Final game is on Sunday & Friday wrap-up

Our final game is this Sunday at Coyote Crossing park.

Warm-ups are at 11, first pitch at Noon. We are the visiting team, so no need for field prep.

Friday's game was a great time as the Bulls needed a make-up and any game is always better than the boys having to listen to this old dog for 90 minutes.

Let me know if anyone won't be there.

Thanks Bill!

Friday game is at Athens Downs, #1

4:00 warm up, 4:30 1st pitch

We are at Athans Downs, field #1.

Attempting to attach a link to the field map.

http://www.eteamz.com/admin/sitez/thumbnail.cfm?id=7836675&height=831&width=760

Friday GAME UPDATE & Game 7 wrap-up

This Friday we are scheduled to re-play the Bulls, and I will be getting final information out as soon as I get it. The preliminary info is 4:00 warm up, 4:30 first pitch at Athens Downs (field is TBD). Again, this is preliminary info.

I fully recognize this is a big change in our Friday schedule. Coach Paul has offered to carpool with/for players coming in from the North.

I think the Bulls will want a bit of redemption for the game on Sunday, so let's play hard and have some fun.

We will be the visiting team (no field prep on Fri) BUT I do need to know if anyone won't be able to play by Thursday night.

Game 7 summary

All I can say about Sunday is that good thing happen when you swing the bat. We swung hard and the balls found the holes. With a pretty rough start, the bats came alive, smiles returned and in a flurry of activity all players saw two AB's in a single inning.

While this was tough to watch for many of us who know the other players and families well, I do have to applaud the boys for not saying anything out of line. That is what good sportsmanship is about.

Play ball!

Game 6 Behavior & A Schedule Change

Game 6 summary:

For the second time in three games, the boys really put the hurt on another team. Our bats were strong, and fielding was for the most part very solid. A huge shout-out goes to our pitching staff for recording 16 strike outs, including NINE in row (batters 2 - 10) in innings 1, 2 & 3.

While that was certainly a lot of fun, our on-field and in-dugout behavior left a lot to be desired. Little League is about building character, showing dignity in the face of success (and failure), and always showing good sportsmanship.

Unsportsmanlike conduct (including, but not limited to: throwing equipment, swearing, & taunting) is cause for a player, coach or spectator to be ejected from a game. We (players, coaches and parents alike) are responsible four own actions and need to keep this in mind. This is fall ball, we do keep score, but we don't have standings, play-offs, etc.


Schedule:

First a really cool change in our schedule. Next Friday (10/28) we will be playing a game instead of a practice. One of the other SR Majors teams lost a regularly scheduled game and we are going to provide them a make-up. So, plan for our final weekend being another double-dip! That also makes tomorrow our very last practice of the season.

Game 7 (this Sunday):

This weekend we are playing at a new field (well, one that we have not played before). Coyote Crossing Park in San Ramon. Location is HERE. 2pm warm-up and I need a volunteer or two for grounds keeping.

As always, pleas let me know if your son will not be at practice or the game on Sunday.

Play Ball!

Remaining Schedule

We have the rest of our season mapped out and it looks like a lot of fun. A couple notes to remember. First, we have a BYE week (no game) on Oct 9th. If we get enough interest, we could go hit the batting cages for an hour or two that Sunday. Please let me know if you are interested. Second, to make up for the Bye, we have a Friday afternoon game on Oct 14th. That will be a really fun weekend as we will then play on Sunday in Dublin. Our pitching staff has its work cut out for them! San Ramon Mud Hens Remaining Schedule
Day	Date	Type	Location	Time
Friday	30-Sep	Practice	Gale Ranch Middle School	5pm
Sunday	2-Oct	Game	Windemere Ranch Middle School (Field 1): HOME	2pm Warm-up, 3pm Game
Friday	7-Oct	Practice	Gale Ranch Middle School	5pm
Sunday	9-Oct	BYE	TBD - Probably will have a drop-in practice or hit the batting cages	TBD
Friday	14-Oct	Game	Memorial Park: HOME	4pm Warm-up, 5pm Game
Sunday	16-Oct	Game	Fallon Sports Park (Field 1) *, Dublin: VISITOR	11am Warm-up, Noon Game
Friday	21-Oct	Practice	Gale Ranch Middle School	5pm
Sunday	23-Oct	Game	Coyote Crossing Park: HOME	2pm Warm-up, 3pm Game
Friday	28-Oct	GAME	Gale Ranch Middle School	5pm
Sunday	30-Oct	Game	Coyote Crossing Park: VISITOR	11am Warm-up, Noon Game

* Trust me on this one... The park is open, this is not a dirt field. It actually is a PREMIER facility. When you drive in, the fields are on the left. Not sure which is field #1, but they are marked.

