KLOUTER NEWSLETTER: August 2011
“There is NO such thing as No chance!”
Another great tournament was had by all! We are very proud of how the three Klouter teams performed in the Everett Invitational Tourney. Two firsts and a second! A recap is attached. Despite the hot weather, small numbers, and 3 games a day, it was a battle each and every inning. JOB WELL DONE!!!! FAW!!!!
Our final 2011 tourney is next weekend, September 3-5. All four teams will be playing. Please let us know as soon as possible if you will not be able to attend. Thanks. Also, please do help Ken Reidy and Carla with the booth and the kitchen. Your support is greatly appreciated!! PLAYERS: Throw, run, and swing the bat this coming week so you are PREPARED to PLAY!!
There will be a final workout and evaluation for those interested(and not yet in school), Tuesday the 30th at Phil Johnson, 9am-noon. There are 20 spots and a few are still open. Please do pass on to anyone who may have asked how they can become a Klouter. This will give us an opportunity to see them workout. THANKS!! NOTE: The first winter workout will be the weekend before Thanksgiving and cover Hitting and Pitching. It will be our 8th annual Thanksgiving camp and will feature Don Long(MLB hitting coach) and other guest coaches.
It is hoped that all Klouters are playing a fall sport and keep in shape throughout the off-season. One of the unique characteristics of a prototypical Klouter is that he/she plays 2-3 sports and is not limited to just one. It is very important that you “keep busy” and in physical/mental shape all year round! A number of Klouters have become involved in cross-country. This is an OUTstanding sport and will test your mettle and prepare you for the future in so many important ways. Also, swimming competitively will teach self-reliance and grit! KWTP!!!
Hope this school year is challenging and each of you works as hard in the classroom as you do on the diamond. Academics are more important that sports and YOU need to “go git(sic) it”! Study hard and be proactive with home work and extra credit…go the extra mile and lead academically!!
HEROES of the MONTH: 11U: Jackson Webber for his advanced math status!! Christian LaPierre for his perseverance and hard work. 10U: Luke Walker for his hard work and ability to change and succeed! 9U: Grayson LeCompte for his hard work, problem-solving, and never-quit attitude!
DRILL of the MONTH: Once again: Work on your two-strike adjustment at the plate. We have improved a great deal but still have batters taking a 3rd strike with men in scoring position. A hitter MUST adjust and make contact with runners on and with 2 strikes. Do NOT let the umpire make the decision…hit the ball somewhere!!! See attached!!!
QUOTE of the MONTH: “The difference between baseball and golf, is that you must play your mistakes/misses in golf”
FACTOID of the MONTH: The New York Yankees hit three(3) grand slams yesterday(8-24-11) and became the first team to do ever accomplish this feat!
TRIVIA of the MONTH: Who made the last out in the “Shot Heard Round the World” Playoff game in 1951? Bonus: Which Hall of Famer was born on that day? Last Month’s Answer: Jackie Mitchell..she struck out both Ruth and Gehrig!!
MOVIE of the MONTH: “The Help”. This is an historical novel that really does tell the story of everyday people in an era when truly all were not equal. Very well acted and touching!
BASEBALL TALK: Round tripper-another name for home run!!
BOOK of the MONTH: Dingers by Peter Keating. Excellent discussion of the phenomena of home runs and interesting sagas of the long ball.
NEVER: Never order Italian food in a Chinese restaurant!!!
BAFFLER of the MONTH: What are the three(3) situations when a batter is hit with a pitched ball but not awarded first base? Last month’s answer: If a ball hits the pitcher’s rubber and caroms into foul territory, the ball is live and playable. The mound is in fair play.
Enjoy the first day of school, or if you are not yet going, the last week of summer. Work hard and learn hard..GAGPTH and LTD!
Please read the attachments…Two Strike Hitting is a must….
Best to all, Coach Phil
KLOUTER NEWSLETTER: November 2010
“Baseball is a game…all you have to do is to know how to play it!”
Hopefully all are safe, sound, and warm! Enjoy Thanksgiving and be THANKFUL of your fortune and wonderful family! “Turkey Up!” and travel safe! GAGPTH!
It was great to see so many Klouters at last weekend’s Camp/Clinic. Most importantly I was very proud of your hard work and examples you set for the other campers; as a result we achieved more than expected and were able to provide more intense instruction. It was great working with Bobby McEwen and his Club Nine staff. I believe our union will improve our level of play and most importantly, provide a home for our 13-15U players!! Please email me if you wish to have individual instruction in pitching or hitting as I will again resume lessons and Bobby has a few spots open as well. FAW!!
The parent meetings for our 9, 10, and 11U teams will be in mid-December. We will contact you as soon as we set the dates. Also, our annual Holiday Camp will be December 28-29th (Tues/Wed) at Kellogg Middle School. The first day will cover Conditioning, Throwing , and Defense and the second, Hitting. These dates are tentative and you will receive as separate email when confirmed. In the meantime, all Klouters should be working on their CORE, running, and throwing a few times per week! Make the commitment and stay focused on your goals!!
It was exciting to learn this past weekend how many Klouters are playing three(3) sports. It is important to play more than one sport for many reasons, especially to keep your body in shape and to follow a specific routine. What was equally as exciting was to see how many Klouters(current and alums) are running on Cross Country teams!! Cross Country is an excellent sport as it not only keeps you physically fit, but teaches you about YOURself!! It seemingly is an individual sport, but once you join a team you will quickly see that it is VERY much a team sport!! “Do not put all your eggs in one basket!”
Two very important concepts that we covered in last week’s camp/clinic were the value of arm strength and throwing as much as you can. I have attached information regarding building arm strength. If you do not keep working with your arm, throwing periodically, and focusing on “long toss”, you will not get your arm in shape. Most injuries occur with the arm because of overuse and lack of durability….this handout will help you in your quest of a strong and healthy arm!! The key to learning is the last law of learning: Repetition!! There is NO substitute for practice, preparation, and hard work! GET GOOD!
NOTE: Many have not yet sent in their $250 first payment. PLEASE do so as soon as possible.
Thus far, no one has identified this year’s acronym: FAW!! Ergo, I will give you a hint: In Latin (not pig) it is “quaere viam”! Helpful? I hope so!
HERO of the MONTH: 9U: Jake Berg for his philanthropic activities and his volunteer work at a convalescent home in Sammamish/Issaquah. Evan McCleery Brown for being the FIRST Klouter (any age) to complete the Fitness Challenge!! 11U: Belatedly, Christian LaPierre for his contributions to our Baseball Connect week. He made individual gifts for EVERY Vietnamese player with his own money and time. Alums: Andy Boes (Notre Dame) and Bryce Gillis. Both have been selected for foreign projects to help less fortunate people in Uganda and Europe!! Parent: Robley Corsi II for his invaluable contributions to camp and the Klouter family.
