BASEBALL GUIDE

Baseball Bats For The Professional And Amateur

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:48:00 +0000

Baseball Bats For The Professional And Amateur
By: Ken Austin

From the time small children are old enough to hold a baseball bat many have longed to be part of the great American pastime. Baseball bats have been around ever since the game was created and there are baseball museums that have collections of baseball bats owned and used by famous players.

When kids first start to play the game of baseball they use a plastic bat. There are plastic baseball bats made today for the youngest of ballplayers and some even have baseball teams or players names on them.

As children get older and more serious about the game they find there are choices to be made about which bat to buy. Baseball bats come in many widths, lengths and materials. A heavier bat gives the ball more momentum but a heavier bat also means a less speedy swing. Bats that are made from graphite or aluminum hit balls farther than baseball bats made from wood.

Players endorse baseball bats and many have their names on them. Baseball team logos are also represented on baseball bats.

When aluminum bats were first introduced in the 1970's, batting averages rose 30 points and home run hits doubled. In the Major Leagues batters now use wooden bats instead of baseball bats made from lighter materials. They could change to the baseball bats made from aluminum or a lighter material but it would significantly change the home runs hit today and the traditional records and baseball legends would not seem as important.

If you are wanting to buy a baseball bat consider who will be using it. Age and which league you are playing in is also a deciding factor. Little League bats cant be more than 2 1/4 inches in diameter or more than 33 inches long for instance. Adult leagues have rules about baseball bats also.

Speed and control are the most crucial factors to consider when buying a baseball bat. Check the weight of the bat, if its too heavy it wont work for you. When checking the grip, your fingertips should meet when closed around the handle.

You can buy a small wooden baseball bat for $10-$20. An aluminum bat will cost between $20-$200 or more but it wont chip or peel and the balance and weight will remain constant.

There are thousands of baseball bats to choose from. Talk to an expert who can help you decide which is the perfect baseball bat for you.

History of Baseball

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 01:42:00 +0000

History of Baseball
by RecruitCity

Baseball is often referred to as the Great American Pastime and it is funny to think that the exact history of baseball is vastly unknown. General historians mostly believe that it is roughly based on an English game called rounders. The game grew in popular in the north east around the late 1700's and early 1800's. The precise name of the sport had adjusted several times from "base", to "roundball" to "cricket" throughout the beginnings of baseball history.
At that same timeframe of the early nineteenth century a number of cities began to form teams and leagues. The sport began to grow in popularity enough that the players and patrons of the game decided that they really needed to formalize the specifics of the game. So in 1845 Alexander Cartwright began formulating a list of rules that all teams are to follow by and ironically enough a number of those rules are still followed today. Cartwright is believed to have been the actual founder of the game and not Abner Doubleday say baseball historians. Cartwright was a fireman that formulated the basic premise of the sport and is credited with creating the first teams that used to play in New York with other fireman. He was credited with forming the Knickerbockers Baseball Club which sculpted baseball history. He then decided to follow the riches of the California Gold Mine and began spreading the game westward. His travels helped to expand this new game throughout the country.
The very first game of record actually took place a year after Cartwright developed his team in 1846. Ironically his team the Knickerbockers lost to the Baseball Club in a game at the Elysian Fields in Hoboken, NJ. As word spread of this interesting game it became more popular and began to have many more participants. So in the 1850's a number of teams in the northeast came together to discuss rules and expanding the game and in 1858 they created the National Assoc. of Baseball Players, which is recognized as the first baseball league ever created in the history of baseball.
The sport blossomed in the late 1850's as membership grew from 100 to over 400 teams and then the Civil War came about. The 1860's civil war time decimated the interest in baseball as there was obviously no time for baseball. Yet, interestingly enough baseball began to travel to other areas throughout the country. Once the war ended the sport began to blossom again. Teams grew and cities throughout the country began to take interest and began to play one another. The NABP was initially supposed to only be comprised of amateur athletes but like any sport it became very competitive and the best players were compensated which obviously has stood the time of baseball history. The sport began to change in 1869 when the Cincinnati Red Stockings (soon to be the Cincinnati Reds) decided to become the first professional team and pay there players. The Wright brothers who owned the team decided to recruit the best talent from around the country and they challenged all comers. They were so good that they went 65 and 0. With such little competition the idea of creating a completely professional league was sparked and in 1871 the National Association was developed. Then in 1876 the National League was created as the National Association was dissolved. The National League which is still in existence today had a stronghold on all the major cities of the time and maintained the best players. In the early 1900's the American and National league were formed which as we all know still remains. These changes in the 1900's established the two leagues, the world series and established player contracts. The history of baseball had firmly been formed and was well on its way to establishing itself as the Great American Pastime.

About the Author
www.recruitcity.com where athletes get scholarships...

Coaching Baseball Throwing - The Pivot Foot

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:41:00 +0000

Coaching Baseball Throwing - The Pivot Foot
by Dick Birmingham

If I were to sit down with my foot straight out in front of me, it is doubtful I could throw a baseball to the back of the room. But, when you stand up and get your foot under you, then you are throwing from a position of strength and power, which just tells us one thing and that is we throw with our feet.
It is my belief that guys like Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan have endured or did endure for so long because of the strength they had from the waist down and proper mechanics, obviously.
So, when you start talking about mechanics you need to think about a few little basic things:
1) The pivot foot.
I think with younger players you have to overemphasize this. Especially in kids who are making a mistake. You have to square or turn the back foot so that the step is actually facing the person who you are throwing.
Kids will cheat on that. They will cheat because they will just point the toe and then throw.
What happens when you don't square the back foot? It encourages keeping the front shoulder open. When you keep the front shoulder open it encourages throwing with a lower elbow and the hand behind the ball. It causes you to open up and you have placed yourself in a position of weakness.
If you want to know what I am talking about you look at the good third baseman that has a good arm and when they estimate that long tough throw, you check how they get themselves prepared to do that. They will square here, and they will close here and the shoulder and hip are pointed toward first base and they will throw to a position of power as opposed to this kind of a throw, which is a position of weakness.
So, it is very important to have the back foot squared and the front shoulder closed.
With young kids a lot of times what you want to do is get them squared. Start them off already squared.
Bragg Stockton works with kids on putting the hand together out in front lining the hip and shoulder up with the person to whom they are throwing and then skip and step and throw. When you are skipping on that back foot it is real hard to open that front shoulder prematurely.
It is good to get them lined up and skip like this to open and throw.
So, square the back foot, close the front shoulder and let the arm come on a downward arc. As players get better, you can shorten that circle but in the early stages it is better to have it long. You want them to come down, turn the hand out and get the body in position.

About the Author
To get more baseball coaching tips about baseball throwing and to develop your players baseball throwing abilities with fun and effective baseball throwing drills visit the Dick Birmingham Sports Championship Baseball Drill Book at http://www.BaseballDrillBook.com.

