Most Valuable Player

versus 

 

No outs, tie ballgame, Arkansas had the bases loaded against SEC rival LSU. What happens next will make you shake your head!

When asked about the Triple-Play, LSU Coach Paul Mainieri responded,

“There’s a saying around my sport that if you come to a ball game, you might see something you’ve never seen before, … And I think that would be classified as an example of that, wouldn’t you? That was really something.”

• Arkansas batter ripped a line drive [one-hopper] to short stop
• Not sure why – He checked the runner from second [who started back to second]
• SS threw home for what appears to be the first out [force play]
• Realizing the runner from first is also at second he takes off to third
• The catcher throws the ball to third; he is Tagged Out (important because of what happens next) Second Out
• The Umpire signals the Arkansas runner at home safe because the catcher did not tag him
• The Umpire, then signals the runner at first is out, claiming the LSU SS caught the ball First Out
• The Arkansas run was nullified when LSU appealed  the runner leaving too early, failing to tag up. Third Out [Good catch by Coach Mainieri to react even if it may have been the wrong call]

Umpire Hiccup: We can claim the human element, but for whatever reason the ump he made a bad call. Possibly a decision influenced by the Arkansas runner who was apparently fooled also and turned to go back to the bag.

For whatever reason the replay showed the umpires missed the fact the SS one hopped the ball versus catching it. From that point Arkansas runners were out of control and the umpires made all the right calls.

Just in case you were thinking it, a line drive is not considered Infield Fly. However there is a Line Drive Rule similar to the infield fly rule, which prevents the defensive player from intentionally dropping the ball, but does not require the umpire to call Infield Fly Rule.

LSU Hiccup: The LSU SS should have thrown home immediately, instead of looking the runner back to second. Not only did it waste time,  he threw off the wrong foot and almost pulled the catcher off home plate.

I am not implying it is LSU’s fault, but I do believe the umpire would have called it a catch if LSU thrown it home immediately. Imagine a quick throw to home forcing the runner from third, then make a quick throw to third forcing the runner from second. Then to first [Only runner starting from without a lead].

Who knows, LSU may have gotten a clean Triple Play!

Arkansas Hiccup: First it should be noted the Arkansas runners did seem to “Freeze on a Line Drive,” but after that it went down hill. Instead of seeing the ball down, the runner at second assumed he caught the ball. Unfortunately the runners at first and third did see it down and advanced. Leaving the runner at second stranded.

Murphy’s Law, “whatever can go wrong, will go wrong,” applies.

Instead of recognizing the mental error and giving himself up, EGO [discounting the umps made the wrong call] got in the way. After tagging up at second and realizing the runner from first was also there, he takes off for third [possibly reinforcing the umps mind]. Only to be thrown out.

Had he given himself up, again discounting the wrong call, Arkansas may have scored the run. Ending up with a runner on first and second with one out. Instead he took off and leaving nothing to chance, the LSU 3B correctly tagged the runner [believing the runner tagged up].

See the ball down and never assume.

Until next Blog,

Al McCormick

Don’t be a half a player!

You just threw a great pitch, causing the hitter roll over and hit a grounder to your first baseman. You did your job, a sure out if you do the right things.

 

RIGHT WAY: Come off the mound and sprint on an angle towards the line, focusing on a point about three (3) feet before the bag. As you cut, bring your glove and throwing hand just below your chin (alligator hands), calling for the ball. This provides a direct target for your first baseman to throw too.

WRONG WAY: Taking a direct line to the bag increases the difficulty of a sure-out by three-fold:

1. Forces your first baseman to become a quarterback, anticipating and leading his throw
2. Forces you to Blindly Find the Bag with your Feet – Panic you look away from the throw
3. Forces you to attempt to catch a ball without looking

Check out the video below. This was actually the second time Luis Severino chose the wrong angle when covering the bag. He dropped them both, but this was after Mark Teixeira made a great diving catch [a sure out], and resulted in a Run.

Until next blog, take your Pitcher Fielding Practices (PFPs) seriously – You never know.

Al McCormick

Ever question if you did the right thing?

This emotionless hardheaded lefty just tossed a wonderful game, may have been a no-hitter, but what happened next still bothers me today. He was a troubled kid who, as talented as he was, always seemed a million miles away. Yet, give him the baseball or a bat and he new what to do.

