I was recently invited to the Professional Baseball Instructional Showcase. This showcase is actually more of a camp that is put on by high school, college, and professional coaches, professional scouts and cross checkers, and coaches that have worked with U.S.A. 18-U Baseball.
My view looking in as a past player and current promoter of the game of baseball is that these players do not understand how fortunate they are to have the opportunity to work with baseball guys that have impressive credentials like these. Here are some examples. The staff included a scout from the Texas Rangers, a scout from the San Diego Padres, and a cross checker from the San Diego Padres. The staff also included a coach from Cleveland State Community College, Carson Newman College and a coach from Lee University (NAIA world series the last 2 years). Last but certainly not least, the players had the opportunity to work with a coach pitching coach in the Texas Rangers organization and a coach that helps choose players for the U.S.A 18-U team.
This is one of the most impressive camps I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. I have been to quite a few (10-15 in the last year alone). The knowledge of the staff was unbelievable. Something I have never seen before is these guys would meet with the group of players and parents for about 30 minutes to discuss different aspects of baseball and high school baseball recruiting. Usually during the "discussion time" the staff would tell stories of their recruiting days as coaches and discuss the do's and do not's of being recruited. They would also allow the players and parents to ask questions.
It truly was an incredible experience to see these guys promote the game baseball and help kids become better baseball players and better human beings. Most showcases are conducted to make the program money, but these guys actually care about the players. It included some of the best instruction I have ever witnessed.
Showing posts with label college baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label college baseball. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Importance of Defense
A lot of players these days spend hours perfecting their swing and working on the offensive side of the baseball. It is vital never to forget the importance of defense. I can't express enough the importance, especially infielders, to take time to work on the defensive side of the ball.
A strong glove in the infield can earn a sub par hitter the ability to play at a high level. As a kid, Ozzie Smith caught ground balls with a paper bag. He is now in the Hall of Fame and one of the greatest short stops of all time. He understood the importance of baseball.
Below is a quick routine that a player can do alone by throwing a tennis ball against the wall and catching it bare handed. Or if you have a partner, have them hit ground balls to you.
25- Right at you (Routine)
25- Forehands
25- Backhands
25- Slow rollers
Remember to incorporate some throws in each section. For a middle infielders, work on throwing to second base for the double play. If you are a first baseman, make sure to turn double plays on sections 1-3, and throws to third (getting the force out at third on a crash bunt play) in section 4.
For discussion of similar topics visit: http://www.ballparkpreps.com/forum
A strong glove in the infield can earn a sub par hitter the ability to play at a high level. As a kid, Ozzie Smith caught ground balls with a paper bag. He is now in the Hall of Fame and one of the greatest short stops of all time. He understood the importance of baseball.
Below is a quick routine that a player can do alone by throwing a tennis ball against the wall and catching it bare handed. Or if you have a partner, have them hit ground balls to you.
25- Right at you (Routine)
25- Forehands
25- Backhands
25- Slow rollers
Remember to incorporate some throws in each section. For a middle infielders, work on throwing to second base for the double play. If you are a first baseman, make sure to turn double plays on sections 1-3, and throws to third (getting the force out at third on a crash bunt play) in section 4.
For discussion of similar topics visit: http://www.ballparkpreps.com/forum
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Basic Hitting Drills
Here are some basic drills that can improve your game that can be indoor or out, as long as you have a cage. If you don't have a cage indoors, use whiffle balls, they are safe and cheap.
1. Live Hitting - Have someone throw batting practice, but do not take more than 20 swings in a row. Too many swings can cause the hitter to get tired and lose concentration. Quality swings is key.
2. Front Toss - Have someone sit in chair and soft toss balls to you from behind an "L" screen. By doing this you can maximize the amount of strikes you get in a little amount of time.
3. Top Hand / Bottom Hand drill - Use a smaller bat and one hand. Drive through the ball that is front tossed to you. Use your top hand first and take cuts then repeat exercise with bottom hand.
4. High Tee - Take two tees, raise the one in the back higher than the tee in the front. Put baseballs on both tees, swing over top of the higher tee, and hit the ball on the front tee (great drill to help develop backspin).
5. Regular Tee - Place the tee in different locations of the strike zone. A great thing to do is place the tee in the zone where your swing could use improvement.
1. Live Hitting - Have someone throw batting practice, but do not take more than 20 swings in a row. Too many swings can cause the hitter to get tired and lose concentration. Quality swings is key.
2. Front Toss - Have someone sit in chair and soft toss balls to you from behind an "L" screen. By doing this you can maximize the amount of strikes you get in a little amount of time.
3. Top Hand / Bottom Hand drill - Use a smaller bat and one hand. Drive through the ball that is front tossed to you. Use your top hand first and take cuts then repeat exercise with bottom hand.