Highlighting The History Of The Detroit Tigers

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:13:00 +0000

Highlighting The History Of The Detroit Tigers
by Jordan Knapp

Like many major league baseball teams, the 106-plus-year-old club has had a varied and colored history. The team currently resides just a luxury sedan or limo ride away at Comerica Park, located in downtown Detroit. Here are some team historical highlights: On April 25, 1901, in front of 10,000 fans, the Detroit Tigers entered the ninth inning trailing Milwaukee, 13-4. A series of hits and miscues followed, moving the score to 13-12 with two runners on. With two out, Tiger Frank "Pop" Dillon faced reliever Bert Husting, and the left-handed hitter rapped a two-run double to complete a 14-13 comeback win.The 1905 season marked the first in a Detroit uniform for Tyrus “Ty” Raymond Cobb, one of the most famous Tiger of all. Acquired in exchange for pitcher Eddie Cicotte and $700 from Augusta of the Sally League, plus $50 for "immediate delivery", Cobb played the first of his 3,033 major league games on August 30, 1905. He would remain with the Tigers for 22 years, and when he retired in 1928, he had collected more records than any player in major league history.During the 1907 season, the Tigers won their first pennant, taking the American League by one and one-half games with a 92-58 season. Unfortunately, a disappointing loss to the Cubs in the World Series followed.In 1912, the Tigers moved into its new ballpark, but the campaign was marked by a one-game players' strike in retaliation for a suspension levied on Cobb for taking a punch at a fan in New York. This strike forced the Tigers to put together a team of sandlot players for one game, a 24-2 loss at Philadelphia.It was during 1935, the long-awaited title dreams came true for Tiger fans and players. After winning the American League by three games, Detroit took six games to mow down the Chicago Cubs in the 1935 World Series, with Cochrane making a daring dash from second in the ninth inning of Game Six to score the winning run on a single by Goose Goslin. For the World Series win, each player was awarded a share of $6,544.The 1950s were highlighted by the emergence of young outfielder Al Kaline who, with a .340 batting average in 1955, became the youngest player in league history to win a batting title.After finishing just one game out of first place in 1967, the Tigers were poised and loaded with talent entering the 1968 campaign. Under manager Mayo Smith, the club took the lead on May 10 and never relinquished it, finishing 12 games ahead of second-place Baltimore. Denny McLain was the hero of the campaign with a 31-6 record, becoming the first pitcher since Lefty Grove in to win 30 or more in a season. His efforts earned McLain unanimous acclaim as MVP and Cy Young winner in the league. In a tight World Series, Mickey Lolich pitched the club to three wins, the final win coming on just two days rest as the Tigers captured the crown.The 1979 season saw another significant change in leadership when on June 14; Sparky Anderson took over the club's managerial reigns. For the next 16 seasons, Anderson would lead the Tigers from the dugout, claiming two division titles and a World Championship along the way.After a second-place finish in the previous year, success was expected for a talented Tiger club the following season. With Jack Morris tossing his first no-hitter on April 7 of 1984, the club vaulted into the division lead by winning its first nine games and going 35-5 through May 24, the best 40-game start in major league history. The Tigers went on to a 104-58 mark, 15 games in front of the pack, and continued by sweeping the Royals in the Championship Series. After defeating the Padres, four-games-to-one, in the World Series, the Tigers became the first major league team since the 1955 Dodgers to hold first place wire-to-wire and finish by winning the championship. In addition, a club-record 2,704,794 fans passed through the turnstiles.The1992 season included big change in team ownership as Little Caesar’s pizza czar Mike Ilitch purchased sole interest in the team from Domino’s pizza magnate, Tom Monoghan.September 27, 1999, the Detroit Tigers played their last game at Tiger Stadium. After an 87 year run, the Corner saw it's 6,783rd-and final-game with a sold-out crowd of 43,356 fans, many standing at their seats and dabbing tears from their eyes as 63 Tiger greats took the field one last time during the closing ceremonies of the park. The Tigers took that historic game, beating the Royals 8-2.April 11, 2000, saw the beginning of a new era as the Tigers were welcomed into their new home, Comerica Park. Opening Day saw 34-degree weather, a sold-out crowd, and a 5-2 win against Seattle.And in 2006, in terms of raw wins, the Tigers put together one of the biggest turnarounds in baseball history with 43 wins in 2003 to 95 in 2006. Emotionally, the comeback rekindled baseball fever in Detroit, starting with a 16-9 record in April and gaining momentum with a 17-2 stretch over the summer. A late-season fade cost the Tigers an AL Central title, but first-year manager Jim Leyland regrouped a hungry club to run off seven straight postseason wins to reach the World Series for the first time since 1984. Leyland was named AL Manager of the Year, while 17-game winner Justin Verlander became the Tigers' first rookie of the year since 1978.Checker Sedan is a premier mode of transportation that Tiger fans use to take them back and forth to the park. Checker, www.checkersedan.com, was established in March 2000 and has become the fastest growing chauffeur-driven licensed luxury sedan company in Metropolitan Detroit. Checker Sedan is an affiliate of Soave Enterprises, a privately held management and investment company founded by Detroit businessman Anthony L. Soave. Checker Sedan is the official curbside luxury sedan provider for Detroit Metro Airport.

Baseball Games Are A Great Place To Meet Singles

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 13:52:00 +0000

Baseball Games Are A Great Place To Meet Singles
by Alana Beyer

Survey says 74% of single women view baseball games as a great way to meet men
A survey of over 8,500 singles, found that over 2/3 of women, but only half of men think a baseball game is a good place to take a date. What's more, nearly 3/4 (74%) of women think a baseball game is a good place to meet men.
However, if going to a game is part of your dating repertoire, leave the cell phone at home. 38% of men responded that they find talking on cell phones more annoying than complaining about the seats (33%) or acting completely uninterested in the game (28%).
If you've met someone you like, going to a sporting event can be a great idea for a date - it's a fun and casual atmosphere, you're outdoors and it's an activity that you both enjoy, however, the length of a game does not make it appropriate for the first date. It's Just Lunch recommends lunch or a drink after work for first dates.
Why do men and women get along so well at games? Men are accepting when it comes to not being there for the last out; 77% said they would understand if their date wanted to leave a game early.
The survey also revealed that 90% of women brush up on baseball fundamentals before games, either by reading the sports page (31%), learning the names of key players (30%), or making sure they understand the rules of the game (29%).
Chivalry is not dead, at least among baseball fans. 84% of men said if they caught a ball in the stands, they would give it to their date; although 5% of men would rather make some money than be chivalrous and sell the baseball on eBay.
As far as the players themselves, who would women most like to date? 40% of single women believe Derek Jeter is the sexiest baseball player.
The infield takes the prize for the sexiest positions: 54% find the pitcher to be the sexiest; 32% think shortstops are sexier. Sorry outfield, only 8% of respondents found you the sexiest.
Additional survey highlights:
· 31% of men think 9 innings is too long, 7 innings would be better, compared to the vast majority of women (85%) who think 9 innings is about right.
· 67% of men feel scoreboard marriage proposals are too public or embarrassing, while 32% of women think they are romantic and sweet.
· If singles had great seats for Opening Day, 37% of men would take someone they want to ask out on a first date, while 29% of women would take a colleague and 13% would take their dad.
· 41% of women are okay with their significant other watching 1 game a week; with 26% saying 2-3 games a week is enough, although 8% of women won't even consider dating someone who watches sports all the time.
· Nearly 1/3 of women have gone to a sports bar solely to meet men.
· Baseball players are cuter than basketball and football players according to 37% of female singles. 7% thought it was because they sweat less.
· The sexes agree. 51% of singles think the New York Yankees are the best looking American League team. As for the National League, 33% of women think the Chicago Cubs are the most attractive team.

