Baseball Player Magazine 2010 Summer Issue by Lauren Jaeger

2010 MLB AMATEUR BASEBALL DRAFT ONE ON ONE Alberto Morales

2010 SUMMER ISSUE

BROOKLYN LEGEND Meet Jim McElroy

PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT

Keith Couch and Bruce Kern

YOU'RRRE OUT! BPM SNAPSHOTS

West Islip High School's, Frank Gagliardi going for the double play vs. Centereach High School, April 20, 2010. Photography by Ellen Schuerger

Summer 2010 Congratulations Lindenhurst High School 2010 New York State Class AA Champions

Brooklyn Legend: Jim McElroy

By Lauren Jaeger Meet Jim McElroy, one of the most influential men in New York Baseball history. 15

18 26 34 45

Running the Bases: 3B

BPM’s High School Starting Lineup

By Alexander Garrett

Hitting Q&A

Hamptons Collegiate Baseball

One On One with Alberto Morales

Half Hollow Hills Little League

By Arthur Greenberg

College Recruiting 101

Player Wellness: Thrower’s Elbow

Making The Pitch

2010 MLB Amateur Baseball Draft

By Glen Van Dusen

Life In the Minors: Matt Rizzotti

Players Spotlight: Keith Couch & Bruce Kern

USA Baseball 18U Team

Softball Xtra Innings: Hitting

By Steve Sidoti

BPM Crossword: Where Am I?

Baseline Food & Recipes

Around The Island With Aunt E

25 Things: Brendan Harris

BPM Photo Hunt

A Challenger League That Meets The Challenge

By Ellen Schuerger

Cover photo by Ellen Schuerger. Table of Contents photo by Kevin Colton.

Dear Reader

Another spring season has come to an end, but baseball is far from over. Summer is here, and that means baseball is in full swing. On almost any baseball field you drive past, two teams will be battling it out, whether it be a little league, travel ball or a summer college game. The BPM team is confident that summer baseball will be just as impressive as the spring season. We are excited to present you with our third 2010 issue of BPM. As always we hope that you continue to give us your feedback and opinions. We want each and every baseball player and fan to be able to take something away from our publication. In this issue we will introduce you to the remaining members of our BPM High School Staring Lineup. You will meet a gentleman who has helped shape baseball in Brooklyn, a young man from Norman Thomas High School who is following his dream to play professional baseball, and a dynamic duo making an impact in the world of fastpitch. You’ll also read about USA Baseball, whose 18U National Team will be visiting NY to play in the Greater New York Sandlot Baseball Classic Tournament and Showcase, July 6th - July 10th. Once again we have instructional columns, inspiring moments, tips and interviews. You’ll also enjoy the unbelievable photographs taken all over the island with our staff photographer, Aunt E. You have all inspired her in more ways than you can imagine. Our goal is still the same; Educate, Inform, Inspire and Interact. Whether you know it or not, we’ve been out there watching you all play ball. You’ve been an inspiration to our staff. Watching teams come together, support each other, in victory or defeat, has been an experience that we’ve enjoyed over the 2010 spring season. Players, coaches, umpires, parents and fans, we wish you continued success in your summer season. Please be sure to visit www.baseballplayermagazine.com for all the latest baseball information. Play Ball! Sincerely, The BPM Team

Brandon Kurz Owner/Chairman Michael Ambort Vice President Jennifer Jaeger Vice President/Editorial Director Lauren Jaeger Vice President/Publisher Art Directors James Konatich Keith Reilly Staff Photographer Ellen Schuerger BPM/Contributing Editors Andris Dikmanis, Joe Francisco, Alenxander Garrett, Arthur Greenberg, Lillian Hammond, Matt Lemanczyk, Brett Mauser, Catherine McGee, Ashley Michaels, Kristi Reilly, Steve Sidoti, Julie Soviero, Glen Van Dusen, Kelsey Walker, Gayle Yodowitz The BPM team would like to, once again, extend special thanks to all our friends and family that helped to support us this baseball season; we love you all and appreciate your support. We would also like to especially thank: Bill Batewell, Timothy Brown, Paul Busciolano, Joe Bonin, Butch Caulfield, Danielle Cutuli, Vinny Dusovic, Jake Fehling, Ron Goldberg, Haig Graphics, Victor Feld, Brendan Harris, Tom Hennig, Jon Kars, Wayne Kryduba, Johnnie LaRossa, Jay Mack, Teri Mangione, Jim & Joan McEvoy, Alberto Morales, Rich Muraco, Kevin Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe, Sebestian Paul, Rick Riccobono, Ayisha Richards-McKay, Rob Rippe, Matt Rizzotti, Lou Santos, David Schofield, Annelise Searle, Samantha Yodowitz, USA Baseball, all of the coaches, players and editors. Copyright ÂŠ2010 Baseball Player Magazine is published under Baseball Player Magazine, NY & NJ Inc. All rights reserved. Baseball Player Magazine is published quarterly and printed by Haig Graphics, 90 Old Willets Path Hauppauge, NY 11788. Tel 631-582-5800 Fax 631-582-2806 Official Printer of BPM

For questions and comments, please email

info@baseballplayermagazine.com

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Certified Public Accountant â&#x20AC;˘ Sports & Entertainment www.jalarossacpapc.com

BY MATT LEMANCZYK

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination.” - Tommy Lasorda

s a base runner, standing on 2nd base is exciting. You are in the position to score. There is only one base that stands between you and home plate; 3rd base. Taking the correct approach towards and around 3rd base is crucial when it comes to being safe on a bang-bang play at 3rd base and even home plate. There are three different ways to approach 3rd base. Each way will be determined by how many outs there are. The amount of outs will determine how you need to take your primary lead off of 2nd base and will ultimately effect how you approach 3rd base. The FIRST WAY to approach 3rd base (from 2nd) is “full steam ahead.” Meaning, you are running in a straight line. This approach is most commonly used when there are no outs. Now, of course with no outs it's easy for you to start thinking score, score, score, but let's not lose sight of how the game of baseball is played. It is a very systematic game with an enormous amount of strategy involved. With no outs, the batter can bunt the runner over to 3rd base, try to hit “behind the runner,” meaning hit a hard ground ball up the middle or to the right side of the infield, or try to drive the runner in. Regardless of what the batter is trying to do, with no outs your primary objective is to reach 3rd base with one out. With a runner on 3rd base and one out, you can score on a sacrifice fly. This is text book baseball, “Get 'em over, get 'em in.” In this situation the primary lead should be taken in the base path between 2nd and 3rd base, after all, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. This will allow you to gain a step or two

6 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

towards 3rd base by just properly positioning yourself in the base path. The SECOND WAY to approach 3rd base (from 2nd) is the “question mark turn”. This turn is used at all three bases, as it is the fastest most efficient way to advance around a base on a ball that is hit through the infield. This approach will occur when there are no outs because you are taking your lead in the base path looking to potentially advance to 3rd base. Initially, on a batted groundball in the infield that would advance the runner to 3rd base, you are thinking “full steam ahead,” but once the ball gets through the infield you will need to belly out to the right in order to round 3rd base. This is so that you are running in a straight line from 3rd base to home plate. It's important that you are prepared to belly out because on most batted balls in this situation, the 3rd base coach will act as your eyes. At any given point the 3rd base coach may wave you home, and in return you must know to quickly use the question mark turn to increase the chances of being safe at home plate. The THIRD WAY to approach 3rd base (from 2nd) is the “hard left cut.” This approach requires you to take a deeper lead off of the base path and run in a straight line toward the 3rd base foul line before cutting left and touching the inside corner of 3rd base on your way to home plate. This situation will occur with one or two outs. The primary lead should be taken back, away from the base path, four to five feet towards leftfield. This is done to pre-round 3rd base. With one or two outs, the batter should be looking to drive the runner in, not to advance the runner to 3rd base. Purposely sacrific-

ing an out when there is one out in order to advance a base runner to 3rd is not smart baseball; with two outs, the sacrifice fly is no longer an option. Knowing this is why you can take a deep primary lead off of 2nd base. Now, when you are advancing on a batted ball and the 3rd base coach is sending you home, you no longer have to worry about bellying out and using the question mark turn. With the deeper primary lead you simply run in a straight line and cut in towards 3rd base when it's time to, two to three feet before reaching 3rd base, in order to set up a straight run to the plate. This approach from 2nd base is the fastest and most efficient way to run the bases and score with one to two outs on the score board.

FIRST WAY

SECOND WAY

John Colby Hauppauge High School

THIRD WAY

(PHOTO LEFT) ELLEN SCHUERGER \ (PHOTO TOP) ÂŠ ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

CONGRATULATIONS ON INCREDIBLE 2010 SEASON! NEW YORK STATE CLASS AA CHAMPIONS

LINDENHURST HIGH SCHOOL LONG ISLAND NASSAU/SUFFOLK WANTAGH HIGH SCHOOL LONG ISLAND CLASS A CHAMPION WANTAGH HIGH SCHOOL NASSAU COUNTY CLASS A CHAMPION

KINGS PARK HIGH SCHOOL SUFFOLK COUNTY CLASS A CHAMPION

LINDENHURST HIGH SCHOOL LONG ISLAND AA CHAMPION CALHOUN HIGH SCHOOL NASSAU COUNTY AA CHAMPION

LINDENHURST HIGH SCHOOL SUFFOLK COUNTY AA CHAMPION

SOUTHAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL LONG ISLAND CLASS B CHAMPION OYSTER BAY HIGH SCHOOL NASSAU COUNTY CLASS B CHAMPION

SOUTHAMPTON HIGH SCHOOL SUFFOLK COUNTY CLASS B CHAMPION

FRIENDS ACADEMY LONG ISLAND CLASS C CHAMPION FRIENDS ACADEMY NASSAU COUNTY CLASS C CHAMPION

MCGANN-MERCY SUFFOLK COUNTY CLASS C CHAMPION

NEW YORK CITY TOTTENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL PSAL DIVISION A CHAMPION RIVERDALE/KINGSBRIDGE ACADEMY PSAL DIVISION B CHAMPION

CHSAA (CATHOLIC LEAGUE) HOLY TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPION ST. JOSEPHS-BY-THE-SEA NEW YORK CITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION A CHAMPION

Jonathan McGibbon

Lindenhurst High School NY State Class AA Champions

MONSIGNOR SCANLAN HIGH SCHOOL NEW YORK CITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION B CHAMPION

PHOTO BY KEVIN COLTON

8 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

2010 HIGH SCHOOL

STARTING

LINEUP You were introduced to the BPM 2010 High School Starting Lineup in the Winter issue. Now it is time to get to know these players a little better; their proudest baseball accomplishments to date, their role models, and where they are off to come the fall. Each of these players were handpicked by the BPM staff after recommendations by coaches, players and experts in the field. They all represent the qualities and skills that fans, coaches and competitors appreciate, respect and admire.