GAME 3 Wrap-up:

Well what can I say. We had a GREAT game and unfortunately gave up the winning run in the bottom of the 6th with two outs. Tough game, a VERY well played game and one where I hope we learned how to be good sports regardless of the results.

Baseball is a difficult game, one that we as parents (and the boys themselves) sometimes expect to see played with the precision of the pros we see on TV. We do pull off some spectacular plays and rejoice when they happen. We also need to smile, laugh a little, and most of all, learn when things don't go as planned. See you at practice on Friday (5pm, Gale Ranch Middle School), and on Sunday at Windemere Ranch Middle School (2pm Warm-ups). I could use a field prep volunteer (or two) for Sunday. Play Ball!

Sunday Game Reminder

A quick reminder that our game on Sunday is in LIVERMORE.  Location is Junction Middle School, Field #1. [MAP] 


Please be at the field at 2pm for the 3pm game time.


Wear BLUE tops (visitors)




Play Ball!

Game 2 & 3 info

Game 2 is this Sunday at Memorial Park (same field as last game), also at Noon. Warm-ups start at 11AM, and we need volunteer(s) for field prep (2 is best) and a scorekeeper. If you have never set up a Little League field, I would be happy to show you how for the future. Is a pretty good workout and a great sense of accomplishment once it is done. I also 100% guarantee your masterpiece will be wiped out by the fourth inning.
 

Game 3 will be our first travel game. We are being hosted by Livermore LL and the game will be played at Junction Field #1 at 3pm next Sunday. Warm up for that game will be at 2pm, so please leave extra time for the trip over. Map of Junction (Middle School) park:



 
The small parking lot on Ladd Ave. is a bit shorter of a walk. If it is warm, it will be HOT at this park. This is also a skin infield (dirt), so the game will be played at a bit faster pace on infield hits. Since we practice on a dirt infield, it will feel just like home!

See you at Practice tomorrow and on Sunday.

Play ball!

Game wrap

Mud Hens: 6

Bulls: 3

Well that was certainly a lot of fun for a kick-off of the the fall season. The final game score was in fact 6 - 3, not 6 - 4 as I said at the end of game meeting. My bad and a big thank you to our scorekeeper.

The Mud Hens pounded out six runs on nine hits, and allowed just ONE HIT while striking out 12. We also committed just one fielding error.

Next practice is Friday at 5pm, and our next game is still TBD. Stay tuned, I'll update that as soon as I get more info.

If anyone happens to have a digital camera and wants to add some photos to the blog, please send pics to me and I will be happy to add some from games.

Finally, please send copies of your completed medical release with your child to practice on Friday or the game on Sunday. I just need to have them 'in case' and hope to never have to see them.

Play Ball!

Coach Greg

Hello Mud Hens - 1st Game Info

Coach Greg here. Writing this on my phone, so please excuse any misspellings

Yes, our team is the Mud Hens. The other Mud Hens are the AAA affiliate of the Detroit Tigers & play out of Toledo, OH..

We had a great first practice and I think this will be a really good FallBall season.

Our first game is this Sunday at noon and will be played at Memorial Park in San Ramon. (Bollinger at San Ramon Valley Blvd.). Warm-ups start at 11am. Bring your energy!!!!!

I still need parent info - cellphone numbers please. If the number on the roster is a mobile number, please let me know.

Need one, prefer two adults in dugout during the game(s). Anyone that plans on being on-field will need a completed volunteer form (you can fill out online and bring it with ID on Sunday.). I'm trying to download medical releases, so far have not been able, so if you can print one out for your child, that would be great.

The rest of Schedule should be out this week. All games will start at either noon or 3. So warm-ups will always be at 11a or 2p.