“Successful people turn a given desire into a BURNING passion!”
DRILL of the MONTH: Use your stretch cord EVER day to keep your arm in proper shape. I have again attached the information sheet on recommended exercise. Do not procrastinate and “eat the frog”…start now so you will be good to go in the pre-season!
QUOTE of the MONTH: “Baseball is like religion, many attend but few understand!” Wes Westrum
FACTOID of the MONTH: Cool Papa Bell(Negro Leagues/HOF) once scored from second base on a caught fly ball and from first on a sacrifice bunt…fast?
TRIVIA QUESTION of the MONTH: Name the first MLB black double play(keystone combo) combination. Last month’s answer: Abbot and Costello
MOVIE of the MONTH: “Braveheart” This movie depicts passion and perseverance at the highest level; a bit bloody and it does have Mel Gibson, but it is truly a movie about a committed “team”!
LATIN of the MONTH: “Lex clavators designate reseindendra est!” The designated hitter has to go!
BASEBALL TALK: A curveball has many names—“Uncle Charley, Yellow Hammer, #2, the deuce..just to name a few.
BOOK of the MONTH: Unbroken by Laura Hildenbrand (author of Sea Biscuit) This is the story of a true American war hero and athlete. A real page-turner!!
NEVER: NEVER underestimate an opponent!!
RIDDLE of the MONTH: Why does it take longer to get from second base to third than first to second? Last month’s answer: A baseball team of pirates has 9 legs and catches flies!
BAFFLER Of the MONTH: How can a team get three(3) triples and three(3) singles in an inning and NOT score a single run?
The Test of a TRUE Klouter
1. Family FIRST!!
2. A diligent and productive citizen
3. Great teammate, “WE not ME!”
4. Excellent role model and always does the right thing!
5. A fierce competitor
6. A ‘fun” buddy!!
Enjoy the turkey and the family and if you must, travel safe!! Remember, “Everything comes to he who hustles!” GAGPTH and FAW!!!
Coach Phil
KLOUTER NEWSLETTER: June 2010
“WE, NOT ME!!!!!”
Congratulations to all the Klouters who were selected to various All-Star teams around the Sound!! It is an honor and a PRIVILEGE to be an All-Star, so do your very best and give it your ALL and be a STAR!! You now represent not just yourself, but your family, your team, your league and the KLOUTERS!! Play hard and remember, “no excuses, no regrets!”
As we approach July, we approach Klouter-time! Our first tourney is the July 17-18th “3 Earls I” at Phil Johnson for the 9U, 10U, and 11U teams. We must be ready! One way to prepare is to work on your daily routine at home…especially your Progression Hit drills and tee work. Throw 3-5 times per week for 15-20 minutes and keep the arm “warm” and good to go! Another very important way is to attend our camps, especially the Skills sessions. You will get instruction as to your defensive position(s) as well as pitching and hitting…these sessions are also excellent conditioning workouts as we do focus on the core and flexibility..you just have to love “killers”!! Sign up and see Coach Phil if there is a need! GAGPTH!
PLEASE email Coach Phil if you are NOT available for the tourney. We have our second one the following week, July 24-25th. Please also RSVP regrets only ASAP if you have not done so already!!
We are in the final stages of planning for the Baseball Connect Exchange with the Hanoi Youth Baseball Club, August 3-9th. The group will arrive on the 3rd at 5:05 PM at SeaTac. We still need 2 families to host one player each. Do email Carolyn Landel carolynlandel@comcast.net if you can help us! Basically the players will attend camp and workouts ALL day on the 4-5-6th of August, attend an Aqua Sox game, an M’s game, and then have a game/play day on the 7th. ALL Klouters are invited to the afternoon workouts that week and hopefully many will also attend camp to meet our friends from Vietnam!!! We need little gift items reflective of the Northwest and Seattle..HELP!!
12U Klouters: We have heard from 9 players regarding the August trip, 7 are going and 2 are not. Please do RSVP today or by the 30th at the latest so we can prepare and budget. THANKS!!
We have two front-of-the house Mariner tickets for the July 6th game that were donated for the July Tourney silent auction: However, the game is BEFORE that date!! These are Charter seats and right in the action...one row off the dugout, and they abut the path the umpires take to get in and out..you can hear EVERYTHING!!! If interested please email Coach Phil Minimum Bid is $50 for the both…
As the month of June was wet, rainy, and uneventful, this will be a short Newsletter….we will return to our usual “newsy” letter next month!!
Do encourage your friends, neighbors, teammates, etc to attend our regular/skills camps. This summer we have changed the format so have them visit our website, www.firstswingbaseball.org to see what is available and will fit their needs. Thanks!!
HERO of the MONTH: Alum: Chris (CT) Tanner for his 4.0 his freshman year in High School!!!! Excellent!!
Hope to see you soon and pray for sun! GAGPTH, KWTP, and remember W3D!!!
KLOUTER NEWSLETTER: April, 2010
“Take YOUR passion and make it happen!!!”
It is great to be back and headed into Klouter baseball!! FirstSwing, in conjunction with Microsoft and Fluke Industries, accomplished a great deal this year with our “Baseball Connect” program in Vietnam. There is now a very strong youth-based organization in Hanoi and we have helped teams and youngsters throughout the country. This year we extended our influence and support to Sinagpore and will host a team from Hanoi this summer in Everett. The “Magnificent 7”, CT, Beau. Henry, and JoJo, along with the Landels and Coach Jeff, were UNbelievable in their contributions as coaches, peer instructors, and representatives of not just the Klouter family but of Washington and the United States!!! Not only were they “rock stars” but also furthered the positive influence of Baseball Diplomacy in Vietnam!! Kudos to the 7!!! See attached for more information.
As our season rapidly approaches, it is hoped that each player has been working on his/her daily routine and the basic strength and conditioning drills needed to perform at the highest level. Each player should be focusing on arm strength, running, CORE work, jump rope, nutritional norms, hydration, and the mechanics to spur our teams on!! It is also expected that each Klouter has taken a leadership role on his/her LL, PONY, or other team and has not let winning or losing effect your growth as a player and role model. Klouters play hard and do their BEST no matter the consequence…and NEVER QUIT!!!
We will be having a few workouts prior to the Memorial Heroes of Everett Tourney, May 28-31. It is IMPERATIVE that you let us know if you are available for the tourney so we may plan accordingly. Pitchers: Please email me that week as to how many pitches you have throw that week and which days you pitched.