X IN THIS ISSUE KEVIN COURTNEY JOE LIPARI MIKE MARTIN T.J. PECORARO MARK PODLAS MATT REISTETTER IAN SCHNEIDER

PHOTOS BY ELLEN SCHUERGER

XBPM2010 STARTING LINEUP CFXMark Podlas AGE: 18 BIRTH DATE: September 15, 1991 BATS: Left THROWS: Left HIGH SCHOOL: Westhampton Beach High School COLLEGE: University of Virginia TRAVEL TEAM: ABD Bulldogs STAND OUT STATS: .483 Batting AVG, 5 HRs BEST BASEBALL ACCOMPLISHMENT/MEMORY TO DATE: Hitting seven homeruns in 10 games in Cooperstown, NY and getting to the championship game in WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, FL. FAVORITE PRO BALL PLAYER: Derek Jeter BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE: Parents “We knew we had a special player in our program since the first time we saw Mark play. In the past five years we have seen Mark progress into an exceptional baseball player and young man.” - Terry Moran (Varsity Coach)

Joe Lipari WP AGE: 17 BIRTH DATE: August 23, 1992 BATS: Right THROWS: Right HIGH SCHOOL: Massapequa High School COLLEGE: Undecided TRAVEL TEAM: Long Island Braves STAND OUT STATS: 6 - 2 and 0.87 WHIP BEST BASEBALL ACCOMPLISHMENT/ MEMORY TO DATE: Starting pitcher in the first game of the 2009 Nassau County Championship series and winning. FAVORITE PRO BALL PLAYER: Johan Santana BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE: My Dad Joe Lipari has been a significant contributor to the Massapequa varsity baseball team for the past three years. He has been to the New York State championships both years as an underclassmen. This year he would like to lead his team to the 'AA' Nassau County, Long Island and New York State championships.” - Thomas Sheedy Jr. (Varsity Coach)

Matt Reistetter WC AGE: 18 BIRTH DATE: May 5, 1992 BATS: Left THROWS: Right HIGH SCHOOL: Hauppauge High School COLLEGE: Hofstra University TRAVEL TEAM: Long Island Tigers STAND OUT STATS: 149 career high school hits with over 100 runs and 100 RBI BEST BASEBALL ACCOMPLISHMENT/MEMORY TO DATE: Winning the National Championship in 2008 with the Long Island Tigers. FAVORITE PRO BALL PLAYER: David Wright BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE: My Dad “Matt is the best player to ever play at Hauppauge. Truly a once in a coach's career type of kid.” - Kevin Giachetti (Varsity Coach)

PXT.J. Pecoraro AGE: 17 BIRTH DATE: November 22, 1992 BATS: Right THROWS: Right HIGH SCHOOL: Half Hollow Hills High School West COLLEGE: Vanderbilt University TRAVEL TEAM(S): Diesel Baseball/Long Island Titans STAND OUT STATS: 86 strikeouts in 50 innings, pitched complete game no hitter in East Cobb, GA. BEST BASEBALL ACCOMPLISHMENT/MEMORY TO DATE: Being selected for the Area Code Games and pitching in Yankee Stadium, Minnesota Metrodome, and Fenway Park, all in the summer when I was 16. FAVORITE PRO BALL PLAYER: Derek Jeter BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE: My Dad “T.J. is a focused talented young man. He is the hardest throwing pitcher I have coached at Hills West. He treats his teammates as well as his opponents with the utmost respect. I believe he has a bright future and very exciting things are just around the corner.”- Tom Migliozzi (Varsity Coach)

2010 MLB Amateur Baseball Draft

Houston Astros

Drafted 48th Round

XBPM2010 STARTING LINEUP 3BXIan Schneider AGE: 17 BIRTH DATE: July 24, 1991 BATS: Right THROWS: Right HIGH SCHOOL: Mt. Sinai High School COLLEGE: Dowling College TRAVEL TEAM: Long Island Titans STAND OUT STATS: .485 Batting AVG, threw no-hitter against Hampton Bays. BEST BASEBALL ACCOMPLISHMENT/MEMORY TO DATE: Home Run against Thor Miller of Miller Place in first career playoff game. FAVORITE PRO BALL PLAYER: Derek Jeter BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE: Parents “Ian is one of the hardest working, most dedicated athletes I've ever had the privilege to coach. His success, both on and off the field is in direct correlation to this work ethic. Both athletically and personally, he will be sorely missed next year.” - Eric Reichenbach (Varsity Coach)

PXMike Martin AGE: 17 BIRTH DATE: June 5, 1992 BATS: Right THROWS: Left HIGH SCHOOL: Chaminade High School COLLEGE: Manhattan College TRAVEL TEAM: Storm Academy STAND OUT STATS: 8 wins, 2.94 ERA BEST BASEBALL ACCOMPLISHMENT/MEMORY TO DATE: 8 inning 1 hit shutout of Bayside Yankees during 16 year old season. Walked none had 9 K's. FAVORITE PRO BALL PLAYER: Andy Pettitte BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE: My family and Dave Lemanczyk "Mike is a pitching coach's dream, a very smart pitcher with pinpoint control and great movement on his fastball. He has a great low zone changeup, and a nasty curveball; he can throw any pitch on any count and easily outmatches the leagues best hitters. Pitcher's like Martin don't come around every year." - George Schel (Varsity Pitching Coach) PHOTO BY ED MARTIN

Kevin Courtney WP/1B AGE: 17 BIRTH DATE: June 7, 1992 BATS: Left THROWS: Left HIGH SCHOOL: St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School COLLEGE: Stony Brook University TRAVEL TEAM: Long Island Titans STAND OUT STATS: .515 Batting AVG, 6-1 with 1.14 ERA BEST BASEBALL ACCOMPLISHMENT/MEMORY TO DATE: 2009 NSCHSAA League MVP FAVORITE PRO BALL PLAYER: Mariano Rivera BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE: My Parents “Kevin is one of the most fierce competitors I have ever seen in my 22 years of coaching at St John the Baptist. He brings his “A - Game” to the mound every time he pitches. He gives it everything he has, every day and every pitch. Compiling a 16-1 record going into his senior year, I think the sky is the limit for Kevin. He has great leadership qualities and brings out the best in his teammates. On top of all his pitching accomplishments, Kevin is a two way player, who had one of the best single season hitting performances I have ever seen, batting over .500 and leading the league in many categories. Kevin became the league MVP as a Junior. I have seen some great players go through this program. But I have never seen or imagined anything like this. And with all of Kevin's accomplishments, winning is the most important thing to him, not personal stats. That's what makes Kevin a special player.” - Ralph Dalton (Assistant Varsity Coach)

By Alexander Garrett Photos by Ellen Schuerger

For many young children who adore sports, the first game they’ll ever play will be on a little league field. However, what happens when this young boy or girl is born, or during life, stricken with having a disability? For many people their immediate thoughts are on the “can not”. Thankfully there are many people who believe in what people can do, not what they can’t. The Challenger Division, established in 1989, is a division of Little League that affords the same opportunities to children who are mentally or physically challenged, and enabled them to engage in America’s pastime. Worldwide, there are more than 900 Challenger Divisions with more than 30,000 children participating. Here in New York we have many Challenger Leagues that take the field night in and night out, but this issue of BPM would like take the time to introduce you to the Smithtown/St. James Challenger League, run by Teri Mangione and President Jay Mack. Founded about a decade

ago, Ms. Mangione was inspired to create this league because her son, Nicholas, who was diagnosed with cancer at a tender age of five, had his athletic days knocked down, but certainly not out. After helping him recover, Ms. Mangione decided it was time to get her son back on the diamond, and through the creation of the Smithtown/St. James Challenger League, she did just that. Challenger games can be played in many different ways. Some games may be played as coach pitch, others t-ball and some player pitch. Each team can consist of up to twenty players and everyone hits. Unlike what many consider a “normal” game, there are also different options when it comes to hitting. Some leagues have the teams hit through the line up, others have a certain run total, while some get three outs. Whatever the case, you get your turn to get in the batters box, and then it’s your turn to take the field. Because some children’s disability may restrict them more than others,

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 15

“I have spent a lot of time watching and taking pictures of baseball players all over Long Island. Some are fair, some are good and some are great. A great baseball team should exemplify all the good things about baseball; teamwork and learning are two of the main things Little League aims to teach. Doing your best and having fun are also very important. To this extent, these players are the best I have ever seen and the most memorable team I have ever photographed.” Ellen Schuerger, Baseball Player Magazine Photographer

Little League uses a buddy system for the ball players. If assistance is needed on the field to make a play, or at the plate when hitting, their buddy is there to assist them to get that hit, or make that play. This in itself exemplifies what teamwork is all about! In all, there are over 35 players that participate; and Teri says, “Watching them have fun and play makes my week”. Each year new players enter the league and are placed in either the Minor or Major Division. The children play a game just like many of us see when we drive past our local fields. Shortstops making plays, first basemen catching the ball, line drives being hit 16 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

and ball players running the bases. What may seem different to some are the buddies supporting the players out on the field. They may throw, help hit the ball or make the play at first. Buddies volunteer their time to make sure that baseball is enjoyed by all children that want to play the game. Jay Mack, President of Smithtown/St. James has been involved with the league for 12 years. As President, he echoes the joys that Teri Mangione has of seeing the kids play on the diamond, saying “there’s nothing better.” Mr. Mack gives all the credit in the world to Ms. Mangione, because of what she went through and how the Challenger League has allowed all children to participate in the sport that they love.

00 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

Lucky Number 13 Like countless other aspiring baseball players across America, Norman Thomas High Schools' senior shortstop Alberto Morales has idolized Derek Jeter since he was young. However, few have followed Jeter's lead as well as Morales, a clutch-hitting slick fielder with a disciplined eye whose passion for the game has him prepared for his next baseball journey to play with the Clarendon College Bulldogs in Clarendon, Texas. A leader on his high school team, ranked 20th in the nation by Baseball America, this 6'2, 197 lbs., shortstop took some time to speak with Baseball Player Magazine about the exciting opportunities ahead of him.

