bgmlrh

I don't know the conditions of the fields, but I do know that Mount Juliet is en route to compete against Hendersonville at 2:00. I would sure appreciate any updates as the game is played and as soon as it finishes. Does anyone know how the remaing four teams will compete? Will they play at 4:00 against the other winner? Will it be single elimination as opposed to double elimination for the district championship? Will the championship game then be played at 6:00? #1 Beech plays #8 Smyrna #2 plays #7 Whitehouse #3 plays #6 Gallation #4 Mount Juliet plays #5 Hendersonville I am not sure if Lavergne or Wilson Central is #2. Will winner of 1 / 8 play winner of 4 / 5? Will winner of 2 / 3 play winner of 3 / 6? I copied this here to get more views and possible answers for scores as the day progresses.

I don't know the conditions of the fields, but I do know that Mount Juliet is en route to compete against Hendersonville at 2:00. I would sure appreciate any updates as the game is played and as soon as it finishes. Does anyone know how the remaing four teams will compete? Will they play at 4:00 against the other winner? Will it be single elimination as opposed to double elimination for the district championship? Will the championship game then be played at 6:00? #1 Beech plays #8 Smyrna #2 plays #7 Whitehouse #3 plays #6 Gallation #4 Mount Juliet plays #5 Hendersonville I am not sure if Lavergne or Wilson Central is #2. Will winner of 1 / 8 play winner of 4 / 5? Will winner of 2 / 3 play winner of 3 / 6?

I have not read all of the above thread word for word, but what I have read is disturbing. I coach softball. I get so frustrated with any individual telling an athlete that they have to choose one sport. We are dealing with young people, not athletic robots that need to be molded into one sport. Shelbyville has what it has for many reasons, not solely because the players only play basketball. The state runner up this year in AAA, Beech, has Amber Warren who plays both basketball and softball. And by the way, I believe she is awesome at both. Beech also graduated Courtney Boynton a couple of years ago who was all mid-state in both sports and is now playing at David Lipscomb (b-ball). How do you explain the success of some single A schools who have players in more than just basketball? Parents and coaches set the limits on what the kids are capable of achieving. Parents allow for their children to be forced into basketball 24 / 7 / 365!! Seriously. The tendons, the ligaments, the muscles, the mind...all need a break (or they will break). The young people who play only one sport need to be concerned with burn-out or blow-out. I have seen it in some outstanding athletes. If it isn't the ACL, it's just mental fatigue. Parents miss family vacations, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays as well as Easter all for a game. I ask WHY? Why sacrifice your other childrens' holidays for being in the gym or on the field? What is really more important? I know that kids love it. But, what kids really love is for their parents to be proud of them. And if kids feel their parents pride for being athletic, then the kids feel that it is necessary to be on the court or field. I have seen parents who live to be either in the gym or on the field because it is a social scene type situation for them. They live out their own dreams of athletic stardom through their children. I am getting away from the initial point-- LET THE KIDS DECIDE WHAT THEY WANT TO DO!! AND COACHES AND PARENTS BE SUPPORTIVE OF THE KIDS DECISION WITHOUT PERSUADING THE KIDS TO DO WHAT YOU (the parent or coach) WANT THEM TO DO. COACHES: THINK LESS OF YOUR WIN / LOSS RECORD AND MORE OF THE INDIVIDUAL. PARENTS: THINK MORE OF YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL BEING. Having said, I know this only applies to a handful of individuals across the state. I wish any kid who likes basketball and softball could play both without any repercussions. Like maybe when it is cold outside, you should play inside, and when it is warm outside, you should play outside-- Why has our society jumped into the frame of mind that soo much emphasis is placed on sports? Is it the TV? Media? Professional Athletes? Scholarships? Social Acceptance? Boredom? :confused: :confused:

Beech is by far the most consistent and competitive. They have a psychological dilemma with Mount Juliet. Mount Juliet plays them well (most of the time). Mount Juliet won 6 of 7 innings of play last night against Beech-- I know that doesn't mean much when the score at the end shows they lost, but MJ could be a power to reckon with in the district tourney. Hendersonville, Lavergne, and Wilson Central will all be in the hunt with Mount Juliet for the second placing in the district tourney. It would be great to be able to see all the games! Who knows-- Beech could be upset by any of the above mentioned. This is a great district for good high school ball. Good Luck MJHS!!

illpete23: I wrote a marathon post on this topic on Jan. 22, '03. I could cut and paste it here, but you should go there to read everyone's input on this. It is posed more towards the connection to college ball.

