RCBC Ghost - Staten Island, NY

COLLEGE RECRUITING CORNER

     By Coach Mike Lopiparo

For the latest information from the NCAA, including recruiting calendars and restrictions, visit their website here.

SPORTS RECRUITS UPDATES:

NCAA Announces D1 Dead Period Will Be Lifted June 1 (blog 4/16/2021)

NCAA Extends Division 1 Recruiting Dead Period Through May 31 (blog 2/23/2021)

NCAA Division 1 Recruiting Dead Period Extended Until April 15, 2021 (blog 11/19/2020)

NCAA Contact Periods (blog 6/18/2020)

Sports Recruits Help Center (website)

- How To Upload Videos To Your Profile (article/video)

- Steps To Build A Professional Highlight Reel (article/video)

- Using The Advanced School Search (article/video)

- Using The Messaging System (article/video)

Upcoming And Past SportsRecruits webinars

Visit the RCBC SportsRecruits website

Recruiting Timeline.pdf  

Onine Recruiting Guide

SportsRecruits User Guide

There are lots of talented athletes out there.  But talent alone will not land you a coveted college roster spot.  Your talent may get your foot in the door, but it takes a lot more to hit the field at the next level.  Recruiters are looking for intangibles, the things that cannot be easily measured, but make all the
difference.  Here are the most common questions recruiters are searching for answers to when deciding whether they should recruit you or not.

What are you doing when you think no one is watching? 

Are you one thing in person, and another person online?

Who are your biggest influences?

Are you a good teammate?

Do you make a good first impression?

Do you show a sense of gratitude?

Your reputation is who people think you are.  Your character is who you are when you think no one is paying attention.  Someone is always paying
attention.  You must be the exception.  You must be extra-ordinary.  That’s how you get recruited!

With October approaching, it can only mean one thing.  It’s World Series time.  See if you can guess the answers to these fall classic trivia questions.

1. Who has the most lifetime World Series home runs?

2. Which team has lost the most World Series?

3. Which team has never played in the World Series?

4. Who has the most World Series rings as a player?

5. Who is the only pitcher to throw a perfect game in a World Series?

6. What caused game 3 of the 1989 World Series to be postponed?

7. Who was the first team from outside the U.S. to win the World Series?

8. Who was the first Japanese-born player to win World Series MVP?

9.  Which team won the 2016 World Series after a 108 year wait?

10.  Which is the only team to have appeared in a World Series but has never won a game?

Here are the answers.  How many did you get right?

1. Most home runs: Mickey Mantle, NY Yankees (18)

2. Most losses: Los Angeles Dodgers (14 times)

3. Never won: Seattle Mariners

4. Most rings: Yogi Berra, NY Yankees (10)

5. Perfect game: Don Larsen, NY Yankees (1956)

6. Game postponed: San Francisco earthquake

7. Non-US winner: Toronto Blue Jays (1992)

8. Non-US MVP: Hideki Matsui, NY Yankees (2009)

9. Longest wait: Chicago Cubs

10.  Never won a game: Colorado Rockies (2007)

I hope you enjoyed the quiz.  Now enjoy the games!

With school about to start next week, I thought I would share my thoughts on why education is so important and what good students should do.  But
before anyone 15 or under stops reading this column because they think it doesn’t apply to them yet….don’t you dare!  Boy, does this apply to you.
As I have said in the past, because there are only a limited amount of athletic scholarships in baseball, a student-athlete needs to supplement any athletic money with other means.  The most common and lucrative means of college money comes from academics.  But there is one obvious rule.  You need good grades and a solid SAT or ACT score (still required for many schools).  What students and sometimes parents don’t always understand is grades for college begin to count the second you walk into high school.
 
There are those who think the junior year is when it starts to count.  Nonsense!!!!  Your 9th and 10th grade averages are equally important for college.  So please don’t think your 70 or 75 average in the early high school years can be washed away in later years.  Forget it!  A baseball player shouldn’t just want to be admitted to college.  Our RCBC boys should want money on top of the acceptance notice.  So for incoming high school students and for those who struggled through 9th grade, here is a list of work habits to help you improve your grades.  Parents - read this carefully to ensure your son is doing these things.  None of this is new, but it’s effective.

CLASS BEHAVIOR - Many times a student can get a grade in his favor if he behaves.  The difference between an 85 and a 90 can be behavior.  The
difference between a borderline grade between pass and fail can be behavior.
PAY ATTENTION IN CLASS AND TAKE GOOD NOTES - If you pay attention, you will better remember what a teacher says.  Good notes make it easier to study plus you’ll have some of the questions for the next test.  Paying attention will mean you might ask questions that will help you understand what is being taught.
PARTICIPATE IN CLASS - Students can get extra grade points for class participation plus again it helps you understand the lesson.
HOMEWORK SHOULD ALWAYS BE DONE….AND DONE CAREFULLY - Almost always, failure to do homework means a drop in your grade.  And, if you do it carefully, you’ll have the type of questions that appear on the next test.  Many teachers add points to your grade for homework.
READ THE TEXTBOOK - Naturally, the information in the textbook provides the answers to the homework assignment.  But its also the questions of an upcoming test.
STUDY FOR TESTS  - Don’t wait until 10 minutes before a test to start studying.  Study at least the night before.  By the way, good work habits make it easier to study for mid-terms, finals and Regents exams.  Why….because you can go to your good notes and your homework and just review the textbook.

So, if we sum it up….Pay Attention….Good Notes….Careful Homework ….Read Textbook….Study For Tests.

PARENTS PARENTS PARENTS - Some final advice for you.  Please check that your son is taking notes in class.  Check his homework, to see if he has it and is doing it.  Check his test grades to make sure he is studying.  Contact his teacher if his test grades are poor and find out why.  Get him a review book if he’s struggling in a subject.  Make sure he does the homework and gets the notes when he’s absent.  And don’t look to blame the teacher.  Blame your son for a bad report card. 

Good luck in school this year.  I hope players and parents alike find this helpful.

Players smartly come to RCBC to get recruited to a college.  The assets at RCBC are plentiful:  Good Teams….Excellent Coaches….First Rate
Complex….Talented and Truly Nice Players.  But to increase your chances of getting to the next level, more is needed.

For better than a decade, RCBC has had a very successful August Showcase.  This year it will be on Tuesday, August 8 and the following day, August 9.  Teaching by the Recruiters to see your talents and then games where they will see you in action.  Be Smart, get there!  RCBC and PRD held a Spring
Showcase...BUT BUT BUT, getting recruited is a competitive as anything high school players have faced.  This Showcase gives you another chance to be evaluated.  The RCBC Summer Showcase has become a successful, traditional and well-respected event!!!  Do It!!!

Here are some reasons your son belongs at the RCBC Showcase August 8 and 9 at the RC Complex:
1. It is NOT easy to be recruited.  Baseball is played in 50 states.  Players can be found everywhere.  You need to be seen by the right people.
2. At RCBC, Coaches Nick DeFendis and George Quinn have impeccable reputations on judging talent.  Therefore, when Nick and George talk, coaches listen.
3. There will be 30+ Recruiters at the Showcase.  But in reality, there are more!  How you ask?  I was a College Coach and Recruiter for 15 years.  We are a Fraternity.
4. Therefore, you make friends with many of your coaching and recruiting peers.  And if your school is in a different conference, and your buddy sees a player at a position he knows you need, guess what?  He will call you and tell you to check out that player.  This happened numerous times when I recruited...both ways...with them calling me and me calling them.  It’s a Fraternity.
5. Since the Coaches at the RCBC Showcase run drills with our players on the first day, your son can pick up valuable knowledge on how certain skills are done at the college level.
6. Go to the RCBC website (www.rcbclub.com).  Simply check the hundreds of former players from our organization that have gone on to play college baseball.  In recent years, Zack Granite reached the Major Leagues, Anthony Prato is doing well for the Triple-A Twins team, Ricky DeVito is pitching in the minors, Jackson Tucker is a star at St. Johns and Rob Rispoli will taking his talents to UConn and Mike Palermo to CSI, to name a few.

NYC has a population of 8.5 million.  Only one borough has less than one-and-a-half million people.  That borough is Staten Island which hovers around a half-million people, which is only a measly 6% of the entire population of the Big Apple.

No, this isn’t a population quiz, so no studying necessary.  What does need to be done is to give Staten Island a standing ovation for its baseball superiority.  It’s no secret that baseball’s popularity has suffered the past half century.  At one time, baseball was the National Pastime.  It has fallen way behind the NFL, and maybe even the NBA, in fan interest.  On the field, less kids play baseball, many giving up the sport by the age of 12.

Which brings us to Staten Island.  Baseball is as strong as ever.  From Little League to High School, the borough overflows with great teams and star players.  Just a couple of weeks back, Tottenville captured the PSAL Championship for the 6th time since 2000.  Led by RCBC stars Michael Flashner, Dylan Swanson and James Bajana, Tottenville defeated those big shot teams from the other boroughs.  Not to mention the numerous times the Big T has reached the title game the past 20 years.  Great job by Head Coach Mike Grippo, a former star player and current RCBC coach.

Monsignor Farrell has won two recent CHSAA Championships in 2015 and 2017, while reaching the title game on five other occasions, all but one coming under Head Coach Bobby Mulligan.  Nelson Ortiz coached St. Joe’s By The Sea to the 2021 CHSAA crown and the late Gordon Rugg led the Vikings to the CHSAA title in 2010.  This year, congrats to St. Peters, under manager Bobby Glennester, who won the NY version of the CHSAA.  Moore Catholic held the championship trophy in 2005 and reached the finals in 2004 and 2008.  And our own George Quinn, who just led Sea to a 4th consecutive JV City title.

Many of the high school stars began their development in the outstanding Little League programs Staten Island has to offer, most notably South Shore (1985, 2009) and Mid Island (1964, 2006, 2018), who both reached the Little League World Series, as well as the outstanding Little League in Great Kills (2011 state champs).  Its almost a given that the Little League that wins Staten Island goes on to win NYC and advance to the state championship.

Baseball on Staten Island is better than almost anywhere in the City.  Teams from RCBC have won 277 tournament championships over the past 10 years,
appearing in over 400 title games.  Afterall, Nick DeFendis and George Quinn, along with the other RCBC coaches, play a key role in making the Island the Baseball Capitol of Fun City!

This column is for BOTH players and parents!!!!  At RCBC, our goals are to Develop your sons and then help them get Recruited or even Drafted.   This article is very important.  Remember that I recruited for a Division 1 college for more than a decade.  At RCBC, coaches know plenty of pro scouts and college recruiters and guess what?  Talent is Vital….Academics (for college money) is Vital.  BUT how the player and his parents present themselves CAN BE ALMOST AS VITAL!   Please read CAREFULLY!!!!!

1.  You never know who is watching so always play hard, regardless of the score.  Why?
- A college recruiter may be present, but lurking in the background.
- Even umpires are asked by recruiters about players.  Plus, the umps may have a son that plays college ball or a relative that’s a college coach.  Sometimes umps will tell a college coach that he recently saw a possible recruit.
- Pro scouts talk to college recruiters and visa-versa.  Not hustling is a mortal sin!!!!
- Opposing coaches may tell an interested recruiter that the player doesn’t hustle.

2.  You can attract NEGATIVE ATTENTION if any of the following are done:
- Cursing of attacking an umpire.  Recruiters also don’t like the player’s parents badgering an ump for 7 innings.  A college coach has to see you for four years.  He doesn’t want these type of problems!
- Yelling at a teammate for any reason, or showing up a teammate.  Don’t glare after a teammate’s error.
- Do not publicly argue with your coach and certainly do not give the coach a nasty look if you get the bunt sign, take sign or you get pinch hit for 
- Always hustle to your position and hustle back to the dugout.  Run out any grounder or fly ball you hit.  Catchers -  hustle after wild pitches or passed balls.
- Don’t throw helmets or bats after a poor at bat.
- Don’t loudly argue with an ump over a strike call!!!
- Don’t look like a slob in your uniform!!!!
- If you had an “exciting” Friday or Saturday night and you’re descriptively telling your teammates about it, be aware I’ve met recruiters and scouts that put up the “red flag” if a recruit has a “party reputation.”

3.  PARENTS: You don’t want to hurt his chances of getting recruited.
- As I said earlier, don’t badger umpires all game.  Remember umpires talk.
- Don’t yell at your son’s coach because he didn’t make a strategical move you wanted. 
- Don’t yell at an opposing coach or player unless there is a reason to do so.
- Don’t yell at players on your son’s team because of an error, strikeout, etc.
- Stay the heck away from the dugout, trying to give your son advice.  Recruiters see that.
Remember, a college recruiter might say "I don't need this type of parent the for next 4 years."

One final note to Players and Parents:  Be polite to any recruiters that approach you.  This includes if that college isn’t one you’re interested in.  Be respectful.  You may wind up needing that college.  Plus, the recruiter knows other recruiters that may be interested in you and can put in a good word.   Any questions, email me at mikelope19@aol.com.

Having SportsRecruits gives our players a single location to take many of the recruiting steps in the process.  A major step, of course, is writing the email to the colleges of your choice.  College coaches read a truckload of emails.  So this means to use a term we had in broadcast journalism: “WRITE TIGHT.”  Be thorough, but succinct.  Put the vital stuff that a college coach needs to know about you.  Certainly we hope a well-written recruiting email will get you to a place you never were….the college of your choice!!!!  Naturally, the email is just one step (though a key one) towards assisting you in reaching your goal.  Good talent certainly helps.  LOL.  Fine coaching never hurts.  Academics for baseball money is vital.  And….if you play at RCBC, you know our fabulous reputation for getting players to the next level.  Pro, and especially college, is a Gold Standard.

To get started, go to the Messaging tool on the SportsRecruits platform and select the schools you want to write to.  The coaches’ email will automatically populate.  The lead sentence can simply say “My name is ___________ and I’m interested in your baseball program.  Here is some information about myself.”  Using Powerpoint format, in the opening paragraph, put your name, grade, date of birth, cell phone number, email address, home address, home phone number, your grade, school, summer organization, and whether you bat right or left, primary and secondary positions, grade point average (GPA), and then SAT-ACT scores (or PSAT if you haven’t take the SAT yet), and finally phone number of your high school and RCBC coaches.

In the 2nd paragraph, do some “brown nosing.”  LOL.  Say that you heard nice things about the college you are writing to...the fine academics, the
excellent baseball program and the outstanding coaching.  Say it’s a place you really want to be at.  Mention the beautiful campus if it applies.  The paragraph should end by saying “I feel I would be an asset to your college and especially your baseball program.”  Next, mention if you’re eligible for academic and/or financial aid or outside grants.  Highlight what your baseball strong points are (speed, velocity, power, gold glove).  If you got fine ratings at a Showcase, mention that.  Say if you’re a captain in high school….class president….MVP, especially on a ranked or championship high school.  Do not mention Little League awards, please.

Finally, say you hope to hear from a coach or recruiter and would love to visit the college.  You can ask if the college is having a baseball camp,
especially if it is high on your list.  Send the email to both the head coach and the recruiter.  Remember that SportsRecruits has all the contacts and their titles in their database.  Follow up the email with a phone call if you don’t get a quick response.  Start writing by your sophomore year.

VIDEO-VIDEO-VIDEO  - Coaches want video of you.  BUT NOT LITTLE LEAGUE VIDEO!!!!  Make sure your video is CURRENT - 4 minutes max!  SHOW A VARIETY OF YOUR STRONGEST SKILLS.

Remember too that any emails sent via the SportsRecruits platform will automatically include a link to your Player Profile, so make sure its current and complete.

Good luck.
Coach Lope

You have seen this article in our Newsletter more times than a “Honeymooners” repeat.  But it still needs to be said: “Don’t be the reason your son would rather play Tik Tok than play baseball.” 

Baseball is a difficult sport, so don’t make it unenjoyable.  DO NOT….I repeat, DO NOT ruin a three hit game by sonny boy and talk only about his one pop out.  Or your son pitches five innings allowing just one run.  Please tell him how well he tossed.  Do not complain about the two walks he surrendered or the RBI double that occurred.

It’s usually the same script.  Game ends, you and sonny boy get in the car and once daddy starts the motor the criticism starts.  It begins as an OK conversation as you pull out of the RC Complex.  It starts to become a louder debate as you head onto the Staten Island Expressway.  Your son starts to say to daddy “Enough already, I heard you.”  By the time you get off the highway, both of you are shouting louder than Z100 which is blasting in the car.  And you pull into the driveway, and sonny boy says: “The heck with this crap; I don’t even want to play anymore!”

There are too many scenarios like this.  Parents please remember that baseball gets harder as you get older.  Perfect Little League careers even out quickly in the sandlots and high school.  Allow you son to develop and learn from his mistakes. Remember a large number of players quit baseball between the ages of 12 and 14!  The reasons vary, but do not give sonny boy the easy excuse to stop playing….”daddy won’t leave me alone.”  Memo to moms: remind your husband to not be over critical.  Either that or go to the Jersey Shore instead of to the RCBC doubleheader that day….LOL.

The biggest complaint about MLB, especially by teens and younger adults, “It’s boring, compared to the NFL, NBA and NHL.”  Old fogies like me like
baseball, of course.  My generation has a half century relationship with the game, dating back to trying to find a Mickey Mantle baseball card.  However, that has changed as MLB popularity falls way behind the NFL in all age Americans and the NBA with the younger Americans.

Partly to blame is baseball’s inability to market its stars like other sports do.  Mike Trout is considered one of the sport’s superstars, but he is basically invisible.  But a big problem is baseball has become boring.  Many MLB games are 3 1/2 hours, an exercise in boredom.  Lots of strikeouts and idle time.  I don’t know about you, but I would rather watch a high school, RCBC, Little League or college game over a Major League game.  MLB television ratings are as microscopic as ever.  MLB executives have finally tried to attack the problem by putting THREE NEW RULE CHANGES into effect.  What is your opinion?

PITCH TIMER: Pitchers will have just 15 seconds between pitches with the bases empty.  With at least one runner aboard, the pitcher gets 5 more seconds (20) to release the ball.  A pitcher may disengage the rubber twice per plate appearance.  A batter receives just one timeout during the at-bat.

DEFENSIVE SHIFT RESTRICTIONS:  This has been an ongoing debate.  Of course, if batters would hit to the opposite field, the shift would be ruined.  But God forbid MLB players learn to hit.  Two fielders MUST be positioned on each side of 2nd base when the pitch is delivered.  All four infielders must have both feet in front of the grass on delivery.  There cannot be a four outfield alignment.

BIGGER BASES: I’ve actually wanted to see this at the younger levels.  It was always a worry that a runner could injure the first baseman, especially by stepping on his ankle.  Anyway, the size of the bases will increase from a 15 inch square to an 18 inch square.  The bigger bases are expected to reduce injuries and increase stolen base attempts in hopes of more excitement.  Plus only two pickoff throws allowed in hope of keeping things moving.

The new rules were tested in the minor leagues.  The result, a 26 minute reduction in games.  Good, but not great.  But it’s a start.

One thing that disturbed me was a statement that claimed Dave Kingman (MLB 1971-1986) represented the modern baseball player: .235 batting average...35 homers...81 RBIs and 160 strikeouts.  Ugh, that would make anyone want to start making changes.

RCBC has a collection of winning coaches.  So adding to this stack of success is Anthony Ferrante, commonly called Frap.  Anthony, who was at RCBC in the past, and is currently a coach at Monsignor Farrell, has made the rounds.  Frapper is like a guardian angel, sprinkling success wherever his latest stop is.  And he should be thankful God gives you ten fingers.  Frap needs all ten to wear his championship rings.

You see Anthony wins….and wins….and wins….from being on the right side during post-game handshakes to being a part on occasions in the championship contest of whatever team he’s on that season.

I asked him, so Frap, did you always have a desire to coach baseball?  “I was a teenager when my CYO coach attacked an umpire, got thrown out of the league and put me in charge.” he said.  “That got me interested in coaching, but taught me to stay in control.”  When you see Ferrante in action, he appears easy going and calm with an easy laugh.  But players should not mistake that under control demeanor and try to take advantage of it.  “I take no nonsense from players and I command respect.  I am patient with young players and tolerant of mistakes expected from teenagers.”  But Ant makes it clear, “If I see a lack of concentration and a lack of effort, I’m not so nice!”

It’s time to review the Ferrante balance sheet.  Frap had one CHSAA title with Xaverian in 2008.  Then he joined Poly Prep and helped the Blue Devils become a powerhouse, winning private league titles in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.  WAIT.  There is more.  In 2011, not only did he win with Poly, but Frap helped the college summer team, the Staten Island Tides, capture the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League title.

You’ve won with high school talent, with college talent; how about trying the Little League.  Frapper did and in 2018, he and Joe Calabrese took the Mid Island team to the Little League World Series after winning the Mid Atlantic Regionals.   “What a thrill that was,” says Ferrante, “seeing how the kids played their hearts out and helped the Staten Island baseball reputation.  I now see many of the players from that team playing at their respective high schools.” 

Frap says working with other coaches has enhanced his career.  “Being with top coaches such as Nick DeFendis, Matt Roventini, Joe Calabrese, Tommy Webber, Dennis Canale and currently Bobby Mulligan only helped me improve my knowledge of the game and my managing style.”  Frap has coached Anthony Prato, one of the top RCBC players ever, who may be in Triple A this year.  He had Zack Granite who had a brief stay with the Twins and many other high school and college stars.

Little League, High School and College success.  Did I leave anything out Frap?  “Well, I have helped Brothers Pastry in the Mid Island Men’s League.”
But Frapper says he can’t wait to be coaching at RCBC this summer which he says is “the top summer organization around in practicing, preparing and
showcasing players.” 

And now Ferrante is back!!!!!!

Of course I’m proud and happy to be a coach at RCBC.  The collection of head coaches and assistants is first rate and it’s no surprise that RCBC teams combined for 60 appearances in championship contests, winning nearly two-thirds of the time.  A large amount of our coaches do this at the high school level while some have done this in college.  Almost all of our coaches were absolute star players in high school; others excelled as players in college ball.

What does it all mean??????  Your sons at RCBC are well taught and it’s no secret that many of our players are stars at their respective high schools while a high percentage advance to play baseball at the higher college level.  A special praise goes to the RCBC coaches that teach our younger players.  We start at age 7 and in recent years, our young ones have made the organization very proud with their achievements.  Coaching the primary school players requires patience and repetition of fundamentals.  Coaches at this level have to make judgements on what position is best for the young players to develop at.  Our coaches get them ready for high school.

To conclude: Keep up the good work. The RCBC coaches are a reason good players want to be part of this great organization.  See you in 2023.

Did we stump you with last month’s post-season trivia questions.  Here are the answers.  See how well you did.

1. Name the Richmond County Baseball player who batted .500 against the Yankees in the 2017 Wild Card game.
   A. RCBC’s Zack Granite had a base hit for the Twins in their loss to the Yankees
   
   
2. Which Mets player set an MLB record with a post-season homerun in 6 consecutive post-season games?
   A. Daniel Murphy 3. The Yankees have won 6 World Championships since 1961.
   
   
3. Which team did the Bombers beat twice among the 6 titles.
   A. The Atlanta Braves in 1996 and 1999 4. The Mets have won 2 World Series...1969 and 1986.
   
   
4. Which Mets players won the series MVP in each year?
   A. Donn Clendenon (1969) and Ray Knight (1986)
   
   
5. Which Yankee player has the MLB record for World Series homers?
   A: Mickey Mantle with 18 World Series home runs
   
   
6. Who is the only pitcher to win 3 World Series games for the Mets?
   A: Jerry Koosman in 1969 and 1973 
   
   
7. Which Yankees pitcher has won 19 post-season games?
   A: Andy Pettitte, most of any pitcher 
   
   
8. The Mets won only one game in both the 2000 and 2015 World Series. Who are the two pitchers who earned the wins?
   A: John Franco (2000) and Noah Syndergaard (2015) 
   
   
9. Who is the only Yankee to get 200 hits in the post-season?
   A: Derek Jeter, the most ever
   
   
10. The Mets have appeared in 5 World Series under 5 different Managers. Can you name them?
    A: Gil Hodges (1969), Yogi Berra (1973), Davey Johnson (1986), Bobby Valentine (2000) and Terry Collins (2015)
    
    
11. Two Yankee players have hit at least 20 post-season homers. Who are they?
    A: Derek Jeter (20) and Bernie Williams (22)
    
    How well did you do?
    
