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Chris Smith
  • Male
  • Lafayette, CO
  • United States
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  • The CheckSwing Clubhouse
  • Bill Stanton

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Chris Smith's Discussions

What kind of coach made the biggest impact on you?

Started this discussion. Last reply by Chris Smith Oct 2, 2012. 3 Replies

Excerpt from the book: Gods, Gloves, Pop-ups, and Ponies: a look at the character found playing youth baseball.   “Mr. Faulk was what you would call a yelling coach. Rarely did you receive baseball…Continue

 

Chris Smith's Page

Latest Activity

Chris Smith shared their blog post on Facebook

Great fielders are great artists. What does it takes to create great artwork?

Saturday
Chris Smith replied to Bob Wirz's discussion AUTOBIOGRAPHY in the group Baseball Authors
"Hey Bob, I recently published a book that is part memoir and part life instruction.  It was self published in August and I have been promoting and blogging about baseball ever since.  If you have any questions about the process please feel…"
Friday
Chris Smith posted a blog post

Great fielders are great artists. What does it takes to create great artwork?

Great fielders are great artists.  What does it takes to create great artwork?The other day I was working with some of my better fielders in an informal practice before the start of the summer season.  We were working on fielding and I spoke to them about the “art” of fielding.  To me being a great fielder is an art form, and in order to be an artist of the diamond you have to accept this premise.  Elevate your game and reach to achieve artistry on the field.  The great defensive players of the…See More
May 16
0 Comments
Chris Smith posted a blog post

With the spring season coming to a close be sure to honestly evaluate your players…and to let them know.

With the spring season coming to a close be sure to honestly evaluate your players…and to let them know.The spring season is wrapping up and at this point you should know your players pretty well.  You and your players have gone through a season experience together, you have grown together, and soon they will either move on or all will be reset for a new season of summer ball.  Now is the time to sit down with each player and have a conversation about how the season has gone and to give that…See More
May 9
0 Comments
Chris Smith posted a blog post

The richest players are the ones who have learned from their mistakes on the field…help them be golden.

The richest players are the ones who have learned from their mistakes on the field…help them be golden.At this stage of the season it usually becomes apparent that the deeper aspects of the game of baseball are sometimes lost on today’s players.  Every year kid’s show up to teams fairly proficient in the mechanical skills associated with the game.  Many players today have access to private coaching, indoor facilities, and training aids that propel them forward in their ability to swing, throw,…See More
May 2
0 Comments
Chris Smith joined The CheckSwing Clubhouse's group
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Baseball Authors

Have you written a baseball book? Currently working on one? Join fellow baseball authors here!See More
Apr 28
19 Comments
Chris Smith posted a blog post

Baseball joy…hard to come by, hard to live without… once you get a taste. Excerpt from the book, Gods, Gloves, Pop-ups, and Ponies by Chris Smith

Baseball joy…hard to come by, hard to live without… once you get a taste.  Excerpt from the book, Gods, Gloves, Pop-ups, and Ponies by Chris Smith         Through sport we can free ourselves of the feeling of being trapped inside looking out.  Baseball, the game, being a part of a team, all these things help us get away from the oppressive work of thinking about ourselves ad nauseaum.  I think of all the times I have greeted a player as he came running off the field after making a fantastic…See More
Apr 25
0 Comments
Larry Cicchiello commented on Chris Smith's blog post We love to see our kids have swagger, just make sure to monitor how big those britches get.
"Good job Coach. You want players to think they're great but have to walk a fine line here. Very fine line IMHO between a high level of confidence and being TOO cocky, which like you pointed out, will rub others the wrong way. (Teammates,…"
Apr 19
Chris Smith posted a blog post

We love to see our kids have swagger, just make sure to monitor how big those britches get.