ONE NE with

ALBERTO MORALES

By Arthur Greenberg Photos by Keith Reilly

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 19

ONE with ONE ALBERTO MORALES B P M

BPM: How did you get started playing baseball? Alberto: When I was about six, my older friends were in a local youth baseball league. They kept trying to get me to go to games, and eventually I went to one. I really liked what I saw, so they brought over a registration sheet. I signed up right there and I've been playing ever since. BPM: How did you progress as a player when you were young? Alberto: I never really had trouble defensively, but hitting was definitely an issue for me when I was younger. I'd say fundamentally I was in good shape but as I got bigger my hitting caught up with the rest of my game. BPM: Did you have anyone helping you in that department? Alberto: My coach, Ernie Cruz, worked with me from when I was 14 to when I was 17. It really helped me a lot, and positioned me to start on my high school team. It was hitting drill after hitting drill, but the more you work at it the further you get. His brother was a huge help too. I'm very grateful for all the direction they gave me; they've helped make me the player I am today. BPM: Tell me a little bit about your experiences on the Norman Thomas baseball team. Alberto: Well, I made the team as a freshman. I didn't play a lot because there were some older players ahead of me. I was on the bench most of the time, and that was a new experience for me. I was good defensively but still had my work cut out for me at the plate. BPM: So would you say your work with Ernie Cruz paralleled your ascension to the starting lineup? 20 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

Alberto: Oh, absolutely. As a sophomore they had me starting at second base because my hitting had improved tremendously. I was also taking lots of walks and getting on base more. When my junior season started they moved me to shortstop; I've been there since then. I absolutely love it there. BPM: Your team is pretty accomplished this year, you must be proud. Alberto: I'm very happy with our team. I'm proud of what we've done. It's basically been the same group of guys since freshman year, and we've really grown up together. We haven't lost many games and there's a ton of chemistry because we've played together for so long. BPM: A disappointing loss to John Adams knocked your team out of the playoffs. What was running through your mind? Alberto: I was really disappointed. We wanted to win, but it wasn't our year. Norman Thomas was our home. I feel like we were all meant to be together. It's hard knowing it's over and we're all going our separate ways, but we're all prepared to go to college. BPM: Which major league players have you found most influential? Alberto: I'd have to start with Derek Jeter. He's a great role model, does everything right, and carries himself well. He goes out and plays every day, giving it 100%. He's also a fantastic leader. I've watched him forever and I'm absolutely a huge fan. Alex Rodriguez is definitely up there too; they both inspire me. BPM:You're a senior at Norman Thomas High School. What are your plans for next year? Alberto: I have a full ride to Clarendon College in Texas. I'm excited to go to school and play baseball at the college level. I'm looking forward to getting stronger,

smarter and facing pitchers at the next level. Do you change your workouts at different points BPM: Congratulations, that is really exciting! What during the year? drew you to Clarendon? Alberto: We do a lot of indoor work in gyms. We Alberto: They definitely wanted me there, and I have the same general fitness workouts that we do took a tour and liked it a lot. It was definitely the during the season, and they translate well indoors. most interesting school I looked at. It's a two- We still can do the essential baseball activities, like year school, and it has a great baseball program. taking ground balls and hitting in cages, but it's not I'm definitely excited to play there. quite the same. For that reason we really have to BPM: We heard you had an interest in architec- work twice as hard, but it's totally worth the extra ture, is that true? effort. It's never really a question of whether we Alberto: My uncle is an engineer. He's built want to work hard enough to keep up with players bridges and things like that, civil stuff. He would from warmer areas, we just do. show me his work, and I always thought it was BPM: How do you balance an intense athletic awesome. I'd love to get into something like that schedule with your social life? someday down the road. Alberto: Well, I really don't BPM: Architecture is a fasgo out a whole lot. Baseball Alberto is a young man cinating field. Have you definitely comes first. For ever considered combining the most part I go to school, who came out of middle it with your passion for play baseball, and then school with no fanfare or hype. baseball? stay home and rest for the He paid his dues and worked Alberto: Not really, to be next day. very hard, and he's developed honest. Another interest of BPM: During the summer, mine is sports marketing. you play baseball constantly. into a fantastic baseball player.â&#x20AC;? BPM: And does Clarendon Where do you play? - Nerva Jean Pierre have programs for someAlberto: I play in the Youth Baseball Coach thing like that? Service summer league, Norman Thomas High School Alberto: Yes, they do. It was which has a really hectic also one of the reasons I schedule. We play about chose them. It would allow me to pursue my aca- 125 games a year. It's a lot like the majors in that demic interests while playing for a great baseball regard, you have to be prepared every day. This program, really the best of both worlds. summer I'm also trying out for the Greater New BPM: You played a game at Yankee Stadium York Sandlot All-Star team. It would be great to recently. What was that like? have the experience to play against Team USA! Alberto: That was June 9th of last year. It was the BPM: Have any MLB teams approached you? New York State Championship game. It was eas- Alberto: I've been approached by the Reds, A's, and ily the best experience of my life. Walking out Blue Jays. The Reds invited me to a pre-draft there, it was really special. workout, and that was really cool. I've been realBPM: We're assuming that playing on Derek Jeter's ly impressed by them. I also like the Blue Jays, turf must have been special. True? they had scouts at a few of my games. Alberto: When I stepped on the field, the first BPM: Has the presence of MLB scouts at your thing I thought about was the fact that I am playing games affected you at all? on the same field as my idol does every day. I can't Alberto: Not really. You know, I just try to ignore really describe how great it was. I went 2 for 2 with the pressure and play. I don't let myself get too tense a double, and had a couple of defensive opportuni- and I just play my game. So far, that's worked pretty ties, I played pretty well. It was really exciting. well for me, and hopefully things will continue to fall BPM: I had planned on asking what your great- into place. You never know what's going to happen, est baseball memory was, but it seems like play- and who is going to follow you down the road. I just ing at Yankee Stadium might be it. want to go out and play to the best of my ability. Alberto: Totally. I loved every minute of it. BPM: That sounds like the right approach. Thank BPM: How do you keep up with players who have you for talking with us, Alberto, and best of luck the benefit of playing year-round in warm weather? down in Texas! We'll keep in touch!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 21

XHITTING Q&A BY JOE FRANCISCO PHOTOS BY ELLEN SCHUERGER

ALTHOUGH NOT A GOOD IDEA TO COPY, WHAT CURRENT MLB PLAYER HAS THE IDEAL SWING? Before I answer who has the ideal swing in MLB, I would like to comment on it “not being a good idea to copy a MLB swing.” I completely disagree with that comment. If you have read my articles in the past, I have explained how there are only two ways to swing: 1. the right way and 2. the wrong way. Now we are talking about the swing, not stance or finish (the two individual elements in the swing). From load to extension you can basically overlay every Major League hitter and have an almost identical swing (within reason). So I feel you should copy what MLB hitters do in the middle of their swing. As far as who has the ideal swing; from the right side you have Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez; from the left side Joe Mauer, Ichiro Suzuki and although he’s not playing, Barry Bonds, who arguably has greatest swing of all time. HOW FAST IS THE AVERAGE BASEBALL SWING? It’s tough to say because there are so many conflicting numbers out there. What I do know is that there was a study done by Washington University in St. 22 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

Louis that tested Albert Pujols’ bat speed. Swinging a 31.5 ounce bat, Pujols bat speed was 86.99 mph. Babe Ruth, who used a 54 ounce bat, swung at an estimated speed of 75 mph. Years ago on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, they would track bat speeds and the top two players at the time, Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds, who both swung between 95-100 mph. To give an estimated average number I would say between 84-87 mph.

HOW CAN A HITTER ADD POWER TO THEIR SWING? This is a tough question to answer because each hitter can individually add certain elements to their swing to increase their power production. The easy answer; get stronger and your power will increase (this is true to an extent). The real answer is a simple equation: Speed + Strength = Power. If we increase our hand speed, as well as the speed in which our hands move past our body, we will increase bat head speed. Add in a strength program focusing in on our explosiveness and overall body strength, our stability and ability to transfer force will increase. Couple these together with a swing that gets our body properly aligned, and puts our bat on the correct six to nine degree slight upward plane as it gets through the strike zone, and we have a dangerous combination of ele-

ments. Like I said, tough question to answer. To keep it simple, get evaluated by a professional, find out where the deficiency in your swing is and work to improve upon it.

WHAT ARE THREE IMPORTANT TIPS FOR AN EFFECTIVE SWING? 1. VISUAL: Look to find the release point of the ball (where the pitcher lets go of the ball). If you can consistently see the arm slot and release point of the pitch, it will help you to see the rotation of the ball and figure out what pitch is coming earlier. The earlier we know the pitch the easier it is to hit. 2. PHYSICAL: We want to match the plane of the ball with the bat as long as possible. Remember the ball travels to home plate on a slight downward angle so we want to match that plane with a slight upward angle and strike the ball dead center. Absolutely, positively DO NOT SWING DOWN ON THE BALL unless your goal is to hit ground balls every at bat! 3. APPROACH: Look to drive the ball back through the pitcher and use the middle of the field. To become a successful hitter at a higher level, we need to be able to drive the ball to the opposite field gap with authority. If not, breaking balls and pitches on the outer half will be difficult to handle and give us a serious hole in our swing.

WHAT CAN A HITTER DO TO PREVENT THEIR BACK SHOULDER FROM DROPPING? Dropping the back shoulder is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed problems in the swing today. Any time a ball, goes in the air coaches and instructors alike tell you that you dropped your back shoulder. The truth is that dropping the back shoulder is a byproduct of the hips prematurely rotating and misaligning the body. Typically the cause of this problem is hitters being taught “squash the bug” (probably the worst thing to tell a hitter) and turning open way too early. To prevent this from happening work really hard to keep your front side and hips in longer, and get the bat head out front. Rotation should happen more towards the middle to the front side of your swing and works to clear your hips through the ball. IS HITTING OFF A TEE AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO DEVELOP A SWING? Hitting off a tee is one of the best ways to develop a quality swing. It becomes tough at times to find someone to hit with, but when you have a tee, that’s never a problem. The tee can be so effective, it gives you immediate feedback on what is going on in the swing. If you hate or struggle hitting off the tee (like many young hitters do) you are ignoring the signs that there is a serious problem in your swing. It may not be now but eventually these flaws will catch up to you and possibly end your career. BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 23

HITTING Q&A HOW DO YOU FIND THE CORRECT WEIGHT AND LENGTH OF A BAT? The chart below is a sizing chart used by Louisville Slugger (www.slugger.com) that can give you a good idea of what bat you should use. I would use this chart as a guideline to help you to get started. In no way is this absolute. I played at 5'9'', weighed between 190-210 lbs and used a 33” bat. If I used this chart I should have used a 34” bat. The most important thing is to find a bat that is both comfortable and controllable.

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE A BALL PLAYER TO INCREASE THEIR BAT SPEED? A great way to start to improve your bat speed is to increase the strength in your hands, wrists and forearm. Our elbows to fingers tips are considered our hitting muscles and increasing our strength in them will directly affect the bat speed. I have a three minute double bat circuit (www.YouTube.com/TeamFrancisco) that is sure give a great workout whether you are a novice or advanced player. I also would recommend the Power Bag, a product by Muhl Tech (www.MuhlTech.com), that helps hitters learn to drive through the ball and become more explosive. Bottom line the main ingredients to increase bat speed is hard work, time and effort. WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOUR COACH TELLS YOU TO “SWING THROUGH THE BALL”? “Swing through the ball” means to get the bat to contact, and then continue driving it forward until you reach extension. Many players hit the ball and immediately begin to start to finish their swings. In any striking sport the goal isn't to just hit the object, but to continue driving through that object for as long as possible. The next time you are hitting visu24 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

alize five consecutive balls and then as you swing drive the barrel through all five of them before your bat begins the finish. This should help give you a visual idea of what the coach is looking for you to do.

