Well, its been a long time since I wrote anything on this 7th and 8th grade site, and now that we're into All Star season, I thought I'd put together some thoughts on what I've seen this year. The Junior and Senior All Star teams have been fabulous--both winning District crowns. I am extremely proud of how the WA 7th, 8th and 9th graders played this year. Top to bottom, the GWA teams looked fundamentally sound --good pitching--good defense--good hitting--and one of my favorites--good baserunning.

After watching dozens of games this summer, I can see that many of you are working hard to improve your game. One of the things that we talked about at the beginning of the year was the fact that a baseball player should always be looking to improve themselves. You should never be satisfied with where your game is. You need to identify where you need improvement--and WORK on your game. One of the things I hear a lot from kids is that "I am slow" or I can't run the bases. That really bugs me. I don't care how slow you are in a sprint--you can still be a smart base runner and even become even more effective than a fast baserunner. So in the big picture--you need to identify where your game is weakest--and work on how you can improve that part of your game.

Here's a couple things I have noticed during the summer season.

Pitching - All pitchers need to take time to study some professional games on TV this summer and fall. One thing that I notice with professional pitchers is that their windups and deliveries are very compact and simple. Arms--legs--are not flying everywhere. They are compact with their center of gravity over their feet until they explode toward the plate. Watch some of the best pitchers on TV. Their simple delivery allows them to have pinpoint control.

Pitchers really need to figure out what their "basic system" is with runners on base....and repeat that system over and over again in practice. Throwing from the stretch and holding runners close to the base needs to be second nature. Too many times, I see pitchers making things up as they go along. For example, your "basic system" with a runner on first might be--1) Foot on the rubber, ball in hand behind your back. 2) Get sign from catcher 3) Go to the set position, 4) look over your shoulder to first base. 5) Wait at least one second, and deliever the ball to home. That should be what you do most of the time. Once you become comfortable with your basic system, then there are variations. One variation might be for you to hold the set position for 3, 4, or 5 seconds before delivering. Another variation might be to look over to first, two times. Another variation might be to try a pickoff move, before you get to the set postion. But whatever your system is--you need to practice it so it is second nature. The same goes for all the differnt situations regarding baserunnners--KNOW YOUR SYSTEM AND LET IT BE SECOND NATURE.

I've seen some pretty good pickoff moves this summer. I think pitchers must understand that the number one reason for throwing over to first is to keep the runner close. The chances of picking him off are very slim. When you throw over, your footwork has to be fast, and your right foot--if you are a righty--should not go too far toward third base. That is where the time is wasted. Similarly, throw the ball over to first with a short arm--like a dart. Again, work on this on your own.

Hitting: Ted Williams--the greatest hitter of all time, and the last man to hit 400 said--"The most important part of hitting is to find a pitch to hit." I'm always amazed at how often players swing at the first pitch--especially when a pitcher is struggling to throw strikes. Here is a fact--the hitters with the highest batting averages usually also are among the league leaders in walks. Watch a major league game--most hitters try to work the account to their favor, i.e. 2-1, 3-1. One reason for this is that good hitters only swing at good pitches. Pitchers are trying to get you to swing at bad pitches. Ted Williams said that in his first at bat against a pitcher in a game--95 percent of the time he would take a pitch to get a feel for the pitchers release point. Taking bad or marginal pitches also makes the pitcher work harder.

There is a time and a place to swing at the first pitch. If the pitch is is grooved right in your zone--go for it. If you have a proven pitcher who can throw strikes and throws hard--you can look for a first pitch fastball. If you can sit on a first pitch fastball--and it is right down the middle of the plate--then go for it. Again, if the pitcher just walked the bases loaded, it is not a bad idea to take a pitch. If you feel that the pitcher may overpower you and you have a tendency to strikeout--swinging at a first pitch fastball might not be a bad strategy.

Two Strikes: Strikeouts are the enemy. Put the bat on the ball and good things will happen--especially at lower levels. When a pitcher is ahead of you in the count, and you have two strikes--PROTECT!. This means, most hitters should choke up a bit--and look to hit the ball deep in the strike zone--and take it to right field--if you are a righty. Most pitchers will try to nibble on the outside of the plate when they are ahead in the count. You need to be prepared to go out and poke that ball the other way. You shouldn't be looking to take your home run swing with two strikes. Think opposite field. If you get a pitch that is middle in, you will still be able to pull the ball.

