If any one is interested in playing 19th century base ball in the central Ct area then please contact me. We will have a few teams play in Old Wethersfield Ct this year and enjoy the town and its deep history as we play the game as it was meant to be played. For baseball lovers they will see how base ball started and grew through history.

what you need to play ? Bare hands, Big Bats and guts!

PS: there is alos a 19th century base ball conference coming up at…

What Makes A Nightmare Sports Parent -- And What Makes A Great One

People always wonder what is a five-tool player. Well, this morning I will tell you. It is very simple and keep it in this order.

1)  Hitting Ability - How well does the player hit?

2)  Power - Tower Pwr?, warning track pwr,?

3)  Running Speed - Deion Sanders?/Scott Rolen?

4)  Arm Strength - Raw arm strength?

                           How much carry is on the ball. How hard is it?

5)  Fielding - Smooth fielder?, stabber?, No…

So what makes a hitter great? Are they born with a bat in their hands or is it the time they put in to the art of hitting? Great hitters are the ones that listen to their batting coach and work on the things they give them all week long. They’re the ones that don’t need a coach to call practice to make sure they get their tee work in. Great hitters are the ones that seem to drift away from the others when they get to the field but yet what they are really doing is focusing on their game…

Often a left-handed pitcher will have a higher leg kick when going home then when coming to first. This can enable you to get a great jump as you can actually start stealing as the leg moves up past the point where he normally would make a move to first. When using this as a key, make sure you don't anticipate what he will do. You will get a good jump if you simply wait for the leg to get past the position and then move.

Regards,

Chaz…

Look for the tight rotation on the baseball. As a curveball is coming toward you, it looks distinctly different from a fastball or change-up. There is a tight spin on the ball as it leaves the pitcher's hand. The best way to differentiate this spin is to face the pitch. Have your friends throw you curveballs or set the pitching machine in a batting cage to throw them. Once you recognize the tight spin, you'll be ready to face it in a game.

Stay back with your hands and feet.…

Hi everyone - I'm a professional ballplayer and last off-season I began writing a blog called Minor League University. I realize so few people get to experience what a life in baseball is really like, so I set out to share my stories and give fans of the game an all-access pass into the world of minor league baseball. I discuss all aspects of MiLB life, as well as offering commentary on all things baseball.

I'm new to CheckSwing but I know everyone here loves the game of…

I’m looking forward to what a great 2012 this will be.

I spent a few hours in January watching videos from NYSCA, the National Youth Sports Coaches Association and attended a first aid class.

My preseason training has begun

Hey everyone so as some of you know I'm trying to get a job as a bullpen catcher in the big leagues. I just started writing a blog of my journey to the big leagues. So check it out and leave some comments and let me know what you think. If you can also pass it along to others as I feel others will really enjoy it too. I will be writing me soon. The link iswww.bpcatchergener.com Thanks

Awesome new program at the Yorkville Baseball Academy on East 106th and 1st Ave.  Five separate dates in Feb and March with representatives from youth baseball, high-chool baseball, college baseball, pro baseball, and the Positive Coaching Alliance.  The Lecture Series will cover everything from Little League to the Big Leagues.  The information that will be shared is invaluable to any serious player or coach in the area.

Just click the link to see the full program description, dates…

Separating myth from truth about how baseball players get drafted.

Lately I have been looking around at different websites and a surprising question that has come up multiple times is "how do I get drafted."

With this question being thrown around on the web by inquisitive college and high school players, I have seen many interesting answers that are not helpful to anyone that wants to play professional baseball.  It also looks like the people that are answering…

Greeting All,

These questions directed to coaches. However, players, parents, administrator and instructors feel free to weigh in1. To what extent have you experienced players having difficulty remaining focused in practices, team meetings and games?

2. In general, has there been a change in the level of attention span of players year by year?

3. If yes to # 2, how much?

4. Do you have more players who have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit…

High school games around the state crank up very soon and another championship season is upon us. Excitement is in the air as players and coaches set their sights on district and state titles. There is a sense of pride everyday as you put your school’s colors on. But there is an unseen element in the air that is more powerful than a Roger Clemens fastball or a Barry Bonds line drive. Pressure. The Showcase Era of high school baseball is breeding some exceptional athletes. But it is also…

 I love and appreciate great coaches in all sports and at all levels. I love to make notes of coaches who think outside the box and take chances. I remember years ago the baseball manager Billy Martin put a game under protest because the pitcher took one extra pitch to warm-up between innings. He was probably the only one in the ballpark who was counting. I remember when they first put in the rule in major league baseball about pitchers going to their mouth in a game the pitch would be…

Question: I have a 5 year old grandson that I started teaching 2 years ago.  I started out teaching him to hit, and started him on his right.  In the beginning, I tried to encourage him to throw with his right hand, but he appears to have a more fluid motion throwing left-handed.  Should I start him hitting on his left, or just leave him alone?

To properly address this I would need to know what constitutes a "hard throwing" session but in general elbow soreness after what most of us would consider a normal training session is most likely indicative of some type of medical issue. Could be tendon or ligament related maybe even nerve related. Any one of which, if not treated and dealt with, can ultimately require surgery to repair.

Many coaches simply have not received a detailed enough amount of training to be able to…

Some youth players 14U up to 18U have frequent elbow soreness after throwing sessions.  Is this similar to muscle  soreness after lifting weights. Should there always be concern of an injury or medial epicondolytis.  The soreness usually subsides after an hour or two.  Is is important enough for a visit to the doctor?

Are there any MSBL/MABL tournaments going to be played this year?

I have a brother-in-law from England that argues cricket is superior to baseball, carrying on about cricket’s long history, its prestige, and how it’s the 2^nd most popular sport in the world.  Well, here is my official argument to him and the rest of the world. Yeah, cricket’s been around a long time and is very well-known around the globe, but the same could be said about a toilet.  …