Stay Square and Trust Your Hands Saturday, July 17th, 2010 - There were two events that occurred in 1998 that seriously affected my attempt to rise to the big leagues in the Texas Ranger organization. I had signed with them in 1995 as a non-drafted free agent and by 1998, I was the starting 1st baseman in AAA, Oklahoma City.
The Best of The Best Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 - SEBRING - A couple of local high school baseball seniors from Highlands County had the grand opportunity of taking the field with the brightest baseball prospects from the entire state of Florida in the 32nd annual FACA All-Star Classic at Fireman's Field in Sebring over the weekend. Avon Park's Josh Gordon and Sebring's Cody Hoffner hit the diamond for the final time in their high school careers,
The 2010 FHSAA Baseball Championships are being played at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie. Check back here throughout the tournament for live game updates, scores and more. For more information, visit www.fhsaa.org.
Gulliver Prep is Hungry for a State Title Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 -What do you do for an encore after your baseball team hits .415 for the season, with 33 home runs and 203 RBI and earns a slot in the state final four
High school baseball: Regional finals capsules Friday, May 14th, 2010 -Region 1-6A, Who: Orlando Timber Creek (23-7) at Mandarin (21-8) Playoff road (starting with opening round): Timber Creek def. Oviedo Hagerty 2-1; def. Orlando Freedom 4-2. Mandarin def. Deltona 6-2; def. Sandalwood 4-2
Baseball region roundup: Jefferson upends Jesuit Monday, May 3rd, 2010 - LUTZ - After taking a ball off his pitching hand during an at-bat in Thursday's district semifinal, Jefferson's Jimmy Herget wasn't certain he'd even be able to take mound in Friday's 4A-9 championship.
Hialeah takes GMAC baseball title Monday, April 26th, 2010 -Despite having a talented group of players, Hialeah has not played good baseball at all times this season. This week, however, the Thoroughbreds may have solved the problem.
Bishop Moore (and UCF) baseball alum makes it to The Show Friday, April 23rd, 2010 - Drew Butera is perhaps the greatest baseball talent to ever come out of Bishop Moore High School, where he earned Class 3A Player of the Year as a senior and lettered three times for the Hornets.
Alonso defends Saladino crown Monday, April 19th, 2010 - BRANDON - For just the third time in the Saladino Tournament's 30-year history, there is a repeat champion.
Lake Howell Continues To Surprise Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 - For a team that many predicted would be lucky to win 5 games this year, the Lake Howell Silver Hawk’s find themselves at the top of 6A district 3 with an 8-4 conference record, 12-9 overall. The Silver Hawks were able to move to the top of the standings with a 1-0 victory over HagertyHigh School on Saturday morning. The two teams will clash in a rematch on Tuesday April 13th at LakeHowellHigh School.
Nova, Douglas advance to final of Titan Classic Wednesday, March 31st, 2010 - Davie - For the better part of the week, Nova's offense has been productive. Wednesday, the Titans did just enough to stay alive in their own tournament.
Top Ranked Miami Columbus Still Doing Work Monday, March 29th, 2010 -MIAMI, Fla. - Entering their Saturday night game with Coral Springs (Fla.) Charter School, the Miami (Fla.) Columbus Explorers were navigating their way to a national title.
Pitching leads Crusaders over Clearwater Central Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 - Pitching was supposed to be the question mark for Tampa Catholic entering this season. Apparently, no one told the Crusaders staff
Baseball: Riverview gets needed win Monday, March 22nd, 2010 - RIVERVIEW - Ryan O'Gara did a little bit of everything Friday night to help Riverview get back into the win column.
Baseball notes: Gibson, Martin key to Jesuit's hot start Thursday, March 18th, 2010 - With returning senior starters Daniel Gibson and Willi Martin back on the mound, pitching was supposed to carry the Jesuit baseball team this season. Through the first 10 games, that has certainly been the case
Columbus baseball streak earns it top rank Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 - The Columbus baseball team earned a No. 1 national ranking Tuesday in the latest Baseball America high school poll.
Catholic High pitcher Wes Mugarian saw the 30-plus professional baseball scouts standing behind home plate. He knew all about his highly touted opposition, Chipley starter Karsten Whitson, one of the nation's top-rated high school players.
Two straight nights of no-hitters for Catholic Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 - One night after being inspired by teammate Wes Mugarian's no-hitter, Catholic High pitcher Nick Miller produced his own special memory. Miller, a senior, completed the rarest of feats by tossing the first no-hitter of his baseball career and leading the Crusaders to a 3-0 victory against Panama City Arnold
Northview falls to West Florida Jags Monday, March 15th, 2010 - With rainy weather hitting the Atmore and Bratt, Fla. areas Wednesday night and Thursday morning, the baseball game between the Northview Chiefs and West Florida Jaguars was moved from Northview to West Florida High School in Pensacola Thursday afternoon.
