl0yrC8JBhQSexDrbucanCIqihyphenhyphenmzgZyk44-yEfIqCiT9yTGEEyBIW2PdAzrK2XlXhnAMfBt33G5WdFmEKQTaUlXVgdi1-FrU0gmO3swT_ROuvbDZiGN4r1YmDT_oEh-vIs/s320/2013-10-03+11.04.13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV-BnVlv6tN7LWmn0pgjbDhZr1hwx_DH4Ref_0Qy16sp5P0zvzLO1spPU32lPq6GJdLrXpcgc5ZB0PmvLxuZUMVC-NmnPnVa3JFXnTl1yLycrG-fJtE1gtRkS3VfnDaDCj8UOSNQfOY8/s1600/2013-10-03+08.04.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV-BnVlv6tN7LWmn0pgjbDhZr1hwx_DH4Ref_0Qy16sp5P0zvzLO1spPU32lPq6GJdLrXpcgc5ZB0PmvLxuZUMVC-NmnPnVa3JFXnTl1yLycrG-fJtE1gtRkS3VfnDaDCj8UOSNQfOY8/s1600/2013-10-03+08.04.25.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Belgium is running Warming up...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06517113974938203919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-87352213916062111122013-10-03T16:48:00.001-07:002013-10-03T23:44:24.603-07:00Exchange with Oakland A's - Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0Q-BaoQVtk8sjlM1wlu4Oe3EcdLdHF-yaehgs43Sg3y8l1h07Ow2VC_NMIbib-xOkPQjnzRfcfU5T0puiWS2G459iEikyHmUQLD6PvFY_6qFm_GLJBVzgvnKjc5QQhbd3tyRHgwfWm8/s1600/2013-10-01+10.17.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0Q-BaoQVtk8sjlM1wlu4Oe3EcdLdHF-yaehgs43Sg3y8l1h07Ow2VC_NMIbib-xOkPQjnzRfcfU5T0puiWS2G459iEikyHmUQLD6PvFY_6qFm_GLJBVzgvnKjc5QQhbd3tyRHgwfWm8/s320/2013-10-01+10.17.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rickey Henderson Teaching base running</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykp93mU9XFNhvcnT-dmGi29WddiLAFHK1sEnVhnD6d58xC6BYtl-wCA5XTrAbXO5M9aN38VYw2He6Tdjli8O-8PAeNjE4swwvCuZS-N9JZtNZiPFE_DQeMAEECjopmejG2jMf7Xa5AEQ/s1600/2013-10-03+07.34.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykp93mU9XFNhvcnT-dmGi29WddiLAFHK1sEnVhnD6d58xC6BYtl-wCA5XTrAbXO5M9aN38VYw2He6Tdjli8O-8PAeNjE4swwvCuZS-N9JZtNZiPFE_DQeMAEECjopmejG2jMf7Xa5AEQ/s1600/2013-10-03+07.34.39.jpg" /></a></div>
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Coaches meeting</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGtVcpM_xMBrpa_e6r9vPOFZpq0zZvIDS1NJ1bW85MGAWpVfz1VWo6OHnXQqskMbMsvcmuyMolwtBzzNBpK5xChHDweU8RgX1JKh_7lWlTz3ZtAka7DSYPGJltEDBr02hzB42LdSQrrA/s1600/2013-10-03+09.34.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGtVcpM_xMBrpa_e6r9vPOFZpq0zZvIDS1NJ1bW85MGAWpVfz1VWo6OHnXQqskMbMsvcmuyMolwtBzzNBpK5xChHDweU8RgX1JKh_7lWlTz3ZtAka7DSYPGJltEDBr02hzB42LdSQrrA/s1600/2013-10-03+09.34.36.jpg" /></a></div>
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BOB Welch</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj394juz7-YBgi6NqFSgOM-um3pX_zcR1HH9n8yIsXPI0kqkBKc3O5xF6xOaPeKLiqoAJxHYys7V5KMcgS0YZJB0OeL3qfUP4VzDBopi818t4Ii89pIbl8rkj8p_jm7GsoQclUHV7WbScg/s1600/2013-10-03+11.50.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj394juz7-YBgi6NqFSgOM-um3pX_zcR1HH9n8yIsXPI0kqkBKc3O5xF6xOaPeKLiqoAJxHYys7V5KMcgS0YZJB0OeL3qfUP4VzDBopi818t4Ii89pIbl8rkj8p_jm7GsoQclUHV7WbScg/s320/2013-10-03+11.50.04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Conditionning</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx9Q7UH7igPA2cPG63jPufnuuxxxzPlRnBXycZWYuFNQIm0Bx8_CJhE5Hr6BzrHKnJLoBfZjCyBKNmLoD1Ro1Fn4gC5d6yneONcJ3ZnEhotiXyFzW5yrNHyoJtqL3oDZJwT_0aZ51NeE/s1600/2013-10-03+12.28.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmx9Q7UH7igPA2cPG63jPufnuuxxxzPlRnBXycZWYuFNQIm0Bx8_CJhE5Hr6BzrHKnJLoBfZjCyBKNmLoD1Ro1Fn4gC5d6yneONcJ3ZnEhotiXyFzW5yrNHyoJtqL3oDZJwT_0aZ51NeE/s320/2013-10-03+12.28.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rickey Henderson</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNcRseA4QPmOToFuEC1eaDi-ytUPw65oxIMWF8j0U94lBGpZN7CuFyQa38oQqu3w1Pmj-vY0bK3aOVhwiIkj2Lttqm2SnKGgGxiCuMsETY9HzaHwZ8DT7BazBS2a0ZPPuQQFoM3ahmPw/s1600/2013-10-03+12.29.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNcRseA4QPmOToFuEC1eaDi-ytUPw65oxIMWF8j0U94lBGpZN7CuFyQa38oQqu3w1Pmj-vY0bK3aOVhwiIkj2Lttqm2SnKGgGxiCuMsETY9HzaHwZ8DT7BazBS2a0ZPPuQQFoM3ahmPw/s320/2013-10-03+12.29.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Keith Lippman</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6ClHlHdiCOBHc_6jaSKlxVu3m5A_nB9qgdV7axmKI0TF6OrNqmOhCmiZO79g7UdbBtQ0oA5foBugPZ5Hdn_5cXYQAgbDgVuDcK8u_n-rGFrjsPkW6bpd0_kSQqZTicmketp0cF7DOg0/s1600/2013-10-03+11.53.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6ClHlHdiCOBHc_6jaSKlxVu3m5A_nB9qgdV7axmKI0TF6OrNqmOhCmiZO79g7UdbBtQ0oA5foBugPZ5Hdn_5cXYQAgbDgVuDcK8u_n-rGFrjsPkW6bpd0_kSQqZTicmketp0cF7DOg0/s320/2013-10-03+11.53.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crew</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X3KykbDtmZNCNvDFq8BK13ZP0y5KiD4qcme54EGfVDHr0LNJGkWDHcnHN9zM5tqdgIbJPboG1UluGfuV4uGq5q4SVMAU_FY7j5i78QLAVWctgxwzFzJhOxmv9uUM2KfpMHTI71iYxbM/s1600/2013-10-03+11.58.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X3KykbDtmZNCNvDFq8BK13ZP0y5KiD4qcme54EGfVDHr0LNJGkWDHcnHN9zM5tqdgIbJPboG1UluGfuV4uGq5q4SVMAU_FY7j5i78QLAVWctgxwzFzJhOxmv9uUM2KfpMHTI71iYxbM/s320/2013-10-03+11.58.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Leigh Norman (Australia) Sana Jérôme (Belgium) David Bishop (New zealand)</div>
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</div>
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</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06517113974938203919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-9015321263668049392013-10-01T16:05:00.000-07:002013-10-02T00:50:28.203-07:00Exchange with Oakland A's - Part 5<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span>Second week in camp.<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=115749#gameType='R'&sectionType=career&statType=1&season=2013&level='ALL'">RickeyHenderson</a> shows up. Hall of fame 25 years in the major, record holder for most stolen, bases (1406) …</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Game at D'back, picture: one of the two bunting
fields…</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0j6aCvAbSn0ErBLG78yNFh08lZRs-wh6PDKYqZZvBERIyTWQel_RpmXfy8YvL84SwNJfMzyBMEwrH_gs1kLoG_6XuWZjPx2jKSeHHJhyphenhyphenuRNsc0y6NkIzh49SR7sWwVWnWl_mggq8NOg/s1600/2013-09-30+12.33.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0j6aCvAbSn0ErBLG78yNFh08lZRs-wh6PDKYqZZvBERIyTWQel_RpmXfy8YvL84SwNJfMzyBMEwrH_gs1kLoG_6XuWZjPx2jKSeHHJhyphenhyphenuRNsc0y6NkIzh49SR7sWwVWnWl_mggq8NOg/s1600/2013-09-30+12.33.31.jpg" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06517113974938203919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-57559185005440747242013-10-01T08:55:00.000-07:002013-10-03T23:46:31.710-07:00Exchange at Oakland A's - Part 4<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">BP session
this morning the field is 400 feet and all the guys are dropping bombs over the
fences. Batting practice is divided in 3 groups : hitting, base running, shagging.
