Developing an optimal training plan takes more than a desire to make an athlete work so hard that they throw up. It means knowing your athletes, understanding their goals, and taking the time to carefully evaluate how you can help get them where they want to be athletically.
I have witnessed over my many years of coaching, that one workout cannot make an athlete or a team but one workout can break an athlete or a team. Coaches need to get away from the idea that because a workout is hard and you end up barfing, it is a good workout. Believe me, it is easy to bury someone, much harder to train someone. Each workout should have specific objectives that are measurable and observable.
Anyone can work hard, but effective training is hard work with a specific goal. John Wooden used to spend up to two hours a day planning his practices. Roy Williams plans each of his practices to the minute. Training is a long term proposition. It is about continual adaptation leading to optimal performance in the competitive arena.....which can not be accomplished in one workout.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Big Event Raises Funds
The effort to Save High School Sports in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District received its biggest community boost last Sunday at Newhall Park when over 2,000 people turned out for the inaugural 5K Run/Walk sponsored by United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation, the fundraising and support group headed by Clayton Valley High School athletic director and Clayton resident Pat Middendorf.
There were football jerseys galore along with shirts for cross country, water polo, basketball, wrestling, tennis, golf, volleyball, swimming, soccer, track and field, baseball, softball, lacrosse and sports medicine – all jeopardized by lack of funding. Last spring, the MDUSD board, facing the need to make severe budget cuts, took the extraordinary action of eliminating funding for these extracurricular activities that draw a participation of over 5000.
Based on the $20 entry fee and the amount of sponsor pledges turned in by high school students prior to race day, it’s likely the event fundraising exceeded $50,000 as the UMDAF continues one step at a time to reach its requirement of raising $1.2 million to ensure every high school sport takes place this school year.
Whether it's a hit-a-thorn, shoot-a-thon, golf-a-thon or run-a-thon, this age old idea still seems to work.
There were football jerseys galore along with shirts for cross country, water polo, basketball, wrestling, tennis, golf, volleyball, swimming, soccer, track and field, baseball, softball, lacrosse and sports medicine – all jeopardized by lack of funding. Last spring, the MDUSD board, facing the need to make severe budget cuts, took the extraordinary action of eliminating funding for these extracurricular activities that draw a participation of over 5000.
Based on the $20 entry fee and the amount of sponsor pledges turned in by high school students prior to race day, it’s likely the event fundraising exceeded $50,000 as the UMDAF continues one step at a time to reach its requirement of raising $1.2 million to ensure every high school sport takes place this school year.
Whether it's a hit-a-thorn, shoot-a-thon, golf-a-thon or run-a-thon, this age old idea still seems to work.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Mandate Sickle Cell Trait Testing?
The March 2008 death of University of Central Florida football player Ereck Plancher, who collapsed after a supervised workout and was pronounced dead at a hospital hours later, was the most recent wake-up call for the athletic world about the dangers of sickle cell trait. The trait, which Plancher had, increases the likelihood of exertional rhabdomyolysis and other health problems during hard workouts, especially in hot weather.
The NCAA Division I Legislative Council is currently considering a proposal that would make a sickle cell solubility test (SST) a required part of pre-participation physicals. If passed, it would apply to D-I athletes in all sports, including incoming freshmen who participate in voluntary summer workouts on campus. Proposed jointly by Conference USA and the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the new rule would take effect in August 2010.
The NATA's position statement on sickle cell trait (PDF) indicates that it is one of the top three causes of non-traumatic sports deaths among high school and college athletes. Those who test positive don't need to give up sports--in fact, some NFL players have sickle cell trait, and the NFL Players Association sponsors a campaign to raise funds and awareness of the condition. But special precautions should be taken with athletes who have the trait, including a more careful approach to acclimatization and gradual increases in workload, diligent monitoring, and using caution when exercising at high altitudes.
This new screening rule seems like a no-brainer: Is there any compelling reason not to test? It's hard to imagine a better use for $5, especially when compared to the potential cost of not knowing an athlete has the sickle cell trait.