    
    

For the first time in 7 years, both the Yankees and Mets will be in post-season play.  So why not celebrate with some playoff trivia!!!

1. Name the Richmond County Baseball player who batted .500 against the Yankees in the 2017 Wild Card game.

2. Which Mets player set an MLB record with a post-season homerun in 6 consecutive post-season games?

3. The Yankees have won 6 World Championships since 1961.  Which team did the Bombers beat twice among the 6 titles?

4. The Mets have won 2 World Series...1969 and 1986.  Which Mets players won the series MVP in each year?

5. Which Yankee player has the MLB record for World Series homers?
     A) Yogi Berra    B) Mickey Mantle    C) Babe Ruth    D) Reggie Jackson

6. Who is the only pitcher to win 3 World Series games for the Mets?
     A) Dwight Gooden    B) Nolan Ryan    C) Tom Seaver    D) Jerry Koosman

7. Which Yankees pitcher has won 19 post-season games?

8. The Mets won only one game in both the 2000 and 2015 World Series.  Who are the two pitchers who earned the wins?

9. Who is the only Yankee to get 200 hits in the post-season?

10. The Mets have appeared in 5 World Series under 5 different Managers.  Can you name them?

11. Two Yankee players have hit at least 20 post-season homers.  Who are they?

Do we have you stumped or are you a true NY baseball fan?

Tune into next month’s article for the answers.

For the past decade, early August is a special time at the Richmond County Youth Complex on Travis Ave.  This is the time the annual RC College Showcase takes center stage.  And the 2022 event was no exception.

80 players had the opportunity to show off their baseball skills in front of scouts at all levels, Division 1, 2, 3 and Junior College.  The players received two days of coaching and evaluation by the college crew.  RCBC Director Nick DeFendis says this is his organization’s “World Series” each year.  “It’s a win-win situation” according to DeFendis.  “Our players get invaluable instruction from experts at the next level, as well as a number of the players being recruited to play college baseball.”  Nick points out that this Showcase led to current RCBC shortstop Rob Rispoli committing to the University of Connecticut in the Big East.  “Don’t forget” reminds DeFendis, “this Showcase recently led outfielder Jack Tucker to St. Johns University as well as Ricky DeVito and Anthony Prato to high Division 1 colleges and now both are stars in the minor leagues.”

DeFendis’ son Johnny, who also played pro ball and currently runs Five Tool Baseball, an organization that provides batting, pitching and fielding lessons, is doing his part for youth baseball.  The younger DeFendis had a week long camp in July at GKLL and then in early August at SSLL.  The camps attract about 200 baseball players ranging in age from 6 to 12. 

You can certainly say that as long as the DeFendis family is around, baseball is “alive and well.”

Our 2022 College Showcase Camp was held on August 2-3, 2022 with over 80 players and 20 schools in attendence.

Check out some of the photos from our 2022 Showcase Camp 

Having been a baseball fan, seemingly forever, you develop respect for certain players I would see on a regular basis.  But since I have always read baseball
history, certain achievements catch my attention.

JOE DIMAGGIO: Joe D’s 56 game hitting streak boggles the mind.  No player has come within 10 games of the streak….Pete Rose came the closest.  I ask our players and parents at RCBC to see how many consecutive games they ever hit safely in.  However, DiMaggio did something else in that 1841 season.  The star centerfielder hit 30 homeruns while striking out ONLY 13 TIMES.  This is the only time in MLB history that a player hit 30 homeruns and struck out less than 20 times.

BOB GIBSON: The Hall-of-Fame righthander for the Cardinals did something that WILL NEVER be done again….and it was in the post World War II era when relief pitching became important.  Gibson pitched 7 CONSECUTIVE World Series game victories.  In the 1964 Series, he beat the Yanks twice including the 7th and deciding game.  In 1967, Gibson won 3 Series games vs. Boston, including the 7th game.  In 1968 he beat the Tigers twice an then lost game 7 only because the centerfielder misjudged a fly ball and two runs scored.

PETE GRAY:  Pete Gray had an excellent minor league career.  He was a lefty hitting outfielder.  But he could never get a chance.  Why?  Pete had just ONE ARM.  He had his other arm removed after an accident.  Imagine swinging a bat totally in one arm….facing pro pitching no less.  Finally in 1945, he got a chance to play a half season with the old St. Louis Browns (now the Orioles).  Gray batted only .218, but he had 8 extra base hits, and struck out just 11 times in 250 at-bats.  That was the only season he played.

JOSE ALTUVE: The star second baseman for the Astros is only 5’ 6”, playing in an era with players who, in some cases, are a foot taller.  And yet, he is one of just a few major leaguers to win the MVP, a batting title and a World Championship in the same season.  Altuve also has hit 30 homers in a season,  also won the batting title in 2014 and 2015 and has led the AL in both stolen bases and base hits.  On yes….he hit the playoff winning homer vs. the Yankees.  That homer by the 5 foot, 6 inch Altuve came against Chapman who is 10 inches taller.

We’ll do this again.

Since baseball players are starting to get recruited for college seemingly after just being breast-fed, it’s probably time to start telling parents of boys just entering the early teenage years some Recruiting Advice!!!  I will do this in easy to understand Power-Point form.

It’s NOT EASY to get recruited to play college baseball.  Of course, some get recruited early and quickly.  However, that is the exception, not the rule.
About 10% of high school baseball players advance to play in college, however less than 5% will compete on the Division 1 level.

Division 1 is the highest level of college baseball.  But parents must understand that there are different levels of D-1.  There are teams that reach the College World Series and Super Regional.  Then there’s the group that gets to the 64 team regionals.  Most teams are happy to reach their conference playoff and occasionally capture a conference title.  Check the yearly Power Rankings….#s 1 to 150 are teams that are highly competitive.  151 to 300 are the less stronger teams.
There is Division 2.  Some very strong teams at this level...overall below the top D-1 colleges.

Division 3 is competitive and many of these schools have excellent playing facilities and are tremendous academic institutions.  The level of play varies here; the local NJAC Conference is equivalent to low D-1.  Other D-3 schools are well below D-1.

If you son struggles academically, he may need to attend a Junior College for one or even two years.  Some JUCOs like a Brookdale or Glouster have D-1 caliber players.  And many D-1 and D-2 schools will look to get recruits from a junior college.

In the early teenage years, parents should be concerned that their son is developing his high school skills and his caliber of play is increasingly getting better.
PARENTS…DO NOT assume that because your son was a Little League star that he will be a high school star.  High School is a completely different level than Little League.  PARENTS...DO NOT assume that if your son is a star on Freshman or JV, that it guarantees Varsity stardom.  COMPETITION GETS MORE DIFFICULT AT EACH LEVEL.  WHY???  At each level, only the best survive.  At each level, a percentage of players don’t measure up and are cut.  At each level, some players leave baseball.  By the Varsity years, only the best remain. 

Plain and simple, your son must keep working hard.  He cannot rest on his laurels.  Don’t be showing Little League photos and videos to a college coach.  Your son should play college baseball at the level he will succeed at.  Do Not compete with other parents.  I’ve seen parents have their son turn down an excellent D-2 offer.  Why?  Because their best friend’s son signed with a D-1 school.  Be realistic about your son!  To be continued.

I am going to bypass step one.  That means that a college wants you to play baseball at their respective college.  So now the question is How To Get Money?????  There are a number of ways.

1.  ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP: Of course, you want to get athletic money from the school you are going to.  Problem - a Division 1 baseball program can only give 11.7 scholarships.  That’s not per year….that is total.  That means if a school gave out 8 scholarships last year, the program has less than four to give out this year.  And...not every school has the full amount of 11.7; many have less.  It’s also very hard to get 100% athletic money.  Maybe if your velo is 95 mph.  Do your math...25 player roster, divided by 11 or less scholarships available does not add up to a full athletic scholarship to each player.  Therefore, if you only get part athletic money, you need help.

2.  ACADEMIC MONEY:  GRADES ARE $$$$$$$$$.  Be smart, literally and figuratively.  The day you walk into high school your grades count.  Study for tests, do your homework, hand your projects in on time, behave in class, take the SAT and/or ACT prep.  Do this and you can get up to a full academic sum of money or enough to supplement what you get athletically.  Usually an average of 90 or above with an SAT of 1100 or above will get you academic money.

3. FINANCIAL AID: If your mom or dad is a single parent with a modest salary, you can qualify for grants from TAP (NY State money) or PELL (Federal money). PARENTS - BE SURE YOU FILL OUT FINANCIAL AID PAPERS IN JANUARY OF YOUR SON’S SENIOR YEAR.

4. GRANTS: Many colleges give money if your mom or dad has certain careers...police...fire...healthcare.  A former RCBC player had a dad who was injured on 9/11 and he receive a large sum of financial aid.

5. LOW INTEREST COLLEGE LOANS: Can be obtained easily to help pay the rising cost of college tuition.  You don’t have to start paying back until well after your son graduates.  Apply early for loans since money can run out if you wait too long.

Many times a player looks to get a PACKAGE; that is a combination of Athletic, Academic, Financial Aid, Grants and Small Loan.  You may not qualify for every category, but some of them can add up to meet a large part of tuition.  Good luck.  Contact me (mikelope19@aol.com) or Coach DeFendis (nick@rcbclub.com) with any questions you have.

I’ve shared these words of wisdom in the past, but they’re important enough to share again as the baseball season gets into full swing.

At a Xaverian game, a parent on the opposing team did not leave his son alone during the contest.  He was the pitcher and daddy made a comment on every pitch thrown.  To make it worse, the son also batted.  So now daddy bellowed “do this, do that” after every pitch.
We know many parents do a fine job helping their boy develop.  The son gets lessons; perhaps daddy himself was a star.  But may I make a useful suggestion…..during the game, give it a rest.  Relax.  Let sonny boy play the game.

Trust me, player after player who have fathers acting like the analyst on a TV baseball broadcast who comments on every pitch, go mumbling under their breath on the way back to the bench.  Phrases like “Leave me alone already”…. “Will you keep quiet”….“He doesn't stop”….are some of the more Christian-like responses.  Let your son play the game.  You have all night to correct and comment.  Which brings me to a familiar topic:  I call it the “Going Home Argument.” 

Your son goes 3 for 4, drives home 3 runs and has a solid fielding game.  He gets in the car and daddy starts getting on him about the one poor at bat….or perhaps a baserunning error.  Instead of praising him, he’s criticizing: “Why are you swinging at that high pitch!  How many times have I told you to hold off that pitch!”

And the daddy whose son pitched 5 innings, one run allowed.  Daddy starts complaining about the one not-so-good inning.  “Why are we walking two hitters in a row….yada, yada, yada!”  Baseball is not easy and many fathers know that.  Praise your son as much as possible when you drive home after the game.  Later on, you can offer suggestions and/or corrections in a conversational voice.  And allow your sone to have feedback!!!

Let me stick my nose into one more category.  That all important “bragging” column.  Do Not Over-Brag about your son to people.  You will end up having people rooting against your boy….privately.  It also puts more pressure on your son.

And mommy, this article is for you as well.

I have been following Major League Baseball for six decades.  As a Giants fan, I’ve seen seven pennants and three World Championships, along with many disappointments.  I’m making this statement following a season where the Giants somehow won 107 games.  And...I’m sure many of you have already said this.  So I’ve jumped on the band-wagon.  I fully enjoy watching high school and college baseball over MLB.

High school and college baseball are a game.  Managers manage...there is strategy...coaches coach...there is teaching...players play hard...there is
loyalty and pride.  Oh yes...players hustle...there is spirit.  The MLB game has become an absolute bore.  The average game last year was three-and-a-half hours.  A batter in a game struck out 40% of the time.  There were more strikeouts than base hits.   The average MLB player batted .244.  Sports announcer Bob Costas said it best…”Dave Kingman is now the proto-type hitter….more strikeouts than base hits, lots of homers, .240 batting average.

Players and managers make few adjustments.  Does an MLB hitter look to beat the shift by hitting the opposite way….NO, he does not.  When a
player gets two strikes, is he cutting down his swing to get a piece of the ball….NO, he does not.  And will a batter stay in the darn batters box instead of stepping out every pitch….No.  Does a player ever sacrifice bunt with first and second, no one out, and put two men in scoring position.  NO, he doesn’t.  He’d rather strikeout or hit into a double play.  A starting pitcher is throwing a shutout.  Is he allowed to complete the game.  NO, he is not.  By the way, can a hurler not take 40 seconds between pitches.  1-0 and 2-1 games now feature a toral of 10 pitchers.

Analytics rule.  It’s gone to an extreme.  The General Manager now makes the lineup in his office based upon analytics.  The days of playing a hunch….gut feelings are over.  Is it a surprise the younger generation has less interest in playing or watching baseball than ever before.  You can name the high schools in NYC that have freshman squads with one hand.  In high school and college, there are hit-and-runs, double steals, trick plays, better fundamentals, bunts, and oh yes, QUICKER GAMES.  There is something called teamwork.

And please MLB, lower your ticket prices.  When we were kids, it was affordable.  You could take a family of 4 to a game and not use a week’s pay to be bored to tears.  In conclusion….Enjoy the RCBC season….See some REAL baseball!!!!

Through the years, RCBC has had plenty of 17 year old teams.  However, this season, remove the 1 and you get the first-ever 7 year old squad in the organization’s two decade history. 

Yes...the group being coached by Scott Porto is a 7U team!!!  But as coach puts it, they are a young team.  “Less than half of the group have reached
seven years old.” says Porto, who is running the team with assistants Matt Porto, his cousin, and Justin Papineau.  Many of the players attend Star Of The Sea school in Huguenot.  And I have a feeling the school secretly holds sports tryouts to be eligible for admission.  LOL.  “Our kids are super athletes,” says Porto.  “They star in flag football, ice hockey and basketball as well as baseball.”  Coaches DeFendis and Quinn are probably co-Principals.  LOL.  By the way, Porto was a star catcher at Monsignor Farrell before playing Division One ball at Wagner College, despite having to overcome a number of injuries.
 
The team is so good, they may compete with 8 year olds.  Their schedule of roughly 20 games will include tournaments for the 7U squad who play on fields with a 40-foot mound and 60-foot bases.  So coach, what does a 7 year old practice, featuring a bunch of 6 year olds, consist of?  “We do agility, strength and running.” says Scott.  “Then comes soft toss, tee work and regular batting practice.”  There is more.  “Also pitching drills, fielding and baserunning.”  Maybe the Orioles and Pirates can pick up some practice tips!  By the way, I asked Porto what the biggest difficulty is.  “Well, the gloves are too small.  The players have trouble holding the baseball if they have to range after it, according to coach.  Oh.

Porto says he has goals for this season.  “Besides winning regularly, if the kids keep getting better at what they do, then I know I did my job!”
RCBC continues to get younger which is important for the future of “America’s Pastime.”  Let’s pay tribute to this group of young players who at an early age have developed pride, skills, teamwork and success.  And to Coach Porto and his staff...Great job and good luck.  And to the parents…even better genes.  LOL.

It’s not easy for high school players to advance to Division One college baseball.  A family swells with pride if one of their teenage children reach Division One in any sport, not just baseball.  So how proud is the family that sees THREE of their young athletes reach the highest level of college sports!!!

Well, it’s time to congratulate the Ryan family.  It now has added Jack, the third and youngest son to climb to D-1.  And...Coach DeFendis has had a hand in all three Ryans.

Let’s start with the most current Ryan.  Jack, who plays at Xaverian, like his other brothers did, completed his third year at RCBC in 2021.  And he credits his development as a catcher largely to Coach Nick, explaining that “he was tough, but Coach Nick taught me well, was patient with me and gave me confidence.”  The result was an excellent Showcase and the offer to play at Long Island University of the Northeast Conference in September.

His older brother Danny played at RCBC for three seasons, two with Coach DeFendis.  Dan, a top notch academic student, wanted to attend an excellent academic college, but a D-1 school.  So he decided to walk-on at Fairfield University in the MAAC Conference.  Danny made the team and by sophomore year, he was a starting outfielder.  The story gets better.  Last season, Danny Ryan was a major factor in Fairfield winning 27 straight games and reaching the NCAA World Series Regional Tournament in Austin, Texas.

Finally there is Bill Ryan, who didn’t play at RCBC because RCBC wasn’t created yet.  But when Billy was at Xaverian, Coach DeFendis was his hitting coach with the Clippers.  Naturally Nick helped the oldest Ryan brother and Billy was recruited by St. Johns University.  Eventually the third baseman played minor league ball with the Tigers.

Let’s wish Jack Ryan good luck as he joins a carload of RCBC players who graduated to Division One colleges.

Last month, I posed a number of MLB rules questions.  The Grades are in.  Let’s check the Answers!!!

Q. How can there be FOUR LEGITIMATE OUTS in an inning?
A. Bases loaded, no one out.  A line drive and the rightfielder makes a diving catch (1 out).  He doubles the runner off 1st base (2 outs).  The runner on 2nd tries to advance to 3rd base and is tagged out (3 outs).  But the runner on 3rd tagged up early.  An appeal is made.  The 4th out must be called or the run scores.

Q. Can a pitcher, who has thrown both righty and lefty, switch his throwing arm in the middle of facing a batter?
A. A pitcher can switch his throwing arm to a batter ONLY if the throwing arm got injured.

Q. A line drive hits the pitcher’s mound squarely and sails into the dugout.  What is the call?
A. If untouched, it’s a foul ball!

Q. True or false?  A designated hitter CANNOT sit in the bullpen unless he is serving as a bullpen catcher.
A. True

Q. If the Umpire calls the Infield-Fly Rule...which means the batter is automatically out...but the pop up hits the baserunner, is the runner also out?
A. If the baserunner is standing on the base he is NOT OUT.  If he is OFF the base, he is OUT if hit by the ball.

Q. Two runners are on base.  If the next pitch lodges in either the catcher’s or umpire’s mask, what is the call?
A. The runners advance one base if a pitched ball is somehow lodged in the catcher’s mask or home plate umpire’s mask.

Q. Call this one.  Two outs and two strikes on the batter.  The baserunner attempts to steal home.  The runner is safe but he is hit by the pitch thrown that is not in the strike zone.  Is the runner still safe or is he out?  
A. With two strikes and two outs, if a runner steals home, but is hit in fair territory by the pitched ball, the batter is OUT and the run DOES NOT score.

Q. True or false?  A batter and ALL runners on base advance 3 bases if a fielder INTENTIONALLY touches a fair batted ball with his mask, his cap or throws his glove at the ball.
A. True, the runners advance 3 bases.

Q. An outfielder deflects a fly ball and it goes over the fence fair.  What is the call?
A. It is a homerun, but it has to be at least 250 feet from home plate, otherwise its 2 bases (figure that one out, LOL).

Q. When can a catcher simply step on home plate when he drops a third strike to record the out?
A. Bases loaded, 2 outs.  Catcher drops 3rd strike.  He can step on home plate for a force out.

Happy Thanksgiving...Merry Christmas...Happy New Year. 
See you in 2022!!!!!!!

Time for some fun!  We all think we can be an Umpire; that we know Major League Rules.  So make your Decision!!!!

1. How can there be FOUR LEGITIMATE OUTS in an inning?

2. Can a pitcher, who has thrown both righty and lefty, switch his throwing arm in the middle of facing a batter?

3. A line drive hits the pitcher’s mound squarely and sails into the dugout.  What is the call?

4. True or false?  A designated hitter CANNOT sit in the bullpen unless he is serving as a bullpen catcher.

5. If the Umpire calls the Infield-Fly-Rule…which means the batter is automatically out...but the pop up hits the baserunner, is the runner also out?

6. Two runners are on base.  If the next pitch lodges in either the catcher’s or pitcher’s mask, what is the call?

7. Call this one.  Two outs and two strikes on the batter.  The baserunner attempts to steal home.  The runner is safe but he is hit by the pitch thrown that is not in the strike zone.  Is the runner still safe or is he out?

8. True or false?  A batter and ALL runners on base ADVANCE THREE BASES if a fielder INTENTIONALLY touches a fair batted ball with his mask, his cap or throws his glove at the ball.

9. An outfielder deflects a fly ball and it goes over the fence fair.  What is the call?

10. When can a catcher simply step on home plate when he drops a third strike to record the out?

OK...do your homework.  I will publish the answers in next month’s article.

It’s now 3 in the morning, when most of the civilized and probably some of the uncivilized world is asleep.  But I can’t fall asleep, so I’ll do some writing.  Let’s praise a few RCBC people.

Three cheers for Anthony Scotti.  The former star of the Little League World Series...of Xaverian High School, and of RCBC, did a superb managing job running the 13U Americans team.  Not blessed with the 1998 Yankees’ personnel, he kept the team together and improved the squad weekly.  And, with a limited number of players, went to the Marucci World Series in Baton Rouge where Scotti’s boys split four games in an excellent showing.

The grounds crew at the RCBC Complex worked their collective butts off.  Led by Andrew Blyn, they would show up at dawn and leave at dusk.  They worked in the blazing sun and cleaned out a load of flooded fields.  Their attitudes are as good as the way they get the fields ready so teams can play the tournament games.  Of course, George Quinn leads the way in tractor mileage at RCBC.

SHHHHHH.  The best kept secret at RCBC is Coach Paul Marco.  Paul has coached teams the past few years and currently runs the 15U Nationals squad.  Marco stays under the radar, but his teams are respectable and represent the organization well.  He quietly runs the team and gets results.

The 2021 College Showcase went very well.  Coach Mark Pappas of Seton Hall ran the show and a large array of college coaches from all levels were on-hand to evaluate the baseball talent at RCBC.   PJ Craig ended up committing to D1 Rider University and lets hope others follow.

The food at the concession stand, run by Mr. Joe LaTona and his family and crew was first rate with an excellent variety to satisfy the hungry players and coaches.  The workers were friendly and treated everyone with consideration and respect.

I’m tired.  Time to try to fall asleep.

A few years ago, a dad whose son had starred for George Quinn told me in amazement “Coach Quinn has so many wins, tournament championships and achievements, he hardly has room for any more success.”  Nice thought, but Quinn made space for more.  In his first two years as a Head Coach on the high school level, he’s added back-to-back JV Championships at St. Joseph By The Sea!!!

George implements his Coaching Philosophy that he’s succeeded with the age groups he has coached…. 9 to 16.  “Simply put, I like to practice constantly until the fundamentals sink in” says Quinn.  “In practice, you can review and have repetition of skills.  Discipline has to be part of the equation, as well as putting in time and effort, and having excellent assistants” (like longtime assistant Coach Ron).  George says “I have the same principles with any 9 year old group as I do with my current 12-13 year olds and my Sea JV squad.

Why not?  The JV CHSAA titles get piled on to more than 100 tournament championships that Coach Quinn has collected in two decades of leading squads that all began at South Shore Little League.  As a coach of 9 year olds, Quinn says patience is a must!  “I always practiced hard with them.” says George, “but it takes longer to cement the building blocks, whereas the teenager needs only to be tweaked in many fundamentals.”

By the way, Quinn could play.  As a burly first baseman, he starred at Monsignor Farrell High School before moving on to play Division 1 at New York Tech under the heralded Bob Hirschfeld.

Though he didn’t play in the modern generation, George says he realizes a coach today must relate to the current teenager.  “The days of ‘my way or the highway’ have ended,” says Quinn.  “Today’s player wants explanations on why he or she is being asked to do something.”  George also says “You have to value a player’s opinion, be understanding and approachable, and use whatever resources are available to understand today’s player.”  George has a warning for today’s coaches “You need to do whatever it takes to close the gap and disconnect that can occur with the modern player.”  Quinn says having cooperative and understanding parents who buy-in to what a Head Coach is trying to do makes the job incredibly easier.

Winning is nice of course, but the RCBC Co-Director says his biggest thrill is having past players “come back and shake hands and say thank you.”  You better believe that scores of George Quinn’s players have done exactly that!!!