Baserunning: Everybody needs to work on sliding. I am still amazed when there are close plays at a base how baserunners refuse to slide. When you think there is going to be a close play at any base-- SLIDE! Also, everybody seems to slide high and late. Baserunners need to get their feet in under the slide. When you slide high, you can be tagged out on your thigh. Review your sliding technique. Hands should be thrown up over your head and you should be sliding on your butt. Regarding head first slides--talk to Chase Utley who is on the disabled list with a torn ligament in his hand from sliding head first. My opinion--it's not really a good idea. For advanced baserunners--think about directional slides. If a catcher is waiting for the ball in front of the plate--try a hook slide with your body behind the plate and your feet sliding over home plate.

After stealing a base or sliding into a base--be aware of where the ball is. I see baserunners lose track of where the ball is alot . The baserunner slides, is called safe, and thinks the play is over. Meanwhile, the ball is rolling out to center field or left field. After you slide--immediately pick up the location of the ball.

Man on first, a fly ball is hit to the outfield. Very often the baserunner assumes it is going to be caught, turns his back and trots back to first. If the ball is dropped, you'll be forced out at second. The correct way to play a fly ball is that if it is hit to left or left center, go about halfway--keeping your eye on the outfielder making the play. If you see the outfielder running hard toward the gap to make the catch--you can even go as far as second base. Chances are if he catches the ball, you will have plenty of time to go back to first. If the ball is hit to center or right--you probably can't go as far--but you need to go a third or a quarter of the way off of first---far enough that you can make it to second if the defensive player drops the ball--and short enough that you won't be doubled off of first if the fielder makes the play.

The other night, I saw a team with the bases loaded, nobody out, down two runs late in the game send a runner home on a passed ball. The runner was indecisive, broke late for home --tagged out, which killed the rally. The team ended up losing by one run. The third base coach in this situation should be telling the runner not to run on a passed ball in this situation. With one or two outs, with a weak part of the order up--is a better time to take a chance on a passed ball. Rarely, if ever, should you try to score on a passed ball with nobody out.

Speaking of third base. I see lots of runners, especially in the junior leagues, break toward home before the ball is pitched--running far down the baseline trying to distract the pitcher. The problem with this tactic is that the runner needs to be heading back toward third base when the ball is crossing the plate. So if there is a passed ball--the runner's momentum is heading back to third--or if a ball is hit, his momentum is going the wrong way. It is better to take a good secondary lead--but be in a balanced alert position when the ball is crossing the plate. Be ready to score on a passed ball--or a ground ball to the infield. Remember, as you progress into the senior leagues and varsity baseball--that catcher will throw you out--so come back in fair territory, and dive back to the bag.

Base stealers need to take your lead in a line directly between first and second base. I see a lot of you taking a lead behind the first base bag. You are straying far off first, but you are not any closer to second base when you are behind the bag. Speaking of first base-- Stay on first base until the pitcher's back foot is on the rubber--then do not take your eyes off the pitcher. Because he is looking for you to be looking elsewhere. I see alot of kids not focused on the pitcher when they are taking their lead. You should be locked on to the pitcher all the time.

OK--one more baserunning note. For all you kids who think you are slow---focus on maximizing your secondary lead. A slow baserunner with a good secondary lead will often beat a fast baserunner with a poor secondary lead. It doesn't just happen---WORK ON IT!

CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS: There is nothing I like seeing better in my opponent than someone who is mad or frustrated at something that just happened in a game--like a strikeout. I like to see the other team throw helmets, yell, scream, cuss, argue with the umpire. In this way, they are expending a lot of energy being concerned about things that have happened in the past--and they are not focused on their work at hand--the rest of the game. If you closely watch most professional baseball players, they keep their emotions on an even keel--and don't get too upset over striking out or hitting into a double play. The best example of professionals handling adversity is when a pitcher gives up a home run ball--he immediately holds up his glove to the umpire calling for a new ball for the next batter. It is as if to say "That the last guy hit a home run, but I'm going to strike the next guy out." If you strike out with the bases loaded in the fifth inning--chances are you might get a chance to win the game in the seventh--so you need to keep your focus on your job at hand. If you are having a hard day at the plate--focus on your defense. The funny part about baseball is that you can be a bum in the first inning and a hero in the final inning.