Our first workout will be for the 9U(3-4:30 pm) and the 10U and 11U(4:30-6) on the 16th(Sunday) at Phil Johnson. You MUST stretch and run prior…ALL players will be ready to go at the assigned time. The 12U practices will be emailed by the coaches. There will also be a practice on May 23rd at Hidden Valley, Field #3(north end of the park) for the 9U, 10U and 11U teams, from 3 to 6PM. The 9U team should be ready by 4:00!! For all practices, bring your gear to include your stretch cord and “stubbie”. The lineups will be determined by the spirit and play of each player at these workouts!! Captains should be ready to stretch the players PRIOR to the workouts!!!
The Tourney schedule will be emailed to you by Carla. We will need volunteers for Saturday and Sunday for the Klouter Booth. It is expected that ALL families will help in the booth and you will be contacted as to availability. Please do take the time to assist in any way as the monies raised help our summer camp scholarship fund! Thank You!
NOTE: There are still a few families that have not remitted their final Klouter payment. PLEASE do so as soon as possible! Thanks!
This summer, the Klouters will be hosting 14 youngsters from Hanoi and 4 parents. We would like to replicate the generous hospitality that they afforded our players and parents by hosting the players in our homes and providing as many educational activities as possible. The players will be attending FirstSwing Camp in the day and we hope to take them to Mariner and Aqua Sox games, as well as to Microsoft, Boeing, and other local attractions. If you are interested in being a part of this delightful experience please email me at phrog38@hotmail.com. We are looking for host families, a small bus and driver, and any other logistical support that may be provided. They will arrive on August 3rd and depart on the 9th. If anyone knows of a hotel or apartment complex that might give us generous rates, this would also be a great help…ditto with a family restaurant or other attraction!!
HEROES of the MONTH: Alumnus: Kyle “Squirrel” Curtis. Kyle will be receiving his Eagle Scout status upon his final presentation. We are very proud of his achievement and tenacity in getting it done! 12U: Jason Ernst Jason recently participated in the Special Olympics and won a number of medals!! 11U: Tyler Bang. Ty-Bang again achieved high academic honors with a 4.0 GPA!! Family:
The Dylan Parker family(9U). The Parkers very generously donated to our Reading Club and Book Fund. Their support doubled our total book donation for the quarter, and have helped many needy youth in learning to read!
New Business: Carla Berg will soon be emailing our plans for coming projects and fund raisers. The Aqua Sox have again offered us the opportunity to hold our Ball Drop/Throw in July and August. Please do respond to her requests so that we can assist the 12U team and their trip to California as well as provide monies for those youngsters who need financial support!!
Drill of the Month: LONG TOSS!! By this time of the year, ALL Klouters should be playing long toss at least two times(2) per week. After sufficiently warming up your arm and playing elongated catch(35-40 feet), the player and his teammate should then extend the length of throw at 10 foot intervals until they are throwing at least 125-150 feet…depending upon the age and experience of the player. The throws show be “easy” and with exaggerated mechanics with the ball taking a “lobbing arc” path. If it is a strain, then the throw is too far. For more information, please email or see Coach Phil or your team Coach.
Book of the Month: Whatever Happened to Baseball?, Jeff Potter. This is an excellent treatise as to how baseball was played in the past and discusses many of the problems of today’s youth ball. It provides insight as to the value of the game and allowing youth to enjoy the game and their childhood.
Quote of the Month: “Hitting is timing. Pitching is upsetting timing.” Warren Spahn(HOF)
Factoid of the Month: The sacrifice fly was reinstated in MLB in 1954. If it had been in effect in 1941 when Ted Williams hit .406, he would have hit .417!!
Movie of the Month: Hero. This delightful tale will warm your heart and remind us how much fun the game can really be!!!!
Baseball Talk: “Eat It!” This means if you have the ball and hear your teammate(s) or coach yelling it, do NOT throw the ball but run it in to the pitcher or get it to the cutoff man!
NEVER: NEVER throw a change up to a weak hitter, generally after batter 5 in the lineup!!!
Health Tip of the Month: As summer and hot weather approach, be sure to hydrate properly by drinking 5-6 eight(8) ounce glasses of water each day. Drink as much WATER as you can!!!!! Remember: NO soda, seeds, candy, or gum at any Klouter games, practices, or events!!
Baffler of the Month: What are the three(3) situations where a batter is hit by a pitch and is NOT awarded first base?
NOTE: We are in need of UMPIRES for the Tourney..please contact Coach Phil ASAP if you know of any good ones that may be available. Thanks!!
Hope all are well and we will see you at the first practice!!! Please DO READ the attachments..GAGPTH!!
COACH PHIL
KLOUTER NEWSLETTER: February 2010
“There ate TWO things over which YOU have total control, authority, and domination of in your life…your mind and your mouth; use BOTH wisely!”
Yeow! Smell the grass, feel the leather, grab the cowhide…it’s that time of the year! You should have goose bumps and your passion “button” should be calibrated to go full bore! It is SPRING TRAINING and that means BASEBALL is back and we are on our way to Season 2010!!! Bong Chay Rocks!!!!!
The “hot stove league” is over and it is time to actually put into use all those long, hard hours of conditioning and “shadow ball”…time to be prepared to get on the diamond and PLAY BALL! Remember, it is not “work ball”, BUT baseball does require a strong work ethic. Hopefully, each Klouter has begun a strenuous daily and weekly routine to continue conditioning and preparing the arm for the season. ALL players MUST be throwing a MINIMUM of 3-5 times per week for 10-15 minutes. This is not optional as the arm must be conditioned to throw and throw with the proper mechanics…4-seam, “T”, 9-12-6, and follow through!!! Do it NOW and throughout the pre-season…time is of the essence as you can not procrastinate; you have to “Eat the Frog” now or you will have many “frogs” to deal with later…remember that the longer a frog is there, it is harder to eat it and it gets uglier every day!!!
The official FirstSwing/Klouter winter workouts are finished. The next “official” practice or workout will be in early May. Each team will workout at least once prior to the “Heroes of Everett” tourney over Memorial Weekend. You will be contacted by your coaches as to time and place. It is suggested that each player attend his/her league clinic(s). As a Klouter you must work hard to improve so that you will be a positive contributor to the team. This means practicing and taking advantage of opportunities to improve your game! KWTP!!
