Collectively, A Thread To Celebrate Our Kids Athletic Accomplishments (2 Viewers)

[Chadstroma]

And for sure Jr should give the coach's 3rd base marching orders a legit ol' college try in training for a bit before making any decisions. All while talking to pitching and main coach about how thats working out.

If it doesnt work out, then time to move on.

Yup... my perspective wasn't pull the plug and hit the transfer but rather he has a year to hopefully iron it out and if not then he has the transfer. But this is a situation where I think the transfer portal shines and is hard for me to be against it even with all the abuses of it.

 

[Gally]

First outing after the mound position decree. They faced a local college and played two 7 inning games. Most pitchers got 2 innings if they didn't get in trouble. Here was the outing:

First Inning (started from 3B side of rubber per coach mandate):

• First Batter: Fell behind 2-0. Dropped in a CB for a strike. Then tried to throw a back door 2 seamer that leaked over the plate and it was dribbled up the middle for a single.
• 2nd Batter: Got ahead 0-1 and tried another two seamer on outer 3rd that leaked over and hit into RF for a single. Outfielder booted it and allowed runners to go to 2nd and 3rd.
• 3rd batter: Moved to 1B side of rubber. Got ahead 0-2 and batter hit a weak fly to CF that scored runner from 3B.
• 4th batter: Struck out on cutter away
• 5th batter: Went full count and threw a curveball painted on the outside corner down but called ball for a walk
• 6th batter: Weak fly out to RF to end inning

2nd Inning (staying on 1B side after moving after first two batters)

• 1st batter: Strike out
• 2nd Batter: Weak flyout to RF
• 3rd Batter; Pop out to LF.

Overall: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 K, 1 BB, 1R (0 ER)

Coming off the mound head coach asked what side of rubber he threw from. Gally Jr told him he started on 3B for first two batters (two hits) then went to middle and was effective. Coach said "Ok" and didn't say anything else. Seems like he may be over the mandate as long as Gally Jr keeps getting outs.

 

[The Z Machine]

Seems like he may be over the mandate as long as Gally Jr keeps getting outs.

No ****, Coach Obvious.

 

[Gally]

Seems like he may be over the mandate as long as Gally Jr keeps getting outs.

No ****, Coach Obvious.

Another thought crossed my mind though that with that short of an answer maybe the coach sees this as defiant and a black mark against Gally Jr for not doing what he was told. I hope not but it is in the realm of possibilities. Time will tell.

 

[Skipdog77]

Seems like he may be over the mandate as long as Gally Jr keeps getting outs.

No ****, Coach Obvious.

Another thought crossed my mind though that with that short of an answer maybe the coach sees this as defiant and a black mark against Gally Jr for not doing what he was told. I hope not but it is in the realm of possibilities. Time will tell.

I was thinking the exact same, and hope that is not the case. Hopefully the coach isn't a cut off your nose to spite your face- kind of guy.

 

[El Floppo]

Seems like he may be over the mandate as long as Gally Jr keeps getting outs.

No ****, Coach Obvious.

Another thought crossed my mind though that with that short of an answer maybe the coach sees this as defiant and a black mark against Gally Jr for not doing what he was told. I hope not but it is in the realm of possibilities. Time will tell.

I was thinking the exact same, and hope that is not the case. Hopefully the coach isn't a cut off your nose to spite your face- kind of guy.

Had the same thought.

And this guy obviously isn't too good with the "thinking" given asking for a "small" but huge change that I'm sure affects the pitcher's mechanics completely. So he's also probably a hold a dumb grudge type of guy over this.

 

[InDitkaWeTrust]

3TD game for the youngest IDWT last night. It's not a super competitive league, but it's fun to watch. He's learning to use his height advantage (5'1" at 9YO) against players who are generally 3-4" shorter.

 

[Instinctive]

Seems like he may be over the mandate as long as Gally Jr keeps getting outs.

No ****, Coach Obvious.

Another thought crossed my mind though that with that short of an answer maybe the coach sees this as defiant and a black mark against Gally Jr for not doing what he was told. I hope not but it is in the realm of possibilities. Time will tell.

I'm not really a baseball expert anymore. But it is worth asking the question (hoping you trust its from a good place) that perhaps it would be better, although it may in fact cause a short term step back? Kind of like when an adult gets a golf lesson and it changes something that is uncomfortable and they cant even hit it for a while, but if they stick with it, they come out better after a while?

If it were me, I'd maybe consider discussing with the coaches how much leash there is to have that step back while adjusting, if indeed there is a benefit to hiding the ball longer and such in the long term.

 

[Gally]

Seems like he may be over the mandate as long as Gally Jr keeps getting outs.

No ****, Coach Obvious.

Another thought crossed my mind though that with that short of an answer maybe the coach sees this as defiant and a black mark against Gally Jr for not doing what he was told. I hope not but it is in the realm of possibilities. Time will tell.