The NCAA Division I Legislative Council is currently considering a proposal that would make a sickle cell solubility test (SST) a required part of pre-participation physicals. If passed, it would apply to D-I athletes in all sports, including incoming freshmen who participate in voluntary summer workouts on campus. Proposed jointly by Conference USA and the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the new rule would take effect in August 2010.
The NATA's position statement on sickle cell trait (PDF) indicates that it is one of the top three causes of non-traumatic sports deaths among high school and college athletes. Those who test positive don't need to give up sports--in fact, some NFL players have sickle cell trait, and the NFL Players Association sponsors a campaign to raise funds and awareness of the condition. But special precautions should be taken with athletes who have the trait, including a more careful approach to acclimatization and gradual increases in workload, diligent monitoring, and using caution when exercising at high altitudes.
This new screening rule seems like a no-brainer: Is there any compelling reason not to test? It's hard to imagine a better use for $5, especially when compared to the potential cost of not knowing an athlete has the sickle cell trait.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Phillies Win Again
Dodger Pitching Takes a Walk in NLCS
In game #1, Carlos Ruiz hit a three-run home run to left field against the Dodgers left-hander, Clayton Kershaw following two BB. Later, Raul Ibanez hit a three-run home run to right field in the eighth inning against Dodgers left-hander George Sherrill following two BB. Dodgers Lost 8-6.
In game #3, Hiroki Kuroda was charged with six runs in 1 1/3 innings for an ERA of 40.50, following a month in rehab and a AAA outing. This gave the Dodgers in their worst postseason loss in 50 years, an 11-0 rout as the Phils took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series.
In game #4, Jimmy Rollins hit a two-run walk-off double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning for a stunning 5-4 victory, turning what appeared to be a deadlocked series into a commanding 3-1 Phillies lead in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series, following a BB and a hit batter.
During game #5, Jason Werth hit a two-run home run with two outs in the first, following two BB. In the Philly 4th, the Dodger pitching gave up one BB and hit two batters in a row with two outs, to give Philadelphia a 6-2 lead. In the Philly 6th, Shane Victorino hit a two run home run with two outs after Clayton Kershaw hit Jimmy Rollins, giving Philadelphia an 8-3 lead. Finally, in the Philly 8th, Dodger relief pitcher Juan Bellisario with two outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd threw a wild pitch to complete the Dodger pitching melt down. Dodgers lost the game 10-4 and the series 4-1.
Walks will lead to disaster……Just ask Joe Torrie……
In game #1, Carlos Ruiz hit a three-run home run to left field against the Dodgers left-hander, Clayton Kershaw following two BB. Later, Raul Ibanez hit a three-run home run to right field in the eighth inning against Dodgers left-hander George Sherrill following two BB. Dodgers Lost 8-6.
In game #3, Hiroki Kuroda was charged with six runs in 1 1/3 innings for an ERA of 40.50, following a month in rehab and a AAA outing. This gave the Dodgers in their worst postseason loss in 50 years, an 11-0 rout as the Phils took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series.
In game #4, Jimmy Rollins hit a two-run walk-off double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning for a stunning 5-4 victory, turning what appeared to be a deadlocked series into a commanding 3-1 Phillies lead in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series, following a BB and a hit batter.
During game #5, Jason Werth hit a two-run home run with two outs in the first, following two BB. In the Philly 4th, the Dodger pitching gave up one BB and hit two batters in a row with two outs, to give Philadelphia a 6-2 lead. In the Philly 6th, Shane Victorino hit a two run home run with two outs after Clayton Kershaw hit Jimmy Rollins, giving Philadelphia an 8-3 lead. Finally, in the Philly 8th, Dodger relief pitcher Juan Bellisario with two outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd threw a wild pitch to complete the Dodger pitching melt down. Dodgers lost the game 10-4 and the series 4-1.
