Our 2012 HYAL Fall Ball season is winding down. We only have a few games left. I must say, as much as I enjoyed coaching a team, I also like being an assistant coach. It gives me more time to focus on Baileigh as well as coach the other girls.
I have noticed improvements with every girl. They are getting hits and making great plays in the field. In fact, in our game Friday night we had a double play! The bases were loaded a pop up was hit to our pitcher and she caught it! Meanwhile, the girl on third crossed the plate and the girl on second was on third. I was coaching from the third base side so I started yelling to Anna, the pitcher, to 'throw the ball to third'. She did and Jenna, third base girl, caught the ball but didn't do anything. I had to yell to her to 'step on the base', which she did.
After the inning, Jenna asks me 'Did I get that girl out?' I replied, 'Yes! It was a double play!' She said, 'oh'. Then headed to the dugout. LOL
We still need to work on a few things but all in all they are doing great! I am proud of all the girls, especially Baileigh! She is getting better every game and she always tells me how much she loves softball. I hope she keeps playing.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
HYAL Fall Ball
After having about 5 or more sign ups, we finally have enough girls to have a 2012 HYAL Fall Ball season. I was looking forward to coaching the clinic division another year as we do not feel Baileigh is ready to move up to the next level just yet. I even told the Commissioner I wanted to coach clinic again with Baileigh.
I got an e-mail from the commissioner last week stating that I am going to coach a minors team. Minors is the next level up from clinic. The clinic is more about teaching and helping the girls. The coach pitches and the team playing the field are allowed to have up to 3 coaches in the field to help with the plays. A lot of the girls never played softball before and do not know even the basics. Baileigh knows how to play and is actually a pretty good player. We just felt she needed at least one more season in clinic to work on catching.
After discussing it with Beth, we wanted Baileigh in clinic so I notified the Commissioner. Well, She is in clinic but there is only one team (we play Matawan, Aberdeen and Marlboro) and they already have a coach so I miss out on being the coach. I offered to be assistant coach. I would rather be an assistant coach in clinic rather than head coach in majors when Baileigh is not ready.
I'm still looking forward to the season.
I got an e-mail from the commissioner last week stating that I am going to coach a minors team. Minors is the next level up from clinic. The clinic is more about teaching and helping the girls. The coach pitches and the team playing the field are allowed to have up to 3 coaches in the field to help with the plays. A lot of the girls never played softball before and do not know even the basics. Baileigh knows how to play and is actually a pretty good player. We just felt she needed at least one more season in clinic to work on catching.
After discussing it with Beth, we wanted Baileigh in clinic so I notified the Commissioner. Well, She is in clinic but there is only one team (we play Matawan, Aberdeen and Marlboro) and they already have a coach so I miss out on being the coach. I offered to be assistant coach. I would rather be an assistant coach in clinic rather than head coach in majors when Baileigh is not ready.
I'm still looking forward to the season.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
2012 HYAL Softball Season Ends
On Father's Day we had the 2012 HYAL All Star game. There were 4 teams and each team had to pick 6 players (5 and 1 alternate). Two combined teams played the other two combined teams. Before the game all the coaches got together and we decided to just play all 12 girls the whole.
Things didn't start too good for our team. My daughter, Baileigh, got a base hit and ran to first to beat the throw and collided with the girl playing first. During the season we used a training first base, which is basically two bases together. The white side for the fielder and the orange side for the runner. For the All Star Game we were using a regular base. When the two girls collided, Baileigh got knocked off her feet, hit the ground so hard her helmet came flying off. When she got up she made sure she touched the base which didn't matter because she was safe!
We had to have another girl run for Baileigh cause she had the wind knocked out of her and had to sit for a little bit. But the next inning she was back in the game!!
Baileigh did great as did all the girls. We didn't keep track of outs or the score so all the girls could play and hit. I don't totally agree with the way we did it but they all had fun.
After the game, we had the All Star medal presentation right on the field. The girls were excited because most of them didn't know they were getting medals for being All Stars. I didn't know either.
After the game and medals we went down to the snack bar area and there was a DJ and grill set up as well as other All Star games and play off games. At 12:30 it was time for the Girls Clinic medal presentation. The DJ handed the mic to each coach and we announced our girls as they each got their medal in front of the whole crowd. All the girls were excited to get their medal especially in front of everybody.
Of course while there I signed up to coach Fall Ball...if they have it this year. Last year there were not enough girls to get the clinic going so hopefully we'll have enough this time.
All in all it was a great day and Baileigh had fun, although a bit sore.