</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On two fields. Pitching and catching on the side.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today the
giants are coming we won last time at giant's field.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bob is trying to make Belgian waffles...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KnSHw1lEwecTV9tcf76cIPGtOl2aUwA-9E609u7_MKBbM1pkq7mnmlAJAEqqanB2fbnjD2qCo_CCV3mfokJDGhuHGnBdFVfUBwkhI_NtxA-lln5gAj5QuE3eMx98MULandhUjzuldFY/s1600/2013-09-26+09.33.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KnSHw1lEwecTV9tcf76cIPGtOl2aUwA-9E609u7_MKBbM1pkq7mnmlAJAEqqanB2fbnjD2qCo_CCV3mfokJDGhuHGnBdFVfUBwkhI_NtxA-lln5gAj5QuE3eMx98MULandhUjzuldFY/s320/2013-09-26+09.33.40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06517113974938203919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-89736874845312244862013-09-30T08:59:00.001-07:002013-10-01T04:30:10.059-07:00Athletics Instructional League - part 3<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Short
morning practice lunch at 10:30<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are
moving to the Diamondbacks facility to play against a Korean team. The
complex is just amazing, 13 field, a series of 10 cages just next to 10
bullpens. A stadium in the middle. Two teams are sharing the complex Diamondbacks and Rockies. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Korean have
a pretty good team, pitchers are all throwing around 85 miles per hour. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />Jaso comes from
the plate and says:</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a name='more'></a> “watch out it’s so slow…” None of our guys throw under 90
that day. Korean are overmatched , Athletics are faster, stronger, better
pitching, fielding is unbelievable. Here we can see the level.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06517113974938203919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-66491537577587773582013-09-30T08:53:00.000-07:002013-10-01T04:15:10.273-07:00Oakland Athletics - Part 2<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every
morning at 6:00 it’s coaches work out<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the club
house, you are dressing next to guys like:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob welsh <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>16 years in the major</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bret Boone 14 years in the major</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ryan Christenson 5 years in the major</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A bench of former minor leaguer for some of them they makes it to the big league</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also, John Jaso, catcher for the big club, is rehabbing here </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a name='more'></a>and getting some ABs to get ready for the play-offs. </span></span><br /></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bob is
interested by Belgian waffles he is impressed that we put piece of sugar in it.
He definitely wants to give it a try.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morning
session until 11:00:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Infield,
pitching catching, outfield.Batting practice for everybody except pitchers.
Catching on the side when they are not hitting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Game vs the
giants away. Again facilities are amazing (at least four perfect<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>field) and only 20min drive from our place.
Everybody says that the Diamondbacks facilities are way more beautiful. I can’t
imagine that, it seems impossible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06517113974938203919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-21344830024661307172013-09-28T08:41:00.001-07:002013-09-30T00:23:58.156-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day one at Oakland
Athletics’ complex<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As soon as
you enter it seems like you have always been in. Everybody is very nice speaks
with you and seems to be interested by who you are what you do. You receive
your equipment and locker so you looks like the rest of the team<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are tree
“invited coaches” Lee from Austrelia, David From New Zeeland. First we had to
do is introducing ourself. . There are at least 25 coaches in the room it’s
something like<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>coach for 2 players. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Days are
composed like this:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<ul>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6:00 Coaching staff workout (if u want) </span></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7:30 Coaches meeting</span></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8:30 players meeting</span></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9:00 warming up then practice all morning</span></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12:00 lunch</span></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12:30 games home or away<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What we did
the most is watching and trying to help if needed. You can go wherever you want
to. If you ask question they answer without any problem. And if you don’t ask
questions they ask you some. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Complex is
amazing never seen one field like that in Belgium I would say even in Europe. They
have 4 field plus 2 infield….6 indoor hitting cages, 4 outdoor,12 bullpens… Never
seen grass like that it seems like synthetic and they are only practicing field.
In the club house you have an office, one weight room an area for the
therapist. A place to eat outside . </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06517113974938203919noreply@blogger.com0Phoenix, Arizona, États-Unis33.4483771 -112.0740372999999932.6020036 -113.36493079999998 34.2947506 -110.78314379999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-77158938470390151782013-04-22T09:04:00.000-07:002013-04-23T00:03:10.734-07:00"This Much Is Everything"<div>
Coach Penders held up his hand, and spoke frankly to the team. "This much is everything."</div>
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An empty space of about an inch was between his fingers. "The difference between us winning and losing, the difference between being good and being great... it's this much."</div>
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It's the little things that add up. Execution, having a plan, and smarts. For most of these young players, they are still finding out who they are, both on and off the field. Part of being a good ball player is knowing how to make adjustments, and that's hard to do if you're still finding out who you are. This weekend, the guys didn't make those adjustments, and they got beat... by "this much." Competing means, that sometimes we lose. Baseball is itself a game of failure; even the best only hit .300, and while we NEVER want to lose, we have to use the fact that it happens to grow, to be better. These guys are competitors, and I think they will grow from this weekend. They certainly have skilled and dedicated coaches to help guide them, but at the end of the day it needs to come from them.</div>
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Saturday was a marathon.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reliever Will Jolin</td></tr>
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No, it's not the 4th, it's the 14th. The Huskies went down in the 15th after a three run top frame from the Bulls offense. Heck of a way to lose, and an intense game with a few amazing highlights including a bottom of the ninth game tying solo HR from freshman catcher, Max McDowell. Starter Anthony Marzi went 8.1 innings, and fanned 10. Read the recaps for more info, it was a great game.</div>
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Saturday Game Recap:<br />
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http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/042013aaa.html</div>
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Sunday was nervy. </div>
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"You are as good as you believe you are, especially in Baseball." -Coach Penders</div>
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The possibility of being swept usually puts fire into the guys, especially when defending home turf against a foe. Nobody wants to be swept at home. Sometimes that pressure makes guys nervy, or apprehensive. This game had a mix of fire and apprehension. It was good to see some players trying to spark some intensity, and get things going later in the game. Leadership and confidence are integral. Some guys have it, and others don't. The guys battled, and came within one in the 8th, but couldn't capitalize on bases-loaded, 1-out situation. Again, they lost by "this much." </div>
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Sunday Game Recap:</div>
