Dec 6, 2019 | Diamond Devotions
The most uncomfortable—in fact, terrifying—at-bat I ever had was against a guy who threw in the mid-90s and had no idea where the ball was going. I had faced hard throwing pitchers before. I had faced wild pitchers before. But the combination of hard throwing and wild...
Dec 5, 2019 | Diamond Devotions
Every offseason, Major League teams search for ways to improve their current and future rosters. Free agents are signed. Trades are made. Contenders look for that final piece to push them over the top. Rebuilders look for the prospect to turn their futures around. All...
Dec 4, 2019 | Diamond Devotions
Part of the art of coaching is the ability to break a player down and build him back up again. Breaking him down doesn’t mean demoralizing him, but instead means showing him how his ways aren’t going to work. Building him up doesn’t mean just making him feel better,...
Dec 3, 2019 | Diamond Devotions
Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. So said Mike Tyson, one of the most ferocious boxers in the sport’s history. The same is true in baseball. My plan was always simple: follow the same routine each game, each at-bat, each fielding opportunity,...
Dec 2, 2019 | Diamond Devotions
There’s a great monologue by the late comedian George Carlin, in which he describes the differences between baseball and football. It’s worth the watch when you have the chance. Carlin talks of football in serious tones, wherein the goal is to march down the field,...
Sep 24, 2019 | Diamond Devotions
There isn’t much worse in a baseball game than a rain delay. Getting ready for the game, only to have it interrupted before it or during it is not just frustrating, but it can throw plans into complete disarray. Players, fans, broadcasters, umpires…no one likes...
