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January 21, 2009Wow, that was an amazing inauguration. I don’t know if I’m getting old and paying better attention to politics or if this is something out of the ordinary, but I honestly don’t remember ever seeing a new president take office. I certainly don’t remember U2 playing. I’ll say one thing for the man…he can write and deliver one hell of a speech. I’ve listened to it three times now and in the immortal words of Chris Farley from Tommy Boy, “I’ve seen a lot of cool things in my life… but – that - was - awesome!” I hope Obama can rally the masses and fulfill just half of the expectations that we’ve placed on him.
On a personal note, getting ready to travel up to Utah for the weekend to do a clinic with my father. It will be the first time I’ve ever done anything like that with him, and I’m looking forward to it. After that, I’m home for a week and then off to Arizona for a week to do the fantasy camp for the KC Royals. Again, this will be a brand new experience for me and it could either be a total bust or a lot of fun…stay posted. I do hope to capture a few interviews for the podcast series while I’m there. Speaking of that, the time in Utah might be a good opportunity to corner my dad for another episode with him, maybe on something specific like infield play or pitching or practice routines. If anyone out there has any requests or suggestions on topics that you would like to see addressed please let me know. I aim to please.
Maynestream,
I read The Art of Catching today! Boy what I would have given to have had this book when I was a kid! From a guy who got only 600 at bats in 8 seasons, my defense had to keep me on a roster,and the 3 years catching in the bullpen in KC ,you have nailed it with this book!
The section on the knee drop technique is something that I’ve never seen anyone try and touch in a book or even at camp but if you can master that technique at an early stage you ‘ll put yourself head and shoulders above whoever your competing against for a spot. Pitchers love it when a cather drops the knee on the corner for a called third strike! After I read a section it would be my favorite until I read the next. The picture of Coach Mike in his BIKE coaching shorts is a classic; definetly the same ones he coached up the linebackers in! (I love you Mike)
Simple, concise, as well as entertaining; very easy for a guy with a Georgia public school education to read! This will be required reading for my jv and varsity catchers and I’ve seen some grande leaguers this past season that would benefit if their agent purchased this book for them. If I was back in the minor leagues this book would be in my equipment bag and would get dog-eared on those long bus rides with Ray-Ray behind the wheel. I could go on for days but the bottom line is if you’re a young catcher or coach at any level, and you’re reading this blog you need to move the mouse to the BUY THIS BOOK icon.(only if you want to get better)
Brent, Thanks Again, this is the best baseball book I can remeber reading in a long time, it will definetly help me and our other coaches articulate what we need our catchers to do! Well Done!
K Reese you’re a stud! Thanks for the feedback and I’m really glad that you liked it. It means a lot coming from you.