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Some of the most valuable autographed baseball cards are those which are signed by those players who rarely give their signature away. But it's not just baseball players whose autograph is coveted by collectors, as managers Terry Francona and Joe Torre are two mangers whose signature collectors often purchase or trade for.

As far as baseball cards go, the New York Yankees are often at the top of collector's lists and historically, Yogi Berra autographed baseball cards have been a collector favorite like none other. Much of this is due to the fact that Yogi remains active today by appearing in commercials and has a minor league stadium named after him. Of course, his 3 MVP awards, 15 American League All-Star appearances and 10 World Series championships help to drive up the price of his autographed baseball cards.

Perhaps more than any other retired baseball player, Yogi maintains frequent public appearances and makes an effort to sign as many autographs as possible. Normally a high amount of signatures on cards would drive down market prices, but Yogi's great popularity amongst both collectors and the general public help to keep the cards in demand and the prices higher than most.

Many of the most popular autographed baseball cards in the last few years have come from the Boston Red Sox. There's nothing like a World Series or two to spark interest in player cards and signatures, and with the Red Sox having won twice during the first 6 years of the 21st century, collectors and fans alike have taken keen interest in previously unknown players such as Tim Wakefield, Mark Bellhorn and Orlando Cabrera. These players' card values have skyrocketed in the last few years due to the fact that they only had a few autographs on the market once they started winning.

Cal Ripken autographed baseball cards have continued to stand the test of time, and with his 19 All-Star appearances as a shortstop firmly in the record books, the popularity and prices of his cards are going nowhere but up. It helps to be regarded as one of the greatest shortstops ever to play the game, but it is Cal Ripken's actual signature that make his autographed baseball cards so enticing to collectors. Ripken's penmanship on his cards and memorabilia has always been crisp and clean, and has stayed so throughout the years despite the numerous requests placed upon him. This clarity in penmanship has collectors and fans constantly looking for Ripken autographed items.

The value of any card with a signature on it will of course vary, but it comes down to mainly the player, team, design and scarcity. Most of the time, cards with multiple signatures will outweigh the value of any one signature on a card, but of course the players need to be desirable for this to hold true.

A final factor in determining the value of signed cards is whether or not they are certified. Autographed cards that come from the manufacturer with a certificate of authenticity will generally be more desirable than those whose authenticity is in doubt, such as cards signed in person or via mail. Regardless, collectors and fans alike love it when they can get their favorite player to sign something for them.

About The Author:

Justin Michael contributes to several baseball forums across the net, and operates an article directory devoted entirely to Baseball Cards

To find out more red-hot information about baseball cards, visit Baseball Cards Junction now!

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Loyal South Side fans have something to party about since their beloved White Sox finally won another World Series. The White Sox have been less than inspiring in the last fourscore and eight years, but they have finally pulled out of their record-breaking slump.

Maybe it was more than rut. Some believe it was the "South Side Curse," caused by th "Black Sox." This label was given to eight players from an early White Sox team that conspired together to throw the World Series in 1919. Whatever the cause, it seems as if the sun is finally shining on the Chi-Sox, after a pitiful record for most of the Twentieth Century.

Let's take a look: Of the four World Series the White Sox participated in during the last eighty-eight years, they won two. The first was an exciting victory when the Sox beat their hometown rival, the Chicago Cubs in the ultimate "Crosstown Classic," the only World Series in history dominated by Chicago teams.

For those that don't know, the Crosstown Classic is an annual competition between the American League Chicago White Sox and the National League Chicago Cubs. The two teams alternate hosting the game each year, and this event kicks off the baseball season by firing up fans from both sides of town.

The next Series the Sox played in was in 1917, when they overtook the New York Giants, four games to two.

It was in 1919 that the "Black Sox" gained notoriety after intentionally throwing the Series to the Cincinnati Reds, allowing them to win five games to three. It would be a full forty years before the White Sox would snag another chance at the World Series.

Unfortunately, upon challenging the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1959, the Chi-Sox experienced another defeat. The Dodgers beat them four games to two.

Eighty-eight years after winning a Series, the Sox have finally pulled it off again. In October of 2005, the White Sox swept the Houston Astros, defeating them soundly in the first four games of the Series.

The scores were as follows: In game one, Chicago won by two points, with a final score of five to three. Game two was close at seven to six. The third game, a record breaker lasting more than five hours, resulted in the Sox winning by two, after an unheard of fourteen innings. This was the longest game in World Series history, and the final score was seven to five. Game four was another record-breaking game, as it was one of only six in which any team won the Series with a score of one to nothing.

In all fairness, the Astros played a tough final game, with both team's pitchers shutting out batters for the first full seven innings. Unfortunately, fans, players, and even the coach admit that the Astros did not play well throughout most of the Series.

Chicago fans are thrilled by their newfound status as winners. They are crossing their fingers in hope that the new millennium is the beginning of a new era for the White So Ball Club. Only time will tell, but sweeping the Series is a great start.

Article written by Cassaundra Flores, owner of Sports Fan Store,skyfireproducts.com.

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Sportscamp Baseball

Sportscamp Baseball is nine hard-hitting, expert training sessions for young players, their parents and coaches. From hitting and pitching to fielding and bunting, these in-depth lessons are taught by three-time American League All-Star and two-time World series Champ Bucky Dent and MLB coaches Larry Hoskins and Wally Horsman. Teaches: Throwing mechanics, pitching, playing catcher, infield techniques, playing the outfield, base running, hitting and bunting with the best.This action-packed installment of the SportsCamp series presents nine baseball training sessions designed especially for young players, their parents and coaches. Featuring appearances by three-time American League all-star and two-time World Series champ Bucky Dent and major league coaches Larry Hoskins and Wally Horsman, these engaging lessons cover throwing mechanics, pitching, infield techniques, base running, hitting and bunting.

For as long as I can remember, I've always subscribed to the Kiss Principle Keep It Simple, Stupid!

"Often times the only change people like, is the change that makes noise in their pockets." Richard Bach

Baseball is a simple game, and almost everyone knows how to play the game. The game is very simple: 1) you throw the baseball; 2) you catch the baseball; 3) you hit the baseball with a bat, right? But, there are people who can make the game of baseball so complicated and technical, it will make your head spin! Case in point:

Many years ago, I managed a Little League baseball team, and I got my brother-in-law to help me as a coach. I had never done anything like this before, so I didn't know what to expect from a bunch of 9-12 year olds, etc. I had no idea how much a nine, ten, or eleven year old knew about the game of baseball or what he could learn. To see 15 of those little faces sitting around the backstop, didn't sit well when we got started. I felt like we were going to fail, etc. And, I began to wonder if I should have volunteered in the first place. But, we went on and do the best we could. After all, it was all for the kids.

Fifteen kids...ages 9-12 year olds, from every walk of life, were waiting there at the backstop for me to get started. I have to say I was nervous, and I didn't quite know where to start. I had no idea how much a 9-12 year olds knew about baseball and what they could do. How was I going to mold these kids into a team that could win? Opening day was about a month away, and we had to get on with practice right away. After a few comments about the rules of the game, and our own rules as a team, I got the boys out on the field to throw the ball around and loosen up. My brother-in-law hit a little in field practice to get things started.

While they were doing this, I went over to another part of the school grounds, and watched another team in our league practice. I thought it would be good for me to get ideas and tips on how they were doing things and go from there. I thought it would help me with my own coaching as well. As I watched this team practice, I found out very quickly what I was NOT going to do with my team! What I was watching here was incredible!

This team was working on things that Major League teams work on. Things like double-plays; run-downs; bunting; signs from the third base and the dugout; getting the lead run; one bounce to the plate from the outfielders! These two fathers (coaches) were confusing these kids and getting too technical with them, in my view. We're talking about 9-12 year olds...they're just starting out learning the game!

I was getting irritated as I watched this team, because many of these kids don't have the strength, the coordination and the eyesight to perform like the big guys...they don't! I really didn't know at the time what I was going to do with my team, but I knew for sure I was not going to do what these coaches were doing with these kids, etc.

In the two years I coached Little League baseball, I only saw one double-play; no run-downs; I saw no bunts; and no stealing of bases, etc. So, why practice them! By practicing these various things, I felt that this team I was watching would get worse as the season went on. The only reason why I think a coach would teach the kids this stuff, is an ego trip. Trying to show the kids how much they know about the game of baseball. That's all it could be!

Our approach was going to be completely the opposite! Our approach was going to be to keep it simple and practice, practice and more practice, until the kids got it right, and until they made no errors. The kids would learn to catch the ball over and over and over until they got it right! They would learn how to throw the ball over and over and over until they got it right! And, they would stand at the plate and hit the ball over and over and over until they got comfortable at the plate and not be afraid of the ball, etc.

We were going to make the game as simple as we could make it. There would be discipline, and the first thing that disappeared was the bubble gum. Blowing bubbles was too distracting! And, there were only four things the players had to remember. Throw the ball (hopefully straight): catch the ball; hit the ball and go for the easy out! We would never, never go for the lead runner, even if they scored.I think that was pretty easy for the kids to remember.