Things didn't start too good for our team. My daughter, Baileigh, got a base hit and ran to first to beat the throw and collided with the girl playing first. During the season we used a training first base, which is basically two bases together. The white side for the fielder and the orange side for the runner. For the All Star Game we were using a regular base. When the two girls collided, Baileigh got knocked off her feet, hit the ground so hard her helmet came flying off. When she got up she made sure she touched the base which didn't matter because she was safe!
We had to have another girl run for Baileigh cause she had the wind knocked out of her and had to sit for a little bit. But the next inning she was back in the game!!
Baileigh did great as did all the girls. We didn't keep track of outs or the score so all the girls could play and hit. I don't totally agree with the way we did it but they all had fun.
After the game, we had the All Star medal presentation right on the field. The girls were excited because most of them didn't know they were getting medals for being All Stars. I didn't know either.
After the game and medals we went down to the snack bar area and there was a DJ and grill set up as well as other All Star games and play off games. At 12:30 it was time for the Girls Clinic medal presentation. The DJ handed the mic to each coach and we announced our girls as they each got their medal in front of the whole crowd. All the girls were excited to get their medal especially in front of everybody.
Of course while there I signed up to coach Fall Ball...if they have it this year. Last year there were not enough girls to get the clinic going so hopefully we'll have enough this time.
All in all it was a great day and Baileigh had fun, although a bit sore.
Monday, June 11, 2012
HYAL Softball
The 2012 season of HYAL softball is coming to an end. We are having an end of season day on Father's Day along with medal handouts and the All Star Game. I am proud to say that Baileigh made the All Star team! She has improved so much since last year.
About half way through the season I decided not to coach anymore. It is tough with girls ranging in age from 7 to 9. Every game and practice, my assistant coach (who also happens to be my wife) and I spend so much time telling the girls 'off the fence', 'pay attention', 'don't throw dirt'. And every time we have to it takes time away from coaching.
We also had a couple of girls who never played softball and knew nothing about it. So it a was big challenge to coach the girls who have played almost their whole life and girls who never played at the same time. I think we did a good job. And I must say, it was a good feeling to see a girl getting good hits and making some plays in the field when the first game she ran to third, instead of first on a hit because she didn't know. I have seen a lot of improvement from ALL the girls.
As I sit here getting ready for the end of season celebration and the All Star game, I know that when fall ball starts in a few weeks or so, I'll be signing up to coach.
About half way through the season I decided not to coach anymore. It is tough with girls ranging in age from 7 to 9. Every game and practice, my assistant coach (who also happens to be my wife) and I spend so much time telling the girls 'off the fence', 'pay attention', 'don't throw dirt'. And every time we have to it takes time away from coaching.
We also had a couple of girls who never played softball and knew nothing about it. So it a was big challenge to coach the girls who have played almost their whole life and girls who never played at the same time. I think we did a good job. And I must say, it was a good feeling to see a girl getting good hits and making some plays in the field when the first game she ran to third, instead of first on a hit because she didn't know. I have seen a lot of improvement from ALL the girls.
As I sit here getting ready for the end of season celebration and the All Star game, I know that when fall ball starts in a few weeks or so, I'll be signing up to coach.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Memorial Day....Let's Remember The REAL Meaning.....
It occurred to me this weekend that as a whole, I think we lost the real meaning of Memorial Day. It seems that to most Memorial Day weekend is 'the unofficial start of summer', store sales, BBQ's and just a long weekend to relax.
While I do enjoy BBQ's and relaxing, I also think of all the service men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I attended the annual Memorial Day Parade in Pequannock, NJ as I have for the past 4 years or so. To see all the police, firemen and veterans marching and hearing the bag pipes and drums play the military songs is very moving. Makes me so proud to be an American and very thankful for those who have served, are serving or will serve our country.
Although I am a few days late, I would like to send out a Thank You to all military personnel, past, present and future.
While I do enjoy BBQ's and relaxing, I also think of all the service men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I attended the annual Memorial Day Parade in Pequannock, NJ as I have for the past 4 years or so. To see all the police, firemen and veterans marching and hearing the bag pipes and drums play the military songs is very moving. Makes me so proud to be an American and very thankful for those who have served, are serving or will serve our country.
Although I am a few days late, I would like to send out a Thank You to all military personnel, past, present and future.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Sports Authority- What's The Price??
The other day I was at Sports Authority in Hazlet, NJ looking for a kayak paddle. They had about 5 to choose from and since I am on a budget, I wanted to compare prices, as well as quality. Of all 5 not one of them had a price on it. I walked around the store looking for an employee and did not encounter one until I reached the front of the store (the paddles were in the back of the store) and had to ask a cashier for some assistance. She then paged for someone to go to the paddle area. I commented on not being able to find a salesperson for help and her reply was "we are stretched thin today". I have been in the store enough to know that they are in fact under staffed EVERY day.