VISIT WWW.BASEBALLPLAYERMAGAZINE.COM FOR ANSWERS TO MORE HITTING QUESTIONS, INCLUDING: X Is it possible to hurt your swing if you are

pitched a poor BP session? X How often should I take BP, or be in the

cages during the season? X Is it better for a high school player to practice

with a wood bat or an aluminum bat?

We promised you a New & Improved website to compliment the magazine… and now, ITS HERE! Check out www.BaseballPlayerMagazine.com for the latest on local New York Baseball, as well as: • Extended Interviews • Online Exclusives • Additional Tips and Drills • Upcoming Events • Player Profiles • And so much more...

For more information on BPM, please visit the web, www.BaseballPlayerMagazine.com or email info@baseballplayermagazine.com

MAKING THE PITCH By Glen VanDusen Photos by Ellen Schuerger

Pitchers today need to rely on a variety of pitches to get hitters out.While developing an arsenal of pitches, a successful pitcher needs to start with good arm mechanics. Here are a few tips on how to get the best results on your pitches. First of all, you need to have quick hands: the quicker the break of the hands,the faster you will throw. Remember to keep your fingers on top of the baseball. As you begin your throwing motion, keep your throwing hand outside the elbow and your elbow shoulder height. Next, bring your glove hand away from your body and pull directly back into your chest. Continue the throwing motion by swinging your throwing elbow past your opposite knee to decelerate your arm. Always throw down hill. As you follow through, whip the throwing arm across the body from eleven o'clock to five o'clock (outside the opposite knee). Lastly, do not forget to get into a good fielding position by squaring up to the hitter. Be sure to stay balanced on the balls of both your feet to react quickly to the baseball. W Steven

Kimmelman

Riverhead High School

MAKING THE PITCH: THE ARSENAL FOUR-SEAM FASTBALL XPICTURE 01 The four-seam fastball is called a four seamer because when the ball is thrown the ball rotates such that there are four seams rotating in the air. This pitch typically will stay straight depending on your arm angle.Your arm angle is the angle at which your arm is when you release the ball. The lower your arm angle, the more the ball will move on this pitch and the higher the arm angle, the less the ball will move on this pitch. To grip the four-seam fastball, place your index and middle fingertips directly on the parallel seams of the baseball. Next, place your thumb directly beneath the baseball, resting on the smooth leather. Grip this pitch softly, like an egg, in your fingertips. There should be a space between the ball and your palm. This is the key to throwing a good, hard four-seam fastball with maximal backspin and velocity. A loose grip minimizes friction between your hand and the baseball. The less friction, of course, the quicker the baseball can leave your hand.

TWO-SEAM FASTBALL XPICTURE 02 A two-seam fastball is a variant of the straight fastball. It is similar to the sinker. The pitch has the speed of a fastball, but the general movement of a screwball. The pitcher grabs a baseball and finds the area on it where the seams are closest together. Then, the baseball is thrown like a four-seam fastball, with the index and middle fingers on each of those seams. The fingers can also be placed across the two seams. Each finger should be touching the seam from the closest to the palm of each finger. The thumb should rest underneath the ball in between the index and middle fingers, finding the apex of the horseshoe part of the seam.The thumb needs to rest on that seam from the side to the middle of its pad. The two-seam fastball is designed to have more movement than a four-seam fastball, but can be more difficult to master and control.

CURVEBALL XPICTURE 03 The curveball, is a type of pitch thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the ball. It is therefore considered a type of breaking ball (referring to the sense of the word break as in to quickly or suddenly move). As opposed to a fastball which has only backspin, the curveball instead has topspin that causes it to drop more as it is in flight. Additionally, because of mechanics of the throw, the pitch is usually significantly slower than the fastball. Curveballs may further trick the opponent by first appearing to be a ball while then curving into the strike zone. Likewise, a curveball may appear to be headed for the strike zone and end up curving outside.When throwing a curve, the pitcher creates downspin by rolling his palm and fingers over the top of the ball while releasing it. The direction of the break depends on the axis of spin on the ball.There are many variations of the curveball, but most are described in terms of their movement when superimposed on a clock. A "12-6" or "overhand" has a more or less straight downward action as it approaches the plate while more sweeping curveballs might be described as "1-7" or "slurves."

CIRCLE CHANGEUP XPICTURE 04 The circle changeup is thrown with a grip that includes a circle formation, hence the name. The circle is formed by making a circle with the index finger, holding the thumb at the bottom of the ball parallel to the middle finger and holding the ball far out in your hand. The ball is thrown turning the palm out.

SPLIT-FINGER FASTBALL OR SPLITTER XPICTURE 05 A split-finger fastball or splitter is named after the technique of putting the index and middle finger on different sides of the ball, or "splitting" them. When thrown hard, it appears to be a fastball to the batter, but suddenly "drops off the table" towards home plate. It suddenly moves down, towards the batter's knees. When thrown, the pitcher must emphasize the downward pull of the pitch at the end of his motion. Thrusting the hand and forearm downward is what causes the "drop off the table" movement from the pitch. The split-finger fastball is a very effective pitch with runners on base.

28 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

The Rise of Hamptons Collegiate Baseball

By Steve Sidoti Photo by Brett Mauser

In years past when people spoke about summer league baseball almost everyone’s first reaction was, “We’re going to the Cape.” Fortunately for us New Yorkers, we don’t have to take the three hour trek up 95N to see baseball talent. We can drive east, with our blankets, lawn chairs and coolers, to see college players from different parts of the country playing baseball. We can thank Rusty Leaver for making a vision of baseball in the Hamptons a reality. In the summer of 2007, he laid the building blocks for what is known today as HCB, or Hamptons Collegiate Baseball. In 2008, the debut year, the organization fielded just one team, the Hampton Whalers. The Whalers were placed in the Kaiser Division in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League. In

2009, HCB expanded to five teams; North Fork Ospreys, Riverhead Tomcats, Sag Harbor Whalers, Southampton Breakers and Westhampton Aviators. Last year the Westhampton Aviators came out on top and earned the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League Championship title. Quite the accomplishment for a team in its first year. Currently, the five teams make up the Hamptons division in the ACBL. Leaver’s idea was to have the league model itself after the Cape Cod League, a prestigious and well known collegiate summer league in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The baseball players reside with a host family, work in the local area and play baseball as the sun sets. With the HCB just two seasons in the books, the future is promising. Another added bonus for HCB is the addition of former big league pitcher Tommy John,

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 29

The Rise of Hamptons Collegiate Baseball Senior Vice President of Development. John is most known for his near 300 win career as a starting pitcher. He was the first to have, what is now known as “Tommy John Surgery,” a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the pitching elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body. The four-time All-Star and former Yankee, will work with the teams to help recruit and develop players, as well as evaluate the work of front office personnel and coaches. Each year, HCB reaches out to Division I schools across the country. This summer season has players traveling from Stanford, Long Beach State, Duke, Indiana, Minnesota, UCONN, St. John’s, Villanova, Southern Miss, and Vanderbilt. Continuing relationships with these well known programs only adds to the constant networking that the

organization has done as a whole in such a short time. Last season, the league held its first annual Major League Baseball Scout Day, in which its players were given the opportunity to perform with professional scouts in attendance. For six hours at Stony Brook Southampton, players from all five teams were able to showcase their talents in front of some of the games most experienced talent evaluators. The Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League was an idea a short time ago, and now a five team division with quality ballplayers. The HCB is very proud of their first ever draft pick, 2008 Whaler infielder Steve McQuail, taken by the Toronto Blue Jays in of the 30th round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Baseball Draft. All in all, it is evident that Hamptons Collegiate Baseball is a league on the rise.

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE

USA BASEBALL

34 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

18U TEAM

BY STEVE SIDOTI Last season's USA Baseball 18U team was one of the most prominent 18U teams that USA Baseball has put together in quite some time. That is saying something, considering that the 18U team has included the likes of former big league stars such as Albert Belle, John Smoltz, Mike Mussina, and Shawn Green to name a few. Some of the current major league stars that are now alumni include the likes of Alex Rodriguez, Matt Holliday, Brian Wilson, Andrew McCutchen, Billy Butler, Justin Upton, and Clayton Kershaw among many others. But despite the big names and success that these players have had playing professional baseball, none were able to bring home a gold medal to the 18U team. So, Long Island native Rick Riccobono took it upon himself to not only assemble the best talent possible, but to put together a group of players who understand the value of a team. In his first season as general manager, he did just that and brought home the COPABE Pan American AAA/18U Championship to team USA for the first time in the clubs history. (Photo Left) 2009 USA Baseball 18U National Team COPABE â&#x20AC;&#x153;AAAâ&#x20AC;?/18U Pan American Champions

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY USA BASEBALL

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 35

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE USA BASEBALL 18U TEAM According to Riccobono, “The bigger challenge for us over the years has not been the talent, but I think the chemistry, the idea of buying into the team concept and putting 'team' and in this case 'the country' before some of your own ambitions. This is a group that obviously was very talented and the draft showed it. But, they really bought into what the staff was telling them they needed to do from a chemistry perspective and accepting the role given to them. It was a very unique group in that respect.” You could also say that this group was unique in the sense that the roster included all of the top three selections in this year’s MLB First-Year Player Draft in Bryce Harper, Jameson Taillon, and Manny Machado, as well as the No. 9 overall pick, Karsten Whitson. In reference to the team aspect, Kevin Gausman is also a big-name player who bought into the concept as he accepted a closer role despite tremendous success as a starting pitcher. His willingness to put the team first, ultimately led him to close out the gold medal game against Cuba. The star of that final game was hard throwing right-hander, Jameson Taillon. The Texas high schooler, who was recently drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates (# 2 overall), was awarded the win after striking out 16 Cuban batters in 7.2 innings pitched, with no runs allowed and one walk. His outing and his “stuff ” was so spectacular, that his opponents knew that they were witnessing something special. So much so, that the Cuban players took pictures and asked for autographs following the game in which they were absolutely dominated by the 6'7 superstar. For the 2010 season, General Manager Rick Riccobono's goal will be to try and put together a team as talented as the group that brought home the gold medal last season. He and his staff have a ton of work ahead of them. The identification process for choosing players begins at “The Tournament of Stars.” This invitation only event is held at the teams' National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., and will last from June 23rd-27th. Throughout the week, 120 players will compete on eight different teams, all with the ultimate goal of playing for USA baseball. At the end of the week, it is down to 36 players who will advance to the next step, the 18U team trials.

36 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

The trials will take place for one week beginning June 29th. During the trials, these 36 players will participate in Red vs. Blue inter-squad scrimmages, which will help Riccobono's staff make some pretty tough decisions. At the conclusion of the trials, the final 20 man roster will be selected, and on July 4th, the 2010 roster will be announced. Once this roster is set, the 18U National Team will then go and train together in anticipation for the World Championships, which will take place later this year in Thunder Bay, Canada. Their training includes a stop playing in Washington D.C., where the players will learn what it truly means to wear the “U.S.A.” across their chests. They then will head to New York City for the Greater New York Sandlot Baseball Classic Tournament. The New York City trip includes a five game series throughout the metropolitan area, where they will face the Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance (GNYSAA) 2010 All-Star team. Off the field the team will enjoy a full tour of the city, made possible by the GNYSAA organization.

