"BIGS" NEWS!
BALL is proud to announce that BIGS Sunflower seeds has decided to become a BALL sponsor. We want to thank them for their support and can honestly say that the seeds are the best in the biz...
In addition to the original flavor, they also have Sizzlin' Bacon, Dill Pickle (a team favorite), and Buffalo Wing flavored seeds. To find a retailer that sells them (or to order online with no shipping charges), go here: BIGS
BALL extends BIGS a BIG thanks!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
NCAA College World Series
More later...for those of you meeting us from BALL, please use my cell phone for all communication. 714 - 334- 4023.
Thanks,
Ted Browne
Chief Storyteller
Beyond Athletic Life lessons, Inc.
Thanks,
Ted Browne
Chief Storyteller
Beyond Athletic Life lessons, Inc.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The measure of a man...
J9 shares her interpretation of "The measure of a man" on a great blog piece.
Wooden said that the measure of a man..."is the size of the things that get him upset." When I was coaching a kid a few years ago, he fell apart more often than the other kids - even though he succeeded more often. So to help him get over the hump, we also added, "...and how quickly he recovers from it!"
So now the phrase we recite is this:
The measure of a man is the size of the things that get him upset...and how quickly he recovers from it!
Then, one of my BALL coaches, Jen Solano (also a BALL storyteller) used the phrase's flavor as part of an inspiration for the basis of saying "don't disrespect the boy that ..." for the same application - when a kid falls apart for not succeeding. Here's how she introduced it to me:
I was very fortunate to have her coach my son, Mac, in baseball one summer. Jen is a former collegiate softball catcher and, as a result, has the "catcher's mentality" when she coaches:
1) Take charge,
2) Be decisive and confident,
and because baseball is a fluid sport,
3) Make instant decisions on-the-fly as the situation dictates.
She also has a fierce competitive spirit, but a genuine compassion for the kids. Sometimes it's a delicate balance. Jen, however, seems to intuitively know when and where to say the right things to the right kids.
Which brings me to my son.
Mac has always been a step behind the other boys his age in baseball because, in part, of the RSV virus that he caught as a baby. It affected his body so that the left side is weaker and reacts more slowly than the right side. This is evidenced by his running: whenever he runs, you can see the left side of his body react more slowly than the right side. So I taught him to hit left handed so his right hand could be his "power hand" on his swing. That gives him more power, but less chance of hitting the ball consistently because the left side now becomes the hand that refines the bat's barrel angle through the swing. So Mac's swing is truly "hit or miss".
Anyway, at one practice, he really hit the ball well and actually hit it over Coach Jen's head in right field. He held his head up high for the next 20 minutes until it was his turn to hit again. This time, it didn't turn out as well. He couldn't even hit a foul ball. He hung his head, kicked the dirt, and generally started into giving himself a "pity party".
Coach Jen's response?
From deep right field, he hears the following: "MAC BROWNE, you hold your head up high RIGHT NOW!!! Don't you DARE disrespect the player that hit that ball over my head!"
It was magic. In almost an instant, Mac's attitude changed. For the rest of the practice, he was noticeably more confident. And since that practice, my wife and I (as parents) remind Mac about never disrespecting the young man he has come to be. The young man he is meant to be. And I will never forget the moment when a wonderful teacher taught a son and his dad about keeping a positive attitude and the importance of getting back up whenever we fall down.
Wooden said that the measure of a man..."is the size of the things that get him upset." When I was coaching a kid a few years ago, he fell apart more often than the other kids - even though he succeeded more often. So to help him get over the hump, we also added, "...and how quickly he recovers from it!"
So now the phrase we recite is this:
The measure of a man is the size of the things that get him upset...and how quickly he recovers from it!
Then, one of my BALL coaches, Jen Solano (also a BALL storyteller) used the phrase's flavor as part of an inspiration for the basis of saying "don't disrespect the boy that ..." for the same application - when a kid falls apart for not succeeding. Here's how she introduced it to me:
I was very fortunate to have her coach my son, Mac, in baseball one summer. Jen is a former collegiate softball catcher and, as a result, has the "catcher's mentality" when she coaches:
1) Take charge,
2) Be decisive and confident,
and because baseball is a fluid sport,
3) Make instant decisions on-the-fly as the situation dictates.
