Coaching Management 13.2

Coaching Management VOL. XIII, NO. 2

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Coaching Management Baseball Edition Preseason 2005

CONTENTS

Vol. XIII, No. 2

2 LOCKER ROOM

Bulletin Board

29

COVER STORY

2

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NCAA Division I start-date plan slowed ... Serving the game to disadvantaged youth ... Clearer high school balk rules ... Putting home games on the Web ...

Helping college umpires manage contests ... Keeping track of bad sports.

Q&A

24

11

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A national championship was a long time coming for Delta State’s Mike Kinnison.

Need a Boost? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 A great booster club can mean better facilities, newer equipment, and more opportunities for your team. Take this advice from coaches who have made booster clubs work for their programs.

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

Private Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 By structuring individualized practices to fit athletes’ needs, Princeton Head Coach Scott Bradley allows them to succeed on the field and in the classroom.

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING Nets & Cages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Infield Mixes & Soil Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Baseball Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Team Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Practice Aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 More Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Publisher Mark Goldberg Art Director Pamela Crawford Art Assistant Dina Stander Business Manager Pennie Small Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel Associate Editor Dennis Read Assistant Editors R.J. Anderson Kenny Berkowitz Abigail Funk David Hill Greg Scholand Laura Smith Administrative Assistant Sharon Barbell

Cover photo: Richard Carson

A Consistent Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 A well-planned strength and conditioning program has helped the Ithaca College baseball team be a perennial winner in the NCAA Division III ranks.

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The Coaching Management baseball edition is published in February, September, and December by MAG, Inc. and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and Canada. Copyright © 2005 by MAG, Inc. All rights reserved. Text may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without the permission of the publisher. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Coaching Management is printed by Banta Publications Group, Kansas City, MO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, N.Y. 14852.

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

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bulletin board USA Baseball Counts Pitches Concerns over long-term injury from overuse have prompted USA Baseball to release a set of recommendations on how to safely utilize developing arms. The document includes

from other positions. The recommendations also note that pitchers in this age group should go at least three months of the year without playing baseball or engaging in other stressful overhead activities, including softball, competitive swimming, and football (for

ous arm injuries from overuse are on the rise among young pitchers. Dr. Frank Jobe, inventor of the Tommy John elbow surgery, also expressed his opinion in a USA Baseball statement, saying that overuse, inadequate conditioning, and poor biomechanics were responsible for many injuries to youth and high school-age pitchers.

The recommendations caution that pitchers should not throw curveballs, sliders, or other breaking pitches competitively until the age of 13-15 (depending on physical development), when the bones in the arm have matured. Also, to control pitch volume, pitchers should not play for multiple teams during the same season.

Pitching practice after pitched games is strongly discouraged, as is returning to pitch in a game where a player has already left the mound.

USA Baseball responded to a study that found pitch volume to be a factor in injuries to young pitchers by releasing a set of pitch-count guidelines. Above, Central Connecticut State Assistant Coach Jim Ziogas takes Mark Peterson out of a 2004 NCAA regional game. a series of pitch count limits covering pitchers from ages nine to 18, as well as warnings about preventable circumstances that can lead to overuse injuries.

Drs. Barry Goldberg and Frederick Mueller of the USA Baseball Medical & Safety Advisory Committee conducted a preliminary study in early 2004 and found inadequate rehabilitation after injuries and a lack of formal conditioning, as well as pitch volume and type, to be factors that increase injury risk. They also found that seri-

Regarding the pitch count recommendations, Bennett says they can be valuable for coaches, but that total pitches thrown is only one factor in determining how best to use pitchers. “The physical condition and strength of a player, whether he plays another position on his days off from pitching, his accuracy, how rested he is, and the weather condi-

More information on overuse injuries among young pitchers is available from USA Baseball on the Web at: http://www.usabaseball.com/med_position_statement.html.

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D-I Start Date Still In Debate A proposed plan to change the start and length of the NCAA Division I baseball season appears to be a minimum of two seasons away, possibly three. Unanimously approved by the Championships/Competition Cabinet in September, the proposal sits before the Management Council, which was slated to make a decision this past November but decided to hold off addressing the issue until the 200506 legislative cycle. As a result, a decision can’t be finalized until April 2006.

The four-part proposal features a Feb. 1 uniform start date for spring practices and a March 1 start date for competition, pushes back the College World Series one week along with regionals and superregionals, and provides a 45day window in October and November for fall practices. If approved in 2006, some coaches worry that it would leave little time to readjust their 2007 schedules.

“The current proposal has an implementation date of the 2007 season, but we’re surveying programs around the country right now to see if that is feasible,” says Dennis Farrell, Commissioner of the Big West Conference and Chair of the NCAA Baseball Issues Committee. “There is a possibility that we’ll have to wait until 2008 to implement anything.”

AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS

For high school-age pitchers, the recommended limits are 100 pitches per game; 150 pitches per week; 1,500 pitches per season; and 3,500 pitches per year. Those figures do not include pitches thrown during drills or practice, or throws

quarterbacks), to allow the body adequate rest and recovery time.

“I think part of the reason for these guidelines is the problem we see with youth leagues and travel leagues, where there really should be stricter restraints,” says Jon Bennett, Head Coach at Granville (Ohio) High School and President of the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association. “Sometimes as early as age 10 all the way through high school, they’re playing 60 games in 40 days during the summer, and that’s often where a pitcher is throwing too much.”

tions all play into how much a kid should be throwing,” Bennett explains. “And for season and yearly totals, you have to consider how many games are involved. Some states are playing a maximum of 20 games in the high school season, while others are playing 40. The counts can be useful as a guide, but you should look at everything.”

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bulletin board Because it is a four-part package, it is hard for every coach to agree on every part of the proposal. But the Baseball Issues Committee is adamant about keeping the proposal intact, saying that they won’t consider altering any individual components of the overall plan.

with examining competitive equity, which has been a longstanding bone of contention between warm-weather and cold-climate schools.

“We drew up a proposal that we thought would have the best chance to pass, taking into consideration the factors of

Arizona’s John Hardy steals as Arkansas’ Brett Hagedorn takes the throw in the 2004 College World Series. An NCAA proposal for a uniform Division I start date would delay the CWS one week.

The proposal was drawn up by the Baseball Issues Committee, which includes three institutional administrators, a coach from the Division I Baseball Committee, two administrators representing the Championships/Competition Cabinet, and four conference commissioners, and is charged

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

economic, academic, and competitive equity,” says Bob Todd, Head Coach at The Ohio State University and the only coach on the committee.

“Eighty percent of the schools eligible for the NCAA tournament are affected by cold weather and don’t really have a clear opportunity to compete.

To move the College World Series back would be advantageous to nearly every school.

Reports of the death of baseball among young people in urban areas have been greatly exaggerated. Since starting in Los Angeles in 1989, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) has spread to 185 cities around the country, and is bringing baseball and softball to more than 100,000 boys and girls each year. Run by Major League Baseball in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, RBI has expanded its focus to create rural and suburban leagues, along with bringing programs to military bases and Indian reservations.

“We’re looking to increase minority participation at all levels of the game, both on and off the field,” says Tom Brasuell, Vice President of Community Affairs for MLB. “Kids who want to play baseball and softball can’t always purchase the equipment they need. So we provide that funding, along with an educational component that includes both academics and life skills.”

Start-up leagues qualify for a $5,000 grant from MLB, which spends over $1 million on the program each year to start programs and expand existing

ones. Along with providing opportunities to play baseball, the program hosts an annual RBI World Series, with championships for junior boys (13-15 years old), senior boys (16-18 years old), and girls’ softball (15-18 years old). RBI also offers classes in college and job preparation, time management, life skills, drug/alcohol/tobacco education, and HIV/AIDS prevention.

The leagues typically operate from May through August, though some chapters have developed additional programs that run year-round. Harlem RBI, one of the oldest and most successful leagues, currently serves 450 boys and girls, starting with a summer T-ball program for seven- and eight-year-olds and a summer baseball and literacy camp for nine- to 12-year-olds. Their year-round program serves 13- to 18-year-olds, with baseball and softball teams for each age group.

NCAA recruiting guidelines make it difficult for college coaches to become regularly involved with a particular RBI program, and though most RBI leagues would welcome high school coaches, the positions are generally unpaid. But Berlin encourages coaches at every level to help start RBI leagues in new cities and towns and

“Would the advantage remain with the warm-weather schools?” continues Todd. “Absolutely, but we have to show people around the country that we are trying to equalize the competitiveness of the sport.”

For more information, see: www.ncaa.org and search “baseball start date.”

Former Major Leaguer John Young presents the 2004 Junior RBI trophy. Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities Program welcomes input from scholastic coaches.

AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS(TOP); MARK CUNNINGHAM (BOTTOM)

The most controversial part addresses the College World Series, which the committee originally wanted to delay two weeks, but settled on moving back one week. “If you moved it too late in the summer it was going to have a number of ramifications, including concerns about extended student-housing,” says Farrell. “If you didn’t move it at all, it would have compacted the season, which would have a lot of negative ramifications for scheduling and overall timing.”

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bulletin board work with area Boys and Girls Clubs to create mentoring relationships with local RBI coaches—volunteers who may lack extensive experience teaching a sport.

“We’d like college coaches to know that there are resources for players in inner cities, and that there are plenty of kids capable of excelling at the collegiate level,” says Rich Berlin, Executive Director of Harlem RBI, whose league plans to open a new baseball field this summer. “We’d like high school coaches to know that we consider ourselves partners with them. Our job is to develop young people.”

For more information on Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, go to www.mlb.com and click on “MLB in the Community.”

NFHS Addresses Balks, Facemasks Starting with the upcoming high school season, there will be new rules governing balks, faceguards, and coaches’ uniforms.

“These are all good rules,” says Greg Brewer, Chairman of the NFHS Rules Committee, “but the balk rule is the one that will affect the game the most.”

“In changing the rule, the committee wanted to put high school rules in line with college and professional baseball,” says Brewer, who is also the Assis-

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The committee also responded to the creation of a new NOCSAE standard for baseball batting helmets equipped with faceguards or facemasks. Now, athletes who wear faceguards on their helmets must choose guards that meet the NOCSAE standard. “It’s a safety issue as well as a liability issue,” says Brewer. “If an injury occurs due to the wearing of an improper faceguard, it could lead to a lawsuit.”

Though the committee discussed the possibility of faceguards becoming standard equipment for all baseball players, as they will be next season for softball players, there was little expectation that faceguards will become widely used on the baseball diamond. Brewer knows of no high school teams that use them consistently, and Eliot Hopkins, NFHS Assistant Director and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee, has rarely seen them used, and then mostly in cases where athletes are trying to protect existing injuries.

“It’s been an unwritten rule that faceguards aren’t popular, and that it’s not cool to wear them,” says Hopkins.

“We’re trying to change that, and we want baseball culture to give athletes the permission to use these faceguards. The members of the committee have given young people the okay to use faceguards for that added level of security.

“If an athlete wants to wear a faceguard, coaches should encourage him,” continues Hopkins. “This is one more way

Under NFHS rules for 2005, umpires will receive more detailed directives in watching for balks while pitchers attempt to hold runners on base. The rules more closely match those of pro ball. for coaches to help young people participate. If we can help a young person feel more comfortable at the plate, and if we can keep him participating in the game, we all win.”

In another change, the committee ruled that while coaches are allowed to wear street clothes in the dugout, if they enter the field of play, they must wear their team uniform.

The only exception is when a coach needs to go on the field to check an injured athlete. “Previously, wearing uniforms was only mandatory in the coaching boxes,” says Brewer, “but now it applies to any time the coach leaves the dugout. This new rule is a gesture toward the integrity For more information about the 2005 rules changes, see: www.nfhs.org.

of the game and the tradition of professionalism among the participants.”

Streaming Out of Samford This season, fans of Samford University’s baseball team can see every ball and strike of the team’s home games, even if they can’t make the trip to Birmingham, Ala. to attend the contests. All of the team’s home games, as well as most football, women’s soccer, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball home games, are available via the Internet on a pay-per-view basis. It adds up to one of the most extensive webcast offerings in college sports.

The benefits of offering sporting events over the Web are manifold, according to Justin

RICHARD ORR PHOTOGRAPHY

The committee has repeatedly discussed balks over the last four years, and under the new rule, a pitcher trying to hold a runner on base may turn his shoulders toward a base only if he is in the set position with his foot on the pitching rubber.

Turning his shoulders during the windup, after bringing his hands together, or after the stretch will now be called a balk.

tant Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. “This way, coaches at the high school level will be able to teach the same rules as their peers in summer leagues, colleges, and pro baseball.

And high school athletes will not have to learn one rule to play at our level and a different rule to play at other levels.”

Firesheets, Director of Broadcast Operations at Samford.

“Our coaches have found that one of the biggest benefits is in recruiting,” he says.

“Let’s say we’ve got a kid from Colorado who might want to play here, but he’s not sure it’s the right choice because it’s 800 miles from home—this might help seal the deal for him because mom and dad know that they can still watch him play. Maybe having that expanded recruiting appeal helps push the program to another level. We’ve seen this help bring kids in for several sports.”

“Samford has a lot of bigger Conference USA and Southeastern Conference schools nearby, and doing webcasts put us on a more level playing field with them in terms of letting friends and family

of the players follow the team,” says Tim Parenton, former Head Baseball Coach at Samford and now an Assistant Coach at the University of Florida. “Our kids really liked it because it gave them a little bit of the exposure you’d expect at bigger schools.”

Prospects can check out a home event before they make a campus visit. Samford coaches can tell interested high school athletes to go online and watch their Bulldog team compete, and while not the same as being there in person, it can be a valuable foot in the door for the program. “A player can see what our atmosphere is like, plus they see that we give exposure and publicity to our teams,” Firesheets says.

Viewers pay between $6 and $10 per event, and special rates are available for individual

team or all-sport season passes. And while parents and friends of Samford athletes make up most of the audience, the athletic department reaches out to opposing teams’ fans as well. At the start of the season, opponents receive information to distribute in press releases and among players, and Firesheets says the service is especially popular with fans of teams from long distances away.

The behind-the-scenes work involved in webcasting is minimal once the initial set-up is complete. No production room is needed because there is typically only one camera, and play-by-play audio is provided

by Firesheets or by feeding in the local radio broadcast when available. Samford partners with Maxvu Sports Broadcasting Network to stream the

broadcasts over the Web, and Maxvu receives a share of the revenue collected from viewers. The athletic department’s only regular expense is what it pays the student workers who set up and run the camera.

Firesheets finds that players and coaches aren’t the only ones enthused about the opportunity for exposure via this new medium—it’s appealing to advertisers, too. “We’ve noticed a lot of the companies want to be involved just because it’s something new and different,” he says. “They are not going to reach thousands of people, but they like being able to say they’re part of helping this new medium become mainstream. And our athletic department feels the same way—we’re really proud to be on the leading edge of this new technology.”

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bulletin board NCAA Promotes Game Manager A game administrator to help umpires with off-field matters, and a specification regarding ejected players and coaches are among changes to NCAA baseball rules for 2005. But throwing out the head coach when a player violates the tobacco-use ban is not.

The committee also changed its ejection policy to state that the ejected person must leave “sight and sound” of the contest. The committee was briefed on situations where ejected coaches still coached after leaving the field or dugout. The committee declined to provide illustrating examples, thinking the policy was clear enough, though Ty Halpin, NCAA staff liaison to the committee, says in many cases being out of “sight and sound” may mean going to the locker room, team bus, or somewhere clearly away from play.

One idea the Rules Committee raised as a point of emphasis for 2005 didn’t become a rules change. The committee proposed ejections for head coaches if one of their players

Texas Head Coach Augie Garrido talks over a call with an umpire during the 2004 College World Series. In 2005, umpires will have game administrators to help them. violates the NCAA ban on tobacco use during a contest, but the NCAA Rules Oversight Panel, recently created to better coordinate playing rules, objected to the change. Some panel members had concerns over how fair and enforceable the change would be, according to Halpin.

