OUTFIELD

The Basic Four Qualifications:
· 1. Concentration
o must focus on the pitcher and the hitter
o the ability to react and good reaction time are a direct result of TOTAL concentration
· 2. Speed
o the ability to get to the ball quickly is essential
o centerfield is usually the place for the quickest outfielder to cut off shots to the gaps
· 3. Strong Throwing Arm
o ability to throw long and accurately
· 4. Knowledge of the Situation
o What? = What is the score?
o Where? = Where are the runners?
o When? = When and how to charge the ball
o How?
· The drop step is an essential skill for good movement by an outfielder
· Most successful outfielders hustle EVERY moment they are on the field, they back-up EVERY throw and hit, and they throw to the right base at the right time
· Outfielders need very strong, accurate throwing arms, especially the right fielder
· The center fielder must be fast on his feet because he covers the most area
· The right fielder backs up first base on all plays and second base on throws from the left side of the infield and outfield
· The center fielder backs up throws from anywhere on the infield
· The left fielder backs up third base on throws from the right side of the infield and outfield
· Pay attention to the hitter's strengths and tendencies
· Catch flyballs in throwing position while moving toward the target of your throw
· ALWAYS use two hands
· When a ball is obviously over your head, don't backpedal; turn and run
· Hit the relay man head high with the throws
· ALWAYS throw one base ahead of the runner
· A one hop throw is better than a throw over somebody's head
· NEVER hold a fielded ball; get it into the infield immediately
· The first throw of a relay will be the long one
· Right Of Way Rules:
· 1. the centerfielder takes anything he can reach
· 2. all outfielders have priority over infielders
· 3. outfielders should call loudly and continually until they make the catch
· 4. wait until you are sure you can catch the flyball before calling it
· The center fielder is the captain of the outfield; if he can get it, he calls left or right off
· On a looper over the infield, the outfield should catch it because they have a better throwing angle
· You must concentrate on every pitch and anticipate plays
· NEVER run with the glove hand extended; turn and run at top speed to the spot where you think the ball will come down; then turn and make the catch or extend the arms at the proper time


CATCHER

· Characteristics of a Catcher:
· 1. Leadership = Field General
o the catcher is the only player that sees everything in front of him
o directs the infield play
o inspirer of confidence = always positive
· 2. Physical Strength & Durability
o catching is the second most demanding position on the field
· 3. Quickness and Agility
o must be agile for shifting for pitches, fielding bunts, and catching pop- ups
· 4. Good Throwing Arm
o a strong arm and quick release are essential
· Physical requirements:
· 1. Strong arm (flight time)
· 2. Fast reflexes (throwing/release time)
· 3. Get the ball to the bases quickly and accurately
· 4. Ability to catch and block the ball
· 5. Headwork (thinking) behind the bat:
o a. signaling pitches
o b. directing infield plays
o c. study style, stance, and swing of batter to discover weaknesses
· Throwing:
· 1. Grip - fingers spread, across the seams
· 2. Footwork - throw off the right foot; weight balanced; left foot guides and points directly toward target
· 3. Arm - follow through; shoulders level; poor accuracy usually is caused by poor footwork; return the ball to the pitcher firmly, close to the pitcher’s shoulder; the throw to second base is just a longer version of the throw to the pitcher
· Catching Position:
· 1. Stance - right foot even with the instep of the left foot; toes pointed out slightly
· 2. Low, relaxed position:
o a. arms extended, elbows slightly bent, outside of your knees
o b. thighs parallel to the ground
o c. glove hand should have the thumb up
o d. meat hand should be behind your back with nobody on base; with men on base, it should be behind the mitt
· 3. Frame the strike zone
o one of the most important skills is that of framing the strike zone
o the catcher’s receiving hand or glove should always curl towards the strike zone, not away
o it should be a curl or slight turn of the wrist, NOT a quick pull or jerking motion
· Signals:
· 1. Position - right hand inside of thigh; elbow against your body
· 2. Glove hand - arm resting on left thigh; glove blocking third base coach; knees turned in slightly
· 3. May use the glove or parts of the body for signals
· Dirt Balls:
· 1. Head down
· 2. Shoulders square
· 3. Meat hand behind the glove
· 4. Cover the opening between your legs
· 5. Round, concave chest
· 6. Dive, if necessary
· Pitch Outs:
· 1. Use on an attempted steal or squeeze play
· 2. When the pitch is to the right (outside) of the plate, step with your right foot to receive the pitch and then toward the pitcher with the left guide foot
· 3. When the pitch is to the left (inside), step with the left foot to receive the pitch, swing the right foot behind and then stride with the left guide foot towards the base
· 4. When the runner is trying to score:
o a. get your feet in position
o b. catch the ball
o c. make the tag with both hands
o YOU MUST BE SURE TO DO IN THIS ORDER
· Runner on First Base Only:
· 1. Watch the base coach to pick up signals; possible steal
· 2. Go forward on all bunts; if the third baseman fields the bunt, continue on to third to cover the base
· Runner on Second Base:
· 1. Pick off the runner if he loafs back to second or drops his head on the return of the ball to the pitcher
· 2. On a missed bunt attempt, with a runner caught between second and third base, fake a throw and then run straight at the runner
· Runners on First and Second Base:
· 1. May have a better chance of throwing out the runner from first
· 2. A bad throw could mean a run
· Runners on First and Third:
· 1. Take a quick look to third and then throw to second
· 2. Fake your natural throwing motion to second, right yourself and throw to third
· 3. Use throwing motion to second but high; the pitcher catches, pivots, looks to third, pivots and looks to second
· Pop-Ups:
· 1. If on infield, help to call the correct infielder
· 2. If behind the plate, know the wind, sun, lights, etc.:
o a. the ball arcs back toward the infield so turn with back to infield
o b. hold your mask and find the ball
o c. throw your mask far away, especially on windy days
o d. catch the ball and look for a play
· Bunts:
· 1. Field with your mitt in front of the rolling ball
· 2. Pick up the ball with BOTH hands; scoop it against the mitt
· 3. Footwork - clear the runner before throwing