My Xaverian team was playing a road game recently.  A parent on the opposing team did not leave his son alone during the contest.  He was the pitcher and daddy made a comment on every pitch thrown.  To make it worse, the son also batted.  So now daddy bellowed “do this,do that” after every pitch.
We know many parents do a fine job helping their boy develop.  The son gets lessons; perhaps daddy himself was a star.  But may I make a useful suggestion…..during the game, give it a rest.  Relax.  Let sonny boy play the game.
Trust me, player after player who have fathers acting like the analyst on a TV baseball broadcast who comments on every pitch, go mumbling under their breath on the way back to the bench.  Phrases like “Leave me alone already”…. “Will you keep quiet”….“He doesn't stop”….are some of the more Christian-like responses.  Let your son play the game.  You have all night to correct and comment.
Which brings me to a familiar topic I have written about.  I call it the “Going Home Argument.”  Your son goes 3 for 4, drives home 3 runs and has a solid fielding game.  He gets in the car and daddy starts getting on him about the one poor at bat….or perhaps a baserunning error.  Instead of praising him, he’s criticizing: “Why are you swinging at that high pitch!  How many times have I told you to hold off that pitch!”
And the daddy whose son pitched 5 innings, one run allowed.  Daddy starts complaining about the one not-so-good inning.  “Why are we walking two hitters in a row….yada, yada, yada!”
Baseball is not easy and many daddies know that.  Praise your son as much as possible when you drive home after the game.  Later on, you can offer suggestions and/or corrections in a conversational voice.  And allow your son to have feedback!!!
Let me stick my nose into one more category.  That all important “bragging” column.  Do Not Over-Brag about your son to people.  You will end up having people rooting against your boy….privately.  It also puts more pressure on your son.

Email me with any comments: mikelope19@aol.com.

Baseball season is here.  Young pitchers and adolescent throwers are as susceptible to many of the same stresses on their arms as adult players.  Often, injuries that develop at a young age may become more serious as the player becomes older.  However, certain precautions can be taken to prevent or minimize injuries.  Here are some guidelines that parents and coaches should follow.  This may be repetitive….you’ve heard it before.  But tough; you know what!!!  LOL...we are taking about safety here.

1. Fatigue is a major factor for injuries in pitching.  Limit the number of game pitches thrown.  There are age-related pitch counts set by the USA Baseball Safety Advisory Board.
2. Prevent young pitcher from throwing curveballs and sliders until they are physically mature or their shoulder and elbow growth plates are closed.
3. Learn to throw a change-up as an effective alternative.
4. Avoid pitching on multiple teams during the same season.
5. Work with a coach to develop good throwing mechanics.
6. Avoid trying to overthrow pitches.  Learning to change speeds and locating your pitches may be a safer alternative to trying to throw as hard as you can on every pitch.
7.  Pitch only to the point of fatigue, not through it.
8. Never ignore persistent shoulder or elbow pain.  Do not try to pitch through it.
9. Maintain good all-around strength and flexibility with a year-round training program provided by your physical therapist or other qualified health professional.

You will hear these things over and over again.

Note: For players participating in Perfect Game tournaments, they have instituted new pitching guidelines for the 2021 season for players 7U-14U.  These include new daily and event limits.  Go to www.perfectgame.org for more information.

RCBC will have TWO WOMEN on a coaching staff this season, for the first time.  I originally planned to have a clever lead sentence.  I originally planned to write this article with fanfare.  I originally was going to make a big deal about it.  Then I stopped and said to myself “Mike, grow the heck up.  We are in the 21st century.  We have a woman a heart beat away from the presidency.  We have a woman astronaut.  We have women assistant coaches in pro baseball and basketball.  We are not dealing with people from Mars.  LOL”  Therefore, let’s talk about them with respect. 

We will keep this in perspective.  Of course RCBC is proud of seeing women as part of the coaching ranks.  And...hopefully it doesn’t end this year.  Anyway, let’s meet the new coaches. 

One of our newest head coaches is Brian Graham who starred at New Utrecht High School.  Brian is coaching both a 9U and 10U team.  And two of his coaches will be his wife Candice and step-daughter Rorie St. Lawrence.  Candice, who will be on the 1st base coaching lines says “Seeing the kids get enjoyment from playing and getting better is a great motivation for me.”

Brian and Candice have two sons on the teams….Rian-Anthony on the 10U team and the 9U squad will have Kellan-Rhys.  Candice also reminds us that “this is the third year I have been coaching, and I’m learning more and more about strategy.”

As for Rorie, what a resume.  She played soccer at Wagner College where she regularly made the Academic Honor Roll.  At Leon Goldstein high school, Ms. St. Lawrence was the PSAL Outstanding Soccer Athlete as well as team MVP.  And Rorie also got the league Sportsmanship Plaque.  “I will help keep the players in top condition” say Rorie.  “I will work on increasing their attention span and won’t let them get distracted, especially during practice."

Brian says having women on the staff is helpful.  “They see things from a different angle and make me see new ideas.  Also, having the two women has become a conversation piece for people who see it for the first time.  And our parents really like it.”  “Whether it’s a gal or guy coaching, young players are young players” says Graham.  “They need patience at this age.  You hope parents back off as well.  Kids are not going to be perfect.”

Anyway, the 2021 schedule is underway for the 9U and 10U kids and we look forward to seeing Candice and Rorie in action.

RCBC Director Nick DeFendis established a sort of partnership with SportsRecruits to add to the already potent success that our organization has in getting high school baseball players recruited to play college baseball.  Having SportsRecruits gives our players a single location to take many of the recruiting steps in the process.

A major step, of course, is writing the email to the colleges of your choice.  College coaches read a truckload of emails.  So this means to use a term we had in broadcast journalism: “WRITE TIGHT.”  Be thorough, but succinct.  Put the vital stuff that a college coach needs to know about you.

Certainly we hope a well-written recruiting email will get you to a place you never were….the college of your choice!!!!  Naturally, the email is just one step (though a key one) towards assisting you in reaching your goal.  Good talent certainly helps.  LOL.  Fine coaching never hurts.  Academics for baseball money is vital.  And….if you play at RCBC, you know our fabulous reputation for getting players to the next level.  Pro, and especially college, is a Gold Standard.

To get started, go to the Messaging tool on the SportsRecruits platform and select the schools you want to write to.  The coaches’ contact info will automatically populate.  The lead sentence can simply say “My name is ___________ and I’m interested in your baseball program.  Here is some information about myself.”

Using Powerpoint format, in the opening paragraph, put your name, grade, date of birth, cell phone number, email address, home address, home phone number, your grade, school, summer organization, and whether you bat right or left, primary and secondary positions, grade point average (GPA), and then SAT-ACT scores (or PSAT if you haven’t take the SAT yet), and finally phone number of your high school and RCBC coaches.

In the 2nd paragraph, do some “brown nosing.”  LOL.  Say that you heard nice things about the college you are writing to...the fine academics, the excellent baseball program and the outstanding coaching.  Say it’s a place you really want to be at.  Mention the beautiful campus if it applies.  The paragraph should end by saying “I feel I would be an asset to your college and especially your baseball program.”

Next, mention if you’re eligible for academic and/or financial aid or outside grants.  Highlight what your baseball strong points are (speed, velocity, power, gold glove).  If you got fine ratings at a Showcase, mention that.  Say if you’re a captain in high school….class president….MVP, especially on a ranked or championship high school.  Do not mention Little League awards, please.

Finally, say you hope to hear from a coach or recruiter and would love to visit the college.  You can ask if the college is having a baseball camp, especially if it is high on your list.  Send the email to both the head coach and the recruiter.  Remember that SportsRecruits has all the contacts and their titles in their database.  Follow up the email with a phone call if you don’t get a quick response.  Start writing by your sophomore year.

VIDEO-VIDEO-VIDEO  - Coaches want video of you.  BUT NOT LITTLE LEAGUE VIDEO!!!!  Make sure your video is CURRENT  - 4 minutes max!  SHOW A VARIETY OF YOUR STRONGEST SKILLS.

Remember too that any emails sent via the SportsRecruits platform will automatically include a link to your Player Profile, so make sure its current and complete.

Good luck.

RCBC’s high school players and their parents recently heard Ms. Samantha Curran talk about SportsRecruits, a company that will lend a huge hand in assisting our coaches get RCBC players to college to play baseball.

Ms. Curran gave a truckload of instruction on the Zoom.  It was reinforced when the participating players received an email summarizing the important instructions.  And...now I will, once again, put down many of the steps given.  In plain English: NO EXCUSES.  Afterall, our Newsletter remains online, seemingly forever!!!  So does the RCBC website.

1. Set up the PLAYER PROFILE immediately, if not sooner,

2. PROFILE PICTURE: Close-up head shot with the RCBC cap on.

3. WRITE about YOURSELF (a profile) that includes important baseball and academic details.  Also include non-baseball activities.

4. If you have a VIDEO—-use it!!

5. You can CREATE your OWN VIDEO or request a free one from SportsRecruits.  BUT….you rather have game footage.

6. ACADEMIC UPLOADS: Up-to-date transcripts-report cards, PSAT scores if you’re a sophomore, SAT/ACT scores when they become available.

7. SCHOOL SEARCH SUGGESTIONS: Search by LOCATION, ACADEMICS and PLAYING LEVEL.  Tag the schools that are your favorites.

8. SCHOOL LINKS: Click to see details about and access to the Colleges, especially their websites.

9. BUILT-IN EMAIL MESSAGING: This enables you to COMMUNICATE with the Coaches at a respective college—include FULL NAME, GRAD YEAR, POSITION.

10. Keep your Profile CURRENT.

11.  In the RCBC website “In The News" section, SportsRecruits’ “How To” articles and videos are available under the COLLEGE RECRUITING CORNER.

GOOD LUCK  - GET TO WORK  - BE PROACTIVE!

At Max’s Es-ca, the food, as usual, was delicious.  But that was over-shadowed by an emotional evening full of pride and achievement!!!  It was an RCBC event where 11 players were honored for being recruited to play college baseball.  In less than two decades, RCBC, armed with a top rate facility to develop baseball players, along with an incomparable set of coaches, has gone above the 200 mark in RCBC talent moving on to compete in college baseball.  And….since our players’ parents snap the whip when it comes to grades.  And we salute you for that!!!

Here is the 2020 class of RCBC players who have given commitments to play at the next level.  And….they did it in the “Year of Covid,” which was more challenging than pitching to Mike Trout!!!  Drum roll please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MICHAEL ALONGI - The star 3rd baseman will be at Montclair State University next fall.

JASON ALBERT - The catcher will follow in his brother Matt’s footsteps and get his education at Mount Saint Vincent.  By the way, Matt is also a catcher that was developed at RCBC.

GREGORY BRUNO - Greg is still a long ways off from finishing high school at St Joseph By The Sea.  But the pitcher/3rd baseman has verbally agreed to attend Stetson University in Florida.

PATRICK BURNS - The shortstop/3rd baseman is also heading down south to North Carolina to play at Belmont Abbey.

CHRIS CORCHADO - The slugging outfielder/1st baseman will take his potent bat to Post University in Connecticut.

JOSEPH DIMINO - The hard throwing lefthander has said yes to the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).

MICHAEL DOYLE - The star at 3rd base, shortstop and 2nd base, along with a 99 grade average, will also play baseball at NJIT.

PATRICK GARDNER - A lefthanded pitcher that also plays outfield, Pat will attend the College of Staten Island (CSI).  Oh yes, I almost forgot, Pat is a also a basketball star who will play at CSI.

COLLIN KRATZER - Please rise and salute.  The pitcher/infielder will attend West Point!!!  How proud is RCBC of Collin!!!!!!

CHRISTIAN RICE - The hard throwing pitcher and utility man has committed to Wofford College in South Carolina.

JACKSON TUCKER - Jack used his 6.5 speed in the 60 to race and sign with St. Johns.  The centerfielder is the latest RCBC star to attend St. Johns or another Big East school to play baseball.

As the mom who wrote the Baseball Prayer says “Dear Lord.  Everything my son achieves is for Your Glory.”  Amen

 As sportscaster Howard Cosell once said “People are the sheep while TV is the shepherd."  So what the heck; why argue with that.  Why not jump on the television bandwagon!!!

Starting in 2021, RCBN will be born.  That stands for the RICHMOND COUNTY BASEBALL NETWORK.  I will be the Producer, but I haven’t drawn up the format yet.  I need something to do during the offseason!  Of course, I will need help and cooperation from the RCBC family…Directors…Coaches…Players…Parents, etc.

In lots of ways, RCBN will combine all the elements of publicity that already occur.  However, still photos, Snap Chat, Instagram will come alive; there will be interviews of any RCBC newsmaker.  There will be the occasional feature...shots of game highlights...podcasts...commentaries...human interest stories...verbal announcements of organizational events that are upcoming.  Each month in the Newsletter, I contribute an article on various subjects.  Now I would like to add an audio or video cut or both.

It’s vital to understand...RCBN is not limited to just certain teams...certain players...certain age groups.  We will look for anything interesting...no matter who.  Of all the articles I’ve written for the Newsletter, a favorite was the 2019 story on the 7U squad coached by Marc Yaverbaum and their wonderful success last year.  Plain and simple….everyone and everything is fair game.

As I stated earlier, I will spend the off-season figuring out the best way to make this work.

As the RCBC summer draws to a close, a collective sigh of relief can be seen and heard.  Year 15 tested the mettle and determination of everyone associated with RCBC!  The situation at RCBC on September 1 was far different from what it looked like on June 1.  Then the fields were empty of players, coaches, fans, umpires and most of all, games.  Would the horrible words of Covid-19 Pandemic and Quarantine ruin the summer at Richmond County?

Luckily and thankfully it’s different.  “Play ball” rang out by umpires and the teams at RCBC responded with games in Pennsylvania, Vineland, Diamond Nation, etc.  But most of all, the ringing sounds of baseball could be heard throughout the summer at the Richmond County Complex.  It was literally “the Sound of Music!!!!!”  Let’s take this time to throw out the Thank Yous.

Administrators: Nick DeFendis, George Quinn and Jim Russo worked their collective rear-ends off to spruce up the complex, work on the fields and organize the numerous tournaments that take place at the Travis Ave. complex.  And at the height of the quarantine, Coach Nick arranged valuable remotes with college coaches to help our players in the field of recruiting.  

Field Workers: With the huge amount of games this summer crammed into a short period of time, Joe, Anthony and Andrew who help prepare the fields worked non-stop battling the overload of games, punctuated by more rain than we needed.  Fabulous job guys!

Coaches: It’s not easy to start coaching teams with virtually no time to prepare the players.  Teams went from a quarantine and remote meetings to bringing the lineup card to home plate.  RCBC has always had an outstanding collection of coaches and this year our coaches were the “Gold Standard.”

Players:  Your effort, dedication and performance are what makes RCBC the “Top of the Line” in baseball organizations.  Our combination of quality kids, outstanding players and even better academic students are what makes it a pleasure to be a part of RCBC.

Parents: Yes, parents!  The amount of travel you put in, especially before we could play at the complex was staggering.  We went to places in Pennsylvania we never knew existed.  Games ranging from 8 am starts to 8 pm starts.  Traveling around like nomads  Your dedication to your sons deserve the highest amount of admiration.  Oh, by the way, tell your sons that you deserve the biggest Christmas and birthday presents as a thank you!

Umpires:  You can’t yell “kill the ump” this year.  The amount of games and hours in the hot sun that the Men in Blue put in this season deserves the admiration of everyone.  Thank you to Frank B. and his entire crew.

Teams:  As usual, RCBC squads were usually near the championship rounds of various tournaments.  Twenty-five champions were crowned with another 12 runner ups.  At RCBC, we “play the game, we teach the game.”

Once again, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

At Richmond County Baseball, we don’t ask, but we DEMAND that teams show proper behavior on the field.  RCBC discourages coaches and players from using foul language towards its own players, umpires and opposing coaches and players.  RCBC wants its players to refrain from any cursing towards coaches and other players.  And...most of all, RCBC wants its parents to exhibit proper behavior, especially towards opposing parents and umpires.  We never want umpires to be reluctant to do a game involving an RCBC team.  Unfortunately, sports behavior doesn’t get a grade of A.

The National Federation of State High School Associations is raising a “red flag.”  80% of school sports officials (e.g., umpires) leave the job after their first two seasons.  The reason: verbal abuse that’s spewed out by the players and coaches and mostly fans, especially parents.  I actually think a majority of RCBC parents are well behaved.

Part of the problem in my opinion, is that parents in any sport are never going to say their son or his team are at fault when the team loses.  It’s the coach and/or the officials doing the game.  I sometimes laugh at the excuses.  And yes….girl sports have the same problem.

Verbal abuse isn’t the only problem.  How about threats and even attacks on officials.  Games  break out into fights between parents on both teams (remember the parents of the two 7 year old teams duking it out like George Forman and Muhammad Ali!).

The Federation does say officials make more calls than ever before which can spark nasty reactions.  I’ve always felt an umpire or referee should be low key and not try to be the “center of attention.”  In a recent survey of youth sports officials, the Federation found that 13% say they’ve been assaulted, 47% fear for their safety, 57% say they’ve broken up fights between parents, and 64% have had to have a fan ejected for being unruly.

Coaches are also quitting more regularly according to the National Federation.  They attribute this to parental criticism, verbal abuse and even attacks on coaches.  They feel the job is less satisfying even when they are coaching a winning team.  We know not every coach is Tony LaRussa, or Greg Popovich or Bill Belichick, but the job isn’t easy.

Finally, it’s important that sports officials are well trained on the rules (of course) on handling player and coach complaints and turning a deaf ear with the fans.  Let everyone Lower Their Voices!!!!!

Covid-19 became the medical version of a nuclear war.  It brought the U.S. to a standstill.  Sports-School-Work-Fun crashed to an end.  Words like quarantine and social distancing became household (and to me four letter) words.

RCBC has been around since 2004.  Success has surrounded the organization in all phases: plenty of tournament championships, beautiful facility, hundreds of RCBC players advancing to college ball, Minor Leaguers and Major Leaguer Zack Granite.  But 2020 is our finest hour.  Everyone involved at RCBC came together from the Directors Nick DeFendis and George Quinn, to the endless hours by Jim Russo, with huge help from Christina Flashner.  Plain and simple  - Thank You!

And the coaches we have.  The job being done under the hardest of circumstances has been phenomenal.  July has 31 days.  Already RCBC teams have won or been runner up 18 times and counting.  That’s more than 4 championship game appearances per weekend.

Zoom video conferences were held in the pre-season.  Coach DeFendis made sure outstanding college coaches spoke to our players and they deserve a nice ovation for the effort they put in.  Our coaches held Zooms with their respective teams with instructional information.  It was as consistent and expertly done as ever.  And while the quarantine was in full blast, Coaches DeFendis and Quinn (with some help) broke their butts adding to the Complex to make it even more the best place to play and watch a game. 

Then we went outdoors and the outstanding month began.  At RCBC, we have a group of intelligent-cooperative-talented-coachable players.  And with the phenomenal collection of Head Coaches and assistants, success reigned immediately.  And parents….thank you.  Getting your boys to practice regularly, and even more importantly, having to take them on long rides to games outside of New York.

At RCBC, we play as many, but we unite as one.  Covid-19 was disastrous, but everyone came together at RCBC.  Let’s make August as great as July!

It is very difficult to get a full athletic scholarship in baseball.  There simply aren’t that many to go around in college.  Baseball is not the money-maker that football or basketball are at the collegiate level.  There aren’t 100,000 fans like you have for the Rose Bowl and no billion dollar TV contract like the NCAA Basketball Tournament has. 

However, aspiring college baseball players have plenty of ways to get money.  So therefore, parents who have sons entering the 9th grade should read this as carefully as the mom and dad whose son is entering his senior year.

1.  ATHLETIC MONEY: Yes you can still get athletic money even if it isn’t 100%.  Play well and you can receive 25% up to 75%.

2.  ACADEMIC MONEY: This is where ALL parents, no matter which age group, should read carefully.  GOOD GRADES IN HIGH SCHOOL = MONEY FOR COLLEGE.  And remember, your grades count from the second you enter high school.  Some think you don’t need to worry until its 11th grade  “Beaver Biscuits!”  It counts throughout.  Get a 90+ average and immediately you will get college money (though Ivy League schools are always difficult).  Add to that an SAT score of 1100 or an ACT score in the high 20s and you’re in good shape.  It varies with colleges.  Some prefer the SAT score, others the ACT, and still others like high school class rank ahead of everything.  Plain and simple.  Watch your son’s grades from day 1 of the 9th grade!!!!  As a former Recruiter at a Division 1 college, I can tell you that College Coaches are delighted when a player gets academic money as that means saving athletic money.

3.  FINANCIAL AID:  Always fill out your Financial Aid forms in your son’s senior year.  Low income, single parents, no home ownership are the most common ways to get financial aid.  If you son goes to a NY college, the state gives what is call TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) aid.

4.  INSTITUTIONAL AID:  Colleges in the Ivy League and Patriot League plus Division 3 colleges don’t give athletic money.  But they do offer institutional aid plus academic aid to help.  Plus, off the record (LOL), for athletes in these schools, if the coach has some influence, they have an easier time getting help for their players (shhhhh).

5.  LOW INTEREST LOANS:  If you still need help, colleges direct students where to get low interest loans.

6.  GRANTS:  Sometimes a parent works in a place where Grants are given out for college.  A former RCBC player is getting money because his dad was a fireman during 9-11.

7.  THE PACKAGE:  In college baseball, THE PACKAGE is what most players get.  It’s like cooking a stew; a combination of everything.  Combine some Athletic money, Academic money, Financial Aid and Grants and hope it adds up to an amount close to the full tuition.

Hopefully this had been helpful.  Keep an eye on your son’s academics.  Private College has become over-priced….and in my opinion, a semi rip-off.  Contact me with any questions: mikelope19@aol.com.

If Jim Russo was an animal in a zoo, he’d be an Octopus  - six arms and two legs!!  The problem is that Jimmy needs way more than 6 arms to handle the amount of jobs thrown in his direction.
The usual image of Jim when he gets to the Complex is seeing him hurrying out of his car, briskly heading to the Clubhouse for that day’s duties; his walk punctuated by a slew of questions from every direction, followed by quick answers as he tries to talk and walk simultaneously!  Welcome to the hectic world of Jim Russo at RCBC.
It began calmly for Jim at RCBC.  “I started out helping coach my son’s team at South Shore LL and Federation, and that continued when the team joined RCBC in 2011.” 
Russo grew up in East New York, Brooklyn and wound up getting his degree at Queens College (so did Seinfeld.  LOL).  While Jerry teamed up with Kramer, Elaine and George at NBC, Jimmy went to lower Manhattan to work for 30+ years at Merrill Lynch.  Russo left the hectic world of Wall Street for what he thought would be a calmer and a bit more relaxing life of baseball.  Then came the one sentence that changed his RCBC existence.  “I told Directors Nick DeFendis and George Quinn “that I was pretty good at technology.”  A grand slam for Richmond County.  RCBC now officially became high-tech while Russo officially added to his workload; boy did he ever.  Jim’s title is that of General Administration at RCBC, and with the help of Christina Flashner, they help keep the motor running here.  

Below is a list of his various duties:
- Database management and business applications
- Monthly Newsletter (thanks Jim)
- RCBC websites and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube)
- Email correspondence
- Annual player registrations and payments
- Registration for winter and summer camps
- Annual College Showcase Camp
- RCBC marketing, promotions and advertising
- Marucci liaison, including Locker Room
- Fundraising
- Tournament coordination  - primarily pre-tournament set–up (Russo admittedly has cut down the amount of time with tournaments to save some weekends for the family!).

Plus, Jimmy has to handle a volume of phone calls and emails at home while at dinner or watching a Mets or Yankee game.  So why does he do all this?  “I love baseball; being around the game, being around the players and coaches.  I feel I help make a difference at RCBC.”
Yes, he’s the “Jim Of All Trades” and master of all!!!!

As the weather gets milder, hopefully the national shutout comes to an end.  RCBC players have plenty of practices, games, tournaments and trips to look forward to.  Richmond County Baseball has done its best to prepare for the comeback.  Before the quarantine, Coach DeFendis and Coach Quinn spent lots of hours freshening up the Complex.  When we reopen, our players, coaches, parents, opponents, umpires and other spectators will find:

- Eight new metal grandstands, all with shading and better protection from foul balls.
- Each field will now have foul poles, making life easier for umpires.
- Better netting in the batting cages, plus a couple of soft toss cages.
- New netting on foul lines to protect the fans.
- More picnic table for spectators to have their lunch or to relax.
- A new windscreen and protective fence topper on field 5.
The Complex has come a long way from the days when Coach DeFendis was knee high in mud while building field 1.

Meanwhile….RCBC is fully in the 21st century.  We are now Social Media Superstars!