Circle No. 104

The major on-field rule addressed for 2005 concerned the force-play slide rule. The Rules Committee added a diagram to more clearly explain the rule, which differs from that in professional baseball in that runners must slide in a straight line toward the base and not interfere with the infielder.

JAMIE SCHWABEROW/NCAA PHOTOS

The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee added Rule 3-10, which recommends home teams designate a game administrator who is to make himself or herself known to the umpires and visiting coach before the game begins. The administrator is then to assist with crowd control, weather decisions, ejections, and similar issues. The host school is also asked to provide umpires with a dressing room and

security before, during, and after the game.

In other changes, the committee: ■ Clarified what happens when a base coach assists a runner on a home run. Only the assisted runner will be called out. Other runners are allowed to score.

■ Prohibited logos or insignias not related to college baseball on umpires’ uniforms, an issue mostly confined to early-season non-NCAA tournaments.

More information on playing rules is at: www.ncaa.org/news/ 2004/20040830/awide/ 4118n11.html.

Keeping Score on Sportsmanship How does your team stack up against other teams in your conference on sportsmanship?

Teams in Division III can now answer that question based on numerical data, thanks to an initiative by the Empire 8, a league in New York state.

Three years ago, the Empire 8 coined a special term—conduct fouls—for infractions involving unsportsmanlike or unethical behavior by players or coaches, and began requiring its member institutions to report them to the conference office.

Last year, Empire 8 Commissioner Chuck Mitrano received a grant from the NCAA to bring the program to all of Division III. D-III institutions were not required to participate, but 80 percent did so voluntarily. This year, the program is being piloted among select Division I and II schools, with the hope that it will eventually be made available to all three NCAA divisions.

The program’s primary objective, according to Mitrano, is to reduce unsportsmanlike behavior simply by putting a spotlight on it. “We believe

that making people aware of unsportsmanlike behavior will change it,” he says.

For coaches, the program provides a way to raise the sportsmanship issue with players in a concrete, definable way. However, since the program tabulates bad behavior by coaches as well as athletes, some coaches feared that they would no longer be able to question an official’s call without risking a conduct foul. But most Division III coaches have found those fears to be groundless and now embrace the program, according to Mitrano.

“In the heat of a contest,” he says, “a coach may not realize a student-athlete has received a conduct foul, but with this program, a coach can see when a student-athlete is trending toward a sportsmanship problem. That allows the coach to open a dialogue with a player.”

Don Guido, Head Baseball Coach at Empire 8 member Utica College, sees the initiative as a much-needed effort.

“In my own program,” he says, “I’ve had two ejections in the past two years—two incidents where players just lost their heads. Individual programs can educate their athletes on how to conduct themselves on the field—and we do—but getting them to follow through with that every single time in the heat of a game is a tough challenge.

“Having a conference- and division-wide program has helped,” Guido continues.

“When the whole league is doing it, it’s much easier to enforce. It allows our players to see that it’s not just Utica College, but it’s everywhere, and it’s not just a side note.

It’s a main emphasis.”

Keeping track taps athletes’ and coaches’ desire to be the best. “Allowing institutions to see where they rank has motivated schools to work harder

to come out better in the rankings the next year,” Mitrano says.

“And having data will give us a baseline and allow us to measure whether steps we are taking to improve sportsmanship are actually working.”

Woody Gibson, Head Athletic Director at High Point University and Chair of the NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct, agrees.

“When we talk about sportsmanship issues with conferences, we’re often asked, ‘What evidence do you have that The Empire 8 conference developed a syssportsmanship is tem of tracking unsportsmanlike penalties a problem?’ Gibamong its teams. Above, Utica College son says. “This pitcher Justin Richards delivers during a program is the 2004 Empire 8 game. beginning of producing annual The new system appears to be data that conferences and working. Compared to 2002institutions can look at to 03, when schools reported examine the trend. Institutions annually, Empire 8 schools in can see how they compare to 2003-04 reduced yellow and other institutions or to their red cards in men’s and womown figures from a year ago, en’s soccer by 20 percent, rather than speculating on technical fouls in women’s what’s happening.” basketball by 50 percent, and technical fouls in men’s basFollowing a change for 2003-04, ketball by 35 percent while Mitrano hopes the program will eliminating all ejections. help schools deal with sportsmanship problems continually, The program also works not just at the end of each because it makes programs year. Schools now report conmore accountable to their duct fouls to their league administration, Mitrano says. office within three business An institution’s report is availdays, rather than once each able to its athletic director and year. “Now that we’re doing president, and if a conduct foul it in real time, schools can occurs, the athletic director notice trends with individual signs off on the form before it student-athletes or teams,” goes to the conference office.

Mitrano says. “If a student“Athletic directors often are athlete has a significant numnot aware of how frequently ber of conduct fouls, the coach unsportsmanlike behavior may can see that he needs to be taking place,” Mitrano says. intervene.”

COACHING MANAGEMENT

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Mike Kinnison Delta State University

When the Delta State University Statesmen won the school’s first ever NCAA Division II baseball championship in 2004, victory had been a long time coming for the program and Head Coach Mike Kinnison. He had been to the College World Series twice as a player for DSU in the 1970s, twice more as an assistant coach for the team during the 1994 and 1996 seasons, and several times as a head coach. But he had never finished on top.

This year’s championship capped a 54-11 season in which the CM: In your third game at the 2004 College World Series, your team blew a five-run lead in the seventh inning and dropped into the losers’ bracket.

That could have been devastating, but you came back to win it all. How did you talk to your team after the loss?

Kinnison: I harbor no illusion that I’ve got magic words that can instantly motivate and restore a team. My approach all year long was just very realistic. I told them, ‘The team that just took that game from us is the same team we’ve got to go out and play tomorrow. If we’re going to get to the finals, we’ve got to beat them, and every person on this club is individually responsible for getting ready to do that.’

You’d been to the College World Series twice as a player, twice as an assistant, and several times as a head coach. How sweet was it to finally overcome that last hurdle?

For all coaches who win a national championship, it’s an accomplishment that, after everything is over and you have some time to reflect, you feel great about—that sense of having gotten the job done. But much more important for me was what we had accomplished for the program. I thought about the guys I played with as a student here, and how those teams fell short, and I thought about all the good ballclubs we had taken to the World Series in the last few years, and how committed those players were.

So the greatest sense of satisfaction for me was knowing that we had done it and now all those people could share in the success. I called it a program win. That

Statesmen collected their third South Central regional crown in four years, their second consecutive Gulf South Conference championship, and their eleventh consecutive GSC West Division title.

Kinnison was honored as the 2004 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II Coach of the Year and the South Central Region Coach of the Year—an award he’s won in three of the past four seasons. Since taking over as Delta State’s head coach in 1997, his overall record of 370-96 (.791 winning pct.) is the best in the GSC. When he’s not coaching, he is also a math instructor at the university.

In this interview, Kinnison talks about maintaining and improving a successful program, what he looks for in players, and the state of D-II baseball.

meant so much more to me than what I had done as a head coach.

you’re at such a high level of competition.

The confidence factor is tremendous.

What did you learn from your experiences playing for Delta State in the CWS? All eight teams in the World Series are going to be very good, and it’s the team that plays the best during that short period that wins. I’ve also learned, as I’ve looked at our team and the teams that have beaten us, how a mental edge and the ability to focus are so important when

How do you communicate those lessons to your teams today?

It’s an every day process. Of course, World Series competition is different from a non-conference mid-week game, but I tell them it shouldn’t be that much different. It’s about learning to deal with pressure, performing under pressure, and getting in a comfort zone where you’re in control of what you’re doing. I look at

ABCA NCAA Division II Player of the Year Jud Thigpen (above) helped lead Mike Kinnison’s Delta State University Statesmen to the 2004 national title.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

11

our 2004 championship club, and the trait that stands out the most is a tremendous amount of poise. That came from the players having confidence in their abilities and knowing what they could do.

When you received the 2004 championship trophy, you went into the stands and handed it to David “Boo” Ferriss, who coached at DSU for 26 years.

What do the players get out of having someone like that still involved with the program?

wasn’t all about the walk-off home run or grabbing individual headlines. It was a team game, and the spirit and the values of the game were great, and they played just because they loved baseball. Our players love hearing about that.

How do you approach recruiting, knowing that most top high school prospects overlook D-II programs?

I understand that as a D-II coach, I’m going to be told ‘no’ a lot more than ‘yes,’ and I’ve learned not to let that dull my enthu-

“Sometimes I think the players we see today ... don’t have that burning desire to be the best. That’s a real separation point for me in recruiting. If they don’t have that, I’m not sure I can instill it while they’re in my program.”

He played in the 1940s, with players like Williams and DiMaggio. It’s priceless to be able to connect with someone who can share the history of the game and help you appreciate it. When he played, when he pitched in the World Series, it

siasm for recruiting. With so many pro baseball teams now doing extensive scouting, and D-I programs with the facilities and revenue that they have, it’s very hard to get cream-of-the-crop freshmen, regardless of your team’s tradition and

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how much you win. So I look at ours as more of a developmental program. Some of our high school players do play early on, but most often it’s a maturing process, a weaving into the mix, that pays dividends down the road. We need the right blend— filling immediate holes with talented junior college players, and balancing that with high school players who are with us for the long haul. I always want my senior class to have some guys who have been with the program for four or five years.

They’re the ones who get to know me the best, know the values of the program the best, and emerge as the best leaders.

But I feel like NCAA competition and our college athletics atmosphere are real selling points for us over junior colleges. And if a young man turns us down to go to a junior college program, we respect that decision and keep the door open to rerecruit him two years later.

What is the most important attribute that you look for in recruits?

We’re kidding ourselves as coaches if we don’t say that talent is the most important thing. We’re always after that guy who can do the things you can’t teach. But I

Q A look deeper for that guy we call “the ballplayer.” He’s got a certain degree of athleticism, talent, and skills, but he also has that competitiveness, a passion for the game, and the ability to be coached.

I’m not going to take a player on talent alone—I want the complete makeup that will allow him to maximize that talent.

field, the classroom will expose you very quickly if you aren’t prepared.

What do you see as the biggest problems in D-II baseball right now?

We have only 32 teams in eight fourteam regionals, and no teams are allowed to compete out-of-region. Division I has 64 teams, with some being sent to out-of-region in super regionals.

In D-11, many players go unrewarded for quality seasons.

Sometimes I think the players we see today put limitations on themselves, or see themselves as having a ceiling. There are things they do well, but they don’t have that burning desire to be the best.

That’s a real separation point for me in recruiting. If they don’t have that, I’m not sure I can instill it while they’re in my program.

Another issue is scholarship limitations. It’s very hard to build a program with depth when you only have nine scholarships.

Even with the maximum allotment, we’re recruiting every year with something like three scholarships and that’s very hard to do. I think we need to continue to open more doors to student-athletes that allow them to get non-athletic aid.

Does being a math instructor ever influence your coaching?

Working in the classroom definitely helps me coach. To be a math teacher, you have to be very organized and have a plan every day. You’ve got a certain amount of time to teach and you don’t want to waste any of it, and it’s the same thing at practice. Before I go on the field, I know exactly what I want to do and how I want to get it done. Just like the practice

I’m also concerned about the restrictions on the time we can be with our athletes.

We all feel, every year, like we start the season without being fully prepared, because we haven’t had enough time to work. We have 24 practice days in the fall in D-II, along with some skill workouts,

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group workouts, and 4-on-1 workouts, but there isn’t enough time to work with our whole team before the season starts.

And we would love to see the start date pushed back, but I feel like there’s very little chance of that in D-II. We don’t have the revenue and the funding to keep our teams on campus beyond the school session, so we’re forced to keep an early February start date. Last year, some D-II programs even played their first game at the end of January. To me, that’s too early.

After winning a national championship, how do you prepare for next season?

We’re not resting on any laurels. As soon as you win one, you immediately begin to hear about winning another. I don’t want to get into a rut of saying we can do everything we did last year, because we don’t have the same players. It’s a different ballclub, with different personalities and different talent, so I’m trying to take a fresh approach. But there are some things I do want to stay the same.

The work ethic, the discipline, the other values of the program, those are things we never want to change.

The baseball boosters at Northampton (Mass.) High School have supplied bats, new uniforms, a batting cage, and more.

Above, Northampton completes a force out against South Hadley.

only were we able to buy the wood bats we needed, but we were also able to lend them to the vocational school.”

Just four years earlier, both programs would have been out of luck. But in 1999, Baldwin started a baseball booster club, and like many other high school and college teams, Northampton’s Blue Devils had a source of money to supplement what they received from their school. In this case, it made the difference between 14

COACHING MANAGEMENT

competing for the championship and staying at home. And by supporting athletes at both of Northampton’s high schools, Baldwin’s booster club made an impact on the entire community.

Without a baseball booster club, Baldwin wouldn’t have had the funds to buy the other things his team needed: new uniforms, indoor pitcher’s mounds, toss nets, and a batting cage.

He wouldn’t have had the time to plan an end-of-the-season baseball banquet for his players and their parents, and he wouldn’t have had the money to create a separate freshman squad.

Baldwin began his booster club with the simple goal of raising $800 for new jerseys. Since then, he’s kept expanding his vision, and Northampton’s baseball booster club can now raise $2,500 in a good year. With most of it providing new opportunities for his freshmen, it’s dramatically improved his program. And even though his club’s goals are more modest than those at other high schools, colleges, and universities, the strategies for starting a baseball booster club are similar across all levels of the game.

Making a Plan The first step in starting a baseball booster club is creating a detailed plan.

Eli Herrera, Head Coach at the University of Texas-Brownsville/Texas Southmost College, encourages coaches to begin by committing their thoughts to paper. “Writing down my ideas was definitely a help,” says Herrera, whose 23page proposal for a booster club helped him land his current position three years ago. “I used that plan when I interviewed here, and when I got the job, I put in a lot of extra time at night to keep developing my ideas.”

Herrera’s proposal began with a mission statement: “The booster club is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization committed to serving and uniting the UTB/TSC baseball community. The booster club will support UTB/TSC Baseball by generating community spirit, promoting community involvement, soliciting donations, raising funds, and also recognizing the baseball program’s

needs. The booster club will foster an environment of academic achievement in a fair, professional, ethical, and lawful manner.”

The proposal defines the requirements and benefits of club membership, and outlines five levels of members, ranging from “Active Volunteer Members,” defined as parents of current players, invited to join without making a donation, to the “Scorpion Grand Elite,” comprising members who have contributed at least $300 to the program. Along with setting a calendar of meetings and a list of officers, Herrera’s proposal has sections on donation opportunities and NJCAA compliance, including specific rules of behavior for booster club members.

The next step, especially for a coach new to a school, is discussing the proposal with department administrators and seeking the advice of colleagues at school. “The most important thing is to get other people involved,” says Herrera. “Because if you have no staff to help out, you’re liable to bury yourself in work and lose sight of your real purpose, which is to teach the students.”

Arriving in Fort Worth in the summer of 2003, Jim Schlossnagle, Head Coach at Texas Christian University, started his baseball program’s booster club by scheduling a meeting with his athletic director. “I wanted to create an organization that could act as both a fundraising arm of our team and an interest-generating vehicle to expand the reach of our program,” says Schlossnagle. “But first, I needed to get permission.”

Convincing his athletic director was easy. But Schlossnagle went into the meeting looking for more than a simple yes-or-no answer. He needed to learn how the rules for fundraising at TCU differed from those at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, where he was head coach the previous two seasons. “Before starting a booster club, every coach needs to make sure they understand the fundraising approach of their institution,” says Schlossnagle. “Each school Kenny Berkowitz is an Assistant Editor at Coaching Management.