The remaining Klouter fees are due by March 15th. Please send these to Coach Phil at PO Box 497, Medina, WA 98039. Any problems please contact me so we can resolve it! I will be leaving for Vietnam on the 22nd of March and will return on April 24th. Everything is falling in place for Baseball Connect 2010, and our “team” is prepared and ready to go. The biggest event will be on April 4th at the University of Hanoi: It will be the Baseball Connect Camp and Clinic for youngsters and coaches. I again will be teaching American Studies at the University of Hanoi for the 3 weeks that I am there. We still need books dealing with American Culture, U.S. History, Economics, Baseball, Business, and art/entertainment. These can be textbooks or any tome that relates some aspect of American life. Please do let us know if you have any book sources so we can add to the new American Studies Library. Side bar: The FirstSwing Foundation and Klouters have donated 2250+ books to needy children and schools in the Northwest in the past two years…Way to go and THANKS!! We are also now the 3rd base sponsors for the Aqua Sox and Everett School District’s Reading Club!! READ on!!!
We now have a new FirstSwing website: www.firstswingbaseball.org. Please do visit it and feel free to give suggestions and to provide info to post. The summer camp schedule is listed. Camps will begin the last week in June and go through the summer. Most are at Phil Johnson, but there will be some of the Eastside that are not listed as of this date.
Heroes of the Month: Alumnus: Wyatt Allemann and his contributions to our Winter workouts, and donations to the Baseball Connect program. Family: The Luque Family for their efforts to create a viable youth baseball program in the Arlington area. A difficult task but they are getting it done! To all those kind families and players who have donated their time and items to the Children 2 Children program as well as to the Baseball Connect program. You are very special and we thank you for your continued efforts!! GAGPTH!
New Business: Carla will be emailing our plans for coming projects and fund raisers. These include an Auction, the 2nd Ball Drop, and Hardball Bingo. Please do respond to her as we need help in these ventures. Moreover, we will again have our Klouter booth at the tourney games and will need “volunteers’ to help us! Please do sign up when the notice is sent out..TY LTD!
A New Category: Tiger “Tales”: For many years I have pointed to Tiger Woods as a role model, and he let us down. It is important to learn from his mistakes so that we do not make the same ones. In his speech, albeit self-serving, he did discuss a number of major issues. Tiger mentioned that he had felt that he was ENTITLED: that because of his money, fame, and material success he did not have to follow the same rules as others and was “special”. He admitted that he is NOT entitled, nor is anyone else, and apologized for his errors in judgment. In our society EVERYone is subject to the Rule of Law, as well as the same basic codes of conduct. He is not above these, nor are YOU!! Our Klouter Code of Conduct was established on these principles and you need to abide by those “rules”.
Drill of the Month: Each Klouter has been taught the fundamental progression hitting drill/routine(see attached). As a warm up for that drill, players must do the Shadow Drill at least 3 times per week. This is the simplest of all the hitting drills but is the most important. It requires focus on the proper mechanics of hitting and begins the learning of how to visualize as a hitter. The first step is to take your bat(wood or metal) and find a open space(anywhere that allows you full, hard swings). Assume your proper hitting stance: review all the elements to see if you are “set for success”! Once in the stance, focus on a tree or other object 45-50 feet away. Visualize a pitcher, at that distance, who winds up and throw “heat” right down the middle of the plate; SWING and see yourself hitting a line drive(“Blue Darter”). Each time you swing, you must visualize nothing but line drives with a strong perfect swing, “to and through the ball”. Hit about 4 per minute for 5-8 minutes. This short drill will help with visualizing success, quicken your swing, develop your hand/wrist action, and increase your confidence!!!
Book of the Month: The Pete Gray Story. This is the story of the one-armed man that played in the Major Leagues in the early 1940’s. True and fascinating…proves that anyone can make it!!!!
Quote of the Month: Experience tells you what to do, confidence allows you to do it! Stan Smith
Factoid of the Month: Babe Ruth stole home 10 times in his career!! Not impressed? Look up career leaders in that category and you will be very surprised!
Movie of the Month: It is time to watch at least ONE segment of the Ken Burns movie, “Baseball”. Any of the tapes will enlighten you as to our national pastime and get the “juices flowing”!
Baseball Talk: “Deke” means to fake a play in order to get into the other team’s head. Can be on offense or defense.
NEVER: NEVER swing at any ball that is above your hands!
Health Tip of the Month: Try to go 2-3 days a week, especially during the season, without eating anything with a lot of sugar…candy, soda pop, donuts, etc. You will see an increase in pep, focus, and will improve your overall performance.
Baffler of the Month: Email Coach Phil if you wish to know the last month’s answer!
This Month’s Baffler: There are men on first and second and the infield fly is called, therefore the batter is out! The runner at second sees that no one in the infield is going to catch the ball and heads to 3rd base. The ball bounces and hits him. What is the call?
Enjoy the GREAT month of March and study hard in school. Eat 5 colors every meal, get the 8 hours of sleep each night and begin working diligently on your game. Be the great teammate and be prepared to play and do your best! W3D!!
PLEASE READ THE ATTACHMENTS!!!!!!! GAGPTH!
Coach Phil
Attachments - Progression Hitting - Worry - Nutrition/Pre-game Snacks & Meals - Dugout Skills and the Mental Game
NOTE: There will not be a March Newsletter as it will be combined with April. TY
KLOUTER NEWSLETTER: January 2010
“Be impatient to start, but patient to grow and improve”
By now ALL Klouters should be in their pre-season mode: throwing 3-5 times per week for 15 or so minutes, eating 5 colors per meal, getting 8 hours of sleep, and conditioning EVERY day in some way to strengthen the core and get into baseball-shape!!!! Time is the most precious commodity that we OWN…it can not be wasted and we can not recapture it. To be the BEST you can be, means to begin now and start working on your skill sets. If for no other reason, you should follow your daily and weekly routine so you will not injure your arm or body!!! GET GOOD NOW!!!! Be IMPATIENT to start the process……then nurture it and be PATIENT to grow as a ball player!
Coach Phil is preparing to go to Vietnam in late March to continue the Baseball Connect program that FirstSwing began last spring. This year he is taking four Klouters and three adults. The Klouters are: Chris(CT) Tanner, Beau Turner, Henry Pratt, and JoJo Landel. The adults: Jeff Pratt and Mr. and Mrs. Landel. The mission is to continue teaching the game of baseball to all kids/interested persons in Hanoi, to work with the Hanoi Youth Baseball Club(Klouters East), the baseball coaches at the University of Hanoi, and to increase the number of Little League teams in Vietnam. The “team” will focus on coach and player camps and staging the first ever Hanoi Baseball Film Festival!!! Coach Phil will be in Hanoi for 4 weeks and the “team” will be there for one week. See attached Press Release.
We are in need of Baseball books as well as books(all ages) depicting American life and the great Northwest…any help appreciated!!