Coach DeFendis and Coach Quinn have initiated Zoom online video meetings, along with the other RCBC coaches, with all their respective teams.  Coach DeFendis has used the idle time helping players with recruiting.  Divison 1 College Coaches Rob Sheppard (Seton Hall), Jim Carone (Wagner) and Tim Reilly (Lafayette) were guests at one meeting.  Then the D2 gang of Joe Fucarino (Molloy), Chris Langan (Felician), Dom Scala (Adelphi) and Hank Manning (Pace).  Invaluable info was given to our players.  Also answering questions were former RCBC superstars Zack Granite and Anthony Prato.  Both were drafted by the Minnesota Twins.  In fact, Granite reached the Major Leagues as a Twin and is now trying to earn a spot on the Yankees.  Prato was drafted last year and is at the Class A level with Minnesota.

RCBC also has a YouTube channel for player videos.  The videos show our players are staying in shape.  The 8U Nationals look awesome!!!!  And remember, RCBC is also on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter,  Can SnapChat be far behind.

Anyway, stay safe, pray this goes away and hope David Ortiz gets his wish “I just want to play baseball.”

It’s time to Dream.  To wipe any Tears...To Smile...The Worst is over...America is rising after a war-type crisis.  Hopefully, your family and friends are now healthy.  Let’s think about the days when Baseball re-enters our life.  I feel like Dreaming.

It is Monday, June 29...three months from now.  School has ended and Summer has begun.  Its 78 degrees with a sun-drenched blue sky.  It’s 10:30 am as I stroll into the RCBC Complex for an 11 am practice with Nick DeFendis and our 16 year olds.  Nick is watering and raking Field 1.  And as he usually does, Coach is on the tractor going around in circles like a Merry-Go-Round at 6 Flags.

As I get closer to the Field 1 entrance, I hear another tractor going non-stop.  Cutting the grass on Field 4 and eventually Field 2 is George Quinn.  As is usually the case, we make quick eye contact and a quicker non-verbal wave.

To my right as I walk in is Field 5 for the younger age groups.  A team has already been practicing for an hour in the bright sunshine.  I think it’s Mike Grippo shouting directives to his 12 year olds with the assistance from the friendly disposition of Ron Graboski.

As the day progresses, more teams will eventually appear at RCBC to practice of if its later in the day, perhaps John Giakas’ 17 year old group will play a visiting New Jersey team.  The variety of discussion between the coaches and their respective teams can be heard as you walk by the field like a stage whisper.  Who is playing at Diamond Nation on the weekend; who are the RCBC teams taking part in a tournament at the Complex?  Which teams are finalizing details for an upcoming trip that begins usually the Independence week.  As the practices intensify, you hear the succession of ringing sounds off the respective bats from the batting cage or even the fields.  Whatever, the players are sweating...getting lectured...being taught and having fun.  Of course, Jim Russo who coordinates and coordinates and coordinates arrives in time to field the awaiting barrage of questions and favors that shoot at him like a series of Mike Trout line drives.

I am not an overly religious person. But with the hours of idle time myself and a load of others now have, I truly PRAY that Monday, June 29, 2020 is what I’m dreaming it will be at the Richmond County Baseball Complex!!!!

Certainly we hope a well-written recruiting email will get you to a place you never were…..the college of your choice!!!!!!

Naturally, the email is just one step (though a key one) towards assisting you in reaching your goal.  Good talent certainly helps.  LOL.  Fine coaching never hurts.  Academics for baseball money is vital.  And….if you play at RCBC, you know our fabulous reputation for getting players to the next level.  Pro, and especially college, is a Gold Standard.

The lead sentence can simply say “My name is ________ and I’m interested in your baseball program.  Here is some information about myself.”

Using Powerpoint format, in the opening paragraph, put your name, grade, date of birth, cell phone number, email address, home address, home phone number, your grade, school, summer organization, and whether you bat right or left, throw right or left, primary and secondary positions, grade point average (GPA) and then SAT-ACT scores (or PSAT if you haven’t taken the SAT yet), and finally phone numbers for your high school and summer program coaches.

In the second paragraph, do some ‘brown-nosing.”  LOL.  Say that you heard all nice facts about the college you are writing to….the fine  academics, the excellent baseball program and the outstanding coaching. Say its a place I’d really want to be at.  Mention the beautiful campus if it applies.  The paragraph should end by saying “I feel I would be an asset to your college and especially your baseball program.”  

Next, mention if you’re eligible for academic and/or financial aid or outside grants.  Highlight what your baseball strong points are (speed, velocity, power, gold glove).  If you got fine ratings at a Showcase, mention that.  Say if you are a captain in high school….class president….MVP, especially on a ranked or championship high school.  Do not mention Little League awards; Please.

Finally, say you hope to hear from the coach or recruiter and would love to visit the college.  You can ask if the college is having a baseball camp, especially if it is high on your list.

Send the email to both the Head Coach and the Recruiter.  Follow up the email with a phone call if you don’t get a quick response.
Start writing by your sophomore year.

Good luck.  Any questions, email me at mikelope19@aol.com

I hate ceremonial stuff.  So forgive me if I didn’t wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza or Happy New Year.

RCBC is doing all it can, usually successfully, in helping all our players to be recruited.  RCBC now has the “COLLEGE ADVISING SOLUTIONS,” or CAS program to help out.  The program is for players 14U-17U and begins on February 2.  We are asking players to:

· Have a Twitter account to receive direct, custom content from CAS based upon their current grade

· Create a “Player Profile”

· Create a “Strategic Plan” and a “Marketing Plan”

Here are some Recruiting Tips I have for our players:

1.  I always say while some players easily get recruited, the majority will find it hard to find a baseball college, especially the baseball school of their choice.

2.  There are three different levels of Division 1 schools which span from a perennial College World Series or Super Regional Teams.  That is tough for many players to get to.  Most players in this area either go to a level down (St. Johns or Seton Hall for example) to schools in the NEC, MAAC or Patriot League level or to Division 2 teams (of which there is a car-load of good D-2 squads in our area).  Division 3 has some academic schools plus the NJAC conference that combine fine academics with almost D-1 caliber talent.  By the way, CSI is now Division 2.  Nothing wrong with a solid Junior College if you need to go there.

3.  Go to the level you can play at!  REPEAT: Go to the level you can play at!!!!!  It’s great to brag that your son is going to a high level D-1 school.  But if he doesn’t fit there, HE WON’T PLAY.  And, if your son has been a star or regular since the age of 8, he won’t accept sitting for more than his freshman year.  He will QUIT baseball.  Don’t look to have bragging battles with other parents.  In the end it may not work!!!!

4.  Go where the Coach firmly says “WE WANT YOU.”  Three words worth their weight in gold

5.  Myself, Coach DeFendis and Coach Quinn all have experience in evaluating your son on which level he belongs.  Call or email us!!!!

I will continue with this article in the months ahead.  Don’t want to overload you with too much info at once.  Email me at mikelope19@aol.com if you have a question, comment or suggestion.

This week's update from College Advising Solutions addresses the strategy for creating your Personal Marketing Plan.

for the update

Please make sure to set up your Twitter account this week

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This week's update from College Advising Solutions addresses building a Personal Marketing Plan.

for the update

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This week's update from College Advising Solutions addresses the important subject of College Applications.

for the update

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This week's update from College Advising Solutions features your strategy for creating a strategic plan.

for the update

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This week's update from College Advising Solutions highlights the features and benefits of the CAS program, from 7th and 8th graders to high school seniors.

for the update

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This week's update from College Advising Solutions introduces to members of RCBC how the CAS content strategy operates and its ultimate purpose.

for the update

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RCBC is pleased to announce that we have partnered with College Advising Solutions (CAS) to offer a dedicated College Advising Program (CAP) exclusively for RCBC members in grades 8 through 12.

CAS will provide a holistic college education preparation service providing support to both students and parents.  The CAP Program will guide students according to their current grade, addressing alternative but supportive topics that prepare students for high school, college life and beyond.  It will also guide parents toward making the best college investment for their child.  Customized packages will also be available to students/parents who require more extensive support.

A member of the CAS team will be reaching out directly to all eligible RCBC members to get the process started so look for their email shortly.  No other youth baseball program offers this type of service to its members.  We hope you are as excited about this opportunity as we are.

Richmond County Baseball in 2019 can proudly point to the large number of players who will continue to be student-athletes at the next level.  Hard work by our players, coupled with the excellent coaching and recruiting advice they received at RCBC yielded fine results.  A number of our high school graduates will be hitting or pitching a baseball next year plus (hopefully) compiling a GPA higher than their batting average or earned run average.  Please hold your applause until the end:

BRENDEN HARRIS played for the 17U squad at RCBC.  Talk about dedication.  Harris would travel from Albany to play for Justin Doyle’s team.  The shortstop was also the star when  Coach DeFendis took his Team Northeast Select squad to the Perfect Game tournament in Jupiter, Florida.  Harris has signed to play at the UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND, a Division 1 program.
LUKAS TORRES also played on our 17U team.  Last year, the speedy centerfielder verbally agreed to Division 1 WAGNER COLLEGE.  Now his signature is on the scholarship for the Staten Island school.
The next player we are proud of is MARK SCAMARDELLA, also a member of the 17 year olds.  Mark has signed to play at BRYANT COLLEGE, a Division 1 school in the NEC.
The RCBC Division 1 parade continues with ANTHONY ESPOSITO who played on Coach Dan Rivera’s New Jersey squad.  Esposito will be playing at FAIRLEIGH DICKINSON, also of the NEC.  The star catcher is following in the footsteps of his dad Dean who starred at D1 Wagner almost 30 years ago.
JAKE BABUSCHAK also pitched for our New Jersey team.  Jake agreed to a scholarship to SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY, also an NEC school.
And then there is JACKSON TUCKER, the star centerfielder for our 16U team.  Yes he is only a junior.  But after sorting through a bunch of Division 1 offers, Jackson has verbally agreed to play for ST. JOHNS UNIVERSITY in the Big East Conference.

A number of RCBC players will attend some fine Division 2 colleges!!!
MICHAEL RAGONA will play for ST. THOMAS AQUINAS in Rockland County, a very successful program.  Ragona is a gold glove centerfielder.
Also, heading upstate is VIN NICHILO.  The slick fielding infielder will bring his skills to PACE UNIVERSITY.
DOM RUISI will take his blazing fastball to the COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND, which has moved to the Division 2 level.
A pair of RCBC players will be heading to Rockville Center and MOLLOY COLLEGE.  They are top flight outfielder ANTHONY MANISERO and 2nd baseman MATT GONCHAR, who follows brother Nick who starred at Molloy.

Catcher GUS SOSA, who was drafted by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS, decided to take a Division 1 offer from RUTGERS UNIVERSITY of the Big 10 Conference. 

Speaking of the Richmond County Minor League front, three of our players began their Minor League Pro Baseball careers.  ANTHONY PRATO batted .270 with a pair of homers for the MINNESOTA TWINS’ farm team.   The shortstop was a 7th round choice.  RICKY DEVITO was chosen by the ATLANTA BRAVES in the 8th round.  The hard throwing DeVito was Pitcher Of The Month in August for his farm team.  And PAT DEMARCO had to enjoy his season.  The centerfielder helped VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY capture the College World Series.  Then Pat is taken by the NY YANKEES and plays in front of family and friends at the Ballpark at St. George.

Ending this article on an even better note is ZACK GRANITE, now a YANKEE, who has tasted Major League Baseball with MINNESOTA.  This year, with the TEXAS RANGERS’ Triple-A Nashville team, the centerfielder and one of the best RCBC players ever, won the team MVP award, batting .290 with 25 stolen bases.

A GREAT SEASON FOR RICHMOND COUNTY BASEBALL!!!! 

With the baseball season near a close, it’s time to honor the RCBC Tournament winners for 2019.  For some teams, the RCBC season goes from Easter through Columbus Day.  That’s about 6 months of action with their RCBC teams.
The results were a truck-load of victories and tournament achievements, player accomplishments, more important player development and even more….fun.
Players at RCBC are better by Labor Day than Memorial Day.  And the bottom line proves this.  14 of the 15 RCBC squads won at least one tournament which adds up to 38 tourney championships, an all time high for one season.  And ALL the Richmond County teams took part in a championship game contest, of which 65 squads in our organization appeared in.
The Gold Medal goes to the 10U Nationals.  Head Coach Joe Rubino and his assistants led the 10Us to 7 tournament titles, which included the Branchburg Summer Classic.
Capturing the Silver Medal are the 11U Nationals, led by Coach Mike Grippo, a former superstar player who competed in pro ball.  The 11s captured 6 tourney championships, including the Sports-At-The-Beach Bronx Cheer Classic.
And taking the Bronze is our 7U “Baseball Bunch” who collected 5 tournament trophies, under the leadership of Marc Yaverbaum.  Among their wins were the Bring-The-Heat North Classic and the Back To School tourney (the kids must have loved a back-to-school event.  LOL).  If our seven year-olds do as well in school this year as they did playing baseball, Harvard and Princeton will be on the phone.
Honorable Mention was earned by the 13U Nationals, 13U Americans, 11U Americans and 10U Americans who each won 3 tournament championships.  The 13U Nationals were coached by Anthony Sutter while in charge of the 13U Americans was Paul Marco.  By the way, the total of our four 10U and 11U squads combined to take 19 championships or half of the entire RCBC total.  The 10U Americans were coached by Shaun Sarnicola while Anthony Vigliotti headed the 11U Americans.

As we continue to say, no one gets to more championship games than RCBC!  We say Thank You to all of our Coaches for the time and hard work put in to prepare our players for the next level.

For a full list of our tournament championships, visit the RCBC website (www.rcbclub.com) and under the “About” dropdown, go to “RCBC In The News.”  Team pictures of all of our tournament winners can also be found under “Photo Albums.”

The National Federation of State High School Associations is raising a “red flag.”  80% of school sports officials (e.g., umpires) leave the job after their first two seasons.  The reason: verbal abuse that’s spewed out by the players and coaches and mostly fans, especially parents.  I actually think a majority of RCBC parents are well behaved.
Part of the problem in my opinion, is that parents in any sport are never going to say their son or his team are at fault when the team loses.  It’s the coach and/or the officials doing the game.  I sometimes laugh at the excuses.  And yes….girl sports have the same problem.
Verbal abuse isn’t the only problem.  How about threats and even attacks on officials.  Games  break out into fights between parents on both teams (remember the parents of the two 7 year old teams duking it out like George Forman and Muhammad Ali!).
The Federation does say officials make more calls than ever before which can spark nasty reactions.  I’ve always felt an umpire or referee should be low key and not try to be the “center of attention.”  In a recent survey of youth sports officials, the Federation found that 13% say they’ve been assaulted, 47% fear for their safety, 57% say they’ve broken up fights between parents, and 64% have had to have a fan ejected for being unruly.
Coaches are also quitting more regularly according to the National Federation.  They attribute this to parental criticism, verbal abuse and even attacks on coaches.  They feel the job is less satisfying even when they are coaching a winning team.  We know not every coach is Tony LaRussa, or Greg Popovich or Bill Belichick, but the job isn’t easy.
Finally, it’s important that sports officials are well trained on the rules (of course) on handling player and coach complaints and turning a deaf ear with the fans. 
Let everyone Lower Their Voices!!!!!

To many fans, coaching a team of 7 year olds is a nice leisurely way to spend the spring and summer months.  Excited kids, many of whom are heading into 2nd grade: learning how to read, add and subtract, enjoying baseball in their uniforms, chewing gum, fixing their hats and getting a nice tan in the sun.   Nice and relaxing.
Oh yeah!!!!  Not the 7 year olds at Richmond County.  Baseball is business!!!!  Just ask head coach Marc Yaverbaum.  “Our players take baseball seriously.  This is not a joke.  To my boys, fun is winning!”  And win they did.  Boy were they successful.  In the USABL league, the Nationals finished 2nd out of 24 teams and reached the title contest against the team from Monroe who mercied every team….except the RCBC boys.  There’s more according to the coach.  “The boys played in 5 tournaments,” says Marc, “winning 3 of them, including the Todd Frazier Classic in Toms River where the Mets’ star got his fame.”  Yaverbaum runs the team.  He is a former baseball and hockey player at St. Joseph By The Sea in the late 1990s, and has coached youngsters in tee ball.  One of his assistants in Billy McConnell who starred at Xaverian High School in the mid-90s.  His other assistants are Joe Iraci, who has an older son at RCBC, and Roy Prochilo.  All four coaches have a 7 year old on this squad.
OK coach, what’s the secret?  “Our team plays and practices most of the year.  Before New Years day, we practice fielding at Mount Loretto and then we let Johnny DeFendis take over at 5 Tool to give the hitting drills.”  Yaverbaum says the 7 year olds know the rules, which makes them easy to coach.  “Obviously, you have to stress fundamentals: throwing properly, catching grounders and fly balls, swinging the bat properly.  Repetition is important.”  Marc admits there’s little strategy, “I’m not out to be Aaron Boone.”
Actor Tom Hanks once yelled “There’s no crying in baseball.”  Is that a problem Marc?  “Not at all.  Once in awhile, a player might shed a tear after a loss.”  But Yaverbaum asserts “Our players are mature for their age; they focus well, and handle any tough situation that occurs.”
The Nationals have 11 players and 10 can be on the field so everyone plays.  The coach pitches to his players in 4 of the 6 innings and a 7 year old pitches 2 innings.  Just don’t hit 3 batters in an inning.  It’s a 45 foot mound and 60 foot bases.
Finally, Coach Yaverbaum and his assistants say while they love winning, the four coaches get tremendous satisfaction watching the young player develop and get better each week.  Great job all around!

Throughout the years, people have taken “swings” at summer baseball.  Their complaints: too expensive, too political, and too often, daddy coaches.  Little League critics also voice these accusations.  However, summer baseball now plays a large role in keeping teenagers interested and involved in the sport. 

Maybe I’m deaf, but I hardly hear teenagers discussing baseball.  All I hear is LaBron, Kawhi, K-D, Kyrie, AD, Knicks stink, etc.  No Mike Trout or Bryce Harper….Aaron Judge is mentioned if he’s healthy.  The point is many young people have lost interest in the National Pastime.  High school baseball helps, and the feeling of school pride exists, but in the East, with cold weather, you play only a limited number of games.  Uncomfortable for everyone who has to dress like it’s a football game!!!  This is where summer baseball steps in.  These are the benefits:
1.  You play a cluster of games in good weather.  Less injuries and better for the arm.
2.  You travel to tournaments in other states, going to great places like Lake Point in Atlanta, Marucci in Baton Rouge, Cal Ripken in Maryland, etc., etc.
3.  Local tournaments (RCBC, Diamond Nation, Baseball Heaven, PG Vineland and Long Island, USABL) provide a nice variety of opponents.
4.  There are many dedicated coaches!!!!
5.  Playing day in, day out allows you to work on the parts of your game that need improvement regularly.
6.  Last and not least….in fact, the most important benefit of summer baseball, Recruiters in attendance!!!!!

Many summer teams are like all star rosters with many recruitable players. 
During their respective college season, Recruiters, who are also coaches, have trouble breaking away from their own teams.  Plus, if they go to a high school game, they can see just a minimal amount of potential recruits.  However, in the summer, Recruiters have far more free time to go looking for talent.  In addition, at a tournament, a Recruiter is as happy as “a pig in slop” where four games are usually occurring at the same time with loads of recruits.  Some watch as many as 20 games in a day!!!!

Summer baseball has stepped up in the past decade.  It gives players the chance to play excellent competition and puts them on stage to be recruited to play
college baseball and get an education.  Perfect: NO; Effective and Necessary: YES!!!!

The 2019 MLB draft was a moment that a baseball organization waits for….and trust me, it will live forever.  Just over 1,700 players were drafted and guess what, FOUR of those draftees are from RCBC where a major part of their early development took place.

The super four are shortstop Anthony Prato, selected in the 7th round by the Minnesota Twins, righthander Ricky DeVito, an 8th round pick by the Atlanta Braves who certainly know about star pitchers, catcher Gus Sosa, chosen 19th by the Toronto Blue Jays, and centerfielder Pat DeMarco, also a 19th rounder, taken by the NY Yankees, the 2nd time he was selected by the Bronx Bombers!

Prato practically grew up at the RC Complex, playing here from grammar school to high school, and the combination of Coach George “Day 1” Quinn through Coach Nick DeFendis nurtured his development.  Prato was a top star from day one and there was always that feeling that the superstar from UConn was on a track to the “Show.”  A  5 tool player, Prato will be looking to follow in the footsteps of another RCBC selection by the Twins….Zack Granite.  The star centerfielder reached the majors in 2017.

DeVito would have been a top 3rd round choice had it not been for injuries this past season with Seton Hall.  At his best, Ricky’s 96 mph fastball and devastating change-up earned honors in both the Big East and the renowned Cape Cod summer league.  DeVito also went from grammar school through high school at Richmond County.

Gus Sosa is the “baby” of this group.  The catcher just graduated from high school and will decide to sign or attend college at Rutgers.  Gus mixes in long-ball power and super quickness with a rifle arm.  Also a long-term member of the “County,” if Kawhi Leonard leaves the Toronto Raptors, Sosa could have the town for himself some day!!!!

Pat DeMarco left NYC early in his high school career to go to Georgia.  The centerfielder is at Vanderbilt University and will also decide to sign with the Yanks or continue to attend classes.  Perhaps the outcome of the College World Series will decide that.

What does all this mean????  That when Nick and George and I tell players the opportunity you have at RCBC to advance your baseball career if you put in the WORK, we are telling you “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” so help us RCBC!!!!

I have repeatedly discussed finding the right level of college ball that a player is right for.  I say over and over again: DO NOT choose a college so that you can win the “bragging rights” over your friend, your neighbor or your son’s teammate who is also looking to get recruited.  Dreams are nice, but they don’t compare to playing regularly.  Be Careful….Be Smart….Be Realistic!  Listen for the words you want to hear from a recruiter: “WE WANT YOU!!!!!!!!!”  I have also discussed how to get the attention of colleges.  There are a variety of ways to be noticed:

Summer Team:  This is not a mistake in the ranking order.  In the 21st century, high school players get maximum exposure if they play on well-known and reputable summer teams and with coaches with Impact and Contacts.
- Summer teams play a cluster of games in good weather; conditions that are favorable to evaluating a player’s talent.
- Summer teams play in tournaments that are attended by a variety of college recruiters and MLB scouts. Locally, Richmond County, Diamond Nation, Baseball Heaven, and PG Vineland offer excellent tourneys where players are on the Broadway stage for recruiters to evaluate.  Obviously, RCBC sends its teams to top and well attended tourneys.
- Recruiters are usually college coaches who have their own schedule of games in the spring, but have way more free time in the summer to look at recruits.

High School:  The importance of playing for a good high school, besides education of course, is VITAL.  College recruiters will be impressed if you’re a prime player on a high school team that continually competes for a city championship and features a coach that develops players and has credibility.  Let interested recruiters know if you play for a top high school.

College Camps:  They are becoming increasingly popular.  If you have a short list of colleges you like, GO to their camps.  See what the coaches there feel about your ability.  You can then decide if its worth pursuing.  WARNING: this runs into $$$$$$$.  This part is tough unless you can read minds.  When a coach says he likes you, you need to try to decide if LIKES you for your ability, or does he like you for your money to attend the school’s camp.  Look at that college’s roster to see if they might need someone at your position.  See if he told a dozen other high school players that day that he likes them  I full admit….Not easy to see if the head coach or recruiter is telling the truth.

Showcases:  These can be productive!  And, RCBC has an annual August Showcase that has benefitted many of our players.  However, be careful.  You are likely to be deluged with Showcase invites.  Show us any invitations you get.  We are experts at which showcases are realistic for you.  Some players are good but don’t stand out in showcases as well as they do in actual games.

Special Summer All Star Teams:  Coach DeFendis does a great job at getting our elite players on elite teams that travel part of the summer to locations around the United States.  Perfect Game and the Area Code Games are two examples of tournaments that feature top recruiters from high school to Division I.  You will compete against All State and All America high school stars.  You will know how high a level you can play at following these games.

Email Colleges You Are Interested In:  See if a recruiter will be at tournaments your team is competing in.

And finally, READ my past Newsletter columns on Writing an Email to a Coach.  Hint: DO NOT put that you won a Little League MVP at the age of 9.  LOL.

Remember you can always email me at mikelope19@aol.com.

