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If you want to become a great coach for your baseball team, you need to bear in mind that there are a lot of things you need to prepare and do for your team.

First, do not only tell what needs to be done. You have to show them how exactly it is done for them to remember what to really do. People tend to learn more if they see how something is done rather than lecturing them on and on about strategies, stats and tricks. You need to show them for you to be an effective coach.

Second, emphasize and empathize to your players. Emphasize the important points for them to be better players and empathize for their efforts. They learn and eventually your team will win. It is a win-win situation where you and your team will truly work hard together to achieve one goal and it is not just about winning. It is all about character and better yet it is all about how you deal things together for you to improve. And for people to notice your improvement, you need to show it not just tell it because people will believe you if they see it.

Third, do not be groggy. Personally, I do not like coaches who do not show care and even concern to his players. Maybe not only me but everybody does, who would like someone who is making everyone jump in nervousness every time he is around? Who would like someone who does not know the word care and concern? If ever you meet this paragon you have to introduce him to most of us who hates coaches like that. You should not bark orders unto your players, remember it is a team and teams work well together.

Fourth, whatever happens during and after the game, show your sportsmanship. Lead your team to a healthy acceptance that perhaps it was not at all their day or maybe even season. Teach them how to become one by being their first example and model. If you show this to your player, you will earn their trust and their respect much better than they actually gave you before. You need to be a good sport not only in winning but also in losing. Emboss into all your player’s minds that they did well and did everything they can on the field but tell them there are always better teams out there. And that losing is bound to happen.

Fifth, sometimes being a coach is a stressful and very daunting task but it does not necessarily mean you have to be. Think about how fun it can be working together with your team. Just go out there and be together with them, show them how sports can be very fun even though it is their only career around. You do not have to be scary serious about the whole thing. Teach your players the word fun by instilling the word to yourself first and that is just how it is.

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You can make a very big difference in your game of baseball just by thinking. You see it right, just by thinking. Thinking in a positive manner will definitely make a difference in winning or losing a very important game. Feeling unsure and doubting minutes before a big event will likely affect how you play and will also affect your team mates. Always remember that hesitation can bring many things into jeopardy. If you are thinking about this, how do you handle the circumstance? Are you even capable of handling them? The exact benefits of positive thinking during a big event are relatively or maybe even significantly helpful in increasing your confidence and ability.

Baseball or maybe its counterpart softball is also a mind as well as a physical game. One small doubt will affect your performance and the rest of the team will follow. Personally, during my games as a pitcher when I think badly or become significantly mad over an error, I find losing a sure thing right at the end. I learned it the hard way. I had to endure too many game losses because of my negative thinking. The moment my thinking changes, it affects how I pitch. So what to do during big games? Here we list some.

Close your mind for negative thoughts. Not only during big games or games in general but in everything we do. Whatever results of your prior games are always think for the best in your next game and you will just do fine. Do not look back to your previous losses. You just need to learn from those errors and move on like losing the game never happened. It is very important in a game to stay cool and always have presence of mind because only then can you lead your team to victory.

Erase all distractions and focus on the task at hand. Personally, I find amazing results if I try to give more attention and focus on the game than when I am thinking about something else. Minutes before the game, I usually think about how to strike out all the batters I come to face. I make it to the point that my mind is all game and nothing else matters if I am on game. I take it on a level that I think of other things after my game and not during.

Be a model of encouragement for others and not the other way around. I find it rather flattering if my team mates are in good mood because I manage to strike out all three consecutive batters. They find it encouraging and as a result we could win a game that easy if we continue having that perspective. Having positive thinking is very contagious that makes everyone feel and think the same. When you feel and think like it, everybody surrounding you will see exactly what message you want to convey to them and it will not be too hard for you to win that game.

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As a pitcher, I often compliment myself during times that a hitter can’t hit my pitch because it was just too fast to be able to hit it in the right time. Nothing beats the feeling where I can strike out an opponent three times in a row. And I know every pitcher strives so hard to attain this feeling as much as I do. To feel powerful against an opponent means you have to have that accurate fast ball going as if it is already part of your inner self.

Some pitchers are naturally born that way and are only developing the gift. While this much is true, it is also true that some others need to work in doubles just to attain that rocket-like fast ball. But even then, whatever category you are classified in, you still can do a lot of things to improve your skills better than your usual performance.

First, you can do certain exercises that will improve your flexibility because flexibility is certainly the kind of trait a pitcher must have. You can do this by doing stretching exercises to loosen up your body a bit and will eventually increase your speed, your arm speed specifically.

Second, you need to build your legs as strongly as possible because your legs will provide you the energy that you need. Apparently, your legs are the center of your pitcher being as well as the flexibility of your arms. All the rest will just fall back into their places if you will just let things be. But your legs should be developed for your pitching skills to increase.

Third, learn the technique of hiding the ball longer than it is expected because nobody expects you to pitch right away. It is not basketball that you are being counted to 10 seconds if you cannot cross court immediately after a throw in. You are a pitcher and you rule the game, you got the time in your hands. Hiding the ball longer will make the hitter anticipate more and the longer he anticipates, the nicer his surprise will be if you throw that fastball in.

Fourth, in addition to building stronger legs, you should also develop your mid-section because your body rotates from there. If you do not have a strong mid-section area, you will likely develop exhaustion during the game. The energy that builds up in your legs will be magnified in the midsection area before going to be released in your arms. If you got strong midsection, you can magnify the force right through there and deliver a high speed ball inside where your hitter can’t possibly have any good timing of.

Fifth, practice throwing and keep throwing until you can build stronger arms and faster balls. As a pitcher I find it effective to throw that ball in a wider space than what is usually is between the batter’s plate and the pitcher’s plate. It is one way to develop not only the arm’s strength but also develop your already fast ball.

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There are several good ways to be able to coach baseball if you are a coach or maybe even just an uprising coach for that league. But in order for the coach wisely, you need to possess certain skills and own ways of dealing with your team and properly handling them or perhaps leading them to victory. This much is true for every coach. You do not only coach for the sake of coaching but you should have certain ways of doing things your own. Your role is very crucial as the team’s head master after all.

First, you need to be organized. This is the best way to have your team busy but in a clear cut and well-defined manner which means you must have a definite practice time-table and schedule. You cannot handle a team properly or worst you cannot lead the team if you yourself is messy in the first place. You need to have to think ahead about the certain plans you might want for your team in order for them to be kept in the right track. Your team will pretty much can tell for sure if you are not organized so start learning so before you can start teaching them to do just exactly that.

Second, you need to have discipline. Discipline first yourself before you can discipline your team. Each team must have definite rules to follow and you as the coach should adhere to that first before your team can follow to do the same. Never ever tolerate anyone who breaks the rules even if it means having a series of punishment. Do not pick one among the team as your favorite player or whatsoever because this can create chaos and injustice among themselves. If your ace player screws up, bring upon him the necessary punishment for him to understand what discipline is all about. It does not mean that if they are the best players, they can do whatever they want.

Third, create a positive working environment to have better mental capability results. Remember that baseball is not just pitching, batting, tagging, catching and running. Baseball is a mental game as much as you never want it to be. How you motivate and encourage your team every time whether it is a big game or not or maybe even just a practice game, will make a very big difference in the idea of losing or winning. You have it in your hands.

Fourth, imprint into your mind that winning is not all there is to baseball. You are a coach and your role is to teach your team to be the man they are in the field but you do not control who wins and who loses. Your role is a coach first and foremost and when you do that as properly and in the best ways you can, I assure you winning pieces will just fall back to its places and it will definitely take care of itself.

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Now all of Michigan is beautiful in the fall but you particularly will enjoy the Upper Peninsula with its nine different tour areas to see the foliage. First you will want to go to Hancokc and on to Lake Linden. You will then go to Lac La Velle, Bete Grise and Copper Harbor. Copper Harbor will lead you to Eagle River and then on to Calument and Laurium where you will have circled back to the beginning at Hancock. With 105 miles of beauty beginning the first week in October and running through the second week in October you will certainly enjoy this Eastern Upper Peninsula tour.

The Central Upper Peninsula tour goes from highway 107 to 64 at Silver City, on to Ontonagon, then hwy 45 to Rockland and Victoria where you backtrack to highway 26 and go to Greenland. You split at Greenland and take highway 38 to Baraga then hwy 41 to Chassel and Houghton where you take highway 26 to Twin Lakes and back to Greenland. This tour is 200 miles and covers Delta County where the peak will be around the second week in October, Monominee County where the peak will be the first or second week in October, Dickinson County with peak being the first week in October, Marquette County with the first week in October being peak and Alger County where peak will be the last week in September to the first week in October.

Taking highway 2 from Ironwood and Wakefield to Watersmeet, Iron River, and Crystal Falls on the Western Upper Peninsula will then take you to highway 141 to Covington and then highway 28 to Bruce Crossing and back to Wakefield. Considered tour 3 this route is 220 miles. Here the peak season for seeing the color is the last week in September and the first week in October.

