ALL STAR BASEBALL ACADEMY TEAM OF THE WEEK: West Chester's 14U Team

This week’s Team of the Week award goes to the 14U team from our West Chester Facility. They went 2-1 at Diamond Nation for the weekend of 11th and 12th. Their wins came against the Diamond Nation 14U team and the Diamond Nation Super 13’s, with the lone loss against the eventual tournament winners Wall Baseball. They are coached by Creighton Gubanich.

Tyler Kight picked up the complete game win against Diamond Nation’s 14U squad, as the ASBA 14U team won 5-1. He allowed just 5 hits and one earned run to earn the win, his first of the year. In a 12-10 slug fest against the Diamond Nation Super 13’s, Vincent Drake got the win, throwing 4 solid innings. Daniel Schupper was able to close it out, picking up his first save of the year for the 14U team.

Despite a 13-5 loss to Wall Baseball, who went on to win the tournament, Gubanich was pleased with his team’s effort.

“We lost to the team who won it all, but the score of that game was not really indicative of the way we played. This weekend was our first time playing together as a team, and I think we really started to gel as a team in this game. For our first tournament together, I would say that we came out a little slow, but it was a good learning experience, and I think we’re set to have a great season.”

Offensively, Korey Leidheiser, Matt Harrison, and Gabe Hofferman were standouts, as they combined to go 12 for 22. Leidheiser hit .571 for the weekend, while Harrison was 5 for 9 with 5 RBI’s. Hofferman contributed with 3 hits and 3 walks, as well as scoring 3 of the teams 22 runs. As a team, they hit .313 and had a slugging percentage of .413.

The 14U team is off until July 16th and 17th. They play at Ripken Baseball in Aberdeen, Maryland.

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ALL STAR BASEBALL ACADEMY PLAYER OF THE WEEK: James Bunn

James Bunn, a centerfielder from Princeton, New Jersey, has been named All Star Baseall Academy's Player of the Week for the week of June 11th. Bunn, a Rising Senior, is a speedy centerfielder for ASBA Warminster's 17U Showcase Team and for Pennington Prep (NJ).

For the weekend of June 11th and 12th, James was 10 for 16, including a home run to center field in a showcase tournament at the University of Pitt. James is coached by John Bellis, who was very pleased with his performance for the weekend, as well as for the season.

"The best part about James is his combination of raw talent and knowledge of the game, more specifically his knowledge of mechanics. He has a very easy swing, it's very smooth and quick. He covers a lot of ground in center field, and his speed is a large part of his game," Bellis says.

When asked about his experience with the 17U Showcase Team, James has enjoyed it and expects it to only get better.

"I really like the team I'm playing for, it's been a great experience for me. We haven't had a ton of success so far, but I know we're going to win a lot of games this summer, and we're going to have fun doing it."

His parents have also been impressed with the program, as his mother emphasized.

"We're very impressed with the quality of the teams they've played, as well as the level of play of the team. We're also impressed with the knowledge of the college recruiting process that the coaches possess. We've learned a lot about the process from ASBA, and the kids that James is playing with have been great as well."

As of June 14th, James was also named the Prep Player of the Year for the state of New Jersey by The Trentonian, as well as being named to the all-area first team. He is currently talking to Bucknell, Lafayette, and Stony Brook to continue his playing career at the collegiate level. The 17U Showcase Team plays again Friday at Diamond Nation in Flemington, NJ. at 1:15 P.M.

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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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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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