“What you tolerate, you encourage.”

BE A CHAMPION
I learned a long time ago that you can expect great things from people who feel good about themselves.  They set long and short term goals and don't boast their talents to others with words.  Rather, they lead by work ethic, play and example. Those are the players that I enjoy coaching most. Always remember that a good portion of your athletic career will help shape the person you become later in life.  I owe much of who I am today to this great game. Work hard, stay positive and leave nothing behind.

Personal Responsibility In Daily Excellence     

LEARN SOMETHING NEW
"When you’re green you grow and when you’re ripe you rot.” The first thing you need to realize is that you don't know everything.  You can always learn something new or better your game in one way or another.  I believe that if I was given an hour to work on my game, I would need to spend at least 40 minutes of this time on my weaknesses. I truly believe that this attitude helped me become the player that allowed me to play the game longer than most.  Find some space and go out and get it done! 

You learn to do by doing......... 

CONDITIONING
I'm a firm believer in taking care of the body.  It doesn't matter whether your in season or out of season.  You can always go out and get bigger, stronger and in tip top shape.  I took great pride in this growing up.  I remember thinking that I was the only one up working out while my competition sat at home.  Do the extra's as it always pays off in the end. It did for me.  

HITTING LESSON
You have THREE HITTING EYEBALLS when hitting.  One is on your belly button and you have one on each knee cap.  It forms a triangle.  While in your batting stance, all three eyeballs should be looking at home plate.  This means that your toes should be pointing straight ahead to get all three looking at home plate.  Also, while in your hitting position (launch) all three eyeballs should still be looking at home plate. This will keep your hips from opening up prematurely.    

PLAYING CATCH
You need to have a purpose in everything you do on the playing field.  I love playing against teams that have no clue how to play catch properly.  I believe that a lot of players and coaches feel that this is a time to solely warm up the arm while my teams work on many different aspects of the game during this short time.  Our infielders are always moving their feet playing rhythm catch and working on receiving the ball, tags and cutoffs. My outfielders are working on catching the ball on the throwing side and footwork.  My catchers are working on popping up out of their stances, throwing to a target and footwork.  Have a purpose in everything you do. Remember, how you practice is how you'll play in games!  

CONCLUSION
I hope you take this information and apply it to your game.  Being a good player is hard work.  I grew up with a lot of players who had god given talent at a young age.  However, they didn't work as hard as others and within a five year time period they weren't as good as those same players they competed with during that time.  Lead by example and don't rely on your teammates to get the job done for you.  I had the great fortune of playing on a national championship hockey team that won the tournament by playing two lines.  We fed well of each and were in tip top shape.  Too many times young players get too wrapped up in their own accomplishments.  Be a team player and always remember that one player doesn't make or break a team.  If you play together and give your very best effort you'll have nothing to hang your head about.  Keep your chin up and eyes forward on the prize! 

TEAM= Together Everyone can Accomplish More. Good Luck.