Walks will lead to disaster……Just ask Joe Torrie……
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Defense Sets The Table
When two teams with equal talent battle for a championship, before it is all said and done, "Defense" will play a major role in the outcome. Let's look at the recent MLB Playoffs from both the American and National leagues.
The Angles recently tied a club record for errors in a postseason game with three, then went on to loose game #1 of the AL Championship Series to the Yankees 4-1. In game #2, Maicer Izturis, the Angels second baseman, fielded Melky Cabrera's one-out grounder (in the hole to his left in the 13th) and, instead of routinely flipping it to first, turned and threw wildly to second in an attempt to get the lead runner on a force play, allowing the winning run to score.
The Dodgers recently took advantage of an uncharacteristic throwing error by Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley in their come-from-behind 2-1 victory Friday in Game #2 of the NL Championship Series, again proving you must play defense to win.
Defense sets the table for offensive and can fuel a turn around inning at any level. Therefore, setting a line-up strictly around offense, (as some do) is an accident waiting to happen. The game is more than hits and RBIS, it is also assists, putouts, fielding percentage and help from position players. Teaching young athletes to take as much pride in their defense as they do in their offense should be every coaches objective.
Consider this - in the playoffs so far we have seen; a routine pop-up fall for base hit, routine ground ball played off to the side for an error, errant throws, bobbled ground balls, wild pitches, poor choices; to say nothing of base running, bunt defense and managerial decisions.
If professionals can make this many defensive mistakes, how much more important should the emphasis on defense be at the amateur level?
The Angles recently tied a club record for errors in a postseason game with three, then went on to loose game #1 of the AL Championship Series to the Yankees 4-1. In game #2, Maicer Izturis, the Angels second baseman, fielded Melky Cabrera's one-out grounder (in the hole to his left in the 13th) and, instead of routinely flipping it to first, turned and threw wildly to second in an attempt to get the lead runner on a force play, allowing the winning run to score.
The Dodgers recently took advantage of an uncharacteristic throwing error by Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley in their come-from-behind 2-1 victory Friday in Game #2 of the NL Championship Series, again proving you must play defense to win.
Defense sets the table for offensive and can fuel a turn around inning at any level. Therefore, setting a line-up strictly around offense, (as some do) is an accident waiting to happen. The game is more than hits and RBIS, it is also assists, putouts, fielding percentage and help from position players. Teaching young athletes to take as much pride in their defense as they do in their offense should be every coaches objective.
Consider this - in the playoffs so far we have seen; a routine pop-up fall for base hit, routine ground ball played off to the side for an error, errant throws, bobbled ground balls, wild pitches, poor choices; to say nothing of base running, bunt defense and managerial decisions.
If professionals can make this many defensive mistakes, how much more important should the emphasis on defense be at the amateur level?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
NCAA Questionaire Signals A New Crackdown
The NCAA walks a fine line with baseball players selected in the draft. Players are free to seek guidance, but the NCAA distinguishes between agents and "advisers," and makes it clear that athletes who fail to recognize the difference put their eligibility at risk.
The line is hazy, and teams and agents routinely wink at practices that fall beyond the letter of the law. But as the money increases and the draft becomes a prime financial battleground, the signs are pointing toward an attempted NCAA crackdown.
The NCAA Eligibility Center recently distributed a questionnaire to college baseball players that suggests tighter oversight of advisers in the draft. Many agents questioned where the initiative will lead, only seven months after an Ohio judge upheld former Oklahoma State lefthander Andy Oliver's right to representation in the draft.
The NCAA has sporadically punished players who sought assistance in the draft. Oliver was declared ineligible for the 2008 Stillwater Regional amid the revelation that advisers Bob and Tim Baratta had sat in on negotiations with the Twins in 2006. After Oliver switched to Boras in March 2008, the Baratta brothers reportedly turned in Oliver to the NCAA.