Visit It's Just Lunch Columbus for further dating information.
About the Author
Alana is a VP of Its just Lunch based in San Diego.

What baseball bat is best for you?

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 15:46:00 +0000

What Baseball Bat is Best For You?
by Frank Drummond

Baseball bats come in all shapes and sizes. Determining the best bat for you could be a difficult chore. To help, Baseball Rampage has put together this simple guide to help you find the bat that will help you improve your hitting while saving you money.
You'll notice a lot of bats have a negative sign listed. This number essentially tells you that the bat ways that many ounces less than the length of the bat. For instance, 34-inch bats with a -5 will way 29 ounces. The heavier the baseball bat, the more power you'll receive but your bat speed will slow down which will probably lower your batting average. Your best bet is to find a bat that suits your abilities the best so you can hit the sweet spot as often as possible.
The best length to purchase is one that comes up to your waste when standing upright on the ground. Youth league bats range from 26 to 31 inches and can be no more than 32 inches long. High school to the pro's are in the 32 to 36 range.
The barrel, taper, and grip are other important factors to consider when purchasing a ball bat. A bat with a longer and wider barrel will provide a larger sweet spot but usually weigh more which is why a lot of youth league hitters use a shorter and narrower barrel bat. The taper is the slimming of the bat where you'll want a nice fit for your hands for a comfortable grip. Grip is the material used on the taper to allow a good "grip" on the bat. Most are made of leather, synthetic leather, or rubber. While leather grips will allow for a better grip, there ability to absorb vibrations from a hit are limited in comparison to rubber grips.
Hopefully this bit of information provides everything you'll need to become a better hitter. Batter Up!

About the Author
Baseball Rampage wrote this article to help you determine which ball bat will work for you. Located in Columbus, OH, BaseballRampage.com is a full service retailer store and internet retailer with a full line of bats, baseball gloves, and other baseball gear.

Baseballs’ Greatest Cheaters

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 13:44:00 +0000

Baseballs’ Greatest Cheaters
by F.R. Penn

The great American game of baseball!! Home runs, triple plays, and the World Series, make viewing this sport a great pastime. Fans, over generations of time, have come to hold special individual memories of baseball. It’s sealed in their minds; baseball IS the greatest sport of all time. Remembering, all is in the eye of the beholder, can it be that baseball history can define itself by years of great team lineups, talented athletes, extravagant game plays and greatest cheaters???Who would have thought that in all baseball has provided for its fans, a set of stats dedicated to cheaters would fit in? No one would think that there would be a way that great athletes would conjure up or develop ways to improve their stats, career or even their place in baseball history. It is proven, however, that Hall of Fame greats and record breakers in the field of ball playing would actually be at the head of such schemes--no matter the severity of the scheme. Cheaters have been recognized throughout this sport since almost at its beginnings.The most notable offenders and cheating title holders would be: John McGraw, Gaylord Perry, Ty Cobb, Mike Scott, Ken Hrbeck, Joe Niekro, Pete Rose, and Albert Belle. Later, and to add some variety to this interesting topic, one of the many baseball scandals include the 1919 Chicago White Sox sellout.John McGraw was a Hall of Fame great who had a reputation for holding base runners by their belt loops and would even go as far as blocking and tripping runners. He was not afraid to try this stunt with runners larger than his 155lb frame.Gaylord Perry, Hall of Fame inductee, had the infamous "spitter" ball or "Vaseline ball". While compiling his 314-265 record, this pitcher would stand on his mound and touch his sleeve or cap. At these times, he would "load up" his ball, or appear to "load up" his ball in order to psych out the batter at the plate, enhancing the hopes for a strikeout. Because of this naughty habit, this great athlete was one of the few pitchers in the sport to get reprimanded. In 1982 he was suspended from baseball for doctoring the ball.Ty Cobb, or otherwise known as the "Georgia Peach", was not a Hall of Famer, but held dozens of the league’s records. However, despite the records, the major reason that this athlete was able to steal bases on occasion without fail was because fielders would fear the wrath of his sharpened spikes. Cobb had a nasty habit of using his pointed spikes as weapons on the base paths.Mike Scott, also a holder of dozens of major league statistics, had a habit of using emery boards not for the nails on his hands but to shave a little bit here and there on the ball. Altering the ball in this way allowed many of the hitters to be potential strikeout victims.Kent Hrbek was a charismatic player who helped his team reach two World Series. In 1991, his charisma was not enough to save him when in a play, a member of the opposing team landed on his base. Lo and behold, Hrbek in an orchestrated maneuver he thought to be covert bumped the fellow off the base. He tagged the guy out. What Hrbek did not know, was that there were cameras running at certain angles poised to catch him in the act. Hrbek himself found out what it was like to be OUT!Joe Niekro was no stranger to the emery board, ball-shaving fix. Even though Niekro claimed the emery board in his pocket was to file his fingernails so he could keep his knuckleball skills in check, it wasn’t until 1987 he was caught cheating. An umps’ eye caught an emery board flying out of Niekro’s pocket and Niekro got suspended for 10 days, no doubt giving the pitcher sufficient time to keep a neat set of nails.Pete Rose was a gambler. At times in the world of sports, inside information has benefited players or fans alike. One small fact could swing a bet one way or another, but no one would think that a player would bet on his own team. It would not only be ethically incorrect, but a detrimental career move if caught. Hall of Fame inductee Pete Rose made such a career-crippling move by placing bets on the outcomes of his own teams’ games!In the unholy name of baseball cheating, there was Albert Belle. He was known to have "his own kind" of special bat; one that could have been known to hold more cork than a million bottles of champagne. In 1994, Belle was suspended for seven games in an occurrence where Albert’s bat was confiscated by an umpire after suspicions of bat tampering were made known to him.Last, but probably forever in the name of baseball, not least, it would only seem fair to mention one event that has come to be known as one of baseball’s greater scandals. Most times, individual team members could be blamed for tampering with this great sport. But for the sake of keeping any more skeletons from coming out of closets, it can be safe to discuss this topic: The 1919 Chicago White Sox Sellout. Imagine a crowd of fans that grow to the tune of around 43,000 strong. Fans driving from far and wide. Fans waiting to see their team rise to victory in The World Series. Hopes for the true fan gets crushed when it is discovered that eight players of one team were paid off to lose to the other team. Then insult adds to injury; it becomes clear that the event was due to a master mob plan. The eight players involved get suspended, and later are banned from baseball for life. The White Sox reputation suffers for many years to come.With all that said, throughout baseball’s history of cheaters and scandal, there is only one phrase that can sum up the result of the intentions of those trying to reinvent the rules of baseball for personal gain and that phrase is - "Cheaters NEVER prosper."