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http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/042113aaa.html</div>
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This will most likely be my last post from this trip, as all the main action has ended. Today (Monday) is office work, and an optional lift. We're heading over to watch a prospect player later today as well. I'll go check it out, and if there is more to report, I'll throw it on the blog. Otherwise I leave tomorrow, making the long journey across the pond to Lisbon. </div>
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I want to again state just how wonderful this experience has been for me. I've learned a ton, seen new techniques and drills, seen some things that we've been doing in Portugal which is always good reinforcement, and been around a ton of baseball. Thank you to Coach Penders for allowing me the honor of wearing the UConn jersey, I wore it with pride. Thank you to Coaches Jeff Hourigan and Chris Podeszwa for sharing their wisdom and making me feel like part of the team. A very big thank you to Coach Josh MacDonald for hosting me, and to the MacDonald family for their hospitality. All the coaches and staff at UConn and University of Hartford have been fantastic, really world class people and programs. Another thanks to the EBCA for the opportunity to come and grow and learn from Coach Penders and crew. The EBCA continues to do great work, and grow the sport in Europe with so many great initiatives. Thank you!!!</div>
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JDSIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01586972658266209763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-42564577931026227272013-04-20T05:09:00.000-07:002013-04-20T05:09:30.806-07:00Tough LossGame day is different than most days for the guys at UConn, especially on game days against the big rivals on the weekend. The Big East Conference is one of the best and toughest conferences in collegiate sport. This weekend UConn takes on USF (University of South Florida), one of their biggest rivals. Friday night's game was tight, and was held at the New Britain Stadium- home of the Rock Cats, AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. USF took and early lead plating 1 in the 1st, but UConn responded in the 3rd and took a 2-1 lead. The lead held until the 6th, when the Bulls (USF) evened it up. Score stayed tied until the 8th, when the Bulls pulled ahead. When you face a team with almost equal ability, it becomes all about execution. Doing the small things, executing a bunt, moving a runner over, making the routine plays. It makes all the difference. After a loss, there is a deafening silence in the dugout. These guys give every bit of themselves, they are warriors and leave it all out on the field. They hate to lose. Let's see how they bounce back. I, for one, think they will. That's all for now, here is a link to the full game recap:<br />
http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/041913aaa.html<br />
and some shots from the day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final</td></tr>
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<br />JDSIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01586972658266209763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-45525080107710490732013-04-18T20:08:00.000-07:002013-04-19T04:48:01.408-07:00All Roads Pass Through UConn<div>
April 18, 2013</div>
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The University of Hartford is NCAA Division I, in the America East Conference. How I came to spend the day with their Baseball team is an interesting tale. As you know, I am staying at the MacDonald Palace, who so happens to share his mansion in West Hartford with former teammate, and former UConn Assistant Coach, Steve Malinowski. "Coach Mal" is currently assistant coach over at the University of Hartford, and suggested that I come on over to see how their program is run. I jumped at the chance. <br />
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Here is where it gets crazy.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to Right: Coach Blood, Coach Mal, Coach Nemeth</td></tr>
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Coach Mal now assists former UConn Pitching Coach, Justin Blood. He is now Head Coach at University of Hartford, and has brought Assistant Coach Mike Nemeth on board... and yes, Nemeth is also a former UConn alumnus. The whole staff... all went through UConn, and again welcomed me with the same signature CT hospitality. We spent most of the morning going over Hawks Baseball philosophy and approach. It was interesting to see the small nuances of difference, and similarity between the two programs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2Hnd86Xp-0p5AH7KxIXwJP-3khVOKUFqosStxvykzxm2Iow4rtDnv0guzBqNcCv_dikemnF0dmQ3kjKkY86S6BQpSNkuAZ0ScU-zOjzv9aOuh7LZRKC3Edt9P-OtEcIuY5Jx2QAyXZw/s1600/DSCN6347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2Hnd86Xp-0p5AH7KxIXwJP-3khVOKUFqosStxvykzxm2Iow4rtDnv0guzBqNcCv_dikemnF0dmQ3kjKkY86S6BQpSNkuAZ0ScU-zOjzv9aOuh7LZRKC3Edt9P-OtEcIuY5Jx2QAyXZw/s200/DSCN6347.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PTPA Chart</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjhjpA3sCkXjx04oBOp3uUQj7NYVkcO-bxunXDkWZKNmWdrdk-p2YhAoCEP4uA324Wfk_uqeA9bxk0mzSvDhbszb2HdLUitWOPN4FlQNWqcrTAXtz69Cdoyxh3NFSUzrjE47C6J1gNpQ/s1600/DSCN6356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjhjpA3sCkXjx04oBOp3uUQj7NYVkcO-bxunXDkWZKNmWdrdk-p2YhAoCEP4uA324Wfk_uqeA9bxk0mzSvDhbszb2HdLUitWOPN4FlQNWqcrTAXtz69Cdoyxh3NFSUzrjE47C6J1gNpQ/s320/DSCN6356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The afternoon consisted of two main parts. Outdoor workout on the field followed by a team lift. Here is a look at the practice plan for the outdoor workout.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimizwa5W109QI4E8HyXBCVezvDO9tfbnGzu4JlEToJ2pqCt26-yYtB5qqKkVH9AXi4-gugC2uO0vPuTteWkbshFaYfmWvu4fYjubBcygFRw25Y24yHHYUJW2TUaITxnJYkpM0Sro8-jmY/s1600/DSCN6468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimizwa5W109QI4E8HyXBCVezvDO9tfbnGzu4JlEToJ2pqCt26-yYtB5qqKkVH9AXi4-gugC2uO0vPuTteWkbshFaYfmWvu4fYjubBcygFRw25Y24yHHYUJW2TUaITxnJYkpM0Sro8-jmY/s320/DSCN6468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After warmup, the pitchers went into RF and began their throwing. Up to 90 feet, every throw was a mix between 2-seam and 4-seam. From 90 feet and longer they threw change ups, before they started to really stretch it out for some ELT. On drawdown phase, they worked back in and once back at 90ft, they were back to change ups. Then they shortened up into short work. They worked middle (1 throw), in (2), and out (2), mixing in pitches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliJ57A4vV4ak0zmXsru7uO-q_ZTi7EwIjAHZWpggMeTUvnqQShX0E4fR4hfKXK5ze3AB0rVGQ29ijXkLda1GRbzauE_T84pHPr5kwFXj2N_GjBOmYzAIfL6Mp-5RyJ8cSlbD3Ne5lwVw/s1600/DSCN6373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliJ57A4vV4ak0zmXsru7uO-q_ZTi7EwIjAHZWpggMeTUvnqQShX0E4fR4hfKXK5ze3AB0rVGQ29ijXkLda1GRbzauE_T84pHPr5kwFXj2N_GjBOmYzAIfL6Mp-5RyJ8cSlbD3Ne5lwVw/s200/DSCN6373.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHj3AfmrfbcD1-4EWmxP3J8j7ZHgBkrEhu3zgjpVxLu7axkuZ80Vm72QkgXeymg4qEVJX4F53wmO8Eo1h9LTVOdF8u4KlD-08i_7LJNbrRji8577Np106zQErQe0cWONuWbE_F-d6IBs/s1600/DSCN6375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHj3AfmrfbcD1-4EWmxP3J8j7ZHgBkrEhu3zgjpVxLu7axkuZ80Vm72QkgXeymg4qEVJX4F53wmO8Eo1h9LTVOdF8u4KlD-08i_7LJNbrRji8577Np106zQErQe0cWONuWbE_F-d6IBs/s200/DSCN6375.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06iBUhpi0DJpN9ZuePPrHjtZnIUWgsqBkYcGfXf1f_l7S_aaab9_BQj7Z8tCZb1ynAHOJ2AQeJM84YQ0-hVzcxKEmZTOgJ09mw0DEVGSO2dJgQVylDUsmjlNHliAu8BMo3dEJ7deYHZA/s1600/DSCN6374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06iBUhpi0DJpN9ZuePPrHjtZnIUWgsqBkYcGfXf1f_l7S_aaab9_BQj7Z8tCZb1ynAHOJ2AQeJM84YQ0-hVzcxKEmZTOgJ09mw0DEVGSO2dJgQVylDUsmjlNHliAu8BMo3dEJ7deYHZA/s200/DSCN6374.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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"Have a plan"</div>
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Coach Blood stressed to all the pitchers, to have a plan. Every throw is an opportunity to learn something, is an opportunity to grow. Coach Mal and Coach Blood then asked me to take a look at one their young lefty pitchers, who has recently changed his arm angle to submarine. I watched him do his short work, and offered some opinions on how he might adjust one or two things. We then went into some backshaping drills, and blending drills. It felt good to work with a fellow submariner, and to see that he was getting the feel for his new arm slot. I hope I was able to offer some insights to Barnes, and wish him much continuing growth and success. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwWvTyMBSV4OfMC4pIR1ZwoAXMGxhxgIhinDDfgYBD3wm0bOG-ZhNAx4gMTWq-kQqvYlnuGgbGqXY9TbyMBlw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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While the pitchers got their work in, the rest of the team worked on group or individual work with the coaches. IF worked on steal coverage, while OF ran bases, hit in cages, or worked on reading line drives off a tee in LF. Once pitchers finished their work, the whole team went into BP, and mass fungo. Again, lots of pace, everyone moving and getting involved. Great to see. </div>