· Know Your Pitchers:
· 1. Make your pitcher change speeds. Do not throw the same pitch in the same location twice to a good hitter.
· 2. Mix your calls; no patterns; get ahead of the hitters
· 3. When in a jam, go to the strength of the pitcher
· Mental Alertness - Things to Keep in Mind:
· 1. Keep the pitcher informed:
o a. position of runners
o b. number of outs
o c. pitcher covering first on ball hit to right side of infield
· 2. Game situation:
o a. score
o b. inning
o c. number of outs
o d. strength of hitter
· 3. Strengths and alertness of pitcher
· 4. Wind direction and speed
· 5. Sun location
· 6. Conditions of base paths
· Tips for the Catcher:
· 1. Take charge; be the “quarterback”
· 2. Check your fielders and see if they are in position
· 3. Give the pitcher a good target
· 4. Learn your pitchers’ most effective pitch
· 5. Always be alert with runners on base
· 6. Back up first base when the bases are unoccupied on batted ball
· 7. Align infielders for cut-off plays at the plate
· 8. Study the hitter’s stance and remember his prior at bats


Third Base

· Desirable Characteristics:
· 1. must have quick reactions and a good pair of hands
· 2. must have strong arm
· 3. must be quick in your first three or four steps (90% of the ground balls fielded will be within the range of 3 or 4 steps
· With a runner on first and the hitter bunts, charge hard for the bunt
· In a close game, guard the line in later innings
· With a runner in scoring position and there is a base hit to left field, get into position for the relay throw to the plate
· On a ball hit to right field, back-up the throw to second base
· Go after any ball hit to the left side of the infield; if you can cut it off from the shortstop, you have a shorter throw