This article was written by F.R. Penn sponsored by http://www.stubhub.com. If you’re looking for baseball tickets to see your favorite teams live in action, look no further than Stubhub.com where fans buy and sell the hottest sports tickets. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link back to http://www.stubhub.com/

Important Aspects Of A Baseball Coach

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:36:00 +0000

Important Aspects Of A Baseball Coach

By: Sintilia Miecevole

-->Being a baseball coach can be very rewarding. It is a big responsibility, though. You are basically the leader' of your team, and how you act will directly affect how the assistant coaches and the players act. There are some tips you can follow to make yourself a better baseball coach. These tips are:1. Give everyone on your baseball team a responsibility. Make each and every person on the team feel if they don't do something, it won't get done! Any accomplishments made by a member of the team are shared by the whole team. (It is important to give recognition to individuals, though.)2. Help everyone on your baseball team make good, informed decisions. As the baseball coach, you need to guide and teach the players to make the good decisions you want them to make. Don't bully the baseball team to do what you want them to do, just encourage them to do what is best.3. Always treat your baseball team like they are winners! If your baseball players feel like winners, they will be more likely to win.4. Let everyone on your baseball team know you care. Be interested in every individual baseball player. Encourage them and show them your support. Look at your behavior around your baseball team and evaluate it carefully.5. Help your baseball team understand the meaning of playing with good sportsmanship! Good sportsmanship is just as important as winning. Make sure your baseball players understand the meaning of fair play from the moment you become their baseball coach.6. Make sure you motivate and reward your baseball team players. Just knowing the basic skills and strategies of baseball won't necessarily make you a very good baseball coach. Being a baseball coach is truly more than just teaching these things. A really good coach can motivate a baseball team to do its best! Good baseball coaches understand and can empathize with the players' feelings of joy, anger, anxiety, frustration, and pride.7. Don't make your baseball practices boring or repetitious. Shake up practices by playing games and teaching new techniques and plays. Since only 9 players can play at a time, make sure to keep the rest of the baseball team feeling useful by having them keep score or charting pitching and offence. Make sure to keep each baseball player feeling they have an important role in winning.8. Make sure you have a plan for your baseball team. Just like a teacher needs to plan for the school year, a baseball coach needs a plan for the season. Having no plan is a sure road to failure.9. Give your baseball team enough time to review things they have learned. Whether at the end of a practice or the end of a game, give your players time to review what has been learned and what could be improved upon. Keep the review as positive in tone as possible.10. Make sure you communicate with your baseball team. If you cannot get across to your baseball team what you want, how will they know what to do?About The Author: Sintilia Miecevole, host of http://www.reelbaseball.com provides you with baseball information from games, cards and equipment to teams, gloves, pictures and more. Be sure to visit http://www.reelbaseball.com for the latest news.Copyright Sintilia Miecevole - http://www.reelbaseball.com Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

Baseball Bats For The Professional And Amateur

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 10:06:00 +0000

Baseball Bats For The Professional And Amateur

By: Ken Austin

-->From the time small children are old enough to hold a baseball bat many have longed to be part of the great American pastime. Baseball bats have been around ever since the game was created and there are baseball museums that have collections of baseball bats owned and used by famous players.When kids first start to play the game of baseball they use a plastic bat. There are plastic baseball bats made today for the youngest of ballplayers and some even have baseball teams or players names on them.As children get older and more serious about the game they find there are choices to be made about which bat to buy. Baseball bats come in many widths, lengths and materials. A heavier bat gives the ball more momentum but a heavier bat also means a less speedy swing. Bats that are made from graphite or aluminum hit balls farther than baseball bats made from wood.Players endorse baseball bats and many have their names on them. Baseball team logos are also represented on baseball bats.When aluminum bats were first introduced in the 1970's, batting averages rose 30 points and home run hits doubled. In the Major Leagues batters now use wooden bats instead of baseball bats made from lighter materials. They could change to the baseball bats made from aluminum or a lighter material but it would significantly change the home runs hit today and the traditional records and baseball legends would not seem as important.If you are wanting to buy a baseball bat consider who will be using it. Age and which league you are playing in is also a deciding factor. Little League bats cant be more than 2 1/4 inches in diameter or more than 33 inches long for instance. Adult leagues have rules about baseball bats also.Speed and control are the most crucial factors to consider when buying a baseball bat. Check the weight of the bat, if its too heavy it wont work for you. When checking the grip, your fingertips should meet when closed around the handle.You can buy a small wooden baseball bat for $10-$20. An aluminum bat will cost between $20-$200 or more but it wont chip or peel and the balance and weight will remain constant.There are thousands of baseball bats to choose from. Talk to an expert who can help you decide which is the perfect baseball bat for you.

About the Author:

Ken Austin is the webmaster at http://baseball-gear.1stdiscountshopping.com

Source: www.isnare.com

A Little About Baseball History

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 19:59:00 +0000

A Little About Baseball History

By: Keith Kingston

-->There is evidence to suggest that in terms of baseball history, people played games that involved a stick and a ball, right back to the early days of civilization. Ancient cultures in Persia, Egypt, and Greece played ball and stick games for recreation and as part of special ceremonies where celebrations were rituals. Ball and stick games of this type spread throughout Europe in the Middle Ages and became even popular as different varieties took hold. Europeans brought ball and stick games to the American colonies as early as the 1600s. Until the late 1700s, however, they were widely considered children's games.By the early 1800s, a variety of ball and stick games had also become popular in North America. Many people in northeastern cities such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia played cricket, but rounders also began to take hold. Rounders most closely resembled modern baseball as we know it now. This early version of baseball history then known as rounders, required a batter to strike a ball and run around bases without being caught out. Balls that were caught on the fly, or in some cases after one bounce, were commonly known as outs. Varieties of rounders also involved the practice of plugging, soaking, or stinging the batter. This was where fielders could put runners out by throwing the ball at them as they ran between the bases. People used various names to describe it rounders depending on what part of the country you were in. It was also known as town ball, one o' cat, and base ball (hence the now shortened version we know as baseball).Americans began playing baseball in informal competitions in the early 1800s. By the 1860s, the sport, was being described as America's "national pastime." In 1845 Alexander Cartwright and the members of the New York Knickerbocker Base Ball Club, devised the first rules and regulations for the modern game of baseball. The first game was held at the Elysian Fields, in New Jersey. In 1858, the National Association of Base Ball Players, the first organized baseball league with tournaments and competitions between clubs was formed and in 1876 the first major league, the National League, was formed. This allowed states to play against other states. State teams were fed players from local leagues where the cream of the crop was selected to play for the states League team. Baseball is know one of the most popular sports in the country.About The Author: Come and avail of your free baseball equipment from our promotional site. Check out our current baseball http://www.freesportsgoods.com/promobaseball.php offersHotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