She also has a fierce competitive spirit, but a genuine compassion for the kids. Sometimes it's a delicate balance. Jen, however, seems to intuitively know when and where to say the right things to the right kids.
Which brings me to my son.
Mac has always been a step behind the other boys his age in baseball because, in part, of the RSV virus that he caught as a baby. It affected his body so that the left side is weaker and reacts more slowly than the right side. This is evidenced by his running: whenever he runs, you can see the left side of his body react more slowly than the right side. So I taught him to hit left handed so his right hand could be his "power hand" on his swing. That gives him more power, but less chance of hitting the ball consistently because the left side now becomes the hand that refines the bat's barrel angle through the swing. So Mac's swing is truly "hit or miss".
Anyway, at one practice, he really hit the ball well and actually hit it over Coach Jen's head in right field. He held his head up high for the next 20 minutes until it was his turn to hit again. This time, it didn't turn out as well. He couldn't even hit a foul ball. He hung his head, kicked the dirt, and generally started into giving himself a "pity party".
Coach Jen's response?
From deep right field, he hears the following: "MAC BROWNE, you hold your head up high RIGHT NOW!!! Don't you DARE disrespect the player that hit that ball over my head!"
It was magic. In almost an instant, Mac's attitude changed. For the rest of the practice, he was noticeably more confident. And since that practice, my wife and I (as parents) remind Mac about never disrespecting the young man he has come to be. The young man he is meant to be. And I will never forget the moment when a wonderful teacher taught a son and his dad about keeping a positive attitude and the importance of getting back up whenever we fall down.
Friday, April 1, 2011
For the love of the game...
"It's my place. It's my sanctuary and battle field. Where getting a ball thrown at you is normal, and getting one hit at you is expected. Where people establish identity by a number instead of a name. Where home has nothing to do with where you live. Where people fully capable of speaking, rely solely on signals. Where tiny little seeds are considered a balanced meal and the last thing you'd do with a cup is drink form it. Where common language consists of whatda say and atta way with every sentence ending in babe. Where the opposite of safe is never dangerous. Where getting dirty is finally a good thing and a spank on the butt constitutes respect. Where an alphabet without the letter E would work just fine.
It's the only place where succeeding 3 times out of 10 can be considered good and 4 out of 10 great. Where 9 players can receive the ball in their glove, but only one is called a catcher. Where a series of 90 mph pitches and balls that travel over 400 ft is still considered a slow game. Where running away only to return in the same spot at which you started at is an honor. Where crazy routines are both followed and respected. Where rituals and superstitions have never been taken more seriously. Where time is not measured by minutes, but by opportunities. Where power and finesse finally reach equality. Where a suicide causes celebration and stealing is encouraged.
This is my place. Many dislike it and even more don't understand it, but none the less it is my place. I believe it was originally named the diamond due to its obvious shape; however it could have just as easily been called the crooked square. I do call it the diamond, but only because as promised it will last forever."
It's the only place where succeeding 3 times out of 10 can be considered good and 4 out of 10 great. Where 9 players can receive the ball in their glove, but only one is called a catcher. Where a series of 90 mph pitches and balls that travel over 400 ft is still considered a slow game. Where running away only to return in the same spot at which you started at is an honor. Where crazy routines are both followed and respected. Where rituals and superstitions have never been taken more seriously. Where time is not measured by minutes, but by opportunities. Where power and finesse finally reach equality. Where a suicide causes celebration and stealing is encouraged.
This is my place. Many dislike it and even more don't understand it, but none the less it is my place. I believe it was originally named the diamond due to its obvious shape; however it could have just as easily been called the crooked square. I do call it the diamond, but only because as promised it will last forever."
Friday, March 18, 2011
Are you "win at all costs"?
I just got an e-mail from a retailer who uses a weekly tips news to keep his name in front of the customer. As long as you understand his intent, it's a good letter. But he just sent me one that I think is completely off-base. Per the newsletter:
"He's a win at all costs coach". Some coach has just been hit with the most damning curse. It has been my experience, that this curse is uttered by losers that are not willing to pay the price to win.
He goes on to say that those coaches are typically the best prepared and understand the rules so well that they end up beating everybody, thus the unpopularity.
