Summer Time Education
OK so I have spent just over a month now around Division 1 Athletes coaching in the Cape Cod League. I have seen some of the best Baseball players of my whole life. Coached in the most games I have ever coached in for a season. Dealt with coaches, and umpires who have been doing this far beyond what I have at this point in time.
So what have I learned from this all?
- Baseball is Baseball- At its core, the game of baseball is played relatively the same at the Division 1 level as it is at the high school level. Many of the things you think might be much different are the same. Situations are handled similarly on the field, but with more precision. Cut-off situations, run downs, pop up priority all are the same as you would see at any other game you might go to on a normal basis.
- Players still want feedback- High School players are continuously looking for feedback and also looking to improve. There is no difference about this at the division 1 level. Do all players want my specific feedback, no but that doesn’t mean that they are not looking to improve. Many players are still at the point where they are trying to find themselves both in baseball and in life which makes for a very good mix for both players abilities and attitudes.
- The Grind is Real- When you hear baseball players talk about the grind during interviews you think about what does that mean, or you might have a perception about what it mean. But let me say that you have no idea what it truly means until you are into the season. Coaching High School, even college baseball I don’t think would truly prepare you for something like 44 games in 50 days. Players get tried, coaches get tired, but everything must keep moving forward because you have a game tomorrow. On a side note, I have seen hitters who get hot and then slump real quickly over being way to emotional about a particular game or situation that might have popped up during a game. Super interesting to watch the mentality of hitters throughout one summer.
Thanks for checking in. What does everyone else think of this list? Do you there is more things that might be included? What did I miss?