An Introduction To Baseball Bats

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 05:20:00 +0000

An Introduction To Baseball Bats

By: Jason Gluckman

-->Whether you enjoy the crack of wood or the ping of aluminum, baseball bats are designed for players ranging from Little Leaguers to professionals. Baseball bats are crafted out of specialized woods, composites or alloys, and aluminum, depending on the league. Bats can be forged out of various woods, ash and maple being the most popular.Baseball bats are available in different barrel sizes and lengths. Little League, Senior League, and college level baseball bats vary and have to be within certain measurement parameters, depending on the league. Since the introduction of aluminum bats, a controversy has raged over whether metal or wood is superior; the current view seems to be that metal bats outperform wooden bats. Some research reveals that aluminum bats smack the ball faster because they are hollow, therefore lighter to swing.Softball, Little League, Senior League, and college baseball bats are primarily aluminum, but as the level advances to professional, wood bats are mandatory. Many believe that aluminum and composite bats pose a danger to advanced players due to the fierceness of the rebound off the bat, which gives players (especially pitchers) less reaction time.Many players prefer the classic feel of a wood bat. They assert that wood bats are equal to their metallic counterparts, if not better. Others prefer the quickness of an aluminum bat. Regardless of a bats composition, all bats have a sweet spot. This special spot is located on the upper-mid section of a bat and punches the ball with the most power. Many players select a bat based solely on the size of the sweet spot.To find the right bat, consider which league it is designed for; the length, weight, and circumference of the barrel; and your price range. Remember that wood bats usually weigh more because they are solid and designed to withstand snapping. Aluminum bats are hollow, do not break, and are quicker than wood bats. About the Author: Baseball Bats provides detailed information on youth, wood, college, senior league, and discount baseball bats, baseball bat reviews and more. For more information go to http://www.e-baseballbats.com and/or visit its sister site at http://www.e-baseballgloves.com for related information.

USA baseball proposes "three strikes" rule for steroid abuse

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Fri, 25 May 2007 09:51:00 +0000

USA baseball proposes "three strikes" rule for steroid abuse

By: WiKiNews

-->
May 2, 2005
Baseball commissioner Allan H. "Bud" Selig has proposed a new steroids use policy for the game. The plan calls for a 50-game suspension of a player testing positive for the first time, a 100-game ban for a second offense, and on a third violation the player is out with a lifetime ban from the game.
In an April 25th letter written to Don Fehr (Executive Director of the Players Association) and all major league team owners, Selig wrote, "Steroid users cheat the game." So far this season, four less-than-big-name major league players have been suspended. Under the current policy, each player is forced to sit out 10 games.
The ball is now thrown to Fehr, who said over the weekend the union was not ready to discuss it. An answer from the players union will probably be forthcoming some time this week.
Congressional hearings on steroids in baseball were held March 17. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), the ranking minority member of the House Government Reform Committee, said, "It's weaker than the policy Congress is considering, but significantly stronger than baseball's current policy."
Testifying at the hearings, Fehr said, โ€My personal view, this is not an institutional view I'm expressing now, my personal view is that our job with violations of substance abuse is not to destroy careers. Our job is to stop it."
Selig also wants to add amphetamines list of banned substances in the major leagues.

Sources
Hal Bodley "Selig awaits union response on steroids". USA Today, May 1, 2005
Dave Anderson "Selig's Move on Steroids Puts Union in a Corner". The New York Times, May 2, 2005

A Review Of Popular Baseball Gloves

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sun, 20 May 2007 10:22:00 +0000

A Review Of Popular Baseball Gloves

By: Jason Gluckman

-->When shopping for a new baseball glove, one has many brands, styles and fits to choose from. Companies make many gloves from various materials that can cost as little as $10 or as much as $250 for a custom made glove. The following is a brief review of companies that offer some of the best gloves on the market.Rawlings Baseball GlovesPerhaps the best-known and respected baseball glove is manufactured by Rawlings. Rawlings baseball gloves have been a favorite of amateurs and professionals for over eight years. They are most admired for their comfort and safety features as well as the range of prices. You can purchase the most expensive line of gloves for $300 or so, but Rawlings baseball gloves also come in cheaper versions, sometimes for $10 or less.Nike Baseball GlovesNike is probably best known for its athletic shoes and other lines of athletic clothing. The company, however, has recently begun to manufacture its own line of baseball gloves. The Nike baseball glove has been gaining tremendous popularity in recent years. The most popular baseball gloves by Nike are the "Pro Gold" and "SDR" lines. The Pro Gold gloves are top of the line and usually retail for $100 or more, while the SDR baseball gloves start at around $60. Perhaps the best feature of Nike baseball gloves is the "dry finger" liner inside each glove which helps to keep fingers cool and reduce perspiration during play.Mizuno Baseball GlovesMizuno baseball gloves are another popular brand in America. They are even more popular for Asian baseball players. This company offers at least 11 different styles of gloves, with a wide price range. The "Pro Limited" series can cost up to $250, but Mizuno baseball gloves are also available in cheaper models for around $20.Nokona Baseball GlovesMost baseball glove experts will agree that Nokona offers the best and highest quality gloves available to consumers. These are American-made gloves from Texas and the company has been manufacturing them since the early 20th century. The least expensive line of Nokona baseball gloves usually starts at around $125 and higher-end gloves can cost much more.In addition to leather baseball gloves, Nokona also offers gloves made from buffalo and kangaroo hides. About the Author: Baseball Bats provides detailed information on youth, wood, college, senior league, and discount baseball bats, baseball bat reviews and more. For more information go to http://www.e-baseballbats.com and/or visit its sister site at http://www.e-baseballgloves.com for related information. Source: www.isnare.com

A Look At Baseball Batting Gloves

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Wed, 16 May 2007 20:06:00 +0000

A Look At Baseball Batting Gloves
By: Jason Gluckman

-->The first baseball gloves to hit the field were created sometime in the late 1800s. These gloves were simplistic compared to todays models. Early gloves were usually made of thin pieces of leather and were precursors to the advanced baseball gloves of today. An item that was not generally used, even during the time of the first baseball glove, was the baseball batting glove.Every baseball glove manufacturer in the United States produces baseball batting gloves. You can find them at online retailers, online auction sites, at sports stores and even at discount retailers. Baseball batting gloves are not nearly as costly as traditional baseball gloves. One can usually purchase a pair of gloves for between $10 and $20 at most stores.The player that is up-to-bat can benefit tremendously from a good pair of baseball batting gloves. These gloves can help to increase the quality of their grip; maintaining a tight and controlled grip is essential to successful hits. Any professional, or non-professional for that matter, will tell you that even the slightest slip or variation in grip can cost the team greatly.Just as baseball-batting gloves provide protection against slips due to a bad grip or perspiration on the hands, they also serve as a protection device. Batters need to protect their hands when sliding into a base. Baseball-batting gloves serve at least two purposes: to maintain a good grip and to protect the player's hands when sliding.Some glove manufacturers also have a version of the baseball batting glove available that fits underneath the standard baseball glove. Other players choose to wear the baseball batting glove underneath the traditional glove to add additional comfort. They find that wearing this glove beneath the other will provide a better fit and additional protection against the sting of catching the ball. About the Author: Baseball Gloves provides detailed information about custom and discount baseball gloves, as well as baseball batting gloves, baseball glove reviews, and advice on how to break in baseball gloves. For more information go to http://www.e-baseballgloves.com and/or visit its sister site at http://www.e-baseballbats.com for related information. Source: www.isnare.com