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Part 2 of practice was Strength and Conditioning, under the guidance of Coach Schwager. I've included some videos of different dynamic warm ups and exercises, and was very impressed with how Coach Schwager commanded the troops. Take a look.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxKWYR-Xd2_BT7RJP0zocR5gApOiMDCagQ_w0pEa-DiV-aoIyWSAx6zuIRoRdizCASt1kPoDwCz0WjWBCPuBQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzzgm0Y96wZ3ZXNeIIqo8ZYO-ph_dkalXOABb5KTHVHs0TylMWbVKvl3vzuJ2WcjbbZ1e9Vund1aDtb4glD' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwdOfxkjjuA2ht-JbG1xwaqTDFd3T8p0P9bQ8xmLPCgEXRIJ72h6w0hWe-HGpxy1usmLx42EkuR6wKP_WBPuQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzxKlwoLMcNvEsboLpFjNiwpIT8mxhPk9pqq1qtyE_-AukFidFAaXDSiFbLVqyTy8kfImq9yzi-hk6NimxryA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxfd9U5AT0D9UfD7z1GzGA4zBwisEWcUOTZzI0U7s9zn2SRMHlsZd7m5PpjAU62eoORH7li0_YbQl-cUJ-2' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhbeS2f6w0QX6Xff8nrx2ZtosHqVkn-ajeyOlcPHBNbnQTAs_TZWJ8S12J_E18eHaOTBcwNpwUgGy1YclNmA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyoM6DptPPTJwlnlGahIn8-kvdALGKQgSX6z-Zobq3CllPZGoFNheb4Kva7OO8kM0cJbikyjpKWPwJGqg6syw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1foTi4HgHb5ZwQ6kl_B0U_paJSJkh-TDjgPyGS-A7KnVmZlfu3kc0ZX8SmJk6GfKNisucIGEFk0iaVR0Axw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyrAf1_tg1Pqs9CXpXlrnGBCqX1OZBfMrx7rljpPQbwm3__TgO00q3pHDNwy0WFApKsL-fuXz2UF85Kf7f_LQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwwRbcjFgglHbXqMTGGAHjZx1SFJ9vapdXlCwbBrjIfjlioRmVAfxOL46vf-94ZDB-vsUJh0gLKU8YbwpVO_g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxxu9YvmMQ3v54auFWQqOC41KomrWlDp5CPCR516_SSzUS56k7JwBz0bFGJHj6-B9lCEXlR5XWHlwQwAZ2iGw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw1j-lwHmCf8Btb91wof7Cf79_l9qY3BqBEFxGI7rZBWQB3mimJ8OvmwaaAjd_xuYHshaCl4ZD98cSDH5RxOw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwPHqB5Q0iBl3BVQp6DF0d2Bjs7pm2cEf2AztLduYR1RcNoY5OPqQssXo8agGRyHvDJ3RQPgPjK6rMQnjnePg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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I want to restate how grateful I am that Coaches Blood, Malinowski, Nemeth, and Schwager have allowed me the opportunity to learn from them, and see how they run things. It's been astounding, just how welcoming and helpful these guys have been. Real world class coaches and stand up guys. Very thankful. Tomorrow is GAME DAY with UConn taking on USF (University of South Florida) at New Britain Stadium. Take a look at the website for more info, and follow along... it should be a great matchup. Let's hope for good weather and GO HUSKIES!</div>
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http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-basebl/</div>
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JDSIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01586972658266209763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-18706424949120964342013-04-18T07:33:00.000-07:002013-04-18T07:46:37.056-07:00In-season Strength and ConditioningApril 17, 2013<br />
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Coach MacDonald lives, breathes baseball. His enthusiasm is contagious. We got to campus early, as is usually the case with Coach Mac. The whole morning was spent going over recruiting materials, catching up on office work, and getting ready for the afternoon workout/practice. We spoke about offensive strategies, and Coach Hourigan waxed poetic on the virtues of "Guerilla Offense." Good stuff! The coaches also spent some time filling me in on the nexus of NCAA rules and regulations regarding the recruitment of players. This week happens to be a "dead period" which basically means little to no recruiting contact with players. NCAA uses this description:<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;">During a dead period a college coach may not have face-to-face contact with college-bound student-athletes or their parents, and may not watch student-athletes compete or visit their high schools. Coaches may write and telephone student-athletes or their parents during a dead period."</span><br />
After lunch we got ready for the Strength and Conditioning workout. From the beginning I knew this was something I wanted to see, especially in-season. Once again, the UConn staff was incredibly welcoming. As soon as we walked into the room, conditioning coordinator Maureen Butler introduced herself to me and encouraged me to take as many photos and ask as many questions as I like. The room was all open for me to see, and to inquire. Everything about their program is based on pair work, and on a system of stations. Each player had their own personalized plan within a larger system of stations and routines, and pitchers altered their workout depending on their rotation schedule. The focus of their program is all about explosiveness, and the workouts are designed with this as the main goal. Medecine ball work, free weights, plyometrics, and ladders. It was great to see, and everything moved like clockwork. These players are focused, and the guidance from the staff was both stern and encouraging. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKR-cCHfEX5hLNiGEdBRgIkstBwvlgE3PS4jt4VrN4VdBt4ic9V99MwmFa_EA1aDa9cxP9ez5-o0SGtB_5eaJSf5pMTqKHNLooSwvOJwpVgBIKTYIadXJUuwRx0HX7leyVuFPH2Wg-dYI/s1600/DSCN6201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKR-cCHfEX5hLNiGEdBRgIkstBwvlgE3PS4jt4VrN4VdBt4ic9V99MwmFa_EA1aDa9cxP9ez5-o0SGtB_5eaJSf5pMTqKHNLooSwvOJwpVgBIKTYIadXJUuwRx0HX7leyVuFPH2Wg-dYI/s320/DSCN6201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMJf1LnUsijybI72NK1GxMtOP9cuKhP05QVL0EUtPVTTle0qHIMSozcEqhpcRNR2w3weU_bJC4EwCyl7Hcz8_3Kv2zHLXjXG0p4w8OkmE48u9O5x_3HQJK-5akb8fPR412rkpmISJ9WI/s1600/DSCN6223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMJf1LnUsijybI72NK1GxMtOP9cuKhP05QVL0EUtPVTTle0qHIMSozcEqhpcRNR2w3weU_bJC4EwCyl7Hcz8_3Kv2zHLXjXG0p4w8OkmE48u9O5x_3HQJK-5akb8fPR412rkpmISJ9WI/s320/DSCN6223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On our way over to the field we stopped off to check out their indoor facilities they use in the winter... I was blown away with how state-of-the-art this place was. I mean, really impressive...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm3Nf0stOSAE1zVXMK_z5Su04DipRcKeHdwz9koAqy8Qid-lhwTk0FNBctfLVmoeMEwI60uG2jixTNkih7G-P1Yv3smOlellBO_X6ojCEOuT3zqLObUWqH8eQhV4f7KvzftPCfA1P71w/s1600/DSCN6251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm3Nf0stOSAE1zVXMK_z5Su04DipRcKeHdwz9koAqy8Qid-lhwTk0FNBctfLVmoeMEwI60uG2jixTNkih7G-P1Yv3smOlellBO_X6ojCEOuT3zqLObUWqH8eQhV4f7KvzftPCfA1P71w/s320/DSCN6251.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach Jeff Hourigan</td></tr>
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We set up for practice, as the guys came out from the gym. Another warm and sunny spring day in CT, and a perfect afternoon for Baseball. Pitchers divided into two groups, one group throwing some long-toss, and the other working in the bullpen. They needed to get ready to throw live for later in practice. IF and OF split up. The OF worked with Coach Hourigan on throws home while the IF worked with Coach Podeszwa on trusting their glove. Here are some of the drills from the IF work.</div>
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Then the practice shifted into team work and live situations. Pitchers threw live BP, while coach Penders put runners on the bases in different situations. Much of the work was with a runner on third, getting runners to read the ball off the bat and work on their leads, and getting batters to focus on pitch selection and execution. </div>
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After the live work, the regular rounds of BP began. The rounds were identical to the pregame routine in the last post, and again pitchers and coaches were hitting fungos to IF so everyone worked. Standing around on the field is just not an option. It was excellent to see how UConn Baseball works out, and tomorrow I'll be heading to the University of Hartford with coach Steve Malinowski (a UConn Baseball alumnus) to see their program in action. More to come. Here are some final shots from practice.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coach Penders and BIG Penders. Great to see!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Guy taking some cuts</td></tr>
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JDSIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01586972658266209763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-2808913024794961662013-04-17T07:04:00.000-07:002013-04-17T10:00:17.640-07:00The Arrival and Game TimeApril 16, 2013<br />