The next camp is February 15-16th at Kellogg Middle School from 10am to 1pm. These two sessions will focus on conditioning, throwing, pitching, and hitting. Please see the attached information sheet and do send to non-Klouters. If you wish to attend and there are financial considerations, please email Coach Phil. We want as many Klouters as we can get to these sessions. GAGPTH! W3D!!!!
Attached you will find the Tournament schedule for this summer. It does not include the 8U as that schedule will follow later. Do read over the schedule and if you are not going to be available for a day, tourney, or particular time period, PLEASE do email Coach Phil/Carla so we can prepare accordingly. The first tourney is Memorial weekend and we need to know as soon as possible for this one. Thanks!
Please see our new BUNT sign attachment: Unt-bay!
The FirstSwing Summer Camps will begin the last week in June(June 28th). As in past summers the camps will be divided into Regular camp and Skills camp. The information for 2010 will be posted at firstswingcamps.com in February. Please do attend these and forward the information to others. Scholarships and family rates are available by contacting Coach Phil, NOT the City of Everett!!! The interns selected for this summer will be contacted next month!
The remainder of the Klouter fees will be due by March 15th. If you have special circumstances, please email Coach Phil so we can make arrangements for payment.
It is that time of the year to either write amd/or review your Goals/Dream Catcher sheets. Each player should sit down and think about what he/she wishes to achieve this year in baseball and with the Klouter team. This is a very important part of the season as it allows you to organize your thoughts, create a Plan A and Plan B(even a Plan C), and to consider what you want to accomplish this season. TAKE the TIME to do this, and then revisit your work later to see how you are doing…Eat the Frog! and do not allow there to be too many frogs in YOUR life!!! Also, please review the Klouter Code of Honor and parents, re-read JUST Baseball!! Thanks to all!!!
REMINDER: STAY AWAY from the mechanical pitching machines!! Work with a tee and your wooden “stubbie” to develop the correct swing path(“inside the ball”), to increase bat/hand speed, and to hit through the ball to avoid “rolling over”. Use your mirror in order to check your swing as well as to see if your lower half is in the correct position. Is your heel over your toe(back foot), weight switching to front inside leg/foot, arms extended, one hand up/one down on contact???? Check the Progression Hit sheet for the drills and proper mechanical warmup…these are the MOST important drills…NOT just swinging and hoping to hit it!!! Need help? Email or call Coach Phil!!!
“HEROES of the MONTH”: The 11U Hero of the month is Devon Kashisian. Devo’s hard work and success in his creative writing class has earned him kudos, as well as his involvement in the Builder’s Club. Family Heroes: Team Tall/Khatib for their very generous donation to the Children 2 Children Fund(FirstSwing’s leprosy and orphanage charity), Team Hines for their very generous financial donation to FirstSwing as well as the use of a large storage area for our packing/shipping to Vietnam, and to Team Landel, for their gifts of hand-made scarves and mittens for the SAPA project!!! Thanks also to everyone who has donated equipment, etal to our Baseball Connect project..way to KLOUER UP!!
DRILL of the Month: This month all Klouters should work on strengthening their bodies by creating their conditioning and nutritional routines. Each player needs to focus on the CORE and build its strength with exercises and running. Skip rope each day(2x) and do 100 sit ups and 100 push ups(regular, fingertip, diamonds, etc). We have begun amassing “Five(5) Color Recipes” for your review…please see the attached. There will be many recipes on the klouterbaseball.org site. Please do send any that you feel will “aid our cause”! See strength attachment for some “hints”.
Book of the Month: Any Satchel Paige biography. His life story is not only a fascinating baseball story but will also give you insight to many of the social issues of that time in American History.
Quote of the Month: “You do not save a pitcher for tomorrow; tomorrow it may rain”. Leo Durocher
Factoid of the Month: If a player throws his glove at a ball in play and hits it, the batter automatically goes to third base!!!
Movie of the Month: The indie film Dreaming in Blue, is an outstanding documentary of baseball in Cuba. It even includes the brief career of Fidel Castro as a “potential” player.
Baseball Talk: A “Baltimore Chop” is a ball that is hit straight into the ground and bounces so high that the batter easily beats the defender’s throw to first. Utilized by Wee Willie Keeler, Maury Wills, and Ichiro to get infield hits.
NEVER: “Never ask a barber if you need a haircut!”
Health Tip of the Month: Update your home and auto First Aid kits. Be sure to remove and replace any out-dated items. Include an updated First aid guide.
Baffler of the Month:
Last month’s answer: The run scores as there was no longer a force out at second.
This month’s Baffler: List the 10+ ways to get to get to first without touching or hitting the ball. Put on your baseball beanie and THINK about these…you will be surprised how many ways there are to get there besides hitting the ball!! Bueno Suerte!!!
Enjoy a great month and get going in your pre-season work…see you at Kellogg Middle School on the 15 and 16th of February!! GAGPTH! LTD! KWTP! W3D!
Coach Phil
PLEASE read the attachments (some of which you may have seen previously)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND BELOW for info on the Feb 15/16 WORKOUT!
FirstSwing Pre-Season Workout: 2010
“Back by popular demand!!!!”
February 15th and 16th
We have had quite a few FirstSwing members and players contact us in the past two weeks regarding a pre-season workout or preparation session for the coming baseball/softball season. As a result FirstSwing will be offering two(2) sessions, Monday, February 15th, and Tuesday, February 16th, from 10:00am to 1:00pm each day, at Kellogg Middle School. EACH full session is $50.00($80 if take both) and limited to 30 players. ( Klouters see the newsletter for your cost)
The workouts will include hitting drills, defensive fundamentals, throwing/pitching, and conditioning(Both). We will provide a positive “wake-up” call for those seriously preparing for the 2010 season. Each session is basically for players 6-16 and those who want to work hard to “Get Good”!! Age is not a consideration as all athletes must learn to work together!! There will be an Advanced Hitting Clinic at a later date.
Each participant will receive new handouts as well a daily gift and “surprises”!!!!
Each player should bring: Glove, bat(wood if have), baseball gear, workout shoes(we are indoors), water, JACKET, and snack.
These sessions are geared to players who wish to tone up for tryouts, renew the “fundies” of the game, and learn the drills that will improve all facets of their game.
Klouter Newsletter: December 2009
“It is not necessary to be perfect, but it is important to get BETTER!”
Whew! The holidays are almost over and it is hoped that everyone enjoyed the seasonal spirit and family! It is almost a NEW year and with each new year comes new adventures and challenges! It is time for all Klouters to set new goals and review their Dream Catcher sheets. Please do so and if I may help please email or call me! It is very important to set reasonable goals and then each year, review these and either reset or change them according to your success/failure or change in thinking!!! Success in life is based on talent + preparation…goal setting is a very important part of preparation!