COACHING: If you took five baseball coaches from the Wyoming Area system and had them look at a 15 player team--you would get five different starting lineups. Coaches are trying to put the best nine guys on the field that they think will win the game. Contrary to what lots of people think--most coaches don't play favorites. They play who they think are the best players. You might disagree with their evaluation of talent--but they play who they think will give them the best chance to win the game. If you are not starting or you think you should be playing more--you have two choices. 1) Sit on the bench and mope--or 2) Work hard and prove to the coach that you are better than he thinks you are. I vote for option 2.

GREEN/GOLD SCHEDULES

TEXT STYLE..............................CALENDAR STYLE

Colin Herron pitched 5 shutout innings striking out 4 and yielding only two hits to lead the Warrior Gold to a 6-2 victory over Dallas. Jeremy Zezza pitched the sixth and seventh inning to close the door on the Mountaineers. Zezza struck out three and put the fire out on a seventh inning rally by striking out the final two batters.

This was a 1-0 ballgame for most of the game as Freddie Cefalo's clutch it in the third knocked in Kyle Borton who had walked earlier in the inning. The Warriors rallied for three runs in the fifth as Cefalo and Zach Lopatka both delivered big hits. The Warriors had a hard time solving the lefthanded pitcher from Dallas in the first few innings. Steve Huntz and Evan Skene delivered early hits but the Gold could not capitalize. Kyle Borton scored twice as did Bryant Clark. The Warrirors were patient at the plate and drew seven walks. Freddie Cefalo had two hits for the Gold.

Tino Romanelli pitched a lights out five inning game --shutting down the potent Tunkhannock offense to lead the Green squad to a 7-1 victory over the Tigers. Romanelli kept ahead of the hitters all day, and struck out ten batters using a sneaky quick fastball and a potent curve ball. Romanelli only gave up three hits over five innings.

The Green bats came out smokin' in the first inning of Game 1. Green batted around and scored six runs with big RBI hits by Tyler Mitchell, Tyler Resciniti, Louie Esposito, Kyle Charney and Brian Berti. Heads up baserunning by Marty Michaels, Tino Romanelli, and others in the Warrior lineup also helped the cause. Marty Michaels and Louie Esposito led the offense with two hits apiece. The big blow in the first inning was a Tyler Resciniti RBI double. Marty Michaels, Kyle Charney and Brian Berti had solid defensive plays in the field. Evan Musto came in relief on the scoreboard and did a meticulous job.

Kyle Charney started game 2 and had a solid outing. With the help of Michael Werbin's fielding at 3rd base, Charney held the Tigers scoreless through two innings as the Warriors built a 5-0 lead. Charney ran into rough going with two outs in the third as Tunkhannock strung several hits together and tallied for 4 runs. In three innings of work, Charney had 4 strikeouts and scattered six hits. Tyler Mitchell came in to relieve in the fourth and pitched a hitless and scoreless fourth and fifth inning to record the save. Mitchell also had three strikeouts. Kyle Charney led the offensive charge going 2 for 2 with 2 RBI. Tino Romanelli also had two hits and two RBI, while Marty Michaels had the other lone hit.

Michael Werbin had three web gems at third base.

Jeremy Zezza pitched three scoreless innings, striking out 5, as Wyoming Area Gold beat Pittston, 12-0, in five innings. Kyle Borton and Zach Lopatka closed the game--each with a scoreless inning. Borton and Lopatka each recorded 2 strikeouts.

Lots of hits in this game. Bryant Clark hit a triple in the gap and scored two runs early in the game. Mark Paluski continued his hot hitting with two hits, also scoring two runs. Louis Tzamalas had a nice RBI single to left field. Jeremy Zezza helped his cause with a solid double down the right field line--one of his two hits. Ryan Kaslavage hit the ball hard to left field. Steve Huntz, Evan Skene, and Kyle Borton added hits. Borton had a nice hit to right field.