JERREY ROBERTS/DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE (LEFT); RICHARD CARSON/TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY (RIGHT)

T

WO YEARS AGO, after Northampton (Mass.) High School bought new metal bats, Head Baseball Coach Mark Baldwin got some bad news. The state association was requiring teams to use wood bats in playoff games, and the school’s baseball budget was already tapped out.

“That decision took us by surprise,” says Baldwin. “We had always used wood bats in practice, but we didn’t have enough to make it through the tournament, and neither did the local vocational high school. So we turned to our boosters, and they bailed us out. Not

BY KENNY BERKOWITZ

COVER STORY

NEED A BOOST? A great booster club can mean better facilities, newer equipment, and more opportunities for your team. Take this advice from coaches who have made booster clubs work for their programs.

Texas Christian University’s baseball program has benefitted from a booster club started by Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle.

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COVER STORY

has its own rules, and it’s important not to do anything that will detract from the institution. I had rules to abide by at UNLV, and I have rules to abide by here. But they’re very different rules.”

At the high school level, many state associations have specific rules governing booster clubs. At Burkburnett (Texas) High School, Head Coach Mike Leach relied closely on guidelines issued by the University Interscholastic League (UIL), the sanctioning body for Texas high school sports, when he formed a booster club eight years ago. “Here in Texas, we have seven pages of rules and regulations that we need to follow involving the booster club,” says Leach. “They specify the role of superintendents, schools, coaches, parents, and athletes, and everyone needs to abide by them.”

A major question regarding sportspecific booster clubs is their effect on Title IX compliance. Generally, athletic

departments must provide equal levels of support for both men’s and women’s programs. Girls’ teams may need an increase in support commensurate with what the boys’ team’s boosters provide.

This is why it’s essential to bring in your administrators at the earliest stages of the process. Some may want to include softball in the new club, or start a separate softball booster organization.

Others may insist that money raised by baseball boosters go into a combined athletic department pot, which is tapped by each sport as needs arise.

Either way, administrative input will be crucial, as will making anyone else who might get involved understand the gender-equity ramifications and what has to be done about them.

Written policies will help make booster clubs more accountable to the athletic department, school administrators, and district school boards. Clarify-

SET THE RIGHT GOALS

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etting goals that are too lofty for your club can quickly discourage your boosters, and setting goals that aren’t ambitious enough can easily cause your membership to lose interest. The key is to find the right balance. At Northampton (Mass.) High School, Head Baseball Coach Mark Baldwin purposely set modest goals that could be achieved with only a handful of volunteers.

“The ideal size of your booster club depends on the goals you’re trying to accomplish,” says Baldwin, who usually has a core of four or five hard-working boosters. “I chose to create a small group of people committed to work toward some very specific things.

Partly, that’s because our needs weren’t very large. And partly, it’s because I wanted a smaller, more manageable group to fit our goals.”

Baldwin began his booster club with a simple, specific agenda: He wanted to raise enough money to buy new jerseys. Over the next six years, his wish list has steadily grown, but his strategy for setting goals is still the same.

“If you want to keep your boosters focused, keep your expectations realistic and tangible,” advises Baldwin. “The more specific your goals are, the easier it will be to find donors. When we were looking to start a freshman team, we told our potential donors,

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‘This is something the school can’t afford on its own, and it creates a new opportunity for kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate.’ That was a very persuasive message, because people could see that their money was going to a very specific cause: improving the experience of young athletes.”

At Butler University, Head Coach Steve Farley jump-started his booster club with a wish list that balanced short- and long-term goals.

“Along with our big-ticket items, we create some small, simple goals that will be easy to accomplish,” says Farley. “We want to give people the instant gratification of seeing how they’ve helped. So we send them photos and put pictures on our Web site and plaques around the field. That spurs interest in some of the bigger projects that are still a year or two away.”

In 14 years, Butler’s boosters have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, which have resulted in a new irrigation system, a new pressbox, an upgraded concessions stand, and a team trip to Australia. Farley still has dozens of items on his wish list, including a new indoor practice facility, and keeps adding to the list with input from athletes, alumni, and boosters.

“There are a lot of potential donors out there,” says Farley, “and they’d love to help, if they only knew what you wanted.”

ing these rules can also protect you as the head coach from liability in case of an accident at a booster-organized function. At the same time, creating these policies gives coaches and athletic directors an opportunity to shape the booster club to fit the needs of the team and department, and to focus on the larger picture of how your booster club will fit into the school’s educational mission.

Creating Order As part of creating a plan, it’s important for high school coaches to devise a framework for their booster clubs. At Burkburnett, Leach begins his booster club meetings in September, meets through the fall and spring, and doesn’t stop until June. With meetings scheduled every two weeks, it takes more than just pep talks to keep his boosters going—it takes organization.

“As the coach, you need to create an organizational structure,” says Leach.

“You need a president to lead the club and a group of officers to do most of the work. The president and I will often talk about the agenda beforehand, but after the first few meetings of the year, it’s likely that I won’t say anything unless I’m asked. I’m happy to be there, but someone else takes the lead.”

By working with an organization, Leach can delegate tasks to the boosters and concentrate on coaching the team.

A secretary keeps the minutes of each meeting, a treasurer records donations and expenditures, and other members take responsibility for designing Bulldog T-shirts, marketing Bulldog mugs, contacting potential donors, staffing competitions, and planning fundraisers. They even organize the team’s endof-the-year banquet, where officers are chosen for the following year.

“Of course, as the head coach, I’m still responsible for making sure that everything the booster club does is done right,” says Leach. “So I always keep my administrators informed, get my paperwork in on time, and make sure not to go over budget.”

At Northampton, Baldwin uses a much simpler organizational structure, coordinating fundraising with four or five members. “We meet a couple of times a year to plan how to approach potential donors for our advertising program,” says Baldwin. “At the first meeting, we brainstorm about who’s going to

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COVER STORY

do what and then divide the responsibilities for making contact. Then we meet again to see how much progress we’re making and talk about whether there’s anyone else we’d like to target.”

The structure works well for Baldwin, who takes hands-on responsibility for much of the fundraising. Like Leach, he’s careful to make someone else responsible for accounting. “We have an on-staff accountant who’s in charge of student activities,” says Baldwin. “Any money that’s collected goes to the accountant, who puts it in a safe.

There’s a very clear accounting of everything, and that takes pressure off me.

“Ultimately, anything we spend money on has to be approved by the principal,” continues Baldwin. “We’re not doing anything in secret—the records are there for anyone who wants to see. That keeps everything on the upand-up, and lends additional credibility to what we do.”

Getting Support After high school, as coaches cast

wider nets for support, they can concentrate on getting help from the people around them—in their department, school, and college—to shape a set of effective, realistic goals, and determine how a booster club can help reach them. What kind of help do want your booster club to provide? What role do you want your boosters to play?

“Coaches need to ask themselves what they’re trying to achieve with their booster club,” says Schlossnagle, whose TCU booster club easily surpassed his goal of raising $50,000 during its first year. “The difference between the amount you need to operate at your level and what the school provides is the amount you need to raise, whether you choose to do that through the booster club or with a series of fundraising events.

“The second thing you need to do is assess your marketplace and determine how you’re going to meet those needs,” continues Schlossnagle. “Trying to raise money in a small town is going to be different from raising money in a big city.

Given your marketplace, have you set

an achievable goal? Have the stakeholders already bought into your program, or do you need to bring them in? What kind of help do you need? Are there people in the community who can help your program by donating money? Are there people who can help by providing services?”

Schlossnagle found support from TCU’s long-established athletic booster club, which has years of fundraising experience in greater Fort Worth. Herrera recommends talking with your school’s business faculty for help in both starting and staffing a baseball booster club. “Let the chairperson see that there are opportunities for his or her students to get involved in marketing your booster club,” says Herrera, who is pursuing an MBA. “The baseball booster program is an ideal way for business students to gain some experience while they’re helping out your team.”

When establishing his booster club 14 years ago at Butler University, Head Coach Steve Farley worked closely with the school’s alumni office, which helped

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COVER STORY

identify potential donors for the baseball program. “For me, the key was talking with the alumni office, which has a database of former players, including information about where they live and work,” he says. “I was able to send out a mass mailing to all those folks, saying, ‘I’m the new coach, and this is my vision of the future.’ Before they were ready to buy into it, the alumni needed to know they were going to be a part of something extraordinary. And with their help, we were able to turn the program around.”

Going Public Once you’ve created a plan that has the support of your department and administration, the next step is to expand your efforts into your school and community. At Burkburnett, Leach began with his athletes. “In team meetings, I announced that we were going to start a baseball booster club and asked the players to let their parents know,” says Leach. “Then I put a notice in school publications and sent informational letters to the parents asking them

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to contact me if they were interested in helping out.”

The approach resulted in a handful of telephone calls, giving Leach a chance to talk about his plans for the upcoming season and to personally invite the parents to the booster club’s first meeting.

Then, at that first get-together, he made sure to start the season on a positive note, reminding the parents of the booster club’s primary purpose.

“Right from the beginning, I set a clear tone for the meetings,” says Leach.

“I told them, ‘This is not a gripe session.

If you want to tell me that your son isn’t playing enough, you can tell me at another time. Our meetings are about promoting baseball and earning extra money for our program.’”

Blake Boydston, who began the booster club at Plano West (Texas) High School six years ago, agrees on the importance of keeping parents focused on the whole program. “You’ve got to build a foundation of parents who are interested in working for the entire program, not just for their own sons,” says Boydston, former Head Coach at Plano West and currently a Physical Education Teacher at nearby Rose Haggar Elementary School. “When you have a good group of parents like that, it’s a lot easier to start a booster club. They want to help others, and that’s exactly the kind of parents you need: people who are willing to work hard, take the initiative, and make the baseball program their own.”

Thanks to the efforts of a small group of parents, Plano West’s booster club quickly took root, setting up a Web site, selling advertisements in the community, organizing fundraisers, and raising $15,000 in its first year. Over the next four years, the boosters raised money to build a brick backstop behind home plate, construct a green backdrop behind the center field wall, install two new batting cages, add three new pitcher’s mounds, plant bushes around the outfield fence, and buy at least one set of new uniforms every year.

“It was great for the morale of the team,” says Boydston. “Every time we’d get new bats or new equipment, it felt like Christmas all over again.”

But sometimes, smaller is better, especially for avoiding the pitfalls of boosters who are more interested in their son’s playing time than in raising

COVER STORY

money for the whole program. Before broadcasting the start of his booster club to the entire community, Baldwin first recruited four or five core members, targeting the parents of his most consistent starters. “I chose to create a small group of people committed to working toward some very specific things,” says Baldwin.

“Partly, that’s because our needs weren’t very large. And partly, it’s because I wanted a smaller, more manageable group to fit our goals.”

Once the core group of boosters was formed, they passed the word to others, and as the club grew larger, Baldwin continued to recruit and maintain a core of four or five hard-working parents each year. “I sought out the parents of athletes who I knew were always going to play,” says Baldwin. “I didn’t want to hear people say, ‘I raised all this money for you, why isn’t my Johnny playing?’ So I started with the mother of our best pitcher and said, ‘How can we raise $800?’ And she said, ‘We can do it in a couple of days.’ And son of a gun, it really was that easy. Instead of raising $800, we raised $1,300, which was enough to buy uniforms plus a few other things we needed.”

At South Georgia College, Head Coach J. Scott Sims tried to start his baseball booster club with alumni, and quickly learned that he needed to focus more attention on his athletes’ parents.

“We did get some alumni involved, and we have had some continued support from them,” says Sims. “But at a junior college, the parents of your current players are always going to be the most active members of your booster club.

And it doesn’t have to take a lot of persuading, because most of them have already been in a similar situation at their son’s high school, and they understand that baseball doesn’t get the money that other sports get.”

mately going to help your program.” In past years, his booster club has raised much of its money by selling local advertisements on the outfield fence, and the athletic department has helped increase the ads’ visibility by opening the baseball field for a wide range of community events, including high school games, summer league games, baseball camps, and summer concerts. The program hosts its own event as well, consistently drawing community members to its 100inning game, an intra-squad fundraiser

with one pitch per at-bat, where athletes gather pledges from friends, family, and local residents.

“The key to maintaining continuity on your booster club is getting your community involved,” says Sims. “You need to find the people who live in town, whether or not they’re alumni.

Find the parents who have been active in the high school booster club and try to get them involved in your program.

Talk to fans when they come to your games, or when you see them around

Building Community Working at a junior college, Sims has drawn parents to his booster club through personal contacts, letters, team cookouts, and word of mouth. And because he can’t depend on his athletes’ parents to stay active for more than two years, he’s found another way to create a steady core of boosters: reaching out to the community.

“Anything you can do to bring community to your field,” says Sims, “is ultiCircle No. 112 COACHING MANAGEMENT

21

COVER STORY

TEXAS LEAGUE RULES In Texas, the University Interscholastic League has an extensive set of guidelines for organizing booster clubs at member high schools. While the rules obviously apply only in Texas, the list of policies that the UIL asks each booster club and athletic department to follow is a good starting point for thinking about what kinds of questions a booster club plan should seek to answer. The UIL guidelines ask each booster club and athletic department to develop its own written policies governing: ■ How to obtain administrative approval

before beginning projects.

■ How to plan, publicize, and conduct

meetings.

■ How to take, distribute, and file min-

utes of the booster club meetings.

■ How to communicate with the public

and local school board.

■ How to administer funds and maintain

records.

■ How to elect officers, ideally one pres-

ident, one secretary, one treasurer, and three vice-presidents, one for each season.

■ How to demonstrate sportsmanlike

conduct toward athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators.

■ How to keep the educational goals of

competition at the forefront of all interscholastic athletics.

The complete UIL booster club guidelines for 2004-05 can be found on the Web at: www.uil.utexas.edu/admin/booster.html.

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

the community, at the bank, on the golf course. Develop those relationships.”

“You’ve got to get people involved who aren’t necessarily parents,” agrees Burkburnett’s Leach. “The best advice I can give is to get the people who just love baseball, even if their kids aren’t playing on your team.”

Leach looks for potential community boosters among businesspeople, summer league coaches, and parents of former athletes, and has found a small, steady core of boosters to provide stability to the club from one year to the next.

“If you can get community members involved in your booster club,” says Leach, “you can get the community feeling proud about the facilities where their children are playing and where their future children and grandchildren will play. If you can get the community feeling proud, you can get their support.”

To expand community support for his booster club, Leach takes advantage of opportunities to attend local functions. “As the coach, you can’t just sit back and expect people from the com-

Circle No. 149

COVER STORY

munity to come forward,” says Leach.

“People aren’t going to help unless they know what you need.

“It’s important to get out into the community and let people know what you’re doing,” continues Leach. “Go to local activities and promote your program through local clubs—for example, I’ve spoken at the Rotary Club and the Lions Club. Never turn down one of those invitations, because it’s another opportunity to promote your program.

It’s your responsibility to let them know who you are and what you’re trying to accomplish.”

At Northampton, Baldwin doesn’t just reach into the community by himself—he brings the whole team with him, resulting in some of the booster club’s largest donations. “When Little League does its indoor tryouts, our players volunteer to help out,” says Baldwin.

“They come in shifts, wearing their uniforms and hitting grounders to the little kids. And because the person who runs the Little League is also in charge of the local police association, that’s created a three-way partnership between the school, the Little League, and the police association, which is now one of our donors. By contributing to the community, we’ve found people who are willing to help us out as well.”

building: maintaining relationships.

The objective is to maintain the support that’s necessary to keep things going year after year.

Many coaches have athletes go out in public to represent the program, such as by volunteering in soup kitchens or hosting fun events for younger children. Some teams keep themselves visible by organizing events such as home run contests, alumni games, or dinners built around watching the World Series.

Finally, remember to thank donors,

recognizing them as an integral part of your program. “You have to continue to nurture the relationship, so your donors feel they have had a hand in your success,” says Schlossnagle. “They have to feel like a part of the team.”