“Spring Training” or pre-season, for young players begins on January 1st. YOU need to begin getting your body and arm in “baseball shape”! CORE work, running, proper diet(5 colors,etc), and throwing are essential for proper preparation for the coming season. Take a little time in your daily and weekly routines to do your work and especially begin to strengthen your arm. During the coming weeks you MUST throw or play catch(with proper mechanics) 3-5 times per week for 5-10 minutes. Not hard but simply refreshing the proper mechanics of throwing, beginning with the “T” and increasing your distances as your arm gets stronger. You can NOT put throwing on the “back burner”…you MUST start now in order to build the strength needed for the loooong season of baseball!! It is not possible too wait until the tryouts to start throwing as that is the formula for a sore and/or injured arm. THROW…..set a goal and DO it! You do not need anyone but YOU…use a wall or tree or anything so you get the work in…it is the MOST important thing you will do to practice and prepare for the season(s) to follow.
Thank you to all those who attended and helped with our last two camps. Many Klouters attended and worked hard on “fundies”. These camps provide the drills and skill sets you need to master in order to play the game at the highest level. Our next camp is January 10th and will review throwing and pitching mechanics. It is basically for Klouters and there is NO charge to attend…just bring a toy, baseball cards, or youth clothing! This will be limited in number and offered to a few non-Klouters. Please email Coach Phil as soon as you know if your schedule. It will be at the North Everett Boy’s and Girl’s Club from 9am-12:30. It is not age-specific but will go through the progressions, drills, and mental preparation for pitchers…the focus is to start throwing NOW and to evaluate each player’s mechanics! Players will need only to bring their glove, tennis shoes, jacket, and DESIRE to work!!!
The Klouter Orientation will be Sunday, January 17th at the North Everett Boy’s and Girls Club from 10am to 1pm. Players need to bring their Dream Catcher sheets(if new), their information sheet and other parts of the packet(if not already turned in), their deposit(if not turned in or made arrangements), a pair of sanitary socks(the socks worn under their game socks), sizes for this year’s uniforms(if needed), tennis shoes, glove, water, and jacket. This is the ONLY meeting we have with all the Klouter players and families…ALL family members are welcome to attend!! We realize many have problems with the time and date due to prior commitments; however, it is the best date we could find. If you are NOT able to attend, please do email Coach Phil as soon as you know…it is very important to RSVP only if you will not be able to attend! Trish Pratt will measure players and also let you know what other items are available for Klouter fans and families!! There will be a few wood bats available at $35. W3D!!! NOTE: Mark Luque is the new bat boy for the 11U team...welcome our newest Klouter!!
Coach Phil and Jeff Pratt are in the planning stages for the next trip to Vietnam(March) for the Baseball Connect program that was initiated by FirstSwing and Microsoft last year. Again, FirstSwing will visit schools, universities, conduct player and coach clinics, and continue to spread the game through out Vietnam. Also planned are some baseball seminars for the public as well as the first Baseball Film festival in Hanoi. The Klouters East have expanded their program to 6 full teams and FirstSwing will work with them to increase their knowledge base as well as their team sizes. Having won their first game EVER, the players are working very hard in order to get to the next tourney and travel to visit us in the summer. Our goal is to have the 11U team visit Seattle, play in one of our tourneys, and to meet our Seattle Klouter families and players!!
FirstSwing has joined with Edmonds CC Professor Marie Johnson to form C2C or “Children to Children”. We are currently collecting toys, books, and youth clothing to add to our list of baseball gear and equipment for shipment to Hanoi. ANY help or leads to resources are very much welcomed and appreciated. We have a new 501c3 non-profit number(06-1652947, FirstSwing Foundation) if needed to attract corporate and individual giving. If your place of work matches funds or other, this number is needed in order to do so successfully. THANKS for all you can do! GAGPTH and KWTP!!
REMINDER: STAY AWAY from the mechanical pitching machines!! Work with a tee or your mirror to reinforce and develop the proper hitting mechanics!! The “persistence of patience”, taking the proper time, will reap greater rewards than swinging at moving balls!! Use a tee, and work on your entire set of swing mechanics, from basic balance to hitting “to and through” the ball. Create your hitting checklist that you will do before EVERY at bat, define your pre-game warm up and preparation, and take your time in analyzing each part of your swing from “load” to finish!!!! If you need help or drills email Coach Phil.
“HEROES of the MONTH”: The 11U Hero of the Month is Will Roberts for his excellent school work and commit to community and family! The Family Hero is the 12U Lico family for their superlative effort in providing toys and clothing for our Holiday giving program!!!!!! Other HEROES: Both Parker families(9U Dylan and Wazzu Parkers), the Stanberry family(alum), the Ivelias, the Schultz family(9U), the Burgess family(9U), the Pratt family, and the Coopers. If I missed someone, I apologize as many fill my car and sometimes do not let me know!!! Thanks to all!
DRILL of the MONTH: Pre-season stretching and throwing. See attached. THROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Book of the Month: What the Dog Saw, Malcolm Gladwell. The newest book by the author of The Outliers. It is a series of articles from his New Yorker column and gives one a “bunch of things” to muse!! Children’s book: Elf on the Shelf. Although it is past Christmas time, it is a MUST for all families.
Quote of the Month: “Discipline yourself, and others will not have to!” Hmmm?
Factoid(s) of the Month: Cy Young started 815 games and completed 749 of them. And…he never won a Cy Yong award!!
Movie of the Month: The Princess and the Frog. It is a very “easy to understand” film about the concept of NEVER quitting, no matter the circumstance. Another Disney winner!
Baseball Talk: A “bench jockey” is a player who sits in the dugout and continually “talks” to the other team without “dishing” the players. An annoying voice that tries to disturb the other team’s concentration.
NEVER: “Never eat at a restaurant named “Mom’s”, play cards with a guy nicknamed “Lucky”, or buy a watch from someone who is “out of breath”.
Health Tip of the Month: In a few days it will be a new year and a very GOOD time to change your eating habits. Add the good colors and rid yourself of soda pop, candy, gum, seeds, and any other foodstuff that will not help you develop a strong body and mind!! GGFTE!!!
NEW Section: Baffler of the Month: In order to encourage the mental development of our players/families/fans, each month we will present one or more “baseball bafflers” for you to solve. The first player to email the correct answer to Coach Phil is the winner. The answer will be posted in the following month’s newsletter.