Short Stop


· The toughest infield position to play
· Desirable Characteristics:
o 1. should be the best infielder
o 2. should be agile
o 3. quick reflexes
o 4. quick hands and feet
o 5. must have a strong arm to make the play in the hole
· With a runner on first base and the hitter bunts, cover second base
· On hits to right field, cover second base
· On base hits to left or center field, go out for the relay throw
o catch the ball in position to throw out the runner
o listen for which base to throw to
o if there is no play, run the ball into the infield
· You will usually hold the runner on second with a left handed hitter up to bat; you may have the second baseman hold the runner if the pitcher overpowers the hitter
· With a runner on first and the hitter hits the ball back to the pitcher, the shortstop should take the throw at second because his momentum allows an easier throw to first
· You are responsible for covering second on a steal with a left handed hitter up to bat
· On relay throws, the first throw from the outfield is the long one and the second throw by the infielder is the accurate one
· Communicate with the pitcher, catcher, and second baseman on who has the base on a steal or hit back to the pitcher
· Anticipate an overthrow by the catcher on the throw back to the pitcher
· On pop-ups behind third base, you have a better angle than the third baseman
· You are the captain of the infield
· Double Play:
o the most important play in baseball
o cannot make the double play unless infielders “cheat” or “shade the bag”
o a good rule of thumb is for the shortstop and second baseman to move three steps (8-10 feet) toward the hitter and two steps (5-8 feet) closer to second base
o the player who is the pivot of the double play MUST get to the base as quickly as possible
o be SURE to get the first out
Second Base

· Desirable Characteristics:
o 1. must have quick hands and feet
o 2. need the ability to get rid of the ball quickly
o 3. must be able to make the pivot on a double play
o 4. most throws will be short so a strong arm is not necessary
· You must be quick on your feet to hold the runner on, cover first base, and to field your position
· On a hit to the right side of the outfield, go out towards the ball for the relay
o catch the throw in position to throw out the runner
o listen for which base to relay the throw to
o if there is no play, run the ball back into the infield
· On a hit to the left side of the outfield, cover second for the relay throw
· You will usually hold the runner on second base with a right handed hitter up to bat; you may have the shortstop hold the runner if the pitcher overpowers the hitter
· With a runner on first base and the hitter bunts, cover first base
· With a runner on first and second base and the hitter bunts, you may cover first or second, depending on the play called and the situation
· You are responsible for covering second base on a steal with a right handed hitter up
· On relay throws, the first throw from the outfield is the long one and the second throw by the infielder is the accurate one
· Communicate with the pitcher, catcher, and shortstop on who has the base on a steal or hit back to the pitcher
· Anticipate an overthrow by the catcher on the throw back to the pitcher
· On pop-ups behind first base, you have a better angle than the first baseman
· Double Play:
o the most important play in baseball
o cannot make the double play unless infielders “cheat” or “shade the bag”
o a good rule of thumb is for the shortstop and second baseman to move three steps (8-10 feet) toward the hitter and two steps (5-8 feet) closer to second base
o the player who is the pivot of the double play MUST get to the base as quickly as possible
o be SURE to get the first out

BASERUNNING

· The first rule of baserunning is to NEVER miss a base
· Good baserunners don’t HAVE to be fast, just keep their eyes open and their heads up
· ALWAYS be ready to “seize the opportunity”
· Smart baserunning wins many games and bad running loses many
· Run out EVERY hit no matter where it goes; NOTHING can be taken for granted in baseball
· After hitting the ball, break out of the batter’s box three strides and then quickly find the ball
o if it is fielded, run straight through the base
o if it gets through the infield, swing out of the baseline to get the angle to cut off of first base for second
· Do NOT take a lead until the pitcher releases the baseball
· Keep your eyes on the pitcher at ALL times
· Your first step on a steal or base hit should be a crossover step (left over right)
· When on second base and a grounder is hit to third or shortstop, do not attempt to advance to third
· When leading off of second, watch the second baseman; the coach will watch the shortstop
· Take your lead off of third in foul territory; take a short walking lead; return to the base in fair territory
· Listen to and watch your base coaches
· EVERY ball is a double until the defense dictates otherwise - be AGGRESSIVE
· Baserunning begins in the dugout:
o before the game you should be observing the opponent in their pregame drills are they left or right handed? speed? quickness? accuracy? footwork?
o watch the catcher for quickness of release, arm strength, accuracy, footwork
· When you are on deck, it is your job to help the runner coming to the plate
· Do not slide into first base (unless to avoid a tag in a bad throw) as it slows you down and exposes you to unnecessary injury.
· Always know where the ball is
· When in doubt, slide
· Know the situation and anticipate the action. Always check the defense and know how many outs there are
· Tag up on all foul balls
· RUN to first base at full speed on ball four. Look at the pitcher, short stop and second basemen to see if they are paying attention. If they are not paying attention and are far from the second base keep going to second base.
HITTING


