Friday, October 28, 2011

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!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

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

Monday, October 24, 2011

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!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

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!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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






DayDateTypeLocationTime
Friday30-SepPracticeGale Ranch Middle School5pm
Sunday2-OctGameWindemere Ranch Middle School (Field 1): HOME2pm Warm-up, 3pm Game
Friday7-OctPracticeGale Ranch Middle School5pm
Sunday9-OctBYETBD - Probably will have a drop-in practice or hit the batting cagesTBD
Friday14-OctGameMemorial Park: HOME4pm Warm-up, 5pm Game
Sunday16-OctGameFallon Sports Park (Field 1) *, Dublin: VISITOR11am Warm-up, Noon Game
Friday21-OctPracticeGale Ranch Middle School5pm
Sunday23-OctGameCoyote Crossing Park: HOME2pm Warm-up, 3pm Game
Friday28-OctGAMEGale Ranch Middle School5pm
Sunday30-OctGameCoyote Crossing Park: VISITOR11am 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!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

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!





Thursday, September 15, 2011

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!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

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

Saturday, September 10, 2011

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?


Monday, September 5, 2011

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