4. High Tee - Take two tees, raise the one in the back higher than the tee in the front. Put baseballs on both tees, swing over top of the higher tee, and hit the ball on the front tee (great drill to help develop backspin).
5. Regular Tee - Place the tee in different locations of the strike zone. A great thing to do is place the tee in the zone where your swing could use improvement.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Here's What You Can Do With Ballpark Preps
Ballpark Preps is basically a platform the players can use to market themselves as a high school player and potential recruit. It is set up similar to that of a showcase only everything is online for the college coaches to see and any school in the country can get on our website for free and look at any player in our database. The idea is to gain high school baseball players the exposure needed to get to the next level.
1. Profile Picture - The photo in the left upper corner of the page is the profile picture. This is important because a lot of coaches like to see a player's body frame during the recruiting process. Without a photo up it is hard for coaches to see what they are getting.
2. About Me - This is a section that allows the player to type a little bit about their self as a player. Some players have even typed in their schedule for college coaches to see. This is a great way to let coaches know where you will be playing.
3. Player Stats - This section is located directly beneath the profile picture. It includes information such as: height, weight, and which way you throw and bat.
4. Videos - A place for the user to post videos of themselves hitting, fielding, running, bunting, pitching, or whatever else a player can do in the game of baseball. This allows the coaches to see what the kids can do. This also allows the coaches to break down the video to see the strengths and weaknesses in technique.
5. Academic Stats - This section is located directly beneath the Player Stats section. A player can list academic stats such as grade point average, class, SAT, and ACT scores.
6. Playing Stats - A players stats are located below the Videos section. This section allows a player to post their hitting and pitching stats from previous or the current season. There is a place for a seasonal breakdown and a place for the cumulative total. This allows the player to market their performance.
7. Contact Information - This section allows the player to post their contact information so that coaches can be in touch with them. Phone, address, etc.
8. Photos - This section allows a player to post game and practice photos for coaches to see.
9. Journals - This section allows the player to blog about anything they would like. From showcase experiences to game thoughts; players can write anything they would like.
10. Recommendations - The recommendations tool allows a player to type in a coaches email. Our website will send the coach an email so that the coach can type the player a recommendation. Past summer league coaches or high school coaches are great for the recommendation section. College coaches like to read about what high school coaches have to say about their players.
There is also a subsection called View More Information located in the Player Stats, Academic Stats, and Contact Information sections. This section includes additional information for coaches to see such as a catcher's pop time, 60 yard dash time, what schools the player has applied to, schools of interest, awards, etc.
1. Profile Picture - The photo in the left upper corner of the page is the profile picture. This is important because a lot of coaches like to see a player's body frame during the recruiting process. Without a photo up it is hard for coaches to see what they are getting.
2. About Me - This is a section that allows the player to type a little bit about their self as a player. Some players have even typed in their schedule for college coaches to see. This is a great way to let coaches know where you will be playing.
3. Player Stats - This section is located directly beneath the profile picture. It includes information such as: height, weight, and which way you throw and bat.
4. Videos - A place for the user to post videos of themselves hitting, fielding, running, bunting, pitching, or whatever else a player can do in the game of baseball. This allows the coaches to see what the kids can do. This also allows the coaches to break down the video to see the strengths and weaknesses in technique.
5. Academic Stats - This section is located directly beneath the Player Stats section. A player can list academic stats such as grade point average, class, SAT, and ACT scores.
6. Playing Stats - A players stats are located below the Videos section. This section allows a player to post their hitting and pitching stats from previous or the current season. There is a place for a seasonal breakdown and a place for the cumulative total. This allows the player to market their performance.
7. Contact Information - This section allows the player to post their contact information so that coaches can be in touch with them. Phone, address, etc.
8. Photos - This section allows a player to post game and practice photos for coaches to see.
9. Journals - This section allows the player to blog about anything they would like. From showcase experiences to game thoughts; players can write anything they would like.
10. Recommendations - The recommendations tool allows a player to type in a coaches email. Our website will send the coach an email so that the coach can type the player a recommendation. Past summer league coaches or high school coaches are great for the recommendation section. College coaches like to read about what high school coaches have to say about their players.
There is also a subsection called View More Information located in the Player Stats, Academic Stats, and Contact Information sections. This section includes additional information for coaches to see such as a catcher's pop time, 60 yard dash time, what schools the player has applied to, schools of interest, awards, etc.
Easy Ways to Get Recruited to Play College Baseball
-Start Early. The sooner you start getting your name out. The longer college coaches will have to hear your name.
-Choose the showcases you go to wisely. Make sure you call and find out how many college coaches and scouts will be attending the showcases you plan to attend. Get your money's worth.
-Attend Camps and Showcases put on by our School of Interest. If the college you would like to attend puts on a showcase. Make sure you are there and make sure they know who you are and that you are interested.