Oliver filed a lawsuit against the NCAA and the Barattas and was reinstated at OSU when Tygh Tone, an Eric County (Ohio) common pleas judge, ruled that NCAA regulations limiting the role of attorneys in counseling student-athletes are impossible to enforce and allow for the exploitation of players.
Oliver re-entered the draft in June, with Boras as his adviser, and signed with the Tigers for a $1.495 million bonus as a second-round pick. He is seeking damages in a second phase of the lawsuit, with a jury trial scheduled to begin in October.
Major League Baseball, of course, has a huge stake in the economic ramifications of the draft. Rising bonus payouts have prompted commissioner Bud Selig to call for a hard slotting system with no exceptions. This year MLB recommended that teams reduce draft bonuses by 10 percent, but Baseball America reported that the total payout for the first five rounds stayed even between 2008 and 2009.
Righthander Stephen Strasburg, selected first overall by the Nationals out of San Diego State, set draft records with a $7.5 million bonus and a $15.1 million guaranteed payout while using Boras as his adviser.
The bottom line here is the NCAA's attempts to limit or crack down on advisers could: put draft picks at a distinct disadvantage in negotiations or punish players who seek assistance. So, what is a player to do? If your Stephen Strasburg it is a no brainer, but what of the inner city kid who can not afford the services of Boras? Who speaks for him? and What is he potentially giving up if he makes a mistake with either the NCAA or MLB?
The line is hazy, and teams and agents routinely wink at practices that fall beyond the letter of the law. But as the money increases and the draft becomes a prime financial battleground, the signs are pointing toward an attempted NCAA crackdown.
The NCAA Eligibility Center recently distributed a questionnaire to college baseball players that suggests tighter oversight of advisers in the draft. Many agents questioned where the initiative will lead, only seven months after an Ohio judge upheld former Oklahoma State lefthander Andy Oliver's right to representation in the draft.
The NCAA has sporadically punished players who sought assistance in the draft. Oliver was declared ineligible for the 2008 Stillwater Regional amid the revelation that advisers Bob and Tim Baratta had sat in on negotiations with the Twins in 2006. After Oliver switched to Boras in March 2008, the Baratta brothers reportedly turned in Oliver to the NCAA.
Oliver filed a lawsuit against the NCAA and the Barattas and was reinstated at OSU when Tygh Tone, an Eric County (Ohio) common pleas judge, ruled that NCAA regulations limiting the role of attorneys in counseling student-athletes are impossible to enforce and allow for the exploitation of players.
Oliver re-entered the draft in June, with Boras as his adviser, and signed with the Tigers for a $1.495 million bonus as a second-round pick. He is seeking damages in a second phase of the lawsuit, with a jury trial scheduled to begin in October.
Major League Baseball, of course, has a huge stake in the economic ramifications of the draft. Rising bonus payouts have prompted commissioner Bud Selig to call for a hard slotting system with no exceptions. This year MLB recommended that teams reduce draft bonuses by 10 percent, but Baseball America reported that the total payout for the first five rounds stayed even between 2008 and 2009.
Righthander Stephen Strasburg, selected first overall by the Nationals out of San Diego State, set draft records with a $7.5 million bonus and a $15.1 million guaranteed payout while using Boras as his adviser.
The bottom line here is the NCAA's attempts to limit or crack down on advisers could: put draft picks at a distinct disadvantage in negotiations or punish players who seek assistance. So, what is a player to do? If your Stephen Strasburg it is a no brainer, but what of the inner city kid who can not afford the services of Boras? Who speaks for him? and What is he potentially giving up if he makes a mistake with either the NCAA or MLB?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Concussion Safety Programs
This year, educational concussion safety programs are making headlines. The Illinois Athletic Trainers Association and the Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch have teamed up for a concussion safety awareness campaign in their state.
In the state of Maine, high schools are making a major effort in pushing for student-athlete safety when it comes to concussions and return-to-play decisions. William Heinz, MD, an orthopedist at Orthopaedic Associates in Portland, and Paul Berkner, DO, Medical Director of Health Services at Colby College, recently established the Maine Concussion Management Initiative. Its goal is to provide ImPact testing to all Maine public high schools for free.
