Baseball & Softball Hitting Instructions 101. What’s Right What’s Wrong
By Wayne | February 23, 2011
The other day I received a phone call from a woman from Oregon that is the mother of a 16 year old girl that plays fastpitch softball. She didn’t want to buy a bat from me but asked my advice as to which bat is best for her daughter. I recommended that she buys the one her daughter likes. She thought I was being sarcastic. I asked if she wants to know which bats have the most advanced technology which has an advantageous swing weight, an improved trampoline effect, a lower bending stiffness, and a higher damping rate. Obviously her answer was yes. I mentioned several models and brands but reminded her that she needs to let her daughter decide. I may sound like a broken record when people ask me that but I strongly believe that as a loving parent we sometimes have more desire for our children to perform better than our children actually do. Which leads me into my hitting instructions.
When our children are very young we show them the basics of holding a bat and hitting the ball. Most of us are familiar with the basics since we have played the game as we were growing up. As they get older we sign them up for a youth league. That’s where so many parents do the darnedest things. They start to yell out suggestions to their child while the child is in the batters box. Their 6 year old is scared to death anticipating a 100 mph fastball and now they hear mom and dad yelling take one step back, keep your eye on the ball, elbow up, level swing… That is not the right time to be teaching them. If the same yeller acted like that at work they would be fired. Remember there is a right time and place for everything. If your child is making contact with the ball then they accomplished what they set out to do. Be encouraging. If your child holds the bat differently than what you have taught, a reminder on how to hold it is ok. If they tell you that their not comfortable your way than their way is the right way. Period. Same thing is said for their stance and how high they hold their elbow up.
Depending on how old you are you may remember Roy White of the NY Yankees. How about disabled athletes that made professional sports. There is no way that they could possibly swing the conventional way. How did they do it. Did their parents yell from the sidelines “Jim – get your one arm up.” I doubt it. They let their child do it his or her way – the right way. They allowed them to have fun. Which brings me to the best high school bowler in NJ.
The following article was published in the Sunday Star Ledger nj.com on Sunday February 20, 2011
As the toddlers several lanes away chuck neon orange and pink balls down the gleaming alleys with their two-handed heave-ho, the best high school bowler in New Jersey picks up a ball, locks his eyes on the pins, strides confidently toward the line and …
Chucks the ball down the lane with that same two-handed heave-ho.
C’mon. Really?
Believe it. Tim Wolchko, a junior at Egg Harbor Township High, turned the sport on its head last week when he won the state’s individual title with his unorthodox technique.
The accomplishment was akin to someone winning a state tennis championship while serving underhand … shooting a round of 68 while playing golf one-handed … or clicking off a 4-minute mile running backward.
“It just feels right,” Wolchko said Friday night at King Pin Bowling in Egg Harbor. “It’s my form. It’s how I bowl.”
Wolchko qualified in the 12th and final position for the championships on Wednesday before firing a 237 to win the title. It was a victory for everyone who ever has been told their way is wrong.
“People are always asking, ‘Whoa, how do you do that? Is it comfortable?’ ” Wolchko said. “I just tell them it’s how I’ve been bowling since I was 4 or 5 years old.”
At 16, Wolchko already has rolled a perfect 300 game. Eight times — and each and every one has come with the same head-turning form.
Gripping the ball withboth hands, Wolchkobends his knees, pumps the ball to his chest and cradles it in close as he dips his head toward the alley for the lowest possible release — both hands letting go simultaneously.
Traditionally, bowlers hold the ball with one hand by inserting two fingers and a thumb into its holes. Wolchko uses only the two finger holes, covering the thumb hole withhis right hand, while his left hand actually serves as the dominant strength, despite the fact he’s right-handed.
The most famous two-handed chucker is Jason Belmonte, the 2009 Professional Bowlers Association’s rookie of the year. Like Wolchko, Belmonte has faced battles with doubters. He said winning is the perfect way to hush them.
“Lots of people along the way have definitely tried to tell me to quit it, stop it, grow up and stop bowling like a little baby,” said Belmonte, who will be bowling in the PBA’s U.S. Open in North Brunswick this week. “I’m 27 now, and for the first 24 years of my bowling career I felt I had to explain myself.”