· Knowing what pitch you can handle best is important
· Smart hitters get their hits from pitcher’s mistakes
· A hitter must be disciplined to only swing at pitches in the strike zone
· The important thing is to be comfortable and on balance throughout the swing
· The contact spot is where the bat and ball meet
· Every good hitter ends up the same way:
· arms extended
· back hip open
· barrel of the bat at about 90 degrees, even with his hands
· wrists not yet broken before contact
· weight transferred into braced front leg
· back toe and knee pointed at the pitcher with the heel off the ground
· head looking down at contact spot
· Each hitter must learn for himself his quickness and reaction time to get into the contact spot
· The Three C’s of Hitting:
· 1. Confidence
· 2. Concentration
· 3. Consistency
· 75% of hitting is from the neck up. If a hitter truly believes that he can hit, he will hit.
· Eight Step Systematic Approach to Hitting:
· 1. Bat Selection
o You should be able to hold the bat level for 25-35 seconds with your arm outstretched to your side using your dominant hand
o Bat speed has greater affect on how far the ball travels than does the weight of the bat (Use lighter bats for more bat speed!)
· 2. Depth and Distance at the Plate
o Lay the bat on the ground with the end of the barrel in the middle of the plate
o your front toe should be at the knob of the handle
· 3. Stance and Balance
o Feet should be shoulder width apart with your toes turned slightly in
o your weight should be on the balls of your feet
o If you’re having trouble, close your eyes and you will settle into a balanced position
· 4. Grip on the Bat
o Align the middle knuckles on both hands
o Never squeeze the bat; squeezing leads to tension. Hold the bat loosely until you swing.
o Grip with the fingers rather than the palms of the hands
· 6. Inward Turn
o The hitter should go backward with his weight slightly before he goes forward
o When the pitcher “shows his hip pocket”, the batter should do the same
o Tuck your front knee, front hip and front shoulder, rolling your hands back about 3 inches but never behind the head
o Remember the concept of going back to go forward to generate weight shift
· 7. Stride
o Three Step Sequence:
§ A. take a stride directly toward the pitcher
§ B. land on the big toe of the front foot
§ C. pretend you are stepping on thin ice, step softly (Keep your balance)
o The stride should be fairly short
· 8. Swing
o Focus the eyes
§ start on the eyes of the pitcher and then move to the area of the ball at the release point
§ keep your head square to the ground with your eyes level
o “Squish the bug”
§ pivot the back foot and thrust the hips
§ you must use your hips, they lead the way to the ball
o Slap the hands down; swing the bat in a slightly downward plane
o “Ike to Mike”
§ keep the head down
§ your head doesn’t move but your shoulders rotate so your chin will go from your left shoulder (Ike) to your right shoulder (Mike)
o Follow-through
§ “catch” the ball with the bat as though it were a spoon and throw the ball to the outfield
§ At the completion of the follow-through, all three “eyes” (both knees and the belly button) should face the pitcher
· These fundamentals need to become instinctive through perfect practice
· You must develop muscle memory - training your muscles to react through repetition without conscious thought
· Once a hitter has acquired the proper mechanics of hitting his job becomes 90 percent mental
· A hitter is his own best hitting coach
· Every hitter should learn what pitch gives him the best chance for a hit and in what part of the strike zone it is
· Hitting is a frame of mind, be confident
· A hitter who swings at a good pitch and hits the ball hard has not failed
· The entire hitting process is dependent on the stomach muscles because they aid in hip rotation
· A good hitter will let the high pitches go; the only place they can go is in the air
· A good eye is the most important thing in hitting
· A motionless head with a watchful eye makes a good hitter
· Unnecessary motion in the arms, bat, or head can disrupt hitting (keep your bat still until the swing!)
· To become a contact or placement hitter, choke up on the bat and shorten the swing
· Learn to hit your strength. Every hitter has a strength, just as every hitter has a weakness. Hit your pitch. When you get it, don’t let it get away.
Count/Situation Hitter's Pitch Expectation Expected Batting Average
0-0 Fastball (good pitch to hit) .318
0-1 Pitcher's choice (stay away from 0-2) .238
0-2 Protect the plate (often a waste pitch) .094
1-0 Fastball (look for the ball in your sweet spot) .359
1-1 Pitcher's choice (get a good pitch to hit) .282
1-2 Protect the plate (put the ball in play) .166
2-0 Fastball (great hitter's count) .373
2-1 Fastball (pitcher doesn't want to go to 3-1) .366
2-2 Pitcher's best pitch (protect the plate) .316
3-0 Fastball (pitch in hitter's best zone only) .250
3-1 Fastball (great hitter's count) .365
3-2 Typically fastball (be ready to hit; pitcher doesn't want to walk you) .263