(Photo Above) First round 2010 MLB Draft picks, Bryce Harper (Washington Nationals) up to bat, Manny Machado (Baltimore Orioles) throwing. Photo by Rob Goldberg

“We think it's going to be a tremendous experience for these kids,” said Rick Riccobono of the tour. “I think I take it for granted a little bit because I grew up on Long Island, but a lot of these guys have never been to New York City. When you see the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero, it is one of those things that hits home, reminds you of who we are representing and what wearing a USA jersey truly means.” After New York, it will be on to Minnesota, where the 2010 team will play some semi-pro clubs, as well as international opponents including Team Canada and Chinese Taipei. From there, the team will make their way North to Thunder Bay, Canada for the World Championships, where they will see some of the world's best. The activities that Team USA participates in, helps the players better understand who they are

representing and allows them to appreciate the gift that they have, playing the game of baseball at such a high level. Last season, the team joined up with the Miracle League and played baseball with handicapped and disabled children. The team also visited Fort Bragg where the players spent time with some of the wounded warriors who were back from the Middle East. The players have so much to gain by playing for team USA, from the experiences off the field, to the unbelievable experiences they face on the diamond. In the end, they become better players and individuals, showing talent evaluators even more about themselves. When thinking about players who have truly impressed both on and off the field, Riccobono remembers witnessing first-hand the growth of a very talented pitcher. “Jameson Taillon is a great example,” said the one-time Boston Red Sox draftee. “He's a guy who I think a club can look at and say, 'you know what, this kid has pitched in as much as a pressure situation as you are ever going to pitch in against Cuba for a gold medal, in a game that the United States has never won and in Venezuela.' I think there is a lot of value in that. Our guys grow and mature not only on the field but definitely off of it as well. The experiences you have and the things that you have to overcome, the adversity you have to get through, it's extremely unique and our players are better for it on the back end.” When Rick Riccobono is out making his sales pitch to high school ballplayers and their parents, he wants to make sure they truly understand how great the opportunity really is. “With players, ultimately our job is to educate, and let them know what 'it' is all about,” said Riccobono. “It is no cost at all for the players who participate with us. We educate them on what the opportunity entails and what it really means. At the end of the day, I think it is something that the player inherently aspires to be a part of it or he does not. If a player really wants to represent his country, he is going to take the opportunity.” One thing is certain though, the Team USA 18U general manager will stick to his formula.“We say this a lot. It's about choosing the right guys, not necessarily the best guys. And that's a big part of what we do.”

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 37

By Gayle Yodowitz, All-American College Planning 1. The recruiting process started “yesterday.” College recruitment staff are looking at prospective players earlier than ever before. 2. The most recent educated calculations (April 2010) by the NCAA has determined that 6.3% of senior boys interscholastic baseball players will continue to play at a NCAA member institution. 3. Approximately 9.1% of the senior players on NCAA baseball teams will be drafted by a professional baseball team. 4. Don't set yourself on playing only Division I baseball. Explore your options at all levels of NCAA Baseball. 1. From day one in ninth grade, you are “on the clock”academically. If you take Regents classes in middle school, it begins that much sooner. 2. GRADES FIRST. Why? Coaches won't recruit if they can't get you accepted. If there are three recruiting prospects with GPAs of 3.3, 3.4 and 3.9, who do you think is the coaches #1 recruit! Better grades = more money and less academic risk.

. rmation re info magazine.com o m r o F yer eballpla ww.bas

s what he is • Recruit know a college. looking for in ip how leadersh • Ability to stics both on and characteris off the field. field both on the • Work ethic lassroom. and in the c d to yourself an • Commitment your team.

Do you have a challengin g academic schedule in place for September? JULY / AUGUST • Play the best and most com petitive baseball available to you. Try for the best team top tournaments and pos s and ition yourself within the hig hest level of competition • Check out college baseba as possible. ll program's upcoming cam ps. This is a great way to by a school you may be inte get noticed rested in attending. Is your academic schedu le set for the upcoming yea r? Is your guidance counse or your goal to play college lor aware baseball? JULY / AUGUST • Start learning about local and national Showcases. Find out what it takes to be a part • Prepare your athletic resu of these events. me. Include important stat s, game highlights, etc. • Begin preparing lists abo ut where you'd like to spend the your college career. Keep in mind you'll be ther e for four years. • Parents and athletes sho uld be communicating abo ut college expectations. Do you have the core cou rses needed for NCAA elig ibility? JULY / AUGUST • College coaches can beg in contact on July 1st, mak e sure you are prepared! • Send letters to prospectiv e colleges you feel are a good match with updates sophomore year season. of your • Attend Showcases and/or college camps. This is an exc elle • Research the admission nt way to get noticed. requirements for colleges that you are interested in Start planning visits to coll attending. eges to see if you like the location and campus. Do you still have a solid academic schedule? Hav e you registered with the eligibility center? NCAA JULY / AUGUST • Remember your senior year grades count. College s track grades through the of your senior year. completion • Review core academic req uirements with your guidan ce counselor. • Send out your Fall Ball sch edule to prospective college s. • If you are unsure that you will be a part of the early signing for National Letter in November 2010, be sure of Intent to research winter break camps offered by other coll eges.

Does a letter from a college mea n they want me to play? Many players will receive gene ric letters and other mass gene rated marketing items, none of which are a valid indication of interest. Coaches, for the most part, are more personal with their top recruits, who will receive eithe r hand-written notes, personalized emails, phon e calls or requests for school visit s. A word (or more) for the “folks” on attending camps Before committing to a camp, talk to the coach about where your son stands with his program. Is he being evaluate d for a scholarship? Inquiring abou t WHY you are being invited will help you mak e an informed decision so you can spend your money wisely. PHOTOS BY ELLEN SCHUERGER

Jim McElroy

Jaeger By Laureitnh Reilly Ke Photos by

The official definition of a legend is: a person or thing that inspires legends. I don’t think perhaps that there is a better term to describe Brooklyn and Baseball’s very own Jim McElroy. It was on April 27, 1930, that Brooklyn became the home to one of the most influential men ever in New York baseball history, James “Jim” McElroy. Eighty years later, Brooklyn is still his home, and both his passion and love for the game and the players is ever present.

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 41

The 1938 signed baseball, by then Brooklyn Dodgers first base coach, Babe Ruth that sits in McElory’s memorabilia room. Below: The “Brooklyn Cadet” that welcomes you to the McElroy home.

im’s true baseball career began in 1944 when he played on the very first Brooklyn Cadets team, which is now the longest active amateur baseball program in New York State. But it was long before 1944 that he fell in love with the game. One of his fondest memories dates back to an afternoon in 1938; he and a neighbor, Dan Brogan, took the trolley down to Ebbets Field to watch the Brooklyn Dodgers play. They had box seats, and Jim, eight years old at the time, had a baseball that he wanted to get signed. Dan called over the first base coach, and asked if he would sign the ball. Without hesitation, the ball was signed and a piece of baseball history was created. How many people do you know that can say Babe Ruth signed their baseball? A true “Sandlot Legend,” Jim has served Sandlot baseball and the Brooklyn Cadets Baseball Club (out of Marine Park) as a player, coach, manager, chairman and director, with 2010 representing his 66th year. He has coached many of the sports greats including, Joe Torre (Manager, Los Angeles Dodgers) Frank Torre (Boston Braves), Fred Wilpon (Owner, New York Mets), Sal Campisi (St. Louis Cardinals), Bob Aspromonte (Houston Astros), Frank Tepedino (New York Yankees), Rusty Torres (New York Yankees), Matt Galante

42 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

(Houston Astros), Bob Quinn (San Francisco Giants) and George Kalafatis (Detroit Tigers), to mention a few. Jim has been honored on countless occasions for his work both on and off the field, including inductions into the Parade Grounds League Hall of Fame, All American Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame, Saint Francis College Hall of Fame, CW Post Baseball Program Hall of Fame and the Brooklyn Sandlot Hall of Fame. Some of Jim’s awards also include being honored at Shea Stadium in 1977 by the Greater New York Mets Boosters for his outstanding contributions to the sport of baseball in the New York area; the USA Baseball National Volunteer Coach of the Year (1993); the Steve Lembo Award by the New York Professional Baseball Hot Stove League (1994), as well as the National Golden Diamond Award for Coach of the Year (1993), where he sat at the next table to, as Jim says “a very nice young gentlemen,” the then National Junior Player of the Year, Alex Rodriquez. Education was, and still is, quite high on the list of “must-haves” for McElroy. So much so, that he has established numerous scholarships within the Cadets Alumni Association. Each of these eight scholarships provides student-athletes that continuously show dedication, drive and deter-

BROOKLYN LEGEND : Jim McElroy mination, financial support in grammar school, high school and college. A man like Jim McElroy doesn’t come around too often, and when one does, you thank your lucky stars. The only thing you can truly do is admire, respect and hope that you can have an inkling of an effect on something that you love so deeply, as he has continues to have on baseball. According to Jim’s wife of 51 years, Joan, “Baseball is his life, I knew what I was signing up for and it was never a second thought.” You would never know it unless you have had the pleasure of meeting Jim McElroy; that in 1933, at the age of three, Jim suffered from polio in both legs. Jim’s legs were placed in plaster casts, which stopped the polio, but stunted his left leg from ever fully growing. This never stopped him from any-

thing, especially playing sports. He played both baseball and basketball, and performed incredibly well in both. You could say this was the first sign of the dedication, drive and passion that he would posses for decades to come. “Most people would have given up,” explains Joan (his wife), “Jim had two choices; he could hide behind the rock or stand on the rock, Jim stands on the rock.” As an outsider looking in, that couldn’t be truer. It was in 1957 that Jim joined the printers union and began working for the Eastern Press Printing Company. Jim was a printer by trade, as well a proof reader, and a baseball coach. He was hired by Saint Francis College in 1963, where he spent time as the freshman and varsity baseball head coach, intramural director and assistant athletic director by day, and then by night, he was a printer.It was in

A corner of Jim’s “trophy room,” that houses an extensive history of memories and moments throughout Jim’s life-long love of the game. Including photographs of the Brooklyn Cadets, in uniforms once worn by the Brooklyn Dodgers, as well as hundreds of baseballs signed by the likes of: Frank and Joe Torre, Bill White, Steve Avery, Gaylord Perry, Brett Butler, Keith Hernandez, Mike Piazza, and some many more. BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 43

BROOKLYN LEGEND : Jim McElroy

Jim and Joan McElroy outside of their home in Marine Park, Brooklyn. Jim’s claim, “She’s the real baseball fan!”

the 70’s when printing (Jim’s trade) began to be automated, so Jim decided that it was time to get a college degree. He went before the board at Saint Francis College and explained, “I have life experience credits.” It was Jim’s charm, logical explanation, and perhaps the fact that he knew, and had coached several members of the board that he was admitted, and in 1977 he graduated magna cum laude. Currently, at eighty years old (and sharp as a knife, may I add), McElroy is the Executive Director of the Brooklyn-Queens Catholic High School Athletic League (Men’s and Women’s sports), the Director of the Brooklyn Cadets Baseball Club, sits on the Board of Directors for both the New York City Baseball Federation and the All American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) and is on the Advisory Board of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League (ACBL). To say the least, Jim has seen and experienced a lot, some may say he has ‘seen it all.’ He grew 44 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

up with the Brooklyn Dodgers in his backyard until their final season in 1957, which he refers to their departure as “devastating.” He watched the likes of Joe Torre grow up before his very eyes; he took a train for 13 hours from Grand Central Station to Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1949 for the All- American Amateur Baseball Championships (it was a local train!), and he married the love of his life and has been lucky enough to spend the last 51 years with his best friend. Jim states, “I’m lucky I have a good wife,” and “actually, she’s the real baseball fan.” Jim McElroy is the true definition of a legend. He’s coached, he’s managed, he’s played, but most of all he has inspired and created. Baseball is lucky to have him and BPM is thankful for the chance to get to know him. Jim’s extended family exists of his sister Pat, and his son Jim’s widow, Mary, and their four children Matthew, Deirdre, James and John.

