ALL STAR BASEBALL ACADEMY IS NOW ON FACEBOOK!

Become a FAN of ASBA and Check Out Our New Facebook Page!

All Star Baseball Academy is now listed on Facebook, so you can get the latest photos and news about our Camps, Lessons, Showcases and events on the new Facebook page.

If you like ASBA, sign up as a friend today!  Check out our new listing at :

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18606899440&v=wall#!/pages/All-Star-Baseball-Academy/186839508001233

"Our Facebook listing will help our customers keep up to date with all of our popular camps, clinics and showcases," said Steve Van Note, Director of Special Events for ASBA.  "Facebook has taken off so much over the past couple of years.  Our players and families have been very interested in seeing All Star Baseball on Facebook, and we've already received some great feedback on our addition.  We have almost 200 'friends' on Facebook since we signed up last week, and the count grows every day."

Check out our new Facebook site, and you may see yourself in one of the many photos of our College Coaches Camps or Showcase events!

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ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Tyler Coleman

Senior star Tyler Coleman (center) signs his Letter of Intent to attend West Chester U. next year, while Quakertown High School coaches (at left) John Makoul and Steve Cherrybon look on.  ASBA Coach John Bellis, who has coached Tyler on tournament teams, is shown at right.

Tyler Coleman, standout student-athlete at Quakertown High School, has been named this week's All Star Baseball Player of the Week.  A senior who has starred on the mound and in the infield for Quakertown, Tyler recently signed to attend West Chester University next year on a baseball scholarship.  He has also starred for the past 3 seasons for ASBA tournament teams.

His All Star Coach, John Bellis, is a big supporter of Coleman's many skills.

"Tyler has the 'work ethic' factor down. Most players work hard, but not when they're alone," said Bellis.  "I've been to Tyler's house and have seen his garage set-up, with the catch net, balls, tee, and the different hitting equipment. It was worn out in there, so worn that I'm sure thousands of swings were taken!

His personality is that of a winner," continued Bellis.  "Failure motivates him as opposed to what it does to most young players. A lot of players have talent. But talent only gets you so far as an athlete. Character, work ethic and an individual drive is what makes a player really excel, and Tyler possesses all of these traits." 

"I'm very happy to be going to West Chester next year and get the chance to play for Coach (Mark) Jackson," said Coleman.  "West Chester has a great program year after year, and they feel that I will fit in well as a middle infielder or at third base.  I'm really looking forward to it."

Coleman has starred at several infield positions and also served as the closer for the Quakertown High School team last year.  He has a strong arm and a consistent, quick bat.

"I think my arm strength and my hitting are probably my two biggest plus factors in baseball," said Coleman.  "I really enjoy hitting and work hard at it.  I'm more of a gap hitter, and not really a home run hitter.  I've got some power but I don't try to hit home runs-

I try to drive the ball into the gaps."

How did West Chester's coaches first notice Tyler and how did he catch their eye?

 

"I was not really on West Chester's radar until last August when I played in the All Star Baseball Showcase in Lancaster," noted Coleman.  "I did well in the drills and then in one game, I hit a homer and two singles.  It was a good game for me and they took notice and talked to me.  That Showcase in Lancaster really made a difference and it's worked out great for me."

"Tyler played for one of my first teams at the 15U level, then again at the 16U level for two seasons and then for my Showcase team last summer where he peaked," said Bellis. "He played mostly shortstop and third base, however he also has strong pitching abilities. This past summer, Tyler was throwing 85-86 mph, topping at 88 several times through the summer. 

"Where he plays positionally in college will be up to Coach Jackson at West Chester, but I believe he is being brought in to compete at the third base position," Bellis pointed out. "I have no doubt Tyler will succeed over his four years there.  When will be determined by how much exposure he gets early on to that level of baseball. If Tyler continues to work hard, which I expect he will, his success will continue to grow for as long as he plays."

Congratulations, Tyler, for being named All Star Baseball's Player of the Week and best of luck as you continue your baseball career this fall with the West Chester Golden Rams! 

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ALL STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK

This week's Tip is from Jake King, Business Manager at our ASBA facility in West Chester.  Jake is a former high school and college pitcher and he now coaches ASBA tournament teams.  To schedule a package of private lessons with Jake, call our West Chester staff at 610-399-8050 or stop in and sign up this week!


Taking Primary Leads and Secondary Leads -- Important Tips to Follow:


Primary leads are now something that players at a younger age have to practice.  It used to be once you hit 13 years old and played on the larger 60/90 foot diamond that you started to learn how to take primary leads and secondary leads.  But now, 10 year old players should learn how to take proper leads.

I am a strong believer that players must learn how to do this properly at a young age so that muscle memory kicks in and it is second nature to them when players move to the larger diamond. You must practice this over and over to make sure that you KNOW where you need to be and how far off the base you can be.


Primary leads off of first base should be...4 1/2 steps in length.  Start with your body square towards second base and your right foot on the base.  Make sure you start your lead in the front part of the baseline.  This creates the illusion of being closer to the base.


Your first step is a large step with your LEFT foot towards second base.  Take your second step by squaring up with your right foot, in line with second base.  From there you take 2.5 shuffle steps, and with that you do not hop.  You stay low to the ground and shuffle.  This is your primary lead!  This needs to be practiced with your head up at all times.  Do not look down at your feet-- you should have your head up,looking at the pitcher at ALL TIMES.


Secondary leads:  Once the pitcher starts into his delivery, you take 3 shuffles, making sure you land on your right side with your weight distributed 60-40 on your front (right) foot.  This allows you to be in a moving position if the ball is dropped by a catcher or the ball hits the ground.  A good secondary lead is key to being able to put yourself into scoring position easily, and stealing a base on a wild pitch or passed ball.


Practice the base running tips above and how to take proper leads, both primary and secondary.  You'll become a better base runner and more valuable to your team!

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