The Knights show their tenacity as they refuse to lose. After a disastrous performance in the first game of the PPBA championship series, the Knights pulled together to win in dramatic fashion on Sunday. With their backs against the wall the Knights needed two wins against a Parkville Warriors team that has proven to be a tough opponent through out the year.

Parkville won the only game between the two teams in the regular season with a come from behind last inning rally, and then defeated the Knights in the first game of the championship series 13-11. But the Knights would not be denied.

Daniel Rodriguez took the mound after the staff aces JR Romero and Eli Abreu were unavailable as they had pitched in the semi-final game and game one of the championship series. Daniel came up big putting in a gutsy performance for the win in game two as the Knights bats came alive. Making a statement and backed by the hot bats of Roland Rivera, Keith Herring, Luis Cruz and Jacob Ramos OLS rolled to a 19-7 mercy rule victory in game two.

Game three was a game to remember. Luis Rosario took the mound for the Knights with their championship hopes resting on his shoulders. Going up against the Parkville ace #31 Taromina, this game had the making of a classic pitching duel. It didn’t disappoint.

The game moved along quickly locked in a 0-0 tie going into the bottom of the 4th inning. Parkville’s leadoff hitter lined a single into left field. After stealing second base he managed to score Parkville’s only run of the game on a throwing error by committed by the usually solid OLS shortstop Dale Sanchez. That would prove to be the only blemish in a spectacular pitching performance by Rosario.

The Knights came right back in the top of the fifth inning as Roland Rivera singled and then stole second base. Rosario came to the plate ready to battle for a run. After working the count Rosario got a pitch he could handle and lined a bullet back up the middle hitting Parkville’s Taromina and ricocheting toward the first base line. As Taromina recovered and scrambled to get the out at first base, Rivera blazed around third base and on a daring call by third base coach Marcelo Perez headed home. It was a bang-bang play as Roland was called safe at home plate. Taromina would settle down and end the inning in a 1-1 tie.

It would stay that way until the top of the seventh. Keith Herring started what proved to be the game-winning rally with a double that was followed by a Roland Rivera single that found its way through the left side of the infield, giving the Knights runners on first and third. The next batter, Rosario was walked to load the bases for Vimanuel Corali with one out. Corali hits a ground ball that the shortstop fields and throws late and offline to home in an attempt to cut down the go ahead run as Keith Herring scores giving the Knights a 2-1 lead.

But Parkville was not ready to concede victory. Getting their leadoff hitter on and moving him to second base with two outs Parkville’s cleanup hitter stepped to the plate. He battled Rosario and managed to hit a hard ground ball to shortstop that looked like it would be the last out of the game until it took a wicked hop over Dale Sanchez’ head and into left field. The runner on second base was running on contact and rounded third heading for home with what would have been the tying run setting up what in my opinion was the most dramatic finish to a championship game I have ever witnessed. Knights left fielder Roland Rivera charged the ball hard and came up throwing. The throw was a perfect no hop bullet to home plate that beat the runner by a good two steps. Knights catcher Vimanuel Corali held on to the ball waiting to apply the tag to the runner and soon was swarmed by his teammates celebrating their championship victory.

Congratulations to the OLS Knights, 2006 PPBA Champions!!!