Baffler #1: One out, bases “juiced”(loaded). Batter hits a ball to the SS and he throws to 2nd base, BUT the runner beats the throw. The 2B does throw to first to get the runner at first. The 1B then throws back to second and gets the runner who over slid the base. The other two runners score as this is happening.
What is the call? Runs count or not and WHY????
Good Luck!!
Enjoy a VERY happy New Year and work hard to make it the Klouter’s BEST ever!!! Coach Phil
Please read the attachments!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and all information below!
Life Lessons 51 Important Ones to Remember - Throwing 101 - Pitcher's Arm Care and Injuries - Stretch Tubing Exercises - Reaction Ball Drills
NEEDS!!!!! BE Diffffferent!!!!!!
SO, you say YOU want to be a ball player? REALLY???? Are YOU willing to pay THE price? Do YOU really want it????? If you do..then you NEED to be diffffferent and do the following:
1. Build cardio-respiratory endurance
2. Build muscular endurance
3. Develop and build muscular strength
4. Increase flexibility
5. Increase visual acuity
6. Improve hand-eye coordination and brain-hand-eye coordination
7. Develop a “mental game”
8. Learn EVERY aspect of the game
9. Visualize
10. Have PASSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
11. Look and act like a ball player ……
and GAGPTH, KWTP, LTD!!!!!!!
How? What is the next step? When? Do YOU really want to be GOOD and play the game at the highest level? It is UP TO YOU!!
Develop a daily routine with a definitive purpose. Never let a day go by that you do not do at least one thing to improve. Have goals, a weekly routine, seasonal routine…stick to it and NEVER QUIT!!
Some valuable “hints”:
1. Take a minimum of 10,000 steps each day….running counts!
2. Jump rope two(yes two) times per day for 3-5 minutes.
3. Stretch EVERY day
4. Eat FIVE colors at EVERY meal!
5. Get 8 hours of sleep.
6. Play catch 3-5 times per week for 10 minutes..even if it against a wall!
7. RUN EVERY DAY!!!!!
8. Have TWO eye exams EVERY year
9. HYDRATE every night and day.
10. STUDY the game and in school.
11. Stay off sugar, soda pop, seeds, and eat healthy snacks.
12. Always GAGPTH!!!
How badly do YOU want it? Many talk the talk BUT are you willing to do what it takes to be the BEST YOU CAN BE???? Remember if you do a little each day and “Eat the Frog”, great things will happen and you will realize your goals and dreams..you are a “dream catcher” not dream maker!! Hope is NOT a strategy.
Did YOU get better today? It is YOUR choice!!
November 2009 Klouter Newsletter
“Every BIG begins with a small!”
Hopefully EVERYONE enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving and is getting ready for the Holiday season! Our “team” welcomed a new member, Baby Colby, the day before Thanksgiving and he even attended our family celebration on Turkey Day…not so fond of the turkey!!!
As we approach the end of the year, it is time to formulate and tighten up our conditioning and daily routine. It is especially important to be stretching the arm and running!! Do a little each day and be ready to begin active throwing on January first…that is the FIRST day of pre-season!! If you are available and “motivated”, we will be having our Holiday Camp December 28-29th at Kellogg Middle School, 9am-noon(see attachment). Please try to be there and do encourage friends and other players. This will be an excellent “warm up” for the beginning of the 2010 season!!! Remember: ARM strength needs time to build up and there is no time like the present!!! GAGPTH!
On January 17th, we will have our ALL-Klouter Orientation. This is the only time that all Klouters work out together and is a very important meeting in that we cover the basics of the game, Klouter strategy, and introduce the players and coaches. PLEASE make a concerted effort to be there. It will be at North Everett Boys and Girls Club from 9am to noon or so!! On January 10th, 9am-noon, we will have a Pitching Clinc(Open to the public with reduced cost to Klouters) and work with catchers as well. By this time, most players should be throwing 3-5 times a week for 10-15 minutes…nice and easy, with focus on PERFECT mechanics and follow through!!! Pitchers should begin a regular running routine…both sprints and long distance(foul poles)!!!
We are building our new websites with Lance Lindgren’s leadership. If you have any suggestions please do email him at lance@activend.com. Pictures, nouveau links, or other?? Also, we are revamping the FirstSwing site…hopefully it will be clearer and easier to use for signups!!
IMPORTANT NOTE: A number of Klouters have not sent their INFORMATION sheet nor their $250 payment. If you have not yet paid, please email Coach Phil(phrog38@hotmail.com) and let him know your situation.
FirstSwing activities are now listed on qb.fox.biz…you can see our camps, etc and send people to that site for information regarding our programs.
We are in need of clothing, baseball gear, baseball cards, Entertainment 2010 books(or a discount dealer), children’s DVDs, and items to be given to need families. If you do have any of these, please email Coach Phil and he will arrange to pick them up!! Thank you. Our charity this winter is the Forgotten Children, so let us know what you might have to share with others less fortunate!! Thank you!!
Another Note: Stay off the mechanical hitting and pitching machines..these will NOT help you with your fundamentals or mechanics…work with a hitting tee and focus on each segment of the mechanics. You can also use “mom’s mirror” as it will show you what you are doing!! FOCUS on a short, quick swing. Use squeezie balls, rollups, finger tip pushups, and other drills to strengthen your wrists and forearms…..remember, everything BIG began as a small!
HEROES of the MONTH: 10U: Noah Wallace is this month’s recipient for his overall hard work at the Thanksgiving Camp/clinic. Both days he arrived early and was instrumental in the preparation and teardown!!! 12U Family: The Brian Schultz family for stepping up and procuring a site for our camp after we lost one of the days to over-booking. Moreover, Brian showed up at 0dark30 to open the fence, building and set up the two gyms!!!!! Alumni: Team Allemann and Team Stanberry for their very generous donations to our Baseball Connect program in Vietnam. Also to Wyatt for his help at the camp!!
NEWest “puzzle for those wanting to “get it”!! CSSHCGAPTH!!!!
DRILL of the Month: Hit Progression…see attached. This is a vital drill that must be done every day and to fruition. Focus on the hands following the length of the bat without any turning over…must be straight down the entire length of the bat. FOCUS on this in order to hit THROUGH the ball!! All you need is the bat and the DESIRE!!!!!!!
BOOK of the Month: Babe Ruth by Richard Creamer. This is the most definitive work about Babe Ruth and does deal with his on and off the field activities.
Quote of the Month: As long as you try YOUR best, you can never be a failure…unless you blame others.
Factoid of the Month: Walter Carlisle, Vernon Tigers(PCL), became the only known Outfielder to complete an unassisted Triple Play!!! July 19,1911
Movie of the Month: Blindside Currently playing in local theaters, this is a football story that has universal influence regarding the REAL value of sports in our society!! The book is also very good..Michael Lewis.