Mike Scalzo continued to flash the leather on third base, making a diving back handed stab on a ground ball that had double written all over it. Good pitching...good defense....good hitting...a good recipe for victory.

Colin Herron pitched another gem as the Warrior Gold downed Crestwood in Mountain Top. Herron threw four innings and only 44 pitches, giving up no runs and striking out five. Herron gave up a hit to the leadoff batter in the game, picked him off first, and then proceded to retire ten batters in a row. Jeremy Zezza made an outstanding play at shortstop to help the cause and Bryant Clark also had a nice catch in center field. Louis Tzamalas pitched the final three innings. After giving up three runs in the fifth, Tzamalas settled down and closed out the game pitching a perfect sixth and seventh inning. Tzamalas struck out three in his three innings of work.

The offense was led by some hefty hitting at the bottom of the order. Mike Scalzo knocked in two runs with a nice single to left. Evan Skene continued to sizzle with the plate as he had two hard hits to left. Mark Paluski had two hits and made a nice catch in center field. Steve Huntz went two for two, hitting two hot worm burners through the infield. Colin Herron helped his own cause by getting two hits. Freddie Cefalo and Nick Gushka also added hits in the Gold's 11 hit attack.

Tino Romanelli and pitched three innings of the first game, giving up 1 run and striking out 2 in leading the Warriors to a 7-3 victory over Hanover. Romanelli pitched out of a bases loaded no out jam in the second inning without giving up a run. Kyle Charney came in in relief and kept the potent Hanover offense in check, picking up the save. Kyle Charney led the offense picking up three hits and scoring a run. Marty Michaels, Tino Romanelli and Tyler Mitchell each picked up two hits. Tyler Resciniti added a hit as did AJ Lenkaitis and Brian Berti. The Green displayed superior base running and stole numerous bases.

Marty Michaels started the second game and got roughed up for six runs in the two innings he pitched. Tyler Mitchell came in and held the Hanover offense in check for the next two innings, striking out two and not giving up a run. The Green offense seemed tired in the first couple innings of the second game but woke up for 4 runs in the third inning, making the score 6-4. Green had a chance to make a game of it in the final inning, but couldn't muster up any offense.

Marty Michaels had two doubles. Michael Werbin and Nick Granteed had nice line drive hits. Tino Romanelli Brian Berty and Tyler Resciniti also added hits in the losing effort.

Things didn't look good early for the Gold Squad as the team fell behind 6-2 in the top of the third inning. Zach Lopatka started the game and pitched well in the early innings before getting dinged up in the third. Jeremy Zezza came in and pitched three solid innings of middle relief and stablized the game, giving the Warriors a chance to catch up. The Warriors scored one run each in the first four innings--but also left many men on base. Colin Herron pitched a brilliant sixth and seventh inning, holding Dallas scoreless while facing the minimum six batters.

Entering the bottom of the seventh, the Warriors trailed 8-6. Bryant Clark picked up his third hit of the day to lead off the inning. Jeremy Zezza worked a walk. Clark scored on a Herron groundout to shortstop. Louis Tzamalas then delivered a hard hit game tying single. Louis made his way to third base by stealing and on a wild pitches. With Tzamalas on third, Freddie Cefalo delivered a hard ground ball that scooted past the third baseman scoring Tzamalas and ending the game, 9-8.

Leadoff hitter Bryant Clark was on base five straight times, with three hits, 2 walks and numerous stolen bases. Freddie Cefalo had two hits. Mike Scalzo, Steve Huntz, Louis Tzamalas, and Colin Herron also added hits. Steve Huntz and Evan Skene made nice plays on fly balls to the outfield. Freddie Cefalo threw a man out at third after Mike Scalzo applied a nice tag.

The Green Squad took a 5-4 lead into the seventh inning, but couldn't hold on and lost to Valley West 6-5. Tino Romanelli went all the way, pitching a tremendous game, backed with pretty good defense. The Warriors jumped out to a 5-1 lead, behind the hitting and baserunning of Marty Michaels. A couple tough plays at the end of the game proved to be the difference in the ball game.