Baseball notes: Steinbrenner off to good start Thursday, March 4th, 2010 - Many people expected first-year program Steinbrenner to be competitive this season. Through the first two-plus weeks, the Warriors baseball team has lived up to those expectations – and exceeded them.
Packers Led in 2010 by New Skipper Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 - Largo starts its 2010 season with a key element; hope. Led by a new head coach in Joel Slawinski, Largo is looking to turn their baseball program into a winner. With the talent they have heading into the season, winning is something that could be done sooner rather than later.
Baseball and Concentration Thursday, February 25th, 2010 - Distractions are a big part of baseball, so players must learn how to handle them so performance isn't diminished. A loss of focus will usually result in lost opportunities, more errors, and opponents taking advantage of your lack of focus. If you're not focusing 100%, you are not performing at your highest potential.
HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP: Lehigh baseball tops Lemon Bay Friday, February 19th, 2010 - The Lehigh baseball team rallied to beat Lemon Bay 4-3 on Thursday. Ben Galliher hit a double and RBI for Lehigh (2-0), and Jeffery Estevez had a bunt that scored a run and tied the game in the seventh
Catholic's LaBounty calls this team his most talented Thursday, February 18th, 2010 -In Richard LaBounty's 26 years as Catholic High's baseball coach, he has fielded plenty of strong teams. Take the last eight years, for example: The Crusaders have made eight regional finals, five final fours and won their first state championship in 2003.
Alonso baseball wins top boys team award Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 - TAMPA - Alonso High School's baseball team, the defending Class 6A state champion, was excited to be named the Outstanding Male Amateur Team during the 49th annual Sports Club of Tampa Bay awards banquet on Friday night at Higgins Hall.
Baseball preview: West Broward confident as it moves to Class 6A Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 -The West Broward baseball team is ready to prove it can hang with the big boys of Class 6A. The Bobcats spent their inaugural season in Class 4A dealing with inconsistency.
Prep baseball preview: Bolles heads talented group Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 - With the high school baseball regular season starting today, there are high expectations surrounding many area teams. Mandarin appears loaded. Paxon is coming off a memorable final four berth in Class 4A and still looks stout.
A Major League Message Thursday, February 11th, 2010 - As I am sitting in my room thinking about the game my team is to play later that night, I cannot help but to feel anxious. I have butterflies in my stomach and my heart seems to be beating a little bit faster then normal.
Panthers Preparing for Playoffs in 2010 Monday, February 8th, 2010 - Last year the Miami Palmetto Panthers won their third District 16-6A Championship and were eliminated from the State Tournament in the Regional quarter-final.
Defending Champs Monday, February 8th, 2010 -How do you defend a State Championship? That is the question I asked fourth year coach, Bryan Maples of Trinity Academy in Deltona, defending 1A state champs. "You reload." Was his response.
For The Love of the Game Sunday, February 7th, 2010 - High school games around the state crank up very soon and another championship season is upon us. Excitement is in the air as players and coaches set their sights on district and state titles.
Key Cues for Hitting Success Friday, February 5th, 2010 - The fireworks blasted from centerfield. No, it was not the fourth of July – the leadoff hitter had just hit a rocket first pitch of the game for a homerun. Second batter, first pitch, another homerun, another brilliant fireworks display. Third batter, two pitches later, homerun, off go the fireworks.
In-Season Training Thursday, February 4th, 2010 - With the start of the high school baseball there should be no illusions about the type of "conditioning" that the athlete should be in. However, there is a difference between being conditioned for Baseball vs. being in shape. A fitness chick is in shape, so is the Bowflex guy on T.V., as with any other muscle heads on countless magazines on the shelves everywhere.
Speedy Tornadoes: Clearwater High Team Preview Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 - The Clearwater High Tornadoes head into the 2010 season with speed, experience, and plain old talent. After an 8-19 finish and one game removed from the play-offs a season ago, they also have motivation.
Broward County High School Baseball Skills Competition Monday, February 1st, 2010 - My name is Albert Destrade and I am the Head Baseball coach at Plantation High. It is my pleasure to extend to all of you an invitation to the inaugural Broward County High School Baseball Skills Competition.