As you make plans, aim high, adds Farley. “We ask each of our players to aim for the highest level possible, and as coaches, it’s important for us to do that, too. In booster clubs, as in everything else, aim for that bigger vision of what you want to achieve.” ■

Maintaining Relationships Going before the larger community speaks to the final piece of booster-club

WEB RESOURCES For more information about liability, see “Your School Corporation’s Relationship With Its Booster Clubs: Ways of Resolving Potential Conflict,” by attorney Timothy S. Shelly, at: www.warrickandboyn.com/ art-boosters.htm.

For information on Title IX compliance regarding booster clubs, see an article from our sister magazine, Athletic Management, at: www.momentummedia.com /articles/am/am1302/booster. htm.

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Circle No. 114 COACHING MANAGEMENT

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INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

PRIVATE PRACTICE By structuring individualized practices to fit athletes’ needs, Princeton Head Coach Scott Bradley allows them to

BY STEVE ESCHENBACH succeed on the field and in the classroom.

W

hen Scott Bradley took the job as Head Baseball Coach at Princeton University, he had a talk with his brother about the challenge of structuring effective practices. Bob Bradley, the winningest coach in Major League Soccer history, offered a simple piece of advice: “Never let your players feel like they’re wasting time.”

It’s a problem as old as baseball itself: How can you design practices so your athletes don’t spend a lot of time waiting to take their turn? How can you get the most out of every practice minute?

24

COACHING MANAGEMENT

For Scott Bradley, the answer came in creating a system that treats his student-athletes as individuals, emphasizing small group practices over full-team workouts, and working the bulk of his sessions with two or three players at a time. Yes, there are still all-squad practices, which are held primarily on weekends. Yes, some things can be practiced only as a team—for example, cut-off throws, double plays, and pick-offs. And yes, team chemistry needs to be built.

But for Bradley, the key to developing his players lies in teaching each of them the basics of offense and defense, which can easily be done one-on-one to fit around his athletes’ class schedules.

Bradley’s strategy has worked. In his seven seasons as Head Coach, he has compiled a 174-145 record and captured four Ivy League titles, equaling the number that Princeton’s baseball team had won in the previous 52 years.

In recent years, the Tigers have defeated such top 25 teams as the University of North Carolina, the University of Virginia, and Old Dominion University, beating future first-round major league draft pick Justin Verlander in the process. The program has also produced 12 major league draftees, includSteve Eschenbach is a freelance writer in Millburn, N.J.

At Princeton University, middle infielders don’t need a catcher to practice taking the throw on a stolen-base attempt. All they need is a coach. Head Coach Scott Bradley says the approach gets more work done.

ing Chris Young, who took the mound for the Texas Rangers on Aug. 24, becoming Princeton’s first major leaguer in 21 years.

Bradley’s system of individual and small-group practices isn’t easy. For one thing, it takes a greater time commitment from the coaches, who must make themselves available throughout the week. It also takes athletes who are highly self-motivated, both on and off the field. But at Princeton, it’s worked very, very well—well enough to warrant an indepth look at what a more time-sensitive practice approach looks like.

Making It Work One reason Bradley likes his practice “environment”—a term he prefers to “system”—is that Princeton is a tough place to be an athlete. An intellectual powerhouse that US News and World Report ranks as tied with Harvard for first among American universities, Princeton offers no formal athletic scholarships, and its academic pressures intensify the time demands on his student-athletes. Furthermore, Bradley must structure his offseason workouts within Ivy League guidelines, which are stricter than those of most NCAA Division I conferences.

Working with those challenges, Bradley has created an environment that emphasizes small-group and individual practices. He expects his coaches and players to think of the team as a group of interchangeable parts and to break down the game into a series of small tasks. The toss to second base for the double play becomes, in Bradley’s words, “above the waist, over the base.”

You make the throw, you make the play.

“We’re teachers. We’re teaching baseball skills,” Bradley says of his coaching staff. “It’s not like hockey, where you have to have your lines, cohesiveness.

Baseball doesn’t work that way. I can take my shortstop and work on double-play feeds all day long and I can stick a net at second base and have him throw a ball into the net. Or I can take a second-baseman and make feeds to him so he can

practice taking feeds that are high and low. The parts aren’t interrelated. You don’t need all the parts at once.”

At the initial team meeting, Bradley begins by explaining his approach to his student-athletes. He recognizes that academics come first, and expects players to work out whenever time allows. He sets down general guidelines for how often players are expected to show up either on the field or at Princeton’s dedicated baseball- and softball-only indoor practice facility.

As players receive their class schedules, they sign up for “non-mandatory individual sessions,” following the guidelines of the Ivy League. Out of season, players are limited to two hours of mandatory practice a week. In addition, the league imposes “no-contact periods” where players cannot engage in any team activity. Conditioning work is scheduled by Princeton’s strength and conditioning staff and, because it’s dictated by availability of the facilities, is more regimented than baseball skill instruction.

“In terms of the baseball skill work, the kids have their time slots and if it fits into their schedule, a lot of them end up coming at the same time every week,” Bradley says. “But it’s always flexible enough that kids know that if they have papers due or they have something going on, they can always reschedule and come the day before or the day after or a different time that particular day.”

He tells them to check their e-mail several times a day because if the weather permits, he’ll be out on the field, hitting flies—or available to work with players in some other way. That coaches’ flexibility is the key. “We’re always here, we’re always around,” Bradley says. “It’s easy for us to be flexible. It’s not as easy for the kids to be flexible. For example, say a pitcher is scheduled to throw at 4 o’clock. But if he wakes up that morning and sees that somebody’s coming to give a guest lecture at 4 o’clock, he e-mails me in the morning and says he wants to go to the lecture at 4 and can he get his throwing in at noon.”

On weekends, the Tigers practice together as a team, and during the week, Bradley and his three-person staff schedule small-group and individual practices.

They run practices for groups as small as two or three players, working from nine in the morning until six in the evening, Circle No. 115 COACHING MANAGEMENT

25

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

and sometimes later. To accommodate pitcher Chris Young’s late-afternoon classes, for example, Bradley worked oneon-one during evening practices, making the most of his major league experience as a catcher on the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds.

Bradley tweaks individual schedules, “holding hands� for athletes until they’ve gotten used to scheduling themselves. He believes that players shouldn’t go more than two to four days without working out. And he’s always open to an impromptu session. “If I’m doing paperwork in my office and a player wants some batting practice, I’ll give him the batting practice,� he notes.

Practice sessions generally lack a set form, and workouts flex to fit the needs of the athletes who are present. For example, he’ll have all his middle infielders practice double plays, shifting from one side of second to the other.

Interchangeability is improved by an emphasis on the “above-the-base, overthe-waist,� break-it-down approach.

Bradley takes a position himself if necessary, but he’ll also use other players out of position, which he believes is good practice. Catchers taking grounders in double-play work, for instance, is good for their hands, while playing shortstop helps them understand what’s required to take a throw on a stolen-base attempt.

Likewise, he’ll group pitchers on a longtoss drill with outfielders fielding flies.

Bradley believes the ideal size for a practice is two or three players and two coaches, but will accommodate one to seven players for a session of an hour to an hour and a half. If that happens, he and his assistants will typically break up the assembly into smaller groups. As far as pitchers, Bradley and his assistants are former catchers, which means they’re well prepared to work one-on-one with their hurlers without having to schedule a catcher. “And that’s a great way to teach,� Bradley says. “You can stand on the side and watch, but until you actually get back and catch guys, you don’t really know what their command is like and what they need to work on.�

One problem stems from the schedule’s fluidity. As exams, project deadlines, and other academic obligations come up, it’s easy for Bradley to lose track of how many times each player is coming to practice. But if he does, his players will generally police each other. “An upperclassman, or any player for that matter, will usually let another player know if he should be getting down and working out more often,� says infielder Sal Iacono. Pitcher Ross Ohlendorf, a fourth-round pick in the 2004 Major League draft, notes that “Coach Bradley notices if people aren’t working hard or are missing more practices than they should. Most of the players who don’t show up don’t play.�

Changing With the Seasons As at other college programs, Princeton’s workouts evolve over the course of the year. In the fall, Bradley holds 12 team practices, the maximum allowed by the Ivy League. During this time, Bradley tries to hold as many intrasquad games as possible, where he can evalu-

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Circle No. 116

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

ate his athletes individually and assess what skills each player needs to work on. His goal is to have each player evaluate his own needs and focus on developing those skills. They’re taught to take the initiative in identifying areas that need improvement.

“During this period, we want players to become their own coaches,” Bradley says.

That means primarily two things: learning how to adjust during competition and how to know what to work on. “We want them to become familiar enough with their strengths and their weaknesses, with the mechanics of their swing or with their delivery if they’re pitchers,” says Bradley.

“If they make a mistake, we want them to think, ‘Yeah, I pulled off that one,’ or

throwing a tennis ball against a concrete wall, then fielding the rebound.

On Feb. 1, when practice can be held six days a week, Bradley starts warming up for the spring season, working slowly for the first two weeks as his athletes recover from their final exams in January. He tries to get outfielders outside as soon as possible to practice flies, and he tends to work with infielders as a group, giving them lots of grounders and working on double plays and similar multi-player work.

When the season starts, the focus shifts to “making sure guys feel good about themselves for games,” Bradley says. Players decide what they want to work on. For example, he has “hit ’til you’re happy” ses-

“When we started, we didn’t strategize ... such an elaborate system. I looked at my assistant coaches and said, ‘We got so much accomplished. Let’s keep doing it. Why should we try to practice for two hours when we can have players here throughout the day?’”

‘Boy, I picked my head up,’ or, as a pitcher, ‘I overthrew that.’

“And then in practice,” Bradley continues, “the kids will come down and say, ‘I want to take a bunch of extra ground balls today because my rhythm was off,’ or ‘I felt like I was pulling off the ball, so let me work on hitting the ball the other way.’ Most of the time they tell us what they want to work on.”

During the fall and through Feb. 1, Ivy League rules limit skills practice and conditioning to six hours a week, with no more than two hours of coachdirected skills practice. So here Bradley uses his two hours to work on areas identified during the fall season.

“There are no secrets here,” Bradley says. “We work on the nuts and bolts of baseball. We use the same drills that Little Leaguers do.” For pitchers, Bradley uses a mix of mound work, long toss, and the towel drill, where pitchers maximize efficiency in their delivery by throwing a towel instead of a baseball.

For hitters he wants to “slow it down” with tee work, soft toss, and dry swings.

“We want to make players aware of their swing,” he says, and uses video to reinforce his lessons on the diamond. A fielder might do something as simple as

sions, where he throws batting practice to whoever wants it, for however long they want it. “It’s not easy, but former catchers have a reputation for being able to throw batting practice,” he says. “If players are hitting for 40 minutes, they might hit off a tee for 20 minutes and I might throw to them for 20 minutes. If we ever have a day where we coaches need a rest, we’ll set up machines.”

Coaching Adjustment Because practice time has been divided into so many small sessions, Princeton’s approach requires some adjustments on the part of Bradley and his coaching staff. The coaches cope by focusing on players’ individual time needs, their love of the game, and their increased time efficiency.

“It’s not work,” Bradley says. “We are self-proclaimed baseball rats, and there is nothing that all of us love to do more than get out of the office to go one on one or go two on one or throw somebody batting practice or throw somebody ground balls.

“When we started this, we didn’t really strategize with coming up with such an elaborate system,” he continues. “We just have this facility all the time, so we

started off by telling the kids, ‘We’re around tomorrow. Come down when you can.’ And all of a sudden guys came down spread out throughout the day. I looked at my assistant coaches and said: ‘We got so much accomplished. Let’s keep doing it. Why should we try to practice for two hours when we can have players here throughout the day?’”

For Bradley himself, a typical day beings when he reaches his office at 9 a.m. He checks field conditions, weather reports, and e-mail. If conditions are good, he’ll send a team e-mail saying, “The coaches and I will be at Clarke Field at 3 p.m.” In bad weather, his program holds indoor practices at the athletic department’s Pit facility, which is shared with the softball team. Between players’ requests for practice sessions, Bradley takes care of paperwork, recruiting, and administrative duties, monitoring his email regularly in order to keep up with players’ schedules. The only thing that takes priority over player practices are meetings with university officials.

Recruiting calls and paperwork may sometimes be postponed until nighttime in order to better accommodate players’ needs. Bradley’s preparation for practices is fairly minimal, such as watching a video just before a session with a player working on his swing.

Bradley comes to most practices, but will sometimes let his assistants take the lead in coaching their athletes. It’s a day defined by scheduled practices and impromptu sessions if conditions allow, with administrative work filling in the gaps, and e-mail keeping the whole thing running.

Happy Players Players seem to like the way Princeton’s baseball team works. Ohlendorf says, “The informal practice schedule helps us keep up with our schoolwork and enjoy playing more—as opposed to getting burnt out from feeling we are spending too much time at practice.”

Iacono agrees. “Knowing that you have a coach who gives you every opportunity to take care of your academic requirements is a real relief,” he says.

Iacono believes the schedule has a positive effect on recruits as well. “In my case it made me more likely to go to Princeton, because it lessens the anxiety of starting the college experience,” he says. Ohlendorf agrees that informal

COACHING MANAGEMENT

27

INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

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28

COACHING MANAGEMENT

practices help with recruiting, though in a more indirect manner. “The players on our team really like Coach Bradley’s flexibility and are happy to be playing for him,” he says. “This happiness comes through to the recruits.

“I think that this system works very well for baseball,” continues Ohlendorf.

“Small groups seem to make practice run more efficiently, because there is less standing around.” Iacono agrees. “There are many times when an organized fullteam practice would make getting your work done impossible,” he says.

Princeton Athletics Director Gary Walters says that Bradley’s coaching meets the university’s goal of emphasizing academics. Bradley says his system helps him get to know players better than full-team traditional practices and the “my-door-is-always-open” approach.

“You really get to know your players by throwing batting practice or hitting grounders,” he says. “I enjoy the conversations as much as the playing.”

Bradley admits the approach has limitations. In high schools, for instance, a lack of uncommitted time for coaches would probably make it impractical for them to keep their schedules as flexible as he does. But partial implementation could free up some time, allowing athletes more time to be students as well.

Few programs have a facility that’s just theirs, or shared with only one other team, Bradley admits, and that’s almost a necessity for following his approach fully. But at most colleges, Bradley sees no intrinsic reason why at least the principle behind his system and some of its parts can’t be adapted.

Bradley’s approach seems to pay off academically. Virtually all of Bradley’s players graduate, many in difficult majors. Part of the $1.65 million contract Young negotiated with the Pittsburgh Pirates, with whom he originally signed, required the team to fly him from Princeton to the Pirates’ Fall League sites, so that he could continue working on his degree.

And in another sign that Bradley’s 1/13/05 4:16:49both PM strategy has succeeded on and off the field, pitcher Thomas Pauly returned to the Princeton campus after signing a six-figure contract with the Cincinnati Reds to continue his work on a chemical engineering degree. “I tell recruits,” says Bradley, “that they don’t have to give up their dreams to come here.” ■

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

A well-planned strength and conditioning program has helped the Ithaca College baseball team be a perennial winner in the NCAA Division III ranks.

F

A Consistent Path

BY DR. KENT SCRIBER & CHRIS HUMMEL

or 28 of the past 29 years, the Ithaca College baseball team has been selected to participate in the NCAA Division III playoffs. It has advanced to the College World Series nine times and won national championships in 1980 and 1988. Although there are many reasons for the program’s success, one of them has been a consistent strength and conditioning program.

As a small school located in central New York state, where the winters are very long, there are some limitations to

what we can do in our program. Our weight training facilities are not large, training outdoors cannot realistically happen until the beginning of April, and staying consistent with the Division III philosophy, we believe in making sure our athletes don’t spend too much time on their sport.

At the same time, we work hard not to be too restricted by our limitations.

We maximize our sessions with an exercise program that is quite specific to our established goals—one that uses the least amount of time and space possible to produce well-conditioned athletes.