Baseball Talk: “Deep in the Count”: This means to see as many pitches as you can in every at bat. Going “deep in the count” allows you to put pressure on the pitcher and GAGPTH!
NEVER: NEVER give a sucker an even break, nor wise up a chump…W.C. Fields
Health Tip of the Month: Stay away from sunflower seeds…they are loaded with salt(which will dehydrate you) and they are certainly not good for the enamel on your teeth. Moreover, they are messy and difficult to clean up!!!
Financial Tip of the Month: Use your shutoff valve under the sink to best control the flow of water and to maximize usage. Send less down the drain…not only financially wise but better for the environment!!
Enjoy the Holidays and stay warm, eat a BRIGHLY colored diet(5), get proper rest, and of course, GAGPTH!!!
See you at the HOLIDAY Camp!!!! Quotes from Coach j.k.playin’
PLEASE read the ATTACHMENTS!!!! Christmas Camp 2009 - Tips to be a better ball player - Mental Drills for Pitchers - Progression Hitting - Pitching Winter Workout
KLOUTER NEWSLETTER: October 2010
“Champions are made in the off-season!”
Thanks to all that have sent me cards, emails, etc!!! I am getting back to some sense of mobility but need to “graduate” next Monday to a boot from a cast. I appreciate all your support and again am thankful for such great support and friendship. GO KLOUTERS!! FAW!!!!
Hopefully all our players and siblings are studying hard in school and enjoying extracurricular activities. I do know some are playing Fall Ball and have reports that they are working hard and getting repetitions. All Klouters should be working on their daily/weekly routines which should include CORE work, jumping rope, eating correctly, and throwing 2-3 times per week for 10-15 minutes. It would also be advised to take a few swings and do some Hit Progressions as well.
Carla and I have sent out a number of emails to remind you that the November Camp/clinic will be November 20-21at Kellogg Middle School and we would like as many as can to attend. This will be our first event in conjunction with Club Nine and Bobby McEwen. There will be new drills and instruction and I highly urge all pitchers to attend!! If you cannot attend all sessions, please do email Coach Phil and we will make the adjustments so you can attend when available. We will have subsequent workouts in December and January, but this one is the most comprehensive and gives you many drills to do for the off-season.
Also, as we have not heard from any 2010 Klouters, it is assumed that all are returning for 2011. Super! Please do send your first installment, $250 in as soon as possible. 12U Klouters, please respond to Tricia Pratt’s email and instructions regarding the Arizona trip.
I have attached the Perfect 30 sheet with instructions in order that all players will try to do this “test” 2-3 times a week and log the results. I suggest you use a larger target to start…24” x 30” and then work your way to the 11” x 17” to 8” x 10”. Some might even put squares in the corners and work on the inside and outside pitches…. This drill will increase focus and also, identify weaknesses in throwing/pitching mechanics. A little bit each week will improve your game and mechanics!!!! ZEQ!
Please do invite your friends and teammates to the November Camp. We would like a full house and would also like to have others take advantage of the instruction and introduction to good team baseball! E-mail AT LEAST ONE FRIEND TODAY!!
At this point, we will be playing in five tourneys beginning with the annual Memorial Weekend(without rain!) tournament. There will be two in July, one in mid-August and the final traditional “Last Licks” on Labor Day weekend. Exact dates will be given to you at the first of the year so all can make their travel plans accordingly. The summer camp/clinic program will be basically the same, beginning in June and ending in August, with more emphasis on Skills Camps: pitching, defense, hitting, etc instead of simply regular camps. The schedule will be out in March and we will send it out then.
HEROES of the MONTH: Alumni: Andy Boes will be heading to Uganda next summer to work with his Notre Dame classmates as part of a village reconstruction program. Though his selection is not finalized, we are proud of his commitment to society and his high grades at Notre Dame! Gar Peterson: He is volunteering to be an intern for FirstSwing and will be helping at our off-season camps. Please do nominate any Klouter/sibling/family who you feel deserves acknowledgment and/or kudos! We are very proud of our teammates and want to share the glory!!!
Drill of the Month: Many players are having problems watching the ball and getting the needed focus to hit with accuracy and power. Take 3-4 balls and paint a large dot on two sides of each, using 3-4 different colors(same color on each ball). Then have someone either soft toss or pitch(batting practice speed) to you. You must call out the color before you hit the ball. Excellent for learning how to gauge speed and spin as well as increasing focus.
Quote of the Month: “Baseball is the most intellectual game because most of the action goes on in your head” Henry Kissinger
Factoid of the Month: The only MLB player to get two(2) hits twice in the SAME inning in the same game was Reggie Stennett. He had 7 hits in the game…also a record!
Trivia Question of the Month: Who are the only two members of the Baseball Hall of Fame not affiliated with baseball?
Movie of the Month: “It Happened Every Spring”(1949). Albeit, it is a true “oldie”, but a very cute story about a professor who discovers a secret substance that effects the ball and the game. It is the predecessor to Flubber! And, no I did not see it live when it opened in the theater!!
Baseball Talk: “The sacks are drunk!” A traditional saying indicating that the bases are “loaded!”
Book of the Month: The Catcher Was a Spy, Nicholas Dawidoff. This is the biography of one of the most fascinating players of the game. Moe Berg was a graduate of Princeton U and a MLB catcher for many years. His baseball career was mediocre at best, but his life during and after his career was remarkable and interesting to read.
NEVER: Never throw the same pitch twice in a row, Never throw the same speed twice in a row, and Never throw to the same location twice in a row! Eddie Lopat
Exercise of the Month: For ALL of us!! The Handwalk: Bend over, placing your hands on the ground, body width apart. Keeping that basic position, walk on your hands and feet for one(1) minute at a time for 5 minutes. This is excellent for stretching and strengthening.
Riddle of the Month: What has nine(9) legs and catches flies?
Health Tip of the Month: Limit yourself to one(1) soda pop or fruit drink(not juice) per week. Stay away from ALL energy drinks!!
Financial Tip of the Month: “Buy low and sell high!” Easy as Pi!!
Answer to last Month’s Baffler: The steal of home is the toughest call for an umpire. He must call the pitch, see around the batter, must get in position to see if the tag is prior to the runner touching the plate, and of course, make the correct call. Moreover, he must be sure of no interference by the batter or the catcher, and that the pitcher did not balk!! Ho, hum!
Please read the attachments: Perfect 30, 10 Things, and Why Players Cannot Bunt..but we can!!
GAGPTH and FAW(no one has gotten it yet!)!!!! Coach Phil