Lake Gibson Pitcher Freeman Signs With State College of Florida Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 -LAKELAND | Ben Freeman's dreams came true Tuesday morning. The Lake Gibson senior, one of the top pitchers in Polk County, signed a letter of intent to play baseball with State College of Florida in Sarasota, the same school where his father and high school coach, Clem Freeman, played
IMG to host national tourneys Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 - BRADENTON - Imagine the best high school baseball players from California going against the best from Florida, or the top prep basketball players from New York going head to head with the best from Ohio, all in one location
How Can I Help My Son Play College Baseball? Part 1: Invest in His Game Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 - Welcome to this three part series of, "How Can I Help My Son Play College Baseball?" We will hopefully cover all aspects of the journey from pre-teen to senior year baseball players with dreams of playing at the next level.
Maris' son sees dad as true home run champ Wednesday, January 13th, 2010 - Randy Maris made it clear yesterday that he feels for Mark McGwire after McGwire apologized to the baseball world and the Maris family on Monday for taking steroids for nearly 10 years. But Roger's son also wants the world to know his father's feats and his home-run record were earned the right way.
Iorio among area’s early commits Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 -Joe Iorio had a busy fall. During the week, the Venice High senior practiced and played Friday nights with the Indians football team.
Master's Lee Cheneler Headed to the Hatters Monday, January 11th, 2010 - Stetson head baseball coach, Pete Dunn, has announced the early signing of Lee Cheneler. Cheneler, a 5' 11" left handed pitcher is headed into his senior season at The Master's Academy in Oviedo, Florida
A Magical Season Monday, January 4th, 2010 - I remember it like it was yesterday, sitting in Chris Russo's house during a pre-season, player's only barbecue. It was 1990, and the Miami Herald was saying that the Killian Cougars were the team to beat in Dade County.
Pro Tips: How to Maintain Your “A-Swing” Part 2 Monday, December 21st, 2009 - All we can do is control our approach to the ball, is where we left off last time. To me, one of the best examples of this I have ever seen, is David Ortiz. I have known and been watching David Ortiz play, for a long time.
Pro Tips: How to Maintain Your “A-Swing” Part 1 Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 -As a player, we are always in search of the "Secret of Hitting." That holy grail of baseball that seems to allude us all. The guys on TV seem to have it. The Sports Center highlights always show the big hits, home runs and "A-Swings." The truth is, there is no secret to hitting. Trust me, if there were, I would have found it by now.
Making it Big Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 - It’s not easy making it to the show. It’s even harder to stay in it once you get there. Just ask Doug Mientkiewicz. Mientkiewicz, who spent last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, knows all about the stresses of playing the game. He’s all too familiar with what is expected of pro ball players.
Carroll High Shortstop Catches A College Scholarship Monday, December 7th, 2009 - Michael Denis is living the dream. The 17-year-old senior at Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School in West Kendall signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Texas – Pan American and play for the Broncs.
Carroll Coach Has High Hopes For Upcoming Baseball Season Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 -Not every high school baseball team can say their coach knows what it’s like to walk in their cleats. But the players from Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School in West Kendall can.
Baseball duo will stay together at UF Monday, November 30th, 2009 - Friends and teammates for more than 10 years, Alex Freedman and Tyler Palmer will continue playing baseball together at the University of Florida.
Columbia High’s Tillotson joins UF baseball team Monday, November 23rd, 2009 - LAKE CITY — Ever since he was a sophomore in high school, Jacob Tillotson knew he wanted to attend the University of Florida.
College baseball: FGCU announces nine member recruiting class Monday, November 16th, 2009 - Florida Gulf Coast University baseball head coach Dave Tollett announced Monday that his program has received National Letters of Intent from eight student-athletes, as well as a commitment from Adam Sargent of Palmetto Bay.
Baseball incidents costly for Armwood Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 -Armwood has been fined $1,350 and placed on administrative and restrictive probation until June 2010 stemming from its involvement in two on-field incidents in a Class 5A state semifinal baseball game last season, according to a letter sent to the school by the Florida High School Athletics Association.
The name Jonathan Lucroy always invokes fond memories for supporters of the Cajun baseball program. Now another Lucroy is making a name for himself in the Florida High school baseball ranks, younger brother David.
Underclassmen Seize Wood Bat Title Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 -JUPITER, Fla.—After about 60 hours at Roger Dean Stadium over the past five days, the 2009 World Wood Bat Association World Championship event is finally in the books. It was a long (and hot) five days, to be sure, but there was a lot of good baseball, a lot of good people and a lot of fun along the way.
6 Fs of Fielding Friday, October 23rd, 2009 -In 1996, my first Spring Training, I was fortunate enough to work with the "infield guru" of our time, Perry Hill. Perry, known as "Bone" by his players just left the Pittsburgh Pirates as their infield instructor.