The Components The primary activities in baseball— batting, fielding, throwing, and running—involve dynamic, total body

Kent Scriber, EdD, is a Professor and the Program Director for the Athletic Training Education Program within the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences at Ithaca College. He has served as an athletic trainer with the baseball team for more than 30 years. Chris Hummel is a Clinical Instructor in the same department and works as an athletic trainer with the baseball team.

COACHING MANAGEMENT

29

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

movements, so our program focuses on multiplanar, functional exercises. Our primary goals are increasing strength, power, cardiovascular endurance, and dynamic flexibility. Our baseball-specific goals are to increase agility, speed, and quickness. (Note that we will discuss training position players only in

TABLE 1

this article—our pitchers have a separate program.)

Preventing injuries is another goal of the program. We focus on preventing injuries that occur around the elbow joint and the shoulder complex and to the quadriceps and hamstrings, which are most common among baseball players.

LIFTING PROGRAM

Ithaca College baseball players typically perform three sets of 12 repetitions for each exercise during preseason training.

UPPER EXTREMITY LIFTING: ■ ■ ■ ■

Incline bench press Upright row Bench press Lat pull down

■ ■ ■ ■

Bentover row Hammer curl Triceps extension Shoulder series

LOWER EXTREMITY LIFTING: ■ ■ ■

Squats Calf raises Hamstring curls

■ ■

Knee extensions Cleans

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To accomplish these goals, our program has four main components: cardiovascular conditioning, core strengthening, upper and lower body weight lifting, and plyometrics. Our daily warmup is also an important part of the program.

Conditioning: Our baseball athletes perform cardiovascular conditioning three days a week. They go through seven cardio stations, which are normally two minutes in length with twominute rests between stations. The aim is to increase heart rate and ultimately improve aerobic capacity.

The stations we use are: bike, stairclimber, upper body ergometer, treadmill, stairs, jump rope, and sprints.

Body blade, wrist, or shoulder exercises are added if time permits. If you have the available space and equipment, you might add change-of-direction drills and partner sport cord drills.

Why do baseball players need this type of conditioning? In general, we feel that all athletes should partake in cardiovascular training for general fit-

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

ness. A well-designed cardiovascular training program fends off fatigue and should improve performance and prevent injury over the long run of the playing season, when games are often scheduled daily.

Weight lifting: To build a strength base and prevent injuries, baseball athletes perform standard weight lifting twice a week, often on the days they are doing their cardio conditioning. One day per week emphasizes upper extremity lifting exercises, while the other day emphasizes the lower extremity exercises. (See “Lifting Program” on page 30.)

The upper body lifting focuses on the muscles around the elbow joint and the shoulder complex, while lower body work targets the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.

Core Training: Our baseball athletes strengthen their core one day a week through trunk plyometrics with various medicine ball rotational exercises. The exercises we use include: Russian twists, crunches, leg lifts, V-sits, fire hydrants, med-ball drops, med-ball crunch passes, med-ball side bends, and ceiling kicks. The use of stability balls can also be incorporated.

Plyometrics: Our plyometrics program is critical in providing our athletes with the small advantages that can add up when they are on the playing field. The benefits of these exercises include: first step quickness in fielding and base stealing, overall throwing strength, lateral quickness, and injury prevention.

To ensure our program is effective, we allow for a slow progression and at least two days for recovery between ses-

We typically begin with 30-second sets and progress to 60second sets as form improves.

However, we do not exceed 120 repetitions or touches per session. sions. We emphasize warming up thoroughly beforehand and technique over quantity. We break our plyometric work into upper extremity and lower extremity routines, each done once a week. Volume is limited to 100 to 120 contacts per session. (See “Plyometrics” on page 32.)

In developing our plyometric drills, we try to make them as functional as possible. For example, rather than just running sprints in a straight line, we might have them run sprints around the bases. This requires the players to do high intensity running drills that mimic what they do in a game situation. We do the same with throwing and catching exercises.

Warmup: Before we begin any session, we take five to 10 minutes to perform a dynamic warmup. This warmup ensures each athlete is ready to perform the skills for that session, as well as helping increase flexibility and prevent injuries. Some of the exercises we do include: jogging, skipping, side-stepping, lunge walks, arm circles, monster walks, butt kicks, cariocas, and backward runs.

Progression: We typically begin with 30-second sets and progress to 60-second sets as form improves. However, we do not exceed 120 repetitions or touches per session. We insist on proper form before letting athletes advance.

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P LY O M E T R I C S

TABLE 2

For our upper extremity plyometric exercises, we use medicine balls to enhance power and speed, as well as prevent injuries that affect throwing athletes. We typically use two- to three-pound balls for throwing-catching activities and eight -to 10-pound balls for bilateral throwing activities or rotational trunk movements. If available, the use of a mini-trampoline can also be helpful.

UPPER BODY: Chest pass: > Standing > Kneeling ■ Overhead throw/ retro ■ Single-arm throw ■ Plyo-wall push ups ■ Chop and throw: > Waist > Knee > Between feet ■

> Sitting

> Ankle

LOWER BODY: We use the following lower extremity plyometrics to improve agility, power, and quickness. We start with low heights and speeds and progress as form improves.

Jump rope (patterns) Squat/tuck jumps ■ V-grid jumps ■ Power skips ■ Explosions (Theraband): > Side to side > Front to back > X jumps ■ Zig-zag jumps/bounds ■ Dot drill ■ Restart jumps/bounds ■ ■

Putting It All Together To fit all the components into a schedule that allows for proper rest, we group the sessions into six topics then fit them into a monthly calendar. The topics are: ■ Lower extremity plyos ■ Upper extremity plyos ■ Core strengthening ■ Lower extremity weight lifting ■ Upper extremity weight lifting ■ Cardiovascular conditioning Due to the high intensity and fatiguing nature of plyometrics, we utilize a 48-hour rule when scheduling plyometric sessions. For example, lower extremity plyometrics and lifting are done at least 48 hours apart. The same principle applies for the upper extremity. On the off days we train for cardiovascular fitness or target core strength.

With the science in place, our next step is figuring out a schedule that works with our facilities. Because we share facilities with other sports and activities at the school, we can’t have a consistent weekly schedule as most larg-

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STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

er schools do, and we must improvise a bit. (See “Conditioning Calendar” on page 34.) However, as long as we adhere to the basic training principles, we can still obtain gains in strength, power, and flexibility.

We aim to limit all strength and conditioning sessions to no more than 30 minutes, six days per week during the preseason. During weight lifting, core

Putting all the pieces together also entails educating athletes about the program. We introduce the players to this program and review the goals at the beginning of each season. The following four points are discussed thoroughly with the players: ■ Proper rest and diet along with exercise are essential to your development as a baseball player.

■ If you experience pain, or feel you can’t properly perform an exercise, stop and tell the athletic training staff immediately.

Once the athletes are familiar with these principles, various exercises are demonstrated and the players practice each skill while being monitored by the athletic training staff for proper form.

We reiterate frequently the need for

It is extremely important to strictly adhere to the guidelines set for the exercise program in order to maintain proper balance between exercise and sport—before and during the competitive season. training, and plyometric sessions, athletes can choose three to four exercises from the list. Then, each day, additional exercises can be added if time allows and the athletic trainer feels they would be helpful. For example, during core training days, agility exercises such as a box drill or jumping rope can be added, or sprinting drills can supplement plyo, core, or cardio workouts.

■ It is extremely important to strictly adhere to the guidelines set for the exercise program in order to maintain proper balance between exercise and sport—before and during the competitive season.

■ It is very important to perform each exercise with proper technique and listen to your body to ensure you are not doing more harm than good.

them to tell us if they are in pain when performing an exercise.

In-Season Program Once the season begins, our primary goal is to maintain the athletes’ levels of strength and conditioning. Therefore, our in-season plan is a modified version of the preseason program. The main differences are that intensity and fre-

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STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

quency are decreased, all work is done on the ball field, and the plyometric upper extremity exercises are eliminated. Because of the intensity of plyometric training, there is generally not enough time for muscle recovery of upper extremities between the exercises and an upcoming ball game.

For our lower body plyo workout, to emphasize agility (vs. power) we decrease the intensity and increase the speed of the jumps, skips, and other drills. Core training days are kept the same. Cardio days are modified so they can be done on the field: Various running drills that maintain an increased

heart rate for a minimum of 15 minutes replace the cardio stations from the weight room. Athletes still come to the weight room for lifting sessions during the season, but we either have them lift less weight or decrease the number of repetitions.

From the preseason to the in-season, we feel the key to our program is that it is easy to follow, doesn’t take a lot of time, and focuses TABLE 3 on the most important aspects of training baseball players.

Here’s a sample two-week schedule for preseason conditioning: Another strength is that there is variety, which stimulates the athletes and results in better proDAY 1: Upper extremity plyos DAY 8: Upper extremity plyos gram compliance.

DAY 2: Cardio DAY 9: Cardio We have found this program easy to implement and DAY 3: Lower extremity plyos DAY 10: Cardio & upper extremity lifting well received by our coaching DAY 4: Cardio & upper extremity lifting DAY 11: Lower extremity plyos staff and players. It has also been convenient for us to monDAY 5: Off DAY 12: Cardio itor and allows for modificaDAY 6: Core work DAY 13: Lower extremity lifting tions as situations arise. ■

CONDITIONING CALENDAR

DAY 7: Cardio & lower extremity lifting

DAY 14: Core work

HomePlate B Y S P O RT S T U T O R

This article previously appeared in the December 2004 issue of CM’s sister publication, Training & Conditioning.

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

Guide to Nets & Cages

M.A.S.A., Inc.

Beacon Athletics

www.masa.com 800-264-4519 See ad on pages 12 & 22

www.beaconathletics.com 800-747-5985 See ad on page 19

Primary Advantages: M.A.S.A. has improved and expanded its selection, offering you five grades of netting to meet the demands of every level of play, with prices to meet any budget. Regardless of which grade you choose, rest assured that you will be getting the highest quality.

Primary Advantages: Beacon’s batting cages and netting systems are custom-made to fit customers’ specific needs. Since the company has experts with real experience, it can provide free consultation and guidance in product selection, ensuring that you get the right products to meet your needs.

Recent Installations: Scott County School District #1, Austin, IN; Madisonville North High School, Madisonville, KY; Highland High School, Palmdale, CA; Reynoldsburg City School, Reynoldsburg, OH; Springfield North High School, Springfield, OH. PRODUCTS: Pitching L-Shaped Screen The framing is constructed of 1/2-inch heavy gauge steel tubing, with easy assembly.

Pro Model Backstop Batting Cage Flo-coated steel construction makes this giant backstop extremely durable. Use the quick-lift crank for easy transportation.

Pro Series Batting Tunnel This pro industry work horse is constructed from #36 nylon with a 320-lb. breaking test.

Batco Batting Cage The unique design of this product surpasses all other cages in portability and storage. It weighs just 45 lbs.

M.A.S.A., Inc.

Recent Installations: Verona Area Schools, Verona, WI; Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL; Wyoma Little League, Lynn, MA; Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, NJ; Turpen High School, Cincinnati, OH. PRODUCTS: Indoor Tensioned Batting Cage This indoor batting cage goes up in 10 minutes. With its unique three-pulley system, the cage can be raised and tensioned as needed.

Custom Netting Beacon Athletics designs and manufactures custom netting systems to meet the individual needs of its customers.

Beacon Outdoor Batting Cage This cost-effective, heavy-duty batting cage comes in singleand double-sided versions.

Tuff Pitchers “L” Screen This L screen is the toughest in the business. It’s 8’ high x 8’ wide, and made with heavyduty #72 knotted nylon net.

Beacon Athletics

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JKP Sports (JUGS)

Vantage Products Intn’l

www.jugssports.com 800-547-6843 See ad on page 37

www.vpisports.com 800-244-4457 See ad on Inside Front Cover

Primary Advantages: Make an educated choice when purchasing your batting cage net.

Only JUGS’s Dura-Tech batting cage nets are made with 100-percent Dura-Tech advanced high-tenacity nylon. JUGS has eight standard sizes of batting cage nets in stock at all times. The company prides itself on offering the best selection and lowest prices possible.

Primary Advantages: VPI’s nets are hung on the square like a tennis net, which virtually eliminates sagging. The company now offers the Big Bubba Professional Portable Batting Cage, a premium choice for all levels, at considerable cost savings. The heavy-duty aluminum construction, easy portability, and collapsible design make it the perfect backstop for any field. A unique dolly assembly with 16inch pneumatic wheels at the rear makes one-person maneuvering easy. The unit is 10’ wide x 22’ deep x 12’ high, and collapses to just 5’ high for easy storage.

Recent Installations: Ripken Baseball Camps; Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR; Linfield College, McMinnville, OR; Fresno State University, Fresno, CA; U.S. Olympic Training Facility.

Cage #1 This product, ideal for high school and college baseball teams, is the most widely used batting cage in the world. It measures 70’ long x 12’ high x 14’ wide.

Cage #2 Perfect for fastpitch softball, Cage #2 can also be used by youth league teams. It measures 55’ long x 12’ high x 14’ wide.

JKP Sports (JUGS) Circle No. 202

JUGS Instant Screen This screen folds down to a compact 36-inch circle and weighs less than 14 lbs. When expanded, it is 7’ high x 8’ wide.

JUGS Galvanized Steel Batting Cage Frame Every piece of pipe in the JUGS Batting Cage Frame is made of industrial-gauge galvanized steel, for years of trouble-free use.

PRODUCTS: Big Bubba Pro Batting Cage This cage (pictured) is the choice of high school, collegiate, and professional baseball programs. It is 18’ wide x 22’ deep x 12’ high.

Protective Screen Heavy-duty 1 1/2-inch square galvanized steel is covered

with slip-on #36 poly netting for quality and durability. The screen is 7’ wide x 7’ high.

Batting Tunnel Net This “no sag” net system features heavy-duty polyethylene.

It is 100 percent waterproof, and 12 stock sizes are available for immediate shipment.

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

35

Guide to Nets & Cages

TLI Sports

Cages Plus

www.tlisports.com 866-356-2922 See ad on page 46

www.cagesplus.com 866-475-9148 See ad on page 41

Primary Advantages: TLI Sports can help with all your netting projects, from design to supply to installation. The company has a wide variety of nets to accommodate any application, and customized systems are available to ensure a top-quality, professional result.

Primary Advantages: The cage is portable and can be assembled by two people in 2030 minutes, or by a team in just minutes. It includes an extra hitting station. The high-quality nylon will last for years, and the price is hundreds less than the competition. Cages Plus has been providing great products and excellent customer service for the past seven years.

Recent Installations: Disney Wide World of Sports, Orlando, FL; Minnesota Twins, Fort Myers, FL; Pittsburgh Pirates, Bradenton, FL; Ripken Stadium, Aberdeen, MD; Maitland Little League, Maitland, FL. PRODUCTS: Protective Screens These heavy-duty aluminum L screens are available in 8’ x 8’ and 8’ x 12’ sizes. Both are equipped with easy-rolling wheels.

Backstop Nets TLI Sports will supply and install cable or pole backstop net systems to protect your spectators.

Batting Cage Nets TLI Sports will also supply and install complete batting cages, including nets, poles, concrete slabs, and turf.

Barrier Nets These nets can be installed at any angle necessary for crowd or property protection.

TLI Sports

Recent Installations: Marion High School, Bloomfield Hills, MI; Hartford High School, White River Junction, VT; Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR; Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC; Halfway High School, Halfway, MO. PRODUCT: Portable Batting Cage with L Screen Heavy-duty netting in 50’, 60’, and 70’ lengths make this a great product for indoor or outdoor use. The cages come with an L screen.

Cages Plus

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www.hoosierbat.com Circle No. 124

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

Circle No. 125

Testimonial

Windproof Rain Covers Banish Stakes & Sandbags Wind Weighted™ baseball tarps have steel chain in the edge hem all the way around. That means wind cannot get under them. No stakes or sandbags are ever needed. The tough, industrial-grade vinyl-polyester fabric is treated against both UV and mildew. With the optional installer device, two people can install a mound or a base cover in less than 30 seconds. Patents are pending.

