Rawlings is about to introduce its newest batting helmet, the S100, a bulkier but far more protective helmet that can withstand the impact of a 100-m.p.h. fastball, according to Rawlings and an independent testing organization. Most other models, when hit flush by a ball, are compromised at speeds in excess of 70 m.p.h. As helpful as the new helmet may be, there is resistance to it from some major league players who are not prepared to sacrifice comfort and style for added protection.
Three weeks after absorbing the potentially deadly impact of a 93-mile-per-hour fastball on his batting helmet, Edgar Gonzalez still feels dizzy whenever he lies down. Because of the lingering effects of a concussion, Gonzalez, a second baseman for the San Diego Padres, has not played since that experience. When he finally returns, it may be with the newest protective device, one that could one day come to define the look of a major league batter. “After this happened to me, I would wear anything,” he said. “I don’t care how goofy it is, as long as it could help protect me.”
Athletics infielder Nomar Garciaparra said, “I want a helmet that’s comfortable, and that doesn’t look bad.”
”Yankee first baseman Mark Teixeira said the new helmet would make him feel as if he were wearing a football helmet in the batter’s box. “The one I’ve used for my entire career is fine,” he said.
It will be hard to predict the number of professionals who will convert to using the new helmet as Major league players are a fearless and traditional bunch. For many, any kind of change (even for the sake of safety) is anathema. I think the Mets third baseman David Wright, who last week dodged a Brad Thompson fastball traveling on a frightening vector toward his head, summed it up best: “I’m not worried about style or looking good out there. I’m worried about keeping my melon protected.”
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Recession Squeezes Everyone
Coaching stipends are being slashed. Vice principals are being forced to double as athletic directors. Trainers' salaries are being eliminated - And that's just in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. The sagging economy is pummeling high school athletic departments throughout Southern California, with nearly every school being hit in some way.
In the Long Beach Unified School District, most high schools will experience additional cuts in site budgets for the 2009-10 school year. This will increase the need to rely more on the fund raising efforts of boosters clubs, parents and student athletes who are already giving extra time, energy and dollars to keep sport programs running at a high level. Additionally, the Board of Education adopted a resolution on June 16 that preserved its ability to reduce employee compensation in 2009-10 if necessary.
"It's a bad deal for everybody," said Thom Simmons, a spokesman for the California Interscholastic Federation's Southern Section, the governing athletic body for 571 local schools. "When tax revenue is down, the level of services has to go down. And any time you have to cut services, whether it's for drama, band or athletics, it's just a bad deal."
High schools are not the only institutions to feel the pinch of the economy in athletics. It is being implemented at every level. UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero said, "With the state -- and their university -- struggling through difficult economic times; that He, UCLA football Coach Rick Neuheisel and head basketball Coach Ben Howland have agreed to take pay cuts of 10% this year.
The three men volunteered to take cuts that were mandated for other state employees even though, because they have multi-year contracts, they were not subject to a reduction. Neuheisel was hired in December 2007 for $1.25 million a season and incentives that could add $500,000 a year. Howland received salary and incentives last year totaling $2.17 million. Guerrero recently had his base salary raised to $465,000. Needing to slash his annual budget, the athletic director said he was looking for additional areas to save. "We haven't yet approached other coaches," he said. "But we will."
How did we get to this point? What's next? Thank you to all of you who have done more with less for so many years. Fight the good fight. May the force be with you always.
In the Long Beach Unified School District, most high schools will experience additional cuts in site budgets for the 2009-10 school year. This will increase the need to rely more on the fund raising efforts of boosters clubs, parents and student athletes who are already giving extra time, energy and dollars to keep sport programs running at a high level. Additionally, the Board of Education adopted a resolution on June 16 that preserved its ability to reduce employee compensation in 2009-10 if necessary.
"It's a bad deal for everybody," said Thom Simmons, a spokesman for the California Interscholastic Federation's Southern Section, the governing athletic body for 571 local schools. "When tax revenue is down, the level of services has to go down. And any time you have to cut services, whether it's for drama, band or athletics, it's just a bad deal."
High schools are not the only institutions to feel the pinch of the economy in athletics. It is being implemented at every level. UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero said, "With the state -- and their university -- struggling through difficult economic times; that He, UCLA football Coach Rick Neuheisel and head basketball Coach Ben Howland have agreed to take pay cuts of 10% this year.