There would be no complex, technical blah, blah on this team. Simplicity ruled, and it would stay that way. Good pitching was the key to winning. I was lucky, I had good pitchers, and they were very good, and we would work with them every chance we had. As the season started and progressed, my pitchers would strike out an average of 14 batters per game. So, why would we need all that practice on defense. Not many on the other team are going to reach base anyway. And, why should we practice all that technical blah-blah...not many are going to reach base anyway.

I felt like we had a good practice month and now the proof was in the pudding. Opening day came, and we were to have our first game, and we would find out if we were a disciplined team that could win. It was the discipline that made these kids organized and look and play like a baseball team. I was pleased at what I saw and how far we had come in such a short time. I felt that this team was going to win more games than they would lose, but the jury was still out.

When the season started, we won our first eight games in a row, and we won them on simplicity and not making any errors. And, then we lost two in a row, which had me a little worried. But, to make a long season short, the kids came back and, for the season they won 17 games and lost only 3 games.

Sadly, the team that I watched practice early on, won only 2 games and lost 18 games! I felt sorry for this team because they were in shambles. In Little League, there is a 10 run rule. If a team is 10 runs ahead of the other team, the game is stopped! That's so the kids are NOT humiliated...that's not the purpose of Little League. We beat this team by more than 10 runs both times we played them and the games were stopped.

The kids on that 2-18 team were confused by the coaches; they used too many technical terms and play in baseball and they were awful. At the end of the season, the coaches (fathers) were nowhere to be seen, and the team finished the season with a 14 year old coach. PRETTY SAD!

As far as I was concerned, I enjoyed working with the kids so much, that I came back to coach the following year. Surprisingly, it was a repeat of the first year, as we, again won 17 games and lost only 3 games, for a two year total of 34 wins and only 6 losses. And, we did it on simplicity! I was very proud of the kids!

"We design our lives through the power of choices." Unknown

* * *

NOTE: I have been a woodcarver for over twenty years. I was invited to teach a class on woodcarving at the University of New Mexico. If I do, it will be the same approach in wood carving as in Little League baseball...keep it simple, stupid!

ARTICLES PUBLISHED; (70+ websites/includes links); Direct link: http://humordoctormd.homestead.com/articlespublished.htmlWebsite name; humordoctormd - Over 150 colorful pages; over 300 graphicshttp://humordoctormd.homestead.comemail; humordoctormd@yahoo.comCopyright; Jerry L. Aragon (The Humor Doctor); 2006

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Dale Murphy, Atlanta Braves Center Fieldman - A True American Hero

One of the many dreams that my Brother Jason had, was to travel to Los Angeles to meet Dale Murphy and the Atlanta Braves. In 1984 his dream and the dream of my family came true.

My Father and Mother, as do most parents, wanted to see the dreams of their children come true. They were in a position where they did just that. Looking back, now as an adult, I can see where that desire to help their children's dream come true, may have come at a great sacrifice. Nevertheless, they desired to do all they could for my brother Jason's dream to come true.

Jason was born with a very rare bone disease. After reaching the age of 8, he was no longer able to walk and therefore spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Jason loved the Atlanta Braves. He watched most games on TBS and became a huge fan of Dale Murphy. The trip was planned and the arrangements were made to travel to Los Angeles and to spend time with Dale Murphy and the Atlanta Braves. We arrived at the Hyatt Regency and were immediately met by Dale's Father -In-Law, who helped us make the contact and arrangements with Dale. The time finally arrived and Dale walked through the main doors at the hotel. Hie eyes immediately went to Jason and they began to speak. Dale Murphy spent more than an hour speaking to Jason and my family, presenting a baseball glove and other signed items to my brother. I remember seeing tears fill my parents eyes as they witnessed the genuine compassion of this great baseball player, and how he gave of himself at that time. Christian principles teach that giving of oneself is the greatest thing that we can give to our fellowman. Dale did just that. The remaining part of the trip we spent eating with the team, getting autographs of each of the team members, and enjoying the time we had as a family.

Truly, Jason's dream came true. It wasn't long after that highlighted trip, Jason passed away. But this I can say; Thanks be to God for people like Dale Murphy who still to this day, does not realize how important that time was in the life of my Big Brother Jason. Thanks, Dale Murphy.

Travis Ludlow, Founder of Itsagoodday.org highlights the good things of the world. He has a B.S. degree from Brigham Young University and loves his family. Isn't it time, that we use the internet for good things for the world is his theme. Check out his other articles and website at http://www.itsagoodday.org

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Youth Baseball Practice & Coaching-Making The Best Use Of Your Practice Time

Making The Most Of Your Youth Baseball Practice

If you ever have the opportunity to watch a professional sports team practice, the one aspect that jumps out at you, other than the abundance of talent, is the degree to which every single minute is utilized in an efficient manner. Different groups rotate around drills for set amounts of time governed by a clock and timed buzzer. You can do somewhat the same thing with your youth baseball practice. Here is a good basic formula for an hour and 45 minute practice:

In the first 10 minutes have players each find a teammate to warm up with by throwing and catching with each other. If a player does not have a partner, an assistant coach should throw and catch with the player.

In the next 5 minutes you should have your team meeting and discuss what you will be doing in the practice and cover details for an upcoming game.

In then next 1 hour divide the team up as follows: Have your 3 starting pitchers and starting catcher in the pitching & catching group, have half of the remaining players in an infield practice group, and have the remaining players in an outfield practice group.

Have one of the pitchers throwing to the catcher (in full catcher's gear) while the other two pitchers throw to each other. Have all the pitchers switch off after ten pitches to the catcher so all pitchers have a chance to throw to the catcher. Have a coach watch the pitching form of each pitcher.

Have the infield group cover all the infield positions with extra players going to the outfield. A coach should bat balls to all areas of the field. Have extra players assume the roles of base runners. Rotate the infield positions after every few hits.

Have your outfield group spread out in a wide semi-circle in pairs of two with each two players about 8 feet from each other. A coach or assistant bats or throws balls to each pair. The player closest to the ball calls it and the other plays backup. Stress the need for good backup! Only 2 outfielders should be involved with each throw but you can keep the hits/throws going as quick as possible. It is nice to have an extra helper to the coach to gather balls as they are returned.

After 30 minutes, have the infield and outfield groups switch. On every other practice have the pitchers & catcher mix in with the infield/outfield groups.

Devote the last 30 minutes to batting practice. Use a variety of batting drills and make sure every player gets a lot of practice.

Michael Sakowski works full time and volunteers as an assistant coach for his son's youth league baseball team. He also has researched effective youth baseball methods and has published a website,Youth Baseball Basics that provides helpful information to first time baseball players and first time baseball parents.

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Baseball - Rawlings Unfinished Inseam Baseball Pants

Rawlings Unhemmed Ankle Baseball Pants Custom Fit! This pant comes with an unhemmed 37" inseam so you can tailor to your exact length. Features include a zip fly front with belt and tunnel loop - Softball Pants

When the Fantasy Sports first came out, it was more of a humorous and intriguing concept, some even considered it a joke. Of course, it's no joke now, as many workplaces have running bets and pools to see who can win, a form of gambling yes, but people really enjoy the process and in many offices it goes over better than Super Bowl Betting Pools, as everyone can get involved and have fun with it. Many cannot believe how far Fantasy Sports have come, at first they saw it as a silly fad, but apparently the Fantasy Sports Fad has stood the test of time and today it is a definitive trend.

Does this mean that it is Trendy to enjoy betting, playing or predicting the outcome of Fantasy Sports? It appears so. One Harvard Study suggests that it taps into the human psyche and the innate human characteristic to enjoy the impossible. Yet, Fantasy Sports are somewhat potentially plausible and speak to the youthful parts of our brains, where anything and everything is somehow possible. One thing is for sure, and that is there are sure a lot of folks hooked on Fantasy Sports.

In the age of cartoons, Harry Potter and full length movies with fictitious characters in them, it appears that Fantasy Sports has found a place in both our hearts and our minds. Will this trend continue? Some predict that Fantasy Sports may command huge market potential in the future to the tune of 10s of billions of dollars, not to mention the huge advertising venue for Corporate America. Indeed, Fantasy Sports may well be the greatest story never told coming to a TV set near you?

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance Winslow's Bio

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Nike Standout 1200 Baseball Fielding Glove (12")

The Nike men's Standout 1200 baseball fielding glove is a high-performance fielding glove crafted with a tumbled full-grain leather palm and back for a rapid break-in.

Coaching our youth is a delicate practice that needs to be taken with the kids self confidence at the heart of the teaching. These days, parents and coaches alike want to win so bad, they put undue stress on the kids that can have a negative effect.

We over criticize when we are talking to them instead of building up their self confidence. I once heard a parent yelling at his kid from the stands, "If you don't get a hit, you will not be eating dinner tonight!" Needless to say, I went up and spoke with the parent about this approach. Some people may think this is harmless, and it may have been said in a joking fashion. But think of the kid on the field who is playing in front of all the parents and friends who hears this as he is strolling up to the plate. Talk about stress and the feeling of rejection and humiliation if this kid doesn't come through.