Hundreds of teams now enjoy the benefits of Wind Weighted tarps, including: Anderson University, Anderson, IN Benet Academy, Lisle, IL Brenham H.S., Brenham, TX Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, CA Coppell H.S., Coppell, TX L.A. Dodgers, Dodgertown, Vero Beach, FL Langley H.S., McLean, VA Lowndes H.S., Valdosta, GA Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL Mandeville H.S., Mandeville, LA Mentor H.S., Mentor, OH Mesa College, Grand Junction, CO Nantucket H.S., Nantucket, MA N.Y. Yankees, Legends Field, Tampa, FL Penn State University, University Park, PA Permian H.S., Odessa, TX St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, IN U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD University of California, Berkeley CA University of Colorado, Boulder, CO University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN University of Washington, Seattle, WA Virginia Military Academy, Lexington, VA Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA Western Kentucky Univ., Bowling Green, KY

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Guide to Nets & Cages

Catalog Showcase

SPI Nets 866-243-6387 www.spinets.net See ad on page 45 Primary Advantages: SPI Nets offers a full range of nets for your training needs. The quality and excellent pricing is matched only by SPI’s incomparable service. The company’s products and customer service are carefully monitored to assure that you receive maximum value for your dollar.

Recent Installations: SPI Nets are used all over the United States by youth, high school, college, and professional facilities.

PRODUCTS: Premium Batting Cage Nets SPI Nets’ premium cages offer top quality, lots of features, and the best prices available.

Deluxe Practice Screens SPI Nets’ practice screens are among the highest quality screens in the business, at very competitive prices.

Custom Netting SPI Nets can fully customize your nets to meet your exact specifications at an affordable price.

SPI Nets

Beacon Athletics 800-747-5985, WWW.BEACONATHLETICS.COM Beacon Athletics offers training, conditioning, and athletic field equipment to improve the performance of athletes and the fields they play on. The company's goals are improving field performance, athletic training and conditioning, safety, and facility appearance, and reducing field-maintenance costs.

Call to speak with a Beacon expert or visit the company Web site.

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Power Systems, Inc. 800-321-6975, WWW.POWER-SYSTEMS.COM Since 1986, Power Systems has been a leading supplier of sports performance, fitness, and rehabilitation products and programming. The company prides itself on being the one resource for all your training needs.

The 2005 catalog has a new look, with better graphics and photos. It includes sections on core strength, medicine balls, speed, plyometrics, agility, strength equipment, strength accessories, and fitness assessment. The catalog features hundreds of new products and dozens of products available exclusively from Power Systems. The company has even lowered some of its prices, enabling the customer to get premium products for less. Call or visit the company Web site for your free copy.

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Does Your Grass Need Plastic Surgery?

Sporturf has all the options !

• Full TrueGrass Synthetic Fields • Artificial Turf Halos • Baseball and Golf Stance Mats

Buy Direct at

www.sporturf.com/factory-outlet Circle No. 128

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

Circle No. 129

Guide to Infield Mixes & Soil Additives Diamond Pro

The Moltan Co. (Red Diamond)

800-228-2987 www.diamondpro.com

800-264-5826 www.moltan.com

Infield Conditioner This vitrified clay product can be applied to skinned areas to enrich color, prevent rain delays, reduce compaction, and improve safety.

Calcined Clay Topdressing and Professional Topdressing These calcined clay products are used as conditioners on the infield. The professional grade has a more uniform particle size, and the standard topdressing has a larger particle size.

Mound/Home Plate Clay This richly colored, screened clay is easy to use. It binds into holes and low areas for greater durability and consistency.

Warning Track Mix Several mixes are available, for creating a safe, well-drained warning track surface.

Customers: Texas Rangers; Kansas City Royals; Atlanta Braves; Little League World Series, Williamsport, PA; Rosenblatt Stadium, Omaha, NE. Circle No. 210

Red Diamond RBI Conditioner® A 100-percent natural earth professionally sized infield conditioner. It improves moisture management, playability, and safety while providing unrivaled coloration to any skinned infield surface.

Red Diamond RBI Drying Agent® A 100-percent natural earth professionally sized drying agent. It rapidly improves surface safety and stability while providing unrivaled coloration to any skinned infield surface.

Red Diamond CC Conditioner® A professionally sized calcined clay conditioner. It improves surface performance and safety by reducing compaction and improving the drainage of any skinned infield surface.

Red Diamond CC Drying Agent® A professionally sized calcined clay drying agent. It rapidly improves surface safety and stability to keep skinned infields and turf areas playable in wet conditions.

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Profile Products, LLC 800-207-6457 www.profileproducts.com Turface® Quick Dry Eliminating puddles and standing water, Turface® Quick Dry rids infields of muddy, slippery conditions. Aplly and rake in for it to work over and over.

Turface® ProLeague With its smaller particle size, Turface® ProLeague creates the ultimate standard for fielding and sliding surfaces while providing infields with Major League safety and performance.

Turface® MVP Improving drainage and reducing compaction, Turface® MVP reduces ball hops and injuries and absorbs its weight in water, allowing for quick play after the rain.

Turface® ProLeague and Turface® MVP on turf When applied to turf, Turface® ProLeague and MVP products help eliminate rain outs through excellent water absorption and reduced compaction in turf.

Customers: Seattle Mariners; Arizona Diamondbacks; Boston Red Sox; Baltimore Orioles.

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Check out www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

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Guide to Infield Mixes & Soil Additives Company News

Everything You Need for a Great Baseball Field Partac Peat/Beam Clay® supplies field maintenance products to Major League, minor league, collegiate, high school, and recreational fields all over the United States. With such a wide selection of products, it’s no wonder that so many teams turn to Partac.

Here are some of the top-quality products the company now offers: BEAM CLAY Baseball Diamond Mix is a premium infield mix that provides a firm, consistent playing surface with great drainage and color.

BEAM CLAY Regional Infield Mixes are blended at bulk plants nationwide to meet the unique needs of every state and climate.

BEAM CLAY Pitcher’s Mound Mix is an extra-firm mound clay available in red, orange, brown, and gray. Mound and Batter’s Box Bricks are also available, offering a convenient way to create a first-class facility.

Mar-Co Clay

Pro’s Choice

800-950-2555 www.marcoclay.com

800-648-1166 www.proschoice1.com Soilmaster® This thermally optimized soil conditioner absorbs excess water, manages moisture, and reduces compaction on infields.

Mound Clay This processed clay is available dry or moisturized. Its bonding ability makes it useful for building and maintaining pitcher’s mounds and batter’s boxes, and for binding sandy materials.

Clay Track Surfacer This baked clay product is used for warning tracks, running tracks, and pathways. It provides proper texture and color to alert players when they approach a fence or structure.

Diamond Clay Conditioner This baked, crushed, and uniformly screened clay is designed to amend heavy clay fields. It provides the correct drainage, texture, and color for any size ballpark.

Infield Clay This controlled blend of clay, sand, and aggregate is available in three standard mixes and two particle sizes. It’s designed to maximize safety, playability, and drainage.

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Soilmaster® Select This premium soil conditioner features small, uniformly sized granules that make it the perfect infield topdressing.

Rapid Dry® This drying agent quickly absorbs water and improves soil consistency to keep your field in top playing condition, even after rain.

Pro Mound® This unique and durable blue gumbo packing clay forms a solid surface that allows players to establish footing in the mound and the batter’s box.

Customers: St. Louis Cardinals; Milwaukee Brewers; Florida Marlins; Chicago White Sox; Detroit Tigers.

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Check out www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

Hilltopper® Infield Mix

Southern Athletic Fields

Stabilizer Solutions, Inc.

Hilltopper® Mound & Home Plate Clay

800-837-8062 www.mulemix.com

800-336-2468 www.stabilizersolutions.com

Mar Mix Infield Mix Mar Mix is a natural sand/silt/clay blend that is screened and formulated to percolate water. It is red in color and makes for an excellent choice on any field. It’s used by professionals, colleges, universities, high schools, and parks and recreation departments.

Stabilizer Stabilizer is a natural soil binder that produces a firm, resilient playing surface by reducing dust and retaining moisture.

Pro Mound® Perma-Mound® and Safe “T” Mats Pro’s Choice® Soilmaster® Pro’s Choice® Rapid Dry® Diamond Pro® Red and Gray Infield Conditioners Red Lava Dust and Red Brick Dust Stabilizer® Diamond Dry®

MuleMix Field Conditioners These calcined clay field conditioners reduce compaction and provide moisture management. Sure Dry, 516, and 816 can help keep games on schedule.

Red Diamond RBI Conditioner This natural red infield conditioner is not dyed. It reduces compaction, manages moisture, and is professional-sized. A drying agent is also available.

Partac Peat Corp./Beam Clay Kelsey Park, Great Meadows, NJ 07838 800-247-BEAM partac@goes.com WWW.BEAMCLAY.COM

Hilltopper Mound and Home Plate Clay Hilltopper combines lasting polymers and natural clays to make your mound and home plate areas flexible and stable. No water is needed—just tamp and play.

Stabilizer Pro Gold Infield Mix Stabilizer Pro Gold adds life and resiliency while reducing dust and mud. It creates a longlasting surface that requires little maintenance.

Hilltopper Infield Mix This revolutionary infield surface is dustless, waterless, and mudless. It substantially reduces maintenance and down time.

Customers: Houston Astros, Houston, TX; Louisville Bats, Louisville, KY; Birmingham Barons, Hoover, AL; University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.

Customers: Philadelphia Phillies; Pittsburgh Pirates; Cal State-Fullerton; University of Arizona; University of Kansas.

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Guide to Infield Mixes & Soil Additives Country Stone

Game-On

Partac/BEAM CLAY®

260-837-9049

888-593-0395 www.hayditegame-on.com

800-247-BEAM www.beamclay.com

Game-On Soil Conditioner Use Game-On to reduce compaction of your infield surface. Game-On will increase drainage and help prevent rainouts.

BEAM CLAY® Baseball Diamond Mix This premium infield mix provides a firm, consistent playing surface with great drainage and color.

Infield Topdressing & Conditioner Achieve a better color contrast, improve drainage, and break up compacted areas by applying and working in REDFIELD’s infield lava topdressing.

Warning Track Mix Improve the look and properties of your field by applying REDFIELD’s lava warning track mix. It’s excellent for aesthetics, drainage, and stability.

Customers: Philadelphia Phillies; Cleveland Indians; Pittsburgh Pirates; Swing of the Quad Cities, Davenport, IA; Bethel College, Mishawaka, IN.

Game-Dry Game-Dry is a unique product that soaks up wet spots and puddles. It can also be worked into the surface to help condition the soil.

Game-On Red Game-On Red is the perfect product to use as a topdressing. Your field will have the brickred color of professional fields.

Game-On Warning Track This warning track product is durable and will not break down quickly. It is available in gray or red.

Customers: Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, OH; Buchholz High School, Gainesville, FL; Pike High School, Indianapolis, IN; Westerville Central High School, Westerville, OH; Mendota High School, Mendota, IL.

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BEAM CLAY Regional Infield Mixes These mixes are blended at bulk plants nationwide to meet the unique needs of every state and climate.

BEAM CLAY Red Infield Conditioner/Topdressing This product improves drainage, relieves compaction, and enhances color, giving your field a professional look.

BEAM CLAY 3/16” Red Warning Track This premium long-lasting product is burgundyred in color and is crunchy yet firm for great drainage. It is made with BEAM CLAY binder.

Customers: New York Yankees; New York Mets; Philadelphia Phillies; San Diego Padres; Toronto Blue Jays.

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Check out www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

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Aer-Flo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Bannerman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC Beacon Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 BetterBaseball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Cages Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Challenger Industries . . . . . . . . . . 23 Diamond Pro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Earth & Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 eFundraising.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Fair-Play Scoreboards . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Game-On Field Conditioner . . . . . 33 Gatorade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Goldner Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Hoosier Bat Company . . . . . . . . . . 36 JUGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 K&K Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 M.A.S.A. Products (catalog) . . . . . . . 12 M.A.S.A. Products (Fence Cap) . . . . . 22 Mar-Co Clay Products . . . . . . . . . 44 Markwort Sporting Goods. . . . . . . 39 Master Pitching Machine. . . . . . . . 36 Partac/Beam Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 PIK Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Pitcher’s Mate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Plus5 Field Marker (Imerys) . . . . . . . 19

IF TOO SOFT & DUSTY! STABILIZER® & HILLTOPPER® FOR FIRM, YET RESILIENT, PLAYING SURFACES

TO QUICKLY DRY INFIELDS! The Original & Most Absorbent is Now NEW & IMPROVED GRANULAR

OVER 200 OTHER INFIELD PRODUCTS! Premium & Standard in 6 Colors!

Protective Safety Covers for Chain Link Fence WALL PADDING • WINDSCREEN • RAIL PADDING TAMPERS • DRAG MATS • RAKES HOLLYWOOD® BASES • FIELD MARKING MACHINES BATTING PRACTICE COVERS • RAIN COVERS PERMA-MOUND™ PADS • MOUND BRICKS SAFE “T” MATT™ BATTER’S BOX PADS TYPAR® GEOTEXTILES & TURF BLANKETS ON-DECK CIRCLES WITH TEAM LOGOS PERMANENT FOUL LINES & MUCH MORE!

FOR INSTRUCTIONS & BROCHURES

www.BEAMCLAY.com

800-247-BEAM

908-637-4191 / FAX 908-637-8421 PARTAC PEAT CORPORATION KELSEY PARK, GREAT MEADOWS, NJ 07838

“The best infield mix I’ve ever used.”

— GEORGE TOMA Circle No. 134

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Power Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Pro Style (Adroit Technologies) . . . . . . 39 Pro’s Choice Field Products . . . . . 13 ProMow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Red Diamond R.B.I.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Redfield by Country Stone . . . . . . 26 Seating Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 47 Southern Athletic Fields . . . . . . . . 49 SPI Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Sports Attack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Sports Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Sports Tutor (HomePlate) . . . . . . . . . 34 Sporturf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Stabilizer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Stalker Radar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 TLI Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 TPX Top 96. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 TurboStats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Turface Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC Turfco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Vantage Products Int’l. . . . . . . . . IFC White Line Equipment Co. . . . . . . 22 WSI Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Xvest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Zingbat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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Adroit Technologies (hitting drills) . . . 48 Adroit Technologies (professional swing) . . 48 Aer-Flo (Bunt Zone Infield Protector) . . . 48 Aer-Flo (Wind Weighted Tarps) . . . . . . 43 Bannerman (Ballpark-47) . . . . . . . . . . 43 Bannerman (Diamond Master) . . . . . . . 43 Beacon Athletics (catalog) . . . . . . . . 38 Beacon Athletics (nets and cages) . . . 35 BetterBaseball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Cages Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Challenger Industries (baseball turf) . . 45 Challenger Industries (DURAPlay) . . . 45 Country Stone (Redfield) . . . . . . . . . 41 Diamond Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Earth & Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 eFundraising.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Fair-Play Scoreboards (BA-7120) . . . . 43 Fair-Play Scoreboards (MP-30) . . . . . 43 Game-On Field Conditioner . . . . . 41 Gatorade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Goldner Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Hoosier Bat Company . . . . . . . . . . 46 Jaypro (batting cage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Jaypro (bleachers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 JUGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 K&K Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 M.A.S.A. Products . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Mar-Co Clay Products . . . . . . . . . 40 Markwort (practice glove). . . . . . . . . . 48 Markwort (Speed Sensor) . . . . . . . . . . 48 Master Pitching Machine . . . . . . . 48 Partac/Beam Clay . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 PIK Products (Grand Slam) . . . . . . . . . 48

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PIK Products (Swift Stik) . . . . . . . . . . 48 Pitcher’s Mate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Plus5 Field Marker (Imerys) . . . . . . . 43 Power Systems (Baseball Power Program) . . 49 Power Systems (catalog) . . . . . . . . . 38 Power Systems (Power Throw Balls) . . . 49 Pro’s Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 ProMow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Red Diamond (Moltan Co.) . . . . . . . . 39 Russell Athletic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Southern Athletic Fields (infield mix) . 40 Southern Athletic Fields (product line) . 44 SPI Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Sports Attack (Hack Attack) . . . . . . . . 51 Sports Attack (Track Attack) . . . . . . . 51 Sports Sensors (Glove Radar) . . . . . . . 51 Sports Sensors (Swing Speed Radar) . . . 50 Sports Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Sporturf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Stabilizer Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Stalker Radar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 TLI Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 TPX Top 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 TurboStats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Turface (Profile Products) . . . . . . . . . . 39 Turfco (Edge-R-Rite) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Turfco (Mete-R-Matic XL) . . . . . . . . . . 44 Vantage Products Int’l. . . . . . . . . . 35 WSI Sports (MICROTECH) . . . . . . . . . 47 WSI Sports (PRO WikMax Slider) . . . . . 47 Xvest (Don Chu) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Xvest (Fire Fighter model) . . . . . . . . . . 50 Zingbat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Baseball Field Aer-Flo, Inc. 800-823-7356 WWW.AERFLO.COM

nozzle, and the new highway transport kit.