-Never take for granted the ability to play hard. Coaches notice during the recruiting process. Often times, coaches will take a hard worker over a player with raw talent.
-Do your best in school. Coaches will often choose a player with a better GPA because they want to coach baseball not babysit players. Players that can receive academic scholarships are very appealing to coaches.
-Use positive body language when in front of college coaches. Coaches do not like to see players who act as if they would rather be doing anything than playing baseball.
-Choose the showcases you go to wisely. Make sure you call and find out how many college coaches and scouts will be attending the showcases you plan to attend. Get your money's worth.
-Attend Camps and Showcases put on by our School of Interest. If the college you would like to attend puts on a showcase. Make sure you are there and make sure they know who you are and that you are interested.
-Never take for granted the ability to play hard. Coaches notice during the recruiting process. Often times, coaches will take a hard worker over a player with raw talent.
-Do your best in school. Coaches will often choose a player with a better GPA because they want to coach baseball not babysit players. Players that can receive academic scholarships are very appealing to coaches.
-Use positive body language when in front of college coaches. Coaches do not like to see players who act as if they would rather be doing anything than playing baseball.
Monday, December 7, 2009
High School Baseball Recruiting
High school baseball is not subject to but can be considered a science. The player uses himself/herself as a marketing instrument. What are they marketing? Themselves. Gaining a college scholarship to play a sport takes the ability to do one thing. Sell yourself. One must be able to convince a college coach they can play a respective sport at the coaches desired level.
What are college coaches looking for in a collegiate athlete?
College coaches are no different than anyone else. They often fall victim to choosing the "familiar" player, their "favorite" player, and often the most talented in the group. These are some of the first things we can look at when attempting to be recruited in any sport but especially in baseball. Get your name out by attending showcases. Attend showcases as often as possible. Get familiar with every college baseball coach you can. When you are at a showcase and when you are not, never get out worked. Be willing to work harder than anyone else. About being the most talented. Hard work doesn't hurt. Not ever person can be the best player, but one thing each player can control is how hard they play. Coaches often "favorite" the player who plays the hardest and who is willing to work the hardest. (These will be in the "Top Recruiting Tips Section" as well.)
Also, I have found that one of the best ways to sell yourself as a person and as a student athlete is with one's body language. College coaches and especially Professional Scouts are in the business of evaluating people and their potential as an athlete. Coaches will evaluate an athlete's body language. Positive body language can go a long way. Coaches want to see players who live, eat, sleep and breathe the game of baseball.
One more thing to mention. There is a lot of discussion about recruiting services. I would encourage any player who is considering this, but I also urge players to be cautious. Many recruiting services are very expensive and only send letters to college coaches. I would avoid these types of services because I know firsthand that coaches trash these letters. Coaches want to see what a player can do, not hear about it. I have researched many of these services and looked through quite a few of these recruiting websites. I personally recommend www.ballparkpreps.com. Ballpark Preps is only $19.99 for one year and it has unlimited storage. You can put as many videos, photos and playing stats as you would like. This website can be viewed by any coach in the country. The best thing about the recruiting website is that it takes the player to the coaches. It makes the recruiting process simple and effective for players and for coaches.
What are college coaches looking for in a collegiate athlete?
College coaches are no different than anyone else. They often fall victim to choosing the "familiar" player, their "favorite" player, and often the most talented in the group. These are some of the first things we can look at when attempting to be recruited in any sport but especially in baseball. Get your name out by attending showcases. Attend showcases as often as possible. Get familiar with every college baseball coach you can. When you are at a showcase and when you are not, never get out worked. Be willing to work harder than anyone else. About being the most talented. Hard work doesn't hurt. Not ever person can be the best player, but one thing each player can control is how hard they play. Coaches often "favorite" the player who plays the hardest and who is willing to work the hardest. (These will be in the "Top Recruiting Tips Section" as well.)
Also, I have found that one of the best ways to sell yourself as a person and as a student athlete is with one's body language. College coaches and especially Professional Scouts are in the business of evaluating people and their potential as an athlete. Coaches will evaluate an athlete's body language. Positive body language can go a long way. Coaches want to see players who live, eat, sleep and breathe the game of baseball.
One more thing to mention. There is a lot of discussion about recruiting services. I would encourage any player who is considering this, but I also urge players to be cautious. Many recruiting services are very expensive and only send letters to college coaches. I would avoid these types of services because I know firsthand that coaches trash these letters. Coaches want to see what a player can do, not hear about it. I have researched many of these services and looked through quite a few of these recruiting websites. I personally recommend www.ballparkpreps.com. Ballpark Preps is only $19.99 for one year and it has unlimited storage. You can put as many videos, photos and playing stats as you would like. This website can be viewed by any coach in the country. The best thing about the recruiting website is that it takes the player to the coaches. It makes the recruiting process simple and effective for players and for coaches.
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