Remember, we are building more than just ballplayers here. We are building people who are going to go out in the world someday. We are building character, pride, self confidence. We do this through encouragement and a nourishing attitude. Not through pointing out failures and humiliation. To learn more about this, visit http://www.pro-baseball-drills-and-equipment.com.

But how do we get them to play better if they can't stand a little criticism? By encouraging them. When your kid takes a swing and misses, the first words out of your mouth should be, "Nice swing! You just missed it, keep trying and you'll get a hit!" That encourages your kid to keep trying. Not only that, your kid will be excited about trying more. This promotes self confidence.

If your kid strikes out 4 times in the game. Put an arm around him after the game and tell him he really swung the bat well and that he will get them next time. And tell him how proud you are of him for trying.

Remember these simple tips:

1- Encourage them through positive reinforcement.

2- Nurture them when times are tough.

3- Be there for them when they need your help.

4- And love them unconditionally.

Remember,help your kids out by encouragement. I can't say this enough. They will believe what they hear and if you are encouraging them all the time, they will feel good about themselves. Not only in baseball but in other things.

And also remember, be patient. They are still learning,so you need to give them time to succeed. Just keep loving them and nurturing them and the rest will fall in place.

Bill Bathe- former major league baseball player who played in 1989 world series. Former instructors include Eddie Matthews, Harmon Killebrew, Billy Williams, and Dusty Baker to name a few.Visit his website at http://www.pro-baseball-drills-and-equipment.com which provides drills, information, and tips. Also, digital online video analysis, equipment, posters, and more. In addition, stories and pictures on the journey to the big leagues.

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Eastbay Baseball Size Plastic Balls

Regulation size perforated hollow plastic balls are safe, long lasting and tough.

John Smoltz has been an Atlanta Brave for around 20 years now and is in my eyes along with Chipper Jones of course the face of the Atlanta Braves. John Smoltz was aquired from the Detroit Tigers for Doyle Alexander in 1989. The Tigers got a few good years out of Alexander while the Braves are still getting good seasons out of John Smoltz. Smoltz had many good years to come when he started pitching for the Braves back in 1989, although there were a few rough seasons.

The 89' and 90' seasons where building blocks for Smoltz and the Braves. In 1991 they won the 1st of 14 straight division titles all with Smoltz pitching in some form or fashion for the Atlanta Braves. Smoltz has not always been a starting pitcher though. He had some arm problems a few years back and he and the management of the Braves decided it would be less stress on his elbow if he tried being a Closer. So now one of the Best starting pitchers of the 1990's was being turned into a dominant closer that only had to pitch 1 to 2 innings a night and just master a few pitches instead of worry about setting up a whole game with many different pitches and speeds.

Smoltz was very successful as a closer and was probable the most dominant closer the Braves had had in years and probably the best in the majors during that era. Smoltz decided that he wanted to go back to what he new best as a starting pitcher about 3 seasons ago and is still going strong into the 2008 season.

Atlanta Braves Fan Blog

Atlanta Braves Info: http://www.bravesinfo.blogspot.com

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The Natural

Nothing was going to stop Roy Hobbs from fulfilling his boyhood dream of baseball superstardom. Robert Redford stars in this inspiring fable that begins when 14-year-old Hobbs (Redford) fashions a powerful bat from a fallen oak tree. He soon impresses major league scouts with his ability, fixing his extraordinary talent in the mind of sportswriter Max Mercy (Duvall), who eventually becomes instrumental in Hobbs' career. But a meeting with a mysterious woman shatters his dream. Years pass and an older Hobbs reappears as a rookie for the New York Knights. Overcoming physical pain and defying those who have a stake in seeing the Knights lose, Hobbs, with his boyhood bat, has his chance to lead the Knights to the pennant and to finally fulfill his dream.
Customer Review: Inferior version of classic baseball movie / Good documentaries
Some movies are better left untinkered with. The original film version of "The Natural" is a beloved sports masterpiece, no matter how muddled the opening scenes may appear. For some reason, Director Barry Levinson re-worked the entire opening sequence and created a completely different feel for the movie closer to his "original vision". For those who have never seen the original version, this version might be adequate. But being familiar with the original, this version comes across to me as a lame attempt to cash in on a 25th Anniversary Edition. Several classic, important shots and lines are scrubbed from the original and replaced with new footage, giving the movie a chopped-up feeling that never goes away. And the opening sequence is still not easy to follow. I would have been OK with this new version if it included the original as well, but instead you're forced to hang onto both versions for the time being. Watch them both and compare, but in the end you'll reach for the original version every time you're in the mood to watch this great baseball film about life's redemptions. One positive, the bonus disc provides excellent insight and footage into the making of this film, and is worth the price alone.
Customer Review: Great Movie!
This is definitely a movie you can enjoy as a couple, great story not only for baseball fans but also for the love story fans. I love this movie!

I'm sure most of you have worked with batters who constantly bail out of the batters box no matter what. It seems that this player will begin his bail out before he even really knows where the pitch is going. Here is a drill to try that may have some impact; I'm not saying it is a cure for this problem. It will get the hitter to look first at least before they start their getaway.

Start out using tennis balls for this drill. Have the batter get into the box, and throw some pitches behind them. This should get the batter to realize that they can't just blindly back out of the box, because in youth baseball, they will see pitches behind them, only not on purpose! This will give the timid batter some level of comfort by making them feel safer at the plate. This will get the hitter to really focus on the ball, which is what we want them to do anyway. Throw lots pitches to them, this is not a quick fix method but it should begin to help. After some time, the hitter will begin to notice that they don't have to duck away from good pitches. They will stay put and try to hit the ball instead. You can also have the hitter take a bunch of short strides toward whichever side of the field you need them to. Have them over compensate to begin with, because you know when a pitch comes they will most likely start to move back out in to middle which is closer to our goal anyway.

You can also have the batter just stand in the box when you have a pitcher and catcher warming up. Tell them just to follow the ball into the catcher's glove. This will let them relax some with out the stress of having to hit the ball. Learning how to hit a baseball is a difficult skill to master anyway. When your player is afraid of the ball is makes it much harder to learn to hit. Youth baseball players will respond to good teaching techniques when properly applied. Make sure not to embarrass the player, and do not tolerate any other players doing so.

Coaching youth baseball at any level is great privileged, so get all the info you can. Make sure you are kind and patient even if you don't feel like it at the time. I commend anyone would will take the time and responsibility to coach youth baseball, we need more like you.

Thanks Coach Chip Lemin 440 465 3337

Hello My name is Chip Lemin. I'm a long time youth baseball coach who loves to promote this great game of youth baseball. Promoting sportsmanship in this game of youth baseball is something that really needs I feel. I have a free course that will give you some solid coaching information along with great help on the inter-personal relationships we must have to be good youth baseball coaches.

Things such as parents, travel baseball, getting parents to help out, how to communicate better to parents and players, just to touch on a few. This course will help to organize practices like an elite coach. How to motivate players and other coaches with your positive attitude. It really is not very hard to be a great coach when you know what to do.Best of all you will learn how to have fun with these great kids that you have the privilege of coaching. Do yourself a favor and check it out, it's free,you will get 1 part every couple of days in your e-mail. Coaching can be fun and rewarding if you have a plan in place first, and you have an idea what you are doing. I would like to help you.

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Sunglasses Wrap Style X6 UV400 Lens for Baseball, Softball, Cycling, Golf, Kayaking and All Active Sports

JiMarti Sunglasses combine two functions: 1) Protect the eyes from the harmful UV spectrum of sunlight, and 2) Make a fashion statement. Sunglasses are a fashion accessory which must look stylish and elegant. Sunglass products offered by JiMarti will take good care of your vision, protecting your eyes from harmful sun rays. These sunglasses feature UV400 Lens Technology, absorbing over 99% of harmful UVA and UVB spectrums. Sunglasses comply with ANSI Z80.3 (USA UV Protection standard) and comply with 89/686/EEC and CE (European directives). Some of our products come with Polarized lenses which remove glare, thus promoting safe driving, boating, and also allowing you to see into the water while fishing. Our shades are an ultimate fashion statement at affordable prices! Comfortable, and appropriate for any occasion or activity, these new sunglasses from JiMarti are guaranteed to make heads turn. The Styles we offer are designed for both women and men. We carry a broad selection of sports and casual eyewear at our Storefront Location, so you search JiMarti and go right to us. We inventory multiple styles, colors, and price ranges for Immediate Delivery thus insuring that everyone will find a pair they like at Value Pricing.
Customer Review: Great glasses
Exactly what I was looking for and exactly what the picture showed. Have now bought classes for my whole summer league baseball team.

Before there were any batting cages or tees to teach hitting techniques through baseball training, there was simply a ball and a baseball bat. Just picture someone cutting down a big tree and cutting it in a long enough length to shave it down so a person could swing it. At 2.75 inches in diameter and no heavier than 36 ounces, someone finally did many years ago.