Around Long Island

with Aunt E

During the past few months I’ve been many places throughout Long Island, watching and photographing all different levels of baseball. For me, it is not just picking up the camera and taking a picture, it is actually getting involved both emotionally and intellectually. From the beautiful children of the Smithtown/St. James Challenger League to the hard-nosed “never give up” teammates of the Wantagh Warriors, it has been an experience that I can not adequately describe. I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos with you... - Aunt E, aka “Grammy” PHOTOS BY ELLEN SCHUERGER

Johnnie LaRossa

St. Dominic High School

Player Wellness: Thrower’s Elbow

By Andris Dikmanis DPT, CSCS Photos by Ellen Schuerger

It’s the “dog days of summer,” you have just finished playing a double header, your body is tired, your uniform is covered in dirt from making incredible diving catches. You say to yourself as you sit on the bench in the dugout, “if I can continue to play like this, there will be no problem making the “Big team” come tryouts next time.” You reach for your glove and it hits you; a sharp pain from your elbow radiating down to your wrist.

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 53

Thrower’s Elbow

What is it?

Signs & Symptoms

Commonly known as “Thrower’s Elbow,” elbow tendinitis occurs when there is damage to the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments around the elbow joint and forearm. The typical throwing motion of a baseball causes the structures of the medial side (inside) of the elbow to stretch, while at the same time compressing the structures on the lateral side (outside). Over time this constant compression on the lateral side can result in micro-fractures in the arm bones and can eventually lead to bone spurs and bone chips. Conversely the constant stretching on the medial side can result in severe ligament strain. Eventually the damage causes a restriction of movement, inflammation and pain increase. This leads to the formation of scar tissue, possible bone spurring and calcium deposits. If left untreated, the damage can put a lot pressure on the muscles and nerves, which can cut off the blood flow and pinch the nerves responsible for controlling the muscles in the forearm.

• Pain on both sides of elbow due to motion.

What causes it? Typically this injury is caused from overuse. Whenever a motion is performed repetitively for a prolonged period of time, strain on the forearm/elbow complex, coupled with inadequate recovery/rest time, will produce enough strain and overwork those muscles of the complex. On another note physical contact, such as falling or accidentally hitting the area could also trigger the symptoms. Throwing technique is another possible reason for developingthis injury. For novice players of the game it is very important to follow the directions of your coaches and maintain proper throwing mechanics, especially when increasing power and speed. It is important to maintain a general level of good physical fitness to help prevent and decrease your chances of developing this type of injury.

54 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

• Pain/discomfort may radiate down to wrist or hand. • Weakness, stiffness or general restrictive movement in the throwing elbow. • Numbness/tingling sensation down the arm, maybe felt due to inflammation around the joint capsule.

Prevention Techniques Warm-up: Participating in a 10-15 minutes structuredthrowing/stretching program can decrease your likely hood of irritating the structures around the elbow and throughout the rest of the arm. Throwing Technique: It is crucial that you maintain proper biomechanical/technically appropriate throwing motion. Over time, bad habits and incorrect technique can lead to strain on the structures of the elbow, which could lead to injury. It is very important to learn and maintain proper technique from the start to decrease the likelihood of injury. Cooldown/Rest : After your practice or workout, participatingin 10-15 min stretching program can help to properly maintain muscle and tendon flexibility.

It may additionally help to decrease any inflammation developed during the session. Applying the R.I.C.E. prevention concept (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) can also decrease any inflammation developed by the soft tissue during your workout session.

Treating Thrower’s Elbow This particular injury is a soft tissue injury of the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint and should be treated like any other soft tissue injury. Like any other soft tissue injury, the R.I.C.E. regime should be employed. As mentioned above Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation should be implemented to decrease the acute symptoms after injury. Additionally, referral to an appropriate professional for an accurate diagnosis is advised. It is critical that the R.I.C.E./referral regime be implemented for at least the first 48 to 72 hours. This will give you the best possible chance of a successful recovery. Treatment after 48 to 72 hours involves a number of specific techniques, which can be provided by a physical therapist. Since every injury has a different level of complexity, it is hard to tell what treatment application will be used. Commonly the use of heat and massage is one of the most effective treatments for removing scar tissue and speeding up the healing process of the muscles and tendons. After most of the inflammation and pain has been reduced, it is time to focus on the rehabilitation phase of treatment. The main objective of this phase is to regain and increase the strength, power, endurance and flexibility of the muscles and tendons that have been injured. For more imformation, please visit the new www.baseballplayermagazine.com

References: Kevin E. Wilk, Michael M. Reinold, James R. Andrews. Rehabilitation of the thrower’s elbow. Clinics in Sports Medicine - October 2004 (Vol. 23, Issue 4, Pages 765-801, DOI: 10.1016/ j.csm.2004.06.006) Brad Walker. “Throwers Elbow, Elbow Tendonitis and Elbow Pain A Guide to the Treatment and Prevention of Throwers Elbow.” The Stretching Institute™ Copyright © 2010. http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/throwers-elbow.php

2010 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

AMATEUR DRAFT

This year's 2010 MLB First Year Player Draft saw 46 players represented from high schools or colleges in New York State *Featured players in Baseball Player Magazine

R01 R02 R04 R05

New York Yankees CITO CULVER Irondequoit H.S.

Kansas City Royals MICHAEL ANTONIO George Washington H.S.

Atlanta Braves DAVID FILAK SUNY Oneonta

New York Yankees THOMAS KAHNLE Lynn University

R12 R13 R13 R13

New York Yankees DANIEL BURAWA St. Johns University

Baltimore Orioles JEREMY NOWAK Mt. Olive College

Los Angeles Dodgers JESSE BOSNIK St. Bonaventure University

Boston Red Sox KEITH COUCH Adelphi University *BPM 2010 Summer Issue (p. 64)

R06 R07 R07 R11 R11

Toronto Blue Jays SEAN NOLIN San Jacinto College North

Cleveland Indians JOSEPH CARCONE Hartford H.S.

Houston Astros ROBBIE AVILES Suffern H.S.

Milwaukee Brewers GREGORY HOLLE Texas Christian

Los Angeles Dodgers BRIAN DUPRA Notre Dame

56 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

R15 R15 R17 R18 R19

Milwaukee Brewers CHRISTOPHER BATES Regis H.S.

Atlanta Braves COREY BROWNSTEN University of Pittsburgh

Seattle Mariners DANNY LOPEZ University of Pittsburgh

Oakland Athletics JOSE MACIAS Franklin Pierce University

California Angels JONATHAN BOBEA Francis Lewis H.S.

R20

Chicago White Sox JOSE RAMOS W. Oklahoma State College

R29

Seattle Mariners JONATHAN MCGIBBON Lindenhurst H.S. *BPM 2010 Spring Issue

R20 R21

Kansas City Royals CHARLES RIEFENHAUSER Chipola Junior College

Oakland Athletics MICHAEL ANARUMO Le Moyne College

R29 R30

Seattle Mariners VIOSERGY ROSA Odessa College

Toronto Blue Jays STEPHEN MCQUAIL Canisius College *BPM 2010 Winter Issue

R22

San Francisco Giants ROBERT HANEY University of South Carolina Columbia

R23

Colorado Rockies BRUCE KERN St. Johns University

R33 R34

Toronto Blue Jays MELVIN GARCIA James Monroe H.S.

Houston Astros RYAN COLE St. Johns University

*BPM 2010 Summer Issue (p. 65)

R24

Milwaukee Brewers GREGORY HOPKINS St Johns University

R25

Atlanta Braves DAN JURIK St. John Fisher College

R26

Washington Nationals CHRISTOPHER MANNO Duke University

R27

Los Angeles Dodgers YIMY RODRIGUEZ Peru State College

R34 R35 R35 R35

Atlanta Braves MATT FOUCH U.S. Military Academy

Cleveland Indians KENNETH FERRER Elon Univeristy

Houston Astros ESTEBAN GOMEZ Bishop Ford Central Catholic

Toronto Blue Jays DANIEL BARNES Princeton University

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 57

R35

Seattle Mariners ETHAN PAQUETTE Hofstra University

R45

Kansas City Royals THOMAS ZEBROSKI George Washington University

*BPM 2010 Winter Issue

R40 R42

San Diego Padres JUSTIN ECHEVARRIA Stony Brook University

New York Mets JOHN FRANCO Poly Prep Country Day School

R47 R48

Boston Red Sox DAVID ROSEBOOM LaSalle Institute

Houston Astros THOMAS (T.J.) PECORARO Half Hallow Hills W. H.S. *BPM 2010 Summer Issue (p. 11)

R42 R43

Seattle Mariners MICHAEL AVILES St. Thomas Aquinas College

St. Louis Cardinals CHRIS EDMONDSON Le Moyne College

R49 R50

Milwaukee Brewers ALEXANDER SIMONE Christian Brothers Academy H.S. Cleveland Indians HENRY DUNN Binghamton University

MAKING NEW YORK BASEBALL PROUD Baseball Player Magazine (BPM) wants to congratulate all the players recently selected in the 2010 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. Each player brings recognition and respect to their baseball programs, schools, universities, coaches, fans and to the State of New York. We wish them all the best of luck with their future professional baseball careers. We would like to give special recognition to several players that BPM has featured in our 2010 issues. In BPM’s ‘2010 High School Starting Lineup’, Jonathan McGibbon (Drafted 29th Round, featured in the spring issue) and Thomas (T.J.) Pecoraro (Drafted 48th Round). T.J.’s profile can be seen in this issues’ High School Starting Lineup (page 11). Both of BPM’s summer ‘Player Spotlight’ features were drafted; Keith Couch (Drafted 13th Round), Bruce Kern (Drafted 23rd Round), as well as Stephen (Steve) McQuail (Drafted 30th Round)., who was featured in the winter 2010 issue. Keith Couch and Bruce Kern can be seen on pages 64 and 65 in this issue. For more information and photos from these featured players and to view past BPM issues, please visit our website at www.baseballplayermagazine.com and view our archives for details.