The three men volunteered to take cuts that were mandated for other state employees even though, because they have multi-year contracts, they were not subject to a reduction. Neuheisel was hired in December 2007 for $1.25 million a season and incentives that could add $500,000 a year. Howland received salary and incentives last year totaling $2.17 million. Guerrero recently had his base salary raised to $465,000. Needing to slash his annual budget, the athletic director said he was looking for additional areas to save. "We haven't yet approached other coaches," he said. "But we will."
How did we get to this point? What's next? Thank you to all of you who have done more with less for so many years. Fight the good fight. May the force be with you always.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Meggs Named New UW Baseball Coach
SEATTLE - After three years spent building the Indiana State baseball team into a winning program, Lindsay Meggs returns to the West Coast as he has been named the new head baseball coach at the University of Washington, athletic director Scott Woodward announced today.
Meggs, 46, who won two NCAA Division II national titles while at Chico State, served as the Indiana State head coach for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 seasons. This past year, he was named Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year after leading Indiana State to a 33-21 overall record and a 15-7 mark in MVC play, good enough to earn the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament.
Prior to his 13 seasons in Chico, Meggs was head coach at Long Beach City College for three seasons, going 75-51-1 with three trips to the playoffs during his term with the Vikings. He was also head coach at Oxnard College (1989-90) and was an assistant coach at Cal Lutheran (1988-89) and De Anza Junior College (1987-88)
Congratulations to coach Meggs and the Washington Huskies.
Aug 4, 2009 ... Well, the Huskies once again have made a statement with the addition of San Francisco assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Greg Moore. GIARRATANO ON MOORE: "Greg has emerged as one of the nation's elite after having two quality left-handed pitchers that were undrafted after high school, go in the first round.(Aaron Poreda and Evan Fredrickson) We wish him all the best."
Gregg, a product of Millikan High School and LBCC is a tireless recruiter and excellent talent evaluator. He will make an immediate impact at UW. Congratulations to Gregg....another Viking makes good.
Meggs, 46, who won two NCAA Division II national titles while at Chico State, served as the Indiana State head coach for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 seasons. This past year, he was named Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year after leading Indiana State to a 33-21 overall record and a 15-7 mark in MVC play, good enough to earn the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament.
Prior to his 13 seasons in Chico, Meggs was head coach at Long Beach City College for three seasons, going 75-51-1 with three trips to the playoffs during his term with the Vikings. He was also head coach at Oxnard College (1989-90) and was an assistant coach at Cal Lutheran (1988-89) and De Anza Junior College (1987-88)
Congratulations to coach Meggs and the Washington Huskies.
Aug 4, 2009 ... Well, the Huskies once again have made a statement with the addition of San Francisco assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Greg Moore. GIARRATANO ON MOORE: "Greg has emerged as one of the nation's elite after having two quality left-handed pitchers that were undrafted after high school, go in the first round.(Aaron Poreda and Evan Fredrickson) We wish him all the best."
Gregg, a product of Millikan High School and LBCC is a tireless recruiter and excellent talent evaluator. He will make an immediate impact at UW. Congratulations to Gregg....another Viking makes good.
Friday, July 24, 2009
College Sports
College baseball is getting ready to crack down on composite-barrel bats.
The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee this week proposed an indefinite ban on the bats after anecdotal evidence and research conducted during this year's Division I national tournament, which culminated with the College World Series, indicated many of the bats didn't comply with NCAA standards.
The beef is with the barrel, which softens over time, creating a trampoline effect. This doesn't happen to factory-fresh bats -- it's what happens later, after repeated use or after the bat is put through a process known as "rolling." Composite-barrel bats that are broken in or "rolled" tend to have more pop and often violate NCAA limitations on the allowable speed at which the ball comes off the bat. The NCAA requires that this so-called "exit speed" be no greater than that of its wooden counterpart, lest it become a safety hazard for infielders and pitchers.
The committee said the ban should remain in place until manufacturers and the baseball community suggest ways that would allow composite-barrel bats to be used within NCAA guidelines.
The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee this week proposed an indefinite ban on the bats after anecdotal evidence and research conducted during this year's Division I national tournament, which culminated with the College World Series, indicated many of the bats didn't comply with NCAA standards.
The beef is with the barrel, which softens over time, creating a trampoline effect. This doesn't happen to factory-fresh bats -- it's what happens later, after repeated use or after the bat is put through a process known as "rolling." Composite-barrel bats that are broken in or "rolled" tend to have more pop and often violate NCAA limitations on the allowable speed at which the ball comes off the bat. The NCAA requires that this so-called "exit speed" be no greater than that of its wooden counterpart, lest it become a safety hazard for infielders and pitchers.
