ALL STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK....

This week's Tip is from popular instructor Sean Kirkpatrick of our Downingtown location.  Sean is a top instructor of fielding skills and he provides some super infield tips below for young players to follow.  To schedule a lesson package with Sean at Downingtown, call our staff at 610-518-7400.

Fielding Grounders Can Be Easy If You Follow These Steps:

Fielding a ground ball can be a very simple task when the mechanics are done right. It all starts before the pitcher even pitches the ball. The fielder must begin by taking his "creep steps" toward home plate-- this consists of two short steps forward, as soon as the pitcher lifts his leg to go to the plate.

Following the creep steps, and after approaching the ball, the fielder should break down into his fielding position, which consists of:  Feet shoulder width apart, knees bent, and glove on the ground and out front with the throwing hand on top of the glove hand palm. It's very crucial for the player to have his glove on the ground and out front for two reasons: (1) It will ensure that the ball will not roll underneath the glove and, (2) when the glove is out front, the player will be able to see the ball right into his glove. It’s also equally as important to have the fielder's throwing hand on top of the glove hand palm so that the ball will not bounce out of the glove. Coaches, we associate this by telling our players to make the "alligator mouth" with their glove and throwing hand-- this helps players visualize the trapping of the ball.

As soon as the ball is hit, we stress the importance of attacking the ball, keeping our feet moving through the ball as we field, and keeping our body in front of the ball. By doing this, the player will have more time to throw the ball and ensure he fields it properly. 

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ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Sean O'Keefe

All Star Baseball Academy is pleased to name Malvern Prep senior Sean O'Keefe as our Player of the Week.  Sean is a hard-throwing righthanded pitcher who starred for Malvern this past spring and then also played very well for ASBA tournament teams over the summer and fall seasons.


Recently, Sean committed to play baseball for Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and he'll be joining the Blue Jays' outstanding program.  Congratulations to Sean for winning the Player of the Week award from ASBA.

"I'm really excited to be playing for Johns Hopkins next year," said O'Keefe.  "It's a great academic school and the baseball team is very strong, so I'll be going to a winning program and helping them stay on top in the Centennial League."

O'Keefe was not always a star pitcher, as he played much of his earlier baseball seasons as a shortstop and a third baseman.  Then he grew several inches in one year, and filled out to 6-4 in height and over 200 pounds.  Hello, pitching mound!  He took lessons with All Star as a high potential pitcher, worked hard on his form and control, and developed into a regular starting pitcher for Malvern's top-notch program.


"Sean began with All Star Baseball when his Malvern Prep Coach, Fred Hilliard, suggested in the fall of his sophomore year that because of Sean's height and velocity he should take some pitching lessons at All Star Baseball," said Sean's Dad, Dick.  "Prior to that, Sean had always played middle infield. He started lessons with Mark Freed. Mark quickly identified Sean's potential and invited him to play for the Futures Team during the summer prior to his junior year of high school with Coach Steve Van Note.

"Sean has grown as a pitcher and all around baseball player through his instruction from Mark, Steve and all the coaches at All Star Baseball.  Mark's knowledge really helped us to navigate the recruiting process and was a great influence on Sean in many ways. Sean was accepted Early Decision to Johns Hopkins University and is excited to be playing  for Coach Babb. We could not be more excited for Sean and the opportunity he has been given," summarized Dick O'Keefe.

"Sean O'Keefe has put himself in a great situation. He has developed well over the last two seasons, both in the classroom and on the baseball field, and found himself a great home at Johns Hopkins," smiled Mark Freed of ASBA's staff.

"Hopkins has a great baseball program and education, and Sean will fit in well. He has built his confidence and he demands perfection on the pitching mound. 

"I am truly excited for Sean and his family for this accomplishment and look forward to following him in his college career," said Freed.

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ALL STAR BASEBALL INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Shawn Pender

Shawn Pender

All Star Baseball Academy is pleased to have Cincinnati Reds Major League Scout Shawn Pender as a member of our staff.  Pender, a local Haverford, PA resident, has been running camps and programs for ASBA for many years, and is a valuable member of our instructional team.  A former minor league player in the Pittsburgh Pirates' system, Pender was a standout athlete at Episcopal Academy in Newtown Square and he later starred for Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.