Home Run Baseball Photography Tips

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sat, 12 May 2007 17:05:00 +0000

Home Run Baseball Photography Tips
By: Andrew Malek

-->Strike one! Strike two! Strike three!Baseball! America's Pastime, and a sport growing in popularity throughout the world, where the Boys of Summer slug it out. A baseball game is the perfect way to spend a lazy summer afternoon, plus it provides opportunities to take photos that last a lifetime. While many claim the sport of baseball is a slow-paced affair, when action does occur, it can happen very swiftly, almost too fast for an unskilled photographer to shoot the photos they desire. Baseballs fly quickly when hit or thrown, and timing the action for when to take a digital photograph requires split-second reflexes. Thus, before you plan on taking photos at a baseball game, you may wish to read the following advice:1) First, make sure you are allowed to bring your digital camera to the baseball game. Some ballparks have no restrictions, others on the zoom length, some on using flash, and some may not allow you into the baseball game at all with your camera!2) Change your camera settings to take the quickest photographs possible while still providing plenty of light for the photograph. You'll need to read your camera's manual on how to change these settings; for example, consider saving photos as JPG instead of RAW to take photos faster. Just remember that the quicker the shutter speed, the less light enters the camera to take the picture. Thus, you'll need to compromise picture speed and the amount of light to take great photos. That is why baseball games work well with photography - many games are played on sunny days or in well-lit domes or stadiums that allow you to take crisp, high-action photos.3) Before going to a big league ballpark, make sure you know the rules and nuances of the game. Practice taking photos at a minor-league, college, or high school baseball game. The stakes aren't quite as high if you miss a shot, and taking your camera to a game will give you more insight into when action occurs and when players just stand around.4) Have extra batteries and digital camera memory handy and practice switching both out quickly before the game! A three and a half hour game can put a tremendous strain on even the most power-miserly camera, and more often than not you will have to switch out power or memory in the middle of an inning. 5) Don't worry if you miss a shot! Unless you have tons of digital camera memory, you may not be able to continuously shoot photograph after photograph. If you miss a key pitch, the swing of a bat, or a forced out, don't get angry! More often than not, new opportunities will arise for great photographs.6) Study the lineup first. Know who are the key players and those who barely know how to swing a bat. Likewise, learn who has loose hands in the outfield and who is likely to win a Gold Glove. Focus your attention on the stars as they most likely will make the best photographs, but don't be so drawn to celebrity that you miss a role player making a crucial steal or diving catch that wins the game for their team!7) When the opening lineup starts, look at the dugout. If you're rooting for the home team, the beginning of the game is a great time to get player photographs as they are running out onto the field. If not, take photographs during the middle of the inning. If you don't get the perfect photo, delete bad photographs during lull times and try later during the game.8) To take a picture of a swinging batter that will last a lifetime, do the following:*) Preparation is the key. First, before the game, know how to operate your digital camera. Practice focusing the camera and quickly deleting unused photos - sometimes you can delete an unwanted photo before it is completely saved to the camera's memory. *) Before the pitch, focus your viewfinder on the batter's box and try not to cut out any of the batter's body. Zoom in as appropriate, but remember the more you zoom in, the slower the potential shutter speed needed to take a clear photo. *) Anticipate shutter lag. Lock your focus before the pitch; this usually is done by pressing the shutter button down half-way. *) Time it... time it... then as soon as the ball is about to hit the bat, press down fully on the shutter button. *) If the pitch is a strike or the swing is not one to be remembered, cancel the save so your picture is not written to memory. This way, you can save room for other photos.9) Look around for photo opportunities not directly related to the action. Take a photograph of the grounds crew cleaning the bases and raking the dirt between innings. Get a few shots of the crowd. Take a picture of the scoreboard. Look at the surrounding area. If you want to remember the full experience of a baseball game years from now, you should take advantage of one of the best features of a digital camera - the ability to take lots and lots of photographs - and shoot photographs showcasing the FULL baseball experience.10) Take a break during the game! You came to the baseball game to enjoy the spectacle, not just to take pictures, right? Designate a few innings as photo-free time where you just sit back, munch on a hot dog, drink a soda, and soak in the environment.Remember to study your digital camera manual first and practice, practice, practice! Follow these ten tips and you'll be on your way to taking "home run" baseball photographs in no time. About the Author: Copyright 2005 Andrew Malek. Andrew Malek is the owner of the MalekTips computer and technology help site at http://malektips.com/ . Want more great tips on buying and using digital cameras? Visit http://malektips.com/camera/ for more free digital photography advice Source: www.isnare.com

What A Great Night

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Tue, 08 May 2007 17:56:00 +0000

What A Great Night
By: Aron Wallad

-->The Time Machine brings me back to Chancellor Avenue, Newark,New Jersey, circa 1964. Vintage cars like the 62 Oldsmobile Spitfire, 1957 and 1958 Chevys roamed up and down the street passing The Bunny Hop, The Burgerama and Daves Hot Dog Haven. Did we only eat French Fries, hot dogs and hamburgers? On May 19th, 2005 I had the pleasure of attending the Sunday morning group of boys that used to frequent Chancellor Avenue. This event perpetuates the camaraderie that existed amongst us boys. For some old boys the time machine went back to the 1920s. There were some guys there that were 90 years old. I felt great. I was one of the youngest guys to attend. Wow what a group. There must have been over 200 boys of Chancellor there. All of us used to hang out in the neighborhood. Most of us went to Weequahic High School. Some went to South Side High School, and some guys were from Hillside. Almost all of us played baseball, basketball, softball, or football in our day.The joyousness of the evening created a very loud room. I could not hear myself think at times. I found myself leaning over and placing my ear near someones mouth to hear what they were saying. I saw a lot of this going on. What made the evening special for me was seeing some of my old buddies that I had not seen in quite some time. In some cases over 20 years. Being able to hug some great guys like Mr Barone, Stanley Levy, Big Jeff Schulman, Joe Marguiles. and Jake Davis made the evening a great night. I felt special because of the special people I was with.This was a great night. About the Author: Aron Wallad has been a baseball lover for over 45 years. His passions have included; playing, watching, reading, evaluating, and coaching the game he adores. Check out his baseball ezine. Do you love inspiring quotes, unusual statistics and most of all, heartwarming baseball stories? If you love baseball you will love his baseball ezine. http://www.baseballsprideandjoy.com/index.php?tag=isnare Source: www.isnare.com

How To Break In A Baseball Glove

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sat, 05 May 2007 21:38:00 +0000

