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