Belmonte may have the chance to share some tips with Wolchko today. Both will be at the Brunswick Zone Carolier, where Wolchko won the state championship and will participate in the U.S. Open’s Pro-Am.
“I’m really proud that I’m able to show the people they have the ability to bowl any which way they want,” Belmonte said. “That’s the beauty of our game: There’s no right or wrong way to do it.”
Wolchko credits his father for having the same attitude.
Bill Wolchko, who grew up bowling with his brothers and grandfather in Jersey City and then for Saint Peter’s Prep, said he never found a reason to change his son’s approach, despite being a one-handed bowler himself.
“People used to come up to me and say, ‘When are you going to teach him to bowl the right way?’ ” Bill Wolchko said. “And you say, ‘What is the right way?’ As long as you stay behind the line and knock down the pins, that’s the way to do it.”
Tim Wolchko bowls about five days each week, competing in a travel league on Sundays and in leagues at King Pin on Monday nights and Saturday mornings. With a state title in his pocket, he sees the opportunity to turn more skeptics into believers.
Eleven-year-old Matthew Stevens of Egg Harbor has adopted the tactic for himself.
“It started at my brother’s birthday party, and Tim was there,” Matthew said. “I saw his style, watched him, and I tried it out. And it really did work.”
Mary Ann Ross, the general manager at King Pin, coached Wolchkoas a child and has seen his success evolve and catch on. But she still runs into logistical issues when trying to sign up Wolchko for tournaments, tripping over the question that asks if the bowler is right- or left-handed.
“Timmy was before his time,” Ross said. “He started a trend. And he did it way before the professionals.”
One day, of course, Wolchko would love to be one of those professionals. He said he is thinking about bowling in college and has his eye on William Paterson, which currently has the 12th best team in the country, according to collegebowling.com.
He appears well on his way. In addition to winning the championship last week, Wolchko qualified for the United States Bowling Congress Junior Gold nationals, the premier junior tournament, in Las Vegas in July.
“I was one of those kids who didn’t want to go with the crowd,” Wolchko said. “I wanted to bring my own unique style into how I bowl.
“And if it’s working, it’s working.”
Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
DeMarini CF4 Has Been Approved For Little League. Combat Bats Do Not.
By Wayne | February 17, 2011
As of February 15, 2011 the CF4 has passed the waiver process set forth by Little League. The Vendetta C6 (VCL) did not. If you own the Vendetta for less than 1 year and have a store receipt you are able to return it to DeMarini in exchange for a CF4.
To see if your bat is legal to play in Little League visit http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/approvedcompbatssmall.htm
The website is not current but check back frequently as they will update the list as bats pass the testing process.
Unfortunately, Combat Sports will not be receiving a waiver on their composite bats. Below is a portion of a letter that Combat Sports has posted on their website and facebook page. If you have a Combat bat please read the entire letter and follow the instructions.
If you have purchased a Combat bat that is affected by this moratorium (since January 1st,2010 and that bat has not already been replaced by warranty) we will replace it for any brand new Combat model of your choice for $100 (SUBJECT TO PRODUCT AVAILABILITY). This offer is open to all Combat models including any Baseball, Fastpitch or Slowpitch bat as well as any Hockey stick or Lacrosse shaft of your choice. Your new bat will be shipped to you prepaid and carry a brand new one year warranty. You MUST send in with the returned bat, the original receipt from an authorized dealer in order to process this order. This offer will remain open until May 1st, 2011.
In addition, we will send you a $50 gift certificate that will be good until June 1st, 2012 on any future Combat bat purchase through our online shopping cart. Full details will be provided with your returned bat package.
Exchange Process:
Please call the number below or email for an RA number, and provide us with the following information – new bat request, your full name, address, phone number, email address and place of purchase – we will then send you an email confirmation with this RA number. Please allow 2 to 3 days response time based on anticipated volume of calls / emails.
Once we receive your returned bat (along with valid receipt) your order will be processed and sent to you directly via UPS. Please understand that we will do our very best to ship your replacement bat in a timely manner and we will advise you as best we can of the estimated delivery date once we receive your returned bat. Confirmed turnaround times are impossible to predict without knowing how many bats we will be replacing. This will be our highest priority and we will do our best to move this process along as quickly as possible.
