I was just curious how much your son studies baseball. For example, my son was given the book "The Mental Game of Baseball" by his pitching coach and I've bought him "Winning State - Baseball" because he enjoys reading. But I don't think he's really dug into either of these yet. I was just curious when/if your son tried to better his play on the field by doing things off the field (studying the game). Did he read the books I've listed or something similar? Does he analyze swing clips other than his own? Does he do these things on his own? My son is still relatively young but was just curious when your son started doing these types of things.
***************************** "Hey dad.......wanna have a catch?"
Posts: 2747 | Location: NE Ohio | Registered: January 10, 2004
Maybe my son is different than the norm here (wouldn't be the FIRST time he's been called that! ). I don't think he as EVER picked up a book to read dealing with baseball. BUT...I would DEFINETLY describe him as a student of the game. Actually, one our pet peeves with him while growing up, was the fact that he had (and still has) little patience playing with guys who don't KNOW the game. And I'm not talking "basic rules and common knowlege" type stuff here. I'm talking nuances of the game. Instead of picking up a book to read....he indulges his passion and is a student of the game thru sheer learning experiences. He's like a sponge in that he absorbs EVERYTHING he learns both on and off the field thru actually DOING and more importantly TALKING to coaches, players, and anyone else that can shed new insights for him. He has ALWAYS been like this, even at a young age. But pick up a book????? NO WAY!
Posts: 2634 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: December 30, 2002
I couldn't agree more. Very much a kinesthetic and visual learner, in terms of the game. Has absolutely no patience for teammates that "don't have a clue." But get him near a book, to read about either the physical or mental--not a chance.
JT
Posts: 3522 | Location: Lynchburg, VA | Registered: January 15, 2003
My son is a walking encyclopedia about baseball. Ties in to his love of math. He can talk baseball with anyone about almost any player in history. I just wish he could apply this fantastic memory to putting his laundry in the hall basket on wash day!
His love of baseball facts began at an early age, but other than picking up a baseball book when ordered by a teacher to read a novel, he doesn't read to learn baseball. I think this generation gets their info from SportsCenter!
Posts: 322 | Location: Kansas City | Registered: September 18, 2005
Don't get me wrong Luv & JT, my son is pretty much the same way by watching games on TV or talking with older player or coaches he's working with. I just used the examples of the books because he has them and is an avid reader. There are many ways to learn the game off the field so I was trying to stimulate a conversation of how they accomplish it.
That and I was wondering how young they started showing signs of studying the game. Sure, he's always asked questions during games but I mean the more in depth, on their own breaking down the game and looking for answers.
***************************** "Hey dad.......wanna have a catch?"
Posts: 2747 | Location: NE Ohio | Registered: January 10, 2004
Luvbb - my son is just like yours! A visual learner that loves to learn on the field. Also, not patient with those that do not perform as well. He wants to ultimately be a college baseball coach. I've reminded him many times, that profession includes teaching which requires patience. He expects alot out of himself and his teammates.
I've bought him many baseball books (including this past Christmas) simply because he's not a reader and that's the only subject he tends to read. However, they tend to be autobiographies or short stories - not instructional.
Posts: 5357 | Location: Kentucky | Registered: December 30, 2004
My kid is in the "no book" category also. I think he is a visual learner first, a Q & A guy second, absorbs like a sponge........easily coached.
I can recall plenty of his "style" and "form" was influenced by emulating athletes on TV. He has a funny habit of impersonating swings, jump shots, and other well known athletic moves.
I wish I could do the Kobe baseline slam like the kid though............anyway
Everyone has there own methods, and what works for some might not be the same as what works for others, as they are all reaching for the same goal...........to keep playing until someone says they can't.
On the visual aspect.....for fun ....... nothing beats the clock tower shot by Roy Hobbs, its both of our all-time favorites. Is there anything to learn from that clip? Maybe.
Watch it in super-slow, watch for the wide eyes open.
Flash Baseball
Posts: 1488 | Location: OHIO | Registered: September 16, 2005
This is a great question Beezer. My son is in the mold described above - the visual, soak-it-up, no nonsense types. Loves to learn directly from those who know the game. I am the reader in the family - a troubleshooter if you will. Thus, if a problem pops up, by nature, I am all over it. If it takes a book, I'll read a book. With the Internet these days, you can become an expert on most subjects in short order. I feel him and I are a tag team. Learning through reading is what I enjoy doing. Doing is what he enjoys doing. I feel we make a good team. When there is something he needs to know, I send it to him in distilled form via e-mail which he enjoys. I enjoy doing that.
These posts are VERY re-assuring to me (I almost hated to publicly admit my son's lack of patience)...in the fact that it seems that many of our sons "do not suffer fools" on the baseball field very well! Lafmom...my son is a secondary ed major.....I also tell him that "patience" is something he needs to work on...but in all honesty, I have to admit he comes by it honestly!