58 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

By Ashley Michaels & Glen Van Dusen

Photos by David Schofield

Matt Rizzotti, aka “Rizz” is a hard-hitting, 6’5”, 235 lbs lefty powerhouse who is climbing the ranks in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. A sixth round pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft, this Floral Park native is a solid combination of hard work, dedication, focus and not to mention a great sense of humor. This once aspiring astronaut and self proclaimed “genius with a badminton racquet,” who hit a homer off Joba Chamberlin in the 2005 College World Series, is now in his fourth season in the minor leagues. In May, he was brought up to play with the Reading Phillies (Double A), and within two weeks of his arrival, he made headlines with a walk-off home run, his second of the game. BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 59

Life In The Minors

BPM was lucky enough to catch up with Matt, have a few good laughs and learn about the journey which has brought him to play in the minor leagues. Has being a professional baseball player always been your dream? Ever since I was a kid, baseball has always been my dream. My side dream was to be an astronaut. I wanted all my life to be one, but when I was in high school we had a guest speaker who was a real life astronaut. He told me it couldn’t happen because the maximum height allowed was 6’4. With me being 6’5, it certainly wasn’t going to work, so I started to focus more on baseball. So, let’s get to the start of the dream. What was draft day like? Draft day was actually really funny, or I should say draft days. My draft year was the first year they had the MLB draft on TV, so they only did the first five rounds on the first day. My parents decided to have a draft party on that day with all their friends, people they knew their entire lives, neighbors and such. I told them they shouldn’t because if one thing can be said about the draft, it is that nothing is set in stone and you can go at any time. They insisted that I was going to be drafted on the first day, which meant the first five rounds. Well now that its all said and done, I spent the later half of that party staring at a dark wall in my basement all alone because I wasn’t drafted in the first five rounds. (Thanks Mom and Dad!) But the next morning I got a call from the Phillies and they asked me if I wanted to be a “Philly” and I said “YES!” I was their first pick of the second day. And as I planned for, I had a party with my friends that night and it was fantastic! How did you make your decision, was it a long process? It wasn’t a hard decision at all. I was drafted out of high school, and I turned it down to go to college to get better and continue 60 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

Matt Rizzotti to progress. I had a pretty good college career and a few good summers, so I was well prepared to make the decision. See, for most people you work hard in grade school to go to a good high school and then you work hard there to go to a good college, then you work hard in college to get a good job. It’s a little different for baseball players. In grade school we work hard to go to a good high school, that’s the same. You work hard in high school so you can go to a good college and grab a baseball scholarship to a good program. Then you work hard in that college and you get yourself drafted, and that’s your job. You are in your fourth year in the minor league system, how has your life changed over the past few years? I wouldn’t say my life has changed, but I’ve become more accustomed to things. My first year, I was fresh out of college and wanted to conquer the world. I did alright, I had an average year. My second and third year I also had average years, but hit more home runs. Now I’m in my fourth year and I’m just trying not to do too much. In baseball just like a lot of things in life, simplicity is the best design. Yoga Berri said that “90% of the game is half mental” and, as silly as that sounds, to a minor leaguer it makes sense. Everyone I play with has the ability to be in the big leagues. That’s why we are here. But it’s the people who are mentally strong, the people who focus and before they step in the box they get a hit, not physically but mentally they just know its going to happen. Those are the people who make it, and that is what I am trying to be. How about Spring Training, what is that like in the minors? Is there a lot of stress when it comes to be placed for the season? Spring Training is probably the most dreaded month for a minor leaguer. To sum it up, it’s a month of running and conditioning with a side of baseball. While we all know it’s really good for us to do all that, at the same time we are human and we dread hard work. It’s a fun time once you start playing games. The games are where they evaluate you and see where you are going to get placed. Placement doesn’t happen till the last few days of spring so it’s kind of nerve-wracking but you get used to it the more springs you go through.

What team did you start with in the minors, and how has the journey progressed? Is there any expectation for moving around? I started with a team called the Williamsport Crosscutters which was short season A. The next year I played for a team called the Lakewood BlueClaws, which was Low A. Last Year I played for the Clearwater Threshers which is High A, and currently I am with the Reading Phillies, which is Double A. Simply put, it’s hard to move up in a system when Ryan Howard is the Phillies’ first baseman. How would you describe Life on the Road in the Minors? Life on the Road can be tough, especially if you’re coming from high school or college. We play 140 games over five months. That’s about two off days a month if you do the math. You travel from city to city, hotel to hotel. At first it’s a real shock because you’re away from everything you were so comfortable with. But just like anything in professional baseball, you get used to it pretty quickly. How about your best moment in the minor leagues? Well, I have a few. First, I would have to say, hitting a home run off of Dontrelle Willis, an ex Cy Young award winner, on the Detroit Tigers in a game last year. Second would be hitting a double off the center field wall against a pitcher I grew up watching all my life, named Andy Pettitte (you might know him). And third would have to be hitting a double off Joel Zumaya last year. It has been an incredible journey for you so far, who would you say has been your biggest influence in baseball? Well, once again, I have a few. When I played over at HBQVB, I had a coach named Ed Velez. He was my coach for a good six or seven years. He was easily one of the best and biggest influences on my career. I don’t think he knows that and I would certainly like to let him know. (BPM: Hope you are reading this Ed.) Jack Curran, my high school coach, is one of the most winning coaches in the history of high school sports. He taught me a ton about the game and how to act properly while playing. He taught me to play it the right way. Ken Auer, my other baseball coach at Molloy. He was a minor BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 61

Life In The Minors league first baseman for the Blue Jays. He taught about the mental part of the game and helped me a ton with my swing. And finally, John Maser, my summer coach for the Midville Dodgers. He is still the one I call if I have a bad game. What advice would you give to the players who were just drafted in the 2010 draft? Not to sound unoriginal but work hard! Don’t get caught up in the results and the numbers, it’s all about feeling good and being positive! Thanks again for taking the time to speak with us, Matt. It’s great to see the hard work is paying off. We look forward to seeing you continue your hot streak this season, and for years to come. For more about Matt and his journey from Little League to the Minor Leagues, including the story of that home run off Joba Chamberlin, visit www.baseballplayermagazine.com

Players spotlight BY Brett Mauser

KEITH COUCH

ADELPHI

Two years ago, scouts flocked to Adelphi to see righthander Bobby Lanigan set down batter after batter. It didn’t take long before they stuck around for the back end of the doubleheader to see then-freshman Keith Couch take the hill. The Minnesota Twins took Lanigan in the third round that June. The past two springs, talent evaluators continued to make their way to Garden City, where the “other” righty developed into one of the program’s finest pitchers in history as well. Couch’s three-year run with the Panthers was just how he’d have drawn it up from when he committed out of Elmont High, and now he begins his path toward the big leagues.

Couch said of Lanigan. “We put in a lot of time during the off-season. What you do during the winter pays off during the spring.”

2010 MLB Amateur Baseball Draft Boston Red Sox Rd: 13th, #413 overall

“Everything finally came true,” he said. “Every little boy dreams of this stuff. It’s a great feeling.” For Couch, Adelphi has always been home. He earned All-County and Second Team All-Long Island honors as a senior at Elmont, and pitching down the street and under coach Dom Scala was the ideal scenario. “It’s one of the schools I was looking at right away, and after meeting Coach Scala, I knew it was a perfect fit,” he said. “He was a big influence. It was an easy transition.”

Photo by Ellen Schuerger

Couch fit right into the rotation behind Lanigan, and the two had the same objective; to play at the next level. They paired up in workouts between starts and during the off-season, helping to build what is now a projectable 6’ 3”, 210 lbs frame.“He was a workhorse,”

64 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

It sure did this past spring. Couch struck out 83 over 76.1 innings, both team bests, and posted a record of 5-2. His 2.24 ERA was the best among starters for Adelphi and he held the opposition to a .229 batting average. His production earned him a spot on the NCBWA All-East Second Team for the second straight year, as well as the Daktronics All-East Region Second Team.

There were points during the season, many points in fact, that Couch looked dominant. He struck out 11 over seven innings in a victory over Dowling. He also fanned nine in a two-hit shutout of Assumption. He said that much of his strategy has been pitching each hitter differently, whether he’s crowding the plate or farther away with hopes of avoiding getting jammed inside. Couch has been able to keep opposing attacks off-balance by throwing four pitches effectively: an 88-91 mph fastball that touches 93 mph, an above-average curveball and changeup, and then a wicked slider, which he calls his out pitch. He’s gotten plenty of opponents out with it. Adelphi hasn’t had a rich draft history: Lanigan was the first to get selected since Dom Gatti in 1993. Joe Sambito, a Bethpage grad, is the only Panther to ever make the majors. Adelphi’s dynamic duo, Lanigan and now Couch, is determined to add to that total. “It’s what everyone wants to do when they grow up,” Couch said. “There’s nothing else really that I’ve ever wanted to do than play baseball.”

In this issue of Baseball Player Magazine, the spotlight is on two very accomplished senior right-handed pitchers, from Adelphi University, Keith Couch and Bruce Kern, of St. John’s University. BPM would like to congratulate Keith and Bruce on being drafted in the 2010 MLB Ametaur Baseball Draft.

Bruce Kern

S T. J O H N ’ S

He was a lightly recruited pitcher out of Bellport High, then an All-American shortstop at Suffolk County Community College, and until recently a vital cog on the St. John’s pitching staff. The road for Yaphank’s Bruce Kern has twisted and turned, but what a ride it’s been.

Kern won’t overpower with his low-90s fastball but rather keeps hitters guessing with an excellent four-pitch repertoire. He features a four-seam and two-seam fastball, curveball, slider, as well as a newly acquired circle change-up.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Kern said. “I’m glad everything happened the way that it did.”

2010 MLB Amateur

“[The circle change] keeps batters off balance,” Kern said. “I get a lot of swings and misses. I’ve always had it, but it wasn’t very good. I got hit around a lot and didn’t really throw it, but I focused on developing it and it’s been really big for me.”