The fourth option is to start in Ishpeming on highway 29, go to highway 510 to Nagaunee and Big Bay, then 550 to Marquette and 28 to Munising, where you can take highway H 58 to H 15 to Singleton and highway 28 to Highway 94 to Chatham, Gwinn and then 35 to Palmer and back to Ishpeming. This trip is 165 miles.

Tour 5 is a little shorter than the others. It begins at Iron Mountain and Norway on Hwy 2 to Spalding and change to hwy 41 to Menominee and then hwy 35 to Cedar River and Escanaba. For 125 miles you will see a wide array of beautiful trees with splendid coloring.

Number 6 is from Esdanaba on highways 2/41 to Rapid River. Now take hwy 2 to Manstique and Saint Ignace. This route is pretty straight and is 183 miles long.

Tour 7 is form Whitefish Point to Paradise on hwy 123 then to Newberry and hwy 28 to Seney where you take 77 to Grand Marais and H58 to Deer Park and back to hwy 123 and Paradise. This is 150 miles long.

Tour 8 begins at Saint Ingace on hwy 75 and goes to Kincheloe and Sault St. Marie where you drop down on highway 129 to Pickford, then 48 to Goetzville and De Tour Village where you take 134 to Ceaderville and then back to Saint Ignace. This is a 150 mile trip showcasing the fall foliage.

The last suggested tour is number 9 where you start off highway 28 and join highway 123 and begin at Eckerman. Take 123 north to Paradise and then go back to the intersection to turn toward Curley Lewis Scenic Highway. Stay on Curley Lewis Scenic Highway to Bay Mills and Brimley. This is the shortest of the tours at just 90 miles.

Did you just dig up that shoebox full of your old baseball cards from the 1960’s and 1970’s? If so, consider yourself lucky, and get ready for a quick crash course in baseball card values.

If you’ve ever sold a baseball card or any other collectible for that matter, you know there are a variety of factors determining their worth. First and foremost, a collectible is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Market conditions change, new collectors enter the marketplace, old collectors stop buying, and so on.

Let’s take a look at the three most common ways you can find a buyer for your baseball cards, and the pros and cons of each.

Online Auctions

Every single day, you’ll find baseball cards being bought and sold at online auctions. There are numerous private auction houses specializing in sports cards, and of course there’s Ebay.

The key with online auctions is understanding the size of their audience. Ebay, by its sheer volume, has far and away the biggest audience of buyers and sellers. This can be advantageous, as your offer will likely get in front of the most people. On the other hand, there are auctions closing every hour of every day on Ebay, so your cards or collection may get lost in the shuffle.

If you decide to pursue a private auction house, be sure to ask about the number of registered buyers and results from previous auctions. This will help you understand what to expect and what price you might attain.

Remember, you’ll likely pay a seller’s premium on every item you sell. This is how the auction house makes money. Typically, this will range from 10 to 15%. And while auctions can sometimes create a bidding frenzy on desireable items, often times there are no bids whatsoever on other items. Check the terms and conditions to ensure you’re not sacrificing a valued collectible at rock bottom price.

Private Collectors

Private collectors are hardest to find, but may give you the very best price, as there’s no middle man involved. The best way to locate a private collector is at memorabilia shows or in specialty sports collectors publications. It’s a bit of a needle in the haystack approach, but if time is your friend, this approach may prove worthwhile.

Baseball Card Dealers

An on site card dealer is probably the easiest way to sell your collectibles. You can get an appraisal and firm offer on the spot or within a few days. The obvious trade off is that the dealer fully intends to resell your cards at a profit. Therefore, they will offer you a price allowing them ample negotiating space. Expect to get the low end, or under, of prices listed in reputable price guides.

Summary

We recommend tryng each of the three selling solutions. Auction a few cards or a portion of your collection online, after gaining a clear understanding of their condition. If you have a large collection, try to network with other collectors and get their recommendations. You never know when a casual contact turns into an eager buyer. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to get an appraisal and offer from a dealer or two. And if the offer is within your expectations, you’ve reached the classic win win situation.

If you’ve got a collection of old baseball cards you’d like to sell, you’ll save some frustration and disappointment if you understand baseball card grading. Card grading is a standard, although sometimes admittedly subjective, means to determine a card or collection’s value.

Much like any other hobby that is part fun and part big business, it became necessary to develop a set of standards for worth and value of baseball cards. Condition is one of the biggest determinants of a card’s value, right after scarcity. Even if a card is scarce, its condition can affect the value by as much as 95%. Let’s take a look at how baseball cards are graded, and how condition plays a major role in value.

The Grading System

There are four major elements of the baseball card grading system. Each applies to how the card looks, and reflects any imperfections. Some of the factors are entirely beyond the control of the collector, while others are affected by storage and handling.

Surface: This refers to the front and back surface of the card. A dealer appraising the card looks for a shiny gloss on the front, and sharp defined printing on the back. Other surface deficiencies that commonly devalue a card are creases, holes, or scratches.

Edges: Typically, the grader will use a bright light or magnifying glass to evaluate the card’s edges. A perfect card has sharp, clean edges, with no wear from handling. Another factor is how well the card was originally produced. Sometimes cards were cut awkwardly, which negatively affects value.

Centering: Centering refers to how evenly the image and content were stamped on to the card stock. A perfectly centered card is termed 50/50. Conversely, a card that was stamped poorly might be graded as low as 80/20. For example, if there’s much more border space on the top of the card versus the bottom, it might grade out to 80/20.

Corners: As the name implies, this grading element refers to the four corners of the card. Corners are either sharp and clean, or dinged and fuzzy. This element is most in control of the collector and generally reflects how much the card has been handled.

Grading Summary

All four of the factors are considered, and the card is usually graded on a 1 to 10 scale. Formerly, terms like Excellent, Very Good, Fair, and so on were used, but it was found these terms were too subjective. It is also worth noting there are several prominent professional card grading services which are considered authorities in baseball card grading. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $10 per card for such services.

Our best advice is to take a few of your less valued cards to a local dealer and have them graded. Then, compare their overall look to cards you feel have more value. This will give you a clearer idea of what your cards might be worth, and you’re less likely to experience any disappointment with their value.

The colors in the Upper Peninsula in the fall will be well worth the trip to see. There are nine different areas that are suggested. The first is a trip of 105 miles from Hancock to Lake Linden, on to Lac La Belle, Bete Grise and then to Copper Harbor. Leave Copper Harbor and go to Eagle River and on to Calument and Laurium and back to Hancock. The route covers Mackinac County with the peak color expected in mid-October, Chippewa County with the peak color expected the first two weeks of October, Luce County with peak color expected the first two weeks of October and Schoolcraft County with the peak color also being the first two weeks in October. This is called the Eastern Upper Peninsula tour.

The Central Upper Peninsula tour goes from highway 107 to 64 at Silver City, on to Ontonagon, then hwy 45 to Rockland and Victoria where you backtrack to highway 26 and go to Greenland. You split at Greenland and take highway 38 to Baraga then hwy 41 to Chassel and Houghton where you take highway 26 to Twin Lakes and back to Greenland. This tour is 200 miles and covers Delta County where the peak will be around the second week in October, Monominee County where the peak will be the first or second week in October, Dickinson County with peak being the first week in October, Marquette County with the first week in October being peak and Alger County where peak will be the last week in September to the first week in October.

The Western Upper Peninsula takes highway 2 from Ironwood and Wakefield to Watersmeet, Iron River, Crystal Falls where you go on highway 141 to Covington then highway 28 to Bruce Crossing and back to Wakefield. This trip is 220 miles. Counties included are Iron with peak color the last week of September and the first week in October, Baraga with peak being the first week in October, Houghton & Keweenaw with the last week in September or first week in October and Gogebic and Ontonagon with peak color expected the last week in September and the first week in October.

Suggested tour 4 begins in Ishpeming on highway 29. Then take highway 510 to Nagaunee and Big Bay. Change to highway 550 to Marquette and then take 29 to Munising. Here you will go to H58 and then H15 for a trip to Singleton and changing to hwy 28 to highway 94 to Chatham, Gwinn and then you will reach hwy 35 to Palmer and back to the beginning at Ishpeming. This trip is 165 miles long.

The fifth option is a shorter one beginning at Iron Mountain and Norway on Hwy 2 to Spalding and then highway 41 to Menominee and hwy 35 to Cedar River and Escanaba. Just 125 miles long but full of beauty.

Number 6 is from Esdanaba on highways 2/41 to Rapid River. Now take hwy 2 to Manstique and Saint Ignace. This route is pretty straight and is 183 miles long.

Whitefish Point starts tour 7 where you go to Paradise on hwy 123 and to Newberry and hwy 28. Seney is where you take 77 to Grand Marais and H58 will take you to Deer Park and back to highway 123 and Paradise. Another trip of about 150 miles filled with color and memories.

If you thought you had taken all the tours of this area you are wrong, there are two more stunning experiences for you to enjoy. Tour 8 starts at Saint Ingace on hwy 75 and toes to Kincheloe and Sault St. Marie. Now head south to highway 129 and Pickford to highway 48 for a visit to Goetzville and De Tour Village where you will get on 134 to Cedarville and then back to Saint Ignace. Another trip of 150 miles.