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Coach Jim Penders and I rolled into UConn at around 9am, and after a brief tour around the campus we headed to the office. Assistant coaches, Jeff Hourigan and Josh MacDonald were already hard at work discussing recruiting and going over the game plan for the afternoon. After introductions Coach Penders and I went down to get my uniform. Since the very beginning the UConn staff, and the University have been extraordinarily generous, treating me as a part of the team. I have felt included and integrated since the first second I stepped onto campus. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-kOOuvj7qlNTyipX0tdhmpJ9LzxIdVtzAGruOZjgG9sgvs7wPW8XQbky30LE7noEdL1eozyJnKrC5DMlBAhl9aHn7EGoBy9y7bKcB6Qcw6n0zIzSbqcFVeS7qCbWjyJuhF_hkD17_I4/s1600/DSCN6160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-kOOuvj7qlNTyipX0tdhmpJ9LzxIdVtzAGruOZjgG9sgvs7wPW8XQbky30LE7noEdL1eozyJnKrC5DMlBAhl9aHn7EGoBy9y7bKcB6Qcw6n0zIzSbqcFVeS7qCbWjyJuhF_hkD17_I4/s200/DSCN6160.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88X3jqEH1O4XhxakKsmuMnm2sHvQOfkZpHk-l0Xas89hZTmdvQBqEWaQlQmXoCbWNooPrOxZu3IPOXQD5dABhmd9DC4k1Fm6fUd0JAY0JqOUM2Euy2UYsPojvgsf7BAIwRk3P9ZTpQ1I/s1600/DSCN6159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88X3jqEH1O4XhxakKsmuMnm2sHvQOfkZpHk-l0Xas89hZTmdvQBqEWaQlQmXoCbWNooPrOxZu3IPOXQD5dABhmd9DC4k1Fm6fUd0JAY0JqOUM2Euy2UYsPojvgsf7BAIwRk3P9ZTpQ1I/s200/DSCN6159.JPG" width="200" /></a>Once back in the office, coach MacDonald went over their approach to recruiting, and what they look for in players. We got into discussions about both the physical and mental aspects of baseball, and the unique position of the collegiate program to develop not just great ball players, but well rounded individuals. It was a great way to start the day, to hear about the theory behind the program, what UConn Baseball is all about: Attitude, Concentration, Effort. </div>
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Coach Hourigan then went over their approach to hitting, charting, and the use of video analysis with hitting mechanics. We took a look at some of the players' swings in Right View Pro, and talked about both good aspects of a swing, and some adjustments some players could make. It was a great look into how they approach hitting, and the use of vid analysis as a tool. I'll include pics of the charts they use as well. Every game, players not in the game are charting. </div>
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"Game day is a great day"</div>
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Agreed. 3:00 game means get to the field at 12:30. We got to the field and players were already working to set up for BP. Players trickled out, and they got loose on their own, many coming direct from classes. Once BP started, things moved with pace. </div>
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Round 1- Executions: everyone gets one swing and out</div>
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Split into hitting groups.</div>
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Round 2- Bunts</div>
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Round 3- Slashes</div>
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Round 4- Hit and Run</div>
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Round 5- Keep hitting if you hit the ball hard</div>
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Round 6- HWP: Hit it where it's pitched/ 2-strikes/ Runners in scoring position.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catcher getting some work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Barn</td></tr>
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Coach Chris Podeszwa hit fungos to infielders, and those not hitting we running the bases. Everything was fast paced, direct, and concise. Great to see.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG7Td7EtWrskbxqnmZh9-fc8Vmtu2GkIahkCizXWZ-fWTTj-TeJr6WWTECxTo7DEzB5e_OqpPU4WD801y5s4UmYQClOfgXVrplmMZ80LAX9puXaWnfT8ZhouGxPISbrPfDyPfGoePZ9U/s1600/DSCN6176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG7Td7EtWrskbxqnmZh9-fc8Vmtu2GkIahkCizXWZ-fWTTj-TeJr6WWTECxTo7DEzB5e_OqpPU4WD801y5s4UmYQClOfgXVrplmMZ80LAX9puXaWnfT8ZhouGxPISbrPfDyPfGoePZ9U/s200/DSCN6176.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Barn</td></tr>
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After all groups hit, players threw and kept loose, or went to hit in "the barn" to get some more swings in. Pitchers worked on hitting spots from shorter distances, or threw some easy long-toss. </div>
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Game Time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dEBqjVVb9__LHZBWX3aC0AfGQquJqaKr8SEMJSXxANHoCcH1naTS9ZIiTnWcknnuO_XOcjhzDp-vX2T8gZbiy3iuNEBgj-x1ij6vuNXFyP0Bc7WfXyLbSRJcM7rrl3EU7CheXKsEKLM/s1600/DSCN6182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dEBqjVVb9__LHZBWX3aC0AfGQquJqaKr8SEMJSXxANHoCcH1naTS9ZIiTnWcknnuO_XOcjhzDp-vX2T8gZbiy3iuNEBgj-x1ij6vuNXFyP0Bc7WfXyLbSRJcM7rrl3EU7CheXKsEKLM/s320/DSCN6182.JPG" width="320" /></a>To stand on the field, hat over heart, the National Anthem playing, a sunny afternoon in Connecticut; it's an honor to share in this experience. </div>
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The Huskies took the game, showing incredible resolve after getting behind early. Freshman hurler Christian Colletti got the W, and LJ Mazzilli hit a go ahead bases clearing double in the fourth. </div>
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Full game recap and boxscore here: http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/041613aaa.html</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg7robxHGAiKTTJLDYOBIc-rsdAX-I8uoskJs9CDzx-YQes3hGcTntalmxIqKYK7P2vsV_PBWHErf3oZqLuc_0Ch5IT3sIcJZXhtF00GrGqat2KGcLLIR_xGcegNIBMyMlF_9x0JqplU/s1600/DSCN6191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg7robxHGAiKTTJLDYOBIc-rsdAX-I8uoskJs9CDzx-YQes3hGcTntalmxIqKYK7P2vsV_PBWHErf3oZqLuc_0Ch5IT3sIcJZXhtF00GrGqat2KGcLLIR_xGcegNIBMyMlF_9x0JqplU/s200/DSCN6191.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colletti fixing the mound to celebrate his W</td></tr>
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Tomorrow is a lifting and practice day, so I'm looking forward to see how they approach in-season lifting and conditioning. More to come. For now, here is a video of reliever Feehan, whose fastball moves like a LHP slider... no joke, really unique delivery...<br />
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I want to restate how generous and gracious the UConn staff have been. They have truly made me feel welcome, and it is an honor to learn from them. I would like to especially thank Coach MacDonald for opening his home to me, and allowing me to stay with him. Thanks also, to the EBCA for giving me this opportunity and setting up this experience. </div>
JDSIIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01586972658266209763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-69633932443315290162013-02-04T11:23:00.001-08:002013-02-04T12:08:22.706-08:00Report from Brian Bach, EBCA exchange in the Netherlands<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I want to thank you for your efforts on my behalf so I could participate as an EBCA Exchange Coach. I had a superb experience in the Netherlands; the visit allowed me to accomplish everything that I desired. Here are notes on various aspects of my visit that should make up for my lack of blogging. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here are the various teams whose practices I was able to observe during my 19-23 January visit to the Netherlands:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> <a href="http://www.kinheim.net/"> </a></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.kinheim.net/">Club Kinheim</a> (pitchers and catchers ages 8-10 and 10-12) in Haarlem<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Kennemerland (Region Haarlem) Future Stars (ages 10-up who want to be Haarlem Academy players)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.rabbitsbaseball.nl/">Baseball Academy APPM Rabbits</a> (region Haarlem) (13-15 and 15-18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.scimitars.nl/">Baseball Academy Scimitars Midden-Nederland</a> (region Utrecht/Almere) (13-15 and 15-18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1860901082339751036" name="OLE_LINK1"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> <a href="http://www.rotterdamunitedbaseball.com/unicorns/"> </a></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.rotterdamunitedbaseball.com/unicorns/">Baseball Academy Rotterdam Unicorns</a> (13-15 and 15-18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Neptunus Juniors (16-18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Neptunus Tridents (16-21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.neptunussport.com/index.php?catid=honkbal">DOOR Neptunus Senior Team</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">NL National AAA-team (16-18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was a great slice of NL baseball. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">What I observed during practices that made an impression was that at all levels: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Players work consistently on basic ball handling drills, throwing drills (throwing to a base, even if not 90 feet away), and hitting the ball hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/European-Coach-Clinic/157550214342052"><img alt="Dunedin Blue Jays S&C coach during the ECC in Rotterdam" border="0" height="200" src="http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/23328_372273886203016_702383427_n.jpg" title="Dunedin Blue Jays S&C coach during the ECC in Rotterdam" width="133" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/European-Coach-Clinic/157550214342052">Scott Weberg - Blue Jays</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">All NL teams were using movement exercises to enhance players’ speed, agility and reaction time. I had the great opportunity to travel to various venues with Toronto Blue Jays minor league Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Coordinator Scott Weberg. His most significant influence on my thinking was observing the amount of effort he dedicates to developing athletic movements. His drills involve sprinting, lateral movement, backpedaling, and sharply changing direction.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">S&C and movement workouts are an integral part of every practice. Teams don’t execute a traditional baseball practice, then hit the weight room. While weight training is part of many teams’ workouts, S&C using plyometric training is built into practice schedules, and players focus on building baseball-specific strength and stamina.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·</span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Practices were </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 16px;">organized such that position drills blended easily with team drills. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The amount of data collected on players, even the youngest players, to track their development is astounding. At Bussum, I had the pleasure of spending quality time with John Debbaut, Director Baseball Academy Scimitars Midden-Nederland, who provided me with an overview of the types of data the club tracked and how it was utilized.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pitchers worked as hard as real baseball players. That was something new. Hey, just kidding. The truth is that the amount of work pitchers, from the level of the National Team on down, put into bands, med balls, and specific leg, core and shoulder exercises to increase strength and ensure stability was eye opening. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was extremely impressed by the organizational structure, a coherent training philosophy being well-executed (most evident throughout the Neptunus organization, as I got to see players on clubs from ages 10 through Seniors), and superb coaches at all levels. The organization, approach to player development, committed coaches and dedication of<a href="http://www.knbsb.nl/nw/index.php"> KNBSB</a> resources are reflected in the overall skill set of all players, but was particularly evident to me in the 14-18 year age group. Players are athletic, catchers are fundamentally sound because they work receiving/blocking/transfer drills every practice, pitchers are strong (NL National Junior and Senior team Pitching Coach Steve Janssen said Junior pitchers are now topping their max velocity shown at the end of last season), infielders are quick and agile, and hitters, who take an incredible amount of swings at various stations during practice, hit the ball hard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.mister-baseball.com/netherlands-completes-nt-staff-steve-janssen-tjerk-smeets/"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.mister-baseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/EOTT0902.jpg" width="133" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mister-baseball.com/netherlands-completes-nt-staff-steve-janssen-tjerk-smeets/">Dutch National Team Pitching Coach Steve Janssen</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">While the organizational structure and system for player development is well-established, there are also unique approaches that make NL baseball one of the top programs in Europe. KNBSB institutionally believes in motor learning. Coaches put players into positions that challenge their abilities to execute basic baseball fundamentals. They don’t necessarily look to correct flaws, but let players develop their own mental-physical data bases to learn to hit, hit with power, run, field and throw. They don’t tell hitters to “bring your hands up a bit;” instead, coaches will implement some drill to correct a perceived flaw. In addition, throughout NL baseball, there are a lot of forward thinkers who are not afraid to challenge current beliefs and try new things they believe may assist player development. For example, NL is currently pushing the envelope on vision enhancement. I saw a team of university researchers using an electro-optical system where Rabbits’ hitters were wearing special optics glasses, and what the player was seeing while tracking a pitched ball showed up on a computer screen. Hitters wearing the glasses were getting at bats against various pitchers, and the system was recording how hitters were performing. This new effort is extremely costly, but it shows how KNBSB is pushing the envelope in player development by trying something new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was a marvelous week of total immersion Netherlands baseball. I want to use this forum of EBCA to thank the many, many NL coaches and players who freely took the time to explain their ideas and coaching philosophy and contribute to my understanding of how the Netherlands approaches player development. I would be remiss, however, by not specifically thanking the individual who put my program together, Gijs Selderijk. To Gijs and all, my week could not have been any better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: '&apos', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Brian Bach<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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EBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-51997724007065439922013-01-20T01:29:00.000-08:002013-01-20T01:31:01.362-08:00Norway's Brian Bach gets a taste of Europe's Top LevelOslo Baseball Academy's director Brian Bach is currently enjoying a week long exchange with Dutch Top Sport Program.<br />
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During his trip he will be exposed to an average 5 hours per day of elite baseball practices.<br />
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Brian is traveling through Rotterdam, Haarlem, Amsterdam, Bussum for sessions in various academies and will also get the chance to attend National Team practices of different age groups.<br />
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The EBCA would like to thank the <a href="http://www.knbsb.nl/nw/index.php"><em><strong>KNBSB</strong></em></a> and its staff for their tremendous cooperation in making such an experience possible, proving once again their willingness to share baseball with the rest of Europe.<br />
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The Dutch exchange kicks off the EBCA Coach Exchange Program season that will also see EBCA members travel to Connecticut, Tennessee, Arizona and Italy while contacts are already in place to open more spots in high schools, college and other world top programs in order to connect coaches who understand the importance of learning with coaches who have a passion for sharing the game.<br />
<br />EBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-53327385036933655162012-10-24T09:02:00.003-07:002012-10-24T09:03:57.745-07:00<br />
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Last days at Milwaukee Brewers Minor League
Complex<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The
second week in Phoenix was more intensive than first one because I was included
in the program every day at infield early work, infielders I.P.S. and BP
program so when I finished my task I </span><span class="hps"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">took the opportunity
to</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span class="hps">go and observe</span> <span class="hps">other</span>
<span class="hps">activities at cages, bullpens or gym when was possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="hps"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">At the gym was Jeff Mester, </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Minor League Strength &
Conditioning Coordinator, with his staff working with weights and stuff. Like I
studied and work like trainer too I was like at home. We discuss </span><span class="hps"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">about</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span class="hps">schedules</span> <span class="hps">and
settings for</span> <span class="hps">each player and</span> <span class="hps">time
of year: rest or recovery times, ranges of movement... Was very interesting too
because I consider</span><span class="shorttext"> </span><span class="hps">another</span><span class="shorttext"> </span><span class="hps">task ahead</span><span class="shorttext">
</span><span class="hps">to</span><span class="shorttext"> </span><span class="hps">improve.