I walked back and had to wait for someone to show up to help me so I decided to look around. I was amazed at the amount of products without a price tag. And I didn't even venture out of the water sports area. How are people supposed to shop in this price conciseness economy if more the 2/3 of the products do not have prices on them?
When the salesmen finally showed up I explained that I was interested in the 5 paddles and none of them had a price on them. He then had to go all the way back to where he was to get a scanner to find out the price. What took almost 15 minutes (I was pressed for time) could have taken less than 5 had all the products been properly tagged with prices.
I was never a big fan of Sports Authority due to issues in the past. Although they are 2 mile from my house, I think it is worth the 10 mile drive to go to dick's Sporting Goods in Woodbridge, NJ.
I walked back and had to wait for someone to show up to help me so I decided to look around. I was amazed at the amount of products without a price tag. And I didn't even venture out of the water sports area. How are people supposed to shop in this price conciseness economy if more the 2/3 of the products do not have prices on them?
When the salesmen finally showed up I explained that I was interested in the 5 paddles and none of them had a price on them. He then had to go all the way back to where he was to get a scanner to find out the price. What took almost 15 minutes (I was pressed for time) could have taken less than 5 had all the products been properly tagged with prices.
I was never a big fan of Sports Authority due to issues in the past. Although they are 2 mile from my house, I think it is worth the 10 mile drive to go to dick's Sporting Goods in Woodbridge, NJ.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Our First Game
The 2012 HYAL softball season is under way. Our first game was Monday, March 26th, but it was called after the first inning due to extreme wind and very cold temps. We decided to reschedule the game at a later date.
Next up was our Opening Day Parade and Festivities- which included- games all day, food, music, run-hit-pitch contest and other activities. We were to meet at the local fire house and have a parade to the HYAL fields with two of last years winning teams riding on the fire trucks and a police escort. This was to be held on Saturday, March 31st. Due to inclement weather, Opening Day was pushed back until Sunday, April 1st. It was no April Fools when HYAL decided to cancel on Sunday as well. Due to all the rain the fields were not in shape for any games or activities. Sunday I was back at the fields trying to get them ready for the weeks games.
Finally, we had our first game last night. It still was non a complete game as it was called due to darkness. We have 5 fields at HYAL but only 2 have lights. Unfortunately, the field where we play almost all of our games have no lights. We did manage to get in 3 full innings.
This was my first game as Head Coach. With a team of girls ranging in age from 6 to 9, it isn't easy- but it is fun. We have a couple of girls that can really hit the ball. And I am proud to say, my daughter is one of them!! She has improved so much since last year. And, since the first day of practice I have seen an improvement in a couple of the girls. We don't keep score so no one 'wins' or 'loses' (which I don't entirely agree with) but we scored quite a few runs.
This will prove to be a tough week for the girls. A game last night, another game (make-up from the first game) tonight and a scheduled practice tomorrow- which I may cancel. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and hopefully to the rescheduled Opening Day Parade!
GO WHITE SOX!!!!!!!!!
Next up was our Opening Day Parade and Festivities- which included- games all day, food, music, run-hit-pitch contest and other activities. We were to meet at the local fire house and have a parade to the HYAL fields with two of last years winning teams riding on the fire trucks and a police escort. This was to be held on Saturday, March 31st. Due to inclement weather, Opening Day was pushed back until Sunday, April 1st. It was no April Fools when HYAL decided to cancel on Sunday as well. Due to all the rain the fields were not in shape for any games or activities. Sunday I was back at the fields trying to get them ready for the weeks games.
Finally, we had our first game last night. It still was non a complete game as it was called due to darkness. We have 5 fields at HYAL but only 2 have lights. Unfortunately, the field where we play almost all of our games have no lights. We did manage to get in 3 full innings.
This was my first game as Head Coach. With a team of girls ranging in age from 6 to 9, it isn't easy- but it is fun. We have a couple of girls that can really hit the ball. And I am proud to say, my daughter is one of them!! She has improved so much since last year. And, since the first day of practice I have seen an improvement in a couple of the girls. We don't keep score so no one 'wins' or 'loses' (which I don't entirely agree with) but we scored quite a few runs.
This will prove to be a tough week for the girls. A game last night, another game (make-up from the first game) tonight and a scheduled practice tomorrow- which I may cancel. I'm looking forward to the rest of the season and hopefully to the rescheduled Opening Day Parade!
GO WHITE SOX!!!!!!!!!
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