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