 

All Star Baseball has teamed up with The Haverford School to offer a Pre-Season Baseball Training Camp in February, and Pender has been busy planning the Camp for area players in grades 4 through 9.  ASBA Blog Editor Ken Leidheiser recently sat down with Shawn to review his teaching background and focus areas, as well as to preview the Pre-Season Camp at Haverford School.

 

ASBA:  How long have you been running baseball camps and teaching young players?

 

Shawn:  I've run camps and baseball clinics for 25 years now.  I love doing it and helping young players get better.  With my experience in baseball, I organize the camps so that they

really help players with their fundamental skills.  It's great to see them get better and then track their progress.

 

ASBA:  Are there certain drills and focus areas in every camp that you run?

 

Shawn:  Yes, there are 3 important focal points to every camp that I organize and run.  First is quality instruction-- teaching the players good baseball fundamentals and key skills to be successful.  Number two is make it fun!  I like to run short indoor games and competitions, and make it fun for the kids to participate.  And the last thing is mentoring.  We talk about the importance of schoolwork and sports, and we emphasize academics in addition to baseball training.

 

ASBA:  What about player/coach ratio and coordinating the camps for different age groups?

 

Shawn:  We always offer a good player/coach ratio and feel that's very important.  We want to teach in small groups to show the players how to repeat key skills.  Repetition is a big thing in all of our camps, and it's big in every single level of baseball, too.  We also do age group sorting, so that the groups are right and players are with others of the same age group and skill sets.

 

ASBA:  How long have you been with the Reds?

 

Shawn:  I've been with the Reds on Dusty Baker's staff for 4 years now.  I work as a Major League Advance Scout, scouting other teams and individual players for the Reds at the Major League level.  I love it, it's been great.

 

ASBA:  Did you play pro ball?  Were you drafted?

 

Shawn:  I was signed by the Pirates as an undrafted free agent.  I played outfield in college but then I played the middle infield positions and liked playing second base. In the minors in Class A ball, I played every single position in one game, so you could say that I was a good utility player.  I played for a couple of seasons in the Pirates system, and then got hurt.  I enjoy the game so much that I decided to go into coaching and scouting, and it's been a great experience for me.

 

ASBA:  As a coach and "teacher" of baseball, what is your approach?

 

Shawn:  I believe in the "building block" approach and not completely tearing a player down to start over.  Start with the lower half (legs, hips and "core") and work up from there.  You need to have a strong lower half to be a successful player, no matter what level you are playing.  It's not all about your arm strength or your bat speed.  I like to start with what the player does well, and build from there.

 

ASBA:  Are you looking forward to the Pre-Season Training Camp at Haverford School in February?

 

Shawn:  Yes, absolutely.  We have a great staff with Haverford School Head Coach Bob Castell working closely with me, and we also have top coaches from All Star Baseball Academy too.  The Camp is February 20-21 in the indoor sports facility at Haverford, and the timing is really good for players who want to learn new skills and tune up for their upcoming spring seasons.  We encourage area players to sign up with their friends, or even as teams, as this will be great spring training!  Players in grades 4 through 9 are invited to sign up wth ASBA and attend.

 

ASBA:  Sounds like a great Camp!  And good luck with the Reds this year.  Are they looking tough again for 2011?

 

Shawn:  Yes, we've got a super team and we'll try to give the Giants and Phillies a run for their money in the NL this year!!

 

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ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Derek Prucnal

The All Star Baseball Academy Player of the Week Award goes to West Chester East senior Derek Prucnal, who recently gave a verbal commitment to attend LaSalle University next year on a baseball scholarship.  Derek, who also stars in ice hockey for East, plays first base, outfield and pitches for the Vikings.

"I'm really excited to play for LaSalle and to go to a great local university and baseball program." said Derek.  "Wherever they want me to play, I'll play that position and do my best to excel and help the team win."

