So… What do Baseball Scouts look for?

All good baseball scouts will evaluate players in five areas:

1. Arm Throwing Ability
2. Hitting for Average
3. Hitting for Power
4. Running
5. Fielding Ability

We will break these down in future posts for you to get an idea of what scouts consider good, average or great.  You have to keep in mind that a lot of it depends on the scout so there is no magic number they are looking for.

Intangibles that a player has can also go into the evaluation.  Here are a list of several that scouts tend to look for.

• Team Work – Are you a good teammate?
• Hustle
• Work Habits
• Your Maturity
• Aggressiveness
• Intelligence
• Composure
• Desire to play
• Dedication
• Respect of Coaches and the game itself
• Instincts
• Leadership
• Knowledge of the game
• Desire to help others

I’m sure the list could grow but just remember there is more to playing this game than just the 5 tools listed above.  Other things make the difference from being average or great at this game.  Focus you time and energy on the five skills above but keep in mind the other important attributes of a great player.

Check back with us often as we will continue to break down this post skill by skill to give you a better idea what baseball scouts are looking for.

Just to give you a taste of what I’m talking about:

Baseball Running Speed – 60 yard dash time

• Acceptable Time – 7 seconds or less
• Good Time – 6.6 to 6.8 seconds
• Great Time – 6.2 to 6.5 seconds

Remember these are guidelines and vary by scout or organization.  I discussed this with several professional players and coaches as well as averaging some online resources to get a feel for what they consider when looking at running ability. 

This is just a taste of what the Youth Baseball Insider plans to provide you in every area of baseball.  Our research will give you the knowledge to judge yourself against what it takes to play this game at the Major League level.

Good luck and until next time….

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Communicating with Your Parents   

Coaches, as the baseball season arrives I want to challenge you to be a better communicator with your players and their parents.  I know, you are volunteering your time to coach a team and don’t want to turn the think into a part time job.

I get it, but remember this…

You are making a lasting impression on young children and in my opinion you should make it a great experience for them and their parents regardless of the amount of time it takes you.  I go so far as to tell you not to volunteer unless you plan to give it your all.

With that said, I have a secret…  

Not really, but it’s something you can do that will make things much easier on you and make you look like the organized caring coach you are.

So what is it you ask?

Communicate!

I can’t tell you the number of coaches that do everything right from teaching fundamental baseball skills but fall down on the communication to the players and parents.  This is a terrible rookie mistake and any coach that has been coaching baseball for any length of time will tell you communication can make or break you.

Below is a rough plan of how I communicate to my players and parents during the season.  We will start with parents and then cover the players.

Parents:

1. I provide them with a “parent’s letter” on the first day of practice that outlines my coaching philosophy, my background, team goals, team rules, discipline and contact information.
2. I have them sign a parent’s code of conduct that outlines 10 things I expected them to adhere to.  Basically covers things about yelling at their kids, coaches, umpires and other rules I feel are needed.  To be honest this is a great protection for you because if you get one signed when an issue arises you can pull out the paper and tell the parent they signed and should have understood the code of conduct.  Trust me, you coach long enough you will find a parent on one of your teams that goes way too far on something.  Be prepared to deal with it.
3. I create an email list and ask them to provide me any addition email addresses they want included on team contacts.  Lots of my parents want grandparents etc. on the email list.
4. Provide the parents with a copy of the league rules that you play under and tell them to read the entire set of rules.  I can’t tell you the number of times I have parents upset because of how the game is managed.  When I explain the rule to them they usually calm down.  Do this up front so they understand the rules their children are going to play under.
5. Explain to them how you plan to handle cancelled practices.  Email, phone call etc.  They should understand what is going to happen and not be waiting around to find out.
6. Communicate via email to them after each practice or game.  At least once per week telling them about the progress the players are making. 
7. When problems arise you should be willing to discuss the situation as communication usually cures all.  If not, then you should engage your league officials for help.

In summary, if you are not willing to take the time to do the things I’ve outline above then do everyone a favor and don’t volunteer to be the head coach.  You can still get involved but you really don’t need to be leading things.  I’m not trying to be rude about it, but I can’t tell you the number of parents that come to me year after year telling me how bad their coach is.  When I ask them what’s going on, it’s never about the coach’s ability to teach baseball. It’s always, “he never tells us what’s going on” or “he doesn’t talk down to the level of the children”. Please do everyone a favor, communicate!  You can learn to communicate with practice and also remember to talk to the level or age group of your audience. 