"The (ImPact) test gives us a fingerprint of the brain, tells us how the brain is functioning from a cognitive sense," Heinz told the Portland Press Herald. "It's a very accurate way of monitoring concussions and trying to decide when kids are ready to go back to play. And that's the important thing."
To that end, a highly anticipated batting helmet from Rawlings, the S100, was tested by two All-American high school baseball teams in August, and the players gave it some pretty good reviews. With its extra padding and Polypropylene liner, the S100 is being touted as the safest batting helmet currently available.
With the American Association of Neurological Surgeons reporting almost 27,000 head injuries in amateur baseball in 2008 and the figures for 2009 still mounting, orders for the S100, which cost about $100, have increased.
In the state of Maine, high schools are making a major effort in pushing for student-athlete safety when it comes to concussions and return-to-play decisions. William Heinz, MD, an orthopedist at Orthopaedic Associates in Portland, and Paul Berkner, DO, Medical Director of Health Services at Colby College, recently established the Maine Concussion Management Initiative. Its goal is to provide ImPact testing to all Maine public high schools for free.
"The (ImPact) test gives us a fingerprint of the brain, tells us how the brain is functioning from a cognitive sense," Heinz told the Portland Press Herald. "It's a very accurate way of monitoring concussions and trying to decide when kids are ready to go back to play. And that's the important thing."
To that end, a highly anticipated batting helmet from Rawlings, the S100, was tested by two All-American high school baseball teams in August, and the players gave it some pretty good reviews. With its extra padding and Polypropylene liner, the S100 is being touted as the safest batting helmet currently available.
With the American Association of Neurological Surgeons reporting almost 27,000 head injuries in amateur baseball in 2008 and the figures for 2009 still mounting, orders for the S100, which cost about $100, have increased.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Winning and Losing
It’s been statistically proven that out of the 162 Major League baseball games that make up a full season of play, every team will win at least 60 games and lose at least 60 games. In other words, the worst team will still manage to win 60 games, and the best team will still manage to lose 60. It’s what happens with the other 42 that makes or breaks a season. It’s an interesting way to think about a baseball season and another reason why I think baseball is a lot like life.
Winning teams experience a lot of losses. Losing teams experience a significant amount of wins. For 120 games out of 162, everybody looks the same. That’s almost 75%of the season. It’s what happens with the remaining 25% that makes the difference between a champion and a cellar-dweller.
Life is all about ups and downs. We’re all going to have good days and bad days. Winners don’t win all the time; losers don’t lose all the time. In fact, most of the time, it’s hard to tell the difference. You can’t make one’s experience the judge of everything. Pretty much all of sports tells us that winning is only a slight edge.
So what’s the point? Experience isn’t everything. If you’re having a hard day, be patient, things are about to change. If you are cruising on top of things, enjoy it, because things are about to change. Change is the one constant for all of us, and those who are best prepared for it will have the best experience. If you expect things to always go well and get upset when they don’t, you’re in for making tough times tougher. If you are simply grateful for what each day brings, you will fare much better in the long run.
Winning teams experience a lot of losses. Losing teams experience a significant amount of wins. For 120 games out of 162, everybody looks the same. That’s almost 75%of the season. It’s what happens with the remaining 25% that makes the difference between a champion and a cellar-dweller.
Life is all about ups and downs. We’re all going to have good days and bad days. Winners don’t win all the time; losers don’t lose all the time. In fact, most of the time, it’s hard to tell the difference. You can’t make one’s experience the judge of everything. Pretty much all of sports tells us that winning is only a slight edge.