As I was filling out the line-up card for the next game, I noticed he was sitting in the dugout staring out into space while the rest of the team was exploring the minor league stadium we were playing in. “You okay,” I asked? Yep, as he left the dugout and went into the stands to sit next to his dad.

Next game he was playing first. Anticipating a bunt, I pulled the corners in. Chewing on his glove, he never moved, seemingly oblivious to what was going on. Then out of the blue he sprinted down the line and stood on top of the batter yelling, “Is this good enough?”

I called time, pulled him from the game and asked him to take a seat on the bench. Disregarding every other word being an explicative I asked him to leave the dugout and I would talk with him after the game. Blaming me, he and his dad angrily left the stadium.

They said it was a form of tough love, assuring me, if not today, it will surely benefit him in the future. In a show of support several players and their families stated I had no choice.

As I was leaving the stadium one of the fathers came up and said, “As tough as it might be to accept, I did the right thing,” stating it was obvious other circumstances in this young man’s life are dictating his actions and we can only hope he will learn from this.

What he said next was something that has stuck in my mind since that sad day and I feel obligated to share it with every player and their family I get the opportunity work with.

“Baseball is like a train ride and unfortunately some get off before they’re suppose too.”

I realize some issues are greater than baseball, but I always felt this kid needed baseball more than baseball needed him. I found out today this young man did exit the train too early and, unfortunately, is incarcerated.

So if I may, I would like to ask a favor?

In baseball or in life; help someone stay on the Train as long as they can!

Until next Blog,

Al McCormick

You can’t ignore the Bad Breath, the Stains to your Teeth, periodic Mouth Sores not to mention the YUK when you tip over the spit bottle. What about the forgotten Red Solo Cup in the car…YUK 2 the movie. If it did not turn my stomach so much, I could come up with others.

YUK comes with the territory. Unfortunately so does cancer of the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, throat, voice box and/or esophagus.

I have a confession to make. As a coach and a parent of two boys who dip I have to admit I learned to deal with it, I turned the other way.

In an article by Tony Perry, “Gwynn contributed a statement for a video produced by the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society. He was too weak to speak for the video so the voice belongs to someone else, but the warning belongs to Gwynn:

“If you aren’t using spit tobacco, please don’t start. And if you are using, try to quit. If not for yourself, then do it for the people you love.”

Sure, I recommended they quit, but I am here today to state recommending is polite, but it is not enough. We need to stand up for those we love. It’s not just an inconvenience, it can and likely become a loss as it was for the Gwynn family.

First Step – A Suggestion on How to Quit!

From what I have seen most users justify dip’s addictive nature in a My Bad sort of way. Apologetically bragging, but never intending to stop [e.g., I need a pinch bad, I haven’t had one all day!]. I got to quit this nasty habit, “oh thanks, I’ll buy the next can.”

PROBLEM: Bottom line you can’t fix what you don’t view as a drawback, especially when the only discomfort is the fact you haven’t had a pinch all day versus what the dip is doing to your body. This needs to change!!!!

I recommend Anthony Robbins’ successful technique called “Pain versus Pleasure,” something I used in my life. Not for dip, but I can assure it works. Here is what Tony Robbins says,

“The secret of success is learning How to USE pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you’re in control of your life. If you don’t, life [or in this case, DIP] controls you.”

SOLUTION: Simply put, you decide what is pleasurable and what is painful. Stop the process by truly identifying what is “Pleasurable to You,” and what is “Painful to You.”

PLEASURE: Really want to quit? Here are some examples to help you come up with true reasons to quit. Feel free to use them, but the success is based upon how real you can make them to YOU! Most are tap your head, duh, but you need to make them your own. Tie emotion of happiness to them. In fact I would recommend you Smile every time.

Save approximately $3000.00 per year. Depending on your choice of dip, the number of cans you go through per day, times the price you pay it may be more. I don’t know about you, but that is nothing to snuff at [pun intended]. Instead of dipping, take a nice vacation each year.

PAIN: If you are having difficulty coming up with things to associate PAIN every time YOU reach for a can of dip, consider these provided by The Bacchus Network:

• Spit tobacco contains nicotine
• Spit tobacco contains at least 28 cancer-causing chemicals such as benzopyrene and formaldehyde

• Formaldehyde is a chemical used to preserve dead bodies and dead animals
• Spit tobacco contains 3000 other chemicals such as acetone (paint stripper), ammonia (toilet bowl cleaner) and cadmium (battery acid).