The committee said the ban should remain in place until manufacturers and the baseball community suggest ways that would allow composite-barrel bats to be used within NCAA guidelines.
Monday, July 20, 2009
High School Showcase at UCI
The University of California at Irvine is offering a very unique Showcase experience called The Big 3 of the West. It will be held August 11 - 13 for all high school age players. Each player will play a game at UCI, CS Fullerton, and Long Beach State. Players will also have the opportunity to play in front of the coaching staffs of all three schools. This will be one of the best showcases of the entire year!
UCI is a member of the Big West Conference, one of the most competitive baseball conferences in America. Their schedule generally includes the best teams in Southern California as well as around the country. The "Anteater Ballpark" located on the campus of UCI is an excellent facility and will provide an experience which will long be remembered.
If interested in participating, go to www.ucirvinesports.com for further information regarding their showcase camp.
UCI is a member of the Big West Conference, one of the most competitive baseball conferences in America. Their schedule generally includes the best teams in Southern California as well as around the country. The "Anteater Ballpark" located on the campus of UCI is an excellent facility and will provide an experience which will long be remembered.
If interested in participating, go to www.ucirvinesports.com for further information regarding their showcase camp.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Snooze to Improve
Athletes are constantly tinkering with their nutrition and training plans to gain an edge. But a study performed by Stanford University researchers suggests that good old fashioned sleep, and plenty of it, may help an athlete's performance as much as anything. Therefore, student-athletes at Stanford University are not reaching for a needle or pills, but rather hitting the pillow--getting as much as 11 hours of sleep a night.
According to research presented at the 2009 SLEEP Conference, there has been a great deal of study on sleep deprivation and its negative effects on reaction time, and physical and cognitive performance, but not much done on the flip side. If you really want to see the biggest change in your performance, sleep is something that should be prioritize in your training regimen just as much as nutrition, workouts, recovery, and strength training.
Most college students believe they are getting adequate sleep and operating at a decent level of performance. They don't realize there could be a difference until they actually experience something else. While it would seem easier to convince an athlete to grab some extra sleep than extra wind sprints, changing routines can be difficult. For some, extra sleep cuts out time in their social lives or other areas they have prioritized. To some extent we are all sleep deprived and what we may perceive as our best effort, may not truly be our peak performance and could be much improved with a few extra hours of sleep.
Standford will continue the study for at least another year and hopes athletic trainers can relay the importance of athletes getting adequate shut-eye.
According to research presented at the 2009 SLEEP Conference, there has been a great deal of study on sleep deprivation and its negative effects on reaction time, and physical and cognitive performance, but not much done on the flip side. If you really want to see the biggest change in your performance, sleep is something that should be prioritize in your training regimen just as much as nutrition, workouts, recovery, and strength training.
Most college students believe they are getting adequate sleep and operating at a decent level of performance. They don't realize there could be a difference until they actually experience something else. While it would seem easier to convince an athlete to grab some extra sleep than extra wind sprints, changing routines can be difficult. For some, extra sleep cuts out time in their social lives or other areas they have prioritized. To some extent we are all sleep deprived and what we may perceive as our best effort, may not truly be our peak performance and could be much improved with a few extra hours of sleep.
Standford will continue the study for at least another year and hopes athletic trainers can relay the importance of athletes getting adequate shut-eye.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Landmark Case
District's Inquiry says, Coach didn't break rules.
Superintendent Sheldon Berman said he was "outraged" that Pleasure Ridge Park football players were told at a practice last August that they would have to continue running until one of them quit the team.
But releasing the findings of what he called the most extensive investigation in the history of Jefferson County Public Schools, Berman said Wednesday that neither then-head coach Jason Stinson nor his assistants violated state rules or district policy at the Aug. 20 practice where sophomore lineman Max Gilpin collapsed from heat exhaustion and later died. Berman also said the district investigation, which included interviews with 125 witnesses, "clearly indicated that Max Gilpin did not die as a result of any restriction in water breaks or denial of water."
Berman said he hopes the district's findings, which took 10 months to complete, will provide a better understanding of what happened Aug. 20. "Nothing will bring Max back," he said. "It deeply saddens all of us that one of our students passed away after collapsing on the practice field. This tragic event has heightened our awareness — as parents, teachers, coaches, athletic directors and administrators — of the need to constantly seek ways to improve safety for our student athletes."
