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Flares & Fouls: Week 5
5/5/2010
Flares & Fouls By: Eric Leary As the regular season wraps up, this may be my last entry into the catch-all category for "Flares & Fouls." The calling of the honey-do list is ever increasing. And the grass in my yard is beginning to take off! Nonetheless, let's do some quick house keeping and wrap it up. The undefeatables ... The last time I wrote on this topic I failed to check in with Impact HQ. Obviously the Bunker Hill Bears were and I assume still are unblemished in their regular season run. They were to play Bandys on Monday night (5/3/2010) to finish and I have yet to find evidence of the results. All the same, leaving them out of the kudos category two weeks ago was unintentional and goes to show the difficulty of acquiring scores and records in the "secondary" sports across the state. It has gotten somewhat more convenient, however. Back in the 90's, I was responsible for accumulating the records for the southeast of the state for the NCBCA every week and sending that info to Baseball America (who was then doing the poll). It was a nightmare just to do the over 40 schools in my neck of the woods. Resources on the net were sparse and often I was dialing coaches and schools. Not only time consuming (we coaches have the ability to turn the short conversation into extended gab sessions), the process was sometimes fruitless. Often, the front office would not have an idea of the team's record and I had one coach that would not give his ledger because he "didn't want his team ranked" (I suppose to keep their egos from inflating). Guess what, they weren't (ranked). All the same, congrats to Bunker Hill and as my research suggests the Murphy Bulldogs (can't find where they've lost at this point - ???). Best of luck in the play-offs. Speaking of Play-offs ... They are right around the corner, and everyone from conference champs to those that have snuck in and are hoping for a long run. Ultimately, only four squads finish happy here, but that should not diminish the achievements of all the programs that qualify and excel on and off the diamond. I always like to look at the bracket and figure where the upsets my pop up, or which contender has the most difficult route. Best guess for picking upsets - find the teams that have finished hot after a sluggish start, they probably HAD to win late to get in ... they are often hungrier. Also, look at conference match ups. Is the weak league champ an opportunity for a #4 from a stronger conference. Finally, I also enjoy seeing teams that have to meet up a third time. These can be the nastiest of affairs and the rivalry nature of the contest puts a little extra on the table. No matter what, go out and see some games at play-off time. Fine fields ... Seen any good looking "yards" lately? Ever thought about who is responsible? Usually it is a wide array of parties putting the pieces of the artfully constructed puzzle together - everyone from coaches to players, from administrators to community members, and far beyond. As the quality of the high school diamonds are constantly being elevated and the bar is raised to unbelievable heights, appreciate those that brought the plush venue to the players and fans. I think the experience of the game, and definitely the safety of it, are improved by these efforts. I applaud all that take the time, energy and commit the resources to doing it right. More or Less ... These just come to me at the most inopportune times in many cases. Seriously, I'll come up with one when I have nothing to write with, or no chance of changing gears to capture the idea. But, anyway ... I'd like to see MORE people return foul balls at high school games. Come on folks, these are getting expensive! Often, those that pick one up without returning it were the ones complaining about the cost to get in ... and don't get me started about the visiting team that re-coups stray balls for their own bucket. I'd like to see LESS bad turns at 1B. First, let's hustle. Then, push out on the turn - understandably except to rightfield - and challenge the throw. Play the game with enthusiasm and quit trying to win with cool points. I'd like to see MORE folks play catch with kids in the yard. I routine slow down anytime I'm driving and witness this site ... as if to say thank you. Players that can't throw are limited in line-up possibilities. I'd like to see LESS outfielders coming in on routine groundballs with the "do or die" approach. Just keep the ball in front and get it in ... poorly fielded groundballs in the outfield often end up at the fence. Square it up, stop and get the glove down. I'd like to see MORE tee work. Period. Hitting off the tee is where the swing needs to be created. Fashioned. Built. Take it serious boys. Gotta be able to square it while it is sitting still. I'd like to see LESS "on field BP." This refers back to the last point. Hitting on the field is like the exhibit of the work done elsewhere. If we only hit on the field, we can create some bad habits ... particularly if the park is small. Learn to drive balls up the middle & away, and then do it during beeps! Make the call ... From last time ... the ball is FOUL! Nice try coach ... Good luck to all ... and to all a Good Night!
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