If you like lots of offense in your baseball games, then Saturday might have been a good day to go golfing. In Game 1 of a 5 inning double header, the Gold Squad came back with a late inning run to tie the game at 1. Colin Herron pitched his best game of the year and held Pittston Area to one run and two hits while striking out 10 in five innings. The offense sputtered for the Warriors as they could only muster two base, one by Freddie Cefalo and one by Bryant Clark (both in the last inning). Nick Gushka ,running for Colin Herron, scored the only run of the game. The defense was good as Steve Huntz and Jeremy Zezza made some good plays in the field.

Game 2 was also a pitchers duel. Jeremy Zezza pitched four shutout innings, striking out five and allowing only two hits. Lefty Zach Lopatka closed the game out in impressive fashion striking out two of the three Pittston Area batters that he faced. The Gold squad could only muster three hits this game; one from Zach Lopatka another by Evan Skene and the third by Bryant Clark. Nick Gushka knocked in Lopatka with an RBI groundout and Louis Tzamalas knocked in Bryant Clark with an RBI groundout. Evan Skene made a nice play by catching a ball in right field and doubling up the runner on first base. Nick Gushka took charge of a few fly balls at third.

The Green squad jumped out to a 7-2 lead after thee innings and then held on to defeat Nanticoke 8-5. A five run second inning was ignited by a Tyler Mitchell triple that was hit nearly 300 feet to right field. Kyle Charney did a nice job of pitching the first three innings. Charney was around the plate, striking out four and walking one. Tyler Mitchell came in in relief and Nanticoke put together a string of hits and a couple walks to make the score 7-5 in the fifth. Tino Romanelli came in relief in the fifth to get out of a bases loaded jam with a strikeout. Romanelli finished off the six-inning game by striking out the side in the sixth.

Drew Slater had a nice game with an RBI double in the sixth and two walks. Kyle Charney had two hits, including a nice hit to the opposite field. Tino Romanelli and Marty Michaels added hits to go along with Tyler Mitchell's triple. Lou Esposito scored three runs after taking three bases on balls. Michael Werbin flashed some impressive leather at third base.

Things looked pretty good going into the fifith inning of this game, with the Gold team leading 6-2. However, Crestwood tallied for seven runs in the top of the fifth as they trounced the Gold squad 16-8. Colin Herron pitched four strong innings but tired in the fifth and was relieved by Kyle Borton. Borton pitched the sixth and Jeremy Zezza thew in the seventh, Neither could not shut down a strong Crestwood hitting attack.

Bryant Clark had a nice day at the plate and in the field. Clark had two hits and scored four runs out of the leadoff position. He also made several nice fielding plays in centerfield. Colin Herron had a big day at the plate with three hits and scored two runs. Kyle Borton had two hits and Mark Paluski had a good day coming off the bench with two hits. Jeremy Zezza and Nick Gushka also added base hits.

Tino Romanelli pitched five solid innings and Tyler Mitchell closed it out as the Green Squad beat Crestwood 6-5. The Green squad jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first inning as Michaels, Romanelli and Charney all scored runs. Romanelli's triple was the big blow of the inning. Crestwood clawed their way back into the ballgame and took a 4-3 lead in the top of the fourth. After a one out single, Brian Berti's run in the bottom of the sixth tied the score at 5. Freddie Cefalo walked to lead off the seventh--stole second, stole third, and scored the winning run as the ball squirted by the third baseman.

Tyler Mitchell had two hits. Marty Michaels, Tino Romanelli, Brian Berti, Kyle Charney and Freddie Cefelo heach added a hit apiece. Michaels made some solid plays at shortstop. Brian Berti tracked down a couple fly balls in center and Drew Slater threw a man out from third trying to lay down a bunt. Green will play Crestwood again on Monday April 19.

Yankee Hall of Fame Catcher Yogi Berra once said "It ain't over 'til it's over." Trailing 7-2 going into the bottom of the seventh, the Green squad mounted a spirited two run rally that brought the tying run to the plate. However, it was not to be as Dallas beat the Warriors 7-4. Marty Michaels was locked in a pitcher's duel, 1-1 going into the top of the fifth. Dallas put some hits together and scored four runs in that inning to take a commanding 5-1 lead. Kyle Charney did a nice job in relief, giving up two more runs in the seventh.

