I wanted to touch base with you on a couple of items I discussed with the guys Saturday.
First of all, I was pleased with how things went at Velocity, I think it’s going to be very helpful at improving our overall athleticism.
Second, I spent a good deal of our practice “sharpening the saw” before we started working out. I felt it’s critical we understand how to practice as well as how we’re expected to handle ourselves on and off the field. I wanted to raise the expectations and introduce some new protocols.
I’m going to provide you with some additional specifics in the next week or so, but in short, I’m insisting the guys act like young gentlemen rather than a typical thirteen year old.
For example: When any coach asks them a question; I want them to answer the question (yes or no) followed by sir and to maintain eye contact.
When anyone, especially parents and including teammates gives them something, a glove, water etc; I expect a thank you. I expect a please when asking.
I’ve asked them to work on their posture and demonstrated the differences between slumping over and walking with your chin up, shoulders back and stomach in.
I want them to improve their listening skills. When anyone is speaking, they are not to fidget, have anything they can’t hold still in their hands or look anywhere other than at the person speaking. They are to remain on a knee, rather than sitting down (unless given permission) or sitting back on their heel.
As for dress. I ask them to wear baseball pants, full socks, belts, and a cap that is pulled down just above the eye brows with the hair not visible between the eye brows and cap. Pull overs obviously do not need to be tucked in. I don’t have a practice dress code as far as what type or color of shirt or pants. I will when we come closer to the season.
Hair. I’m not yet requiring guys to get a summer cut, but I did tell them it’s coming. I went around player by player and told them what needed to change. I know it’s out of season, so as long as its not excessive I’ll give them some time to adjust. Basically I don’t want hair over the ear or longer hair tucked in front or behind the ear. Hair should be off the collar when they look up. I’ll give them until mid March to get in shape. For some guys, it may be a two step process.
I don’t see jewelry as a problem but I’ll say it anyway. No gold, silver or any other metal on their body or on the field. No beads. The titanium or cloth necklaces are fine as long as they are under your shirts. Nothing on the wrists other than sweat bands.
I will be discussing how to talk to adults, how to shake hands, how to introduce people – including yourself etc. Yesterday I met a young man that goes to school with my daughter (he was hitting and I was talking to his mom). His father served in a highly visible position in the Bush administration and they recently moved back to Indiana. I was struck at how adult this fifteen year old acted. He introduced himself (without is mom’s prodding) and made a positive comment that made us laugh. He smiled, looked me in the eye and gave me a firm handshake. Impressive. I couldn’t help but think that he had probably had to attend a number of formal events in the DC area where I’m sure the education and expectations of the kids is higher. We should be able to do the same.
Finally, we’re adopting an inner city league and will be working with some Cincinnati Reds (yes some big leaguers) in running a clinic the 24th. I’ve asked the guys to clean out any gently used shoes, pants, gloves, bats, anything so we can donate them to the league.
The focus for the morning will be on serving. The kids from Shepherd Community are to be the focus and of course the Reds will get some attention as well. I’ll tell them we’re there to help, not get autographs. We’ll just be there to do whatever needs to be done. This will replace our Saturday practice although I might try to find an alternate time. I’ll get you more on this later but put it on your calendar for 9:30 on the 24th, after Velocity.
I want to make some of this protocol and charity part of our organizational culture and like everything else in education, to be successful, I’m going to need your support.
Thanks
Rob