Erlinda Martinez asked:

Is it better to make the team stretch prior to their warm-up throws to reduce any pulled muscles??

Jeff’s answer:

Unless the advice on something like this is coming from a physician, or a trained physical therapist or athletic trainer, I wouldn't rely on what ANYONE says regarding health.

Lots of people have misguided notions because they think they have common... Continue reading »

Jon Simmons asked:

how does a lefty catcher make the tag on a runner sliding into home?

Jeff’s answer:

Sidd, Not sure what Major League catchers are taking their masks off. Most keep their masks on for protection. Catchers who use the hockey style mask almost always keep their masks on for a play at the plate or to throw to second, or when they run down... Continue reading »

Richard Lewis asked:

has any coaches ever been removed for raising too much money for their team?

Jeff’s answer:

But you seem to be missing the point. Your league determined a maximum dollar amount to be raised for this team. Even at $4,000, for a 14 player roster, is $285 per player. What happens if your All-star experience is only two games and out? Are you com... Continue reading »

Jon Simmons asked:

how does a lefty catcher make the tag on a runner sliding into home?

Jeff’s answer:

I'd have to completely, but respectfully disagree with Sidd on a couple of points. Putting your left leg on the plate means that your backside would be facing the field and you would not be able to see the ball or perhaps the entire play (if there are... Continue reading »

Jon Simmons asked:

how does a lefty catcher make the tag on a runner sliding into home?

Jeff’s answer:

I was a left-handed catcher for 10 years (1960s and 70s), and now I'm an umpire for HS, American Legion, and other amateur baseball. I've worked behind several left-handed catchers and I can tell you from personal experience that you need to find anoth... Continue reading »

Carl Knotts asked:

new bat

Jeff’s answer:

Do you really believe that the bat is the key to hitting?

Bat manufacturers and distributors have fooled millions of people into thinking that they need the hottest, newest, titanium, liquid-filled, whatever to hit the ball.

The simple fact of th... Continue reading »

Richard Lewis asked:

has any coaches ever been removed for raising too much money for their team?

Jeff’s answer:

It doesn't really matter how you raised that money, the point is, there is a limit as to what you really need for your team. Things like gear for the parents, and team parties seem to be over the top.

When you raise money for your team, do you tell ... Continue reading »

Richard Lewis asked:

has any coaches ever been removed for raising too much money for their team?

Jeff’s answer:

We had a local guy one year go out and raise so much money for "his U-12 ASA team that when anyone else that year in our small community of 16,000, tried, they were told that their sponsorship dollars had all gone to that one team. Little League, ... Continue reading »

Wes Hay asked:

How can I track batting stats?

Jeff’s answer:

Ask yourself why you need to keep track of stats for kids that young.

Here's a suggestion ... How about an "'atta boy" or an "'atta girl" when they hit the ball? Or a "better luck next time" when they miss?

Candy Durgeloh asked:

Does anyone have any great pitching advice for a beginner at the 10u level?

Jeff’s answer:

Why don't you ask one of the greatest softball pitchers ever, Jenni Finch? She's on weplay, and she may already have posted the information you are looking for.