The Warrior offense was snakebit most of the day as well as handcuffed by good Dallas pitching. Early in the game, with the bases loaded twice, the Warriors hit the ball back at Dallas pitchers that ended in double plays. Brian Berti had three hits for the Green team. Tino Romanelli added a triple; AJ Lenkaitis, Tyler Mitchell, and Drew Slater also had hits. Lou Esposito rocketed a double down the left field line. Louie also made some solid fielding plays at second. Brian Berti started the sevetnh inning rally with a single, followed by Louie Esposito's double, and Drew Slater's single. Nick Granteed then worked a walk bringing up the top of the order. However, Romanelli, Michaels and Charney recorded the next three outs putting an end to the game.

This was real baseball game. Crestwood jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the third as pitcher Colin Herron scrambled to keep the Gold squad in the game. The Warrior offense didn't show much life in the first two innings. Three of the first four batters struck out--two looking. Things started to click the second time around the batting order as the Gold squad scored two runs in the bottom of the third on a two out rally. Colin Herron and Jeremy Zezza both scored runs, with Steve Huntz clubbing a big RBI. Herron retired the side in the fourth setting the stage for the game to be tied in the bottom of the fourth. Bryant Clark hit a one out single, stole second base, and scored on an overthrow of third base on another steal. Herron again shut Crestwood down in the fifth inning. Zezza led off the bottom of the sixth with a towering double over the left fielder's head. He then scored on Borton's RBI groundout to second giving the Warriors a 4-3 lead.

Jeremy Zezza came into the game to pitch in the top of the sixth. After a walk, Crestwood drove home a run with a double tying the score 4-4. The score remained tied until the bottom of the 7th. Freddie Cefalo led off with a walk and then stole second base and then third. Fleet-footed Freddie scored the winning run by making it home on a wild pitch.

Colin Herron pitched five solid innings, giving up three runs and striking out eight. Jeremy Zezza pitched the sixth and seventh inning, giving up one run and striking out five. Zezza led the offense with two hits, while Clark, Cefalo, and Steve Huntz also added hits.

Dominating pitching performances by Tino Romanelli in the first game and Marty Michaels in the second game led the Green Squad to a double header sweep at Shoemaker. Romanelli pitched four innings and gave up one run as the Warriors took the first game 12-1. Romanelli recorded 10 strikeouts in four innings of work. Tyler Mitchell closed out the game in the fifth by striking out three. Evan Musto continued his clutch hitting with three hits, while Marty Michaels and Tino Romanelli both had two hits and scored two runs each. Kyle Charney had a hit and scored three runs and Tyler Mitchell and Michael Werbin also added big hits.

In the second game, Marty Michaels also dominated in four innings of work on the mound. He struck out 8 and gave up one run as the Green won the game 10-1. Romanelli had two hits. Marty Michaels, Evan Musto, and Drew Slater also added hits for the Green. Evan Musto pitched a strong 5th inning in relief as he recorded 3 strikeouts. Green's next game is Wednesday April 14th vs. Dallas at home.

Tino Romanelli pitched 5 shutout innings as the Green Squad won its home opener at Shoemaker. Romanelli scattered 2 hits and struck out 7 over five innings. Marty Michaels led the offense with 2 hits and was on base 4 times, scoring 3 runs. The Green Squad held on to a 4-3 lead going into the bottom of the sixth. Good baserunning by Michaels, Esposito, and Carroll helped the Green squad scratch out a lead against a tough Riverside team. Tyler Resciniti hit a long double in the left center field gap, scoring AJ Lenkaitis in the 5th accounting for the Warriors fourth run.

The Warriors busted the game open in the bottom of the sixth scoring 9 runs. Michaels, Romanelli, Berti and Lenkaitis all strung together hits. Resciniti then walked--followed by a double by Drew Slater. Kevin Carroll picked up his second hit of the game, followed by Marty Michaels picking up his second hit of the inning.

Defensively, Colin Herron made some nifty fielding plays at shortstop. Lou Esposito and Drew Slater ate up some ground balls at second. Marty Michaels made a great running catch in centerfield robbing a Riverside batter of at least a double. Evan Musto and AJ Lenkaitis were both solid behind the plate.

Great pitching, great baserunning, and decent defense and hitting were the keys to victory. The Green Squad will take on Valley West on Tuesday at Shoemaker, 4PM.