The ninth tour opportunity is off hwy 28 where you go to highway 123 and enter Eckerman. Following 123 north you will go to Paradise and then back to the intersection where you turn east toward Curley Lewis Scenic Hwy and follow that to Bay Mills and Brimley. This is the shortest route suggested for the fall viewing of just 90 miles.

The story has been told hundreds of times. Mom and Dad finally sell the old house, and all the childhood memories are unearthed from the basement and attic. And lo and behold, here’s that box of baseball cards from the 1960’s! After a few minutes of reminiscing about all your old favorite players, thoughts immediately turn to, “I wonder what these cards are worth?”.

If you’ve just stumbled across a long forgotten box of baseball cards, the first thing to do is take a deep breath and gather some realistic expectations. While your baseball cards likely have some value, it’ll pay off if you educate yourself on how old baseball cards are valued and priced.

Here are 5 key factors that determine what baseball cards are worth:

Factor #1: Scarcity

Scarcity of a card actually applies on more than one level. First, the age of the card. It stands to reason the older the card, the less likely an abundance exists in the market. Some fairly common baseball cards from the 1910’s and 1920’s fetch excellent value, simply because of time factors.

Next, scarcity applies in terms of the number of sets issued. Many card manufacturers of days gone by are long out of business. Further, some card manufacturers produced limited stock. As an example, historically speaking, Topps produced more cards than Bowman, so a Bowman player card would be worth more than a Topps card, all things equal. A little research will tell you the relative scarcity level of your cards.

Factor #2: The Player

In general, players who are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame are worth more than other cards. The best players offer the most appeal to collectors. Special cards, like rookie cards or those commemorating a milestone, also have added value. If you’re unfamiliar with a player’s relative status in baseball, a few minutes of online research will give you the answers you need.

Factor #3: Condition

Condition is probably the key factor of all. Many years ago, and quite by accident, I acquired the very desireable Mickey Mantle rookie card. However, the card was creased badly and had a small rip at the bottom. In short, the condition was poor, and selling it barely netted me enough for a decent dinner. A similar card in pristine condition would’ve netted a few thousand dollars at the time.

Take the time to learn, and understand, how a card’s condition will affect value. Better to be educated than disappointed.

Factor #4: The Market

Here’s another factor with multiple applications. Much like any collectible, the baseball card market is effected by economic conditions. Not so coincidentally, this is exactly the time many people look to sell their collections. This provides an opportunity for bargain hunters to set the market.

Also, be aware that certain players cards are worth more in specific geographical markets. As an example, a Chicago White Sox player card would tend to be worth most in Chicago. You should also research where a player was born, and look for collectors in that city or town. Chances are, you’ll net a better price, particularly if the player was prominent.

Factor #5: Your Expectations

Your price expectations are also critical. If you’re looking at a retail price guide and your expectations match the listed prices, you’re in for a disappointment. In general, expect to get about half the listed price. Remember, most big collectors are also card dealers, and they’ll look to resell your cards at a profit.

Summary

If you’re suddenly flipping through a long lost box of baseball cards, our advice is simple: Take the time to educate yourself about these factors affecting your card’s value. Armed with a little knowledge, you can very well net an impressive sum for your cards.

OK, you’ve just rediscovered that long lost box of baseball cards from the 1960’s. If your days of collecting for fun have long passed, it’s time to start the process of turning your baseball cards into cash. So the question arises, what to do next?

Baseball Card Appraisals

We recommend your first step, after inventorying the cards, is to get your cards appraised. In essence, you’ll want a professional collector or dealer to examine your cards and determine their worth. There are a few tips you’ll need to know about card appraising, as understanding the process and motivations will ultimately help you get the most for your collection.

We suggest getting more than one appraisal, much like you would with antiques, a car, or your home. And while values might not fluctuate from one appraisal to another, it will give you piece of mind. Start with a local baseball card dealer. Most major cities have dealers - check your phone book or research online. It may also be worth your while to attend a baseball memorabilia show, as dealers are always present and may be anxious to appraise your cards.

The Appraisal Process

Generally, there’s a standard process for conducting a card appraisal. If your collection is small, say, less than a hundred cards or so, there shouldn’t be any fee. After all, most dealers stand to gain from the process, as they will generally give you a written offer for your cards.

If your collection is larger, expect a longer turnaround time, typically several days minimum, and a nominal fee. It takes time to look at each card individually, so be respectful of this issue. Your cost for the fee shouldn’t be more than $25 though.

Once the time parameters have been decided upon, the process begins. An appraiser will typically examine each card under a high powered light or magnifying device. This allows for a thorough examination of condition, critical to the card’s worth. Inventorying, note taking, and consultation with price guides are also a part of the process, unless the appraiser is intimately knowledgeable about your particular cards.

After all these tasks are completed, you can expect to receive a written offer. Normally, these offers are guaranteed for a specific amount of time, anywhere from 48 hours to 30 days. Be wary if the offer is only good until you leave the premises, as it’s quite possible you’ve been presented a low offer. It’s best to be very upfront by indicating you’ll be getting more than one appraisal. Dealers understand collectors want the best price, and as such, are aware of the need to put their best foot forward.

Closing Thoughts

A professional appraisal is critical in getting the best return for your baseball card collection. Most card dealers are quite willing to conduct an appraisal and are experienced in the process. Be prepared to get more than one, and be sure to give the dealer ample time to evaluate your collection.

Baseball card collecting is one of the most revered hobbies in America. And every day, people are unearthing their old collections from dusty boxes in the attic, anxious to turn their lost treasure into cash.

The normal first step in this process is acquiring a standard baseball card price guide, which are readily available at any magazine stand, book store, or library. Just about every baseball card ever produced is listed in these price guides. So far, the process of determining worth seems pretty straightforward, but it’s about to get complicated.

High And Low Book Value

Once you’ve located your card in the price guide, you’ll typically see two columns. One is for high book value, the other for low book value. This, of course, represents the average range of value for the card. Actual prices realized depend on numerous factors, like popularity of the player and scarcity of the card. The card’s condition also weighs in heavily.

As a collector and potential seller (or buyer), you should take high and low book value with a grain of salt. That’s not to say these figures are useless. They do provide a general range, but don’t tie your price expectations to them. Market conditions change rapidly and there may be a glut or scarcity of the exact same card you’re trying to value.

What To Expect

If the concept of book value seems as clear as mud, it shouldn’t be. It all comes down to realistic expectations. For example, if you decide to auction your cards online, there’s a risk involved. Depending on market cycles and plain old fate, the prices you net could be very pleasing or very disappointing. You can set minimum bids to protect yourself, but remember you’ll be paying a seller’s premium on every card you sell.

If you sell to a private collector, you’ve got the best chance of getting the highest price. Generally, a private collector wants your cards for the passion of collecting. Such buyers are hard to find, and generally best discovered through word of mouth.

Finally, should you decide to sell to a dealer, you will need to understand the dealer intends to resell your cards at a profit. Therefore, don’t expect to get high book value, or in many cases even low book value.

A good rule of thumb is to take the midpoint between high and low book value, and multiply by .50 (50%). Using a quick example, let’s suppose the high book value of your card is $20, the low value $8. The midpoint is $14. Fifty percent of $14 is $7, which is just below low book value. If this seems unfair, remember what we mentioned above. The dealer intends to resell the card at a profit. Be fully aware of this before selling to a dealer.

Summary

Baseball card values are determined by several factors, including condition, scarcity, and market conditions. Book values attempt to capture a range, taking all factors into account. Your best bet is to get a few reputable appraisals and offers for your cards, while entering the process with realistic expectations.

Ah, the plight of a Chicago Cubs fan. Each new season holds the reassuring promise that we will, once again make an emotional investment in a team that has the ability to bring us from the hopeful adrenaline rush of saying, ‘Oh my God, I think this is really going to be the year,’ to the bankrupt emptiness of watching another team, once again, achieve what we so badly want.

It’s almost like having a psychotic girlfriend or a drug addiction. We walk away, shaking our heads, telling ourselves, ‘Never again,’ only to be pulled back under the spell of the lovable losers, year after grueling year.

This year though, we really did think it was going to be different, didn’t we? One hundred years, that must count for something. Maybe on the one hundredth year, the curse would officially be broken. How long could it really last?

I think the reason why we are so sorely disappointed is not because the Cubs are such horrible players. That would be much easier to deal with. Our pain comes from being brought to the edge of our seat so many times without ever experiencing true satisfaction. It is frustration at its highest possible level. When the Cubs finally do win a World Series, I believe the entire town will spontaneously combust.

This year, we were brought to post season once again, only to be shut down 0-3 against the Dodgers. Actually, in the past 25 years, the Cubs have had plenty of opportunities. Counting this year, they have been in post season 16 times. With division titles in 1984, 1989, 2003, and 2007, we’ve been so close, so often. It’s a good thing they serve alcohol at the games.