United States: 1 866 266 2287 or email returns@combatsportsgroup.com
OR
Canada: 1 866 904 2287 or email returns@combatsportsgroup.ca
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers for their understanding and continued support during these difficult times
Sincerely,
The Combat Management Team.
Topics: Baseball | 2 Comments »
What Does BBCOR Mean & How Will It Affect HS Players
By Wayne | January 17, 2011
BBCOR is the acronym for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution. So what does that mean.
* Easton, Reflex BBCOR High School Baseball Bat $99.99
* Louisville Slugger, Omaha BBCOR High School Baseball Bat $199.99
* Demarini, Voodoo BBCOR High School Baseball Bat $299.99
* DeMarini CF4 (CFB10) (CFB11)
* Vendetta C6 (VCB10) (VCB11)
* Combat B1 (B1AB2) (B1AB2-R)
* Combat B2 (B2AB1)
* Louisville Slugger Dynasty (CBXD)
* Louisville Slugger Triton (CBXT)
The feedback on the new BBCOR bats have been lukewarm at best. The balance of the bat has changed which requires the batter to adjust to the new weight distribution. This will require some batters to go down a length to get the bat around. Players are also confirming that the ball isn’t getting the distance as in the past.
Topics: Baseball, New Products | 1 Comment »
Composite Bats Banned From Little League
By Wayne | January 5, 2011
Finally there has been a decision about composite bats. For the last 5 years there has been so much controversy regarding the safety of aluminum & composite bats. Now the field gets a little bit tougher. The better hitting player will always be able to make contact & send the ball for a ride. It is the average and less than average player that will see a huge difference. There will be a lot less home runs. Coaches will now have to coach instead of relying on a home run to score a run.
I wonder if the manufacturers like Easton, Demarini, Combat Sports. Miken & Rawlings will still be charging high prices for the new bats that have less performance. If that is the case then you might be better off buying a $70.00 bat which has the same results.
Parents won’t have to scurry to the store each time a new bat is introduced with the latest technology. Heart guard sales will plummet. Will this kill the economy and cause a double dip. Or if wood bats become required than the costs will begin to rise because they break so easily that you’ll need several in one season. Maybe they’ll get banned as well if one breaks and a splintered piece hits a fielder causing serious damage.
There always seems to be drama with Little League International & the local Little Leagues. What started out to be an organization to help build a community, create a positive envirement & build confidence for the young players now has seen it’s share of turmoil. In many cases it has become a source of personal income for league treasurers. Volunteers are entrusted in important Little League Board positions such as a treasurer or equipment manager and decide that they deserve to take what they want because they do a lot for the league. While most get caught there are so many that don’t. They walk around without guilt knowing that they stole money from a children’s organization.
Than there are those parents that coach. Most are good but there are way too many that are absolutely the worst adult example a child should be involved with. They only care about their own kid. They forget that it is a community game and that they should be a source to develop all of the players on the field. They become so competitive during a recreational game. That’s right – Little League is recreational. It is there to teach & develop. These A-holes start screaming and arguing an umpire’s call as if it is life changing. In most cases the umpire is a teenager. These type of coaches need to be removed immediately and permanently.
The biggest farce about Little League International is the contradiction of their mission and reality. They want to develope the participants… What they don’t care about is that the registration fee that each parent has to pay and the play time for their child. I would say that 99.9% of the coaches do not play the children equal playing time. If the coach thinks that your child isn’t that good than your child will play the minimum required time that was designated by Little League International. That is 2 defensive innings and 1 at bat. It’s not about the children at all. It is strictly a profit center.
Of course there are safety issues involved. A coach shouldn’t be the only person teaching a child how to play. The coach only has the child for an hour or two a week for just 12 weeks and has to split his or her time by 12 – 15 players. Parents have to get involved and spend quality time with their children and teaching them the game. A coach isn’t a baby sitting service that you drop your child off to and pick them up 2 hours later. If you’re a parent that doesn’t know how to play or teach then there are training facilities available nearby.