As well, they did an important nutrition and supplementation speech for
off-season program.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Another interesting activity </span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a name='more'></a>during
the program was ear the after-game coaches conversations about the plays during
the games in the classroom. You can learn a lot here too. Bob usually ask me
about infielders performance if he was a different game and I explained him my
perceptions about some plays.<o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">During all the “Advance”
Instructional League games also I talked with double A hitting coach Dwayne
Hosey in baserunning or outfielders performance. With the manager Corredor
about games strategy in stress situations or regular ones: when cover the
lines, when use a bunt play or no, or what kind of defense movements use in
each situations. In the last innnigs of this games, I moved to the bullpen
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>talked with the bullpen pitching
coaches ( Jose Nuñez, Elvin Nina...) about pitchers warm up in bullpen, how
they prepare the guys before go to the mound or what kind of pitches they teach
to use in different games situations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I want to give thank’s one more
time to EBCA and MLB for try me for this program and allowing me to live this
amazing experience. Of course, all the Milwaukee Brewers staff members because
I felt like another staff guy since the first moment I cross the complex door and
Milwaukee Brewers organization to collaborate with MLB in this program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
EBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.com0Maryvale, Phoenix, Arizona, États-Unis33.4898258 -112.226479433.3838863 -112.3844079 33.5957653 -112.0685509tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-62584279827653409542012-10-14T08:17:00.001-07:002012-10-14T08:24:42.142-07:00Days 4 to 7 at Milwaukee Brewers Minor League Complex<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Every
morning I started with the infield early work, learning how to do a better
infielders with a perfect basics ones. We put great emphasis on the basics of
fielding: watch the ball, flex the legs, glove on the dirt, hand relaxed.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I
usually went to ear Hitting Coordinator Sandy Guerrero in the cages. He worked </span><span class="hps"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">mental</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span class="hps">part</span> <span class="hps">at bat</span>
<span class="hps">as well as</span> <span class="hps">improve</span> <span class="hps">small details</span> <span class="hps">that take you to</span> <span class="hps">improve your performance</span> <span class="hps">at the plate</span>.
Always with a faster swing.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">After
the throwing program always was a throw or glove drill: Rundown drill, Four
Corners on the Run.....this is interesting to create a competitive atmosphere
before the IPS. I went to saw the OF workout. They use a lot of drills throwing
the ball with the hand and sometimes, the guys here thought that this in for
kids, but is really effective to use for game situations and footworks
recreate. I’d like this kind of drills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">At
day 4 during the game in Surprise against the Royals I had another beautiful
experience coaching at 1B. I’ll have another one in the nexts days (picture is
from “Advanced” IL)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Is
time for baserunnnig practice and</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> remember how to advance from 2B to 3B. As well, other days we practiced run from 1B
to 3B, 2B to HP and sliding or DP busters. They practiced how two slide for
both sides. The players </span><span class="hps"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">will have</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span class="hps">the resources needed to</span> <span class="hps">respond</span> <span class="hps">correctly depending on</span> <span class="hps">the game situation and
slide correctly.</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">DP
busters is very fun! All parts of the games were worked. This is very
important!!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Day 5 I was
focused in PFP and video work with the pitchers.</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span class="hps"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Impressed me</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span class="hps">how they</span> <span class="hps">analyze</span> <span class="hps">game
situations, pitching sequences and location, </span>the <span class="hps">reflection</span>
<span class="hps">of the</span> <span class="hps">pitching</span> <span class="hps">coaches</span>
<span class="hps">and</span> <span class="hps">pitchers</span>. Of course, here we
don’t have <span class="hps">the same software</span><span class="shorttext"> </span><span class="hps">or</span><span class="shorttext"> </span><span class="hps">human
resources and the time to prepare all this. Consider it important that</span> <span class="hps">the players can</span> <span class="hps">be seen themselves as</span> <span class="hps">made</span> </span><span class="hps"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria Math","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Cambria Math";"></span></span><span class="hps"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">the plays</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span class="hps">to improve his
“iconognosis” and “mecanognosis”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="hps"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Day 6 is
Saturday and is a little bit relaxed day. The IL game is at home at 10:00 am so
we did the regular things early in the morning and worked in the cage with the
guys don’t play this day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="hps"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sunday is a day
off. </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
EBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.com0Maryvale, Phoenix, Arizona, États-Unis33.4898258 -112.226479433.3838863 -112.3844079 33.5957653 -112.0685509tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-70458626223020711712012-10-13T12:21:00.001-07:002012-10-13T12:22:49.243-07:00EBCA Exchange Coach Jorge Miqueleiz at Brewers' Instructional league<br />
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Day 1-2-3 at Milwaukee Brewers Minor League
Complex<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br /></span></b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">After
a long trip from Spain at 6:30 in the morning I was at the door of the complex
ready to meet staff members and start my first instructional league day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">When
the staff meeting finished I went to field 8 to see the infield early work with
the Infield Coordinator Bob Miscik and Dominican Summer League Manager Nestor
Corredor. Always they are the first ones to star to work so I had time to see
the hitters and the bunters in the cages and field 7. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Usually
they used the cages to hitting and relax his arms working in swing adjustments.
Here are waiting single A hitting coach Ned Jost IV and rookie league hitting
coach Kenny Dominguez. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In
field 7 bunts practice focused on getting the better angle to achieve the goal.