Where do you play high school ball? I know the fellow who posted the original post here, and I will contact him with your information. What other position(s) do you play? Are you currently taking lessons or have you taken lessons for pitching?

Thanks for the reply. I prefer using the pitcher to redirect or align a throw to home. Someone that I coached with for several years always would yell at the first baseman for not being in position. It was frustrating. Your response makes me feel more confident about how I coach the team I am with now. Thanks again!

Why when a throw is made from the outfield do so many choose to use the first baseman as the 'cut' person in the infield as opposed to the pitcher? The first baseman can back-up home plate. If a throw is coming to third from the right side of the field, then LF'er could back that throw up. If a throw is coming to third from CF or LF... there may be an issue on who would be there... hmmm. The question is why use the first baseman instead of the pitcher. Just curious. [Edited by bgmlrh on 3-19-03 1:35P]

When men are pitching at or near the mentioned speeds, from what distance are they pitching? 40 feet? 43 feet? 46 feet? Do men's fastpitch teams play on 300' rec ball fields with longer base paths? Who knows how fast the King and His Court (can't think of his name??) was able to throw? The only man I have ever witnessed throw fastpitch was "the KING" and also Marvin Burke of Chattanooga. Does anyone know how fast Marvin can throw?

thanks sportsnut. Here is one. With softies in a gym, configure your team into 5 groups in the shape of a pentagon. Have the girls throw to the teammate that is the second to their left. Once a player has thrown, have her run around the outside of the star to the group where she threw the ball to. continus to throw the ball around the star. Work on receiving the ball with two hands, quick release, accuracy, footwork, follow through... all good aspects of a good, accurate, strong throw. Start close and move as far apart as the gym will allow. [Edited by bgmlrh on 2-28-03 1:03P]

Non-revenue teams get a percentage of the gate money taken from home games for basketball and football. Softball, baseball, soccer, and other sports are funded this way. Additional fund raisers are necessary. Especially if your revenue generating teams are not that good (don't draw a good paying crowd!) or do not have support that brings in $$$. Fundraisers and wealthy contributors and parents are all needed to budget a team that intends to participate in tournaments, have decent uniforms, pay the umpires, and many other costs that are here and there.

Noone wants to share! With the weather we have been having this seems like a relevant topic.

You have a good bit of sophomore talent as well! You guys will be a contender in every game you play. Keep the positives rolling, support all your teammates, work hard, play hard... do more than is expected of you at every practice, and in the games, it should all come together. I will be out there cheering all of you!! GO BEARS!!

Anyone interested in sharing some indoor drills for all aspects of the game? Describe a hitting, running, throwing, catching drill and then award yourself a smiley face. Or two if it is a real good drill.

Beth initially went to Louisiana Tech for college. She then transferred to Tennessee Tech. I know this because we were teammates, her dorm room was next to mine, and my glove was broken in by catching Beth for warm-ups. She set many TTU records and OVC records as well. She has been in my mind as I read this thread, but I did not think anyone would know her. I have not faced any of those mentioned above, but I have witnessed most all of them. Brooke Siebel is without a doubt the most driven softball competitor. What about Rachel Talley or Casey Ellis? What about Jill Booth as a pitcher? What about Lyssa ? from Brentwood a few years back... about 1997? What about Leslie Barron? There have been many good, even great pitchers from Middle Tennessee. Where are these young women now? I know some of them are still in college playing! What about Rocky C.(?) from Centennial? What about Crystal Bobo? [Edited by bgmlrh on 2-26-03 2:02P]

One of the nicest fields I have ever seen for a high school team is in Hoover, Alabama. It is better than most college fields that I have seen. Hoover also has a good JV field that is better than the average field around middle Tennessee. What is different in funding of public schools in Alabama that allows such facilities to exists? Hoover has an exceptional field for their varsity team. I have heard that Goodpasture has a nice field, although I have never seen it.

Jeff is an assistant, too. He is also the assistant to the boy's basketball team. He may not be around for softball for a couple of more weeks (or days-- depending on the basketball teams status in the districts????). I am not tee-totally sure why funding was provided for an additional assistant to the softball team. 16 players with 3 coaches should produce a viable team-- we'll see. Crazebear, I think I know who you are. I student taught at your spouse's high school-- UHS. Is that the right high school? I may be way off base- just guessing.

The teams for the MJ playday are: Blackman David Lipscomb Friendship Christian Harpeth Hall Hendersonville Hume Fogg Lavergne Lebanon McGavock Mt. Juliet Mt. Juliet Christian Academy Overton Riverdale Trousdale Co. White House Wilson Central List provided by the Asst. Coach at MJHS, Jennifer Pollock. Good Luck to the teams. Hope the weather improves- not likely- but, worth hoping for!!!