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Wind Weighted™ baseball/softball tarps are virtually windproof. These patent-pending covers for the mound, home base, and bullpens have a steel chain in their edge hem, so they stay down in windy conditions. No stakes or sandbags are necessary. The installer device allows installation in 25 seconds by only two people. The tough, waterproof 14-oz. vinyl-polyester fabric is treated against UV and mildew exposure. Wind Weighted tarps and installers take the drudgery out of the game.

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Bannerman Ltd. 800-665-2596 WWW.SPORTSTURFMAGIC.COM Restore your diamond’s luster in 20 minutes or less. Bannerman Ltd. manufactures groomers that will level and care for baseball diamonds, warning tracks, and walking trails. The B-DM-6 Diamond Master® has five grooming tools, including: Ripper Blade, Rake, Leveler, Roller, and Finishing Brush.

Options available: Extension Wing Brush Kit, Hydraulic Tractor Top Link, 50-gallon Water Tank with spray nozzle, Long Tine “Fluffing” Rake, and New Highway Transport Kit. Circle No. 222 When your players’ safety comes first, look to Bannerman Ltd, manufacturers of groomers that are used to shape, level, and care for baseball diamonds.

The B-BP-4 Ballpark-47 (shown) and the B-BP-6 Ballpark-67 models have five tools: ripper blade, rake, leveler, roller, and brush. Available accessories include: a wing brush kit, a top link kit, a 50-gallon water tank kit with spray

BetterBaseball 800-997-4233 WWW.BETTERBASEBALL.COM BetterBaseball is a total baseball supply house, specializing in nets and batting cages that are custom-cut to any size you want. The company provides quick, friendly customer service.

BetterBaseball supplies everything, including bases, plates, mounds, gear, and hardware, and it can all be found at BetterBaseball.com or by calling the company.

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Earth & Turf Products, LLC 888-693-2638 WWW.EARTHANDTURF.COM Earth & Turf Products has announced the release of its Model 24D TruFlow™, a push-type topdresser for dry, flowable materials, including calcined clay on baseball fields. It features a three cubic-foot capacity, an eight-inch (diameter) dispersal drum, a spreading pattern 24 inches wide, and an adjustable front gate opening. This topdresser has a simple, four-wheel design, with 4.80/4.00eight drive tires, and 4.00-six transport tires.

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Fair-Play Scoreboards 800-247-0265 WWW.FAIR-PLAY.COM It’s always a great day at the ballpark with the Fair-Play model BA-7120 scoreboard.

Wide, bright amber LED digits track the score inning-byinning, together with balls, strikes, and outs. Easy to operate and virtually maintenance-free, this scoreboard is

ideal for high school and college programs alike. Pair your scoreboard with team and sponsor signage for a fan-pleasing presentation. Catch the spirit of Fair-Play—call today for a free catalog.

Circle No. 226 Fair-Play makes scoring a game as easy as watching one with the new MP-30 scoreboard controller. This sleek handheld controller includes a simple touch pad to control scores, innings, balls, strikes, and outs. Pair our handheld controller with a solid performer like the BA-7200 scoreboard and play ball. Call today for a free catalog.

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Imerys 800-552-9671 WWW.PLUS5LINEMARKER.COM The PLUS 5® field marker is now available from Imerys. This marker is preferred by coaches and groundskeepers for its brighter white lines and ease of use. It’s good for turf and harmless to skin and clothing. PLUS 5 is licensed as the official marking material of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Call Imerys today or go online to learn more.

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ProMow, Inc. 877-477-6669 WWW.4APROMOW.COM Your field of dreams can be like the “big leagues” in less time than ever. It takes less than 20 minutes to cut a football field size area with ProMow. It’s ideal for use with your existing field maintenance equipment because low horsepower is required.

The reel cut is the choice of professionals, because it results in greener, healthier turf. ProMow is ideal for all types of sports fields. You can see the difference.

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Check out www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

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Baseball Field Jaypro Sports, LLC 800-243-0533 WWW.JAYPRO.COM Jaypro’s Powder-Coated Bleachers are lightweight, strong, and stable, with options of galvanized steel, all-aluminum, and powder-coated.

They are available in three, four, or five rows.

The powder-coat finish makes the bleachers more durable, attractive, and scratch-resistant. Other bleacher companies offer custom coloring only on the seats—Jaypro offers a range of colors for both the seats and the understructure. Pick your team’s color combination to give a uniform look to your playing field, gymnasium, or stadium.

Circle No. 230 Jaypro’s Little Slam batting cage offers heavy-duty construction and a full line of features. Designed for collegiate and high school use, it measures 17’ 6” wide x 12’ deep x 12’ high. The cage is constructed of two-inch heavy wall aluminum and easily folds and collapses to a height of just five feet. It includes a climatized nylon net and a ricochet cushion to reduce rebound and frame damage. The Little Slam can be transported easily on three pneumatic turf wheels.

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Southern Athletic Fields 800-837-8062 WWW.MULEMIX.COM Southern Athletic Fields (SAF) specializes in a wide variety of quality products. Some of these products include: infield mixes, mound and packing clays, soil conditioners/calcined clays, drying agents, infield topdressing, warning track materials, and field-maintenance accessories. SAF is your one-stop source for athletic field needs.

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Sporturf 800-798-1056 WWW.SPORTURF.COM Sporturf was founded in 1976 and reigns as the oldest owner-operated turf manufacCircle No. 135

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

turer in the world. The turf industry has seen many changes, but Sporturf provides the stability and experience you demand.

Sporturf manufactures All Sport, a synthetic turf made with monofilament polypropylene yarn designed to withstand steel spikes. The company also offers rings of turf to surround home plate areas, custom logos for synthetic fields, batter’s box area mats, field covers and protectors, and several other types of synthetic turf for baseball facilities.

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Turfco Manufacturing 763-785-1000 WWW.TURFCO.COM The Turfco Mete-R-Matic® XL tow-type topdresser offers increased hopper capacity to cover larger turf areas on sports fields. It combines Turfco’s patented Mete-RMatic chevron belt design and ground drive system to ensure even distribution of topdressing materials, regardless of moisture content or vehicle speed. As a result, the Mete-RMatic XL is the easiest to use, most consistent large-area topdresser available.

With a hopper capacity of 2.25 cubic yards (1.72 cubic meters), it can carry a load of up to 6,000 lbs.

Circle No. 234 Unlike traditional rotary edgers, the Turfco Edge-R-Rite’s unique oscillating blade cuts turf without throwing debris, making it cleaner and safer to use in high-traffic areas. It eliminates spade or shovel edging and leaves a professional-looking edge. The rightangle blade edges baseball diamonds, golf course bunkers, and flower beds.

Additional blades can be added to edge sidewalks, curbs, and driveways, and to make cuts for drainage or install all sorts of edging. Depth control can be easily adjusted up to four inches. The Edge-R-Rite is built with a solid-steel frame and a traction-assist drive.

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Baseball Field Challenger Industries, Inc. 800-334-8873 WWW.CHALLENGERIND.COM Challenger offers the new TT33 baseball field turf. The latest in synthetic turf technology, it’s great for covering the entire field, foul ball areas, or just the infield. The company also offers the “Permanent” home plate mat, with inlaid batter’s box lines and home plate. With this product, you’ll no longer need to repaint season after season. The new “Permanent” home plate mat will be made with the same high-quality athletic turf as before, complete with a 5-mm urethane cushion.

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DURAPlay home plate baseball and softball mats, from Challenger Industries, can be used anywhere a home plate area is needed.

Whether covering the batter’s box for protection or establishing a home plate area indoors or out, these durable mats create batter’s boxes that are ideal for either sport. Pre-cut mats are available for fungo/on-deck circles, pitching mounds, and single batter’s boxes.

Synthetic turf products are also available, for batting cages, dugouts, or the whole field, and installation is available as well.

Contact Challenger for more information.

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SEATING SERVICES 800-552-9470 WWW.SEATINGSERVICES.COM Seating Services, manufacturer of quality stadium chairs, has introduced the Cardinal Model Series 3500 tip-up chair for use in settings with narrow row spacing—as narrow as 27 inches. These blow-molded chairs are gravity tip. They have no springs or pins, which saves money in three ways: The chairs are less expensive to manufacture, install, and maintain. They are designed for installation on concrete or steel/aluminum grandstands. Seat widths can range from 18-22 inches. Many available colors and options make these an excellent way to seat more fans in a limited space.

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Check out www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

IT’S A DOPPLER RADAR DOUBLE PLAY! Developing Hitting and Throwing Skills Has Never Been So Convenient or Affordable!

GLOVE RADAR ® is the ideal aid for developing the throwing skills of infielders, outfielders, pitchers, and catchers. Use it for training, tossing, warming-up, or just having fun!

Easily attached to virtually any baseball or softball glove, GLOVE RADAR’s accurate to within 1 mph of radar guns costing considerably more.

Its low cost, compact design, and remarkable versatility make GLOVE RADAR ® the smart choice for teams and individual players.

From the inventors of the Glove Radar,®the NEW Swing Speed Radar ™ determines your optimum swing speed for your best distance, quickness and bat control/ball contact. You can determine swing and bat characteristics that achieve the best results. The Swing Speed Radar ™ features simple one-button operation and a large LCD display. Rugged, compact design makes it convenient to carry and use.

It’s not how hard you swing, but how well you swing!

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SPORTS SENSORS, INC. P.O. BOX 46198 CINCINNATI, OH 45246-0198

Works great for golf, too!

For more information, call toll-free: 1-888-542-9246.

Or, visit our websites at: www.swingspeedradar.com or www.gloveradar.com

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Team Equipment Hoosier Bat Co. 800-228-3787 WWW.HOOSIERBAT.COM

Stalker Radar 888-STALKER WWW.STALKERRADAR.COM

TurboStats Software 800-60-STATS WWW.TURBOSTATS.COM

Hoosier Bat Co. makes an all-ash bat, used by many major and minor league players, and a patented three-piece wood bat, the Woodforce 2000, that’s now NCAAapproved.

With ash in the handle, hickory in the sweet spot, and maple on the barrel end, this bat provides a solid sweet spot that will not flake, while retaining the same look and feel as a traditional all-ash bat. All of Hoosier’s bats are made from quality wood and crafted to exacting standards.

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The ultra high-performance Stalker Sport radar gun precisely measures the speed of a baseball as it leaves the pitcher’s hand, and also reads the speed as it crosses the plate. These speeds can differ by up to 12 mph. The Stalker Sport is three times more powerful than any other sports radar gun, and can accurately clock pitches from over 300 feet away.

A new double-capacity battery handle is available, providing up to 40 hours of use between charges. All Major League Baseball teams use the Stalker Sport.

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TurboStats Software has released Version 12.0 for Baseball/Softball, which combines the same proven stat tracking technology used by over 10,000 teams, with innovative new features like spray charting, stats by count, and pitching history reports. Coaches’ jobs are made easier by combining a practice planner, scorebook page designer, league scheduling, computerized batting orders, and a drag-ndrop lineup card designed with live game scorekeeping on a Palm OS. With Version 12.0, coaches can now view stats by pitch count, pitch type, and location and can even print color coded spray chart-

Check out www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

Medals, Pins & Patches Something for everyone!

Custom & Stock Items • Custom designs created by you • Up to 7 colors on • Any size – any shape custom patches, • Up to 5 colors on medals, price patches 50%-100% includes drape ribbon, event embroidered card and poly bag • No setups or die charges • Stock medals for speedy • Minimum order 100 pieces delivery • Delivery in 3-5 weeks

800-251-2656 In TN: 615-244-3007 Fax: 615-244-5937 www.goldnerassociates.com kbond@goldnerassociates.com Circle No. 138 Circle No. 139

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231 Venture Circle Nashville, TN 37228

Team Equipment diagrams. The statistical information can be manually entered or imported directly into the Palm OS. TurboStats also released Version 6.0 of ScoreKeeper that now includes pitch charting along with live game scorebook style data entry and spray charting. TurboStats ScoreKeeper has been helping teams win championships for several years since it has been introduced and is endorsed by Ken Griffey, Sr. In addition, TurboStats has also released a new scouting tool called TurboScout, which creates batter vs. pitcher and pitcher vs. batter reports for all pitch types, locations, and outcomes.

TurboScout retails for $69.95.

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WSI Sports 651-994-9945 WWW.WSISPORTS.COM PRO WikMax Slider™ is made with the most advanced fabric available on the planet today. PRO WikMax™ wicks mois-

ture away far better than any other product, period. The comfortable four-way stretch fabric provides custom fit to everyone.

The super durability of PRO WikMax will actually help protect the skin from abrasions, and it will last a lifetime. A built-in second layer on the hip offers extra protection.

Circle No. 243 Check out the new MICROTECH™ from WSI, the global leaders in moisture management. This product comes in 15 differ-

ent colors and is available for less than half the price of Under Armour. WSI’s team program includes custom orders.

Picture this: your team colors with your team logo, plus a free coach’s shirt. You can get all this at a team price that’s less

than half the price of Under Armour. You can’t go wrong with WSI. Circle No. 244

Russell Athletic WWW.RUSSELLATHLETIC.COM While your players are warming up before the game, this lightweight Russell Athletic Batting Practice Pull-Over will keep them cool and dry, with its moisture-wicking stretch fabric. Made with 86 percent polyester and 14 percent stretch, this new 2005 style is soft and comfortable, and allows for increased freedom of movement. It also features mesh inserts for increased breathability, and notched ends so players can wear it inside of or over their uniforms.

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Check out www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

3TADIUM #HAIRS "LOW -OLDED OR )NJECTION -OLDED 0(/.% &!8 WWW SEATINGSERVICES COM

“THE REEL MOWER�

Mowers for home, sports and commercial

Reel Mower System

• Cut your mowing time by 2/3! • Manicured results • Zero turn radius • Floating reels follow the contour of turf • Suturing cut of the grass promotes a healthy, lush lawn • Environmentally friendly, less gas, oil & exhaust • Low hp requirements • Low maintenance • Easy to sharpen yourself • Mow up to 5 acres per hour

CALL FOR SPECIALS 8318 Clinton Park Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46825 Phone: 260-482-6699 • Fax 260-482-6688

Quality Stadium Chair Manufacturer Circle No. 140

877-477-6669 www.promow.com Circle No. 141

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Practice Aids Adroit Technologies, Inc. 866-317-0141 WWW.ASTUTEED.NET/PROSTYLE

while improving team bunting skills.

Ground staples are included.

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remote control, and carry a manufacturer’s warranty.