I'm not really a baseball expert anymore. But it is worth asking the question (hoping you trust its from a good place) that perhaps it would be better, although it may in fact cause a short term step back? Kind of like when an adult gets a golf lesson and it changes something that is uncomfortable and they cant even hit it for a while, but if they stick with it, they come out better after a while?

If it were me, I'd maybe consider discussing with the coaches how much leash there is to have that step back while adjusting, if indeed there is a benefit to hiding the ball longer and such in the long term.

It's a school of thought type thing. Gally Jr has discussed with the pitching coach and the pitching coach agrees that for him and his arm slot/pitch movement the 1B side gives a better angle to the plate. The head coach (who is not a pitcher) is an old school guy and doesn't want to hear it or at least didn't want to hear it last week.

Interestingly enough the pitching coach played for the head coach 5 or so years ago and was similar to my son in approach. The head coach wanted him going to 3B side as well and he ended up settling somewhere in the middle and was the most successful pitcher in school history. He didn't like the 3B side and was allowed to "figure it out" and settled on middle of the rubber (close to where he started originally).

My son has tried working bull pens and live batters both last fall and over the summer and the same problem seems to prop up. Good pitches are still good pitches regardless of which side he starts from. The issue is on "misses". His natural movement brings the ball back to the heart of the plate when trying to go away from a RH batter. While if he starts on the 1B side it's easier to get it outside and his misses don't get the middle of the plate.

Discussing the differences with his catchers and the batters they have both said he is much harder to hit from the 1B side because his movement and tunneling of his pitches is much better and the "hiding" of the ball isn't really much of a difference visually (according to the batters).

I agree with your first statement that sometimes a short term backstep will allow for greater long term improvement. Knowing what I know about pitching I don't think this is one of those type things because there are so many factors involved from arm slot to pitch movement to velocity etc. I have read many articles and watched many videos and there isn't a consensus. I have also tried paying more attention to MLB players after last year to just see if there is a consensus and there really doesn't seem to be.

 

[Gally]

I'm not really a baseball expert anymore. But it is worth asking the question (hoping you trust its from a good place) that perhaps it would be better, although it may in fact cause a short term step back?

Gally Jr worked with an MLB pitcher (10 yr vet) over the summer. Mainly just talking about pitching, approach, grips, training type stuff. But they worked flat ground work and pitch shapes etc.

Gally Jr, texted him about this "mandate" and the pitcher called him back and went over how difficult it would be for him to move sides based on his pitch movement. He gave personal examples of how his pitch shape was similar and that one of the things that he found was by moving glove side it allowed pitches to tunnel into the strike zone better making it harder to lay off pitches that ended up out of the zone because they looked like strikes. But when you were arm side on the rubber the pitch never looked like a strike and batters layed off. He went on to give examples of guys he played with that couldn't do that consistently when on the arm side of the rubber.

He was flabbergasted that a coach would be so strict over this to the point of having zero flexibility. I am hoping that the coach backs off a bit and that the pitching coach actually fights it some. It's still early in the fall. Time will tell.

 

[Instinctive]

Seems like he may be over the mandate as long as Gally Jr keeps getting outs.

No ****, Coach Obvious.

Another thought crossed my mind though that with that short of an answer maybe the coach sees this as defiant and a black mark against Gally Jr for not doing what he was told. I hope not but it is in the realm of possibilities. Time will tell.

I'm not really a baseball expert anymore. But it is worth asking the question (hoping you trust its from a good place) that perhaps it would be better, although it may in fact cause a short term step back? Kind of like when an adult gets a golf lesson and it changes something that is uncomfortable and they cant even hit it for a while, but if they stick with it, they come out better after a while?

If it were me, I'd maybe consider discussing with the coaches how much leash there is to have that step back while adjusting, if indeed there is a benefit to hiding the ball longer and such in the long term.

It's a school of thought type thing. Gally Jr has discussed with the pitching coach and the pitching coach agrees that for him and his arm slot/pitch movement the 1B side gives a better angle to the plate. The head coach (who is not a pitcher) is an old school guy and doesn't want to hear it or at least didn't want to hear it last week.

Interestingly enough the pitching coach played for the head coach 5 or so years ago and was similar to my son in approach. The head coach wanted him going to 3B side as well and he ended up settling somewhere in the middle and was the most successful pitcher in school history. He didn't like the 3B side and was allowed to "figure it out" and settled on middle of the rubber (close to where he started originally).

My son has tried working bull pens and live batters both last fall and over the summer and the same problem seems to prop up. Good pitches are still good pitches regardless of which side he starts from. The issue is on "misses". His natural movement brings the ball back to the heart of the plate when trying to go away from a RH batter. While if he starts on the 1B side it's easier to get it outside and his misses don't get the middle of the plate.

Discussing the differences with his catchers and the batters they have both said he is much harder to hit from the 1B side because his movement and tunneling of his pitches is much better and the "hiding" of the ball isn't really much of a difference visually (according to the batters).