Baseball is a difficult sport.  The offensive team doesn’t have the ball.  In football, Tom Brady has the ball and knows who he’s throwing to.  In hoops, James Harden has the ball and knows what he wants to do (usually shoot a three).  In hockey, John Tavares has the puck (sorry Islander fans) and can decide whether to shoot or not.  But in the MLB, Bryce Harper has to guess what Jacob deGrom will throw.

Baseball has a high degree of failure.  And a large number of players give up the game after the age of 12.  So it’s important that Player Development is emphasized at the younger ages (7-12 mostly).  AT RCBC, WE SALUTE THE COACHES OF OUR PRE-TEEN AGE GROUP.

I know I usually give loads of attention in my articles to the high school age group.  Shame on me.  Time to focus on the pre-teen player.
Coaches: boy do you have a tough job.  Talk about walking the tight rope.
1.  The Coach in this age group has to know baseball.  Especially in the area of stressing fundamentals.
2.  The Coach must also know how to teach and get players to implement what they want them to learn.
3.  The Coach must talk in a simple, clear and understandable language.  The player must be able to grasp what the Coach is teaching.  
4.  If the Coach can use video examples to make the point, then do it.  If the Coach can videotape his players in practice and/or a game….heck yes.  Anything the Coach can do to better explain what he is teaching and what the player needs to do to implement….fine.
5.  Reps...Reps...Reps.  Players improve with reps and practice.  Games are fun, but practice makes perfect.

Here is the tight rope the Coach is walking on:
1.  Patience...Patience...Patience.  Young players are sensitive.  It’s important to realize that teaching will not always be picked up quickly by everyone.  The combo of talent and comprehension are different in each players.
2.  Don’t holler or put down a player.  It’s frustrating when mistakes are repeated.  But Coaches need to count to ten and keep from yelling.  Big reason why players will leave the program or even quit the game.
3.  Coaching this age group also means high Parental involvement.  That can be positive or negative.  At RCBC, we ask parents to have trust in our Coaches’ ability to teach their boys.  We ask that you don’t confront a Coach in front of players.  If you have a disagreement, set up a meeting.  We ask Coaches to be patient with parents.  This is a major part of the tight rope.  
4.  And Parents….please do your part to help make the Coach’s job easier.  Don’t talk to, coach or distract your son during the game.  Don’t come into the dugout during games or practices, and certainly don’t bring food into the dugout.  Your sons should also stay in the dugout during games and not come out to talk to you or get food.
5.  Coaches:  If your son, or your best friend’s boy is on the team, you MUST be fair.  Being a Daddy Coach is rough, but it’s vital to do what is right.  Avoid confrontation.  See Nick DeFendis or George Quinn if the situation develops.

Finally….I’ve always had the young groups at the various summer camps I’ve worked at for over 30 years.  There is great satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment when the players show improvement.  Coaches have a tough job with this age group.  Good Luck!!!!!!

Of course Parents are important.   Before the teenage years, many have nurtured their sons in baseball and in life, providing the needs for success.  It’s tough to let go, but once he reaches his teenage years, parental adjustments must be made for future success in baseball.  What worked up to the pre-teen years may have been great.  But here is some valuable advice once they reach 13 and baseball is still a big part of their life.

The key change (in my opinion) is to avoid (what I call) the Going Home Argument!  Understand: As your son gets older, success in baseball gets tougher.  Many times, those that are not doing well have quit.  Hitting is tough...fielding isn’t easy...pitching is challenging.  It’s not easy to get out hitters, especially against teams with multiple solid hitters in a lineup.  Hitting is tough vs. a star pitcher.  And in the teen years, fielders take away the cheap hits.

So, you CAN’T expect your son to be the star in every game.  You should NOT spend the ride home totally criticizing your boy.  And...if your son goes 3-for-4, PRAISE him...don’t only focus on the one bad at bat.  If your son allows one run in 5 innings, don’t just criticize the one poor inning.  PRAISE him.  A mediocre game in the field doesn’t deserve a 20 minute critique from the game to the driveway.  I’m sure plenty of moms have my back on this one!

Baseball is a difficult sport.  Don’t make it tougher.  Coaches at RCBC are Experienced and Excellent.  You can trust our coaches to help make the needed adjustments.  Yes...even your outside hitting or pitching coaches.  DO NOT make your son get sick of baseball and lose interest.  Your son becomes more mobile when he becomes a teen.  Baseball in the teenage years is a tough division with a) video games, b) partying, c) girlfriends, d) weekends at the Jersey Shore, e) grades excuse, f) late night pool parties, g) beach, h) sleeping late in the air conditioning and i) making money at a summer job.  Therefore, early or late games at Diamond Nation, etc. and morning practices at RCBC or anything in 90 degree heat can make baseball lose out to the divisional opponents I just mentioned.  Teen baseball in the summer has tough competition. 

Also, getting recruited to play college baseball is difficult for many teens.  Don’t constantly criticize your son and then throw in the “You’ll never get recruited” remark.  You are not looking for an answer “Good Dad, I won’t play baseball in college; I’ll just go there for school.”  Understand that getting recruited can be tough.

Next: Parents  -  Please AVOID the following.  Don’t be a reason college recruiters cross your name off the list:
1.  Don’t yell at umpires or your coach.
2. Don’t start a fight with the opposition.
3. Don’t stick your head in the dugout to question the coach on a lineup or something with your son.
4. In fact...don’t let a recruiter see you arguing with your coach after a game.  RCBC has an effective 24 hour rule for inquiries or complaints.
5. Do not coach from the stands and loudly play the “second guess” game (ex-daddy coaches are famous for this).
6. Do not give your son or his teammates baseball tips during the game.  Stay away from the dugout.
7. Root for the whole team, not just your son.
8. Don’t show recruiters Little League pictures (it means nothing to them).  Recruiters and scouts look AHEAD.
9. Don’t tell other parents and players that your son will definitely be a pro.  It’s not easy and you don’t need players and parents quietly rooting against him.

At RCBC, our track record in helping your son advance is First Rate.  It’s why it’s important that we are Direct in the advice given to both players and parents.

Let’s get this out of the way early on.  The second you reach high school age, your RCBC team will be playing in tournaments, locally or on a trip, and college recruiters and pro scouts will always be present.  Of course, Talent Rules, BUT so is How You Act.  Many times, a recruiter or scout evaluating a player has heard he can play.  So, the recruiter or scout may be searching for reasons NOT to go after him.  They may spot a talent defect.  BUT, they may also spot Character issues that could result in your name being scratched off the list.

Don’t say it can’t happen.  Baseball is played in every state.  Unless you stick out, whether a pitcher or hitter, there is always someone else to look at.  So, be smart and don’t act stupid.  Even if a recruiter or scout is not present,  YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS WATCHING!!!!!  It could be someone who knows or is related to a recruiter or scout perhaps, or umpires or an opposing coach, etc.

Here are some good rules to follow:

1. Play Hard.  Never ever look like you don’t care.
2. Never curse at or attack an umpire.
3. Never yell at a teammate, on or off the field.  Don’t yell at a teammate who makes an error or bad play.  Don’t show-up a teammate.
4. Do not yell at or argue with the head coach or an assistant.
5. Do not show-up the coach with dirty looks if you get a sign you don’t want.
6. Run….don’t loaf to your position and back to the dugout.
7. Never, never NOT hustle on the basepaths.  Jogging is a sin unless a home run is hit.
8. After a poor at-bat, do not slam your bat or your helmet.
9. Pitchers  - Do not fling your glove into the dugout after a poor inning.
10. Many recruiters and scouts sour on you if you seem like a headcase!!!
11. Don’t scream at an opposing coach or look for a fight with an opposing player.  Yes, you want to be aggressive but don’t be dirty.
12. Don’t wear your cap sideways or backwards, or look like a slob in your uniform.  Have your spikes and cleats polished.
13. Tell your parents that they can Hurt your cause by Not acting properly.

Remember, DO NOT do anything to make a recruiter or scout cross you off the list!

Any comments, email me at mikelope19@aol.com.

I haven’t written since November so Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and if you’re Jewish, Happy Hanukkah.  Let’s get down to business.  By the way, I’m writing this article while its 5 degrees outside.  So what better time to think about summer baseball.

This is no knock on high school baseball.  But in the area of getting recruited, summer baseball is where its at.  The summer set-up lends itself to that.  Multiple team tournaments bring a load of college coaches, free from their own schedules, to see for themselves the players they might have an interest in.  It’s sort of an American Idol or America Has Talent show.  The occasional trips to compete against nationwide opponents are also special.

Which brings us to RCBC.  Our coaches, led by Nick DeFendis, have helped scores of our players reach college baseball at all levels.  Some go beyond college like Major Leaguer Zack Granite.  And this June, Rick DeVito is expected to be a high draft choice while Dan DiGeorgio and Anthony Prato may also get drafted.  All grew up playing baseball at RCBC.  All began their development at our complex.

Richmond County Baseball has earned the respect and the trust of college recruiters who know that the RCBC coaches have the players prepared fundamentally….physically….and mentally.  When we call up a recruiter, our evaluation is taken seriously.  Simply take a look at the RCBC collection of coaches for the 13 to 17 age group and check their success, whether it be their high school record and/or their college coaching experience.  Having our own complex means more and better practice sessions which adds up to development.  At RCBC, by Labor Day, your son is much better than he was on Memorial Day.

The pre-high school contingent of players, under the direction of George Quinn and his staff, start the development early.  DeVito, DiGeorgio and Prato all started their rise to stardom under Quinn and his coaches.  Former players who are now college stars still rave about how much they learned from Coach Quinn.  Some still call him for batting practice.

If you’re at RCBC now….Stay Here!  And if you know a good player looking for a summer place to go, direct him to Richmond County Baseball.

See you next month.

Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby once said "People ask me what I do in the off-season.  Well I stare out the window and wait for Spring Training."  I don’t expect the RCBC high schoolers to copy Hornsby.  After all, he once hit .424 and had a lifetime average of .358!!!!  So he earned the right to do nothing all winter.  LOL  But you are developing as a player.  And, while your off-season probably consists of Sweet 16s, house parties, stuffing your collective faces at holiday dinners and cursing at our football-basketball-hockey teams, more is needed to keep growing as a player.  So let’s review an Off-Season Curriculum.

1.  GRADES-GRADES-GRADES:  For high school baseball players, grades are $$$$$$.  It’s rare you get a full athletic baseball scholarship.  The higher your grades, the more money you can get from a college.  Also, failing classes means summer school, and that can mean missing a summer trip with your RCBC team.  Be smart...literally and figuratively.

2.  WORK REGULARLY:  At the very least, do lots of dancing at those Sweet 16s!!!!  At least you will be moving.  LOL  Seriously, hit the weights, do your push-ups and pull-ups.  Run on the not-so-cold days.  You should attend the RCBC Winter Workouts.  Lots of players have Hitting and Pitching Coaches or Personal Trainers.  Be serious.  The high school age group can see lots of growth as a player.  That’s IF you are Serious and Dedicated.

3.  RESEARCH COLLEGES:  Maybe even pay some visits.  Start thinking about what you may want to major in.  Pick your spots if you want to attend College Baseball Camps, many of which might be indoors.  Limit it to colleges you are interested in.  Remember these camps cost money!!!

4. Know which RCBC team you are playing for in 2019.

Remember….YOU MUST KEEP IMPROVING.  You don’t want to peak out because you stopped working hard.  What you accomplished at a younger age is great.  BUT….colleges and pro scouts want to see players improve.  They are always saying to themselves (as I did when I recruited) “What does this player look like in two years?”

Any way you want to analyze it, it was a great summer for Richmond County Baseball.  Only the temperature was as hot as our baseball teams!!!!  Nine different age groups captured tournament championships.  All together, RCBC teams collected 19 championship plaques and trophies (17 tournament and 2 league) which clutter the press box at the complex.

My monthly quote had Hall of Famer George Halas saying the key to good coaching (besides star players) is Complete Dedication.  At RCBC, that is a given.  Following is a list of our coaches that spent the summer smiling when the championship photo was taken:  8 year old coach Mr. Vincent Nichilo, 9 year olds Mr. Joseph Rubino, 10 year olds Mr. Michael Grippo, 11 year olds Mr. Vincent Pontieri, 12 year olds Mr. George Quinn and Mr. Paul Marco, 13 year olds Mr. George Quinn, 14 year olds Mr. John Giakas, 15 year olds Mr. Frank Amadeo and 16 year olds Mr. Nick DeFendis.  All of these coaches had able assistants that did their part in the Richmond County strong-point of developing its players.  You finish the summer as a much better player on Labor Day than you were on Independence Day.  Let’s give a special tribute to the 14 year old Nationals that captured FOUR tournaments.  Coach Giakas developed a juggernaut that barely lost a game when the squad returned from Florida.

There is a laundry list of other achievements that made it a special summer for RCBC:
- Three players that RCBC helped develop divided their time this summer between our organization and the Little League World Series.  Greg Bruno, who will have the lifetime memory of tossing a Perfect Game before the entire county, plus Chris Cancel and Robert Cavalieri, all were part of the Mid Island LLWS roster under Directors John Pleszewicz and Joe DiMeo.
- Three former RCBC players, who spent a number of years at the complex, moved a step closer to being drafted.  Ricky DeVito, Anthony Prato and Danny DeGeorgio all saw action in the prestigious Cape Cod League.  All were teammates at Richmond County for a number of years, and it cannot be denied the development that they received here.  DeVito was one of the ERA leaders on the Cape and was also Pitcher Of The Year in the Big East.  It’s predicted Ricky can be a high draft choice.  Prato is also expected to be taken while DeGeorgio was on the Big 10 All Freshman Team.
- Shamus Connolly committed to Wagner in the NEC.  Andrew Cordero heads to Molloy College.  This summer, Lukas Torres, still a rising junior, verbally agreed to Wagner College, Senior Carlos Torres will be a 2019 recruit at Lehigh College and Gus Sosa gave a verbal yes to Rutgers.
- Joseph Russo graduated Tottenville and then played in the annual Autism Awareness senior game where re received the One-On-One Physical Therapy Scholarship Award.
- The 16 year olds had a pair of excellent Southern trips.  At Perfect Game in Georgia, Coach DeFendis’ team lost just 1 of 7 games, while at the Marucci World Series in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the Nationals won 4, lost just once and had a tie.
- Say hello to Mr. Dan Rivera.  RCBC has expanded to New Jersey.  Coach Rivera’s 15U team was part of our organization the latter part of the summer and will be here for all of 2019.

This was the “Summer That Was” at RCBC.  I’m sure I left out some highlights.  I apologize.  At Richmond County Baseball, the motto is “We Teach The Game; We Play The Game.”  But at RCBC, we also Win Plenty Of Games!

Like Honeymooners reruns on New Year’s Day, we once again address the issue of parents and sports.  At RCBC, just about every parent acts the proper way.  The report card grade overall is an A-.  However, the minus (-) is for the very few that get “careless” with their behavior at times.  Of course, there will be issues that cause disagreement between coach and player, coach and parent, and parent and their son!

At RCBC, we are always trying to solve the differences of opinion that can pop up at times.  But this takes cooperation from everyone in the spirit of solution and compromise.  It is vital for parents to adhere to certain behavior.  So therefore, I have found something called The 10 Commandments of Sports Parenting.  I DID NOT write the list, and it isn’t etched in stone and brought down by Moses.  However….look at it and see how you score.  In a few months, I will also post a Coaches Checklist for Youth Coaching.

Coaches vs. Parents have a long tradition, perhaps longer than the disputes in the Middle East.  LOL.  Anyway, following are the Commandments.

1.  Thou shall love your child no matter what.
2.  Thou shall let the coach do his job.
3.  Thou shall be realistic about your child’s abilities.
4.  Thou shall let your child have fun.
5.  Thou shall volunteer.
6.  Thou shall not relive your athletic life through your child.
7.  Thou shall not compare your child’s abilities or attitudes with anyone else’s.
8.  Thou shall be grateful.
9.  Thou shall support the whole team.
10. Thou shall see the big picture.

Having received numerous letters from high school players when I recruited for St. Francis College, I can say I learned what a prospective recruit should and shouldn’t write.  Be concise about yourself.  Do not be boring.  Below are Guidelines to set you in the right direction when writing the email!!!!

1. Opening Paragraph  -  State your Name, your School, your Grade, your Position, and the Summer Organization you play for.
2. Mention you heard positive things about the baseball program, the
college itself and the education you can get there.
3. Give the Coach your Grade Point Average and your PSAT or SAT or ACT scores and class rank.  This will immediately alert the Coach that you can receive Academic Money.  Also let the Coach know (if you are pretty sure of this) that you are eligible for Financial Need.
4. End the first paragraph by saying the School and the Baseball Program would be an excellent fit for you.
5. In the 2nd paragraph, using Powerpoint, give the Coach all your vital
information so he has it at his fingertips!!!
6. This includes  -  Name, Grade, Birthdate, Home Address, Email, Cell Phone, Home Phone, Mommy and Daddy’s Names and Cell Numbers, Primary and Secondary Positions, Throws and Bats (right, left or switch hitter), Height, Weight, other Strong Skills you have (Speed...Great Arm...Great Power, Time you can run 60), Summer Coach Name and Cell Number, High School Coach Name and Cell Number, positive Showcase Ratings, High School Awards,.  DO NOT give your Little League history….irrelevant by this time.  Mention if you play another sport.  Make sure your register for the NCAA Clearinghouse.
7. In the final paragraph, mention that you look forward to hearing from the Coach.  Mention you would like to visit the Campus and possibly attend a camp to show your skills.  Let he Coach know you would be an ASSET to the Baseball Program and to the College.
8. Always let your Summer and High School Coaches know which schools you’ve written to.  They may know the coach and the college well.
9. Start writing by your sophomore year so you get on the Coach’s Radar.

Any questions, email me at mikelope19@aol.com.

This column is for BOTH players and parents!!!!  At RCBC, our goals are to Develop your sons and then help them get Recruited or even Drafted.   In the previous couple of articles, I discussed parts 1 and 2 of getting recruited.  I intend to have two other Recruiting columns in July and August.  This article, smack in the middle of the other four, is important.  Remember that I recruited for a Division 1 college for more than a decade.  At RCBC, coaches know plenty of pro scouts and college recruiters and guess what?  Talent is Vital….Academics (for college money) is Vital.  BUT how the player and his parents present themselves CAN BE ALMOST AS VITAL!  Please read CAREFULLY!!!!!

1.  You never know who is watching so always play hard, regardless of the score.  Why?
a.  A college recruiter may be present, but lurking in the background.
b. Even umpires are asked by recruiters about players.  Plus, the umps may have a son that plays college ball or a relative that’s a college coach.  Sometimes umps will tell a college coach the he recently saw a possible recruit.
c. Pro scouts talk to college recruiters and visa-versa.  Not hustling is a mortal sin!!!!
d. Opposing coaches may tell an interested recruiter that the player doesn’t hustle.

2.  You can attract NEGATIVE ATTENTION if any of the following are done:
a. Cursing of attacking an umpire.  Recruiters also don’t like the player’s parents badgering an ump for 7 innings.  A college coach has to see you for four years.  He doesn’t want these type of problems!
b. Yelling at a teammate for any reason, or showing up a teammate.  Don’t glare after a teammate’s error.
c. DO NOT publicly argue with your coach and certainly do not give the coach a nasty look if you get the bunt sign, take sign or you get pinch hit for.
d. Always hustle to your position and hustle back to the dugout.  Run out any grounder or fly ball you hit.
e. Catchers  -  Hustle after wild pitches or passed balls.
f.  Don’t throw helmets or bats after a poor at bat; and don’t loudly argue with an ump over a strike call!!!
g.  Don’t look like a slob in your uniform!!!!
h. If you had an “exciting” Friday or Saturday night and you’re descriptively telling your teammates about it, be aware I’ve met recruiters and scouts that put up the “red flag” if a recruit has a “party reputation.”
i.  The above suggestions are so you aren’t labeled a “head case.”

3.  PARENTS: You want to see your son get drafted or recruited.  You don’t want to hurt his chances.
a. As I said earlier, don’t badger umpires all game.  Remember umpires talk.
b. DO NOT be yelling at your son’s coach because he didn’t make a strategical move you wanted.  Remember, a college recruiter might say “I don’t need this type of parent the next four years.”
c. Don’t be yelling at an opposing coach or player unless there is a reason to do so.
d. Don’t be yelling at players on your son’s team because of an error, strikeout, etc.
e. Stay the heck away from the dugout, trying to give your son advice.  Recruiters see that.

One final note to Players and Parents:  Be polite to any recruiters that approach you.  This includes if that college isn’t one you’re interested in.  Be respectful.  You may wind up needing that college.  Plus, the recruiter knows other recruiters that may be interested in you and put in a good word.   You can email me at mikelope19@aol.com.

In Part 1, we discussed finding the right level of college ball that a player is right for.  We said DO NOT choose a college so that you can win the “bragging rights” over your friend, whose son is also looking to get recruited.  Dreams are nice, but they don’t compare to playing regularly.  Be Careful….Be Smart….Be Realistic!  Listen for the words “WE WANT YOU.” 

In Part 2, we discuss how to get the attention of colleges.  There’s a variety of ways to be noticed!!!

SUMMER TEAM:  This is not a mistake in the ranking order.  In the 21st century, high school players get maximum exposure if they play on well-known and reputable summer teams.
A.  Summer teams play a cluster of games in good weather; conditions that are favorable to evaluating a player’s talent.
B.  Summer teams play in tournaments that are attended by a variety of college recruiters and MLB scouts.  Locally, Richmond County, Diamond Nation, Baseball Heaven, and Perfect Game Vineland offer excellent tourneys where
players are on the Broadway stage for recruiters to evaluate them.  Obviously, RCBC sends its teams to top and well-attended tournaments.
C.  Recruiters are usually college coaches who have their own schedule of games in the spring, but have way more free time in the summer to look at recruits.

HIGH SCHOOL:  The importance of playing for a good high school, besides education of course, is credibility.  College recruiters will be impressed if you’re a prime player on a high school that continually competes for a city championship, and features a coach that develops players.  Let interested recruiters know if you’re playing for a top high school.

COLLEGE CAMPS:  College camps are becoming increasingly popular.  If you have a short list of colleges you like, GO to their camp.  See what the coaches there feel about your ability.  You can then decide if its worth pursuing.  WARNING: This runs into $$$$$$$$.

SHOWCASES:  These can be productive!  And….RCBC has an August Showcase (see page x) that has benefited many of our players.  However...BE CAREFUL….You will likely get deluged with Showcase invites.  Show us any invitation you get.  We are Experts at which Showcases are realistic for you.

SUMMER SPECIAL ALL STAR TEAMS:  Coach DeFendis does a great job of getting our elite players on elite teams that travel part of the summer to locations around the U.S.  Perfect Game and the Area Code Games are two examples of teams that play in tournaments that feature top recruiters from high level Division 1 schools.  You will compete against All State and All America high school stars.  YOU will know how high a level you can play at following these games.

I am not finished with this section.  I will continue this article in the June issue.  And soon I will show you what to put in a letter to a college coach!  Hint….DO NOT put that you won a Little League MVP at the age of 9 (LOL).  Remember: You can email me at mikelope19@aol.com.

IT’S NOT EASY TO GET RECRUITED IN BASEBALL.  IT’S EVEN HARDER TO GET RECRUITED TO THE COLLEGE OF YOUR CHOICE!!!

I’m sorry.  I’m not here to destroy a dream.  I’m here to get players, and especially parents, on the Road To Reality.  At Richmond County Baseball, our track record of getting players recruited is excellent.  Coach Nick DeFendis and the rest of us have built up excellent college contacts to help our players.  Nick does excellent negotiating with the schools.  He could probably talk North Korea into hanging an American flag in Pyongyang with Kim Jong Un saluting it.  LOL!

Baseball is played in 50 states and therefore many colleges don’t need to roam too far for players (unless of course a pitcher with a 98 MPH fastball is floating around somewhere).  In college baseball, we have Division (D)-1, D-2, D-3, NAIA and Junior College.  However, within each division there are different levels of pecking order.  Each level has conferences that are stronger than other conferences within that division.  In D-1, the SEC and Pac-12 are ranked higher than the other D-1 conferences.  Therefore, you have to be careful what you are looking at. 