For our first game we are the visitors, so please wear dark (navy Blue) tops if you have one.

Remember your cups, helmets & bats. I should have caps, but don't bank on it!

Approved little league bats only. Umpires have the final word on use.

It's been hot this week... Hydrate!!!!

Spits (sunflower Seeds) are ok provided they don't become an issue (coach likes BBQ & bacon & nacho flavors) some fields have no seeds,gum, juice rules....

Anyone care to be a scorekeeper?

Fall Is In The Air

9/8/11 UPDATE


Sorry about that last one - hit the send button a bit early...

So, we have a bit of changes, additions, subtractions and updates on uniforms and other info from today's coaches meeting.

1 - Uniforms are not in yet.  We will have them for game.  So, home teams are being asked to wear light tops, and visitors are being asked to wear dark tops to the game on Sunday.  That of course leads us on to....


2 - We don't yet have the schedule, but it should be published before practice on Friday.  That will give us location, time and home / away information.

3 - We lost two players and gained back two players.  Welcome aboard Tristen & Brandon (and families).  Please see the note below for more info.

4 - I have received player info from many families.  Thank you... If you have not sent this back to me, please do.

5 - I have received notes about players not being able to make certain games.  That is REALLY important info THANKS!!!! Please keep me informed if your player won't be able to make a game as early as possible.

6 - I know this is going to be a bit of a pain, but da rules are da rules.  Any parent who wishes to participate on field (practices or at games) will need to fill out a volunteer registration form.  I'll bring some blanks on Friday, or you can fill it out online at http://www.srbaseball.com/User/VolunteerApplicationInformation.aspx
The form is easy, FREE, and is for the protection of our players.  (Be sure to send in a copy of your ID.)

7 - This is an unknown, but if the Majors league has an odd number of teams we will have one weekend as a bye, BUT will pick up the eighth game via a Friday - Sunday double header.  That week we won't have a Friday practice, but instead will play Friday and then again on Sunday.  IF we do this, then PITCHING and pitch counts will become very important.  That will also be a ton of fun - I am actually hoping that we get to do this.

OK, that was a pretty large data-dump and I probably forgot something.  I'll post this to the blog as well.  See you on Friday.

Best regards,

Coach

Hello parents and players!

I am Greg Buechler (coach Greg) and I am really happy to say that we are playing fall baseball. If anyone has played fallball before, you might remember that it always seems to get off to a rocky start, and guess what? This year is no different!

We have our first practice this Friday, and our first game this Sunday (how's that for speed?) Our practices will be held from 5 - 6:30 pm at Gayle Ranch Middle School (hit this link for the location). This is A VERY NICE FIELD!. Our first game is on Sunday, but the game time and location is TBD. I will update you as soon as I hear the details.

All players are required to wear protection (A CUP), at all practices and games. No cup, no play, no exceptions.

At practices, wear your cleats, practice uniform OR sweats. Please do not wear shorts, jeans, tuxedos or bathing suits. = )

Bring your glove(s), bat(s), helmet and batting gloves to all practices and games. You know the drill, I just had to say it.

We will be getting a jersey (shirt) and a cap. My teams generally wear grey pants during fall ball (makes the laundry a whole lot easier around our house), but either white or black is just fine. Hopefully you won't be needing to buy new ones for the season unless your boy has outgrown their old ones.

A very brief intro on myself:

I have coached and managed every year since my son started in Canyon Creek Little League six years ago, with an additional three seasons of SRLL Fallball, a 50 - 70 team and this past Summer's CCLL 11's All-Stars. In all, this will be my 12th team that I have had the privilege of coaching Little League. I work from home as a Professional Recruiter and have two daughters (who reluctantly will be there at all games) and a wonderful wife who is a life-long baseball fan. (She will be screaming the loudest for all the boys - I guarantee it.)

We have a very short season (eight games if the weather cooperates), and it is a season that is based on instruction, not wins & losses. With that said, I believe we will keep score at games (something new), but not have league standings. I bring this up because I want every player to give 100% during each game as well as practices. Attitude is FAR more important to me than abilities, skills, or performance. This is said from the bottom of my heart. Baseball is a game and while practices will make us sweat, make us tired and even show the flaws in our game, the idea is to have fun. And I certainly know that getting better is always a lot of fun!