"There are so many paths that kids can choose for baseball training, and some are better than others," said Derek's Dad, Rob Prucnal.  "We feel extremely fortunate that Derek has been a part of the All Star program for several years. He has played on a number of Summer and Fall travel teams and has enjoyed every minute of it. In fairness, Derek loves to practice and then delivers the best he can be in each and every inning he plays."

“Derek Prucnal is an extraordinary young man," said his ASBA tournament team coach, Mark Freed.  "He is a good athlete who carries himself well on and off the field.  He is always a pleasure to be around, and usually the first guy at the field and the last to leave.  He will have a great career at LaSalle, and I wish him the best during his time there.”

For West Chester East this spring, Derek expects the Vikings to be a Ches-Mont contender and improved over last year.

"We should have a strong team this year, and be up near the top of the standings.  It's a tough league but we should have good pitching and our players have been working hard to improve," said Derek.

LaSalle is getting an excellent addition to the Explorers baseball team, and to its University in the fall of 2011.  Congratulations, Derek, on being named the ASBA Player of the Week.

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ALL STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK

This week's All Star Baseball Tip is from one of our top, new instructors at the Warminster Academy, JD Reichenbach.  JD has been a standout lefthanded pitcher in college and knows how to work with young pitchers to make them successful.  To schedule a lesson package with JD at Warminster, call our staff at 1-215-672-1826.

Building A Regular Routine Is Key for Starting Pitchers!

Aside from working on achieving repeatable mechanics that work well with each individual pitcher, with my older students we have begun talking about preparation and the proper routines leading up to a start or a relief appearance.

Coming up with a routine that works for you is a very important element that is sometimes overlooked. The days leading up to a start can greatly influence the outcome of your starting appearance on the mound. Feeling prepared and that you have done everything in your power before your appearance in a game will build confidence and prepare you for success. Talk with your coach, talk with other players, and try to understand what they do that helps them to feel prepared.  Arrange your routine accordingly. Write it down, change things and shape it into your own-- no one routine is the same.

I have included an example of a routine. This is for a starting pitcher, but there are also routines for relief pitchers as well. Sculpt a routine that works for you, and stick to that routine to keep yourself prepared for every outing that you may have.

Starting Pitcher Routine:

Make Start

            -Run long distance after start, followed by band sequence.

            -Lift

Day after start

            -Flush (throw for 2 minutes at 90 feet)

            -Run long distance run, high intensity 25-30 minutes

            -Finish with band sequence

2 Days after start

            -Long Toss

            -Sprint work (high intensity)

            -Band sequence

            -Lift

3^rd Day after start

            -Stretch it out with your arm, then throw on flat-ground, work on all pitches.

            -Also discuss what went on during the last start and the goals for the next start.

            -This is also the time to work on any drills that you may need to work on.

            -Run a medium to long distance run, do not over do it.

4^th Day (Day before your next start)

            -45 foot bullpen work, do not over do it on the mound, work on all your pitches and get comfortable with all your pitches.

            -Discuss your approach for tomorrow’s start with coach and how you will be attacking the opposing team's line-up.

Make next start…. throw hard, and win!
Building a successful routine for yourself, and tracking it day by day, will help you become a consistent, successful starting pitcher!  Work with your coach and your catcher on a routine that works for you and then repeat it through your season.

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THE HOT CORNER... Sports Shorts with Ken Leidheiser

Congratulations to our Winner of Coaches Vs. Cancer Event Tickets!

Mitch Williams

  

Trivia Contest Winner:  Congratulations to Ed Crenny of Wayne, who was the first reader with the right answer to the Trivia Test in our last issue.  Ed correctly answered that Jose Mesa (112), Steve Bedrosian (103), and Mitch (Wild Thing) Williams (102) are the current all-time saves leaders for the Phillies.  Brad (Lights Out) Lidge has 99 and the late, great Tug McGraw had 94 total saves while playing for the Phillies.  


By winning, Ed and a guest will be attending the Coaches Vs. Cancer Breakfast Event with Big 5 Basketball Coaches at the Palestra, March 14th.  All Star Baseball Academy has reserved a table at this prestigious, fund-raising event so we look forward to hosting Ed as our guest...