If nothing else, being a Chicago Cubs fan is dramatic and entertaining. Blind loyalty, being the trademark of a true fan, is what keeps the drama alive. Like bad parents who constantly make excuses for the behavior of their children, Cubs fans are no different. Instead of holding the players responsible for the team’s repeated failures, we have a laundry list of curses that we can read off as probable cause for the incident at hand.

It all began during game 4 of the 1945 World Series when Billy Sianis, a Chicago tavern owner and Cubs fan, decided to let his pet goat Murphy attend the game with him. The goat even wore a sign that read ‘We Got Detroit’s Goat!’ Billy’s pet was allowed to stay until enough complaints came in regarding the animal’s odor. During the 4th inning, Phillip Wrigley himself decided to ask goat and owner to leave.

Outraged, Billy Sianis supposedly cursed the team, decreeing that the Cubs would never play in another World Series. Did Sianis really even say this? The world will never know. His family won’t deny it because afterward, they opened a chain of restaurants across the country, which they appropriately named The Billy Goat Tavern.

In 1969, more drama ensued, as a black cat ran onto the field during a crucial game, ran around Ron Santo, then exited the field. Definitely a curse that caused the future losses that season, allowing the Miracle Mets to win the World Series. That’s what we choose to believe.

In 1984, when absolutely nothing out of the ordinary (in the form of curses) happened and the Cubs were 2-0 over the San Diego Padres, Leon Durham made an error that led to a run for the Padres. A few batters later, the Padres took the lead and ended up winning the game. Instead of being disappointed in Durham, our blind loyalty caused us to once again blame the curse. It must not be over yet. Living in a constant state of denial is the norm for us Cubs fans.

This curse mentality repeated itself countless times until finally in 2003 Steve Bartman became the latest ‘goat’. He interfered with Moises Alou’s attempt to catch a foul ball during game 6 of the National League Championship Series against the Florida Marlins. After that moment, we put our blinders on and blamed the curse for everything else that transpired, including Chicago’s loss the following night. You gotta love us Cubby fans.

Well, at least we have five months of off-season to recuperate before the entire process starts over again.

Until then we can lick our wounds and “wait until next year!”

Jason OConnor owns and operates http://www.BestShowTicketsLasVegas.com, a concert and sports tickets website where you can purchase
Cubs tickets.

Each pitcher has their own ways and techniques maybe even rituals and routines that they follow religiously and consistently especially among top-notched pitchers. Here we look at some guide for pitchers to look at and to help provide some consistency in how they pitch.

One, your different motions in pitching needs to be practiced in a regular manner so that you can develop them and perhaps even take it into a whole higher level. I can see so many pitchers who are not really natural in what they do. They seem to be strained just by looking at how they pitch. They seem to be forcing something that is really not their own way of doing things either because they are being told to do so or just trying to impress the crowd. But here is the catch; you cannot ever fool anyone if it is truly not your own move. So be a natural pitcher as you can be and you are going to do just fine.

Two, you can take risks and experiment in your pitching movements. In fact, your skills will largely come from this as long as you do not lose your individuality in the process. As I have said you need to be natural, uniquely natural in the eyes of those around you. If you take risks in your pitching movements, it may just be the one thing that will take you to the edge of winning especially if you intercept your opponents thinking that he can hit your pitch. Do not be put off nor intimidated, rise up to the challenge and do your own thing.

Three, a good way for pitchers to go about in the game is to be calm and relaxed as much as possible. Be confident, the kind of confidence that will put off your opponent and will intimidate him especially if you are new to the field. The advantage of being new to the role is that the opponent just knows little of how you pitch and let them anticipate that they are up to a surprise. Your role is to pitch and you have to be good at it if you want to take your team on the edge.

Four, keep in mind all the plans you made before going to the pitchers pitch. This as much is true when you get ready to pitch. If you have a plant to strike out three consecutive batters then so be it. You believe that you will do well and you certainly will. If you know how exactly you will do things, you will know what kind of pitch you will give to certain batters because there are really some hitters that will catch you by surprise at how fast their reflexes are.

Five, imagine the events during and after your game even before you even have the chance to play. If you see yourself as the ace pitcher of the season, then you will succeed at it no matter what. It may sound like superstitious but it is not. Try it and you will see amazing results.

James Brown writes about Mitchell & Ness bargains, Lids.com bargains and Football Fanatics bargains

Baseball is weird.

What other sport allows you to expand your roster by 60% for the last month of the season? Then, you have to decrease your roster by 15 players in time for the playoffs!

These September call up players can play a pivotal role down the stretch. So, I’m always amazed that teams don’t all call up 15 more players on September 1! I mean, why wait? You could have that speed merchant pinch runner from a Low A team that can steal that base and possibly earn a wild card spot for you!

Other guys, usually who play on less fortunate teams, get a chance to make an immediate impact. It’s these players that you should be looking for for your fantasy baseball stretch run.

Josh Anderson, OF — Braves’ center fielder Anderson led off for the Braves last night and had a 3 for 5 night. Since getting called up on August 28, after the Braves’ dealt Mark Kotsay to the Red Sox, he has started all four games. Anderson hit .314 at AAA Richmond while stealing 42 bases and was an International League all star. He also had a 27 game hit streak. Clearly, Kotsay became expendable. He’s a lefty with no power, but will help your stolen base totals down the stretch. Anderson was up earlier this year and is hitting .326 thus far with 4 steals. He may get a rest now and then to give Gregor Blanco a chance to play, but expect Anderson to be the main man in center for the Braves in September.

Jonothon Niese, SP, Mets — With John Maine likely out for the season, Niese, just 21, gets the start tonight for the Mets in Milwaukee in a packed house pressure situation. Niese has a 92 MPH fastball, nasty splitter, good curve, and nice changeup. He was 5-1, 3.40 at AAA New Orleans after spending the first half of the year at AA Binghamton. Niese definitely has the stuff to be effective at the major league level, but does he have the mental toughness to survive a New York September in a rugged pennant race?

Taylor Teagarden, C, Rangers — Teagarden, just back from winning the bronze medal in Beijing, was expected to get significant playing time in September, but he should get more now that Jarrod Saltalamacchia has an arm injury. Teagarden, who entered the game for the injured Saltalamacchia last night for Texas, pounded a three run homer. Thanks to his first homer against the Twins in July, Teagarden now has two homers in just 8 at bats. Don’t expect these Ruthian numbers to continue as Teagarden only hit .225 with 7 HR’s at Spokane before leaving for China, but he will get a chance and if you have a weak backup catcher, why not take a chance on Teagarden. Besides, he has a cool name.

Ryan Shealy, 1B, Royals — There’s a lot of talk in Kansas City about a young Hawaiian named Kila Ka’aihue. And, why not, Ka’aihue cracked 38 homers and hit .314 in the minors this year in just 124 games. Plus, talk about a cool name. But, the belief here is that Ryan Shealy will get more playing time in September than Ka’aihue. Shealy, 29, has played for Colorado and Kansas City and has hit .267 with 12 homers in three years of part-time duty, although this is his first call up this year. The key to the Royals’ crowded first base situation in September though is that Shealy is out of options and Ka’aihue, 24, is not. The Royals have to make a decision now or they lose him next season. One thing is for certain, however. Ross Gload, currently at the top of the Royals depth chart, does not have the pop required of a major league first baseman with only 3 dingers all season.

Travis Snider, OF, Jays — With Alex Rios and Vernon Wells signed through 2014, there’s really not an opening for the 20-year-old Snider right now. He will see some action at DH in September, likely sharing that role with Adam Lind. Snider was the 14th overall pick in 2006 out of high school. The stocky corner outfielder has 225 RBI in 305 games in his minor league career.

These guys probably won’t get a lot of action in September, but they are awesome prospects likely to be impact players in 2009. If you are in a keeper league and you are out of it for this season, now is the time to pick up these 2009 fantasy baseball sleepers on the cheap.

Nate Schierholtz, OF, Giants — He’s the guy who ran over the Chinese catcher in the Olympic games. Schierholtz hit .304 in 100+ AB’s last year for the Giants.

David Price, SP, Rays — Price is the 6′ 6″ first rounder out of Vanderbilt last year who has blistered through the minors this year. He won his first 11 starts!

Matt LaPorta, OF, Indians — The former Florida Gator was drafted 7th overall by the Brewers in 2007. This dude has power. 12 homers in his first 30 games in the minors and LaPorta also hit a homer in the bronze medal game for Team USA.

Matt Wieters, C, Orioles — The Sporting News claims Wieters could be “one of the top five backstops by this time next year.” Wow, some claim. Has anybody told Ramon Hernandez? Wieters is a big time slugger. He is not, however, expected to get a September call up and will play in the Arizona Instructional League.

Scott Elbert, RP, Dodgers — A 2004 first rounder who has great stuff. He’s 3-0, 1.46 in his last ten games with Jacksonville. He’ll be limited to one inning per game with the Dodgers.