CREDO - "A Set of Beliefs"

Here is the CREDO that has been developed by the players and coaches of the 2010 7th and 8th Grade Baseball Team

PRACTICE

• We will practice like we play.
• We will listen to the coaches and take their advice to heart.
• We believe we should look, play and act like a team.
• We believe we should always take our "A" game to practice.
• We believe that we will always take practice seriously.
• We will wear gray tops and bottoms to practice so we look like a team. We believe there are no exceptions to this rule.
• We believe that practice makes perfect.
• We believe we should respect our coaches and other players at practice.
• We believe that our coaches are here to help and we shouldn't take them for granted.
• We believe we can work hard in practice and still have fun.
• We believe we should inform Coach Perugini if we cannot make practice.

UNIFORMS

• We believe that we are proud to wear the baseball uniform of Wyoming Area.
• As a team, we have each others back--we are a brotherhood.
• We believe that we want to always look like a team and wear our uniforms completely and properly.
• We believe that we will not wear flip flops or sandals to games (Coach Perugini)
• We believe that we should always have our uniform shirts tucked in when we are practicing before, or playing a game.
• We believe that we are proud to wear our team hats.
• We believe that we should not wear necklaces or jewelry during games or practice.

GAME CONDUCTWe believe we can win every game--and we will play hard to win every game.

• We believe in good sportsmanship.
• We believe we should have fun playing baseball.
• We believe that every time that we step into the batters box, that we are going to get a hit. We believe that we can hit any pitcher.
• We believe that all players with the exception of pitchers and catchers should sprint (not jog or walk) on to the field to take their positions.
• We believe that each player should sprint to first base on any routine ground ball or fly ball and not assume the ball will be caught for an out. We believe that all baserunners should run out every ball in every situation because we know that the other team might drop a routine ball.
• We believe we should show respect for everyone associated with the game; our coaches, our fellow teammates, our opponents, the umpires, and the fans.
• We believe we should not question an umpire's call. We should do nothing to show up an umpire--especially after a called third strike or a questionalble call on a base.
• We believe we should never blame an umpire's bad call for losing a game. We need to be accountable for winning and losing and we shouldn't blame anyone else.
• We believe we should respect our opponents and we will do nothing that will show up our opponents.
• We believe that we will try to keep our emotions in check during a game and not show that we are discouraged or frustrated. We know that showing frustration will help lift the spirits of the other team.
• We believe that if we make an error or strike out, we need to forget the bad stuff and know that we still may have an opportunity to help the team on the next play or at bat.
• We believe that we can improve as baseball players with every game we play.
• We believe that we should not criticize a teammate after they make an error or strike out. Rather, it is important that we offer encouragement.
• We believe that we should keep our heads up no matter what the score is.
• We believe in teamwork. Together we will do great things. We have each other's back.
• After every game, we will look each opposing player and coach in the eye when we shake their hand and tell them "Good Game"-- no matter what the other team's behavior has been like. We will conduct ourselves like good sportsmen--no matter what the other team says or does.

MORE HITTING: I like these tips from Manny Mota

• The most valuable advice that I can give a young hitter is to think about hitting the ball up the middle. If you think about hitting up the middle, you can adjust to hit the ball wherever it is pitched. If you go to the plate hoping to pull the ball and hit a home run, you will have trouble hitting an outside pitch. Your front side will have already opened up and you will not be able to drive an outside pitch.
• Concentration at the plate is critical, and positive thinking helps. You have to walk up to the plate saying to yourself, "I'm going to hit the ball".
• You have to have balance in everything that you do in baseball, especially in hitting. Your body is going to move, but you must keep your head still. The only way to do that is to have good balance.
• A hitter needs rhythm. Try to watch the pitcher's hand and keep your eye on the ball.
• Be aggressive at the plate, but also remain loose and relaxed. If you let your arms get too tight, you will lose the advantage of having good wrist action, as well as your power.
• You should have a purpose to each swing in batting practice. In your first round of batting practice you might concentrate on hitting every pitch to the opposite field. In the next round, try to make sure that you are swinging down on the ball. Prepare yourself for game situations, or the practice will not be as helpful as it could be.