Attached is our roster. Please review, add any additional information and send me any updates/corrections. Cellphone numbers are particularly important in case I need to reach you quickly. Also, I added a column regarding pitching and positioning. If your player pitched a lot of innings during the Spring and/Summer seasons, please let me know. It is very important for those that have a lot of innings already this year rest their arms. I would really like to get those player who did not have a lot of opportunities to pitch take the bump, and be given the opportunity. Those that have pitched and want to learn a new position, will be given that opportunity on this team. If your son doesn't want to pitch - let me know that as well. Those that have pitched a lot will still get their opportunity this fall, just on a bit more limited basis to protect their arms.

I would love for any and all participation by parents during practices and games. I can and have run teams solo, but the amount of different drills we can do gets smaller the fewer parents we have at practices. Two other 'coaches' would be great. BTW - this is NOT restricted to Dads! One of the best regular helpers I ever had was a mom who faced some mighty strong arms.

Finally - I will communicate via email and a blog http://coachgregsblog.blogspot.com/ team activity, updates, maps and pictures. PLEASE feel free to email or call me any day of the week, 9a - 10p (PST). If its an emergency - I'll take calls even later, I'm a night owl.

Please let me know you got this in good shape, and see you on Friday at 5pm

Best regards,

gb

Season's End & FEAR THE BEARD

To the Giants Family:

Thank you for opportunity to coach your child during this past fall season. I could not be happier with the results of the season (well, except for one injury that is.)

I also want to send a BIG thanks to both Eric Frankenberger and Dean Pollack for all their help in coaching, drills and games. The season would not have been as smooth as it was without your assistance.

Today's game was a LOT of fun. The Padres and us swapped players to complete each other's teams (we had six & they had seven players) while allowing each team to also 'bat around'. They were bigger, and played with great spirit, and our Giants played just as big, played just as hard and showed a lot of spirit and poise on a day that most kids were probably more interested in ghosts, goblins and candy. Great job boys, I am proud of you!

Now that fall baseball is done, it now time to shut the arms down for a month or three. Most leagues will be having spring try-outs in December, so have fun playing soccer, basketball, football or even Nintendo. See you on the diamond in the Spring!

Coach Greg

(ps - if you click on the picture above, it will take you to a full size picture suitable for downloading)

GAME / PRACTICE Today - 10/29

Hello GIANTS!!!!!

We've having a ball watching the SF Giants, and unfortunately, our season has hit a bit of a weather delay.

SO.... Today (weather permitting), we will have a practice game against the Phillies (the game that was rained out last weekend). At:

Hidden Hills elmentary school

12995 Harcourt Way, San Ramon, CA 94582

Corner of Windemere Parkway and Harcourt

There is no uniform requirement, just be sure to wear your cup.

View Larger Map

PLEASE let me know you got this... I will also start making some calls to let you know.

Coach Greg

Oct 22 Practice cancelled

Our field us very wet under normal circumstances, therefore we won't be able to practice today. I'll keep you posted for Sunday... It's not looking good.

Oct 17th Game has been RAINED OUT

Per the city, all baseball fields are closed today. = (

Schedule for games 6, 7 & 8

I received our schedule for the remainder of the season (last three games) and am posting it here with the understanding that there may be a change or two. The reason for any possible changes is that we are schedule to re-play the Cardinals (last week's opponent), and will miss playing the Yankees entirely if the schedule stays as it is. I am working with the league organizer to see if this was by design, and then will discuss with the other managers to see if we have an easy fix.

So, TENTATIVE schedule is:

Date Time Location Opponent Home/Away (us)

Oct. 17th 3pm Gale Ranch 1 Cubs Home

Oct. 24th 12pm Memorial Cardinals Home

Oct. 31st 12pm Gale Ranch 1 Padres Home

For the 17th (this weekend), I have fun surprise for the team. (Bring cameras.)

For the 24th & 31st, I will need a few extra hands for field prep (its good exercise!)

GO GIANTS!!!!!

10-10-10 GAME INFO

We are at Gale Ranch at 2:00 for warm-up. (3:00 pm game time.)