However, it wasn't constructed with curves and smooth areas for the simple look. There was aerodynamics involved so you could swing the baseball bat with speed and precision to get hits and eventually try to round the bases and score. Could you imagine if this never turned out that way and you went up to bat with a 10lb log? Baseball drills during practice would definitely take their toll.

There are several kinds of bats constructed by several companies, but wooden bats are the only kind available to use in Major League Baseball. There are criteria or should we say rules that everyone has to abide by including cork-less bats. This means adding a substance within the bat to make it lighter and create faster bat speeds. Many professional players use them for batting drills but are not allowed to use them during league play. More for entertainment purposes then actual baseball training.

While the wooden bat is for the grand central stage, it's the metal alloy ones that youngsters use all over the country, starting as small as tee-ballers all the way up to the collegiate men in the College World Series. As children growing into adults, a metal bat helps with hitting and is a lot more forgiving then your traditional baseball bat. There are areas where normally, you wouldn't be able to strike the ball far with a wooden style, but metal will allow it.

If you are fortunate enough to try the next time you are practicing, take out both types of baseball bats. Try a few different things to get a proper feel as to what might be comfortable and what might not. Hitting off a tee one day and possibly hitting the batting cages later that day will show you the difference.

In baseball drills, it's not just about swinging, running, and scoring when hitting comes to mind. It's also about learning how to stand in the box, testing different kinds while using open stances, closed stances, shorter strides and more. Then you have to find the bat that gives you a sense of security. That feeling that it's your lucky bat or maybe your best friend you're taking up there to the plate. It may sound funny, but sports brings superstitions to many and routine is one of them. Most like to use the same bat every time during their baseball training. Do you?

More about baseball training on baseballtrainingsecrets.com

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Fenway Park Poster (3700)

Officially licensed MLB Posters

Baseball and life have a lot of similarities. I know what you are thinking, yea right, it's simply a game involving a bat and a ball. What can that possibly teach us? I am here to tell you what it can teach you. Not only baseball, but other sports as well.

Growing up I couldn't see the similarities with baseball and life. I simply knew that a game was on and lets go play! But as time has evolved and I have gone on to other things, only now can I reflect and look at what the game of baseball has taught me.

Baseball and life are similar. I think the first thing it taught me was personal interaction. How to deal with teammates and how to work together towards a common goal. We all wanted to win together, but we also experienced defeat together. We learned how to deal with defeat and how to rise above it. How to keep on trying every out, every game. We didn't know it at the time, but we were learning valuable skills that would carry over to other facets of our lives.

It also taught me how to deal with one-on-one situations. You against the pitcher in the batter's box with the game on the line. You strike out and the game is over. How did you handle this on a personal level? It taught you that you will overcome even in the eyes of defeat. It teaches you how to handle defeat amongst your peers and what you will do to be better next time. Baseball and life are similar, they are just on different stages.

How about your hitting? You fail seven out of ten times and you are a three hundred hitter and a hero. You fail eight out of ten times and you are only hitting two hundred. One extra hit per ten at bats can propel you from hero status to the goat status. How do you deal with defeat when you are only hitting two hundred? Do you throw in the towel or do you put your best effort forward, hold your head high, and carry on with great determination?

Baseball and life teaches us that everyone fails at some point. What matters is not giving up. What matters is getting up and you keep pounding the rock. And while you are pounding the rock, without even knowing it, you are gaining character, desire, determination, and that great spirit that will carry over into life skills.

When I reflect back and try to understand what I learned from this game, I can now see what it has taught me. I know I can handle any situation, because I know how to get back up and move forward. I can deal with personal one-on-one situations, because baseball taught me that.

I know if it doesn't go just right, there is always tomorrow and the prospect of better things. I can handle defeat because I know it is only an opportunity for success later. And an opportunity for me to learn along this road called life.

Yes, baseball has taught me how to be in life, how to handle the ups and the downs, how to be a better person, and how to go out and get what I want in life. It is a grand game in so many ways!

Baseball for me was a stepping stone to my career now. Yes, I accomplished a lot in baseball, but it is where I am now that matters to me and baseball helped me get here.

I am now a captain with the Tucson Fire Department and a paramedic. I have the opportunity to save lives and affect them in a positive way. I deal with tragedy, as well as the overwhelming emotion when saving a life. How do I handle these pressure situations when faced with real emergencies?

I can look back and know that baseball taught me life skills and the ability to handle success as well as defeat. I know that I put my best foot forward each day. Somedays will be enriched with reward, and some with tragedy, but I will keep the course and give it my all. Baseball taught me that. And I hope it can help you as well. Please email me with any thoughts or questions.

Bill Bathe- former major league baseball player who played in 1989 world series. Former instructors include Eddie Matthews, Harmon Killebrew, Billy Williams, and Dusty Baker to name a few. Just click on Baseball drills and baseball equipment to go to his website which provides drills, equipment, information and tips. Also, digital online video analysis, equipment, posters, and more. In addition, stories and pictures on the journey to the big leagues. Or email him at http://www.pro-baseball-drills-and-equipment.com/contact-us.html

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Brookstone Sports Cast Wireless Baseball Scoreboard

Scores are recieved wierelessly via satellite signal no wire, PC or subscription needed. Diplays schedules, standings and scores updated every half inning. Uses 1AA batteries (not included)

Happy Spring,

Shortstop duties Part #2

The shortstop will need to back up throws to third base on steal attempts. The left fielder will also be helping out on backups, but the shortstop is the best chance to cut down runner trying to score on an overthrow.

For one thing they will be closer to the play. The shortstop usually has a more accurate arm, and is used in making these kinds of throws. Being mentally ready and recognizing runners beginning to steal, gives them that split second jump to get into position to back up the throw.

It is the shortstop's duty to yell loudly as the runner begins to steal. So make sure to have the shortstop hustle over and back up third base, that's the best chance to nail a runner trying to advance home.

When there is a bunt to the left side, the wheel play requires your shortstop to quickly cover third base to take the throw from the pitcher, or catcher to tag or force the runner at third. It is vitally important that the shortstop get the sign to all the players involved, since this is a timing play. Straddling the base in an athletic position, allows the shortstop to adjust for an offline throw and still make a play.

Shortstops must also be the relay man on a ball hit past the left or center fielders. Knowing the arm strengths of your outfielders is crucial. You must be positioned as a relay man to make short accurate throws to the bases.

In other words, don't have your shortstop go so far into the outfield that they will have a long throw to whatever base they are throwing to. This is where mental preparedness will help your shortstop. If they already know that your right fielder has a great arm, have them set up where there is a realistic shot at third base. A relay throw that bounces to you is far better than relay throw over your head. These are all the minute details of baseball that are often overlooked by many coaches.

For an accurate quickly relay throw, they must receive the ball with your glove shoulder pointing toward the infield or base you are throwing to. The shortstop must catch the baseball, transfer, and throw all in one motion.

This quick smooth transfer will save you precious time to get the base runner out on a close play. Shortstops with strong throwing arms are an asset on relay throws. They can gun down base runners trying to move up and possibly score. When the opposing team sees your team has a strong relay technique, they won't be so aggressive on the bases.

Shortstops must also be very vocal on short hops or fly balls into the outfield. When your shortstop is certain it is a ball they can catch , they must continue to yell loudly to ward off your outfielders. If the fly ball has been in the air for a long time, the outfielder may call them off. They actually have a better route to the ball. They are also coming in, so if they hear the outfielder call for the ball, clear out, and let them have it. They have run a long way for the ball, so let them have the reward. They also have a lot of momentum, and we want to avoid collisions at all costs. That is why practicing fly ball drills is so very important.

The position of shortstop requires a special athlete. It also requires the coaching staff to have all the knowledge they can get to maximize this position. Do your best to study or research as much coaching material as you can. A well coached team is a pleasure to watch. That part is your responsibility.

Thanks for your time.
Coach Chip

Chip Lemin has been a promoter of youth baseball since they started using aluminum bats. That's a long time. I have witnessed many good people get into coaching without solid coaching skills and it is not fun for them or the kids.Today's newer coaches are also being shortchanged on sportsmanship, like there is none. Visit my site to sign up for a insightful, informational, free coaching e-course at http://www.baseballecourse.com

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Pittsburgh Pirates Franchise Fitted Baseball Cap

Founded in 1946, Twins Enterprise is the creator of The Franchise, their signature cap that is always the perfect fit. Twins has the exclusive rights to create fitted, relaxed caps for Major League Baseball. Several top universities (including Alabama, Texas, Notre Dame, and North Carolina) look exclusively to Twins to create the Franchise cap for their students and fans. When Major League Baseball players celebrate winning their Division or the Wild Card they proudly wear caps manufactured and created by Twins Enterprise. Available in just about every major sport, as well as many impressive companies and brands, Twins Caps are everywhere. You may even be wearing one right now.