Jose Mesa

New Trivia Test:  After Michael, Jack Schmidt (who had 548), who are the next 3 top HR sluggers of all-time for the Phillies?  Hint: Greg (The Bull) Luzinski is not in the all-time Top 4 and neither is Dick Allen, who used to launch homers over the roof at the old Connie Mack Stadium. Send your replies to ken@allstarbaseballacademy.com... 


The winner will be notified by e-mail and will be listed in the next Hot Corner column...

Sign up for the Second Annual Indoor Hitting Camp at our Downingtown Academy on Boot Road!  There are limited spots still open.  The Hitting Camp is for players 9 through 12 years of age, and starts the week of January 24th.  You can sign up as a team of 3 players or as an individual player for this 6 week program.  Use the popular, token-operated batting cages at Downingtown and get your swing ready to go for a big spring season!  Call our Downingtown staff at 610-518-7400 for details and to sign up...

  

Are you looking to train in warmer weather and get your game in gear?  If you want a great Spring Training experience for players in the 9U through 12U age group, then sign up for the 2nd Annual ASBA Spring Training at the Ripken Experience, in Myrtle Beach, SC.  This year's event with ASBA's outstanding staff will be held February 18-21, 2011.  We welcome your All Stars to join us for this great trip!  Contact Mark Freed of ASBA at mark@allstarbaseballacademy.com for full details and to sign up for this popular Spring Training event. Both teams and individual players are invited to sign up for this popular training experience in Myrtle Beach. This makes a great "road trip" for families over the President's Day long weekend in February!

Steve Bedrosian

Looking to stay up to date on All Star Baseball's schedule of upcoming events?  Want to get weekly Tips on how to improve your baseball skills?  Then sign up as a free subscriber to the ASBA Baseball Blog.  Sign up right here on the left hand column of the Blog.  No user ID or password is required, just your name and e mail address.  And we do NOT share lists.  Subscribers get weekly updates with the Player of the Week, Tips, photos and more...


If you have a Sports Short about your favorite All-Star or your local youth team, send it to ken@allstarbaseballacademy.com.  We welcome your baseball news and updates.

SIGN UP NOW FOR FUTURE STARS!   All four of the ASBA facilities are hosting "Future Stars" Spring Training programs with top-rated indoor work-outs that run for 5 weeks.  The sessions start in March, and are one hour per week.  Registration is now open by stopping into your local ASBA training center, or sign up on our website today.....Players are invited to sign up now as these sessions are popular.  Future Stars training is for players from ages 5 through 12, with groups set up for weekly work-outs by age category.  See the specific work-out schedule for your All-Star on the ASBA website.  Total cost for the 5-week program is $150.....Improve your baseball fundamentals like hitting, pitching, and throwing with the help of our certified All Star Baseball staff and get a head start on your upcoming season!

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ALL STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK.... from Todd Davison

This week's Tip is from Todd Davison, Manager of our Broomall Academy and a former star infielder in college and professional baseball.  He was also a speedy runner who could make an impact on the bases.  To schedule a lesson package with Todd or other top instructors at ASBA Broomall, call our staff at 610-355-2411 to sign up!

Base Running Should Be Practiced More, and Can Help Your Team Win!


Base running is a huge part of baseball that young players don't practice enough. Running hard through first base (not to the base) is the first step!

When running to first, the player must take 3 looks on his way to the base. The first look is after the player hits the ball.  At 3 steps into his run he must look into the field to locate the baseball. The next look is down on the first base bag to make sure he touches the front edge of the base with the front half of the foot. 

The third and final look is after running through the base, the player must break down and look to his right to see if there is an overthrow.  If you hit the ball into the outfield, you will make your turn and look toward second base.  Listen to your first base coach and his verbal instructions, too.

With these 3 looks, the player will be aware of the ball location, the location of the first base bag to avoid injury, and possible situations like an overthrow or a liner into the outfield gap where he can advance to the next base. Injury is common when running to first base at all levels, so the proper technique and the use of the "3 Looks" are important components for you as a developing player in the game of baseball.  These practices are often overlooked but they can help you contribute to your team's offense and make you a better player, too.
 

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