We love to see our kids have swagger, just make sure to monitor how big those britches get.As coaches we love to see swagger from our kids.  We love to see that confident walk to the plate, the walk that says I am going to succeed no matter what.  We can’t wait to get to the ball park when not just one but the whole team is feeling cocky and sure of the outcome of the day’s events.  There is nothing like having a group of guys who have put in the work and are getting the rewards in spades.  But…See More
Apr 18
1 Comment
Chris Smith posted a blog post

We tell our kids we want them to “compete” when they are on the field, but what does that word really mean and is it a trait that is teachable?

We tell our kids we want them to “compete” when they are on the field, but what does that word really mean and is it a trait that is teachable?The word “compete” gets tossed around a lot this time of year, especially when we see our team have that mid-season lull or letdown.  To compete is another one of those nebulous concepts that we think we understand, and worse, a word we think our players understand.  I have seen only a handful of kids who I thought came out every day and competed…See More
Apr 11
0 Comments
Chris Smith posted a blog post

How do you handle the inning from hell? When nothing is working and you can’t get off the field where does the relief come from?

How do you handle the inning from hell?  When nothing is working and you can’t get off the field where does the relief come from?We’ve all been there, either as the team that can do no wrong or the team that can’t catch a break.  That inning that goes on and on and no matter what you seem to do it just isn’t the answer.  Three outs start to look like an impossibility, and the gaps between fielders seems vast and ridiculous to cover.  One of those innings where the ball just will not find a…See More
Apr 4
0 Comments
Chris Smith posted a blog post

I have been posting questions about coaching and player growth and development lately. I strongly believe in the power and value of sports to change, mold, and form strong character.

I have been posting questions about coaching and player growth and development lately.  I strongly believe in the power and value of sports to change, mold, and form strong character.               My book Gods, Gloves, Pop-ups, and Ponies explores how the game of baseball can create young men of character and responsibility when they allow the game to speak to them.  Here is a review of the book from Janis Meredith of JBM thinks. …See More
Mar 23
0 Comments
Chris Smith posted a blog post

Baseball is a game of strong emotions and constant frustration. How we react to the games upheavals has a huge impact on our team, the outcome, and how we feel afterwards.

Baseball is a game of strong emotions and constant frustration.  How we react to the games upheavals has a huge impact on our team, the outcome, and how we feel afterwards.We teach in our program to suppress your negative displays of emotions when on the field so as not to give away power to the opposition.  When a pitcher stomps around, begs for strikes, and lets a hit or error get to him, he is giving his power to the other team.  When a batter groans, shakes his head, and pouts at the plate…See More
Mar 21
0 Comments
Ted Browne commented on Chris Smith's blog post We want commitment from our players but what does that really mean?
"Science and shrinks (my wife) tell us that while people are inherently born with personality traits that may predispose one to being "committed" in certain areas of their life, habits that lead to a committed ballplayer are formed by…"
Mar 15
Jon Freeman commented on Chris Smith's blog post We want commitment from our players but what does that really mean?
"Bill, I believe we're all born with commitment; meaning that it is inherent in ALL of us, but needs to be drawn out to some degree, whether the need be minimal, or great. Commitment to succeeding in any and all aspects of life is learned (IMO)…"
Mar 14
Bill Stanton commented on Chris Smith's blog post We want commitment from our players but what does that really mean?
"Is commitment taught?  Is it something a person is born with?"
Mar 14

Profile Information

Bats:
Right
Throws:
Right
Height:
6' 1"
Weight:
165
Position(s):
SS
Type of hitter... Power? Average? Slap? Pull?
Average with some power.
I currently:
Play Baseball, Coach Baseball, Enjoy watching games, Am a Baseball Author
Baseball Playing Experience:
Little League, Babe Ruth, Cal Ripken, High School, American Legion, College, 30+, 40+
Baseball Coaching Experience:
High School, 30+, 40+
Softball Playing Experience:
None
Who is your favorite hitter and why?
My favorite hitter is the kid that I am working with and that has success through the work we both put in.
Who is your favorite pitcher and why?
See above, but especially a kid who throws strikes and is not afraid to challenge hitters and responds well in adverse conditions.
More About Me:
I have been playing baseball for the last 40 years or so. I started in junior league and played up into college at Stetson University where I got hurt my freshman year. I have played Men's baseball in the Denver area for the past 19 years and I am also the Sophomore baseball coach at Fairview High School in Boulder, CO.