Here are the guidelines you should follow:
- Know the level of baseball you can play at.  A large number of NYC high school players will usually wind up at low level D-1, D-2 or D-3.  There are many good programs on the D-2 and D-3 level.  Of course, some local players hit the jackpot with college baseball.  But, more than likely, it is going to be low level D-1, D-2 or D-3.
- GO WHERE YOU ARE WANTED!!!!  The words you want to hear from a college coach is “WE WANT YOU.”
- It may be nice to brag that you are going to Florida State but the uniform doesn’t look as good when you get only 15 at bats or 15 innings on the mound while having to practice from mid-January on.
- Remember….you have been a full time player and/or pitcher since you were 8 years old.  You can probably deal with sitting freshman year until some players graduate.  But….you want lots of playing time by sophomore year.  If you’re still sitting then, you might lose interest in baseball and would rather hang at the Jersey Shore with the boys, chill with your girlfriend or get a part time job in your major.  You never want to be the 30th player on a 25 man traveling squad.
- When you look at a college, always check to see how many New Yorkers, or even New Jersey players are on the roster.  That might tell you how much interest the school has in Eastern players.
- Remember you are still looking for an Education!  It’s rare you are getting drafted.  Look for a school that has the major you are interested in.

Remember, it’s tough to get recruited.  We at RCBC are committed and have succeeded in getting our players recruited.  You must talk to us about colleges.  Nick has a tremendous success rate.  I was a recruiter at a D-1 college.  Talk to us!

At Richmond County Baseball, we deal with kids….from elementary through high school.  We coach them….we teach the game to them….help them find a college….we care about them.  RCBC meets its responsibility.  That’s why I’m NOT writing about baseball this month.  Something more important than baseball has risen!!!

Friends, we have a problem in America today.  School has become reading and writing and arithmetic….plus murder and injury thrown in.  Something has gone wrong.  Since 2010, more than 150 children have been fatally shot while at school.  Roughly 250 other kids have been injured because of gun shots at school.  And there are no age limits.  Twenty 6 year olds were gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, while Virginia Tech University had more than 30 killed in one day.  In between, 17 high school students were recently gunned down in Parkland, Florida.  And...these stats don’t even include Columbine; remember that one.  School has become like that famous Western “Gunfight at the OK Corral.”  So where is Wyatt Earp when you need him?

This article is NOT a debate for or against gun control.  It’s not about the blame game.  It is not the fault of President Trump...or ex-President Obama or Mayor DiBlasio or Hillary Clinton or the National Rifle Association or Arab terrorists or Congress of Kim Jung Un.  That does NOT solve the problem.  These are what is debated after the shootings.  What about Step 1?

The first step is “what is going on with the American psyche?????”  What is making people get up in the morning and choosing to shoot children at school over, let’s say, going shopping at the mall?  How can a person, especially an American, who is supposed to be rational and civilized living in a great nation, want to give up his life and take kids with him?  Help me out here.

The causes of the shootings are said to be Anger….Bullying….Depression….Sadness….Jealousy….Mental
Illness….Revenge.  These are serious problems a person may have.  But Mass Murder???  We haven’t even brought up what happened in Las Vegas.

At Richmond County Baseball, the Player is Number 1.  That’s why I can’t believe what is happening.  My email is mikelope19@aol.com.  Am I missing something about the American Psyche today????  Help me out!!!!!  Am I over-reacting?

Oh by the way, if you attend church to pray for kids safety, please be careful.  There have also been multiple church shootings over the past decade!!!  “Thou Shall Not Kill” is one of the Commandments.  Not sure what number, but I’m sure it’s in the top 10!

Obviously players want to win championships or tournaments.  Naturally the final score determines whether you have earned “the thrill of victory” or suffered through “the agony of defeat.”  But did you know what is the biggest achievement you can have?  Good Grades!!!!!!!!  I know; you’ve heard it before!!!  Your teachers tell you.  Your parents tell you.  Grandma and grandpa probably tell you.  Your coaches tell you.  NOW I’M TELLING YOU!!!!!!!!  GOOD GRADES EQUAL MONEY!!!!!!

This article is written for those players who range in age from 10 to 18.  From ages 10 through 12, you are gaining the knowledge that will carry you through your college years.  The immediate impact can be if a good test grade is needed to qualify for a specialized middle school (e.g., Genesis, Mark Twain).  In your middle school years, excellent report cards give you the chance to earn money to pay for private or Catholic high schools.  These schools can range in tuition from $9,000 to $35,000 annually.  The combination of excellent grades and a fine entrance exam can earn you a large sum of money….in many cases, 50% or more.  Think of how many cell phones and X-Boxes you can buy with the savings.

Now I know some wise guy is thinking “Hey buddy, relax; I’m going to Staten Island Tech or Brooklyn Tech and it doesn’t cost a cent!!!”  True...but wipe that smug grin off your face.  You still had to be smart enough to pass the entrance test.  But the challenge gets tougher.  Guess what?  There are no free colleges and the price of a secondary education for four years with room and board can be like $250,000.  But get a 90+ average; get an 1100 or more on the SAT or a 28+ on the ACT, and along with some baseball money and/or financial aid, you can cut down that cost!!!

This sounds corny, but getting free money should never be waved off.  So what are the ingredients to being a quality student?  You may utter “tell me something I don’t know” or “no kidding,” but do this from an early age and if you’re a late bloomer, start doing this now.  It’s called Work Habits!!!!!!!!
1. Behave in class: You get the benefit of the doubt if you do
2. Pay attention and take good notes: It makes it easy to study for tests
3. Participate in class: It helps you earn extra points
4. Do homework regularly and carefully: You can earn points
5. Read your textbook and even buy a review book: Again tests!!!
6. Study at least one day in advance for tests: Good notes and reading your textbook make this easier
7. Get a tutor or go to afterschool classes for weak students

Remember: GRADES MEAN $$$$$$$$  GRADES MEAN $$$$$$$$

Waiting for spring training.  The way January has started, many baseball fans in the northeast are doing the same thing.  LOL  Many people know me as Mike Lope.  I coach at Xaverian High School, also coached and recruited at St. Francis College, and have worked at RCBC for a decade.  And like other coaches, I've worked the summer baseball camps.  Last year, I spent the year in the ACBL College League, and did not enjoy it.  The league was against us but mostly I missed coaching high school baseball players.

I'm back at RCBC as a College Coordinator to assist Nick with getting our players recruited and I'll also help in the Quality Control area.  RCBC wants its players and parents to get the Top Rate treatment in all areas of the organization.  My return will not ease nuclear tensions between President Trump and Kim Jong Un, will not lessen traffic on the Staten Island Expressway, and will not help the Jets reach a Super Bowl for the first time since the Rolling Stones were still young.

However...let's talk about recruiting.  More than 200 players from RCBC have been recruited to colleges.  Many excelled on the next level....some did not, but the important thing for parents to know is RCBC commits a full effort to get your son recruited to a college that fits his playing ability and/or a school that meets his academic goals.  This is done through developmental coaching, a large selection of tournaments well attended by college recruiters, numerous contacts that we have, and plenty of phone calls.  We thoroughly get to know your son and his abilities.  More than 60 players from RCBC have been recruited to a Division 1 baseball school at 26 different colleges.  The local schools have benefited.  Good Division 2 schools and a Division 3 conference such as the NJAC that plays D1 caliber ball has grabbed RCBC players.

I will be telling you more information about the recruiting process as time goes on.  Feel free to email me anytime!!!!  mikelope19@aol.com

Rutgers University hosted their Winter Baseball Clinic with 25 participants from RCBC.

Click here for photos from the camp

Seton Hall University hosted a one day camp and campus tour for RCBC players.

Click here for photos from the camp

Wagner College held a free baseball clinic for RCBC players ages 8-13 at the complex.  It was a great experience for our younger players.

Coach DeFendis, Coach Quinn and Coach Scamardella accompanied a group of RCBC players to visit the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for a tour of the facility and a clinic with the Army baseball coaches and players.  It was a great experience for all that attended.

Click here to see more photos from the trip.

It ran like clockwork.  It was well-organized and well-attended.  The weather (though hot) cooperated.  The fields were immaculate.  The lunch delicious.  I am talking about the annual mid-August  event at Richmond County where players perform in front of college coaches in hopes of getting recruited.

This year’s Showcase had 60 teenagers being observed by 30 college coaches.  They represented schools that were Division-1..Division-2..Division-3 and Junior-College.  The coach that supervised the Showcase was Phil Cundari, the Associate Head Coach at Seton Hall University.

The Showcase is a two-day event.  On the first-day, the players do skill work.  After being timed in the 60-yard dash, the players are divided into their primary positions whether it be Pitcher-Infield-Outfield-Catcher.  They go to different fields where they are taught by the college coaches in their group the proper way to play their position.  The coaches lecture and then run drills.  Players come away with expert teaching.  An Infield-Outfield or I-O as it’s now called, is done so all the recruiters can start evaluating which players top the list as recruits.  All the players took batting practice that first day and the pitchers threw a bullpen to see who stuck out.

Each coach addressed the entire group as well.   They gave their name…their school….and explained what requirements would be needed to attend their respective college.  Each coach also had words of advice and motivation for the players to take away from the Showcase.
Day 2 is dominated by games as the players are divided into teams.  Now the recruiters can see how the players perform in game situations.

The RCBC Showcase gives its players a good starting point in the chaotic world of college recruiting.  The coaches have the player’s full information if they choose to pursue the recruit. Up close and personal benefits both parties.  Coach DeFendis and Coach Quinn, with loads of help from Jim Russo and Christina Flashner, do a great job.  Already the results are coming in.  Star righthander Vincent Vitacco has committed to Rider University in the MAAC Conference.  And….we will soon be saluting Travis Zurita who will attend West Point.  What an honor for RCBC to have an Army commit in our program.

It was the best trip any RCBC team had ever taken when you consider where and who you play. Every year the 17U Nationals travel to Atlanta,Georgia to take on some of the best competition in America.  Nick DeFendis' team had always been respective during the dead long trek to the prestigious East Cobb Tournament, which has seen high school All Americans like Buster Posey take part.  But this year, the Richmond County Nationals reached the playoff round for the first time ever. In a field that has ballooned to 384 teams, our 17U squad finished 27th, as it saw 357 teams eliminated before the Nationals.  We lost just one game in the 8 games played in the bracket and playoff.  And the defeat came on that dopey Texas Rule which occurred after only 5 innings of play, because of the weather. Coach DeFendis put together a first class pitching staff and it showed it's ability in this event.  Vin Vitacco, Nick Lepre, Vin Zappulla, Michael Flynn and Marc Guglielmo all turned in first class performances to help RCBC advance in the bracket.  Lepre tossed a complete game gem against top-rated Orlando Scorpions, allowing just one run in seven innings.  Vitacco has a brilliant relief effort earlier in the day vs. the Dirtbags, another top southern squad.  Offensively outfielders Hayden Gumb and Travis Zurita both had timely hits, while Gumb wowed the recruiters with his blazing speed.  Also hitting the ball hard were Shamus Connolly, Chris Cinancimino and the player they call CT...Chris Talierco.  Jayden Ojeda had a game winning single in a key victory. The trip had a warmup, six contests in Nashvile, Tennessee.  After starting with two losses and a tie, the Nationals woke up and won it's last 3 games to set up the successful results in Atlanta.  Of the 14 games RCBC took part in during the trip, 13 were what I call "white knuckler" games, which means close games where late inning toughness is needed.  RCBC passed that test with flying colors.  What's next for the surging Nationals..no rest..that's for sure.  It's back on the road. This time the compass points to the midwest; the annual tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio.  But the Perfect Game 17U Wood Bat Classic at the beautiful East Cobb complex in Atlanta, will be long remembered as the sign that Richmond County baseball has earned nationwide respect.

Coach Lope will be back with his Baseball Thoughts in January.  This month’s article is contributed by Coach Rob Amadeo.

Controlled aggression.  Attack in the zone.  Patient but aggressive.  KEEP THE LINE MOVING. 
These are all phrases we’ve undoubtedly heard throughout our careers, but it seems they’ve become an old philosophy that many young teams choose to neglect in this age of sabermetrics and the long ball.  In a day and age that lauds the home run perhaps more than at any point in the game’s history, I urge both young players and coaches to take note of the recently crowned World Champion Royals.  Their philosophy was simple: “Keep the line moving.”  And they did just that.  Most teams down 2 runs late in the game as the Royals were in their decisive game 5 would be looking to swing for a game tying homer with their power guys at the plate, but not the Royals.

Too many players nowadays, particularly young aspiring athletes, have fallen in love with the big play and have lost any sense of manufacturing runs.  Ask yourself, how often do you see a suicide squeeze attempted any more?  The answer is almost never.  Players and coaches alike would rather rely on an action that even a hall of famer can only execute successfully 30% of the time.  It is my opinion however unpopular it may be in today’s game, that when you step up to the plate you should keep looking for any way possible to get on base and/or manufacture a run, essentially KEEP THE LINE MOVING.  If you are a lefty and leading off an inning and a team puts a shift on you, why not at least attempt to push a bunt down the third base line?  Even if you fail on the first attempt, you’re only down a strike and you may have the defense thinking enough that they abandon the overshift and open up more holes for you as a hitter.  That’s just one example among countless situations that have me constantly questioning the approaches of hitters even at the big league level.

Baseball is an untimed sport.  The only way you lose, no matter how many runs you are trailing by, is by recording 27 outs.  Players and coaches seem to have forgotten this and try to win or tie games with one swing of the bat instead of grinding out at bats and working their way on base.  Hits are contagious, home runs are not.  As a matter of fact, statistically speaking, home runs kill more rallies than they start.

Basically what I’m trying to get across to all of you young players and for fledgling coaches to teach, is to learn how to succeed in a game defined by failure.  Creating your own success starts with taking what a team gives you.  Whether it be hitting against a defensive shift, or taking walks, or getting hit by a pitch from a pitcher who is struggling with his command, every baserunner increases your chances of scoring runs. 

So instead of swinging like an axe murderer and striking out on three consecutive pitches, cut down on your swing when the situation calls for it and try to fight pitches off, hit the ball the opposite way, and work your way on base.  Its not a foreign concept.  As I mentioned before, it won a World Series.

Before anyone 15 or under stops reading this article because they think it doesn't apply to them yet.....don't you dare!!!!!!  Boy does this apply to you.

As I have said in the past, because there are only a limited number of athletic scholarships in baseball, a student-athlete needs to supplement any athletic money with other means of dollars.  The most common and lucrative means of college money comes from academics.  High School Grades Mean College Money.  But there is one obvious rule.  You need good grades and a solid SAT or ACT score.  What students and sometimes parents don't always understand is GRADES FOR COLLEGE BEGIN TO COUNT THE SECOND YOU WALK INTO HIGH SCHOOL.

There are those who think the junior year is when it starts to count.  Nonsense!!!!!  Your 9th and 10th grade averages are equally important for college.  So please don't think your 70 or 75 average in the early high school years can be washed away in later years.  Forget it.  A baseball player shouldn't just want to be admitted to college.  Our RCBC boys should want money on top of their acceptance notice!!!!!  So for our incoming high school students and for those who struggled through 9th grade, here is a list of work habits to help you improve your grades.  Parents should read this carefully to make sure your son is doing these things.  None of this is new; but it is effective.

1. Class Behavior - Many times a student can get a grade in his favor if he behaves.  The difference between an 85 and a 90 can be behavior.  The difference between a borderline grade between pass and fail can be behavior.

2. Pay Attention In Class And Take Good Notes - If you pay attention, you will better remember what a teacher says.  Good notes make it easier to study plus you'll have some of the questions for the next test.  Paying attention will mean you might ask questions that will help you understand what is being taught.

3. Participate In Class - Students can get extra grade points for class participation plus again, it helps you understand the lesson.

4. Homework Should Always Be Done...And Done Carefully - Almost always, failure to do homework means a drop in your grade.  And, if you do it carefully, you'll have the type of questions that will appear on the next test.  Many teachers add points to your grade for homework.

5. Read The Textbook - Naturally, the information in the textbook provides the answers to the homework assignments.  But, its also the questions of an upcoming test.

So if we sum it up.....Pay Attention.....Good Notes.....Careful Homework.....Read Textbook..... equals just about all the questions on the next test.  Which brings us to.....

6. Study For Tests - Don't wait until ten minutes before a test.  Study at least the night before.  By the way, good work habits make it easier to study for mid-terms, finals and Regents.  Why?  Because you can go to your good notes and your homework and just review the textbook.

7. Regents Exams - Go to regentsprep.org to look for questions, especially if your teacher gives those types of questions on the exam.

PARENTS PARENTS PARENTS

1. Please check that your son is taking notes in class.

2. Please check homework; first to see if he has homework and then check to see if he's doing it.

3. Please check his test grades which are posted to make sure that he is studying.

4. Contact a teacher if his test grades are poor and find out why.

5. Get your son a Barrons or Amsco review book if he's struggling in a subject.  Review books simplify the textbook and the questions are similar to the test and even the Regents.

6. Make sure your son does the homework and gets the notes when he is absent.

7. Don't look to blame the teacher.  I had a mother once complain to me when her son failed four subjects.  When she got to the 3rd teacher to blame, I said "Mrs. X, if I ever failed 4 subjects, I would have been homeless."  LOL.  Blame your son his report card.

FINALLY.....Why in the name of RCBC are so many players this year in summer school for failing a class or a Regents?  You hurt your team and your baseball development.  Coach Nick wants to talk about this situation.  I can't bring myself to use that type of language.  LOL.

This is part 3 of my recruiting series, continued from the past 2 months. 

It is important that you communicate with the colleges you are interested in.  Writing a letter or an email are ways to do this.  Emails are the modern way of communicating.  You don’t write a life story in the letter or email.  They don’t need to hear about your t-ball career or your MVP as a 10 year old little league.  The coaches want to know your current situation in high school.  Here is the information that
belongs in the email or letter:

1.  In the opening paragraph, state your NAME, the GRADE you are in, the SCHOOL you attend and the PRIMARY position you play.  Mention that you’ve heard positive information on the school’s baseball program, the coaches and the academics.  Say that you are interested in playing there.

2.  Begin a new paragraph by saying here’s INFORMATION about yourself.  You will then put the following information in outline form or in a powerpoint so its easy for the coach to find what he is looking for:
Name, Grade, Birthday, Home Address, Email, Home Phone, Cell Phone, Parents’ Names and Cell Phones, Primary Position, Secondary Position, Throws (R or L), Bats (R or L), Height, Weight, Strongest Skills (e.g., throws 88 mph, runs 6.7 in the 60, gold glove fielder, excellent power
hitter), High School and their Phone Number, High School Coach and his Cell Phone, Grade Point Average, SAT Score, ACT Score, Class Rank (if it’s good), Sandlot Team, Sandlot Coach and his Cell Phone, Showcase Rating, High School Awards in Baseball and Academics, High School and Sandlot Schedules (especially the tournaments your teams will be entered in).  Mention that you will easily pass the NCAA Clearinghouse.  Remember to keep all this info in outline form.

3.  In the final paragraph, mention if it applies that you should be eligible for Academic or Financial Aid.  Then say you look forward to hearing back from the coach and would like to visit the college in the near future.

4.  DO NOT go into detail about your little league career.  DO NOT send videos of you pitching little league ball.  That and $2.75 gets you on a city bus.  Colleges want to know what you will be In The Future, Not What You Were.

5.  You can follow up the letter or email with phone calls and emails to the coach.  You should ALWAYS let your summer coaches know who you wrote to.  The reason—at tournaments, they can alert a recruiter that they can watch you play.

6.  You decide who you want the college to call first….your high school or sandlot coach.  Decide who is more effective at getting you recruited.

7.  Start writing your letters and emails during your sophomore and junior years.

Please call me at 917-517-6893 or Coach DeFendis at 917-299-9211 or email us with any questions.  Or you can see us at the complex over the summer.

It’s just about that time of year again.  High school ball will be ending and it will ease into (without interruption) the summer season.  For high schoolers who will be playing on the RCBC squads, that means tournaments at the RCBC complex and in New Jersey, Delaware, Georgia, etc.  You get the point.  It will be the showcase time of year, when RCBC players parade themselves like contestants in a Mr. America contest to get the attention of the judges.  In this case, they are mostly college recruiters, with some pro scouts sprinkled in, who make judgements about your son that could see him reach his dream.  But it’s not easy.  Let me repeat that.  It’s not easy.  I have written this type of article more times than Knicks’ losses, so you may have read it.  Too bad...you will read it again.  Baseball is repetition.  Derek Jeter fielded thousands of grounders each year before a game for just under two decades.  You can read a recruiting article again.  I will write this in simple outline form.

1. Understand that it is difficult to get recruited.  For every Anthony Prato and Anthony Scotti that have plenty of suitors, there are loads of players that struggle to get an offer.  Almost 500,000 players compete as a high school freshman.  But only 150,000 reach varsity baseball and just 50,000 play college baseball.

2. You are lucky to be at RCBC.  We play an excellent schedule in fine tournaments where plenty or recruiters show up.  An RCBC player can never say he hasn’t been seen.

3. The RCBC staff of coaches (led by Nick DeFendis) have a carload of experience and extensive contacts.  The RCBC credibility is good since the players are prepared well for college ball and succeed at a high rate when they’re recruited.  The recruiters come back for more and listen to what we have to say about a player.

4. But remember, college baseball, along with all college sports, has become a billion dollar business.  College recruiters are doing a job.  They don’t recruit, and certainly don’t offer a scholarship, unless the player is good.  Yes they will listen to us about a player, but that player better show what he can do.

5. When you go to a tournament, it is vital that you do something that attracts a recruiter’s attention.  Four games may be taking place at once, and if you don’t catch an “eye,” then you’ll be just one of 80 players scampering around.  Luckily, recruiters do flock to RCBC games more often than most other organizations.

6. A player MUST MUST MUST keep improving.  Your Little League career may have been fabulous, but it has almost no affect on a recruiter.  Recruiters and scouts are always wary of players who might be “peaking out.”  This happens in all sports and can occur at any time.  Just check Yankees and Mets and Giants and Jets and Knicks’ first round picks yearly.  Plenty of busts.  Going from one level to another requires a boost in talent.

7. A “peak out” can occur because of a number of factors.  It can be size, it can be injury, it can be not working hard, it can be a player for which it came easy for them at an earlier level, not stepping it up when others start catching up to them.

8. RCBC practices are complete and intensive to keep a player sharp and improving.

9. VERY VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT.  A parent and his or her son MUST be realistic as to which level they can play college baseball.  In college, you have Division 1, Divison 2, Divison 3, Junior College (mostly because of grades) NAIA.  And, each level has different levels.  For example, in Division 1, teams in the ACC or SEC or Pac-12 are a different level than the MAAC, Northeast or Ivy League conferences.  Even D-3, the N-JAC is superior to other D-3 conferences.

10. Don’t look for a level simply to brag that your son is at a higher level than others.  Keep in mind that if a player doesn’t belong at a certain level, either he will not be getting any offers, or may sit on the bench in college, something he probably never has had to do.

Anyway, enough for now.  Email me at mikelope19@aol.com with any questions.  More will be coming next month including writing effective letters or emails to college coaches.

Many times my players hear me shout out my daily chant “This is what America is all about—Blue Skies, Green Grass, BASEBALL, under the Sunshine of God!!!

It usually draws a laugh and a snide comment by everyone.  Well...after the weather we have had...I think coaches and players would give plenty to see blue skies, green grass and sunshine.  LOL

It’s time for RCBC players to get serious.  Freshmen should be looking to further develop this summer and make the major leap into becoming recruitable.  It’s a very important summer to get your skills in full gear.  Freshmen should also be taking grades very seriously.  Hopefully you got off to a solid academic start in high school.  More later on this.

Sophomores will start getting looked at.  The team that Frappe, myself and Sal Trancucci coached last summer had college recruiters showing up more frequently as the summer progressed.  Seton Hall, Fordham, Stony Brook took serious notes on our players and Rick DeVito verbally agreed with Seton Hall.  Sophomores should start writing letters to colleges. (See my article on writing letters.)

This summer is Showtime for the juniors.  You are officially on the Broadway stage.  You can get offers that will shape your baseball and educational future.  EVERY GAME COUNTS.  You never know who is watching.  College recruiters have plenty of spies.  It can be an opposing coach, an umpire, even a fan who is trusted by the coach.  Any one of them can tip off a recruiter about a talented player he spots.  If you are planning NOT to give your best, NOT to hustle; if you’re planning to argue with your coach or your teammates or the other team; if you plan to embarrass RCBC in any way, well then (excuse my French), STAY THE HELL HOME!!!!  YOU WILL HURT YOURSELF, YOUR TEAM AND RCBC.  If you do well, it can be one of the happiest and biggest moments of your life….getting the chance to play college baseball!!!!