Players:

1. It goes without saying but you need to communicate positively with you players.  No it actually needs to be said because I can’t tell you the number of times I hear coaches screaming at their players for something they did wrong.
2. The little one’s didn’t do things wrong on purpose.  They need to be walked through it time and time again, even at the older age groups.  You as a coach know baseball, so communicate the right and wrong way to do something.  Do it as many times as necessary.  I know there is always a player or two that are out there only because mom and dad forced them to but I challenge you to make a difference it those children’s life.  You can by showing patience and helping them be the best they can be.
3. When you communicate to children be firm but fair in the language you use.  Get down to their level and look them in the eye.  Take your sunglasses off so they can see your eyes and explain to them what you need to.  I can’t tell you the number of times I watch coaches stand from a far, looking down at players and barking orders to them.  It doesn’t work, so stop it. 
4. When correcting fundamentals on the field communication is very important.  Verbal and visual communication is needed for them to be successful.  Explain slowly and show them what you are asking them to do.
5. Have a team meeting before practice and explain quickly what you have planned for the day.
6. Have a post practice meeting telling them what they did great and what they need to work on as a group.  End things on a positive note each and every time. 
7. If you see one of the players doing special things during practice or a game take the time to email the parents after it’s over and tell them what their little one did that was so great or shocked you.  Find a way to do that with all your players at least once per season.

In summary, you have an opportunity to make a difference in these player’s lives.  Step up to that challenge and create a great environment for them to thrive in.  I know you are a volunteer but please don’t coach if you are not willing to put the time in.  It might seem that no one appreciates it but they do trust me.  They won’t always tell you they appreciate it because you know what?  Most people just can’t communicate.  It’s true, don’t be the one that can’t. 

Remember:  Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

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Value of Versatility

So what is versatility you ask?

Versatility in baseball is a player that can be used to play a number of positions for their team.  In addition to playing positions being a switch hitter makes you more versatile especially as the player gets older.

Coaches love baseball players like this.  It gives them many options when creating line-ups or making changes during the game.

I’ve coached a number of teams, some young kids, some much older and I can tell you I always look for players that give me more options as a coach.  Sure, I want speed and power but I also want versatility.

I encourage parents, coaches and players to develop versatility.  Coaches, you need to develop young players at different positions.  Parents you need to encourage your child to ask their coach to play more than just their favorite position.  Coaches want like what I’m about to say, but if you have a coach at the 11U or less age group that doesn’t give you the opportunity to develop at 3 or more positions then you need to find a new coach.  Even older team coaches should still focus on developing players at 2 positions.

Coaches, this is not about you winning the league championship.  I know you will do more for kids if you come in 2^nd or 3^rd in your league but develop players at many positions.  You will give those players more options when they get older and are playing high school, college or pro ball.  You as a youth league coach can make a difference on these young players by giving them options to play many positions.  Get over yourself, stop trying to win the championship at all costs and develop players. 

Don’t get me wrong, winning is great and every young child loves to win.  You should still teach your players how to win games but focus on player development.  I’ve one my fair share of games over the years and we have always been competitive but I can assure you my teams have always required kids to play as many as 4 positions even at older levels.  Notice I said required.  I require them to move around to some extent.  Here are my guidelines:

6 years old and under – players play every position on the field as long as they can protect themselves and not create a safety concern.

7 – 11 years old – players should develop at 4 positions minimum. Outfield, Middle Infield, Catcher, First Base.  Some combination that works for your players.

11 years old and older – players are now learning a primary fielding position.  All players should learn to play a back-up position but I prefer to back-up positions if possible.  Pitching is separate from this.  You might have a 1^st baseman that can play catcher, outfield and then pitch as needed.

I’m sure there are many additional thoughts on this but the plan above works for me.  It’s proven to provide players good development opportunities on the baseball diamond.

So what will this do for you as a player? 

1. Coaches will look to you for more playing time because of your ability to successfully play multiple positions.
2. Give you an edge to make higher level teams because of the options you give the coach.  Even with less talent than others.
3. Sets you apart from the majority of older players.
4. It’s fun to play multiple positions.

So…

Parents, help your kids become more versatile.  Find a new team if your coach doesn’t support that.

Coaches, develop players at multiple positions regardless of age.

Players, you need to have fun and start learning new positions.  It will give you more opportunities in the years to come.

Good luck and may all your baseball dreams come true.

Coach Randy

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