Some sacrifice bunts, bunts for a base hit, drag bunts or squeeze plays under
Tony Diggs and Charlie Greene view. Tony is assistant director for development
center and Charlie is the field and catching coordinator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The
players rotate for all the work areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">At
9:00 am </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">were the players meeting, stretch and agilities ending with the
throwing program. Pitchers move to another field to do the program. Is time to
develop the individual position skills (I.P.S.): <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Day
1. I went to saw the catchers drills with Greene and Corredor. They worked very
hard with footwork and reaction drills. They used the pitching machine all the
time. The catchers use football shin guards to cover his forearms in the block
drills and foam extra pad under his chest protector. With this, they feel more
comfortable and safe because the machine is in 90 mph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Day
2. I went with Reggie Williams, outfield coordinator. I saw some communication
drills and how he works the basics ones with his groups. He always uses
different play situations in his drills and this help to do more fun the
practice. Quality better than quantity he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Day
3. I was with DSL Pitching Coach Jose Nuñez at the uncovered bullpens for the
pitchers delivery work. They are focused in the mechanics. Usually they did the
towel drill and others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">After
the IPS the players takes a BP on the fields and went to the club house. Is
time for the lunch break. They have two instructional league teams and I went
the first day with the “Advance” to Peoria to saw the game. Next day I was with
the “Regular” team. Was very warm in Arizona these days: between 40-45ºC.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The
second day I had a chance to use the “fungo” in the early work and since this
moment I repeated every day. As well, I was included in the BP’s and I.P.S.
with the infielders so I can learn a lot of things with Bob Miscik.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Third
day I was invited to be the manager in an internal game. I enjoy the experience
and was very grateful with the staff. We discuss most of the game scenarios
trying to find the best option in each play.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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EBCA Coaches Exchange Programhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10081258160540896431noreply@blogger.com0Maryvale, Phoenix, Arizona, États-Unis33.4898258 -112.226479433.3838863 -112.3844079 33.5957653 -112.0685509tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-92013001301747045212012-08-18T13:18:00.001-07:002012-08-18T13:18:55.956-07:00MLB European Academy Tirrenia Last Part<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 4:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Day starts at 8:15 by early workouts for infielders – working on foot work and angles to aproach the ball. Hitters are working in cages on how to keep hands inside of the ball. I joined pitchers for morning work out. Pitchers started working on flaws which saw previous day during video session. It is very impressive how pitchers are trying to help each other as they are working on the little details in their pitching. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today is last full day and it is called Review day of all stuff which has been done so far, so coaches emphasize importance of stay sharp and focused during all day. Main workout starts with warm up and play catch at 9:00. Next 30 minutes are position work outs for catchers, infield, outfield and pitchers. At 10:00 all players are gathered around home plate as they go through situation plays and cut offs. All defensive situations are practiced in high tempo and this part is finished with cut off systems. Players shown, that they have listened to the coaches and half day off is visible on their very active performance on the field. Morning session is finished with two stations of live BP and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hitting of the Tee in cages. Meanwhile pitchers recap covering bases and very quick PFP.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afternoon is game. Before game both teams take infield/outfield. I took part of Team Blue as coach on first base. Hitters are very agressive and hit of the first pitches. Catchers on both sides are showing their arms as they catching several steals. After game all coaches positively evaluated effort of all players during game and practices and chose 4 players which are going to pick their rosters for friday´s last game. Game was very quick today and it gives me and some other coaches short time to make a trip to the beach and try italian ice cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After dinner all coaches decided to stay later in caffetria and talk about baseball topics as last evening of this camp arrived.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow is my last day here…..what an experience so far….</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Last day has arrived but all players reported on early work outs as it would be their first one. Coaches spent these last work outs by answering questions of players and reviewing important stuff for players to work on.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quick warm up and play catch is followed by last game. All players are enjoying every moment of the game as well as coaches. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After game all players are gathered around home plate and coaches are having closing speech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Players were told to keep up their good work and carry on as much as they can to the rest of the season and more importantly to the off-season as that will make the major impact on their next season.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as speech was finished all coaches received big applause from players. Coaches took time to take pictures with players and as surprise each players received signed ball by all coaches.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five days flew by very quickly, but I must say what a great experience…… I took loads of baseball knowledge with me…..</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to all who make this experience happend…</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I finish my writing, one thing which stood in my mind the most is, that all coaches in every situation were spreading their positive attitude and their approach to the players when every flaw and fault was transfered into a positive message and stated as part of their learning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>proces to become a baseball players….</div>
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PetrPetrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956235196611320691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1860901082339751036.post-38684033937965264342012-08-17T05:58:00.001-07:002012-08-17T23:32:57.474-07:00MLB European Academy Tirrenia Part Two<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
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Long and very hot day ahead of us….</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Day starts at 8:15 with chosen players and their early work out. I joined Craig Shipley and infielders group. Players start with short play catch just to get thein arms ready for short throws during work out. All work out is focused on foot work and how to approach the ball on 3rd base and 1st base. All balls are being rolled to the players on very short distance, so coach can see proper foot work and immediately can give an advice to the player. At the end we got some minutes left, so Craig decided to show to the players 5 different situation and ways how <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to bare hand a ball.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 9:00 sharp, all players going through their warm up routine and play catch. Half an hour later players are devided by positions and headed to their stations. I decided to join catchers for this part of the practice. John McLaren took all catchers to the side and explain them how to cover homeplate (proper position of the feet)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and how to<br />
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apply a tag on runner (which situation to sweep or block the plate in). This part was followed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>up by blocking at very high tempo. Catchers has done a good job which was visible later on in the afternoon game. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm up</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next session was popfly communication<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and rundowns. Coaches were shooting pop flys from the machine to all directions and all players were involved in. After popfly outfielders had short water brake and got to do baserunners for infielder to work on rundowns. All pitcher were rotating on the mound and reacting on runners on 1st base or 2nd base regarding the situation. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rundowns</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last part of morning session was Batting Practice. Position players <br />
<a name='more'></a>were devided into 4 groups. Live hitting, hitting of the machine, fielding and agility with Jeff. During first round I joined pitchers group which was working on pick off moves and holding the runners. Second round of hitting<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spend on agility station. Jeff has been working on how to get a good jump and on foot work during player´s first steps of run. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitchers working on pick-off moves</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batting practice</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Day has been hot so far and after lunch we had schedule a game.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took part of Team Blue as a coach on third base during afternoon game. Hitters has got more productive at bats during this game then yesterday. After game coaches decided that wednesday is going to be only morning game and players can get little more rest before last two days and can give their maximum at the end of third week.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before dinner all players got into the classroom session with Jeff and went through all off-season and in-season work outs and how to establish their programs and fit them into their week schedule. Loads of important information regarding food habits and regeneraiton was explained to all players and what to pay attention to during their preparation. </div>
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Long and very intensive day….. three more to come ……</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Day 3:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I begun the day with Bruce and pitchers at early work out. All work was focused on stride and get to the proper position when your foot plants.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 9:00 all players get through warm up routine and play catch. At 9:30 position players take quick<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hitting session on multiple stations with Wally Joyner. Bruce takes pitchers aside and goes through mental preparation before game. Pitchers get their warm up routine and starters go to Bullpen after.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hitting workout</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2wWOXdutXJWKQf7fy5WxptEe8gzfh66D10uMbkzGHwLlWXmPl_6pr9nTB-ERzrtGKTyU9TRjv8_RpHUvSnZnJFqjNQcAeKa7Xxi-3bsoqPCEOShgL61LWTvP8xR6vy2urb4Hw7m-8opV/s1600/early+petr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2wWOXdutXJWKQf7fy5WxptEe8gzfh66D10uMbkzGHwLlWXmPl_6pr9nTB-ERzrtGKTyU9TRjv8_RpHUvSnZnJFqjNQcAeKa7Xxi-3bsoqPCEOShgL61LWTvP8xR6vy2urb4Hw7m-8opV/s320/early+petr.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early work</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Game starts at 10:00 and I got first base today with Team Blue. Hitters on both sides were realy agressive today and put lot of pressure on defence by hitting first pitches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 14:00, after quick lunch, all pitchers got into the classroom and were watching their video from games. All pitchers were free to comment their performance and be coaches of their own. After two hours of video was visible that each of these young players gained tons of informations and things what to work on.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afternoon is free of practice so players took advantage of that and got some more rest to finish strong last two days of camp.</div>
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Petrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02956235196611320691noreply@blogger.com056128 Tirrenia, Province de Pise, Italie43.6345063 10.291603743.623013799999995 10.2718627 43.6459988 10.3113447