Posted by: Jimmy () on Wed Dec 5 23:01:49 2007

George,

Don't forget that this is a game. A very hard game.

When I began coaching I decided two things...

1.) It's all about the players.

2.) I will never forget how hard this game is to play.

Many times coaches think that this game somehow is now a sinch to play and they have all the answers. Don't forget that the real reason that MLB hitters hit .260 is because being a hitter is the hardest thing (physically and mentally) to do in the history of sports, and they are doing it at the highest level in the world.

When you speak of the mental aspect, it seems that you are just speaking of the understanding of mechanical details. Have you ever considered the mental aspect of coaching?

Do you know how the mind and the body work together?

Did you know that more thoughts hinder and slow down natural athletic movements? It also diminishes confidence levels.

Now I know that adjustments are needed in the hitters we coach but, sometimes it's not what the coaches say to the players, it's what they do not say that allows that players abilities to really develop.

And about that .260 MLB average that you are so concerned about, did you forget about the defensive wizards that make plays in the diamond? Most of the dip in that batting average comes from players that contribute to a teams dynamic in other ways than just getting hits.
Not to mention that NL pitchers are also included in that average.

The hitters used as examples in this forum are the best in the world. If you love this game, you should respect that.

This is a very hard game to play (physically and mentally). Coaches, don't forget that when you evaluate and teach.

Jimmy