Dieting Tips for the Competitive Baseball Player Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 -Part I: Carbohydrates (CHO); Carbohydrates are the primary source of fuel for the muscles. There is substantial evidence that shows eating a diet high in CHO can allow an athlete to maintain work loads longer and sustain performance levels longer than those who consume a low CHO diet. For baseball in particular, it is recommended that 60% of all calories ingested throughout the day should come from carbohydrates.
The Crucial Power Swing Sequence Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 - I recently bought a car for my daughter that is a 5-speed stick shift. Teaching a teenage girl how to drive a stick has been interesting. There is a sequence to the process. When driving a stick, you have to:
NCAA cracks down on baseball advisers; New player questionnaire could hinder MLB draft prospects Monday, September 21st, 2009 - The NCAA walks a fine line with baseball players selected in the annual June draft. Players are free to seek guidance, but the NCAA distinguishes between "agents" and "advisers" and makes it clear that athletes who fail to recognize the difference put their eligibility at risk.
A Scout's Advice Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 - Juan Alvarez played professional baseball for 10 seasons. He was never drafted, but signed as a free agent from St. Thomas University for $500. His pro career includes stints with the Angels, Rangers and Marlins. Today he is a scout for the Texas Rangers.
Honesty Is The Best Policy Monday, September 14th, 2009 - One of my favorite movies of all time, and I don't recommend you see it, unless you are 18 or over, is Al Pacino's Scarface. One of the classic lines from the movie's main character, Tony Montana, is "I always tell the truth, even when I lie."
Baseball Pros Combine at Tiger Town Friday, September 11th, 2009 -Most, if not all, high school baseball players all around the country have the same goal: to one day play collegiate baseball. While there are many players, especially in the state of Florida, who are good enough to get the chance, the majority of players don't throw another pitch or take another swing past their high school graduation.
Kelly proving adept at ‘double play’ Thursday, September 10th, 2009 - Casey Kelly is almost finished with the first and perhaps most pivotal year of the experiment he and the Red Sox began concocting last summer, when they bypassed the boxes marked “pitcher’’ and “shortstop’’ and chose “all of the above.’’ Kelly is considered the first player to try beginning his career as a pitcher and a position player at once, and for any player who might follow him, he has some advice.
Barkett Blog: Even the Best Practice.... Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 - On our way back from Tampa. We got shut out tonight, 4-0. The Tampa Yankees are in 1st place in our division and playing very well right now. The Flying Tigers are hot and cold. On Sunday in Port St. Lucie, we were down 11-3 in the 9th and scored 8 to tie it. Six of the runs were scored with 2 outs! You never know in this crazy game.
Barkett Blog: Be Ready..... Wednesday, July 8th, 2009 - On the way back to Lakeland after a suspended game versus Clearwater. The Flying Tigers are on the road for 6 more games. Three in Dunedin starting tomorrow and then on to Viera to face Brevard County for three. It has been a long day. This morning, I did some private hitting instruction with some students of mine in Oviedo.
Broward native Ryan Sadowski overcomes medical scare to pitch for Giants Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 - SAN FRANCISCO -- The twin scars left by the brain surgeon who drilled two holes in Ryan Sadowski's skull are veiled by a thick growth of hair. His San Francisco Giants cap conceals the plastic, bowl-shaped helmet the rookie wears for protection when he pitches
Barkett's Blog: The Game's Epidemic Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 - The second half has begun. We lost a tough one tonight on the road in Sarasota. Lauren Gagnier threw 8 innings and only allowed 1 run, but it was enough to beat the Flying Tigers tonight, who scored none!
Deep Down, You Know Its True Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 - “Don’t change your approach. Don’t change your character. That’s how you let this beat you. This stuff happens to everyone. It’s part of the game.” He says it as if he’s seen it happen a thousand times before. He has been playing long enough to know failure’s cold bite, the way it goes down like bad medicine. The danger of reacting to it the wrong way.
Barkett Blog: What it is all about...... Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 - Just got into a rain delay in a day game here in Lakeland, and for some odd reason, inspired to write a few words. The Flying Tigers are currently in last place in the North Division of the Florida State League with 2 games left in the 1st half. Come Thursday, we start 0-0 for the second half with a chance for the playoffs
Wake-Up Call: Take the money or the memories? Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 -Good morning! Decision time is nearing for the Tampa Bay area's top high school baseball players. The 2009 First-Year Player Draft opens Tuesday night -
Roots run deep for Naples coach Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 - Naples High School baseball coach Rick Turner's roots in that Golden Eagle program run much deeper than the five years he has coached there
Stars of tomorrow on display Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 - SEBRING - The best high school senior baseball players in the state will converge on Sebring on Thursday afternoon for the 31st annual Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Baseball Classic
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