How To Break In A Baseball Glove
By: Jason Gluckman

-->Baseball gloves are available in almost every size, color and material known to man. Traditional gloves are made from leather or faux-leather and more recently from buffalo and kangaroo hides. No matter what the material, baseball gloves need to be broken in. Players find that by using various methods to break the glove in, they will get a better fit and therefore play a better game.Different players will certainly have different methods and ways to show you how to break in a baseball glove. You can expect that for each method, another will be said to work better. Methods for breaking in a baseball glove can be viewed as a personal preference and will need to be tweaked for the individual. To summarize, there are two basic goals in breaking in a glove: to soften the glove and to create a pocket. The best method for breaking in a glove, however, is simply to use it as much as possible.You can use a multitude of methods to soften the leather. If you want to learn how to break in a baseball glove, this is the best way to start. You can use shaving cream, petroleum jelly, saddle soap or a leather softener made for baseball gloves. Most baseball glove manufacturers offer a leather softener for their products. These usually work very well but some players have their own tried-and-true methods. Experts suggest that you be very conservative in your use of creams or jellies; more is certainly not better in the case of softening leather.The best method by far for creating a pocket is simply using the glove. The more wear and play time your glove has seen, a better pocket will form. There are, however, other methods to speed up this process and make your glove more comfortable quicker. The most popular method in creating a pocket is to put a baseball inside the glove and then tie it up with string. You can even find products that will help the baseball glove stay closed to form the pocket. By using this method, along with a lot of playing, you will find that a pocket has formed inside the glove before you know it. About the Author: Baseball Gloves provides detailed information about custom and discount baseball gloves, as well as baseball batting gloves, baseball glove reviews, and advice on how to break in baseball gloves. For more information go to http://www.e-baseballgloves.com and/or visit its sister site at http://www.e-baseballbats.com for related information. Source: www.isnare.com

Here Is An Easy To Use Baseball Bats Buying Guide

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Tue, 01 May 2007 13:34:00 +0000

Here Is An Easy To Use Baseball Bats Buying Guide
By: Keith Kingston

-->When choosing a baseball bat it helps to have some kind of rough baseball bats buying guide to help you find you way through the maze of products that are available on the market these days. When buying a baseball bat there are a number of factors that you should take into consideration, before you make your purchase. These factors include level of play and whether you are playing with friends, in an amateur league or in competitive tournament, size of the batter, the price you are prepared to pay and naturally, the comfort factor.Aluminum baseball bats tend to be the bats that are preferred by players, over the wooden bat options. This tends to be because aluminum bats are lighter in weight and have extra strength. Lighter bats allow the hitter to generate enough speed to put some extra energy into their swing, and they can provide more "pop" of the baseball off the bat, and are much more durable than wooden bats. The comfort level a player feels while holding and swinging the baseball bat, is by far the most important factor for a potential bat buyer. Just as is the case when buying any piece of sports equipment, the more comfortable you are the better. When choosing a baseball bat you should take a few swings with the bat and try to picture yourself in a game. If you are choosing a bat for someone else say, a child - then take this piece of advice from our baseball bats buying guide - make sure they can swing the bat without struggling. If it is too big or too heavy it will make it hard for them to score and this can quickly mean they lose interest in the game.Of course having the right size bat is also vital to having a great game. In general, taller players should use longer bats. Here is a table to help you work out which bat is right for you according to your height. Age Bat Length 5-7 24" - 26" 8-9 26"-28" 10-11 28"-30" 11-12 30"-32" 13-14 31"-32" 15-16 32"-33" 17+ 34" Weight also has an influence on the size of the bat that is optimal for each player. This table offers the recommended bat weight to correspond with your weight. Player Weight (lbs.) Best Bat Weight (oz.) 100 22 140 24 180 26 220 28 240 30 280 32About The Author: You can avail of free baseball equipment, by participating in our promotional offers. Check out how you can acquire free baseball gear http://www.freesportsgoods.com/promobaseball.php right now.Copyright Keith Kingston - http://www.freesportsgoods.com/promobaseball.php Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

Yankees' Rodriguez to Play in WBC

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 21:08:00 +0000

Yankees' Rodriguez to Play in WBC
By: F.R.Penn

-->After several months of doubtfulness, Alex Rodriguez has decided that he will participate in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), and that he will do so wearing a Team USA uniform. After struggling with his decision whether or not to represent the Dominican Republic, Rodriguez' country of origin, the American League MVP came to a somewhat surprising conclusion on Tuesday night, as Rodriguez posted on his Web site that he would represent the United States in the initial tournament.NEW YORK -- After several months of uncertainty, Alex Rodriguez has decided that he will participate in the World Baseball Classic, and that he will do so wearing a Team USA uniform.The WBC saga of the reigning American League MVP came to a somewhat surprising conclusion on Tuesday night, as Rodriguez announced on his Web site that he would represent the U.S. in the inaugural tournament. "Following discussion with my family and agent, the Commissioner, and the Major League Baseball Players Association, I have decided to participate in the World Baseball Classic," Rodriguez said in a statement on AROD.com. "In recent weeks, following dialogue with caring friends and players, both Dominican and American, I reached the conclusion that if I played in the Classic, I would play for the United States and honor my American citizenship."I appreciate the support and understanding of my fellow Dominican players and friends who aided me in making this decision," he added. "The World Baseball Classic offers baseball and its fans an exciting new forum and I look forward, if selected, to representing the United States in what will be baseball's greatest international competition." In mid-December, Rodriguez said that he was leaning toward representing the Dominican Republic, which would have been his right because of his parents' citizenship in that country. Just days later, he changed his mind, saying that he would skip the event altogether as not to offend either the Dominican Republic or the U.S. MLB and union officials lobbied the Yankees' third baseman over the past few weeks, trying to convince him to play in the event.Earlier in the day on Tuesday, it appeared that Rodriguez would stand by his plan to sit out the tournament, even though the Dominican Republic had placed him on its provisional roster on Monday. USA Baseball was prepared to leave A-Rod off its roster, as union officials informed the U.S. that Rodriguez planned to skip the WBC. But as the day went on, Rodriguez changed his mind, ultimately deciding to represent his home country along with teammates Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon and Al Leiter.Rodriguez is one of 52 players on Team USA's provisional roster, a list that includes four other third basemen: Eric Chavez, Morgan Ensberg, Chipper Jones and David Wright."He's one of the best players in the game," said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball's executive director and chief executive, of Rodriguez. "We'll be thrilled to have him on our team."Copyright F.R.Penn - www.stubhub.com Hotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com