As Nike slogan says, “Just Do it.” If for no other reason than what the late great Tony Gwynn said, “If not for yourself, then do it for the people you love.”

Until next Blog,

Al McCormick

I realize the odds to throw a Perfect Game seem impossible. Somewhere around “1 in 18,000,” but when you consider how much that number is reduced when you accept a walk might happen. The odds are reduced by “16,500” to “1 in 1500” just by everyone doing their job.

Throwing a No-Hitter is simpler than you think. Throw a pitch, which creates a routine play, which one of the fielders turns into a routine out! Do it 21 or 27 times. It also makes for a clean score book! Check out Kevin Brown throwing a N0-No against a power hitting San Francisco Giants!

Avoiding paralysis by analysis this is why 6-4-3, 5-4-3, 4-6-3, and 3-6-1 is more rewarding than the Lottery Pick 3 when it comes to baseball. Keep baseball simple.

So, instead of crunching the numbers to determine your Win Expectancy stat, keep it simple by working on mechanics and fundamentals thereby becoming the best player, becoming the best team and in the end, YOU WILL have great numbers.

…because it truly is all about the outs!

Like playing the numbers  – Before you pick out your uniform number it is worth noting Numerology believes all numbers with double digits [11, 22. 44, 55, 66, 77, 88, and 99] are capable of overcoming incredible needs. Recognize any of these?

11 – Luis Aparicio [White Sox, Orioles, Red Sox]

22 – Will Clark [Giants, Rangers, Cardinals]

33 – Eddie Murray [Orioles, Dodgers, Mets, Indians, Angels]

44 – Hank Aaron [Braves, Brewers]

55 – Orel Hershiser  [Dodgers, Indians, Mets]

66 – Rick Ankiel [Cardinals]

77 – Ivan Rodriquez [Astros]

88 – Albert Belle [Orioles]

99 – Manny Ramirez [Dodgers and White Sox]

“The more we share, the more we have.” ~Leonard Nimoy

So, until the next Blog, Pass this one onto family and friends in baseball!

Al McCormick

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The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over, but expecting different results.

Whether Albert Einstein defined insanity or not, it is absolutely true about everything, especially baseball!

Insanity or not, too many players seek out the least path of resistance for resolution instead of taking ownership and understanding what it takes to reduce weaknesses.

• It’s the coach’s fault. “What did he expect, I very seldom get an At-Bat so it doesn’t surprise me I made an out!”

• I am in a slump. That is something the best of the best go through.

• It’s the umpire’s fault. “If I had the strike zone the other team’s pitcher has, I certainly would not have walked all those guys!

It easier to transfer blame and yes, become a bit insane, but one thing is for sure; issues do not resolve themselves. At the same time it has to be obvious, if you don’t make a change, then nothing changes.

So then why? Why in the world would you believe the result would be anything different!

If it is sympathy you are seeking, here’s one! “I am just flat-out not good enough!” That way you never have to determine what you are doing wrong, you just quit!

Or… You can continue to work at understanding the game and what it takes to get better. First step quit depending upon others; take it upon you to find out what it takes to get better.

It doesn’t mean you don’t seek knowledge and advice from others, it just means you take ownership and you control your own destiny. Open your eyes to the fact, you and you alone control your baseball career.

So instead of acting insane, identify the actions it takes to reach a certain outcome, then keep making changes until you get it right. As Juri Bavaresco said, “It’s not how it starts; it is how it ends.”

Want to hit better, CLICK HERE.

Until next Blog remember Thomas Edison never failed, he “…just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.

Click Here if you would like the weekly blog sent to your email.

Al McCormick

Last night I received a call from a college player, who called to let me know, “He can no longer hit!” Prognosis, he has an obvious case of Atychiphobia!

After a 45 minute discussion helping him realize he was the reason why he was failing, and how simple it is to change once he realized he was the cure. I do want to believe he is on the mend, but it was then I decided to repost a blog I wrote back in 2014. There may be others suffering from this self-induced dreaded disease.

Too many kids today suffer from Atychiphobia! I love it when I use big words, but when I found out the definition, I hate this one. It is every player’s nightmare!

Atychiphobia is the unwarranted worry of failure and is alive and well in the game of baseball. Truth be told, Atychiphobia, is really not in the game of baseball. Quite honestly it is not real, we create it, we make it real.

How?

We over amplify of a situation that does not exists, but when we experience certain circumstances we swear it is real.