Map to location: 6400 Main Branch Rd.,San Ramon,CA 94582 (that is a link)

Field#1

News for Bryce: You are in good company. Read on-->

From ESPN: "The Atlanta Braves got a bit of a scare before their NL division series against theSan Francisco Giants even began, when Game 2 starter Tommy Hanson fouled a ball off his face during batting practice."

Yep, a major league player did the exact same thing in BP. OK, so he just happens to be a pitcher, but they know how to swing in the NL. Hope to see you soon bud!

Bryce Update II

I just spoke with Bryce's mom and he's doing MUCH better today. So far, the news is good. Minor (hairline) fractures around his eye, but he won't need to have surgery to repair it. Next stop is the eye Doc. He is able to see out of the eye, so things are 'looking' up.

I will keep you posted on any updates.

Coach

Bryce Update

Today we experienced a really tough day on the ball field with a season ending injury to Bryce, as well as playing against a team that probably should be up at the next level. Even with the inequality, we held a very strong team to just a few runs. A GIANT good job to every one. You did great, and showed a lot of character out there.

Here is the update on Bryce (It is OK to _not_ read this.)

Hi Giants,

Here is an update on Bryce. We just got home from the emergency room and he is finally sleeping. They

did a cat scan and found several fractures around his eye. He will need to see a specialist tomorrow to

determine if he needs surgery. He will see an eye specialist too to determine if there is eye damage. He is

very uncomfortable but he is being a trooper. Unfortunately he is finished for the season. He doesn't

know this yet. He will be very sad when we tell him the bad news. Our hope is that he can just heel from

here.

Regards,

Mary Jo Harrell

The ENTIRE Giants family (Players, coaches & Families) send our best wishes to Bryce for a speedy recovery!

Being (unexpectedly) down two players to start the game had us coaches scrambling and I give props to the boys for putting up with playing the same positions for most, (if not the entire game). Please let me know if you won't be able to play on the weekend as quickly as possible. I make the final line-up on Saturday night, but knowing about anyone that won't be there earlier is a big help. Thanks

I have requested a couple players to add to our team. I'll keep you posted on any developments. We are now a nine man roster, and I know you guys have some bumps, bruises and sprains that need to get better. We will address this at Friday's practice for next Sunday's game assignments.

Speaking of which - Next game info will be e-mailed and posted as soon as I get it. I hope the lateness of this week's messaging is not repeated, but it is out of my hands.

Best regards, Coach

Game 4: San Ramon - Central Park: Warm-up at 11AM

Hit this to see a map to Memorial Park

All cylinder firing and a few sputters

Hi Families. Well that was a scorcher today. Not only as measured by the thermometer, but by the Giants run production. We put every batter to the plate three times, had 8 of 9 once, and had only one three-up, three-down inning. Several of our players made it to first simply because they hustled down the line and that is how this game is played. If you hustle, you force the defense to make plays. And, sometimes (actually a lot of the time), mistakes are made, balls are dropped or throws not tossed on line.

Our defense was excellent! awesome! outstanding! I have to say that yes, balls were dropped, BUT, we kept the ball in front of us, preventing extra bases even on really hard hit balls. From the first pitch to the last, we played hard D and I am very proud of the efforts there.

On the mound the Giants once again had a stellar day. I am extremely proud of the team's pitchers and of course the guys who don the gear and catch. While a lot of fun, both of these roles are demanding positions to play (especially when the mercury is hovering above the 90-degree mark!) My hat is off to you.

Now the 'coaching'.

The team was a well oiled machine this morning. A quiet, low-humming machine, not a full-throttled loud roaring beast as we would like to hear. Baseball is a game of Energy & Momentum. The team showing the most positive energy will most of the time win. We were putting up player after player to the plate but I heard nearly nothing from the bench. Lets change that next game.

Secondly - and I did mention a little bit of this earlier. We need to be a bit better with our on-field behavior.

Little League is not about baseball, not about strikes, balls, averages or strike-outs. Little League is about Character, Courage & Loyalty.

• We have to show good character when we are winning or losing
• We must have the courage to keep going when things are tough
• We must show loyalty to our team, even when mistakes are made

What does that mean? Encouraging our players, Encouraging THEIR players, NEVER saying a bad word about another player (ours or theirs), NEVER questioning a strike, an out, etc.

