ALL STAR BASEBALL ACADEMY SPRING TRAINING

All Star Baseball Academy held its 3rd annual Spring Training trip at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina over President’s Day weekend. Eleven different ASBA teams made the trip down. The teams ranged in age from 9U to 12U.

The weekend started off with perfect weather on Saturday, allowing the boys a full days worth of baseball. The morning featured defensive practices and batting practice for all the teams, as they worked on bunt plays, cut-offs and relays, and 1st and 3rd plays.

After a break for lunch, the teams squared off against each other in games. Score was not kept, as the games were meant to be instructional. Coaches roamed the fields during game play, and stopped the games at certain points to make sure players were lined up correctly for cut-offs and bunt plays.

While there was a practice session scheduled for Sunday morning, the weather was uncooperative, forcing the cancellation of the morning practices. The teams were able to get their instructional games in that afternoon once the rain cleared up. Despite a drop in temperature, the games went smoothly, as the players began to understand their responsibilities on the field.

The final day culminated in coach-pitch games, much to the delight of the players. While the temperature at first pitch was in the 30’s, the spirits of the players were not deterred, as they cherished the chance to rough up their respective coaches.

Overall, the weekend was a great success. We received the following email in response to the positive outcome of the weekend:

I thought it was important to give personal recognition to the coach of the West Chester Select team, Edwin Cieslak. Ed has taken a personal interest in the team, fundamentals of the game, the mental aspect of baseball and most importantly in the individual character of each of the young men that are under his tutelage.

Most recently in our trip to Myrtle Beach, my son Brady found himself in a slump hitting. He had gotten away from his fundamental mechanics and was unable to adjust to find the appropriate correction. Even worse, it affected his mental approach to the game.

This mechanical issue was recognized by Coach Cieslak and immediately upon our return from South Carolina we scheduled a private session with Brady to make the proper adjustments. This lesson was done last night, on Edwin's own time. He spoke to Brady in a mature and reinforcing manner, and was quickly able to show Brady the mechanical adjustments he needed to make. More importantly, he imparted positive mental reinforcements to impart his knowledge of the game.

We have been around many coaches and teachers of the game. Edwin is by far the most effective in reaching the mind of a young man trying to grasp the nuances of a complicated sport. We witness it in our own son, as well as the team that Edwin is in charge of. His sacrifice of his own personal life to teach is commendable.

All Star Baseball Academy would like to thank all of the parents for making the trip down to Myrtle Beach, as well as their patience with the weather. For any questions or information, please contact your local ASBA facility.