Raymmar Tiradi stated:

• [We allow it to be there] because [we] have not failed enough
• [We allow it to be there] because [we] care what others think about [us]
• [We allow it to be there] because [we] can’t handle the truth

How many times have you doubted yourself, even though you had the knowledge and ability to complete whatever you needed to do? In every game they’re a ton of opportunities to doubt your self; ever ran across these examples?

Table 1. A Couple Examples of Self Doubt

You could create a very descriptive explanation about growing older, but in reality it is different for everyone, so the best answer is “…you just have to live it.” The same is for baseball. Trust your knowledge; make sure you are viewing things just as they are, and accept the outcome! Every situation listed in Table 1, are just words. Words, that if we let them, will create doubt, question our ability, and cause us to do what we do not want to do.

Why? Because we told ourselves to! As Glenn Moore stated in “Success Guide for Athletes,” our brain is unable to create a picture of NOT doing something. In fact, if you tell it what you do not want to do, it will do the opposite. Example:

Don’t think of rattlesnakes.

My guess you had a picture of rattlesnakes in your head. Atychiphobia, is really not in the game of baseball, it is in us…if we allow it to be. Instead of conjuring up the inconceivable, why not take a deep breath, use your knowledge and view what is real.

As with everything in baseball, the resolution is simple.

• You may fail, learn from it.
• Some may experience disappointment, but…in the scheme of things, so what.
• In the end, you may uncover weaknesses you need to reduce. Welcome the knowledge.

As I read each paragraph Mr. Tiradi’s discussion about Atychiphobia I could not help but remember the nine essential habits and practices of mentally strong people I wrote about in a blog, “Slumps Do Not Exist in Baseball.” As I stated here, the fix is simple.

Want to know more about Raymmar Tirado, check out this link: https://medium.com/raymmars-reads/7-reasons-why-you-will-never-do-anything-amazing-with-your-life-2a1841f1335d#.1j3m8vnwz

Until next blog,

Al McCormick

Warm up Correctly – Mentally and Physically

• Jogging with a purpose [I recommend jog by yourself, getting in the Zone]
  • Start jogging while mentally focusing on the task at hand; Your Mechanics and the Success of all Your Pitches
  • Develop a light sweat [Layer up for cold days and progressively remove each layer as you become loose]

Finding Your Release Point:

“Dry Work” helps you find your Release Point.

• On FLAT Ground separate your feet at a distance to where you normally land with your front foot.
  • NOTE: Mentally recognize you have your front foot on the ground BEFORE you explode with your arm.
  • Slightly open your front toes, but closed enough to still feel the rotation of your trunk into the instep of your front landing foot.
• Without a baseball in your hand, pull your arm back, simulating (actually feel it) staying on top of the baseball.
• Developing your quick twitch muscles: Whip your arm forward, keeping your front foot in place, and staying LONG.
  • Keep your back foot on the ground as you rotate your mid section.
  • When your arm extends to the furthest point, SNAP your wrist downward.
    • Listen for the “whiffffff,” out in front of your face versus the side of your face.
  • EXAGGERATE your follow through.
    • Try and have your throwing arm end up left of your front knee.
    • Hold your position with your back bent, arm to your side, your glove open towards the batter, and face up with your eyes focused where you are throwing.
  • I recommend about 10 good ones

Introduce the baseball – Fastball and Change:

On Flat Ground about 40 feet from your target [e.g., a catcher, a batting cage net].

• Same body position as Dry Work drill, but this time with a baseball.
• Focus on mechanics (release point and snapping of your wrist) throw 10 quality fastballs.
• Add in your change. Throw 5 quality changes from the same flat ground position.
• Alternate Fastball and Change:
  • Recognizing a Change is a Fastball with a different Grip.
  • Mentally focus on same arm slot, arm speed and same release point.
  • Again work to get 5 quality pitches.

Add distance 

Move back to about 50 feet, remaining on Flat Ground. Walk slowly in a Karaoke Motion towards the target.

• Ensure your front foot is on the ground before you start your arm forward.
• Find your target, look away, begin Karaoke Motion
• Separate, Snap to Find Your Target, Pause, then Explode
• Work on a consistent release point
• Alternate between Fastball and Change
• Throw 5 quality pitches

Add Distance and Introduce the Curve:

Remain on Flat Ground, move back to 60 feet.