Errors are a part of baseball and will be made at all levels. Your ability to stand straight & hold your head up high in spite of all the things that happen will be the measure of your success in this game and in life.

Game 3 :: Dublin at 11AM (Game time is Noon)

Dang... another change!

Were going to the [brand new] Dublin Sports Park. This should be a treat! Here is the link to a map.

MAP TO THE FALLON SPORTS PARK

FIELD IS SP1

All

Planning for the 'season' might be a bit difficult going forward given this message from the league:

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Lorraine Khazrai
Date: Tue, Sep 21, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Subject: game schedule for 9 26
To: Managers

Managers,

attached is the game schedule for 9 26. We have had so many requests for game times, and soccerr tournaments that this is turning into a weekly job. Should have each game out early in the week.

Lorraine

---- eom----

So, what does this mean?

1 - I probably won't be getting game details until Tuesdays each week, not all at once

2 - I will post as soon as I get them

3 - Please subscribe/RSS so everyone gets the info at once

So, our next game is in DUBLIN at Emerald Glen park (link to map is below)

Map to Emerald Glen

Please be there at 11 to start warm-ups and let me know if anyone won't be there.

If anyone has digital pictures that they would like to share, please send them to me at gb@offthehookjobs.net. I would be happy to share them on the site.

Coach

Game 2 post wrap

GREAT GAME! The boys played some inspired ball today with excellent displays of pitching, hitting and superior defense. We had a couple miscommunications in the field, so that will be covered on Friday in practice. Otherwise, I'm really proud of your poise and work ethic today.

I still don't have a schedule for the rest of the season, so subscribe (or RSS) to this blog and you will have it as quickly as possible.

Also - the 'other' Giants won today! GAME ON!

Game 2 is in Livermore

Well folks, we're traveling this weekend. Just to Livermore, but a real away game is a real away game. Here is a link to a map of the field location (Junction Middle School, Livermore CA). We are on Field 1. I believe the fields have signs.

Based on the image, this is a SKIN infield. So the game will be quick!

Game Time is 12 Noon. Please be there 60 minutes early.

As always, let me know if you will or will not be playing as soon as possible.

See you all on Friday at practice.

Coach Greg

Postgame Report - Game 1

With a limited crew, the Giants were still impressive with a good demonstration of pitching, fielding and offensive production. The boys showed some cobwebs, but overall I am VERY happy with the results of the practice, TPC Training and of course the game. Wow, three days in a row to start a short season!

I am particularly happy that none of our boys got hurt. Something that the A's had quite a time dealing with on Sunday. A couple of their guys had hurt elbows. These may be serious, and may be not... In any case, if your son says his arm is tired, feels 'dead' or 'tight' more than three days in a row, or on a Wed or Thursday, let me know and I will not have him throwing for a week or two. I asked if the boys had played catch over the past few weeks and most said yes. So, I don't expect overwork after an extended off period to be an issue. I will always error on the safe side, just let me know.

Next week, we should have a full team (11), so hopefully we will have a bit more energy on the bench. I believe Little League should be a place where the ability to be a part of team, the desire to support one's peers and show a lot of spirit is taught. Don't be shy! The more energy we show in the stands the more energy the boys will show on the field.

FIELD PREP:: If we are the home team, I would greatly appreciate a few extra hands for field prep. This should include putting up of a home run fence. That was missing on Sunday and I'd like to see it for each game going forward. Sunday we were the visiting team, so it wasn't our responsibility. But, in the future with just a few extra hands, we can get the fence up in time for a game.

TPC Training & Game 1 Info

Hi Everyone GREAT drill session today! A big thank you to the folks that set this up. TPC is a really professional training organization and their coaches put a lot of time in today. Their love of the game is evident.

I take no personal responsibility for the grass stains... BUT, liked the drill so much that I will probably include it in a few of our Friday practices. = )

Tomorrow is our first game and I know a couple of our guys won't be there. So, please send me a note confirming your status (play, no-play). Our batting order will be alphabetical by first name, and once set, won't change for the entire season since we use a pure rotational batting order.

Positions will also rotate

Here is a link to a map for Athan Down Park

http://www.canyoncreekll.org/Facility.asp?ID=15147&n=36860&snid=515376105&org=canyoncreekll.org

Fallball 2010 Season News

Go GIANTS