First Aid for Coaches Online!

First Aid for Coaches, a component of Sport Safety Training, is a Web-based course developed by the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis and the United States Olympic Committee.

Check to see if First Aid for Coaches is available online in your area, or find your local American Red Cross for First Aid for Coaches in-class training.

SPARQ Baseball Training

By David

The "SPARQ" training and assessment program developed by Nike seems to be catching on for baseball players at all levels, so I was pleased when Santa brought me the Jimmy Rollins SPARQ Baseball Training DVD this year.

Although Seamus has a few years until high school baseball, having some time to work with him now so that he can effectively learn the exercises seems to be a great way to get started. Of course he will enjoy the game of baseball more as his enhanced speed, agility and strength allow him to perform at a higher level.

I give the Jimmy Rollins SPARQ Baseball DVD a very positive review. The DVD is easy to navigate, and it is really full of many more drills than I expected. There are diagrams that coaches can use to set up the exercises in addition to the video demonstrations, which is really helpful.

I'm pleased to find "next generation" speed and strength training that has been developed specifically for baseball. Training seems to have come a long way since I was a college player (1989) - when weightlifting for baseball players was controversial itself, and when workouts mostly utilized only running laps and traditional weightlifting exercises.



Click here to find the SPARQ Baseball testing protocols.

CAL RIPKEN JR. BATTING TIPS

Ripken Baseball Coaching Clinic

Boston, MA - February 20, 2010
Milton HS - 25 Gile Rd. - Milton, MA 02186

Register Here or Call Sean Grode at Ripken Baseball for more information at (443) 327-8061

Grip n' Rip Club Savings Add Up

By David

As the parent of a young baseball player, I know that the opportunities for baseball workouts, coaching sessions, travel teams, and various baseball-related events are endless.

One great way to stretch the baseball budget is to become a member of the Grip n' Rip Club. At first I wasn't sure if the savings would be noticeable, but every time we went to the batting cages at Woburn Extra Innings (indoor baseball facility) we got 18 tokens for only $10 (instead of 10).

I'd say I use the Grip n' Rip Club card at least once a week, and the savings really add up. In addition, every sign up results in a donation to "Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids" to raise money for children's charities.

Parents, I'd say get your 2010 Grip n' Rip Club Membership today!

Become a Fan of the Grip n' Rip Club on Facebook!

Japanese girl signs baseball contract

Eri Yoshida (吉田 えり, Yoshida Eri, born January 17, 1992, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan) is a high-school student at Kawasaki-kita Senior High School in Kawasaki, who at the age of 16 became the first female drafted by a Japanese professional baseball team, Kobe 9 Cruise of Kansai Independent Baseball League, to play alongside male teammates.

Yoshida is a sidearm knuckleball pitcher and stands 1.55 meters (5 ft 1 in) tall. Her pitches have been clocked at 101 kilometres per hour (63 mph),and knuckleball sits around 50 mph. She started throwing the knuckleball after seeing videos of American Major League Baseball knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. (from Wikipedia)

Baseball Pitching Drills for Kids

The one-knee follow through drill will train young baseball pitchers to develop a safe, fluid pitching motion. It will also improve accuracy and speed.

Baseball the Ripken Way comes to Boston!

Ripken Baseball Coaching Clinic

Boston, MA
February 20, 2010
Milton HS
25 Gile Rd.
Milton, MA 02186

Register Here or Call Sean Grode at Ripken Baseball for more information at (443) 327-8061

Using Baseball to Give Back

Farm workers kids in south Florida have limited structure and education. Two brothers start a baseball camp to help give direction to these kids and contribute to community.

Pitching Drills for young baseball players

Team Service Projects at Pine Street Inn

By Seamus

Last weekend my family and I went to the homeless shelter called The Pine Street Inn in Boston to make a difference in someone’s life.

We decided to donate some of our time to people less fortunate than ourselves. It was not very hard at all. It was actually quite fun! Sometime you might be able to help them out too.

We went to do a special Christmas program called family gift wrapping. We got to wrap gifts that companies had donated to the Pine Street Inn. Another thing we did was make cards for the guests staying there. Those were probably the only gifts and cards they are going to get all Christmas. Imagine only getting one present all Christmas. It would not feel very good.

In the time we were there I made four Christmas cards, and my sister Hannah made four cards. We made them from paper, glue and decorations. My Dad made only two cards because he was making them very carefully. My Step-Mom Julia made five cards, and she helped the rest of us make our cards more pretty. Julia is good at making Christmas cards.

There are many ways you can help the Pine Street Inn. You can make a financial donation in any amount by mail or online. Maybe have a company sponsor a drive for food or new clothing. If you want to do something with your whole family volunteering with your family is a great way to spend time together, engage in meaningful activity and have fun.


Visit Pine Street Inn on the web.

Get involved at Pine Street Inn.

Join Pine Street Inn on Facebook.

If your BASEBALL TEAM is interested to set up a service project at The Pine Street Inn, contact Coffee Fields in the Volunteer Department at 617-892-9186 or via email at Coffie.Fields@pinestreetinn.org.

Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings!

Ripken Baseball Coaching Clinic in Boston Area February 20 and 21!

Ripken Baseball Coaching Clinic coming to the Boston Area February 20 and 21!

Hey Coaches - bring a group to the Ripken Baseball Coaching Clinic in 2010 save money and WIN!

* Groups of 10 or more receive: Discounted rate of just $75 per attendee
* Groups of 15 or more receive: Discounted rate of just $75 per attendee & the group leader receives an authentic Cal Ripken, Jr. autographed baseball to help with fundraising
* Groups of 25 or more receive: Discounted rate of just $75 per attendee, group leader receives an authentic Cal Ripken, Jr. autographed baseball to help with fundraising & group photo with Cal and Bill Ripken following the presentation.
* Groups of 50 or more receive: Discounted rate of just $75 per attendee, group leader receives an authentic Cal Ripken, Jr. autographed jersey to help with fundraising & group photo with Cal and Bill Ripken following the presentation.


Space is limited - get your group together and register today! Have questions? Call Sean Grode at (443) 327-8061

Rice Bucket Workout for Hand Strength

Increase pitching velocity with one exercise

Outfield Stretches for Players on the Bench

Baseball: How to Slide

Breaking-in a Baseball Glove

Many of the other kids on my team get new gloves that need to be softened up and broken-in.

Here is an online chat with a bunch of ideas on how to soften up a glove.

Here's a great blog article on Caring for Your Glove.

Here's what the professionals recommend for a new glove.

Congratulations AA Arlington Champion Rattlers!

Way to go Jeff Candell and the rest of the Rattlers!

Signals and Signs

This Week's Featured Blog Sponsor - Grip N'Rip Club

Check out this week's featured sponsor of Seamus' Baseball Blog -

The Grip N'Rip Club

Look for more on The Grip N'Rip Club here on Seamus' Baseball Blog.

Be sure to start all of your sports training, equipment and apparel shopping on Seamus' Baseball Blog.

Seeking Guest Youth Baseball Bloggers

Seamus' Baseball Blog is interested to host guest bloggers of all ages with stories to tell about local or international youth baseball.

Contact us at beep123beep@Gmail.com if you are interested to be a guest blogger.

Thank you.

Pitching Mechanics

Woburn Fall Baseball Registration

From the Woburn Little League Website -

Fall Ball Baseball/Softball League registration is now open

Fall Ball league registration is now open for the 2009 season. The league will run for six weeks, from September 12th thru October 18th. The games are played on weekends only. Baseball players can be registered for either Saturday or Sunday

Seamus, Dick Drago and "A Glove of Their Own"

In between weightlifting sets, Seamus had time for a brief interview with former Major League pitcher Dick Drago, who during his 13 year major league career pitched on such historic teams as the 1975 World Series Boston Red Sox.

These days, Dick Drago is involved in a wonderful children's book project called "A Glove of Their Own" and he tells Seamus the details:

Seamus:

How old were you when you started playing baseball?

Dick Drago:

I was 7 years old when I really became interested in playing baseball. However back then you had to be 10 to play organized baseball so we just played sandlot games just like in the book, "A Glove of Their Own." LOL!!

Seamus:

LOL! Wow. What was the best baseball team you ever played on?


Dick Drago:

That is a toss up between the 1975 and 1978 Red Sox. Even though we went to the World Series in 1975 I think the 1978 team was probably a better all around team.

Seamus:

Wow. When you were a kid, what was your favorite position?

Dick Drago:

I loved playing SS in little league. Because I had such a good arm at an early age I pitched as well. I liked the action you got playing SS. Also batted clean up. Those were the days.

Seamus:

What would you tell young players who want to stand out from the crowd?

Dick Drago:

Work hard at what you do and most important, listen to the players who were good at the game. Pick their brains and practice everyday. Also watch the games on TV as much as possible to see how the best perform.

Seamus:

What advice do you have for youth baseball coaches?

Dick Drago:

Keep teaching, teaching, teaching. You are the most important person to these kids in learning the game. Encouragement so necessary in today's world. Things have changed in youth baseball since I played. I wasn't allowed to throw breaking balls as a kid and it served me well as my career can attest. If I was coaching that would be one thing I would cut down on.

Seamus:

What kind of baseball projects are you involved with today?

Dick Drago:

I am very involved in getting "A Glove of Their Own" in the hands of every kid. To make sure every kid who wants to play baseball has equipment ( glove, bat, shoes, etc.)

I am also involved with the Major League Baseball Players Alumni doing several golf outings for charities and clinics for kids.

I participate in the Red Sox Fantasy camp every year in Ft Myers, Fl.

Seamus:

Mr. Drago thank you very much for coming on Seamus' Baseball Blog to speak about the "A Glove of Their Own" project.

Dick Drago:

My pleasure Seamus, keep up the great work.