More Baseball Quotes

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 12:43:00 +0000

More Baseball Quotes
By: Aron Wallad

-->I love what prominent baseball people have to say about the great ballplayers. They seem to eloquently capture what we are thinking. "It was his solemn duty to catch a ball that wasn't in the stands." - Monte Irvin (Newark Eagles OF, May 6, 1981), on Willie Mays "Maybe they should see if his body is corked." - Howard 'Hojo' Johnson (NY Mets), on Bo Jackson, from Sports Illustrated, October 19, 1986 "When he took BP everybody would kind of stop what they were doing and watch." - Jim Kaat, former pitcher, on Mickey Mantle "I played with him for nine years and marveled at how hard he hit and how fast he ran. How can anyone ever forget the catch he made on Gil Hodges' line drive to save Don Larsen's perfect game?" - Tony Kubek, former shortstop, on Mickey Mantle "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." - Jackie Robinson "Having Willie Stargell on your ball club is like having a diamond ring on your finger."Chuck Tanner "Ted Williams was the greatest hitter I ever saw, but (Joe) DiMaggio was the greatest all around player."Bob Feller"No one hit home runs the way Babe (Ruth) did. They were something special. They were like homing pigeons. The ball would leave the bat, pause briefly, suddenly gain its bearings, then take off for the stands." Lefty Gomez"When Neil Armstong first set foot on the moon, he and all the space scientists were puzzled by an unidentifiable white object. I knew immediately what it was. That was a home run ball hit off me in 1933 by Jimmie Foxx."Lefty Gomez"Every time Johnny Bench throws, everybody in baseball drools." - Harry Dalton"He (Babe Ruth) hits a ball harder and further than any man I ever saw." - Bill Dickey"He (Lou Gehrig) just went out and did his job every day."Bill Dickey"He gets better every year, that's what's remarkable about him. Some guys are good and stay good. Some guys are good and get better. He reminds me of Kareem. Hubie Brown said that Kareem worked at the beginning of every season to improve some facet of his game. It's that way with the best, whatever the profession. That's the way this kid is." Ed Bradley on 60 Minutes - Talking about Derek Jeter"I think he was one of the greatest third basemen of all time. He had one of the sweetest swings I ever saw." - Teammate Johnny Logan on Eddie Mathews"How good was Stan Musial? He was good enough to take your breath away." - (1989)"When he (Maury Wills) runs, it's all downhill." Vin ScullySeeing what these writers, ballplayers and managers has to say about these players lights up the page for me. I can visualize these players on the field hitting home runs, running with arms outstretched to catch a ball or throwing out a would be base runner trying to steal a base.This is my baseball memorabilia. About the Author: Aron Wallad has been a baseball lover for over 45 years. His passions have included; playing, watching, reading, evaluating, and coaching the game he adores. Check out his baseball ezine. Do you love inspiring quotes, unusual statistics and most of all, heartwarming baseball stories? If you love baseball you will love his baseball ezine.Go here right now http://www.baseballsprideandjoy.com/index.php?tag=isnareContact Aron at aron@baseballsprideandjoy.com Source: www.isnare.com

Start Your Own Baseball Fantasy League

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 02:02:00 +0000

Start Your Own Baseball Fantasy League
By: Jay Moncliff

-->Over the last ten years there has been an incredible increase in people participating in baseball fantasy leagues, and fantasy sports in general. There is really only one rule for those involved, and that is they must have a real and ongoing interest and appreciation of the game of baseball. Starting your own fantasy league is easy follow the simple steps below and you will quickly have a league you can enjoy throughout the season.Fantasy League Step #1 Get your teams togetherThe first step to creating a baseball fantasy league is getting your teams together. You need to find between 8 and 12 friends to participate and create their own team. Why 8-12 teams? This is the range of numbers that will give you a competitive league, which you will need for it to be as enjoyable as possible.Fantasy League Step #2 The CommishJust like Major League Baseball, someone needs to be in charge. Elect a responsible and committed Commissioner to manage the statistics weekly, and is someone who has the opportunity and resources to distribute them to every player in the fantasy league.Fantasy League Step #3 One League or Two?One of the oldest questions in baseball do we need both the American and National Leagues? Your group will need to decide whether to play with the traditional favourites, or establish a single league.Fantasy League Step #4 Player draft or auctionTeams need players, and the group will need to decide the best way to individually acquire players. Both draft and auction methods work, but whichever method you choose, stay with it throughout the season.Fantasy League Step #5 RulesYou cant escape rules, even in a fantasy league. Accumulation of points and recording statistics need to be done consistently and to a standard. Agree the rules, and ensure all teams are aware of the compliance requirements, and what happens when they dont follow them!Fantasy League #6 Enjoy yourselfAmericans in their millions play fantasy league baseball to win money, trophies or simply for the sake of it. No matter what your reason, make sure the final prize is agreed by all as this gives you every player the best chance of enjoying themselves. About the Author: Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.baseballcenter.info a website specialized on Baseball, resources and articles. This site provides updated information on Baseball. For more info on Baseball visit: http://www.baseballcenter.info Source: www.isnare.com

Lessons Learned at the Ballpark

noreply@blogger.com (tutorial) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 02:08:00 +0000

Lessons Learned at the Ballpark
By: Carole Nicolaides

-->Lessons Learned at the BallparkTim FultonI often times receive my best training in customer service in the most unlikely situations.My 6-year-old son, Taylor, had been pressuring me for weeks to take him to a baseball game. At the time, I was still on strike as a major league baseball fan. Hence, I decided to take him to see the local team play in the College Baseball Regional Championships.The game was terrific. It had all the elements that has made baseball our national pastime: great hitting, exciting fielding, and a late-inning comeback by the home team.In fact, the home team won the game. Taylor thoroughly enjoyed the game except for one aspect. He had brought his glove to the game just in case a foul ball happened to drift in our direction. With each pitch, he leaned forward in anticipation of snagging a souvenir ball.Unfortunately, not a single ball was hit our way.After the final out, we weaved our way out of the bleachers toward our car in the parking lot. As we reached the stadium exit, we passed an elderly stadium attendant. He appeared to be either a university alumnus or maybe just a fan of the game who worked to gate to earn a free ticket. As the crowd pushed out onto the street, the old gent stood by the exit gate minding his own business. As we walked by, the attendant abruptly reached down and grabbed Taylor's glove hand as if my son was concealing contraband in his mitt."Son, have you got a baseball in that glove?" he asked suspiciously.Taylor was startled by the stranger and replied, "No," in a soft whisper.At that moment, the attendant reached into his pocket, and pulled out a baseball and dropped it into Taylor's empty glove. "Now you do", said the man, smiling broadly, "Come back and see us again."For a moment, Taylor stood like a statue staring down into his glove in disbelief at his prize. He than looked up at me with a smile that would have melted any father's heart and brought moisture to my eyes.I was numb.Taylor grabbed my arm and tugged me out of the pedestrian traffic to the car. The ball, upon closer examination was an official game ball that had probably been fouled out of the park and retrieved by the man.Now, my son knows as much about customer service as I do about the "RugRats". But he made it perfectly clear that we were going to be regular visitors to that baseball stadium for years to come.In fact, it's safe to say that he is a baseball fan for life.In retrospect, I believe that that gesture was one of the greatest examples of "knock your socks off" customer service that I've ever witnessed in my life. As a result of a rather inexpensive, but sincere gesture by a stadium attendant, baseball has a lifetime customer. This guy went into my Customer Service Hall of Fame.So what's the moral to this story?Consider your business or organization. What are your front-line people doing to create lifetime customers? Are they empowered to make marketing decisions, such as the one that stadium attendant made, on the spot?As much money as we spend on marketing our product or service, we sometimes forget that customers are won and lost on the front-line.Do you have a Hall of Famer working for you? Or are your customer service representatives shackled by company policies and procedures to the degree that they are unable to capitalize on such "moments of truth". See ya at the ballpark..
About the Author
Tim Fulton is a nationally recognized small business consultant and management trainer. He is a noted public speaker in the areas of Customer Service and Entrepreneurship. He can be reached at timfulton@hotmail.comHotlib.com - Huge collection of free articles and free reports at Hotlib.com