I disagree.
> A "win at all cost" coach drives away less talented kids from the team by either ignoring or treating them as less-than-equal in hopes that they'll quit.
> A "win at all costs" coach manipulates the lineup (in accordance to league rules) so that the same lesser-developed kids are scheduled to play key positions after the drop-dead time rule expires...so they never end up playing there. Or, in a variation, plays them in out-of-the-way positions (even during blowouts) to minimize damage if they ever do get a chance to make a play (while this is a very valid strategy, recreation ball coaches should strive to let the kid at least have a chance to succeed in a position deemed "fun" by the kids on the team).
> A "win at all costs" coach centers practice around his better players, and ignores the ones previously-mentioned so they twist in the wind.
The result is that they lose interest in the game and don't sign up the next year. I guess some would call that "thinning the herd", right? That's what those same coaches here call it.
> A "win at all cost" coach pitches his 9 to 12 year old "hoss" (a bigger stronger kid) the maximum allowable innings, and then has him catch or play shortstop the remainder of the game...even though his throwing mechanics are off, and every throw inches him that much closer to arm problems when he matures.
> A "win at all costs" coach will knowingly allow the same kid to pitch the day or two after he pitched 60 pitches on another team simply to give his team a better chance to win...regardless of what's healthy for the kid.
And then a coach gets him in high school, and since he's developed a lifetime of incorrect muscle memory and perhaps a little hubris about his throwing prowess, he won't change mechanics because he's not used to it...and then his parents wonder why their "hoss" son has a sore elbow all the time. Guess who they blame?
"He's a win at all costs coach". Some coach has just been hit with the most damning curse. It has been my experience, that this curse is uttered by losers that are not willing to pay the price to win.
He goes on to say that those coaches are typically the best prepared and understand the rules so well that they end up beating everybody, thus the unpopularity.
I disagree.
> A "win at all cost" coach drives away less talented kids from the team by either ignoring or treating them as less-than-equal in hopes that they'll quit.
> A "win at all costs" coach manipulates the lineup (in accordance to league rules) so that the same lesser-developed kids are scheduled to play key positions after the drop-dead time rule expires...so they never end up playing there. Or, in a variation, plays them in out-of-the-way positions (even during blowouts) to minimize damage if they ever do get a chance to make a play (while this is a very valid strategy, recreation ball coaches should strive to let the kid at least have a chance to succeed in a position deemed "fun" by the kids on the team).
> A "win at all costs" coach centers practice around his better players, and ignores the ones previously-mentioned so they twist in the wind.
The result is that they lose interest in the game and don't sign up the next year. I guess some would call that "thinning the herd", right? That's what those same coaches here call it.
> A "win at all cost" coach pitches his 9 to 12 year old "hoss" (a bigger stronger kid) the maximum allowable innings, and then has him catch or play shortstop the remainder of the game...even though his throwing mechanics are off, and every throw inches him that much closer to arm problems when he matures.
> A "win at all costs" coach will knowingly allow the same kid to pitch the day or two after he pitched 60 pitches on another team simply to give his team a better chance to win...regardless of what's healthy for the kid.
And then a coach gets him in high school, and since he's developed a lifetime of incorrect muscle memory and perhaps a little hubris about his throwing prowess, he won't change mechanics because he's not used to it...and then his parents wonder why their "hoss" son has a sore elbow all the time. Guess who they blame?
Friday, January 21, 2011
Open Letter To All Psycho Baseball Parents
Thanks to Paul Reddick for saying what most parents believe, but have the tact during the season not to communicate to offending parties.
Paul, we salute you!
Ted Browne
Open Letter To All Psycho Baseball Parents
by Paul Reddick
www.90mphclub.com
If this letter infuriates you...
If it makes you angry...
If it makes you upset...
I've got bad news for you.
You may be a psycho baseball parent!
It's gonna get worse for you.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you ARE a psycho baseball parent!
Does your kid has a personal trainer and he is not in HS yet?
Does he go to private lessons more than once a week and he's not in HS?
Has he had an arm injury before his 12th birthday?
Is your travel baseball budget over $5k ?
Have you missed family events for games?
Do you have punishment for missing practice before the age of 12?