MESSAGE TO THE 2006 KNIGHTS PLAYERS

The Coaching Staff is very proud of each and every player on the 2006 Knights Team. Our role is to prepare you to be better baseball players and continue to love the game. Continue to work hard and good things will happen.


MESSAGE TO THE 2006 KNIGHTS PARENTS

The Coaching Staff is very lucky to have parents that are very supportive of their child and the team. Thank you!

Jose Santiago put it all together for his June 22nd outing vs. the 78 Dynasty club. Santiago, who has had control issues all year, needed just 71 pitches to throw his complete game 5 inning no hitter fanning six while walking just three batters. Santiago was backed up by a solid defensive performance. Jose also stared at the plate going 3 for 3 and driving in three runs.

The Knights have been on a torrid run of late winning their seventh game in a row while outscoring the opposition 83-19.

Congrats to Jose!

The Knights show their tenacity as they refuse to loose. After a disastrous performance in the first game of the PPBA championship series, the Knights pulled together to win in dramatic fashion on Sunday. With their backs against the wall the Knights needed two wins against a Parkville Warriors team that has proven to be a tough opponent through out the year.

Parkville won the only game between the two teams in the regular season with a come from behind last inning rally, and then defeated the Knights in the first game of the championship series 13-11. But the Knights would not be denied.

Daniel Rodriguez took the mound after the staff aces JR Romero and Eli Abreu were unavailable as they had pitched in the semi-final game and game one of the championship series. Daniel came up big putting in a gutsy performance for the win in game two as the Knights bats came alive. Making a statement and backed by the hot bats of Roland Rivera, Keith Herring, Luis Cruz and Jacob Ramos OLS rolled to a 19-7 mercy rule victory in game two.

Game three was a game to remember. Luis Rosario took the mound for the Knights with their championship hopes resting on his shoulders. Going up against the Parkville ace #31 Taromina, this game had the making of a classic pitching duel. It didn’t disappoint.

The game moved along quickly locked in a 0-0 tie going into the bottom of the 4th inning. Parkville’s leadoff hitter lined a single into left field. After stealing second base he managed to score Parkville’s only run of the game on a throwing error by committed by the usually solid OLS shortstop Dale Sanchez. That would prove to be the only blemish in a spectacular pitching performance by Rosario.

The Knights came right back in the top of the fifth inning as Roland Rivera singled and then stole second base. Rosario came to the plate ready to battle for a run. After working the count Rosario got a pitch he could handle and lined a bullet back up the middle hitting Parkville’s Taromina and ricocheting toward the first base line. As Taromina recovered and scrambled to get the out at first base, Rivera blazed around third base and on a daring call by third base coach Marcelo Perez headed home. It was a bang-bang play as Roland was called safe at home plate. Taromina would settle down and end the inning in a 1-1 tie.

It would stay that way until the top of the seventh. Keith Herring started what proved to be the game-winning rally with a double that was followed by a Roland Rivera single that found its way through the left side of the infield, giving the Knights runners on first and third. The next batter, Rosario was walked to load the bases for Vimanuel Corali with one out. Corali hits a ground ball that the shortstop fields and throws late and offline to home in an attempt to cut down the go ahead run as Keith Herring scores giving the Knights a 2-1 lead.

But Parkville was not ready to concede victory. Getting their leadoff hitter on and moving him to second base with two outs Parkville’s cleanup hitter stepped to the plate. He battled Rosario and managed to hit a hard ground ball to shortstop that looked like it would be the last out of the game until it took a wicked hop over Dale Sanchez’ head and into left field. The runner on second base was running on contact and rounded third heading for home with what would have been the tying run setting up what in my opinion was the most dramatic finish to a championship game I have ever witnessed. Knights left fielder Roland Rivera charged the ball hard and came up throwing. The throw was a perfect no hop bullet to home plate that beat the runner by a good two steps. Knights catcher Vimanuel Corali held on to the ball waiting to apply the tag to the runner and soon was swarmed by his teammates celebrating their championship victory.

Congratulations to the OLS Knights, 2006 PPBA Champions!!!

The OLS Knights come up big and take the PPBA championship 2 games to one.

The OLS Knights take the 2006 RBI championship beating the South Harlem Reds for their second Championship this summer.