Follow up Answer to Dads Question September 10 2015, 0 Comments

From Greg
Hi Coach,

   Well, it’s been 3 years since I sent this email to you. You said to let you know how things are going. I took your advice and found an academy for my son to attend. It’s a four hour round trip to Springfield, MO to Midwest Baseball Academy. Kyle plays on the USSA 14U majors team. He just turned 14 a week ago. He’s 6’1” 182# and built like a brick school house. They put radar on him in August and he was throwing 87 mph. He carried a .470BA with 18HR.

   After summer travel ball we asked the local high school coach if Kyle could practice with the high school team while they played fall ball. Needless to say Kyle was a little intimidated being in eighth grade and playing with juniors and seniors. Before their first game we told him not to be surprised if he didn’t get to play much, if at all.  He started the first game at SS and had a fantastic performance. He batted third. His first AB, first pitch, 350’ HR. Second AB first pitch also 350’. He finished 4/5 with triple and single. The high school played 10 games in fall ball. He had 32AB, 8HR, 21 hits, 2 SO. He got to pitch in 5 games, 15 innings, 27 strikeouts.

   For my wife and I here’s the best part. Kyle is a straight A student, is loved by all his teachers and class mates.  He is a leader in class and sports. We spend so much time on the road together it gives plenty of time for “life’s lessons”. He’s very humble and is not always comfortable with the attention he seems to get from players, coaches, and even umpires.

   I know this probably sounds like somebody’s bragging Christmas letter, but I try to listen to people like you when advice and cautions are shared.

Thanks again,
Kyle’s Dad
Greg Fincher

Mixing Sports August 31 2015, 0 Comments

Dear Coach

I have coached baseball for years and have told my kids that baseball and golf do not mix. A lot of golf can be a detriment to your baseball swing. Am I off base with my teaching.

Coach

I can't really agree with you to give the short answer.  I see athletics as all independent.  When I first started out baseball players did not lift weights, but now we know how to do it and the increased strength has not be gained at the loss of flexibility (that was the worry).

I don't believe one skill takes away from another.  We have too many good and very good golfers with in baseball some of  them almost PGA caliber.

I understand what you are asking but I think it fallen in the categories of  "It sounds like a good idea" but in truth no factual basis.

Sorry to disagree but you and I are two coaches talking.

Coach Arnald Swift