Have you ever lost sleep because of a childs game?
Do you have a plan for his college recruitment before he's in HS?
Do you think you are going to make sure he gets the chance you never had?
Do you have pitch charts on your child?
Do you calculate their Little League batting average for nothing other than fun?
Have you quit a team becasue you were not getting in the game?
Have you started an AAU travel team so your kid could be the star?
Do you coach a travel team and stacked it with the best talent?
Are you going to decide where he goes to school based on baseball?
Are you the only one people can hear cheering at every game?
Have you verbally abused opponent or umpire?
Did you change jobs because it interfered with team schedule?
Are you planning to start school later to improve chances of being on upper age limits?
Have you ever got in a fight with another parent, coach or ump at a game?
Have you ever yelled at another adult or worse... A kid under the age of 18 while they were umping a little league game?
I know nobody reading this would ever say yes to any of those questions...right?
I'm sure you know a bunch of people who would though.
Let me drop some truth on you:
I get emails everyday that say something like ...
"My 10 year old has a dream of playing in MLB and he is so focused and nothing will stop him we train 4 hours per day and he's gonna play 120 games this year"
Your kid doesn't want that!
You know how I know your 10 year old doesn't want to train 4 hours per day and play 120 games?
HE'S 10!!!!!
He probably picks his nose when you're not looking and loves fart jokes. If you allowed him he would eat cookies, ice cream and soda at every meal.
He should. He's 10!!!!!
Your kid doesn't want what you want. He wants YOU!!! All your child wants
is approval, praise, and love from you as a parent. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
Too many people mistake their kids desire to please them with their interest in sports.
He's trying to connect with you! You could be doing anything with him...its not about sports.
Try this every once in a while...
Take him our for ice cream.
Ask him what else he thinks is cool.
Go for a Jog together (maybe end with a race).
Take the dog for a walk together.
Try learning a new skill together.
Do stupid stuff to make your kid laugh.
Go see a move together.
Try and eat a whole pizza together.
Go volunter and help others.
Help out Challenger baseball...if you really want to see what the game is about.
Take him to the mall give him $50 and tell him to buy something for his mom.
Play video games with him.
...and the following mandatory!!!
Look your child in the eyes 3 times a day, tell them you love them and give them a hug!
There's only been about 15,000 Major League Baseball players in the history of the game, odds are your kid is not one of them. You will never manufacture your childs ability.
You're playing with a very dangerous and fragile element...your childs self worth.
I'm not getting all airy fairy but, for every kid I've seen get a D1 schiolarship or get drafted I've seen 100 who wound up hating their parents and getting into trouble.
Am I saying you should not work hard for your goals? NO. You should teach your child to set goals and to go for them with everything they have. But there has to be a balance.
You have to be the voice of reason. You're the adult. Act like it.
Playing 100 games a year is not going to make your child a pro player or D1 prospect.
He's more likely to burn out, wind up hating you...or worse you'll put him in a situation where he quits or continues to play just to satisfy you.
Yogi Berra did not play an organized game of baseball until he was 17.
Your kid is going to grow up to be a husband, father, have a career, maybe become a leader.
What kind of man is he going to be?
Don't screw him up! all your kid wants is love. He's your kid, give it to him!
----
Paul Reddick is the Director of the Yogi Berra Baseball School, Author of the Picture Perfect Pitcher, and the creator of the 90mphclub.com
Paul, we salute you!
Ted Browne
Open Letter To All Psycho Baseball Parents
by Paul Reddick
www.90mphclub.com
If this letter infuriates you...
If it makes you angry...
If it makes you upset...
I've got bad news for you.
You may be a psycho baseball parent!
It's gonna get worse for you.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you ARE a psycho baseball parent!
Does your kid has a personal trainer and he is not in HS yet?
Does he go to private lessons more than once a week and he's not in HS?
Has he had an arm injury before his 12th birthday?
Is your travel baseball budget over $5k ?
Have you missed family events for games?
Do you have punishment for missing practice before the age of 12?
Have you ever lost sleep because of a childs game?
Do you have a plan for his college recruitment before he's in HS?
Do you think you are going to make sure he gets the chance you never had?
Do you have pitch charts on your child?
Do you calculate their Little League batting average for nothing other than fun?