But the report outraged Max's parents, Jeff Gilpin and Michele Crockett, who said they felt it "only presented information that made (the district) look good."
Attorney David Stengel, whose office is scheduled to try Stinson Aug. 31 on a charge of reckless homicide, declined to comment on whether the district report would undercut the criminal case. "We'll do our talking in court," Stengel said. The district's findings — that Max and his fellow players got plenty of water —contradicts the conclusions of Stengel's office, which alleges that Stinson repeatedly denied players water and forced them to run extra wind sprints as punishment for not practicing hard enough.
More to come on this. See January post on conditioning.
Superintendent Sheldon Berman said he was "outraged" that Pleasure Ridge Park football players were told at a practice last August that they would have to continue running until one of them quit the team.
But releasing the findings of what he called the most extensive investigation in the history of Jefferson County Public Schools, Berman said Wednesday that neither then-head coach Jason Stinson nor his assistants violated state rules or district policy at the Aug. 20 practice where sophomore lineman Max Gilpin collapsed from heat exhaustion and later died. Berman also said the district investigation, which included interviews with 125 witnesses, "clearly indicated that Max Gilpin did not die as a result of any restriction in water breaks or denial of water."
Berman said he hopes the district's findings, which took 10 months to complete, will provide a better understanding of what happened Aug. 20. "Nothing will bring Max back," he said. "It deeply saddens all of us that one of our students passed away after collapsing on the practice field. This tragic event has heightened our awareness — as parents, teachers, coaches, athletic directors and administrators — of the need to constantly seek ways to improve safety for our student athletes."
But the report outraged Max's parents, Jeff Gilpin and Michele Crockett, who said they felt it "only presented information that made (the district) look good."
Attorney David Stengel, whose office is scheduled to try Stinson Aug. 31 on a charge of reckless homicide, declined to comment on whether the district report would undercut the criminal case. "We'll do our talking in court," Stengel said. The district's findings — that Max and his fellow players got plenty of water —contradicts the conclusions of Stengel's office, which alleges that Stinson repeatedly denied players water and forced them to run extra wind sprints as punishment for not practicing hard enough.
More to come on this. See January post on conditioning.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
College or Majors?
With the completion of the 2009 June draft, many High School and College Players are facing the difficult question, College or Majors?
So, what is a player to do? Take whatever money is offered and start on his competitive journey to the Pros or head to college, get an education and hope to improve his draft status in the seasons ahead? College will win right? Not necessarily.
It becomes a question of, What is worth more: A college scholarship in an environment that offers something more than baseball or the fulfillment of a live long dream to become a pro baseball player. The answer is different for different players.
Take Bryce Harper, at age 16 he is not even eligible for the draft but he is already thinking about both college and the draft. Granted, he is the exception rather than the rule, yet he is not immune to the question, College or Majors? He is just able to avoid it for now. However, in 2010, it will become a real dilemma.
For most players it will come down to their confidence in improving their draft status vs their desire to play immediately. Money can obviously play a big role in all decisions but in either case (college or majors) the athlete still gets to play baseball and that is very cool...
So, what is a player to do? Take whatever money is offered and start on his competitive journey to the Pros or head to college, get an education and hope to improve his draft status in the seasons ahead? College will win right? Not necessarily.
It becomes a question of, What is worth more: A college scholarship in an environment that offers something more than baseball or the fulfillment of a live long dream to become a pro baseball player. The answer is different for different players.
Take Bryce Harper, at age 16 he is not even eligible for the draft but he is already thinking about both college and the draft. Granted, he is the exception rather than the rule, yet he is not immune to the question, College or Majors? He is just able to avoid it for now. However, in 2010, it will become a real dilemma.
For most players it will come down to their confidence in improving their draft status vs their desire to play immediately. Money can obviously play a big role in all decisions but in either case (college or majors) the athlete still gets to play baseball and that is very cool...
Saturday, June 6, 2009
How Valuable is Time Off?
While most High School baseball programs have finished their 2009 spring seasons, some have not skipped a beat and have already begun the 2009 summer season requiring commitments of two days a week and Saturdays. This begs the question, How valuable is time off? or What other direction could High School baseball take in developing their players? Let's look at what is done in higher levels.
By rule, Junior College, NAIA and NCAA Baseball are restricted in the amount of games they may play in the off-season, to the point where some may not play any games at all as an institution. So, what do they do? JC's can offer summer baseball classes (if funding allows) while NAIA or NCAA schools may have open field workouts (which are unstructured) designed for optional work. Additionally, most college coaches look for summer leagues, semi-pro leagues, instructional or scout leagues for their elite players as an option but certainly not as a requirement.