Customer Review: NOT HAPPY
I ordered this hat for my husband. It said one size. It did not say child size or adult size. It is too small for my husband, & too big for my 2 1/2 year grand son. I should have sent it back, but I did not.
Customer Review: Smaller fit for a listed size large
I currently have another Franchise-brand hat and have had others in the past. For whatever reason, however, this one was smaller than the other "large"-sized hats that I have/had. It stretches a bit, but just keep this in mind.

Collecting vintage sports cards is always an adventure especially when you come across that great historical player. I have always collected football and baseball cards in the past, but now I also collect basketball cards due to their high value in collecting.

Basketball cards are very hot now; try to get your hands on as many rookies and Hall Of Famer's as possible. And of course Michael Jordan rookie should be a priority on your want list.
Starting a basketball card collection will depend on your budget. Basketball cards can be more expensive compared to other sports. Although the sport of basketball card collecting is newer than baseball collecting, basketball cards have become an important commodity to have in your inventory and are a great part of collecting memorabilia.

Although basketball cards are not collected by as many people as baseball or football cards, there is still a loyal group of up and coming new collectors that keep basketball collecting a favorite for both the sport aspect and the profit aspect. Basketball cards are one of the five major sports card types collected. The basketball collector builds his inventory by collecting mostly the star and Rookie cards from their favorite teams.

America has really taken a love and passion in collecting sports cards. It has become not only a hobby or pass time, but a profitable trading profession. Collecting sports cards is a fun, exciting and educational hobby. Card collecting will give you knowledge and an interest in players you would not have found interesting in the past.

One great resource for buying and selling online memorabilia is http://www.vintagesportscardmemorabilia.com

About the Author: Eddie Delgado is the owner and writer for http://www.VintageSportsCardMemorabilia.com VSCM is the ultimate NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL sports card and memorabilia site for serious collectors.

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Science of Hitting

Ted Williams is our greatest living expert on how to hit a baseball -- the last baseball player to hit .400 in the major leagues. Williams's career hitting statistics will stand forever as a monument to his complete mastery of the single most difficult thing to do in sport: .344 lifetime batting average, 521 home runs, 1839 RBI and 2654 hits.

The Science of Hitting has reigned as the classic handbook on hitting since being published in 1971 -- and now it's even better! Ted's hitting advice has been updated, and exciting new color graphics and photos have been added to enhance your reading pleasure. The Gallery of Great Hitters has been expanded to include Ted's choices for the best hitters of the '70s and '80s: look inside to see who made the cut!

You'll still find all of Ted's great advice on how to improve your turn at bat and become the best hitter possible. Learn:

* How to think like a pitcher and guess the pitch

* The three cardinal rules for developing a smooth line-drive swing

* The secrets of hip and wrist action

* Pitch selection

* Bunting

* Hitting the opposite way

And much more!

Whether you play the game or simply enjoy reading about it, you'll find The Science of Hitting an unforgettable addition to your sports library.
Customer Review: OLD HEAVY HITTER
I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE READ THIS WHEN I WAS LOANED A COPY FROM HIGH SCHOOL COACH - UNFORUNATELY I NEVER GAVE IT BACK, UNTIL NOW - BUT I DID SHARE IT WITH MY COUSINS AND THEN SONS AND DAUGHTERS - AND NEPHEWS - ALL TO FANTASTIC RESULTS...THIS IS THE HITTERS GUIDE BY THE GREATEST HITTER OF ALL TIME...THANK YOU TED WILLIAMS - AGAIN AND AGAIN...
Customer Review: Ted Williams is the man
Nice read, talks about a ton of ideas for hitting better, have used some of them, and have noticed improved power to the opposite field. Ted Williams was the second best player of all time, anytime he speaks or writes about baseball, it's in your best interest to soak up the info.

Is 720p vs 1080i worth being concerned about? Yes and no. If you're a consumer looking for a new TV, you can happily ignore the 720p vs 1080i debate because every TV which is described as HDTV or HDTV Ready is required to support both formats.

NOTE: You should be aware though that lots of TVs which support 1080i have fewer than 1080 lines and so scale the 1080 signal down. That's not a huge issue as even scaled down 1080i is far ahead of a regular NTSC signal. It is worth bearing in mind that more expensive HDTVs tend to have better scalers than cheaper ones, and this may be an issue.

However, for broadcasters it's a live issue. Should they broadcast 1080 lines of interlaced video or 720 lines of progressive scan? They could just broadcast two signals, one in each format, but that would use up a huge chunk of bandwidth and be hugely expensive for very little gain.

To answer the question, it's important to understand the difference between 720p vs 1080i. A 720p signal is made up of 720 horizontal lines. Each frame is displayed in its entirety on-screen for 1/30th of a second. This is know as progressive scan (hence the 'p')The quality is like watching 30 photographic images a second on TV. A 1080i signal comprises 1080 horizontal lines but all the lines are not displayed on-screen simultaneously. Instead, they are interlaced (hence the 'i'), ie every other lines is displayed for 1/60th of a second and then the alternate lines are displayed for 1/60th of a second. So, the frame rate is still 30 frames per second, but each frame is split into two fields, which your brain then puts together subconsciously.

Most of the time interlacing works fine, but for fast moving images, such as sports like baseball and hockey it can cause problems which manifest themselves as a 'stepping' effect on-screen. Progressive scan signals don't have this problem and so are better suited to sports.

ESPN puts it like this: 'Progressive scan technology produces better images for the fast moving orientation of sports television. Simply put, with 104 mph fastballs in baseball and 120 mph shots on goal in hockey, the line-by-line basis of progressive scan technology better captures the inherent fast action of sports. For ESPN, progressive scan technology makes perfect sense.'

Bottom line? For us, as consumers 720p vs 1080i is not a debate worth worrying about, so you can relax and focus on all the other criteria on your list when you buy your next HDTV.

Kenny Hemphill is the editor and publisher of The HDTV Tuner - a guide to the kit, the technology and the programming on HDTV.

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DeMarini Voodoo (-12) Baseball Bat - 2008 Model

It's that time of year again known as the off-season in pro baseball and as always free agency was one of the hottest topics at the GM meetings this past week (November 5-8, 2007). The other two were instant replay and trying to approve the wearing of batting helmets for first and third base coaches. The helmet issue arose due to the death of Rockies Minor League manager, Mike Coolbaugh, who died after being struck in the head by a line drive while coaching first base.

Looking back in retrospect, free agency was born out of 70 years of player frustration at the hands of baseball owners who held a choke hold on player's rights. The Brotherhood Strike (1890) was the first attempt by the ball players to end the owners grip on player mobility as they organized the National Brotherhood of Ball Players. But it failed miserably and the owners kept their death grip on the game until 1966.

That year, the players enlisted the services of Marvin Miller, labor union activist, and formed the Major League Ball Players Association (MLBPA). The final nail in the coffin of the owner's reserve clause binding players to one team happened when both Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax refused to re-sign their contracts. In 1970, Curt Flood, St. Louis Cards outfielder, took the leagues to court to officially challenge the clause by negotiating a player trade citing the 13th Amendment and Antitrust legislation as grounds for the law suit.

He lost the case in 1972 in the Supreme Court by a 5-3 vote, but due in part to large-scale public sympathy, the damage had been done. In 1975, Dave McNally and Andy Messersmith played without contracts and then declared themselves free agents. The owners, whose grip on the ball players was weakened by concessions that came out of the Flood case, had no choice but to accept the Collective Bargaining Agreement put forth by the MLBPA, effectively ending once and for all the reserve clause's effectiveness.

I've come up with a list of the five biggest free agent busts of the last ten years by putting in some due diligence and doing some research. Hopefully, you'll see my reasoning behind choosing the five ball players that are on this list. I arranged the list from lowest annual contract salary to the highest, and oddly enough three of the five are pitchers.

Biggest Bust #5 - Albert Belle (LF/RF - Orioles) - 5 years, $65 million ($13m/yr.)

Albert "Joey" Belle played for three teams in his injury shortened 12 year career --- the Indians (1989-96), the White Sox (1997-98), and the Orioles (1999-2000). He was called "Joey" (his childhood nickname) while in the minors, but his temperament and excessive drinking habits labeled him a high risk draft prospect in college, and it was during his counseling for alcohol abuse that he started going by his proper name of Albert.

Even though his career was ended in 2000 due to a severe hip injury, Belle's career was continually clouded by his questionable behavior both on and off the field. He was suspended in the 1986 college World Series when he went into the stands after a fan had been shouting racial slurs at him. In 1990, he threw a baseball into the stands, hitting a person that was taunting him about his alcohol rehab. He also ran into a Halloween vandal with his car after catching him in the act of throwing eggs at his house.

In 1994, a corked bat got him suspended. He was fined in 1996 for colliding with Fernando Vina on a play at second base. And in 1995, Hannah Storm of NBC Sports was the target of a profane outburst during the 1995 World Series when she approached him for an interview. It was also reported that the Indians billed him $10,000 a year for damages done to opposing team's clubhouses during road games.