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The new video by John Mallee, Teaching Hitting Drills Pro Style, is an exceptional collection of drills put together in a superb teaching sequence to help hitters reach their full potential.

The video begins with Mallee explaining the seven progressive steps he uses to teach hitters to master his hitting concepts. Then he delves into a number of key hitting topics, such as early stride separation, top-hand pronation, and fungo drills. This video should be required viewing for hitters and hitting coaches at all levels.

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Markwort Sporting Goods 800-937-4824 WWW.MARKWORT.COM

Swift Stik 877-845-7845 WWW.SWIFTSTIK.COM

The Markwort Speed Sensor 9” Baseball provides an easy, accurate way to measure pitch speeds up to 120 mph.

Just press start, throw the ball, and the LCD indicator displays the speed in mph upon impact. It’s the same official size and weight as a regulation baseball, and can be used as a training aid for any age or skill level.

GripSense technology begins to record the speed automatically the moment the ball is released. This ball is not designed for contact with bats or other hard surfaces.

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Swift Stik is the fastest way to improve your swing. This easy-to-use, lightweight training bat is great for baseball and softball, letting you take hundreds of extra swings. You’re guaranteed to get fast

In his new video by Adroit Technologies, entitled Teaching the Professional Swing Pro Style, former major leaguer and current hitting coach John Mallee outlines an instructional program that teaches batters to be mechanically sound. Key areas covered include stance, weight transfer, stride separation, pre-swing movement, body posture during the swing, approach to contact, and follow-through. The video can be an effective tool for coaches and players at any level.

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Markwort’s Original Practice Glove teaches the fundamentals of fielding the ball properly. It promotes two-handed play by forcing the athlete to be centered on the ball. It also helps develop a quick transition from catching to throwing. This nine-inch leather glove doesn’t bend, doesn’t have a pocket, and won’t repel the ball.

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Aer-Flo, Inc. 800-823-7356 WWW.AERFLO.COM

Master Pitching Machine, Inc. 800-878-8228 WWW.MASTERPITCH.COM

The Bunt Zone™ Infield Protector doubles as the perfect target-training system for bunting practice. It uses three color-coded zones: Yellow is the bunt-for-hit target area; green is the sacrifice bunt zone; and red is the bad bunt zone.

Players get instant feedback at every practice. Tough 9-oz. vinyl-polyester mesh survives spike traffic. The Bunt Zone (patents pending) provides maximum turf protection

The “Iron Mike” pitching machine features a throwing arm that lets the batter see a full wind-up before the ball is pitched, allowing him or her to better develop the fundamental skills used when facing a live pitcher. That capability makes the “Iron Mike” the preferred pitching machine of professional and amateur players and coaches. All machines are selffeeding, include a

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results. Swift Stik improves hand-eye coordination, builds muscle memory, helps increase bat speed, and teaches the hitter to hit the “sweet spot.” Swift Stik is endorsed by professional hitting instructor Mike Epstein and University of Tennessee Baseball Coach Rod Delmonico. It is available in 34” and 30” sizes and has a patented, adjustable foam sweet spot.

Swift Stik is packaged with an instructional video and four golf ball-sized Wiffle® balls. This product should be used only with tennis, Wiffle®, or soft foam balls.

Visit the company’s Web site for testimonials.

Circle No. 252

Grand Slam Pitching Machine 800-GRAND SLAM WWW.AGRANDSLAM.COM Grand Slam is the most effective pitching machine on the market for developing a hitter’s hand-eye coordination. Its reservoir holds up to 100 golf ball-sized Wiffle® balls and fires a pitch every eight seconds. Each pitch is guaranteed to hit the strike zone, but in varying locations. Standing 16-20 feet from the Grand Slam, a hitter can experience pitches of over 90 mph.

The pitch speed is adjustable. The Grand Slam is great for indoor and outdoor practice and is safe to use. Powered by a durable blower motor, the Grand Slam will last for years, because there are no moving wheels to wear down. The product includes 48 golf ball-sized Wiffle® balls and comes with a three-month satisfaction guarantee.

Circle No. 253

Practice Aids Pitcher's Mate 270-586-6186 WWW.PITCHERS-MATE.COM

Power Systems, Inc. 800-321-6975 WWW.POWER-SYSTEMS.COM

Used by college and pro teams, Pitcher’s Mate offers a reversible life-size target, featuring a 5’10” baseball batter and a 5’4” softball batter. This target has a passthrough, four-section strike zone.

Constructed of tough material and a stainless steel frame, the target weighs only 28 lbs. and is easy to set up and move. Use it indoors or outdoors for serious off-season throwing practice.

Circle No. 254

Develop dynamic strength through the full range of the throwing motion with weighted Power Throw Balls™. These durable balls are official baseball size and are available in three weights: 7 oz., 14 oz., and 21 oz.

As conditioning progresses, gradually increase the weight of the ball to meet your training challenge.

They can also be used for upperbody rehabilitation. Power Throw Balls are color-coded by weight and consist of a rugged vinyl shell and filling. Softball size is available as well. An instruction manual and VHS or DVD are also available.

Contact Power Systems for more information on other products and programs.

Circle No. 255

The Baseball Power Program, exclusively from Power Systems, is a 12-week training program designed to bolster the performance of baseball athletes. The package includes equipment to develop the speed, agility, and explosiveness needed to excel in this very competitive sport. The program includes: a Pro Agility Ladder™, a 6lb. Power Med-Ball™, a Lateral Stepper™, a VersaDisc™, a large Power Chute™, a Power Throw-Ball™ set, a nylon carry bag, the Power Program Manual, and your choice of a VHS tape or a DVD. The video shows the proper way to use the equipment, and the training manual takes you step by step through the program.

Contact Power Systems for more information on other products and programs.

Circle No. 256

Check out www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

Southern Athletic Fields... ...your complete source for all athletic field needs!

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Mar Mound Clay Infield Mixes Field Conditioners Drying Agents Warning Trac Infield Topdressing Various Field Accessories

800.837.8062 www.mulemix.com Circle No. 142

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

49

Practice Aids Sports Tutor 800-448-8867 WWW.SPORTSMACHINES.COM The HomePlate machine from Sports Tutor is the first programmable pitching machine designed for both batting cage and on-field use. The HomePlate machine can simulate almost any pitcher you are likely to face. It can throw a 90-mph fastball, followed by a 75-mph curve, followed by a change-up, followed by a slider, with only seven seconds between pitches. You can store up to eight different pitches in each of eight different programs. The programmed pitches can be thrown sequentially (for specific hitting drills), or randomly (to simulate game conditions). HomePlate models start at $2,995.

Circle No. 257

Xvest 800-697-5658 WWW.THEXVEST.COM “I have found the Xvest to be an excellent tool for providing overloads in plyometric, strength training, conditioning, and rehabilitation programs. The fit and adaptability are excellent. The Xvest allows freedom of movement and doesn’t interfere with any of the agility, bounding, or running programs that I write for a wide variety of athletes, collegiate and professional.

The Xvest has proven itself in my programs. Thank you for all your efforts and help in improving my capability as a strength and conditioning specialist.”

—Donald A. Chu, Ph.D., PT, ATC, CSCS, author of Jumping Into Plyometrics.

Circle No. 258 Xvest has a new weight configuration, and it’s heavy: 84 pounds of heavy. The new Xvest, known as the Fire Fighter model, was developed especially for fire fighters and their rigorous training. It has the same basic design as the original Xvest, but internally it has a new weight configuration

Testimonial that allows for 84 pounds of weight.

Because of the ability to adjust weight like the original Xvest, everyone from body builders to military personnel is buying them. For more information on all the Xvest models, call the company or visit its Web site.

Circle No. 259

Swing Speed Radar™ 800-589-3805 WWW.SWINGSPEEDRADAR.COM The new Swing Speed Radar™ from Sports Sensors, Inc. is a small, inexpensive microwave Doppler radar velocity sensor that measures the swing speed of baseball and softball players.

The Swing Speed Radar helps players to develop optimum bat speed for distance, quickness, and bat control for consistent ball contact. The Swing Speed Radar provides realtime velocity feedback that assists players, coaches, and instructors in measuring performance improvement and trouble-shooting swing mechanics. This product is also great for golfers.

Circle No. 260

Zingbat™ 866-ZINGBAT WWW.ZINGBAT.COM Zingbat™ has introduced the new “trainer” series of the Zingbat line. This economically priced version of the regular “pro” series Zingbat is ideal for youth players. The new trainer allows the batter to learn basic swing mechanics. The “composite Zingbat trainer” comes in one length and weight (30 inches, 17 ounces), while the aluminum “pro” series can be customized to meet specific length and weight requirements. Call today for a free instructional CD or video.

Circle No. 261

Check out www.AthleticBid.com to contact these companies.

Great Products and Support Make for Satisfied Customers “We have purchased one softball tension batting cage and two baseball tension batting cages in the past three years. These cages give us the opportunity to turn a small area into a multipurpose area. Every night, we can turn a small exercise room into a hitting area with two cages. At the end of the night, we take down the cages and the room is ready for any activity.”

Joe Reda Athletic Director/Baseball Coach Bloom Township High School, IL “The reason I like Beacon Athletics the best is that they seem to be constantly trying to find new and innovative products. An example of this would be the streamliner infield marker. This marker does a great job, is easy to use, and needs very little maintenance. We have always been very happy with the products and services provided by Beacon Athletics.”

Paul Klinzing Park Supervisor/City Forester Monroe Parks & Recreation Department “Since starting with the Reds in 2001, Beacon Athletics has been extremely beneficial to us, providing excellent products and technical support. The staff has many years of experience dealing with baseball fields on all levels. I never hesitate to recommend the products and expertise of Beacon Athletics to others in the industry.”

Doug Gallant, Head Groundskeeper Cincinnati Reds

Beacon Athletics 2224 Pleasant View Rd., Ste. 6, Middleton, WI 53562 800-747-5985 info@beaconathletics.com WWW.BEACONATHLETICS.COM

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Practice Aids Sports Attack 800-717-4251 WWW.SPORTSATTACK.COM The Hack Attack Baseball Pitching Machine features an exclusive design that allows the hitter to see the ball clearly all the way through the feeding motion, acceleration and release, just like from a live pitcher. This visual arm action signals the hitter when to stride and the angle of release, giving him a live arm sense of timing and location. The Hack Attack will throw unmatched right- and left-handed major league fastballs and breaking pitches, including curveballs, sliders, sinkers, and knuckleballs. All this is accomplished by simply changing the speed of the wheels with three dials, eliminating time-consuming adjustments of the throwing head. It instantly switches to fungo work, pivoting in

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any direction and with real game-like spin, simulates grounders, long fly balls, deep line drives, towering infield flies, and popups for your catcher.

Circle No. 262 Sports Attack has introduced the Track Attack Vision Training Machine, a quality year-round major-league training tool for hitters. Track Attack uses soft, limited-flight pitching machine balls that are 20% smaller than a baseball. It is a valuable hitting station because it forces the hitter to track and focus on the center of the ball, and keep his head down causing the front shoulder and hips to stay in. Use it on an indoor or outdoor surface, gym surface, or at home.

A ball feeder is also available.

Circle No. 263

Glove Radar 800-589-3805 WWW.GLOVERADAR.COM Turn any ball glove into a radar speed gun with Glove Radar®, featuring improved sensitivity, from Sports Sensors, Inc. It’s the ideal aid for developing the throwing skills of infielders, outfielders, pitchers, and catchers. Glove Radar is easily attached to either a baseball or softball glove and is worn by the receiver of the ball—or multiple partners—in nongame situations. It utilizes Doppler radar, like conventional handheld radar speed guns. It is not an impact sensor or timer.

Glove Radar “sees” through the glove and measures the speed of the ball as it approaches the glove. Unlike most radar speed guns, a long-range capability is not required—Glove Radar performs accurately at any throwing distance.

Circle No. 264

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Circle No. 144

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COACHING MANAGEMENT

51

More Products

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Goldner Associates, Inc. 800-251-2656 WWW.GOLDNERASSOCIATES.COM

TPX Top 96 508-655-9696 WWW.TOP96.COM

Goldner Associates has been a leading supplier of medals, pins, and patches for 40 years. The company can create custom designs in any size or shape, and stock items are also available. Looking for an item with your team logo? As a top-50 distributor, Goldner offers a full line of promotional products, including team caps and t-shirts, trophies and awards, fundraising items, giveaways, and much more.

Circle No. 266

Top 96 is adding a dozen or more invitational baseball showcase events for high school ballplayers throughout the United States to its schedule. These will model the organization’s New England showcase, now entering its 12th year. Each two-day event presents the top 144 players in an area. College coaches and pro scouts can see young players in both pro-style workouts and simulated games. Events are planned in northern and southern California, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York City, upstate New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. Go online to learn more or to apply.

Circle No. 269

K&K Insurance 260-459-5933 WWW.KANDKINSURANCE.COM K&K Insurance is dedicated to providing customized insurance programs for youth and adult sports activities, ranging from weekend recreational leagues to world-class competition in a wide variety of sports.

K&K’s innovative coverage, risk evaluation, and claims handling results in programs designed to meet the needs of athletes, officials, spectators, and administrators involved in amateur and professional sports.

Circle No. 267

Gatorade 800-88GATOR WWW.GATORADE.COM After years of extensive research, scientists at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute have developed Gatorade Endurance Formula for athletes’ longer, more intense workouts and competitions. Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink with a five-electrolyte blend containing nearly twice the sodium (200 mg) and three times the potassium (90 mg) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher to more fully replace what athletes lose in sweat when fluid and electrolyte losses become substantial.

Circle No. 268

eFundraising 866-825-2921 WWW.EFUNDRAISING.COM Try eFundraising’s On-line Fundraising Program, a new way to raise money quickly and easily. With your free, personalized Web site, complete with a magazine store, your supporters can purchase magazine subscriptions on-line and 40 percent of each purchase amount will go back to your group.

Simply enter the site and send e-mails to friends and family across America, inviting them to visit your on-line store and buy, renew, or extend their magazine subscriptions to help support your group. They’ll save up to 85 percent off the newsstand price on over 650 magazine titles while you earn 40-percent profit.

Circle No. 270

Superior Products for a WellMaintained Field Diamond Pro® professional groundskeeping products are used by thousands of professional sports teams, schools, municipalities, and youth leagues across the country.

Professionalism, superior products, and outstanding customer service are just a few of the many reasons Diamond Pro has reached this level.

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Jeff Kershaw Louisiana State University “Diamond Pro has helped in building one of the best infields in baseball.”

Trever Vance Kansas City Royals “We play 31 games over nine days, rain or shine. Diamond Pro fulfills that commitment.”

Jim Scott Little League Baseball, Inc.

Diamond Pro professional groundskeeping products deliver long-lasting performance and quality while enhancing the look and feel of a well-maintained athletic field.

Diamond Pro 1341 West Mockingbird Lane Dallas, Texas 75247 800-228-2987 diamondpro@txi.com WWW.DIAMONDPRO.COM

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When the safety of your players comes first, look to Bannerman, the leading Groomer manufacturer for over 24 years, to shape, level, and care for your baseball diamonds, warning tracks, and walking/bike trails. The B-BP-4 Ballpark-4® (shown) and the B-BP-6 Ballpark-6®, B-DM-6 Diamond Master® (shown) models have five standard tools, including: Ripper Blade, Rake, Leveler, Roller, and Brush. Accessories available include: Wing Brush Kit, Top Link Kit, 50-gallon Water Tank Kit with spray nozzle, and NEW Highway Transport Kit. Restore your diamond’s luster in 20 minutes or less with one of the industry’s leading groomers.

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New to the Bannerman family of groomers is the B-MG-6 Master Groomer. This brush unit is the “Quick and Slick” answer to working in light to heavy topdressing and other turf building materials down to the base of the grasses, that you’ve only dreamed of, until now. For use on greens, tees, fairways, and all types of sportsturf surfaces both synthetic and natural.

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