Dallas McPherson, 3B, Marlins — McPherson leads all minor leaguers with 42 homers this year at AAA Albuquerque. Unfortunately for McPherson, he would have been up earlier, but is blocked by Jorge Cantu who has been the Fish’s best player this season.

Tony K. Gwynn Jr., OF, Brewers — He will likely steal some bases for the Brewers coming off the bench in September. His Dad was a pretty good player too.

Matt Gamel, 3B, Brewers — Gamel was hitting .384 in mid-June, but has slipped some since to .329 when he got the call up to the Brew Crew. Gamel will challenge Bill Hall for the Brewers third base job next year.

Anthony Wayne works in the marketing department of fantasy baseball tips site Fantasy Baseball Dugout in Pennsylvania. He is also editor of College Fantasy Coach, a great source of college fantasy football information.

Weight training for baseball is completely different from the training programs of other sports. Baseball season is a lot longer than other sports so it becomes more important. Throughout the whole session to remain injury free each individual must maintain his/her mental and physical health. In order to develop a strong base that is important when playing baseball faithfully and intensly, vigor training is essential.

If you know baseball, you know how hard the training in baseball is and how innovative it is to perform weight training which is incorporated in a baseball training program, you would know how effective this training is in competitions. Many say that most of the coaches commit serious errors that cause traumatic bodily stress or injury in a person who is into a baseball weight training program.

Weight training through baseball should take into consideration the limitation of players. The truth though is that it is not really the training that does not work but it is the coaches who do not understand fully this kind of weight training program.

The goal of too many baseball coaches is the continual increase of strength and stamina in their field players without ever taking into consideration the limitations of these athletes. Often, an injury happens after extensive training to prepare for a competition. They are aware that their players already are stressed and training too much.

It is important to train, but make sure that you don’t over train because you will strain your muscles. You should know that too much training is bad as it not only causes injuries and severe muscle injury on the body but also, it overcomes the very intention of a work out. There are a lot of basic principles in weight training, one being rest, and they should all be practiced in baseball weight training.

Rest is as important as exercise and progression. In fact, you cannot progress if your body can no longer tolerate the load that you are putting on it. Challenge is a lot different from damage and that is what you want to avoid.

Be sure to include variety in the training regimen. There needs to be variations in the intensity and the types routines. Incorporating various exercises that work alike to strengthen muscles will improve your workout.

In baseball, the weight training program is the forced produced and that is the most important aspect that you should know. This program not only increases the strength of leg muscles and hand and leg coordination, it also develops the strong force one would use to do such things as swing a baseball bat. The only cause why a good number of coaches include weight training in baseball is for the reason that force requires mass times acceleration.

Always remember, after every training session, to warm up and cool down after your workout.

Many people I have met regard baseball as boring and unexciting. Some of them would really feel sleepy and couldn’t stand the thought of watching another game. This made me think about one thing, what is with people who hate baseball? But I already had an answer. The reason is simple; It is because of lack of basic knowledge that we regard some games boring and unexciting.

While it is true that I find baseball a fun game to watch and play, it is also true that some other people find it boring. But I tell you, most boredom result from lack of proper understanding of the basic game principles and strategies. For instance, I hate watching boxing and wrestling because it simply puts me to sleep. But it is in fact that I don’t know the rules that much that is why I hardly understand the game at all. So a resolution has been made, by presenting you the basic principles behind baseball, you will somehow find how enjoying it is to watch such game.

In baseball, it is hitting that matters. It is pretty much an annoying thing to hear someone yelling out, “Why in heaven did he swing that bat with a count of 2-0?” (It means two balls, no strike). But given the situation, if I do not know the basics, perhaps I could have made the same action. To start with, I as a pitcher don’t like to let any batters walk to base. It is pretty much insulting and annoying to my ego. So I strive to make the next pitch go inside and strike. So if you see someone batting a third pitch, they have it in their minds that the pitch will be a good one. And the reason is again simple; every baseball player knows that pitchers will never want making the batter walk off to base so they expect a good pitch after the pitcher made a count of 2-0.

The most essential pitch is the first pitch and you have to always remember that. As a pitcher, I have experienced how some players react when the first pitch is a strike. Having the first pitch as a strike will make them panic and eventually the pitcher will be in control. This is the reason why batters do not like to trail behind the count. You will swing at the next pitch especially when the count is 0-1 (no ball, 1 strike). If the batter is trailing behind the count, it is not unusual that batters will feel defensive at bat.

You must know how panic can do for batters so to attempt not to strike out; batters would rather make contact with the ball as much as they could than trying to hit the ball hard. This is also one reason when at the most crucial moments of 0-2 count; you will see batters fouling out the ball not that they can control the ball but mostly because of their intention to simply make contact. Those are just two baseball basics to know, how you see them at game will entirely depend on you.

James Brown writes about Baseball Express web code, FansEdge.com web code and Football Fanatics web code

The controversy surrounding what type of ball to use when taking batting practice has been around for years. Coated baseballs, also called pitching machine balls or dimple balls, are often thought of in a negative manner with the argument that they do not provide the same feel as a real baseball when struck by the bat. In my opinion the pitching machine balls are superior for their durability, longevity, cost benefit. Coupled with the fact that they do not scuff and pick up moisture like real baseballs so the flight from the machine is much truer leading to better pitches and more consistent swings during batting practice makes them a great choice. This article describes those points in great detail.

Flashiest Color - When looking at a baseball coming from a pitching machine the first thing a hitter will notice is the color of the ball. It has been proven that a yellow ball is easier to see than a white ball, especially when flying from the arm or wheel of a pitching machine. The bright color is intended to provide th ebest overall visibility for the most lighting conditions.

Consistency and Durability - The durability of a practice baseball is probably the most important factor. A regular baseball is required for game use. If used regularly, the regular baseball will absorb moisture, become scuffed and wear out at a fast rate. Pitching machine baseballs, with their unique design, will last much longer. A pitching machine baseball can be expected to be used for 2-3 years before needing to be replaced. Many hits can be had over the course of 3 years. The plastic coating will not allow moisture to penetrate the ball. A regular baseball will act like a sponge for any water nearby. Damp fields or dew filled lawns will soak a baseball. As the baseball adds weight from the moisture it becomes very heavy. When a wet baseball is used in a pitching machine the throws can then become erratic due to the weight. The fun-filled task of taking batting practice with a pitching machine can become outright dangerous. Many crazy-aimed pitches will be thrown by the pitching machine. Pitching machine baseballs provide a much more true throw to the strike zone with each and every use.

Quality - The ability to keep the pitching machine balls clean is one of the best apsects of the baseballs. Getting wet is never a concern, go ahead and soak them. The baseball intended for pitching machines can be soaped up and wiped dry after each use. My teams have traditionally dried them after each use if used on a wet field. Much like a golfer would wipe their clubs after a round, this easy task keeps the balls looking fresh for years and allows them to reach their full life expectancy.

Greater Value - While the initial cost may exceed the cost of real baseballs, the fact that these balls will be used for 2-3 years makes them a far greater value for any team or parent. Baseball costs have risen along with other types of baseball equipment. A regular box of baseballs will cost about $60. Most teams will need two boxes per year. That math makes using pitching machine baseballs an economic win for the team. The cost of the balls used in the pitching machine are a little greater at $72 per box. The fact that the balls will be used for 2-3 years makes them a great value for any team.

The smart choice between using pitching machine baseballs and real baseballs for batting practice with a pitching machine is an easy one. Load up the pitching machine and start taking batting practice, it is time to play ball!

No player would not want to become a better player than what he or she can already do right now. And everyone in my opinion can become better given the chance and time. However, players should want it and need it before they can seriously have a good training perspective to be better in what they do no matter what position they are in the field. The very first thing you can do is to comprehensively look at your training and the way you are playing. From there you can easily move on to hone your abilities.

First, what you can do is read as much as you can and watch as much as you can about baseball. Search for good reading materials that will aid you in your training as well as applying them into your game. More often than not, you will see various tips and tricks to add in your training just by reading them from books. As much as possible, include those that have information on hitting or if you are a pitcher then pitching lesson could do. You can even browse videos, watch games and probably get some tips from online coaches.

Second, you have to practice. I have always believed in an old adage that practice makes perfect and I still believe that up until now. But practicing to become better is perhaps the one that you go beyond what you usually do but stop before going into a dangerous tunnel of over exerting your self. Just go in between your usual routine and the extremes. If you can increase your routine from 4 times to 5 or perhaps 6 times in a week then it is better. Do not be afraid to mix your routine up but you have to ensure that you can keep in mind to balance the muscle groups that you are developing.

Third, when the game season ends, do not slack off of your training. Do something else. Indulge in other physical activities so that you can maintain your conditioning. Always bear in mind that you have to perform better in the next season than the previous one so there is no time for you to slack off. You need to look for other sport that is in your interest so that you will avoid burn out. If you do not want any other type of sport, then maintain your exercise routine and in addition, choose some exercise that would fit you best.