• Focus has to be a consistent Release Point and Proper Mechanics
• Find your target [your target is where you want the break to start versus where you want it to end up]
• Look away, begin Karaoke Motion
• Separate, Snap your neck to Find Your Target, Pause, then Explode
• Throw 5 quality curves balls
• Alternate Fastball and Curve to get 5 quality pitches

Simulated Pre-Game Long Toss – 

• Start 100 Feet – Lengthening your arm throw 5 Fast Balls on a Line attempting to hit target in the air
• Move to 80 Feet – Again, lengthening your arm throw 5 Fast Balls on a Line
• Move to 60 Feet – Again, lengthening your arm throw 5 Fast Balls on a Line
• Move to 40 Feet – Again, lengthening your arm throw 5 Fast Balls on a Line

Now You Are Ready to Pitch: I find the mound a touchy-feely thing, but if you feel the need keep pitches to a minimum.

• Spend 10 minutes in the dug out getting ready mentally.
• Zone out everything around you [e.g., weather, the other team]
• Zone in on quality mechanics and SUCCESS!

Until next blog may I suggest you sign-up never miss another blog!

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Al McCormick

How did we get here? I am certain everyone starts out seeking the right college, but somewhere a long the way we get lost. With each wrong turn we refuse to ask for help by assuring ourselves the answer, the school interested in our son, is just around the corner.

We waste money on showcases, then we waste more money on clinics at schools who have no interest in our son. Pretty soon it becomes his fault, assured the reason no one is showing interest is directly related to the fact he is not performing well enough. Blame evolves into justification – attributing his lack of interest from colleges is the result of the poor coaching he has had over the years. The tension seems to flourish to an uncontrollable level when other players on the team sign with a school.

According to Psychology Today, “stress is simply a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical and mental equilibrium. In other words, it’s an omnipresent part of life. A stressful event can trigger the “fight-or-flight” response, causing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to surge through the body.”

Great! Not only is the college recruitment process creating a temporary Love-Hate relationship with our son, it is making us fat.

I’ll save that for another blog!

So, let’s stop for a minute and take a look at our decision-making options. The internet mentioned most use three methods to form our decision-making process; Psychological, Cognitive, and/or Normative. Whichever we seem to choose, I can assure you we overcomplicate the decision with too many steps.

This may work for regular decisions (e.g., money, house, car…) not really, but when it comes to where our son plays baseball we seem to lean towards a “Consensus” decision-making method. You know, that method which requires the majority of the families within the Lawn Chair convention to approve where he is going while we spend the rest of our time convincing the minority [e.g., those who said, “where’s that?”] our approach made sense.

Stop and simplify your world. After all he will only go to one college to play baseball. So, instead of spending your time analyzing the problem focus on the operative word, “Play” and look for a college where he will PLAY baseball.

Keep it simple. As T.V. detective Jack Webb used to say, “just the facts?”

• Do we like the coach?
• Does the Coach like us?
• Are we going to get a chance to play there?

Click on one of the following approaches that makes the most sense for Your Family and let Most Valuable Player help.

• Do it Yourself – “Most Valuable Player’s College Recruitment in a Box“
• Want Help – “Most Valuable Player’s Exclusive Program“

Now about that Lawn Chair!

Until next blog may I suggest you sign-up never miss another blog!

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Al McCormick

If you are under 6’0”, “Hitting for Power” sounds odd because…hmm, I am not sure why. In fact, I am not really sure where that came from.

Sadly it is one of those fallacies too many players and coaches have just accepted as baseball gospel. We don’t know why, but “quit swinging for the fences,” just sounds right. Especially for those who are, lets be politically correct, little.

Guys like:

• Roberto Clemente he was 5’7”
• Willie Mays was 5’10”
• Yogi Berra was 5’7”

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize the ball will go the farthest when you hit it correctly. So instead of lessening a player’s swing because they are…LITTLE, let’s get the most out of the swing by teaching them to hit a ball correctly.

Then swing for the fences!

First things first, pick up “Hitting is Simple…Have You Figured it Out Yet?” and start hitting correctly.

After all, if a fence is 300 feet… hit the ball 301 feet and enjoy the home-run trot as if you are Albert Pujols.

Then never sell your self-short. Maybe you will hit like another little guy who holds the record for the farthest home-run in a major league game.

• Mickey Mantle hit a home-run 634 feet and he was only 5’7”

Until next Blog [Click Here to receive the Blogs Automatically],

Al McCormick