Photo by Timothy Brown, , St John’s University

In a short time, Kern has risen up Baseball Draft the ranks as one of Long Island’s most highly regarded prospects. Colorado Rockies He wasn’t wowed by any offers His best efforts this spring includRd: 23rd, #710 overall out of Bellport, so instead of seted five perfect innings, with eight tling on just anyplace, he opted Ks in New Orleans to start the seato attend Suffolk’s Ammerman son, seven innings of one-run ball campus. Over two seasons, Kern went 9-2 with to beat Seton Hall in early April, and a 12-strikeout a 1.51 ERA and struck out 102 batters over 77.2 gem against West Virginia a week later. innings. As a sophomore, he was named a FirstTeam All-American as a shortstop and the Region Kern is quick to acknowledge Neal Heaton, his XV Player of the Year. His stellar two-year stint in pitching coach since seventh grade, and Paul Selden paved the way to St. John’s. Gibson, both of All-Pro Sports Academy in his hometown of Bellport. He also praises the work Kern’s debut year in Queens was up-and-down, of Suffolk head coach Eric Brown and St. John’s his 6.09 ERA didn’t stand out, but some of his pitching coach Scott Brown. performances did, particularly his complete game victory over Cincinnati in the Big East According to Perfect Game USA, Kern was the Tournament. Then it was just a matter of 59th-ranked senior in this year’s draft, a maintaining consistency. Through a tryout, sharp contrast from when, out of he earned a temporary contract with high school, he was barely on the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape the scouts’ radar. A lot Cod Baseball League last summer, has changed, but he also and his 3.28 ERA out of the bullpen recognizes there’s still kept him around for the season’s entirety. room to grow. With success there came added confidence. “The next step is to get a little stronger,” “I have a better understanding of when Kern said. “That’s been my thing for a to pitch to contact and when to try to while. I feel like I haven’t gotten draftstrike a batter out,” Kern said. “Last ed because of my weight, but that year, I gave up quite a few home hasn’t held me back from pitchruns; this year I did a better job ing well, but it’s the next step in of keeping the ball down.” taking it to the next level.”

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BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 67

Inside Look By Lauren Jaeger

With Mary Jo Fazio

BPM sat down with Long Island native, Mary Jo Fazio, Head Coach of the SUNY Old Westbury Panthers and took an inside look into her love of the game and what drives her as coach and an athlete.

results they help to formulate throughout the season. Climbing the ladder as a team from eighth to second place in three years is quite a feat, and having the other coaches see this feels great. As an athlete it is something I have always strived for, I knew when I was playing I wanted to coach, and Coach of the Year is the highest honor a coach can receive, as an athlete it is the next best thing to winning the championship.

You began your coaching career in 1991 and have worked with athletes at all levels, what was it about You are a former player yourself, what the best advice the collegiate athletes that brought you to spend the you ever received from your coaches while playing ball? past four years coaching at My college coach had a sign this level? I always played on his desk, it took the old the game of softball, but saying “Practice makes Perjust because you played a fect” and improved upon it. game doesn’t mean you can The sign said, “Perfect Praccoach it. So I started with tice makes Perfect.” It may the younger girls in middle not be his saying, but he alschool and then coached my ways reminded us that you daughter’s little league team. could practice and practice, I took what I knew about but if you don’t practice like playing and worked with it’s game time, it just won’t them. Once I knew I could work. My high school coach actually coach the game, I always had us make goals; worked my way up the line. in fact we actually had goal Coaching at this level is tercards that we filled out. She rific. It is not starting from always told us you needed scratch or softball “101” any to strive as a player in orlonger. These players know der to grow, if you didn’t the game and are here behave a goal to strive for you cause they love the game, not wouldn’t improve. If we just because Mom and Dad didn’t reach our goal, it was want them to play. Coachok, we were to learn from ing them is now just a matter it and reset our goal for the of meshing specific players next week. As long as there together that haven’t played was something to push totogether before. Taking wards, that was what would girls from all different backmake us better as both athPhoto by Harris Rappel, SUNY Old Westbury SID grounds and coaching styles letes and young women. and blending them together Coach Mary Jo Fazio in your style is a challenge, Head Coach of SUNY Old Westbury Panthers You have seen fast pitch softand frustrating at times, with LHP Alyssa Clancy ball grow over the years, from but when the play you have the talent to the exposure, worked on over and over works perfectly, it is a great what do you see for the next several years? This sport feeling. These girls are like my second family, I spend so has exploded over the past few years. You see it all much time with them day in and day out, I get to know over now, people have finally taken notice. It is only their family and their friends, and we laugh together going to get better over the next few years. Young girls and cry together and solve problems together. It is like are going to camps and clinics and receiving private having 13 more daughters, it is amazing. lessons for each piece of the game, pitching, batting and fielding. There are travel teams everywhere. To In 2009, you were named the Skyline Division Coach of play this game you have to have a passion, usually you the year, Congratulations. How did that make you feel can see it in a players eyes and I see more and more of as a coach, and an athlete? As a coach this award was that every season. a tremendous honor. The other coaches in the conference actually vote for you, so knowing that the others Go to www.BaseballPlayerMagazine.com to read thought you did the best job is a huge honor. They see the complete interview with Coach Mary Jo Fazio. the effort my coaching staff and I are putting in and the SO FT BALL

68 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

Meet the Player

By Ashley Michaels

Alyssa Clancy SUNY Old Westbury Panthers You’ve met their best kept baseball secret in last seasons’ issue and now it is time to meet “Westhampton’s Best Kept Softball Secret,” freshman and All-Conference Second Team honors recipient, Alyssa Clancy. This 5’5 freshman lefty has certainly made her mark in her first season with the Panthers. As pitcher, outfielder and dominant force at the plate, this “triple threat” was named Skyline Conference Rookie of the Week in four of eight weeks. Alyssa has caught the eye of coaches, players and fans alike with her impressive 2010 season. How long have you been playing fast pitch softball? Real fast pitch softball would be since seventh grade, but I’ve been playing softball since second grade. How did it all start? I signed up for recreational softball when I was in second grade with MYO. I had so much fun with it I continued playing.

You excel both on the mound and at the plate, what is your favorite part of the game? I love hitting, it’s so much fun! When you are getting ready to start a game, what is running through your mind? How do you stay so focused? I try to keep my mind clear of everything as I’m warming up. When I’m on the mound, I automatically have nothing but my focus on the batter at the plate. What would you say to the young girls out there that are thinking about playing softball? Give it a shot. Go at it with nothing but fun in your head and you will have an unforgettable time out on that field.

What was it about Old Westbury that drew you to play there? It was the team. They played very well together when I came to see them and they made it to the final round of playoffs, it was really a combination of things. The coaches also had a lot to do in making my decision to play at Old Westbury. They were (and still are) incredibly nice; they were helpful with everything, and I could just tell that they knew what they were talking about. Who is your softball idol(s)? I always loved Jennie Finch ever since I was little. She actually signed the glove that I use now. I also have to say Cat Osterman; being a lefty herself got me to be a big fan as well. Photo by Harris Rappel, SUNY Old Westbury SID

What is your favorite softball memory to date? It has to be when I went to the Dot Richardson Fantasy Camp in Florida. I got the chance to play with some of the biggest stars of softball for an entire week. It was an incredible experience! What advice would you give to players out there who next year will be playing their freshman seasons? Just to go out there holding your head up high. You know what your doing with the game, it has gotten you this far and most importantly, don’t forget that you love it.

Birthday: May 14, 1991 Favorite Pitch: Curveball

Pitch Speed: Favorite Pitch to hit: SO FT BALL

57 to 60 mph Any inside pitch

BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010 69

By Kelsey Walker

Photos by Ellen Schuerger

3 2 1 SO FT BALL

70 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

Softball is a game of repetition, you can never take to many swings. I believe that the best way to perfect your swing is doing tee work every day. There are so many different drills you can do on a tee. Each drill you do can help a part of your swing whether it’s your weight transfer or bat extension, there’s a drill for it. My top five hitting drills to help you improve your swing: 1. Walk-Through 4. Elevation 2. Top Hand 5. Long Tee 3. Bottom Hand

Don’t forget to visit www.BaseballPlayerMagazine.com for more tips and drills!

4 Walk-Through The walk-through drill is for your rhythm and timing. Set yourself back from the tee so you are able to have room to walk through. There are three ways you can do this drill: step behind, step in front, or step in to out. Make sure separation occurs as your front foot gets to toe touch, go slow to fast and hit through a long zone.

Danielle Cutuli

Freshman All-Star East Meadow H.S.

Top & Bottom Hand For the top & bottom hand drills you can use a regular bat, or a smaller bat for more control. For my older students and college players, I prefer they use their regular bat to get a realistic feel through the zone. Make sure when you do these drills you are in a strong position and do everything the same as if you had two hands on the bat. The goal of the top hand is to make sure you create space between your elbow and back hip. This swinging motion would be comparable to skipping a stone across a pond. How you throw a frisbee is the same way you want your bottom hand to go through the swing. You want to lead with your front elbow and stay inside the ball, having your hands go through a long zone.

Top Hand

Bottom Hand

2 1

Elevation During this drill you want to use something that will elevate your back foot, like a piece of wood or a workout platform. You want to be in your normal hitting stance, the only thing that changes is that your back foot is on the platform giving you a strong attacking posture through the ball. Make sure you do your negative moveâ&#x20AC;&#x2018; ment and feel the weight on the inside of your leg.

Long Tee This drill can be done on a field or in a batting cage, you want to set yourself up in the batterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s box with the tee in front of home plate. Long tee is great because it gives you instant feedback. You want to focus on driving the ball up the middle, if you roll your top hand you are going to see yourself pull the ball. Log on to www.BaseballPlayerMagazine.com for more tips and drills. SO FT BALL

72 BASEBALL PLAYER MAGAZINE SUMMER 2010

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WHERE AM I?

Baseball Parks, Stadiums and Cities 1

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19 20

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27 28 www.CrosswordWeaver.com

Visit www.baseballplayermagazine.com for answers DOWN Crossword by Ellen Schuerger

ACROSS

2 They are snake bitten 1 Steinbrenner's field of dreams 4 Brooklyn Dodgers old field 3 Newest home for the Twins 5 City of Rays 6 You can see the arch from here 8 Padres' dogs and cats shop here 7 It's zip code is 60657 9 Juice or Florida ballfield 10 Blue Jays fly here 12 Mariners are here 11 Past home of White Sox 15 The city of subway series 13 Phillies old home - not a cook off 17 A mile high 14 Juice or Texas ballfield 19 Strawberry hit the roof 16 The Orioles nest 21 Has largest no. of seats 18 Future home of Oakland A's 23 Texas Rangers previous place 20 Old SF Giants Park 24 Home of the Braves 22 City that's Progressive 25 Opened April 20, 1912 26 City of Great American Ballpark 27 You can play here make a deposit 74 BASEBALL SUMMER 2010 28 New PLAYER SF Giants MAGAZINE home

Where Am I? Across

Down

1 3 5 8 9 11 15 17 19 21 23 24 25 26 27 28

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Steinbrenner’s field of dreams Newest home to the Twins City of Rays Padres’ dogs and cats shop here Juice or Florida ballfield Past home of White Sox “Subway Series” city A mile high Strawberry hit the roof Holds the largest # of seats Texas Rangers previous place Home of the Braves Opened April 20, 1912 City of the Great American Ballpark You can play here make a deposit New home to the Giants

Baseball Parks, Stadiums and Cities

They are snake bitten Brooklyn Dodgers old field You can see the arch from here It’s zip code is 60657 Blue Jays fly here Mariners are located here Phillies old home - not a cook off Juice or Texas ballfield The Orioles nest Future home of Oakland A’s Giants last residence The “Progressive” City