Fourth, many people commit mistakes by waiting for later before building strength so I suggest you do this if possible ahead of everybody else before it will be too late for you. Because if you want to achieve your goal of becoming a better baseball player, you will need strength and it is not something that comes off automatically. You need to work for it and develop it so that when the time comes that you will need it, you already have enough and sufficient strength to move on.

James Brown writes about MLB.com bargains, SportsFanfare.com bargains and Football Fanatics bargains

If you know baseball, you know how hard the training in baseball is and how innovative it is to perform weight training which is incorporated in a baseball training program, you would know how effective this training is in competitions. There are a number of persons though who say that baseball could be a dangerous method in weight training than when you do it slow and accurately in the gym or a fitness center. Many say that most of the coaches commit serious errors that cause traumatic bodily stress or injury in a person who is into a baseball weight training program.

1. Weight training through baseball should take into consideration the limitation of players - Even slight errors in baseball training can already cause injury to an individual. The truth though is that it is not really the training that does not work but it is the coaches who do not understand fully this kind of weight training program. There are many caches of baseball players who just want to increase and increase the strength and stamina of their field players but who do not think of the limitations of these athletes. Often times, the injury comes after severe and successive training in preparation for the upcoming competition. Least they know that their players are already over stressed and over trained.

2. Train but do not strain through overtraining. You should know that overtraining is not good because it not only causes injuries and severe muscle damages on the body but likewise, it defeats the very purpose of an exercise. You should know that like ordinary weight training exercises, the baseball weight training program should observe the same basic principles in weight training such as rest. Rest is as important as exercise and progression. In fact, you cannot progress if your body can no longer tolerate the load that you are putting on it. Challenge is a lot different from damage and that is what you want to avoid.

3. Incorporate variations in the training program. There have be variation in the types of routines that you do and in the intensity of the routines. It would be better to incorporate other exercises that similarly work to strengthen your muscles. Say for example, basketball routines may be incorporated in the baseball routines in order to enhance the flexibility of the body which is much required in the baseball game. There has to be variations as to the speed of your routines in the program. This is one form in which the progression principle can be incorporated in the program.

4. Force = Mass x Acceleration Principle in baseball - Lastly, you should know that the most important aspect in the weight training program in baseball is the force produced. Aside from the strength of the leg muscles and the hand and leg coordination, the program also develops extreme force particularly when one swings the baseball bat. Imagine what huge force you need in order to swing a bat at 90 mph. The very reason why most coaches incorporate weight training in baseball is because force requires mass times acceleration. The acceleration is defined as the speed at which the bar is moved while the mass is the weight on the bar.

This explains exactly how a baseball weight training program will help you achieve - greater force.

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Weight Training for Baseball

Defense is as important as offense. Without better defense, your opponent can outlay your efforts and you will only go home frustrated because you can’t do anything. Well perhaps not that you can’t, but you lack what it takes to get the defense ball rolling properly. If you are an infielder, your position is very vital because you need to cover most of the entire field. You must have what it takes to put up the best infield defense.

1. You need the right attitude. You need to think and strive to be involved in every field out. Having this right attitude would include wishing and hoping all ground ball will be delivered right through your hands and will result in an out every minute you touch that ball hit. If you develop this right attitude in every game you will leave no room for errors and mistakes. Your team will have every chance to win the game. Your confidence will push you to the right direction and will have good attitude of thinking that you can throw the runner out no matter what it takes.

2. You need to have good perception. This would mean being able to read where the batted ball will go not only after the hit but also during the hit. You senses should always be alert and active for you to be able to know this. However, this is easier said than done. You need a lot of training not only to your physical abilities but also train your senses. But for a start, you need to practice this during your batting practice to have that first hand learning.

3. Learn how to have good rhythm with every ground ball. This is also quite a very hard but important role. Having that sense of timing to arrive where and when the ball will be is not an easy task. You should be flexible enough and fast enough or better yet faster than the ball itself. You can accomplish by practicing movement first by either going slow or going fast. You need to move. You need to be ready to go left, right, front or back all the time. There is no room for you to commit mistakes. Your position defines what you need to do.

4. Learn the good way of field mechanics. The major thing as an infielder should keep in mind is to be always in position, a ready position, no more, no less. You need to check every step you take. There are different mechanics for every infielder. It is different for each one depending on how they approach the ball. But whatever they may be they need to always be in the right position. That alone would take you a step higher in your play.

5. Have the plays right in your very own hands. You need to get that ball and make every play like yours. You should learn how to erase tension and feel comfortable with yourself because once you step on that field, there isn’t time for you to read tips. You go out there and play, play with all your heart until you are going to explode. That is your role.

As an infielder you are required to make each play a success by putting your runner out. Anything less is not acceptable. You should be a very good sport at your own league. This alone and you will become a food infielder.

James Brown writes about Lids.com online coupons, Mitchell & Ness online coupons and MLB.com online coupons

It’s baseball season, and you are ready for it. You bought a new bat, dusted off the cleats, and oiled the glove. You drilled, grounder after grounder, only to follow it by fly ball, after fly ball. When the fielding drills were over, you moved on to the batting cages. You have hit so many balls that you could probably tag a slider in your sleep. So, what’s next but to hit the field, right? Wrong!

What about your weight training? Yes that’s right, lifting weights. Almost all baseball clubs, from high school to the majors, use weight training for injury prevention, rehabilitation of injuries and for strengthening individual weaknesses. One of the most important things a weight training program needs to do is to isolate certain muscles specific to the throwing motion and strengthen them to prevent arm injuries.

A combination of various forms of exercises tends to work best: isometrics, isotonic and is kinetic, plyometrics, (not just for tennis anymore), active resistive and especially flexibility/stretching exercises are all important in developing a well-balance program. Players at different positions need to emphasize different elements of the program, and different body parts.

For pitchers, you need to build cardiovascular endurance, and lower body strength and endurance. You also need to build general flexibility, and strengthen the shoulders and the elbows. For catchers, you need to emphasize leg strength, flexibility and agility. Building hand a wrist strength is also important along with building abdominal strength.
For Infielders and outfielders, a combination of building leg flexibility, hand and wrist strength, upper body strength and endurance is very important.

For all positions its important to add exercises that emphasize the rotator cuff complex, consisting of internal and external shoulder rotation, and front, rear and side elevation isolating the supraspinatus. Especially effective are lightweight shoulder excursuses stimulating the small muscles (rotator cuff) essential to the throwing motion.

When putting together a workout program for baseball, it is most effective if three programs are built. The first program should be the off-season program. The program should be designed to strengthen and balance all major muscle groups of the body. You should consult your coach or trainer about varying the exercises in the program to strengthen your particular weakness and/or correct muscle imbalance.

The second program should be the pre-season program. This program should be designed to build more strength. This program should be started 4-6 weeks before the season, this is also the time to start incorporating baseball-specific exercises in the gym or out on the field. This helps get your body ready to perform baseball skills again.

The third program should be the in-season program. This program should be designed to maintain strength levels acquired during the off and pre season programs. Abdominal, rotational and light weight work are essential parts of any in-season program. Pitchers should concentrate on light weight shoulder work such as deltoid raises.
As you can see, as much as we want to hit that chalk lined field, it’s just as important to incorporate a weight training program, to insure a fun filled, and injury free season

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The most difficult part perhaps in baseball offense is to try and hit the ball no matter it is homerun, groundball or fly ball. This where your skill and ability is measured and will come into play. You should possess certain qualities in order for you to become an ideal hitter. You will need determination, strength, coordination, quick hand reflex and the will to learn. Your confidence will also matter as well as your willingness to listen for advice and coaching. Otherwise you will not grow to be an ideal hitter which will always play n important role in baseball offense.

You can begin by choosing the right and suitable bat for you. This will include your comfort and the ability to handle a certain bat. This is an important step where you choose the bat that somehow has become a second part of your body. Once you have selected it, handling it will almost always come naturally.

The importance of hitting lies if you know the strike zone. This is the area between your shoulders and knees. You should never bat on so high and so low pitches. In other words, never swing the bat if you know the pitch is bad. You have to choose the balls you hit and not just swing as if you are on a golf practice or reaching something beyond your bat’s reach. You just swing right down the middle and only to good pitches.

Focus on the pitcher, if possible don’t lose sight of his eyes and body movements. You need to pretend as if no one else exists except you, the pitcher, the ball and the bat. Do not mind all the cheers and yell at this point of time. The moment you get inside the batter’s plate you will have to ignore all other distractions. You can never afford to be distracted even for a split second because fast-balls can be delivered in this manner and before you knew it, you are already stuck in strikes one.

The way to ready your hand is to move your arms back. You will recognize this moment because of the pitcher’s body movement and is now ready to release the ball going toward your direction. If the pitch is good and you are confident you could hit it, then this will do and go ahead swing the bat. Otherwise, have control and hold your swing.

As I have said earlier you need to possess qualities that will enable you to become a good hitter. One that I have mentioned was strength. You need to learn to hit the ball with all your strength or gather all the strength that you can muster and hit the ball with it. You should be able to pick the pitch just right for you to make that solid bat to ball contact.