Unfortunately, college baseball scholarships fall far below what is given in football and basketball.  Plus a college baseball roster has 30 players. Therefore, almost all players will need academic help to pay what is becoming a hefty college bill.  DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOUR JUNIOR YEAR TO START BECOMING A STUDENT.  Start well in high school.  Grades and a solid SAT score equals $$$$$.  College recruiters look carefully at academics.  It can help a college pay for a player.  It also sends a message to a recruiter as to whether a player will do well or flunk out when he reaches college.

Parents….stay on top of your son academically.  Make sure he is doing his homework and studying for tests.  Be sure he gets help for the SAT.  The last thing I think a parent should ever think is….my son will get a full baseball scholarship.  You will need to be packaged.  Please read what I have written about getting recruited.  I coached at a Division I college and know about getting recruited.

Call me or email me with any questions about recruiting.  And soon we will have Blue Skies, Green Grass, and BASEBALL, under the Sunshine of God!!!!  Stay warm.

In my November Newsletter, I spoke about an article in Forbes Magazine which spoke about ways a boss can best communicate with their employees.  Many of the suggestions could apply to a baseball manager and his players.  Then Richmond County had a coaches clinic that gave suggestions on how to improve even further.  Jumping on that bandwagon, I figured I would stay on this topic and look for other articles that spoke about coaching.

Almost all the info you see on coaching offers one bit of similar advice: COMMUNICATE.  The coach and his players should always be on the same page.  Surely you know that it’s not easy to do….especially when you deal with so many players and their different personalities….different goals….different parents and their goals.  Anyway, here are some ideas I’ve collected from various sources.

1. Understand that coaching young people 18 years and younger is Teaching.  Many coaches have teaching as a profession and are skilled in teaching information to players.  If you’re not a teacher in school, then know the game so well that you can explain the skills to players.  Developing people skills will help a coach get through to a player on the game.  One article suggests that coaches should think back about teachers or coaches that were their favorites and who might have a big impact on you.  Then figure out why you enjoyed having them as a teacher or coach.  You may want to use the good traits yourself when coaching.

2. Know the level you should coach at.  We all have a level that is best for us.  There are coaches that do best when they coach the younger ages (8-12).  Others do real well at the teenage level.  Others may be very successful at college or even the pro level.  At the school level, some coaches are best at the freshman or junior varsity division, while others do better with varsity players.  Remember the so-called “Peter Principle.”  You don’t want to reach your level of incompetence.  As Shakespeare said “To thine own self be true.”  Be honest on where you will be best at.  Some coaches may be better assistants rather than head coach material.

3. Attend clinics.  Always listen to what more successful experienced coaches have to say.  Coaches are teachers, but they should also be students.  You may be a genius at baseball, but always listen to what other experienced coaches have to say.  Even if you pick up one idea, it will help you.  Never think you have every answer.  Attend clinics when you can.  Listen to what college or pro coaches have to say….you may get some new ideas.

4. Get a carton of Alka Seltzer.  That is my suggestion.  You’ll need something to survive those “white knuckler” games and the various aggravations that are attached to coaching.  But being tortured has its merits.  LOL

Anyway....the 2015 season is about to get rolling.  Good luck!  

A couple of years ago, I started to write a story about coaching leadership.  I had found it in Forbes Magazine, a high level business publication that plenty of executives read.  However, I got side-tracked, misplaced the article, and generally made a mess of the whole thing.  I subsequently located the article and would like to write about it.  I figured if a corporate executive can improve his or her leadership skills, then why not baseball coaches.

The first of the two parts discuss how successful leaders communicate well with their employees.  In our case, how coaches can better get through to their players.  (I substitute the word coach or player instead of boss and employee and use baseball examples).

1. MAKE PLAYERS FEEL COMFORTABLE TO SPEAK UP: 
Many times, head coaches intimidate players especially in one-on-one meetings.  Successful coaches don’t act powerful but encourage the player for their opinions on the situation they’re meeting about.  Good coaches are approachable and make players feel comfortable.

2. MAKE DECISIONS: 
The article says a good leader makes decisions whether its through consensus or by themselves.  Good coaches makes things happen and keep the team progressing.  They know how to explain their decisions so it gets support by others.

3. COMMUNICATE EXPECTATIONS:
Good coaches know how to get through to their players.  This is especially true when it comes to telling players what your expectations are….what you expect from them.  Players should have total knowledge of what the coach expects from them.  Good coaches also know what they can expect from players.  You want to challenge your players, but if the goal is unrealistic, it can be counter productive.

4. BE ACCOUNTABLE TO OTHERS: 
Coaches should meet the expectations of their colleagues.  Its important that a coach doesn’t worry only about himself, but meets the expectations of the people around him.  Practice what you preach.  Don’t tell players to be prompt… and you’re always late.  Don’t tell players to show poise...and then you lose it.  Trust your coaches.  Picking capable people is an important part of coaching.  Use your assistants.  Get their input.  Enjoy coaching.  Don’t act like you don’t want to be there.

5. MEASURE AND REWARD PERFORMANCE: 
Don’t take your good players for granted.  If a player is doing what you asked and even going beyond your expectation, let him know he’s doing well.  Just remind him not to let down.  But its important for positive feedback from a coach.  If a player is falling below expectations, evaluate why.  It could be you demanded too much and you have to decide if he’s capable of eventually reaching your goals for him or perhaps you need to lower what you wanted.

6. PAY ATTENTION TO EVERYONE: 
Coaches know who their stars are, but its important all players get attention and feedback.  Jealousies erupt when the lesser players feel the coach only cares about the stars.  Those lesser players will secretly be happy when the team loses and the star does poorly in a big game.   Your players have to know you care about them and their progress in baseball.

7. KNOW HOW TO USE YOUR TALENT: 
When I worked for 1010 WINS and went to spring training, a number of managers would say that the exhibition games were needed to see who can do what.  Which pitchers are best in certain situations...who is your best pinch hitter...who should hit cleanup, leadoff, etc.  In the article by Forbes that I’m using, it says companies need to know the best role for employees.  Same in baseball.

8. DON’T KNOW IT ALL: 
Good coaches listen to what others say.  No person has all the answers.  That’s why good coaches should go to Mohegan Sun, Cherry Hill, even the National Convention.  These clinics deal with all coaching topics, from practice to game situations to handling players, etc.  Top coaches, pro, high school or college, give information lectures.  Good leaders in business go to seminars to improve themselves.

9. IMMEDIACY RATHER THAN DELAY: 
Naturally you want to think through decisions and not be hasty.  But there’s an old saying “Nip it in the bud.”  You don’t want problems or important decisions to linger.  Know what decisions are needed quick and get to work in deciding what to do.  Remember to get input from assistants.

10. BE POSITIVE: 
As often as you can, stay positive.  Have positive energy.  Let your players know if they have talent, that his slump will end, the losing streak will end, and things will be fine.  If the players are limited in talent, look for ways not to discourage them.  You want to prevent a mediocre team from quitting on you.  All coaches get angry...try to use yelling as a last option.

11. TEACH TEACH TEACH TEACH:  Richmond County Baseball Coaches excel at this!

Ten years of RCBC history are now in the books.  It seems like yesterday that Nick DeFendis was knee deep in mud, and searching for all the dirt he could find, as he was building the main field.  It was beautifully built and sandlot, high school and college teams have all played on Field 1.  Now Fields 2 and 4, which were built for the softball leagues, both have brand new infields, outfield fences and renovated dugouts.  Field 3 to follow this winter.

The most important parts of Richmond County's growth would follow.  Excellent players, many who would go on to play college baseball and some competing in the minor leagues, and outstanding coaches who have been a success in the college, high school and sandlot leagues.  The coaches not only win plenty of games and tournaments, but are outstanding teachers who specialize in developing players.  Many RCBC players are well prepared when they enter high school ball, and the older players are polished where they shine on their respective varsity squads.

RCBC Co-Executive Directors DeFendis and his partner George Quinn, who can build a museum with all the tournament championship trophies he's collected, like to have slogans on their players' shirts.  Chairman Mao would have been proud.  However the slogans tell everyone what Richmond County Baseball is all about:
***Prepare Relentlessly***
***We Play The Game, We Teach The Game***
***Commitment--Attitude--Dedication
***Bleeding Blue***
***We Don't Make Excuses, We Make Adjustments***
***Hustle Beats Talent Every Time***
In a way those slogans represent the Constitution of Richmond County Baseball.

The 16, 17 and 18 year old teams had outstanding summer seasons at RCBC.  John Giakas and Frank DelGeorge kept the 18 year olds motivated in the hot weather.  Not an easy task considering the players are committed to college and might have preferred celebrating their achievements at the Jersey Shore or on a cruise.  Coach DeFendis' 17 year olds went south of the Mississippi River to lose only one game in Tennessee and Georgia.  Third baseman Anthony Scotti, catcher Chris Villa and pitcher Matt Ponsiglione all agreed to go to Seton Hall University, one of the best Division I programs in the East.  Anthony Rupp will take his 88 mph fastball to LIU.  Shortstop Anthony Prato is leaning towards the University of Connecticut.  The 16 year olds, coached by Anthony "Frappie" Ferrante, Sal Trancucci and yours truly posted a 33-13 record.  By the Toms River tournament, colleges were hugely interested in shortstop Danny DiGeorgio, centerfielder Lou Mandile and pitcher Ricky DeVito.

Finally, the annual Johnny Ray Memorial Tournament attracted 15 teams.  Xaverian beat Salesian in the final.  Umpires gave a lot of themselves.  St Joe By The Sea coach Gordon Rugg once again supplied the food.  Coach DeFendis held the ceremony with Johnny Ray's parents on hand.

One decade at RCBC is over.  But with the outstanding young talent ready to come of age, the next 10 years look great!

Year two of the Richmond County Baseball College Showcase is over.  And, as Mets announcer Howie Rose says when the team wins "You can put it in the books!"  Once again, the Showcase accomplished its main purpose - have some top-flight college coaches look at the players who came to the event.  Players saw how a college practice is done with efficient organization and impeccable teaching skills.  RCBC Executive Director Nick DeFendis is the person who thought up the idea.  "Not only do the players get to show their skills to a college coach in the hope of getting recruited," say DeFendis, "but the player is also given valuable instruction in all areas of the game."

I won't name all two dozen coaches in attendance except to say they represent the top schools in the metropolitan area.  I will name one coach in attendance...Phil Cundari of Seton Hall.  The reason is that he already has two RCBC players verbally committed to the Big East power.  Earlier this summer, Anthony Scotti of Xaverian and Chris Villa of St Joseph By The Sea, both stars on DeFendis' 17U squad, agreed to take the scholarship offer from Seton Hall.  That continues the great relationship the Pirates have with Richmond County.  Just last year, former RCBC outfielder Zach Granite was drafted by the Minnesota Twins after completing his junior season with Seton Hall.

Plenty of the players that attended the Showcase were looked at by the colleges present.  The coaches were, once again, impressed at how well the RCBC players have been coached.  It is worth it for an RCBC player to attend the annual event.  Why???  Because the RCBC coaches are in attendance to talk with the colleges.  DeFendis and Tim McLoughlin were representing the 17U squad, while the 16U coaches Anthony "Frap" Ferrante, Mike Lopiparo and Sal Trancucci were also on hand.  By having the coaches present, they can fully tell the colleges everything they want to know about the players.  They can also recommend players who they feel certain colleges would like.  Not every player fits every college.  Also, even the players outside RCBC, and there was an increase in that department, got help from the RCBC coaches who alerted colleges to players they would be interested in.  Every player received individual attention.

Players are urged to contact colleges who seemed interested.  In an earlier article, I wrote on knowing the level you can play at in college, but more importantly, showing how to write a letter to a coach.  Get to work!!!  Don't be lazy!!!  This is your future we are talking about!!!

The Staten Island Advance recently wrote about Scotti and Villa committing to Seton Hall.  They also have done a story on RCBC pitching coach Tim McLoughlin, and the heart warming story of how he has overcome the problems he had because of chewing tobacco.

RCBC attracted huge attention by college recruiters this summer.  If you weren't sure which field an RCBC team was playing on, especially at Diamond Nation, just check to see where the crowd of scouts and recruiters were gathered.  Of course it helped to have Scotti and Villa, and especially Anthony Prato of Poly Prep, who is one of the most sought after players in America!

People have asked me about the attention Derek Jeter is getting in his farewell season.  In an era where athletes are in jail for murder, are suspended for drugs, are lousy teammates, overpaid for not winning and failing to hustle, Jeter stood out like a full moon.

A few years back, Met fans were trying to say Jose Reyes was better than Jeter.  They boasted how Reyes was more talented, etc., etc.  It didn't take long for Jeter to expose it for the dirty lie it was.  While Jeter was helping the Yankees to te 2009 championship, Reyes was as "unclutch" as ever and bolted out of town.  Jeter represents what coaches want from their athletes.  His performance is better than his talent.  Jeter is a good teammate....doesn't brag....does his job and most of all, wins.  Mike Trout could be the heir apparent to Jeter.

Congrats to the 17U team for its performance down South.  The team lost just one game in its swing through Tennessee and Georgia.  While other organizations had their usual winless trip, RCBC shone.

Congrats also to the 18U team for winning four of six games in the tough Troy Tournament.  Coach Giakas' squad got to the Winners Bracket.

Attention Juniors....Make sure you sign up for the Clearinghouse.  Go to www.NCAA.org.  Most RCBC players will be fine, but to play Division I or II you must apply.

Maybe its me, but it seems like the 25 and under age group likes the NBA over MLB.  It seems like less youngsters are playing baseball.  Am I right?  The question is why?  The good news is that Staten Island still has a heavy interest in the National Pastime.

The MLB Network recently had a special on the lack of hitting in baseball in recent years.  It was hosted by Bob Costas.  The panel came up with some suggestions on the dwindling offensive numbers: no more steroids, increase in pitchers who throw 90 mph, especially relievers, the cutter, shifts on players, increase in players who strikeout, and players who only want to hit homers and overswing.  Maybe they should ban Clayton Kershaw.

Don't forget the annual Johnny Ray Memorial High School Tournament takes place the weekend of October 3rd.

In my last two articles, I once again wrote about playing at a college that you can be a starter.  In this article, we will look at what you should put in a college letter.

First of all...be selective as to where you write.  Pick out the schools that you realistically think you will have a chance to be a starter.  One reason you don't write to every college is because you may not get an honest response.  Yes, the college will answer.  But the letter will also invite you to attend (and pay for) a session at their camp.  College camps have become the new fundraiser.  These camps can be good for the high school player IF he has the ability to play at that college and he has a real interest in going to that school.  But if Florida State or Georgia Tech or LSU or any of the higher D-1 schools invite you to their camp, its probably to get money out of you rather than any REAL interest in you.  I will say it again...and parents can get upset with me if they choose...most NYC high school players are lower D-1, D-2 or D-3.  Sometimes a player might have to go to a junior college.  Of course, there are exceptions (Rob Dadona is heading to Seton Hall).  But a larger number of our players are heading to fine Division-2 schools.

Anyway, email as become the way to contact a head coach or recruiting coach.  DO NOT write a term paper to a college coach.  DO NOT tell him every little league award you got.  Start with a positive paragraph.  State your name, the grade you are in or are entering, the high school you attend and the primary position you play.  Then mention you have heard positive things about the baseball program, the coach (if its not a brand new coach) and the fine academics at the school.  Then say you are interested in being part of the program and that you are talented enough to be a recruit.  You can mention in one sentence skills that will attract his attention (e.g., 94 mph fastball, great speed, excellent power, superior academics).

At this point, you will use outline format or attach a powerpoint to simply put your vital facts:
- Name
- Address
- Cell phone (yours and your parents)
- Email address
- Grade
- Date of birth
- Primary position
- Secondary position
- Height and weight
- Throws and bats (right or left)
- Parents' names
- Grade point average
- SAT and/or ACT scores
- Academic honors and awards
- Strongest baseball skills
- High School
- High School coach's name and cell phone
- Sandlot organization
- Sandlot coach's name and cell phone
- Showcase ratings
- MVP or other high school awards
- Colleges that have contacted you
- Other sports you play (shows athletic ability)

Then return to paragraph form.  You can restate your strong points.  You can mention anything that might indicate you can receive financial aid.  Then mention that you look forward to hearing from the coach and repeat your interest in the program.  You can start writing to schools the summer before your junior year.  Do your research on schools, the roster, the program, etc.

You can call me at 917-517-6893 or email me at mikelope19@aol.com to ask me any questions about colleges or the letter.  I will be honest if I feel a college isnt't a good baseball spot for you.

In last month's article, I once again spoke about the importance of student-athletes choosing the right level of college baseball.  If you play too far above your heads, you will sit the bench and become the 33rd player on a 25 man traveling squad.

Suddenly, that beautiful high-level uniform doesn't look that snappy anymore.  You'll hate going to practice and games.  Your baseball self esteem will drop.  There is always some D-1 talent in the area of course, but the majority of high school players will play baseball at lower level D-1, with the bulk of high schoolers taking the field at Division-2, Division-3 and sometimes Junior College.  Let's look at each level.

Division-3 - The level of Division-3 baseball continues to get better.  You get the combination of getting a quality education with playing a solid brand of baseball.  Former Richmond County star Kevin Heller (Poly Prep) attended Amherst, a top D-3 school.  He is now playing outfield for a top Boston Red Sox farm team.  In Staten Island, CSI is a fine program with many former high school stars, at a great tuition price.  In Brooklyn, St. Joseph's has built an excellent program.  Plus, its an excellent academic institution.  Another RCBC alumni, Joe Santigate, is playing baseball at D-3 powerhouse Wheaton.  Go to the NCAA website and check the Division-3 standings.  I know Division-3 doesn't give athletic scholarships, BUT, if you have a good average in school as well as good SAT scores, which many Richmond County players do, then these schools will package you nicely.  Also, many D-3 schools have fine looking baseball facilities.  Check out the New Jersey Athletic Conference such as Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair or Ramapo.

Division-2 - Richmond County has always sent many of its players to Division-2 schools.  Angelo Navetta will be attending Molloy College, a place where former RCBC star TJ Greig captured the Conference Player of the Year award.  Nick Goncha is currently starring there after playing at RCBC.  Paul Piccolino will be hitting and pitching for Pace University.  Steve Withers will play his baseball at Adelphi while Nick Puccarelli will be making his great catches for St. Thomas Aquinas.  The Division-2 conferences in this area have become excellent college baseball places.  The CAC, East Coast, Northeast 10 and PSAC all have had local talent from NYC.  Division-2 schools can offer athletic money and scholarship packages.  RCBC has an excellent relationship with the D-2 schools in the tri-state area and why not....pitcher Dylen McNamara, an Adelphi star who played for RCBC, got drafted in 2012!

Division-1 - Of course Richmond County has had its top level D-1 players.  In fact, Rob Dadona will take his all-city skills to the Seton Hall program that has had RCBC talent like Frank Esposito and Zach Granite.  Tyler Sciacca, Ed Medina, Jimmy Brennan, among others, have played the high level D-1.  RCBC has sent players to Wagner such as Nick DiLeo, Anthony Battaglia, Nick Pavia and Alex Amadeo.  John Giakas is currently at FDU.  Just be carefull with D-1.  Make sure the college comes after YOU.  The Northeast Conference, MAAC and the Ivy League are some of the places, a bit below the Big East, that players in this area can be comfortable playing at.

Junior College - Anthony Giakas will attend Rockland Community College in the fall.  Brookdale and Gloucester have also taken RCBC players.  DO NOT be so quick to dismiss junior colleges.  If a player doesn't get to the college he wants or thought he deserved, or if a player has marginal grades, he can attend a junior college to see if his play and/or his grades improve.  A number of junior colleges have a fine core curriculum if a student applies himself.  Rockland CC is excellent.

We could go on forever.  Feel free to email me at mikelope19@aol.com with questions.  I will be at RCBC all summer roving around.  Come to me with any questions.

For the full list of RCBC players who have gone on to play college baseball, scroll  to the bottom of the Home Page of the RCBC website.

This article ISN'T just for the players entering their junior or senior years of high school baseball.  It is for the players who are beginning their sophomore and freshman seasons as well.  It is for all parents and for sandlot and high school coaches who are merely trying to win the allegiance of a player or parent, or simply because they don't know the system.  I have written this article over and over again, similar to Seinfeld repeats.  But there is always a new audience to read this.  This will also be a two part article.

GO WHERE YOU ARE WANTED!!!!!!  I am not here to destroy a parent's dream of watching their son take the field for the University of Texas, or better yet, for the San Francisco Giants.  I know some players in this area get drafted and even reach the "Show."  I realize that some players can get to a higher level Division I school.  But I was a recruiter for a lower lever D-I school and can tell you point blank most players (I didn't say all) in the New York area are NOT going to get drafted.  Most players (I didn't say all) in the New York area are NOT going to high level D-I colleges.  The majority of high school players in the five boroughs will play their college baseball at a lower level D-I school (Iona for example) or a Division II program (Adelphi or Molloy perhaps) or to a D-III school which are extremely underrated like a Kean or a Ramapo.

If I have already offended anyone, I apologize.  But please cross off your college baseball list that has North or South Carolina on it...or Oregon State or UCLA and Texas...or even Miami.  If you take a look at a roster of a top 25 college baseball program, you will hardly find a New York City player amongst them.  Partly because of the weather and partly because of the facilities (not many Richmond County complexes around).  But that doesn't mean your son won't play college baseball.  There are plenty of baseball programs to choose from.  Plenty of schools with nice fields, good coaching and most of all, a solid education.  Since most of the players are not going to the majors, education and career shoud be front and center when choosing a college.

Being realistic is important.  A parent has to be truthful on where their son belongs on the next level.  A parent can't be concerned with bragging rights over other parents.  An organization can't be concerned about sending a player to a place ehy don't belong just to brag they have a player there.  The same with high schools.  IF you send a player too far over his head, what will happen is the young man will quit baseball.  After all, he's played since he was eight years old, so what if he quits.  But you don't want your son leaving this great sport with a bad taste in his mouth.  You want your son leaving baseball after a good college career, equipped with memories along with a diploma that shapes his future.

This is Part One.  I hope no one is offended because I said your son is not Ken Griffey (either one) or Justin Verlander.  You can email me at mikelope19@aol.com with your thoughts.  Part Two will talk about specifics on picking a school.

If I had to compare the coach-parent relationship, its a lot like a President dealing with the media.  Coaches aren't thrilled having to deal with parents, but it has to be done.  Conversely, parents are constantly commenting about their son's or daughter's coaches.  Presidents Obama, two different George Bushs, Clinton, Reagan, Carter, Ford, Nixon, etc. etc. etc, have had their duels with the media.  So have coaches and parents!!!  Both sometimes walk away muttering unprintable comments.  LOL.

I came across this article in a coaching magazine offering the seemingly one-millionth attempt to bridge the gap between the two sides.  Eight tips are suggested for coaches to improve their dealings with parents:

1. HAVE A PARENT-COACH COMMUNICATION PLAN IN PLACE - Have a plan to deal with the most common coach-parent issues.  These include schedule, playing time, injuries, the team's won-loss record, strategy (better known as second guessing), fan behavior, parent complaints about coaches who yell.  Decide ahead of time what your position is on many of these issues.  Have guidelines for parents and players (Code of Conduct).

2. COMMUNICATE THIS PLAN WITH YOUR PARENTS -  Hold a parents meeting to tell them your plan once its in place.  Do it verbally and in writing so there is no miscommunication.

3. BUILD A SOLID LEVEL OF TRUST - The best way to do this is to have parents know that the coach has their son's or daughter's best interests at heart.  Be fair with playing time.  Avoid favorites.  Avoid politics.  Work hard at improving and developing a player.  All this helps build trust.

4. PARENTS SHOULD KNOW THAT THEY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO A TEAM'S SUCCESS - The use of social media can always let parents know what is happening.  Coaches should ask parents to watch their son's discipline and academics off the field.  If parents can help with a trip or getting you equipment or a playing field, working the concession stand, fundraising or arranging a team dinner, let them know you appreciate it and thank them for helping.

5. BE CLEAR AND CONCISE IN PARENT MEETINGS - Know what you're going to say in a meeting.  Keep it polite, but don't make the meeting too long.  The more said can lead to a better chance of a conflict.  Also keep a record of parent meetings so there is no misinterpretation.