ERA you have said a great deal here, BUT an important detail may have been overlooked. The length of the bat should be considered according to a player's height. You don't want a kid that has a long strike zone to swing a 32" bat. She will not be able to reach the outside corner without crowding the plate. A good pitch selection here would be to throw her inside to back her off and then an outside corner out of her reach pitch. Many players buy a bat based solely on the weight. They like to have the lightest bat possible, and unknowingly give up two inches of length in order to have a 21 ounce bat. This is so ridiculous. In the old days (lol) when I played, we had heavier bats. I am sure the COR of the ball may have also varied, but hits were made. Physics teaches us that F=ma. To put that into understable terms: The force with which you hit the ball is equal to the mass of the bat times the acceleration of the swing. Now, yes, I know that a lighter bat will generate a faster swing, and the above mentioned seems inversely proportional. It is like hitting a golf ball with a driver or a 5 iron. Your swing is pretty consistantly the same, but more mass can equal greater distance (force). My point here is about the length of bat being chosen by players. They (the lesser schooled players) buy lighter weight bats for bat speed and disregard length. Keep in mind the length of the players strike zone (armpit to knee) and can the player hit a ball on the outside corner standing in a normal batting stance (not crowding the plate!!!). Bat length is important. Good Luck!!

Tell more std! I love to read informative threads. I love the outfield, and I feel it isn't coached well by many. You have a wealth of knowledge. Would you like to share more? Tell where you would position your OF'ers for bunt, slap, or drag defenses. What are some drills you use to improve the skill of your players at the OF positions? Are there any videos or reading materials that you have used to strengthen your knowledge -or- is just that experience and observation are the best teachers.

I am curious if anyone has a middle school tournament scheduled for this spring. We are looking for one in the Metro-Davidson and surrounding counties area of Middle Tennessee. Any information would be appreciated. I have heard of the one in Waverly, but I would like one closer if possible. Thanks

I agree with you about summer ball. The point is to recognize the importance of high school in preparing players for college. There are college teams that are not as fully stacked as some summer ball teams. I think it is great that girls get that opportunity to compete at that level. They may not get that in college. A 0.500 season may be the greatest accomplishment that some of the best summer ball players get to compete for once they enter college. Winning a national championship in summer ball may be the highlight of a player's career. Summer ball is an elitist group, and it can not be afforded easily for all. I think there are family sacrifices that are made to travel as summer ball does. I don't dispute that it is good for girls to play summer ball. It is just frustrating when I hear that high school ball "stinks"-- from players and parents and then kids don't play for their high school team. There are talented players who do not play for the high school because the summer coach tells them they don't need to play. The most important thing to a college coach offering a scholarship is grades. First question, "how did you score on the ACT?" College softball programs do not have scholarship money to waste on players who can not balance academics with the demand of time that softball will require in college. I would want to talk to a player's high school coach about coachability and not just ability that you see on the field. For the most part high school coaches get to know their players for four years. Most of the players in the mid-state that have gotten out-of-state D1 scholarships have not been on account of their summer ball, but for the exposure they receive from Club K. I don't want to sound as though I think summer ball is unneccessary. I think summer ball is good. Honestly. Most players who have stayed in state for college, got scholarships based on knowing someone. I do know in state college coaches are at local high school tournaments watching and looking for players. A great high school player can stand out on the high school team where as a great high school player on a summer ball team may blend-in. Just my thoughts. I have coached both summer and high school ball, and I love both (only summer is getting hotter as I am getting older ). I wish the two could go hand in hand, and I think they do. Though I feel there is a resistance to accept that though. Is there?