In closing, I must say practice will always make things perfect. There is really nothing that you can’t achieve provided you follow principles and guidelines and more importantly listen to advices. This will totally make you into a better baseball hitter.

James Brown writes about Mitchell & Ness coupon codes, Football Fanatics coupon codes and FansEdge.com coupon codes

There are a number of advantages to using fastpitch softball bats and among them are the ability score more runs, add greater number of hits as well as win more at the sport. It is quite surprising to learn that many fastpitch softball bats can actually help you to hit the ball as much as twenty percent harder than your normal run of the mill softball bats. With such bats around, you can look forward to turning your ground outs into single runs scored, and you can also turn your single runs into doubles.

Most people that are interested in the sport of softball are keen to know which the best bats are. There are of course quite a few options to choose from and before you choose any particular one you need to do some comparisons. Some people prefer using a Miken while others will go for the Anderson RocketTech. Still others would prefer the Worth Mayhem and there are also many takers for Easton Stealth as well as Louisville Slugger Catalyst and it would also be wrong to discount the DeMarini Onyx.

With so much variety to choose from, it can be hard figuring out which fastpitch softball bats are the best. To make things simple you need to follow a few simple rules such as making sure that the bats are tested as well as held to the twenty percent rule. In other words it should not be possible for the ball to come off from your fastpitch softball bat at a speed greater than one hundred and twenty percent of the speed at which it came into contact with the bat.

Any differences that are noticed can be accounted to the way that the bats are weighed and also how they are balanced as well as the amount of flexibility that is ingrained in it which gives the bats their whipping effect. Another feature that you will need to look closely at when choosing your fastpitch softball bats is the numbers on it which include numbers such as minus 10, 9 and 8 and these numbers relate to the length versus weight. So, a bat with -10 will be thirty-one inches long and twenty ounces in weight.

To get the best out of your fastpitch softball bats you should go for ones that are longer as well as on the lighter side; however, if the batter is tall as well as lanky you may well have to choose a bat that is more compact. Another aspect to buying the correct fastpitch softball bats is that you should not expect to pay less for the bats and at the same time expect too much in return. There is bound to be a difference between a twenty dollar bat and one that costs upwards of fifty dollars. However, it may be more advisable to buy a bat that costs between one hundred and seventy-five dollars and two hundred and seventy-five dollars for which price you can expect to get premium quality fastpitch softball bats. If you are in need of saving some money; then consider buying a slightly outdated model which will mean having to pay between forty and one hundred dollars less.

The author’s web site http://cheapfastpitchsoftballbats.com/ provide information about cheap fastpitch softball bats & Easton Stealth Fastpitch Softball Bats.

It’s true, practice does make perfect. However, sometime practice gets dull, and predictable. Even coaches get board doing the same thing over and over. My suggestion, look for new drills to do, or coaches, get creative and make up your own. If you are not the creative type, then I have two drills that might help your infield out, and save you the time of trying to come up with something new.

The first drill is to help players improve in tracking and fielding ground balls hit directly at them, to their backhand side, to their glove side, and on short hops. The infielders should work as partners with one ball per pair. Have the players face each other three to five yards apart, on the infield dirt or outfield grass.

While facing each other, both infielders should get into good fielding position, knees bent, butt down, and hands out in front of the body. Fielders roll ground balls to each other. In round 1, they roll ground balls right at each other. In round 2, they roll ground balls to the back hand side. In round 4, they roll short hops. Each round should have ten rolls. Fielders should not move their feet but should stay in good fielding position, tracking the ball with their glove, work to get the glove under the ball when fielding it, and catch the ball in the web of the glove. Every third ball and infielder fields , he or she should flip back to his or her partner straight from his or her glove. This way the fielder learns to feel the ball in the web of the glove.

When you are coaching your players you should focus on fielders fielding balls out in front of their body, tracking the ball into their glove, and catching the ball in the web of their glove. Don’t let your players get sloppy with their fielding position. Remind fielders to work hard to stay under the ball with their gloves and to field the ball from the ground up. If you want to change it up a bit, have the fielders increase their distance to 7 to 10 yards apart. This allows them to roll the ball a little harder and makes the drill more game like.

Another great drill similar to this one centers around just the short-hop ground ball. Again, have the infielders partner up and face each other about three yards apart with a ball. Fielders should get into a good fielding position, knees bent, butt down and hands out in front of the middle of their body. One fielder tosses a short hop in front of his or her partner, about 6 to 12 inches in front of his or her glove. The partner fields the ball on the short hop, working on fielding it from the bottom up or getting under the ball with his glove. Have the fielders do 10 to 12 short hops each.

Coaches should focus on reminding their players to catch the ball out in front of their bodies with arms slightly extended and wrists flexed down. They are to field the ball from the bottom up, working on keeping their glove under the ball and keeping their head down.

If players have trouble throwing each other short hops, you might want to line up your fielders in a single-file line and give them short hops one at a time. This allows you to give fielders a proper short hop and correct them as needed. You can also slow the drill down for players who are struggling.

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Life as a Little League or Pony League catcher can be tough. You can read baseball tips on this, baseball tips on that, do drill for this and train for that. Listen to this person, listen to that person. Try this and try that.

But still, you find yourself not throwing many people out in games. It seems like there are always balls getting by you and going back to the backstop. You may have gotten whacked way more times than you’d like by wild pitches. Long games and hot games. Is catching really worth it?

Well, fear not young catchers! Here are a few baseball tips and advice for you on why you should hang in there if you really like catching.

Right now at your age in Little League or Pony League there are things going on that you really have no control over. This makes catching seem impossible at times. It can be discouraging to young catchers because at this age and in these leagues success doesn’t come often. You’re not throwing a lot of people out, balls are flying everywhere (and hitting you) and you many times feel like you’re the catcher only because no one else is stupid enough to do it. Well, those things may be true right now, but here are some things to consider:

* In Little League and Pony League the bases are pretty short. When someone takes off, you’re relying on a good pitch from the pitcher, a perfect throw from you and a perfect catch and tag from the second baseman or shortstop. These things don’t happen routinely in Little League and are just getting better in Pony League.

* Kids are bigger, stronger and faster these days. Look at the Little League World Series this year. They moved the fence back a good distance because the home runs keep increasing and there are just too many. (yes, those high tech bats played a role too!) My point is, the bases are short and there are a lot of fast runners. This is not a good combination for throwing runners out.

* Many young pitchers at these ages throw a lot of balls and wild pitches. You need good pitches to have any chance at all of throwing someone out. Wild pitches and runners advancing easily can be discouraging You can catch, but you can’t pitch and catch. So you are at the mercy of the pitcher too.

* Young pitchers don’t always know how to hold runners well or perform good pick-off moves to keep runners honest. Watch a Pony League game sometime. Smart runners will be more than half way down to second base by the time the catcher gets the ball. There’s nothing you can do here. Just do your best.

So if you are a young catcher and get a little bit discouraged from time to time, remember these baseball tips and keep your head up.

You can’t control the pitched ball. It’s going to go where it’s going to go. What you need to do is become very, very good at blocking the ball. So what if you don’t pop up and throw the runner out. That time will come. Just focus on becoming a technically good blocking catcher. This will always make you stand out from other catchers and this becomes even more true as you get older.

Throwing runners out? If it happens, great! But, what you want to do is develop fast, correct footwork instead of worrying too much about how many people you throw out. Learn correct footwork and practice it over and over and develop a technically correct delivery to second base. Wait and see what happens once the bases become 90 feet apart. You’ll be amazed.

Work on other things like:

* Handling bunts, or choppers in front of the plate
* Footwork to block home plate on throws from the outfield. Again, the Little League World Series had great plays at home this year.
* Handling passed balls

Also, and very important, work on that thing sitting on top of your shoulders! Be confident, know that you are a good catcher and believe in yourself and your ability.

When those bases become 90 feet apart, the whole game changes for catchers. If you really worked on being technically good, fast feet and good delivery, you’ll throw a lot of people out because now your pitchers and fielders are also much better.

Block everything. People will notice you for this. This will separate you from other catchers. This is true right into High School. Lazy catchers who won’t block balls will sit at that point, regardless of their arm strength.

Consider these baseball tips that you’ve just read young catchers. Stick with it. It will pay off and catching will become a lot more fun once the bases are 90 feet. Just be ready and prepared with your skills when this time comes. And when it does, those same kids that might have thought you were stupid for catching years ago will look to you for the big play, the bases loaded block of a wild pitch, or the big throw that turns the game around. This is when you’ll realize that it was all worth it being a catcher. The BEST position to play!

For Baseball Hitter

Many youth baseball players will have far too much hand and foot movement to achieve balance throughout the entire swing. These players could get away with these flaws when pitchers are just trying to throw strikes in younger leagues. As pitchers develop velocity and location these flaws will be exposed.Some young players will resist keeping their hands held up high. They resist keeping their shoulders stacked up over their feet. They may not have a wide enough base in their stance. These players like to stride out at the ball. A small controlled stride is acceptable. Many newer coaches are unaware that a long stride will hamper the player’s power base.Many of the top youth baseball hitters will no stride at all. They may use some front foot movement as a timing trigger to begin to “load up’ their swing.