6. BE APPROACHABLE IN A WAY THAT GETS RESPECT - You don't want to be the parents best friend, but be willing to discuss a player with their parents.

7. HAVE A SOLUTION-BASED APPROACH WHEN DEALING WITH AN ISSUE - Rather than linger with a problem and what caused it...quickly look for a solution.  Whether it be with a parental complaint or a team issue, look to solve it quickly so it doesn't interfere with your session.

8. AGREE TO DISAGREE - Coaches and parents will have disagreements that lead to stubborness.  The coaches will not change their position and the parents will also stand firm.  Sometimes its best to avoid an argument or an all-season feud by just agreeing to disagree.  As long as the parent doesn't disrespect the coach and visa-versa, this might sometimes be the best solution.

Let's face it.  There have been more coach-parent peace treaty proposals than in the Middle East!!!  Just try to make an effort to avoid conflict where the player is caught in the middle and can't.

I know-I know, I'm a month and a half late.  However, to me, the official baseball opening is after the Super Bowl.  It's certainly a Happy New Year for the Richmond County Baseball organization!  This is the 10th anniversary for the best sandlot organization in New York and among the elite programs across the Eastern seaboard.  RCBC Executive Director Nick DeFendis has come a long way from being knee-deep in mud as he built the main field at the complex while still looking for more dirt to be delivered.  Now RCBC has 5 fields of which 4 look brand new with the constant improvements being done to them, especially last year when fields 2 and 4 were grassed.  The complex has added new batting cages, a shaded place to relax and eat lunch and a memorial plaque in memory of Johnny Ray.  The RCBC complex has become the place to be on Staten Island - CHSAA playoff games have been held there as have the ACBL championship.

Coach DeFendis started with just one team...he called them the "Dirty Dozen."  It was more like the Talented Dozen.  That team helped set the pace for what RCBC would be all about.  They were talented, they won, and most of all, they got recruited.  Catcher Frank Esposito, who coaches now at RCBC and gives lessons at 5 Tool, got recruited by Seton Hall and helped them to a Big East title.  Shortstop Rich Cuyleo would to to Marist and came closed to being drafted.  Joe Conforti would move on to Wagner College to play centerfield while righthander AJ Pirozzi would also pitch for the NEC team.  Tom Visciano would sign with Seton Hall while TJ Greig would be a conference Player of the Year at Molloy College.  There was more.

What makes RCBC special is its consistency.  Nothing fancy, just hard work by its players who are first class in their ability to absorb the teachings of a top-rated coaching staff.  RCBC gets talented players no doubt, but the first rate coaches are able to polish and develop players to where they will be recruited and excel at the next level.  RCBC players play star quality baseball with star studded behavior.  Our organization is welcomed with "open arms" to tournaments because a) the tourney directors know recruiters crave over RCBC players and b) a Richmond County player is a class act.  An RCBC player hustles to his position...behaves with the umps...and plays team ball.  Last year at a tournament final at RCBC, a visiting team walked off the field over an umpire's call.  Their players and mostly their coaches carried on and on.  Anyone seeing that display should be thankful their son plays at RCBC where that would never happen.

Richmond County celebrates its 10th anniversary on a high note.  Well over 100 players have advanced to the college level and some have been drafted by MLB.  Every aspect of RCBC has grown positively over the decade.  The players from our past have established a tradition that helps the current RCBC players.  The reputation they earned has brought scouts and recruiters to watch our players.  Let's hope today's Richmond County stars make it better for the RCBC talent in the next decade!

Trust me.  I'm not a coach with sure-fire solutions on how to totally deal with parents.  I'm far from being a "know-it-all" on that quicksand area.  I had my share of sour comments directed at me by parents on my 2012 team!  Coach-parent relations can be as volatile as the U.S. troubles with Iran (lol).  But it's a subject that all of us rational and hopefully level-heased coaches have to deal with on an annual basis!  After all, coaches want a peaceful summer and parents want what's best for their sons or daughters.

Since I do coach.  Since I discuss (as do all coaches) this topic with my peers.  Since I try to read up on this issue and since I've spoken to parents (not always in friendly tones) about the trials and tribulations on coach relations with mom and dad.  I have drawn up some conclusions from my readings and my discussions and my realities.  Nothing here are new theories, but it's what I hear and read most often.

1. TRUST  -  The word I read and hear the most.  Parents want to fell they can trust the coach.  It's important for a coach to let parents know when their son comes to a team what the immediate thoughts are about a player's ability and what is the best the coach expects from the player.  In numerous articles, coaches are urged to let a player know if their expectations of the player are lowered and what he needs to do to get back in good standing.  This lets the player explain to his parents what the latest situation is.

2. PLAN A COMMUNICATION STRATEGY  -  Coaches are urged to have a list of the most common issues that can occur with parents.  And...the coaches are urged to have ways to deal with the issues.  Bascially how to explain your philosophies.  The most common coach-parent issues brought up are: scheduling, playing time and their son's role, injuries, wins and loses (every parent wants a team equivalent to the 1998 Yankees!), your style of play, parental second-guessing on strategy, parents who trash coaches and sometimes other players to other parents, and fan behavior in general.  There are many more issues.  Coaches are urged to have ready answers and have guidelines to deal with problems.

3. 24 HOUR RULE  -  At Richmond County, one rule we have is the 24 Hour Rule for parents and coaches.  This allows both sides to take time out to rethink the dispute that one or the other has.  The 24 Hour Rule leads to level heads in many cases.  Coaches and parents don't want to blurt out comments they might regret saying in the long run.

If you have any comments, please email me at mikelope19@aol.com.

Rob Dadona becomes the latest Richmond County player to join the shuttle that exists between our organization and Seton Hall.  The superstar shortstop has given a verbal agreement to sign with the Pirates who have one of the great college baseball traditions in America.

Coach Nick DeFendis says Dadona and Seton Hall will be an excellent fit: "Dadona attracted the attention of Seton Hall right from the beginning.  They liked the athleticism at shortstop, his speed on the bases and his consistent hitting."  DeFendis says the interest was mutual "Rob knew that previous RCBC players went to Seton Hall and became top players."

Dadona will be following in the footsteps of Zach Granite.  Both starred at Richmond County and like Granite, Dadona stars at Tottenville.  And this past June, Granite got drafted our of Seton Hall and is now playing for the Minnesota Twins farm system.  Just a couple of years ago, another RCBC player starred with the Pirates.  Catcher Frank Esposito, who now works with the RCBC players, was the catcher on the Seton Hall team that captured the prestigious Big East baseball championship.  Esposito teamed with Granite on that title squad.

Winning a conference championship and getting drafted is certainly within reach for the star infielder.  Rob certainly personifies the word student-athlete.  Besides being one of the top players in the city, Dadona is one of the best students in the five boroughs.  His grade average for three years in the honors program at Tottenville is just a shade under 100.  However Rob swears he doesn't get punished if he brings home a test grade under 98.  LOL.  The shortshop also has close to 1800 on his SAT.  Plain and simple, Seton Hall is getting the full package.

Naturally, Dadona is very excited about his commitment to Seton Hall and says playing at Richmond County made a big difference.  "The Richmond County coaching staff instilled in me the values of hard work and sacrifice" say Dadona.  "Its all paid off because I'm living my dream of playing Big East baseball at Seton Hall."

The expansion of the Richmond County organization continues.  The latest on the RCBC growth scale is the first ever college showcase at the complex on August 20-21.  It was a complete success ranging from how it was put together, to the player participation, to the college coach attendance to the workouts themselves.

The showcase was the brainchild of RCBC Executive Director Nick DeFendis who said "We always want to give players a chance to show off their skills.  Our teams go to other showcases and tournaments, so we figured now was the time we hosted an event."  The difference was that the workouts were open to players other than those who play on RCBC teams.  More than 50 players showed up along with over 20 college coaches, including Big East representatives from Seton Hall and St Johns.  College World Series participant Stony Brook was there as well as other coaches from Division I, II and III schools. 

Organining the showcase were Anthony Ferrante and Peter Guinta.  Ferrante, who is a coach on the 18U Nationals, said "We did a lot of mailing to player and coaches over the past few months.  But in the end, it all paid off since the showcase went off like clockwork."  Guinta said he couldn't be happier.  "The weather cooperated, the players came, the college coaches came and the fields were immaculate.  We couldn't have scripted it any better."  Mario Rapaglia of Barrios supplied the coaches with an elegant lunch in the air conditioned press box.

One difference about the RCBC showcase was that the college coache not only observed and evaluated the players, but they RAN the workouts in uniform.  The best coaches in this area were hitting grounders and fly balls, pitching batting practice, running the bullpens and timing the participants in the 60 yard run.  The showcase had a large dose of professionalism.  "We figured the players would really get a look at how a workout will be on the college level." said DeFendis.

On the first day, the players were tested on their skills and then on the second day, two 7 inning games were played.  The players were evaluated and a large number attracted interest from the college coaches.  "If players end up getting their college choice from this showcase," said DeFendis, "then this was a worthwhile event."

In all sports, winning close victories is vital.  I feel in baseball, its even more important because you play more games and therefore there will be more tight contests.  You can call it close games or nail-biters or whatever.  I like to call these games "The White Knuckler."

I have some thoughts on what qualifies as a "White Knuckler."  In some ways it's a glorified close game but I feel more goes into the white knuckler game.

First of all, it muse be a game against a quality team, usually in a playoff situation or a contest that might mean first place, or advancing in a tournament or playoff.  Winning a close game against a lousy team isn't a white knuckler; it may just mean you played terrible.

Second, I consider it a white knuckler contest when there's a two run or less difference in the score as the game heads into the 6th inning of a high school or sandlot 7 inning contest.  In the major leagues or college, the white knuckler innings are the 7th inning on of a 9 inning game.  Extra innings are a continuation of the white knuckler game.

Championship teams play well in the white knuckler innings.  When you face a tough opponent, chances are the contest will be close, not a one-sided affair.  Even the Yankees in their four championships in five years needed white knucker wins.  An example is the 2000 Subway Series when the Yankees used the white knuckler to win the first and fifth games of the Fall Classic against the Mets.  That was half of the four wins needed for the title.

For your age groups, as I just said, the white knuckler is a close game heading in the 6th inning against a good team.  But the coach and players must succeed at certain skills to pull out the white knuckler.  You must show poise and be clutch as a team to pull these games out.  Plenty can happen in those last innings.  You may have to rally from two runs down.  But when you get the lead, you hold it.  After all, the opposing team has talent.  You may be winning by two runs in the late innings.  If you blow the lead, does your team have the poise to rally back and regain the advantage and win the game?

A team that wins white knuckler games will make the "impact" plays in the field.  They will hit with men on base.  The clutch team in the late innings will get out of jams.  Teams that win white knucklers win that extra inning game when they are the visiting team.  Two "NO-NOs" are walks and errors.  When you give quality teams free base runners in those clutch situations you are asking for trouble.  Also, these qualities are needed in games decided by the "California Rules" when the time limit has expired and you're in a sudden death type situation.

If you thnk back to many of your big wins or losses, you will realize the amount of close games you had in big games.  Many times it isn't luck when teams pull out the white knuckler games on a regular basis.  It is the teams whose players have the poise, focus and ability to perform in the clutch.  They take advantage of the breaks that might occur.  It's the coach that knows which moves to make that will achieve the close victory.  No matter......

Championship teams learn how to win those White Knuckler games!

It is imporant that you communicate with the colleges you are interested in.  Writing a letter or an email are the ways to do this.

You don't want a life story in the letter or email.  They don't need to hear about your t-ball career or your MVP as a ten-year old little leaguer.  The coaches want to know your current situation in high school.  Here is the INFORMATION that belongs in your letter:

1. In the opening paragraph, state your NAME, the GRADE you are in, the SCHOOL you attend and the PRIMARY position that you play.  Mention that you've heard positive information about their baseball program, the coaches and the academics.  Say that you're interested in playing there.

2. Next begin a new paragraph by saying here is INFORMATION about yourself.  You will then put the information in OUTLINE or POWERPOINT form so it's easy for a coach to find what he's looking for.

3. Here are the facts that you want to include about yourself in the outline or Powerpoint format:
- NAME
- GRADE
- BIRTHDAY
- HOME ADDRESS
- EMAIL ADDRESS
- HOME PHONE
- CELL PHONE
- PARENTS' NAMES
- PARENTS' CELL PHONE NUMBERS
- PRIMARY POSITON
- SECONDARY POSITION
- THROWS (R OR L)
- BATS (R OR L)
- HEIGHT
- WEIGHT
- STRONGEST SKILLS (e.g., 88 mph, 6.7 in the 60, gold glove fielder, excellent power hitter)
- HIGH SCHOOL
- H.S. ADDRESS
- H.S. COACH'S NAME
- H.S. COACH'S CELL PHONE
- GRADE POINT AVERAGE
- SAT SCORES
- ACT SCORE
- CLASS RANK (if it's good)
- SANDLOT TEAM
- SANDLOT COACH'S NAME
- SANDLOT COACH'S CELL PHONE
- SHOWCASE RATING
- HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS (BASEBALL AND ACADEMIC)
- SANDLOT SCHEDULES (especially the tournaments your team is entered in)
- Mention that you will easily pass the NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE

4. In the final paragraph, mention that you should be eligible for Academic or Financial Aid (if it's true).  Then say you look forward to hearing back from the coach and would like to visit the college in the near future.

5. Follow up your letter with a phone call to the coach.  You should ALWAYS let your summer coach know who you wrote to.  The reason: at tournaments, they can alert a recruiter to come watch you play.

6. Start writing your letters after sophomore year or early in your junior year.

Parents are always looking for ways their sons can get money to play college baseball.  Below are the major ways you can get money from a college:

1. ATHLETIC MONEY
A. Good players can receive athletic money given out by a college baseball program BUT the most scholarships ANY Division I school can give out is 11.7.  Division II can only give out 9.
B. However, the 11.7 or 9 is not annually, it is total.  That means if a D-I school has already handed out 7 scholarships, they only have 4.7 to give out this year.
C. Many D-I schools have between 5-9 scholarships and not the 11.7.  Same with D-II schools.  Baseball is NOT a money making sport like football or basketball.
D. It is extremely difficult to get a FULL ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP.  Do the math.  If you have just 9 scholarships and you have a squad of 25 players, how can everyone get a full scholarship???  Teams mostly give partial athletic money (1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3).
E. Plain and simple - you need more than athletic money to cover the full tuition or most of it.

2. ACADEMIC AID
Good high school grades equals college money!!!
A. Academic money can be as important as athletic money when it comes to high school baseball players getting recruited!
B. You can get a good amount of college money through academics.  Getting good grades means Cash - treat high school like a job!
C. When a college coach is recruiting you, he is HAPPY if you can get academic money since it can save him from using all his athletic money.
D. IMPORTANT - If you are being recruited, you will be treated well whether you get athletic or academic money.  An 85 average with 1100 on the verbal/math part of the SATs is a great start towards getting some academic aid at many colleges.  The words "we want you" are three great words you want to hear.

3. FINANCIAL AID
A. Fill out the financial forms in January of your senior year of high school.
B. Low income - single parent - no home ownership are the most common ways to get financial aid.
C. A Pell Grant is a federal grant, but that is extremely hard to get.  TAP is financial aid given by NY State.  But if you go to a school outside of NYS, you would not be eligible for a TAP Grant.

4. INSTITUTIONAL AID
A number of colleges (especially Ivy League, Patriot League, Divison III schools) offer grants and their own financial aid to help students.  (Off the record, sports coaches can have some influence in helping their athletes get this aid or more of it.)  Every college is different as to how financial aid is handed out.

5. LOW INTEREST LOANS
A. Sometimes you need to get a loan to help pay the costs.
B. These loans are low interest and you don't have to start paying until AFTER graduation.
C. Apply for these loans early since money can run out.  The college you are planning to attend can help you get these loans or give you the right direction.

6. THE PACKAGE
THE PACKAGE IS THE BEST WAY TO GET THE MOST MONEY AND MOST COMMON WAY BASEBALL PLAYERS GET COLLEGE $$$.
What is the PACKAGE?  A package is a combination of different ways to get money at the same time.  For example, a package generally includes athletic, academic and financial aid along with grants.  Sometimes work study.  It is all or some of these combinations.  It is the way most baseball recruits get the most money for college.

Here is a sample package:
Let's say the college tuition plus room and board is $40,000.  Any you get 35% athletic money - that equals $14,000.  And you qualify for 40% academic money - that's $16,000.  Maybe your coach gets you work study that is worht $5,000.  The total amount of money you are getting adds up to $35,000.  The $35,000 is the TOTAL PACKAGE and it adds up to almost 90% of the college costs!

Many young players, as well as their parents, always feel they (or their sons) can play at big-time Division I colleges.  They have a right to dream, especially if the player has had an excellent Little League career and continues the outstanding play as a teenager in summer ball and in high school.  But in the long haul, players and their parents must be realistic.  It is hard for many New York players to get recruited seriously by big name baseball colleges.

I hate being the bearer of bad news, but its important that you get the proper and realistic information about the crazy world of college baseball recruiting.  When I lecture parents and players about being realistic, a number of them look up in the air as if to say. “Yeah right, not my son.”

There are always exceptions to the rule, but not that many.  If you play a very recruitable position (pitcher-catcher-shortstop); if you have good size or a skill that sticks out in a recruiter’s face (great speed--fine power---92 mph fastball---great range) or if your grades also stick-out, along with outstanding baseball ability, you have a better chance at a big name baseball school.  But in New York, with facilities that are usually well-below Richmond County (high school or sandlot) and questionable weather for almost half the year, and high school competition that is marginal, in many cases, recruiters at the top-ranked colleges look elsewhere. 

There are different levels of Division 1, ranging from the teams that go in-and-out of the College World Series and Super Regionals-to a second level D-1 group such as most teams in the Big East Conference to a third level of Division I which includes most of the teams in the local area that play in the MAAC Conference, Northeast Conference, Ivy League and Patriot League.

Most players in this area who play college baseball will end-up at low level Division 1 along with Division 2 or Division 3.  Some players who are grade-challenged start their college career at a Junior College.  Yes Stony Brook reached the College World Series and St Johns reached the Super Regional, but both rosters had a large number of players that competed at high school ball outside New York City.  It doesn’t mean that NYC players aren’t good.  They certainly are.  But having been a college recruiter myself (St. Francis College), you tend to go to places where you have gotten players in the past.   You may be an excellent player, but a recruiter from Florida State or Georgia Tech may lean towards high schools and summer programs in their area where they have grabbed star players in the past.  Those places may get first priority…the recruiters are probably friendly with those coaches, just like Coach DeFendis and myself have good contacts in this area.

My recommendation to NYC high school players is “GO WHERE YOU ARE WANTED.”  Go where you hear the words from a recruiter, “WE WANT YOU.”   Remember this…there is a difference between “making a college team” and “playing on a college team.”   Can a number of NYC players make the roster of a good college.  Probably---especially if your money is NOT athletic dollars, but instead academic or financial aid.   BUT…if you are a player that has been a regular starter since T-ball, you are not going to settle for being a reserve player or a pitcher that isn’t part of the team’s conference rotation.  If you are NOT a regular player by your sophomore year, then you will NOT be happy and may NOT want to keep playing baseball.

If you are interested in certain colleges, especially the top schools, take a look at their current roster.  If you don’t see many NYC players, then that should be a tip-off on how difficult it is to get recruited at those big name baseball schools.  Keep in mind the large number of D II and III teams that are very competitive, give you an excellent education’ and have fine baseball facilities!!!

I will be happy to answer your questions if you want to call or e-mail me.
mikelope19@gmail.com



As a Brooklyn native, I have always been fascinated at the intensity of baseball on Staten Island.  This includes the many Little League organizations, to the talented players on the top high schools, to the growing number of sandlot programs throughout the borough.  However...the great competitiveness leads to a large dose of negative feelings.

I am a member of Richmond County Baseball for nearly six years.  While I admire the Staten Island Baseball Nation, it can be brutal.  Nobody hears about the positives done by anybody.  Some blame the competition, others say there is jealousy.  I’ll let you attach a reason for the verbal criticism.  Like others, RCBC gets its share of sniper fire from opposing groups that cloud the achievements of our organization.  Mud-slinging occurs from all directions with the speed of a Stephen Strasburg fastball.  Nobody likes to pat themselves on the back, but in this era of having to duck the shots, you have to sometimes recap the achievements for our members who also have to defend RCBC.  Nick DeFendis and George Quinn run the show and have always had their eye on helping the Staten Island community.  This includes:

-  Johnny Ray Foundation—More than any other achievement, Richmond County gets a gold star here.  Johnny was an RCBC players and a high school baseball and football star at Moore Catholic when he died in a car crash in 2009.  Starting the next year, RCBC made sure his name would live on by a) establishing a Johnny Ray Memorial plaque at the complex, b) a Johnny Ray Fall High School Baseball Tournament that raises money to be used to help those through scholarships and other needs and c) a donation to the Catholic High Schools of Staten Island who always need help fundraising for their athletic programs and d) his very own sandwich at the concession stand (the Johnny Ray).  Ask Johnny’s parents if they have anything negative to say about Richmond County.

- Drug Awareness Seminar—Coaches DeFendis and Quinn hosted this to warn our young people about the dangers of pills which have become a recent problem throughout NYC.  There will also be a “Dynamite Softball Tournament” at the complex to raise money for the Dynamite Youth Center.

- Grants—have been given and a writing contest (won by Ryan Bartley!) took place for players to get money to help with tuition and other school necessities.

- Wounded Warriors—RCBC has donated to this organization that helps veterans who have fought in American wars.

- Hurricane Sandy—Coach Quinn and his wife Karen are still delivering supplies to victims of this hurricane.  RCBC has lent a hand to one family that was hit very hard.  Richmond County also wants to thank the players and parents in our organization who, on their own, helped with the cleanup since that horrible Monday night last fall.  Coaches DeFendis and Quinn always brag about the caliber of student-athlete we get.

- RCBC donated money to a family who lost their house and a child in a devastating fire.

- The complex was used by the Port Authority for a tournament that raises money for the victims of September 11th.

- And most of all—RCBC has helped over 125 players get to the college baseball level.

This is just some of what RCBC has done for the COMMUNITY.  There is more.  So without hesitation, let the critics sniper fire begin!!!!

Your son goes hitless...or has a bad day in the field...or pitches poorly.  No sooner do you start the car when you’re on his case for the bad day.  By the time you’ve hit the highway, you’re yelling at each other.  By the time you reach your house your son says “the hell with this, I don’t want to play anymore.”  That doesn’t help things, does it???

How about this scenario.  Your son has a great day, perhaps going 3-for-4.  Does he get a compliment??  Nope!!!  Instead you say “How could you strike out or pop up on a pitch like that?”  Now another testy exchange occurs and suddenly your son isn’t happy anymore.  The solution is simple.  AVOID THE POST-GAME ARGUMENT!!!!!!!!!!

If your son has the bad day (after all, he is human), it is best NOT to discuss the poor performance immediately.  He doesn’t need you to recap what went wrong, especially since the coach probably critiqued him and the team after the game.  A parent should leave his son alone that day and what usually happens is the next day your son will talk to you about what went wrong.  But following a bad game, let him dictate the post-game discussion.  You don’t want to make him feel worse than he already feels.

As for that 3-for-4 game, instead of immediately bringing up the one poor at-bat, start with a positive comment.  Let him know what a great game he had and how good he looked.  Then you can ease in the comment “just remember to stay off that high pitch; you would have had a perfect game,”  or “if you were a little more aggressive, you won’t get behind on the count, etc., etc.”  But at least you complimented him first.

Just remember...leave your son alone right after a bad game.  Don’t make it worse.  He’ll come to you.

Coach DeFendis also suggests a 24 hour rule for parents if they are unhappy with the coach or any issue with RCBC.  Parents get angry at their son’s playing time or lack of it, or may want to complain about his game strategy (which you should NEVER do).  DO NOT angrily approach the coach when the game ends.  Coach DeFendis says go home and wait for the next day to discuss the situation.  Let your feelings cool down, otherwise you might say things your might regret.  You don’t want an argument that puts your son in an uncomfortable position.  He is here to enjoy himself.  Nick feels the next day you and the coach will be in a more relaxed mood to have a meaningful talk about your son’s situation.  Also wait until the next day if you want to meet with Coach DeFendis on an issue.