This is a topic I feel very strongly about. A couple of times I have overheard or read where a parent says, "my child doesn't need high school ball" or "the high school coach is no good" or "the team is no good." The point here is to stress all the similarities of high school and college. A goal here is not to bash summer ball in any way, but rather put into perspective how high school and college are more alike. First and foremost are academics. H.S. ball requires athletes be held accountable for their grades as does college. Summer ball does not. Grades will never leave a summer player ineligible to play summer ball (unless the parents are extraordinary!). In high school you learn to balance the academics with the athletics as you do in college. Summer ball˜you have to balance when church camp and your family˜s vacation will fall but not much else. H.S. ball requires practice nearly everyday from Feb through the end of the season, and college has even more practice over a longer time period. You don˜t miss practice for work or other excuses. Summer ball can only practice occasionally. Summer ball players can˜t always make it to the practices. Do you ever see summer ball kids working on agility or strengthening on a daily basis? H.S. ball has consequences for academics, attitude, missed practice... etc. as does college. Summer ball... have you ever seen a player run or be benched from playing for any discipline, forgetting gear, missing practice... etc. H.S. ball is about committing to a team for four years, as is college. Summer ball you can sometimes change mid-season. H.S. ball is a range of ages from 14-18 (generally) with a spectrum of talent as college is a range from ages 18-22 (generally) with a spectrum of talent. Summer ball is a select group representing 8U through 18U. This is concentrated talent. You do not get that at college or high school. You get good teams. But you don't see a high school team playing 9 talented players that are all 18 years old nor do you see it in college. H.S. ball is a team of 16-20 players (generally) and college is a team of 16-25 players who work to challenge their teammates for position-- no guarantees to even get to play. Summer ball is a select group of 10-12 (generally) where players get to play every game. And if they don't, look out coach, ma and pa are taking the kid elsewhere. Of course kids love to play summer ball˜they all get to play! H.S. ball represents something more than a name on a jersey, as does college. Read some of the threads that high school players have written about returning to state or beating a rival high school team˜ they are full of pride for their school. Summer ball-- the name on the jersey changes according to whom the player chooses to play for that summer or what age group they now fall into. You may be blue one summer and green the next. High School and college play in the spring. Have you ever worn mittens to a summer ball game in the South? Seen snow falling? High School has good coaches and bad coaches, as does college. Summer ball is reportedly only coached by the greatest (lol). Suppose you don't play high school ball because you don't like the coach, what if you don't like the college coach? How will you be able to face that adversity and still be on a college team? Stats and awards earned as a high school player are more comparable to college. Summer ball stats and awards are good, but the measurement of accomplishment is not the same unless you earn ˜all tournament˜ or ˜MVP˜ at an 18U National Tournament. I know there are more similarities than I have listed and that some individuals will want to dispute or refute many of the above as well as write the differences. I know not all high school teams are created equally, but look out if you think all college teams are. The negativity about high school that is related through some threads here on CoachT is frustrating. If a player can˜t play for the high school team or doesn˜t enjoy it or just chooses not to play, I am not sure that the same player will be suited for college. College is hard work˜daily. And the players are student athletes. Academics are most important. No pass, no play says the NCAA! The pity here is that not enough emphasis is being put on academics and the balance required doing well in both the classroom and on the field. It requires a work ethic where you don˜t always reap rewards, but you do get to wear a jersey and say that you were a part of college ball˜and that is a good feeling!!

mechanical engineer, BS degree-- working in Nashville. I grew up in the Tullahoma/ Lynchburg/ Winchester area. There was/is a sports writer there who I thought I remembered as DelTavian. Is that you?

I have enjoyed reading the post about teachers' salaries and supplements. I am in my seventh year of teaching. I am currently without a coaching supplement. This is the first year that I have made over $30,000. I do not have my master's degree in education which would allow for approx. $2000 more per year. I have a colleague who has her master's with 30 years experience that is making only around $43,000 a year (no supplements). We work 200 days by contract. We are not paid for "time off"!! DelTavian (Winchester?), it would not require me a college degree to work at DHS or TDOT or some of the other state positions. Teachers are underpaid. I can vouch for several of my colleagues who actually TEACH that we work 2000 hours (average hours worked/year) a year in the 10 months that we are contracted to work. We are professional people who are responsible for the education of young people. I am familiar with other professions who earn more than twice the income I earn with 3 weeks of paid vacation in addition to 13 paid holidays, no homework to grade, a different stress level, much better health benefits, a 401K, and much better retirement. This person has been at the job for only 10 years. Obviously, I chose the wrong profession. I like my job, I like the subject that I teach, and I am fortunate to be married to someone who earns a good salary. If I did not have a spouse, I would struggle to own a decent home, pay my bills, keep a reliable auto, and feed myself. I have friends that I work with who are single teachers that have an extra job in order to pay bills and have just a little above the average wants and needs. Coaching supplements are okay. High School coaches can earn up to 15% of their salary as supplement depending on their sport (football or a combination of sprts). I believe that supplements are set by the state dept. of education and systems can vary, but must remain within what the state has as a maximum. That barely pays those individuals for the time they have invested, but that is their choice. For softball in our system, the coach recieves 8% for head coach and 4% for asst. A few years ago that changed to a base rate of approximately $3000 for the head coach and $1500 for asst. They cut the percentage offering to all new hires and now only give them the base rate. blah. blah. blah. Any questions or comments? I lost a long response that I had written about the comparison of high school and college to summer ball. It was extremely long! But, I will write it again... someday.