At the end of the 1999 season, Belle invoked a clause in his contract that would guarantee that he would remain one of the three highest paid players in baseball, and when the White Sox refused to give him a raise, he immediately became a free agent. The Orioles, desperate to get back into a pennant chase, jumped at the opportunity and signed Belle to a five year contract worth $65 million. But Belle's career would end after only two of the five seasons on the contract when he was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis of the hip. He was only 34 years old.

During his career, Belle became only the fourth player all time along with Ruth, Gehrig, and Foxx to have eight straight seasons of 30 or more homers and 100 or more RBI's. In 1995, Belle became the only player in MLB history to hit 50 homers and 50 doubles, and to this day he remains alone in the record books with that stat.

Biggest Bust #4 - Chan Ho Park (P - Rangers) - 5 years, $65 million ($13m/yr.)

Park has been with 4 teams in 14 professional seasons. He was picked up by the Dodgers as an amateur free agent in 1994 where he spent eight seasons (1994-2001), then pitched for the Rangers (2002-05), the Padres (2005-06), and finally the Mets (2007). But the "bust" occurred when he was in a Rangers' uniform.

After a 15-11 season with the Dodgers in 2001, Park signed with the Rangers for five years and $65 million, which was a record for size of contract signed by a pitcher at the time. But while he was in Texas he was hampered with injuries and a hitter friendly ballpark that did not play out in his favor. Park was an unpopular figure in the Dallas area. The media constantly demeaned him in print with nicknames like "Heave Ho Park", "(It's) Outta Tho Park," and "Oh No Park", not to mention the jeers of fans that he was an under achiever hurting his team as well as a big waste of money.

Not wanting to label Park as a pitcher who could not succeed, upper management took the stance that he didn't fit the Rangers' organization. So on July 29, 2005 the Rangers traded him to the Padres for Phil Nevin, and he was immediately shelled for seven runs and eight hits in only 4.1 innings in his first outing in a San Diego uniform. The only highlight of his 2006 season came as a reliever for Korea in the World Baseball Classic.

February of 2007 saw Park ink a one year, $3 million deal with the Mets, but he was immediately sent to AAA New Orleans due to a poor spring performance. On April 30th he pitched only one time for the Mets filling in for an injured Orlando Hernandez, but was sent back down to New Orleans on May 3rd and then designated for assignment on June 4th. On June 12th he signed a minor league contract with the Astros' triple A franchise at Round Rock, but as of season's end, he never joined the Astros due to unimpressive stats in the minors. This past November 7th, Park supposedly accepted an offer from the Dodgers to report to spring training in 2008.

Some of the notable events of Park's career include being the first South Korean pitcher to reach 100 victories in the majors. In 2001, he gave up Bonds' record breaking 71st home run and then his 72nd later in the game. April 23, 1999 saw him give up two grand slams in one inning to Fernando Tatis. And in the third inning of the 2001 All Star Game, he surrendered the home run to Cal Ripken, Jr. (later named the game's MVP) which put Ripken in the record books for being the oldest major leaguer to accomplish that feat.

Biggest Bust #3 - Mo Vaughn (1B - Angels) - 6 years, $80 million ($13.3m/yr.)

Vaughn was another high priced free agent whose career ended abruptly in injury. He played 13 seasons with three teams --- Red Sox (1991-98), Angels (1999-2001), and Mets (2002-03). He played his college ball at Seton Hall and was drafted by the Red Sox in 1989 (1st round - 23rd pick), and made his MLB debut on June 27, 1991. When he was playing in the Cape Cod Baseball League his teammates included Chuck Knoblauch and Craig Biggio.

Vaughn was a very popular figure in Boston mostly because of his charity work in the community and his personality, but his issues with Red Sox management and the local media eventually spelled the end of his career in a Red Sox uniform. Despite starting the 1998 season with a ninth inning walk-off grand slam to beat the Mariners, the season was filled with constant bitterness between him and management. After the Indians knocked Boston out of the divisional series, Vaughn announced his free agency.

Within days, he signed the highest paying contract (at the time) with the Angels. In 1999 and 2000 he hit over 30 home runs and drove in over 100 RBI's. He was plagued by injuries in 1999, one of which included falling down the dugout steps on his first play of his first game and badly spraining his ankle. In 2001, he never played in one game the whole season. But the Mets saw him as a run producer suited for the middle of their lineup and took him in trade for pitcher Kevin Appier on December 27, 2001.

Despite the new opportunity in the Big Apple, Vaughn could not resurrect his past performance in Boston nor kick the injuries that were nagging him the past few years. He had a poor season in 2002, and only appeared in 27 games due to a chronic knee injury in 2003. At that point, doctors were telling Vaughn that continuing to play baseball would eventually render him disabled. For Vaughn, this closed the door on his career.

Biggest Bust #2 - Kevin Brown (P - Dodgers) - 7 years, $105 million ($15m/yr.)

Though Brown had an 18 year career in the majors, he was never one that I would consider a great pitcher. He was mediocre at best, running hot and cold and the hot part usually happening at contract time. Brown always reminded me of a ball player from yesteryear named "Jumpin'" Joe Collins. They called him that because he "jumped" to wherever the money was.

Brown played for six different teams --- Rangers (1988-94), Orioles (1995), Marlins (1996-97), Padres (1998), Dodgers (1999-2003), and Yankees (2004-05). He was drafted fourth in the first round of 1986 by the Rangers, and made his debut in 1989, and was placed as #2 in the rotation behind Nolan Ryan. He had average seasons in 1990-91, but in 1992 he was 21-11 making him the first Rangers pitcher since Fergie Jenkins (1974) to win 20 or more games.

He spent 1995 with the Orioles after the 1994-95 strike was settled, and then went to Florida for the 1996-97 seasons. The highlight with the Marlins obviously came in the '97 season when they won the World Series. When Marlin's ownership dismantled the championship team, Brown was traded to the Padres for the '98 season. He helped get the Padres to the series, but not before he blew a save opportunity in Game 5 of the NLCS.

When Brown signed his contract with the Dodgers, he became the first $100 million man in baseball, and in my opinion the most overrated. The contract was oftentimes referred to as the worst one ever from a team's point of view because throughout his final years he would only average nine wins per season and be hampered continually with injuries.

Brown was traded to the Yankees in December of 2003 --- a trade I have never agreed with and my skepticism was well documented with "I told you so's" after only two years in the Bronx. Though he dealt with health problems (back and spine) during '04, Brown proved he lacked intelligence when he angrily stormed out of Torre's office, punched the wall outside, breaking his left hand. Brown would be out of action for the remainder of the season.

Brown would make an attempt at returning in 2005, but would fail miserably being plagued with back problems and other injuries throughout the season. His 4-7 record and 6.50 ERA was enough, and in February of 2006, he announced his retirement. For Yankee fans it was too long in the making. For me, it was the end of a foolish waste of money.

Biggest Bust #1 - Mike Hampton (P - Rockies) - 8 years, $121 million ($15.1m/ yr.)

Hampton was drafted by the Mariners in 1990 and made his major league debut in 1993. Besides Seattle (1993), he has been with the Astros (1994-99), the Mets (2000), the Rockies (2001-02), and the Braves (2003-present). Hampton would get off to a disappointing start in Seattle and get shipped off to Houston after only one season. The best year of his career came in 1999 with the Astros when he posted a 22-4 record and a 2.90 ERA as well.

Hampton was also revered as one of the better hitting pitchers in the league and would win five Silver Slugger Awards in a row. In 2001 while with the Rockies he batted .291 and hit 7 home runs. But coupled with his hitting prowess that year was a disappointing 14-13 won/loss record and a dismal 5.12 ERA. Adding insult to injury, he developed control problems. In 2002, things just got worse. His ERA swelled to 6.15 and he posted a miserable 7-15 record.

As a result, in November of '02, Hampton was traded to the Marlins then immediately to Atlanta. He won 14 games in 2003 and in 2004 he helped get the Braves into the post season. Limited by injuries in 2005, he posted a 5-3 record, only to have his season end with an elbow injury that August. He would undergo Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2006 season while in rehab, and 2007 would prove to be no better. In March, he tore an oblique muscle; in April, a bullpen start was shut down due to recurring elbow pain; and after having another elbow procedure done shortly thereafter, the Braves announced that he would miss the entire 2007 season with a torn flexor tendon in his pitching elbow.

As of the date of this article, there is no news about Hampton or his future. For me, this contract was more ridiculous than A-Rod's $25.2 million per year only because the Yankees got some good out of A-Rod. A writer for Sports Illustrated said it best --- "This deal, signed in the wild winter before the '01 season, was doomed from the start. The lefty Hampton was so bad -- 21-28, 5.75 ERA -- that the Rocks paid Florida (and then the Braves) to take him. The Braves still owe Hampton -- who missed all of '06 and '07 -- $15 million for '08." Now that is a "bust" if ever there was one.