So what’s the point? Experience isn’t everything. If you’re having a hard day, be patient, things are about to change. If you are cruising on top of things, enjoy it, because things are about to change. Change is the one constant for all of us, and those who are best prepared for it will have the best experience. If you expect things to always go well and get upset when they don’t, you’re in for making tough times tougher. If you are simply grateful for what each day brings, you will fare much better in the long run.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The NCAA Puts The Brakes on Composite Bats
The Playing Rules Oversight Panel last week affirmed a decision made in July to put an immediate and indefinite moratorium on the use of the often-tampered piece of hardware. It will keep examining the issue to see if the moratorium can be lifted.
Here are some of their findings from the improved trampoline effect of a composite bat -- the ball comes off the bat as much as 20 mph faster, which means better offensive numbers. During 2007-2009, offensive statistics averages from the entire NCAA went up in multiple categories. Batting average improved from .291 to .302. The average runs scored in a game went from 6.1 to 6.88. Earned run averages ballooned from 5.12 to 5.85. Not only is the speed of the ball coming off the bat threatening the integrity of the game, it's threatening the pitcher's life. With the ball traveling well over 100 mph, many coaches believe that a pitcher doesn't have enough time to react if the ball is hit straight at him.
"Everyone is fearing the day in college or high school baseball that something bad happens because the bats are too dangerous," Benedictine coach Sean Ryan said. "It's one of the things I worry about the most."
But high schools and youth leagues, where composite bats also are prevalent, aren't ready to take such decisive action. The National Federation of State High School Associations says it doesn't intend to ban composite bats. Tom O'Connor, a division director of the East Zone in the PONY League, predicts that USA Baseball, which governs youth leagues in America, will follow the NCAA's lead. But no one knows if that will happen any time soon.
"If I was coaching a high school team, everyone would be swinging a composite bat," said Chuck Bowen, baseball manager at Disco Sports. "You do get a competitive edge with a composite bat." Disco Sports already has its bats in stock for 2010. Manufacturers already have made the bats they plan to sell in 2011. Disco Sports has sold between 150-200 composite bats this year. At $400 a bat, if all that merchandise can't be sold, a substantial amount of money will be lost, probably on the manufacturer's end.
So, what should the bottom line be? Better numbers for players, teams and manufactures or safer playing conditions while safeguarding the integrity of the game? For me it is a no-brainier....protect the game and those who play it.
Here are some of their findings from the improved trampoline effect of a composite bat -- the ball comes off the bat as much as 20 mph faster, which means better offensive numbers. During 2007-2009, offensive statistics averages from the entire NCAA went up in multiple categories. Batting average improved from .291 to .302. The average runs scored in a game went from 6.1 to 6.88. Earned run averages ballooned from 5.12 to 5.85. Not only is the speed of the ball coming off the bat threatening the integrity of the game, it's threatening the pitcher's life. With the ball traveling well over 100 mph, many coaches believe that a pitcher doesn't have enough time to react if the ball is hit straight at him.
"Everyone is fearing the day in college or high school baseball that something bad happens because the bats are too dangerous," Benedictine coach Sean Ryan said. "It's one of the things I worry about the most."
But high schools and youth leagues, where composite bats also are prevalent, aren't ready to take such decisive action. The National Federation of State High School Associations says it doesn't intend to ban composite bats. Tom O'Connor, a division director of the East Zone in the PONY League, predicts that USA Baseball, which governs youth leagues in America, will follow the NCAA's lead. But no one knows if that will happen any time soon.
"If I was coaching a high school team, everyone would be swinging a composite bat," said Chuck Bowen, baseball manager at Disco Sports. "You do get a competitive edge with a composite bat." Disco Sports already has its bats in stock for 2010. Manufacturers already have made the bats they plan to sell in 2011. Disco Sports has sold between 150-200 composite bats this year. At $400 a bat, if all that merchandise can't be sold, a substantial amount of money will be lost, probably on the manufacturer's end.
So, what should the bottom line be? Better numbers for players, teams and manufactures or safer playing conditions while safeguarding the integrity of the game? For me it is a no-brainier....protect the game and those who play it.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Safer Batting Helmet Draws Resistance
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.”
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.”
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.
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