I have just released the book: Gods, Gloves, Pop-ups and Ponies: a look at the character found playing youth baseball.

This is a work which deals with the the value of playing sports and the the lessons to be had. Two stories, one about my 1975 Pony League team and one about a season coaching high school baseball, illuminate just how valuable sports can be in the developement of a young man's life. Available at popupsandponies.storenvy.com or contact me at: co74mts@aol.com
Website:
http://popupsandponies.storenvy.com

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Chris Smith's Blog

Great fielders are great artists. What does it takes to create great artwork?

Posted on May 16, 2013 at 10:30am 0 Comments

Great fielders are great artists.  What does it takes to create great artwork?

The other day I was working with some of my better fielders in an informal practice before the start of the summer season.  We were working on fielding and I spoke to them about the “art” of fielding.  To me being a great fielder is an art form, and in order to be an artist of the diamond you have to accept this premise.  Elevate your game and reach to achieve artistry on the field.  The great defensive…

Continue

With the spring season coming to a close be sure to honestly evaluate your players…and to let them know.

Posted on May 9, 2013 at 11:27am 0 Comments

With the spring season coming to a close be sure to honestly evaluate your players…and to let them know.

The spring season is wrapping up and at this point you should know your players pretty well.  You and your players have gone through a season experience together, you have grown together, and soon they will either move on or all will be reset for a new season of summer ball.  Now is the time to sit down with each player and have a conversation about how the season has gone and to…

Continue

The richest players are the ones who have learned from their mistakes on the field…help them be golden.

Posted on May 2, 2013 at 11:13am 0 Comments

The richest players are the ones who have learned from their mistakes on the field…help them be golden.

At this stage of the season it usually becomes apparent that the deeper aspects of the game of baseball are sometimes lost on today’s players.  Every year kid’s show up to teams fairly proficient in the mechanical skills associated with the game.  Many players today have access to private coaching, indoor facilities, and training aids that propel them forward in their ability to…

Continue

Baseball joy…hard to come by, hard to live without… once you get a taste. Excerpt from the book, Gods, Gloves, Pop-ups, and Ponies by Chris Smith

Posted on April 25, 2013 at 10:11am 0 Comments

Baseball joy…hard to come by, hard to live without… once you get a taste.  Excerpt from the book, Gods, Gloves, Pop-ups, and Ponies by Chris Smith

    

     Through sport we can free ourselves of the feeling of being trapped inside looking out.  Baseball, the game, being a part of a team, all these things help us get away from the oppressive work of thinking about ourselves ad nauseaum.  I think of all the times I have greeted a player as he came running off the field after…

Continue

Comment Wall (3 comments)

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At 1:44pm on September 11, 2012, Larry Cicchiello said…

Hi Coach Chris. Thanks for the compliments and I'm quite sure you DO have something to offer here. Jump right in there! Nobody knows it all although some may think they do, 

At 9:40am on September 11, 2012, Bill Stanton said…

Chris-  Thanks for joining us at CheckSwing! I am the Founder of this baseball community and excited to have you with us. Have a great time making new connections and talking baseball. Please invite any players and coaches that you know to join us as well. Enjoy!

Good Luck with the book!

At 7:33am on September 11, 2012, Larry Cicchiello said…

Hi Coach Chris and welcome to Check Swing. I think you'll enjoy this baseball community as it's all about talking baseball and helping each other. If you ever want to talk hitting, pitching, coaching or umpiring feel free to contact me (with NO sales pitches from me.) You can read some of the articles I’ve written on hitting and pitching by doing a “Google” search, using my name. I’ll gladly share them for free for any website, including LL, newsletter, blog, etc if you contact me. Take care! P.S. I love who your favorite hitter is, that's awesome.

 
 
 

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