As always, if you have any comments or questions, e-mail me at no1nyyfan55@yahoo.com and I will respond to you as quickly as I can. Until next time, here's hoping your free agent isn't a bust.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com
http://www.baseballlibrary.com
http://espn.go.com

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Backyard Soccer / Backyard Baseball Bundle (Windows / Mac)

Backyard Soccer & Backyard Baseball bundle

While most Little League pitchers dream of pitching in the "Big League", the sad truth is that none will. Almost all Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers, if they even played in Little League, played a different position in their youth. Do I have your attention yet? As surprising as these statements may seem, according to studies by several MLB team physicians, they are true.

Injuries are the number one preventable reason youth (9-12 years old) pitchers seldom continue pitching past high school. The risk of injury is especially high in this age group due to immature skeletons, poor coordination, improper technique, and coaching. At all levels, the biggest risk factor is "overuse". While injury risk factors can be mitigated, injuries are inherent to pitching. For example, despite access to the best coaches, trainers, and doctors, virtually every MLB pitcher sustains a serious injury at some point in their career.

What can be done to reduce the risk of pitching injuries, especially in young pitchers? The three most important contributors to a pitcher's ability to perform well and stay healthy are pitching mechanics, pitch volume, and pitch type. Pitching mechanics, "proper form", is the same at all levels of competition. That is why it is so important to teach proper pitching and throwing mechanics early. As the level of competition increases, pitchers throw harder-increasing the torque and forces on the throwing arm. Good mechanics will spread the forces more evenly along the kinetic chain (foot to hand). Flaws in the pitching form will put more stress on the joints (shoulder and elbow primarily), causing an injury sooner, rather than later. Because Little Leaguers don't throw very hard (relatively speaking), injuries may not be visible for years. Yet the effects add up and will cause problems eventually. Some studies have reported that 15% of male college students feel their ability to throw in college is hindered or hampered by pain, tenderness, or limitation of movement as a result of their youth baseball pitching. So teaching proper pitching mechanics is first step in reducing throwing injuries.

The next most important contributor is pitching volume-the number of pitches thrown. All youth leagues have regulations limiting innings pitched. Yet the important component, number of pitches thrown, isn't (usually). Although there is no study that defines the exact number of pitches that can be thrown safely, MLB pitchers are generally limited to 100. College and high school pitchers often greatly exceed that number. What is a "safe"amount for Little Leaguers? I recommend no more than 70 pitches a game. The third important risk factor is the type of pitch thrown. Most people assume that throwing a curveball is more stressful to the arm than a fastball.

Biomechanical studies of adult pitchers indicate though, that there are minimal differences in elbow and shoulder forces when throwing a fastball or curve ball, and significantly less force throwing a change-up. But, an improperly thrown curve ball is much more stressful than an improperly thrown fastball. Worse yet is the split-fingered fastball (should be banned at the amateur level). The least stressful pitch? Knuckleball. A fastball is the easiest to learn and the most natural to throw, and along with a change-up, should be the only pitches thrown before the age of 14. There are a lot of factors contributing to pitching injuries, most of which can be minimized by emphasizing pitching mechanics and limiting the number and type of pitches thrown. Proper conditioning is also important, and we will talk more about that in future columns.

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The practice Tee. Golfers have no problem digging out dollars for buckets of rancid, scared and otherwise abused golf balls to place on a plastic Tee so they can hit away. Adults find immense pleasure watching their little ones adorn themselves in baseball uniforms and helmets to play T ball. So why is it that when baseball players reach a certain age that they (and some coaches) talk down the process of T work?

Lets look at the downside of the hitting a baseball off a Tee. The baseball players purpose for T work is to 1- locate the sweet spot of their bat. 2- develop muscle memory for a level swing at various point in the strike zone. 3- more muscle memory for the stride that works best for them. 4- be able to break down the movements of the swing to make adjustments where needed 5- allow time to practice each portion of the swing before bringing it all together 6- confidence gained through familiarity of actually hitting the baseball. 7- ball flight gives you immediate confirmation of the baseball being well hit or miss hit.

Ooops, those are all good things.

Ok, the downside of hitting a baseball off a Tee. 1- your friends tease you (but your batting average is double theirs) 2- your coach equates Tee work to T Ball (you likely need a new coach) 3- you pocket half the money you would spend on batting cages ( may be able to afford an even better grade of glove then you had been hoping for) 4- Tee work can be done for hours on end (batting cage time is over went the money is gone). 5- you cant give yourself a black eye or take one in the gut working off a Tee

There Ive done it again. Well, it seems I am just not the guy to talk down Tee work. Many people try to compare Tee work with batting practice. They really are separate activities. Baseball batting practice is the action of putting it all together and hitting the ball. Batting practice can be live as with soft toss, practice pitch or batting cages. Each has their own special place in making anyone a better hitter. But all these methods provide variation in the delivery. Pitching machines put it in a similar place more often, but there is still variation on every delivery. By diligent Tee work, you train yourself for all the basics and learn what works for you in various delivery conditions.

Its the repetition of Tee work that makes it so valuable. The more you swing and get positive reinforcement (actually hitting the ball) the better your whole program becomes. Batting cages have their place, but how many times have you, or even seen someone else, hit every pitch and drive it straight back at the machine? Ive never done it myself and I have only seen two others hit every pitch and drive them relatively well.

Repetition is essential in any physical activity. From writing your name with a pencil, to drinking water from a glass. The more repetitions you do, the quicker you will master the activity. Have you ever seen a really good rough carpenter set and slam a sinker. They dont even look. If you watch closely, they take a nail from the nail bag by feel, place it in the spot they want, one tap then slam! Its in. It looks easy and effortless. After 10 or 15 thousand nails, it actually is. Now the first 500 or so, thats a different story. Making a mess of the nail head and the board its going into along with taking 6 or so strikes then straightening out a few along way is more the norm.

So there you have it. Working off a Tee is just like drinking water, writing your name or framing walls. Baseball truly is an all encompassing pastime, isnt it.

Mitchell Dowdy
Copyright 2007 reprinted in whole with permission

Mr. Dowdy is the father of 3 and after re-entering competitive baseball with his oldest that lead to frustration of finding suitable glove, he became an Official Distributor for Kelley Athletic which is available at http://NW.kelleyusa.com You can also visit http://www.hirschgroupllc.com for more news/tips/articles on the subjects of baseball, construction, building codes and more that most will find a quick way to fall asleep. Thanks for reading my article!

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adidas Men's Triple Star 6 Mid Baseball Cleat

Get the most cleat for your money. Sporting a traditional look, this lightweight winner has a fold-over tongue, adiTUFF™ toe and synthetic upper for durability, with a high-traction outsole for grip. But the most impressive feature is the comfort.

Baseball glove repair would really not be a concern around this time of year if players and/or parents would just perform a little bit of "routine maintenance" on their baseball gloves right after the playing season is over and then maybe a little bit more right before the beginning of the next season. But this doesn't seem to happen that much from what I can tell.

So here we areanother High School Baseball and College Baseball season. I've already gotten a couple of baseball gloves in the last month or so that have broken. And it's the same thingvery, very dry leather and laces. The laces on one of these baseball gloves were so dry, hard and brittle that they didn't even feel like leather. The laces were so stiff that it was actually a little tough pulling these laces out of some parts of the glove.

The condition of your baseball glove during and after a season will somewhat depend on where you live in the country. In the southeast and southwest you probably aren't going to see a lot of snow, ice and mud. Your glove may face very strong sun and heat, though.

The baseball gloves that I have just repaired were used in the northeast part of the country which can be terrible for leather. The leather can see snow and freezing temperatures. The baseball gloves will definitely get wet and muddy. This mud and water gets ground in sometimes day after day. This water eventually strips the leather of its original oils, softness and color. Then, summer comes. The sun beats down on the glove and dries it up even more. The laces become stiff, weak and brittle. They eventually break. Sometimes parts of the glove, like the eyelets and leather holes, rip. This even happens on the good, expensive gloves that are not cared for.

All of these things can mostly be avoided. Simply try to implement some of the following tips:

• Clean off your baseball glove during the season when it needs it. Just a warm, damp cloth will do. Don't soak the glove. You're just trying to get some of the dirt off.
• During the season, if the glove has seen a lot of water and then a lot of sun, you should rub in a little bit of conditioner (not any kind of oil!) and let it soak in. This will restore some of the leather's oils, softness and color.
• Most importantly, give your glove a good cleaning and conditioning after your season is over. Wipe off all of the dirt and then after the glove dries rub a good coat of conditioner into the glove. Sometimes you may have to do this two or three times if the glove soaks up all of the conditioner right away. Wipe off any excess conditioner. Your restored glove will look and feel new during the off-season.
• Tighten up loose laces and definitely repair broken laces or laces that you have a good feeling will break the next season. Do it now while you have the time.
• And then, right before the beginning of your next season, inspect your glove again, tighten things up if necessary, put a light coat of conditioner on. There you are! Almost a new glove again.

Believe me, these simple baseball glove repair and restore tips work. I have taken care of a catcher's mitt for three years nowand yes, it's up in the northeast where a catcher's mitt takes water and mud in great amounts in some games. But this glove, after three years, feels great and looks great. The laces and leather show no signs of weakness. This is all because I religiously follow the tips above.