Have you quit a team becasue you were not getting in the game?
Have you started an AAU travel team so your kid could be the star?
Do you coach a travel team and stacked it with the best talent?
Are you going to decide where he goes to school based on baseball?
Are you the only one people can hear cheering at every game?
Have you verbally abused opponent or umpire?
Did you change jobs because it interfered with team schedule?
Are you planning to start school later to improve chances of being on upper age limits?
Have you ever got in a fight with another parent, coach or ump at a game?
Have you ever yelled at another adult or worse... A kid under the age of 18 while they were umping a little league game?
I know nobody reading this would ever say yes to any of those questions...right?
I'm sure you know a bunch of people who would though.
Let me drop some truth on you:
I get emails everyday that say something like ...
"My 10 year old has a dream of playing in MLB and he is so focused and nothing will stop him we train 4 hours per day and he's gonna play 120 games this year"
Your kid doesn't want that!
You know how I know your 10 year old doesn't want to train 4 hours per day and play 120 games?
HE'S 10!!!!!
He probably picks his nose when you're not looking and loves fart jokes. If you allowed him he would eat cookies, ice cream and soda at every meal.
He should. He's 10!!!!!
Your kid doesn't want what you want. He wants YOU!!! All your child wants
is approval, praise, and love from you as a parent. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
Too many people mistake their kids desire to please them with their interest in sports.
He's trying to connect with you! You could be doing anything with him...its not about sports.
Try this every once in a while...
Take him our for ice cream.
Ask him what else he thinks is cool.
Go for a Jog together (maybe end with a race).
Take the dog for a walk together.
Try learning a new skill together.
Do stupid stuff to make your kid laugh.
Go see a move together.
Try and eat a whole pizza together.
Go volunter and help others.
Help out Challenger baseball...if you really want to see what the game is about.
Take him to the mall give him $50 and tell him to buy something for his mom.
Play video games with him.
...and the following mandatory!!!
Look your child in the eyes 3 times a day, tell them you love them and give them a hug!
There's only been about 15,000 Major League Baseball players in the history of the game, odds are your kid is not one of them. You will never manufacture your childs ability.
You're playing with a very dangerous and fragile element...your childs self worth.
I'm not getting all airy fairy but, for every kid I've seen get a D1 schiolarship or get drafted I've seen 100 who wound up hating their parents and getting into trouble.
Am I saying you should not work hard for your goals? NO. You should teach your child to set goals and to go for them with everything they have. But there has to be a balance.
You have to be the voice of reason. You're the adult. Act like it.
Playing 100 games a year is not going to make your child a pro player or D1 prospect.
He's more likely to burn out, wind up hating you...or worse you'll put him in a situation where he quits or continues to play just to satisfy you.
Yogi Berra did not play an organized game of baseball until he was 17.
Your kid is going to grow up to be a husband, father, have a career, maybe become a leader.
What kind of man is he going to be?
Don't screw him up! all your kid wants is love. He's your kid, give it to him!
----
Paul Reddick is the Director of the Yogi Berra Baseball School, Author of the Picture Perfect Pitcher, and the creator of the 90mphclub.com
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wooden on Trust
"It has been said that you will be hurt occasionally if you trust too much. This may be true, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough."
- John Wooden
A fellow coach reminded me of this quote in his blog. Another seemingly cheekish quote by Wooden that runs deep once you think about it.
When you come under fire, don't grip your throat and mentally quit.
Trust your ability.
Trust your gut.
Trust your work ethic.
Trust your preparation.
Trust your fellow players.
Trust your coach.
Trust in your God.
Trust yourself.
You've earned this moment.
You live for this moment.
You've done this task a thousand times before...if only in your mind.
Trust yourself to succeed.
- John Wooden
A fellow coach reminded me of this quote in his blog. Another seemingly cheekish quote by Wooden that runs deep once you think about it.
When you come under fire, don't grip your throat and mentally quit.
Trust your ability.
Trust your gut.
Trust your work ethic.
Trust your preparation.
Trust your fellow players.
Trust your coach.
Trust in your God.
Trust yourself.
You've earned this moment.
You live for this moment.
You've done this task a thousand times before...if only in your mind.
Trust yourself to succeed.
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