Once school starts in the fall, baseball classes may begin, if allowed by rule. These classes focus on strength, conditioning and individual skill development. They are offered during the regular instructional day so a college student will have time to study, work a part time job or take a night class. The governing bodies of collegiate baseball have cut back the number of games played in the fall by college teams, while allowing athletes the option to play individually if they desire but not year round as a team. Therefore, while college teams will have played 0-12 games in the summer, winter and fall combined, most high school teams could have played 25-35 games in the same time period.
Why then does high school baseball find it necessary to run such an extensive off season baseball program? The answer is, because they can. The CIF has no restriction on the number of games played in the summer, winter or fall: including no Saturday restrictions. They literally have legislated year round competition at the high school level with only a three week dead period required by rule in all sports.
The answer to the question, "How valuable is Time off?" is different at every level, for every individual and age group. With a fine line between passion and obsession, balance seems to be key, as too much of anything is not healthy and can lead to a myriad of problems over time. Taking time off can give one a fresh perspective, drive and hunger to work harder upon return.
By rule, Junior College, NAIA and NCAA Baseball are restricted in the amount of games they may play in the off-season, to the point where some may not play any games at all as an institution. So, what do they do? JC's can offer summer baseball classes (if funding allows) while NAIA or NCAA schools may have open field workouts (which are unstructured) designed for optional work. Additionally, most college coaches look for summer leagues, semi-pro leagues, instructional or scout leagues for their elite players as an option but certainly not as a requirement.
Once school starts in the fall, baseball classes may begin, if allowed by rule. These classes focus on strength, conditioning and individual skill development. They are offered during the regular instructional day so a college student will have time to study, work a part time job or take a night class. The governing bodies of collegiate baseball have cut back the number of games played in the fall by college teams, while allowing athletes the option to play individually if they desire but not year round as a team. Therefore, while college teams will have played 0-12 games in the summer, winter and fall combined, most high school teams could have played 25-35 games in the same time period.
Why then does high school baseball find it necessary to run such an extensive off season baseball program? The answer is, because they can. The CIF has no restriction on the number of games played in the summer, winter or fall: including no Saturday restrictions. They literally have legislated year round competition at the high school level with only a three week dead period required by rule in all sports.
The answer to the question, "How valuable is Time off?" is different at every level, for every individual and age group. With a fine line between passion and obsession, balance seems to be key, as too much of anything is not healthy and can lead to a myriad of problems over time. Taking time off can give one a fresh perspective, drive and hunger to work harder upon return.
Monday, May 11, 2009
LBCC Moves On
The Long Beach City College baseball team will head to San Diego County for next weekend's (May 15-17) Super Regional tournament. Top-seeded Palomar College will host a four-team, double-elimination tournament to determine one of the South's two repesentatives for the State Championships. No. 6 Long Beach will face No. 5 Santa Ana College on Friday at 4 p.m. Palomar (34-11-1) plays No. 14 Mt. San Antonio College (30-16) at noon in the tourney opener.
The Vikings (29-16) advance to the Super Regionals for the first time since their state championship season in 2006. LBCC is coming off a thrilling 10-8, 10-inning win over Grossmont College on Saturday to take their regional series 2-0. Santa Ana is 34-11 overall and was champions of the Orange Empire Conference. Santa Ana beat Southwestern College 2-0 to capture its regional series. GO VIKINGS.
The Vikings (29-16) advance to the Super Regionals for the first time since their state championship season in 2006. LBCC is coming off a thrilling 10-8, 10-inning win over Grossmont College on Saturday to take their regional series 2-0. Santa Ana is 34-11 overall and was champions of the Orange Empire Conference. Santa Ana beat Southwestern College 2-0 to capture its regional series. GO VIKINGS.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
LBCC Earns SCC Honors
Long Beach City College’s Casey Crook was named South Coast Conference Coach of the Year and nine Vikings earned All-SCC postseason honors at last week’s postseason coaches meeting. Also, Long Beach has been named the No. 6 seed for the Southern California Regionals Playoffs and will host No. 10 Grossmont College in a best-of-three series this weekend. www.lbcc.edu.
Click here to find where your local JC is playing this weekend in the Regional Playoffs.
2009 State Playoff Seeding and Schedule
Click here to find where your local JC is playing this weekend in the Regional Playoffs.
2009 State Playoff Seeding and Schedule
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