The kid who's glove I fixed the other daythe real dry one, says his glove looks and feels new again. He actually likes the all-black laces better than the original gray ones too. I hope he takes care of it now. But I bet I see it again someday.

And I bet I'll repair a good number of gloves starting around now. These are all of the gloves from last season that were just thrown in garages or basements with no after-season conditioning or tightening or repairing of laces.

So that's where I'll come inagain. Baseball glove repair and restore. I do it all of the time and never once have I advertised this. It all started with one glove, as a favor, and word got out. That was about six years ago and I'm still repairing gloves today.

So try to keep in mind some of these baseball glove repair and restore tips. Your glove will always be in great shape and you'll prevent those unexpected breaks during a gameand there will be no "down time" of your favorite glove.

Do your own Baseball Glove Repairs. Learn how to repair, relace and restore your own baseball glove with "Fix That Glove". Save yourself time and money.

Baseball Glove Repair

http://www.BaseballGloveRestore.com/

Chico Reese has been closely involved in youth baseball, softball and High School Baseball over the last twelve years. He also is known as "The Doctor" for his quick baseball glove repairs and restorations for many kids and adults throughout the summer.

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St. Louis Cardinals Franchise Fitted Baseball Cap (Navy)

A must have for every St. Louis Cardinals fan! One of our best selling caps, the Franchise is a fitted, garment-washed cap featuring team logo on front in raised embroidery, along with team secondary logo on back.

Any given morning, a sports fan can wake up, turn on ESPN, and learn of a serious injury suffered by a player on their favorite team. The down-time this athlete experiences can devastate his or her supporters. These setbacks are unfortunate yet fairly common. Whether Sid Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins suffers a high ankle sprain or Richard Zednik of the Florida Panthers lacerates his carotid artery, or Deion Sanders formerly of the Cincinatti Reds catches a fly ball with his head, injuries are not surprisingly part of the game.

Yet other injuries are often overlooked - the injuries to sports spectators. Sports journalist Bob Gorman comments that, "No one knows the number of balls hit into the stands during the course of a game, but one estimate puts it at thirty-five to forty in the average Major League contest."1 At least thirty-five deaths have occurred as the result of these errant balls and bats in major league parks. Unconfirmed information suggests that at least one significant injury occurs per game.
It has been estimated in various journals that within a span of 26 years, five deaths occurred as the result of injuries sustained from broken bats, balls flying up to 120 miles per hour into the stands, or other objects exiting the ball field in baseball stadiums. Due to unpublished information, one is left only to guess at the number of associated injuries.

The Internet Journal of Law, Healthcare, and Ethics takes a stab at guessing in its statement that, "One recently published study by Milsten gives the incidence of injuries to Major League Baseball (MLB) fans from foul balls as 35.1 injuries per every million spectator visits. The paper gives limited detail regarding the actual injuries."2 Suppose a ballpark receives 10 million visitors in a season. According to this estimation, approximately 350 injuries would occur.

The journal also reports that, "A study by Milzman found that during 127 hockey games, there were 122 people injured by pucks, 90 of which required stitches."2 Of these 122 injuries, about 55 required hospitalization. These statistics are not surprising given that in both baseball and hockey, the majority of traumas occur to the head or face. Loss of sight in an eye and fractures to the skull name a couple of the injuries that have been sustained by hockey spectators.

Injuries to fans have been known to result in lawsuits. Oftentimes public arenas are absolved of any legal responsibilities, ruling that fans attend these contests at their own risks. Such was the case for Brittanie Cecil, a 13 year-old who was struck by a puck and later died of complications resulting from a blood clot. When family members attempted to sue the arena, the court ruled that fans attend games aware of the inherent dangers.

Response of Authorities

Baseball stadiums and hockey arenas go to great lengths to reduce the risk of injury or death due to flying balls or pucks. Oftentimes, public announcers caution fans to be alert for such objects, warnings are printed on the back of ticket stubs, and warnings flash on the scoreboard. Additionally, nets are strategically placed in areas commonly receiving these objects such as behind a goal or backstop.

The New Jersey Baseball Spectator Safety Act of 2006 requires baseball stadium owners to use warning signs and to take other safety measures in enhancing the protection of their spectators. While the safety risk is still assumed by spectators, there are now mandated safety standards for those under this law. Placing netting behind home plate, for example, would meet such requirements.

Hockey arenas, being just as dangerous as ball parks, also enforce safety standards. The height from the base of the rink wall to the top of the safety glass is a minimum of five feet. Due to the injury reports for hockey game spectators, one can conclude that this is not a sufficient safety measure to prevent all risks. The NHL has therefore mandated that rinks be fortified with netting behind each goal to diminish the chance of a puck reflecting into the stands and striking a fan since this is the most common site for these frozen rubber disks to exit the ice rink.

What You Can Do

Whether you are the parent of a young baseball or hockey player, avidly attend professional sporting events, or you own or manage a stadium or rink, the following summarizes your options to help prevent injuries to spectators:

Ensure that spectators are aware of their dangers and pay attention at all times by making public announcements before and during the event.

Place warning signs in highly visible areas.

Print warning labels on the back of ticket stubs.

Fortify the stadium or rink with safety netting, particularly in high traffic areas.

Fans can choose seats behind safety netting or in a section of the stadium or arena with a low probability for an errant object to land.

Fans should always pay attention to the action at hand and be alert for objects headed their way.

Sporting events are too much fun and a great part of the fabric of American recreation to allow the risk of srious injury to keep fans away. Following these common sense steps can help ensure spectator safety at sporting events.

Paul Galla

1 http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst;jsessionid=HhyH3qRhLJhny8vX4nL0Gl7D4fcfszsGT89kRlvQcq7NNLFQQWLG!-1437455082?docId=5002579963

2 http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijlhe/vol4n2/sport.xml
Paul Galla, President (U.S. Netting

http://www.usnetting.com

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Little Leagues Official How-to-Play Baseball DVD

No Description Available.
Genre: How To - Sports
Rating: NR
Release Date: 21-NOV-2006
Media Type: DVD

In many ways, we can read the history of America on its ball fields, written in the dust of the infield or the chalk of the baselines. Well-suited to lazy summer days by virtue of its leisurely pace, and providing a wealth of statistics to keep its fans amused during the off-season, baseball is a uniquely American blend of action, reflection, and squabbles (called rhubarbs in the vernacular). And in this, the game oddly reflects the culture that gave it birth.

For those whose appreciation of sports extends no further than the city limits of New York or Boston, a book about a team of mere provincials may prove as alluring to east coast sophisticates as a trip to WalMart to mingle with the riffraff. But for those with a love of the traditions and lore of the Great American Pastime, Tales from the Detroit Tigers Dugout offers a welcome and tantalizing glimpse into one of the oldest and most successful baseball teams in history. Fast-paced and tightly written, the book will delight Tiger fans, and enlighten fans everywhere.

As the author recounts, in recent years the team from Motown had fallen on hard times. Tiger fans had begun to measure the time between winning teams in decades, rather than seasons, capped by a team-record 119 losses in 2003. Yet in those dark years, careful behind-the-scenes planning was already laying the foundation for the teams 2006 re-emergence into the upper tier of major league baseball. And the book is filled with past legends and hints of future glory that offer fans the promise of baseball glory in the years to come.

Though often ignored by sportswriters from bigger cities, Tiger legends are among the most gifted and venerated names in the history of the sport. Ty Cobb, for instance, was probably the best player ever to walk onto a baseball fieldand arguably the nastiest and most contemptible human being ever to don a baseball uniform. But other Tigers were almost as skilled, yet often labored in the shadows of their better-publicized counterparts from the coast. Hank Greenburg, Charlie Gehringer, Al Kaline, and other Hall-of-Famers brought off-field class as well as on-field brilliance to the game. As the author notes, their contribution to franchise history is not lost on students or true fans of the game. Though like other stars of Cooperstown, their timeless talents are often obscured by the large salaries and larger egos of todays lesser stars, fans of all ages and eras will enjoy the stories of how and why baseball in Detroit has grown along with the game that is among the treasures of American culture.

All Americans love an underdog, one who can rise from nothing and soldier on through adversity. Win or lose, there is something about the struggles of the common man that speaks to the American heart, giving us hope for ourselves and our future. A book about baseball will not solve the problems of world hunger or global terrorism, but the magic of sports consists of bringing people together through shared adventures in a sheltered world where conflicts are solved through teamwork and effort. And by sharing some of the hopes and dreams of a long-suffering and newly emerging sports team, Tales from the Detroit Tigers Dugout reminds us that miracles are everywhere around us. We only need to open our eyes and hearts to the magic, and sports can bring smiles to our souls, no matter what is happening in the rest of the world.

Jeffrey Caminsky, a veteran public prosecutor in Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. Both his science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the first volume in the Guardians of Peace (tm) science fiction adventure series, and The Referees Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating, are published by New Alexandria Press, http://www.newalexandriapress.com.

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