I became a student of the baseball swing to learn all I could. When your gets professional instruction (which I encourage) pay close attention,and take notes.Many of the instructors are great sources of knowledge who are willing to help you too. After all, it is in their best interest for your players to improve. It is a reflection on his talent as an instructor.It may mean more business for him.It is the player’s responsibility to work on their swing. You can give them the tools and information. You can attempt to inspire them to work harder. Don’t feel any guilt about a player’s swing if they are not putting in extra work to improve.

Players must look at the pitcher with both eyes. Too often the player’s shoulder position will be turned so that both eyes are not on the ball. These batters may have hit the ball well at lower even with these flaws,it may take some strikeouts or weakly hit balls to get their attention. Just be a patient instructive leader. Focus on what the batter is doing right first, then move on to correcting mistakes. Most young players don’t get proper extension and follow through on their swings.They may be trying too hard to pull all pitches. This is a common mistake. When players wrap the bat around on their follow through, and it ends up below the front shoulder, it is a sign that they are “pulling off “of the ball. The finish should be up high, with the bat and the hands up near or above the front shoulder.

Power is not always generated just by size. It is a function of bat speed.The quicker the bat head can get into the hitting zone the better. The batter’s hands must lead into the zone, and the hips and torso will follow. The player must focus on extension through the entire hitting zone. This will help the player to finish the swing with a nice high follow through. Then the hips and torso will come along also. Professional instruction with a qualified instructor is worth every cent. I believe the coaching staff will get just as much help from it as the players. There will be more articles on hitting for youth baseball players coming up soon.

The author’s web site http://worthysoftballbats.com/ provides information about Worth Softball Bats, Worth Prodigy Softball Bats and Worth Clincher Softball Bats.

Whether you want a traditional wood baseball bat or a new, high-tech metal bat, there is a wide selection of discount baseball bats available. A baseball bat is a vital piece of equipment and its quality can greatly impact a player’s performance, so it is no surprise that many people are willing to pay a premium. Luckily, you can get a high-tech, top quality bat at discount prices. Discount baseball bats are available at most sporting equipment outlets, and especially at online stores.

Brand new aluminum baseball bats cost usually start at $200 and go up from there. Prices increase as technology introduces stronger and lighter materials. By crafting baseball bat barrels with cutting-edge metal alloys, manufacturers like Easton and Demarini arm batters with power while maintaining a quick, lightweight feel.

Discount baseball bats are abundantly available online. In many cases, online stores can offer discount baseball bats at great prices because there is less overhead than at a sporting goods store and, in many cases, there is no sales tax or shipping charged. When you shop for baseball bats online you have access to a vast and easily accessible selection user product reviews to help you get a feel for which bats are best for you, and also can save a great deal of time.

Don’t forget to check out blemished baseball bats. This little secret can save you 30 to 70 percent. Many baseball bat dealers offer blemished baseball bats at severely slashed prices due to a cosmetic imperfection such as chipped paint. Lucky for you, the baseball bat’s performance is untouched, but the price is hacked down significantly. Blemished baseball bats are available at many outlets and online. With a little looking, it is not that difficult to find a bat that offers premium performance at a reasonable price.

So, How Can I Choose The Right Baseball Bat?

This years’ baseball season is here and parents I understand how you feel. It almost as if you’re buying a new baseball bat every year, especially if you have younger kids playing that are literally growing right out of their equipment right before your eyes. When it comes to purchasing a new baseball bat though, it can really wear on you when it comes time to pull out your wallet. It’s understandable; these aluminum baseball bats nowadays are very pricey. It then becomes that much more important to choose the right baseball bat.

The quality is there if you consider the amount of use you can get out of an aluminum baseball bat. Most aluminum baseball bats will last through a rigorous season of many practices and games, but some are a better bang for your buck than others. The big question is which bat to get? There are so many makes and models to choose from that it is not always an easy decision. Of course you will be looking for a bat that suits every need. It has to be a bat that is a controllable size and feels comfortable. The bat should be very responsive and most importantly it should last.

How do you know you have covered all of these points? By doing some research and perhaps a little ‘trial and error,’ you will find the best bat to buy. See if your child can ask a teammate to swing their bat a few times to see what an appropriate size is. If they can somehow actually hit with it a few times, that’s even better.

Try and notice how much ‘pop’ some of your top choices are when others are using them. Obviously if a particular bat works for one person, it doesn’t guarantee the same results for the next person. It is just another way of getting an idea. You can certainly ask around or look for sources offering baseball bat reviews that will discuss the components of the bats and give reviews about the durability and expected performance. Most websites with reviews will have Louisville Slugger, Demarini, Rawlings, and Easton baseball bat reviews because they are the more common bat makers.

The author’s web site http://baseballbatsandsoftballbats.com/ provides information about Easton Bats and Stealth Softball Bats.

I have been through many baseball/softball games where I play as the pitcher. Being one is fun as long as you know when and where to cross the lines of pressure. It is a very crucial role. You lead the game. Each hit, score and run from the enemy entirely depends on you. I’ve been to wins and losses but I just knew I had to survive.

Here is some advice from my experience as a pitcher:

Conquer your fear

My greatest fear as a pitcher is to let somebody hit my pitch. I strive too hard to never allow anyone hit anything. But thinking about this has brought me to frustrations. I learned it the hard way. This adds to the pressure build-up. What I had to do to conquer my fear is never easy and that is to shut my mind off from every thought except the game. Too many cheers, negative pulses and yells from the crowd can get you distracted. I let it distract me too many times and it leads me to my loss.

Take control

I don’t really think of how fast I can throw the ball. Some would think that the faster you pitch, the harder it would be hard to hit it. It’s a myth. It’s wrong. Truth is the faster your throw is, the harder it will be to take control of the ball. Fast balls (especially when you’ve not mastered it yet) could either go to three directions. It would be either too high, too low or if you are lucky enough, inside. So you have to know your capacity of handling and controlling the ball otherwise never try it while on the game. Of course you can practice for it.

Throw inside

By this would mean throwing a strike. As soon as you’ve learned how to take control of your pitch, another step is on throwing inside. What I do is have a spot to throw to, like in hitting bull’s eye. My spot always fall just between the arms and the knees. You should be able to know where your spot is once you go inside your pitcher’s base. I don’t look anywhere else except in that spot. Looking somewhere else would shake your line of view. Imagine yourself and that spot are the only ones existing and nothing else. This would really help.

Finally, in closing, Practice and be confident that you can do it. I always believe that practicing always makes everything perfect. I was never born a good pitcher and neither was I trained to be one but I do believe that I have the skill and practiced my way to hone it. I got bruised, muscle cramps and trembling hands but it pays off. It is the reason why I am confident that I can do it, that I can win games and that I can take control of the game. Remember having a good pitcher in the team is the best defense you got. I’ve seen so many teams with pitchers who just pitch just for the heck of pitching and it brought them losses. So be flattered, be a real pitcher and do your thing.

James Brown writes about Football Fanatics coupon codes, Mitchell & Ness coupon codes and FansEdge.com coupon codes

As a parent, you want your kids to play sports to stay healthy and to be part of a team. For young kids, one of the most important aspects of any sport is to have fun. If they aren’t having fun then they will want to quit. In baseball and softball, one of the funniest moments is at the plate and getting a hit. Some kids have a natural ability to hit the ball even at early ages while others struggle for years trying to become a good hitter.

If you are committed to helping your child get the most enjoyment out of the game of baseball/softball then you should consider purchasing a pitching machine. Sure, you can take them to the local batting cage but it doesn’t take long before it would be cheaper to purchase a pitching machine of your own.

There are all kinds of different pitching machines and one of the least expensive types are the whiffle ball style machine. The features available on these pitching machines vary but most have all or many of the features listed below.

Here’s the top 10 advantages to purchasing a whiffle ball pitching machine.

1. Lightweight - some are as light as 4 lbs and can be set up by younger children with no problem.
2. Cost - whiffle ball machines are very inexpensive compared to the larger bulkier baseball pitching machines.
3. Repetition - some can hold up to 100 balls which allows for more batting and less chasing balls.
4. Consistency - the pitching machine can place the ball within the strike zone allowing for better swing habits.
5. Pitch Light - although not on all machines, if a machine has it then it will let the batter know when to begin their stride.
6. Variable Speed - with speed settings ranging from 20 - 55+ mph, every batter can find a challenging speed.
7. Focus - learning to hit small balls increases the batters focus and ability to hit regular baseballs.
8. Curve balls/Sliders - some models allow for pitching curve balls and sliders from both left and right hand pitchers.
9. Battery Operated - the rechargeable battery means you can take it anywhere and use it for hours.
10. FUN! - this is the most important reason of all. Kids will continue using a pitching machine daily because it is fun.

All of these reasons add up to a bette