Related Articles and Links

"A Glove of Their Own" on BostonSportsU18.com

Dick Drago on Facebook

When a Save Was a Save - Through the Eyes of Dick Drago

Boston Red Sox History

Seamus' Baseball Card

Arlington Youth Baseball Fall Tryouts for Spring Season

From the Arlington Youth Baseball Website -

New for 2010 Fall Tryouts for Baseball Majors and AAA (9s- 12s)

The AYBSA Board has decided to hold fall tryouts for the 2010 Baseball Majors and AAA programs. The weekends of September 13 and 19/20 will be the days of the tryouts. Times will be determined in the next couple of weeks. A player trying out will be required to make at least 1 of sessions to be considered for the Majors.

The Baseball Major and AAA programs are for players (boys and girls) ages 9 to 12. If your child is 9, 10, 11, or 12 years old on April 30, 2010 they are eligible for these programs.

The fee for 2010 registration will be the same as 2009, $170 (which includes the $50 for prepayment of raffle tickets). But for registering for fall tryouts a $25 deposit is all that is needed which will be counted to the $170 fee.

The tryouts will be outside at Buzzell.

Times will be 12PM to 6PM on the Sunday tryouts and 8:30AM to 2:30PM on the Saturday. The specific time for each child to show up is still being worked out. BUT when it is and there is conflict with another activity arrangements will be made to get your child to a time that works.

More information will be forthcoming has details are finalized. Keep checking the website.

Youth Baseball Leadership

If you have a chance to look deep in the back pockets of the Woburn Extra Innings website, you may find a link to an interesting new project - The Stable Baseball Academy.

Kudos to Jonathan Pollard for including a large community services component in their curriculum to develop "scholarship worthy" student-athlete. The leadership skills young student-athletes develop by community development activities are so valuable, that youth baseball everywhere would do well to always include a considerable community service component.

Here we have emulated the Player Profile section of The Stable website, in our own effort to record, organize and work toward scholarship worthy profile information.

Basic Player Information

Player: Seamus
Height: 4'7"
Weight: 68 lbs.
Age: 9 on April 30, 2010
Class: 2018
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
Positions: RHP - C - SS - 3B
Velocity Fastball:
Velocity Curveball:
Velocity Changeup:
Velocity CutFastball:
Avg. K/Inning: 2
Long Distance Throw: 32 yards
Catching Pop.
60 Yard Dash:
40 Yard Dash:
Home - 1B Run:
Favorite Baseball Player:
Favorite Television Show:
Hobbies:


Athletic Achievements

"Silver Slugger" Team's Best Hitter Award - Arlington AA Baseball Orioles 2008
Game Ball 5/9/09 - Hit 3 triples - 6 RBI - Arlington AA Baseball Orioles 2009
Game Ball 8/09 - Struck out 5 in 2 Innings Pitched - Woburn Bulls Baseball 2009

Coach David Evaluation

Seamus is a hard throwing pitcher who has already mixed four different pitches into baseball game play. Seamus currently throws a fastball, change up, 12/6 curve ball and a cut fastball.

Seamus has a strong arm and is a good athlete. As a catcher, Seamus will continue to develop his blocking skills, and will continue to work on making the throw to second base.

As a shortstop, Seamus may continue to add leadership to his solid shortstop play and should become more vocal on the infield.

At the plate, Seamus should continue to drive the ball to the outfield. Seamus may improve his sacrifice bunting and his hitting to the opposite field. Seamus will continue to improve his left-handed hitting, and should switch hit on some kind of a regular basis.


Community Involvement Activities

Raised $135 for the Woburn Bulls team fund raising effort for The Jimmy Fund Pediatric Cancer Research Center with an advert on Seamus' Baseball Blog.

Posted photo and link to Volunteer Opportunities at The Pine Street Inn Homeless Shelter in Boston, Massachusetts on the Seamus Baseball Blog.


Seamus is brother to older sister Hannah (10).

Very Funny Baseball Pitcher

Arm Action Secrets Pitchers Must Learn

Manny Ramirez Swing Analysis

Back Side Follow Through in Baseball Pitching

Balance Stage in Baseball Pitching

Elbow Up Drill for Baseball Pitching

Pitching Drills to Improve Your Fastball

How to Pitch a Baseball : Power Position

How to Pitch a Baseball : Full Wind Up

Bryce Harper hits 502ft baseball home run

Mental Training for Batting in Baseball

More DIY videos at 5min.com

Baseball Strength Training Workout

Two Different Leagues

Two Different Leagues
By Seamus

Just this year I joined a second baseball league.

It's kind of nice because if one league has a special rule and the other does not you will see how different people play.

Anyway, you should try it.

How to Hit a Home Run Video

How to Hit a Home Run

Seamus says that this video doesn't actually teach you how to hit a home run every time, but this is a good video because it helps with your hitting.

Video includes:

Taking level swing
When to start swinging
Strike zone

Body Position Exercises for Baseball Pitching

Cross Country Running : Strengthening the Lower Body for Running Cross Country

How to Be a Better Baseball Player : How to Strengthen your Lower Body for Baseball

Basic Baseball Strength Training

YouTube Video -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yqe6YnPqLI