If you would like to see the entire article regarding the ban please click on http://www.littleleague.org/media/newsarchive/2010/Sep-Dec/CompositeBatMoratium.htm
For a complete list of composite bats that are legal visit http://www.littleleague.org/learn/equipment/approvedcompbats.htm
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Update on Banned Bats
By Wayne | August 13, 2010
The DeMarini composite bats are legal for high school play. The other brands have yet to be approved.
This is an article from July but provides good information.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – One of six new rules changes by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee forbids the use of composite bats until they can meet the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard. The changes, which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors, will take effect with the 2010-11 school year.
After thorough testing by the Baseball Research Center at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee voted to outlaw composite bats until they can produce consistent results through the life of the bat, be made tamper-evident and be labeled as a composite product.
Elliot Hopkins, NFHS liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee, visited with James Sherwood, director of the Baseball Research Center, and spent several hours witnessing composite bat testing. “Rolling the bat gives it a higher performance,” Hopkins said. “It can significantly increase the performance and that’s huge in our game.”
Rolling the bat isn’t the only problem. Rolling only speeds up the performance enhancement that would occur over time after normal use. Even composite bats that were not altered will eventually see this increase in performance, and the rules committee views that as a major concern.
Rule 1-3-2 through 5 was completely rewritten with the intention of creating a rule that preserves the intent and spirit of the old rule, but is better suited to products resulting from new technology.
Under the new rule, bats with composite handles and tapers would still be legal. The stricter language applies primarily to the barrel of the bat.
“While the handles and taper are important components of the bat,” Hopkins said, “the area that we recognized as more susceptible to abuse is the barrel.”
Other rules changes this year aim at increasing convenience for coaches and umpires by simplifying the substitution policy and clarifying several rules.
Rule 1-1-2 now requires coaches to list all known substitutes on the lineup card before the umpire accepts it. Coaches will still be able to add a substitute without a penalty, but this should speed up substitutions and player changes during the game.
A change to Rule 2-16-2 was also made to clarify an existing rule and ease its application for coaches and players. The rule now reads: “A foul tip is a batted ball that goes directly to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught by the catcher. It is a strike and the ball is in play.”
Similarly, a “last-time-by” rule has been instituted. The new rule states that if a runner correctly touches a base that was missed the last time he was by the base, that last touch corrects any previous base-running infraction. This last-time-by practice is commonly accepted, but is now legally Rule 8-2-6l.
The last two rules changes were approved on recommendation from the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. First, in a change to Rule 1-5-8, all hard and unyielding items such as braces, casts, etc., must be padded with a closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than one-half-inch thick. Knee and ankle braces that are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design/production do not require additional padding.
Second is an update to concussion language that has been added to the rules for all high school sports. The new rule, 3-1-5, puts strict constraints on players who may have suffered a concussion. The rule states that any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion, including but not limited to loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion of balance problems, must be removed from the contest immediately and shall not return to play before being cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.
A complete listing of all rules changes approved by the committee is available on the NFHS Web site at http://www.nfhs.org/. Click on “Athletics & Fine Arts Activities” on the home page, and select “Baseball.”
Baseball is the fourth-most popular sport for boys at the high school level, according to the 2008-09 NFHS Athletics Participation Survey, with 473,184 participants nationwide. The sport ranks third in school sponsorship with 15,699 schools sponsoring the sport.
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This press release was written by Arika Herron, a summer intern in the NFHS Publications/Communications Department and a senior at Butler (Indiana) University.
About the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
The NFHS, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for high school sports and fine arts activities. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and fine arts activities that help students succeed in their lives. The NFHS sets direction for the future by building awareness and support, improving the participation experience, establishing consistent standards and Rules for competition, and helping those who oversee high school sports and activities. The NFHS writes playing Rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level. Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 19,000 high schools and 11 million participants in high school activity programs, including more than 7.5 million in high school sports. As the recognized national authority on interscholastic activity programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings; sanctions interstate events; produces publications for high school coaches, officials and athletic directors; sponsors professional organizations for high school coaches, officials, spirit coaches, speech and debate coaches and music adjudicators; serves as the national source for interscholastic coach training; and serves as a national information resource of interscholastic athletics and activities. For more information, visit the NFHS Web site at http://www.nfhs.org/.
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