Posts: 2634 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: December 30, 2002
Interesting question and responses. I got my son "The Mental Game of Baseball" when he went to college. I believe that when you get to that level there is very l;ittle diference in the physical abilities of the players but the difference is in the "mental" abilities. There seems to be more pressures put on the players and I feel it is mostly self imposed. He has read it atleast once and puts it in his bag when they travel. He says he pulls it it from time to time for "clarity". I have a copy on the book case next to the computer myself and find that it can be applied to other aspects of life as well. We occasionally discuss issues or perspective from what we have each read.
My son is also a student of the game from watching and playing like everyone elses sons. When we would go to games he would notice positioning and other details "way from the ball". His red-shirt year he was in the dug out with a note book writing down the tendencies of the pitchers, what they threw on what count, arm position, body position etc. He would write down what they did before they threw to first compared to what they did when they threw home. He would write down what pitches the hitter went after, did they like the ball in or away? Did they "climb the ladder"? did they change their swing during different situations? He did this for himself but so he could let his teammates know what he saw. He has little tolerance for guys who "don't try" to move a guy along or hit behind them. He doesn't like the guys who don't "play smart" baseball....all bad traits he has gotten from me I am affraid. He realizes that on good teams ALL the teammates play for each other and not themselves. He is not a "burner" yet is safe 75-80% of the time he steals because of the things he see's in a pitcher that allows him to get a good jump. He will notice how a left rotates his shoulder "before he comes to first and doesn't roll it when going hom. He will notice how a right handed pitcher shifts his weight slightly off his back leg when coming to firts and keep the weight on the back leg when going home.....all things we have talked about and witneses since he was 8 yrs old. He isn't a game history buff, but he sure knows all the players from his generation.
I could go on and on but I think I have put enough of you to sleep already
Posts: 327 | Location: Schaumburg, IL transplanted to the Sunny Southwest....AZ | Registered: May 03, 2003
Son's favorite book: "The Mental Game of Baseball"
Came to me in the 6th grade and told me that he was going to commit himself to working hard enough to "play baseball past high school." Has been extraordinarily devoted to the game ever since. Sits on the top step of the dugout at all times...watching...learning. Wants to be a college pitching coach in his first job after hanging up the cleats. Eventually, wants to be a college head coach.
Posts: 672 | Location: Charlotte | Registered: December 29, 2002
Mde - That was a beautiful post. I would imagine Asalon is thanking his lucky stars for your young man! Again, enjoyed reading your post!
Prep - Maybe R. will need an assistant and I've got one for him!! My son actually wants to go back to the JUCO he's attending and "learn" from his current coach to begin his coaching career. I thought that was a tremendous compliment to the coach.
Posts: 5357 | Location: Kentucky | Registered: December 30, 2004
Originally posted by Prepster: Son's favorite book: "The Mental Game of Baseball"
Came to me in the 6th grade and told me that he was going to commit himself to working hard enough to "play baseball past high school."
Prepster - when did your son first read the book? Mine is 13 so it's a bit deep/complicated for that age but I would think it would be an easier read in a couple years.
***************************** "Hey dad.......wanna have a catch?"
Posts: 2747 | Location: NE Ohio | Registered: January 10, 2004
I think all of the posters son's are students of the game or they wouldn't have succeded to level that they currently are? Not very many players have success without being a student of the game.
Like so many of you my son studies the game by watching the game, usually videos and not TV or talking to coaches and other players.
lafmom: Have made a mental note (VERY deadly these days!) to let R. know! ...and, you're right, that's a terrific compliment to his coach.
luvbb: "Suffers no fools" is so apt!! Son wants teammates he can "go to war with." Doesn't tolerate "slackers" well. It KILLS him to see gifted players adopt what he considers a "soft" mental attitude about their performance.
Beezer: I think his "mentor" and travel team coach gave the book to him when he was about 15. Since he first read it, he's been VERY attached to it and has recommended it to many. Keeps a dog-eared copy near him at all times...re-reads favorite passages frequently to help maintain focus.
My recollection of his "mentor"," who is now our area scout for the Cardinals, prompts me to mention that a dedicated, knowledgeable coach frequently inspires young players to dedicate themselves similarly to the sport. I know that was certainly case for my son when he joined this man's development program at the age of 14.
His on and off-the-field influence on my son's (and others') development has been enormous. A devotee of Cal Ripken, Jr., I've told this person since that he is my son's "Cal Ripken, Jr."
Posts: 672 | Location: Charlotte | Registered: December 29, 2002
). I don't think he as EVER picked up a book to read dealing with baseball. BUT...I would DEFINETLY describe him as a student of the game. Actually, one our pet peeves with him while growing up, was the fact that he had (and still has) little patience playing with guys who don't KNOW the game. And I'm not talking "basic rules and common knowlege" type stuff here. I'm talking nuances of the game. Instead of picking up a book to read....he indulges his passion and is a student of the game thru sheer learning experiences. He's like a sponge in that he absorbs EVERYTHING he learns both on and off the field thru actually DOING and more importantly TALKING to coaches, players, and anyone else that can shed new insights for him. He has ALWAYS been like this, even at a young age. But pick up a book????? NO WAY! 
Lafmom...my son is a secondary ed major.....I also tell him that "patience" is something he needs to work on...but in all honesty, I have to admit he comes by it honestly! 
