I was hired in 1996 (yes, I’m old) and my first manager was Sandy Alomar Sr. I graduated HS that year and three days after graduating I was on a plane headed to rookie ball. Little did I know at the time that I was about to embark on a period in my life that would take me and my family all over the country and the world. That gives me 14 years as a player and over 1,500 innings. I will be forever grateful for not only the baseball experience but also the players and leaders of the game who were before me.
The culture I am in is about EVERYDAY development. The teaching is non-stop. From team fundamentals, PFP, learning new routines to the mental side of the game. Now that I look back, I believe that was the main reason behind my confidence and direction as a teacher and coach.
In my first year of Rookie Ball I experienced a level of development that I honestly haven’t seen since. Position players are taught the game and allowed to play. They had their own hits and runs, had stolen bases, and had sacks. They call first & third defense and their own bunt plays. For us pitchers and catchers, it’s on us. We will discuss the game plan and approach before the game/series and then work together in the game and between innings. Of course they were there as coaches to provide feedback and teach as the game progressed and looking back on it, what a great way to teach the game. Very pleasant!!
Now this isn’t the approach of every coach I’ve had in professional ball but from a pitcher and catcher standpoint, running the game is our job in every game at every level. Building game awareness, game IQ, and confidence is the goal.
As time went on, and our competition got better, so did we. We have to do it if we want to survive. We have to find a way to excel. The mental and strategic side of the game is the easiest way to stand out because at that level EVERYONE has physical abilities.
I believe in teaching the game, letting them play, learning from the game, letting them play (yes, I meant to write that again!) and being the teacher and leader they need.
Founder of Baseball Dudes. Blessed with three beautiful children and a wonderful wife. Baseball is my life, next to my family, and I love sharing what I’ve learned from it. Thank you for taking the time to check out what we have to offer here at Baseball Dudes.