I agree with your first statement that sometimes a short term backstep will allow for greater long term improvement. Knowing what I know about pitching I don't think this is one of those type things because there are so many factors involved from arm slot to pitch movement to velocity etc. I have read many articles and watched many videos and there isn't a consensus. I have also tried paying more attention to MLB players after last year to just see if there is a consensus and there really doesn't seem to be.

Sounds like you've (really GallyJr) done all the right attitude and open mind things to me. I'm fully on team dumb coach mandate now.

 

[El Floppo]

At an intuitive level, it seemed like moving to the 3rd base side would incur a change in mechanics. As a college aged guy, is this the time to be doing that kind of wholesale change? I have no idea...if the juice was worth the squeeze, i suppose so. But hearing an actual pro discuss the negatives.... sheesh. Hopefully theres an easy way of smiling and nodding to appease the coach without actually making any changes.

 

[El Floppo]

Another match, another destruction. 1-8 (not sure why it was 1 8 game set this time.)

My wife was there and didnt think the other girl was all that- good, but nowhere close to the level of the 1st opponent on Friday. Somebody she could go toe to toe with in the tourneys she plays. Sounds like floppinha was hitting a lot into the net and serving and moving badly.

Ill see what floppinha has to say.

My guess- "i played well but the other girl was much better" which removes any goal driven self reflection from it.

Its been a "be careful what you wish for" first season so far.

Her goal was to make varsity as a freshman. Check.
Next was to play singles. Check.
But Singles 1...while on paper sounds cool, in practice has been a bite beyond her chewing capabilities. These girls are all better than her at some and generally most levels.

Ive watched two matches out of six. One girl was just all around better- technically, athletically, tactically. And of course a senior. Floppinha actually played great, and i found out afterwards from the opponents coach put some fear into the girl. But it still ended up 3-8 (was 2-3 after 5).

The other girl was a head case and beatable, but older stronger faster. Floppinha had a call-back for the school acapella group at essentially the same time that she couldn't miss...back at school an hour away. The match was winnable, but i could tell floppinhas head was already worrying about making the audition (she had asked the coach to skip the match, he wouldnt let her).

 

[Gally]

At an intuitive level, it seemed like moving to the 3rd base side would incur a change in mechanics.

It definitely does change mechanics. In order for him to hit the outside corner to a RH batter now he has to fly open with his front shoulder to clear. But in Colorado that tends to give more cut to his ball and now it breaks more than normal and he has trouble controlling it. For his two seamer the run isn't quite there when he has to fly open and it flattens to to the middle of the zone.

Of course, over time you might be able to figure out the mechanics but at what cost/benefit. After reading about it and talking to someone that did it for a living it doesn't seem like the juice is worth the squeeze. .........especially if you are effective without doing it.

 

[Gally]

But Singles 1...while on paper sounds cool, in practice has been a bite beyond her chewing capabilities. These girls are all better than her at some and generally most levels.

If her mindset is right this could help in the long run but continually getting beaten down is very tough mentally and you would like to see some success to keep positivity going. Even with the mindset of not expecting to win that can be tough to turn around down the road. I am not sure what the right answer is at this point.

How is your overall attitude? Is she going through motions in the matches knowing she has no shot to win? That would be my biggest concern. Maybe try and put attainable goals out there to get "wins" like winning two games or getting one service break type goals?

Easier said from a far than actually living through it though.

 

[El Floppo]

But Singles 1...while on paper sounds cool, in practice has been a bite beyond her chewing capabilities. These girls are all better than her at some and generally most levels.

If her mindset is right this could help in the long run but continually getting beaten down is very tough mentally and you would like to see some success to keep positivity going. Even with the mindset of not expecting to win that can be tough to turn around down the road. I am not sure what the right answer is at this point.

How is your overall attitude? Is she going through motions in the matches knowing she has no shot to win? That would be my biggest concern. Maybe try and put attainable goals out there to get "wins" like winning two games or getting one service break type goals?

Easier said from a far than actually living through it though.

Yeah... This has been the hardest part. Its really hard for her to go into the match after warmups knowing the other girl is just way better

And even during the two matches i watched, i saw her visibly switch into "I've lost" mode when there was still tennis to be played.

Ive been telling her to focus on the ball only- stay point to point and try to win a game. Rinse repeat. While doing that, try to be aware of whats working technically and tactically and what isnt. Keep using what works and Try a fix to what isnt.

Thats a lot for a 14yo to do in the moment while getting beating after beating. Ive told her at least to think about the same questions after the match and try stuff out for the next match.

Its easy for us to look from the outside and see the benefit of playing way up- amazing experience. But too often, the girls are just so much better floppinha cant even barely hit with them, which makes it hard for her to take away much tactically.

 

[Gally]

Its easy for us to look from the outside and see the benefit of playing way up- amazing experience. But too often, the girls are just so much better floppinha cant even barely hit with them, which makes it hard for her to take away much tactically.

This is the tough part. If the gap is too much then you lose the benefit of playing against better. Bad habits and bad mental approach will eventually take over because "why does it matter what I do".

Are the singles #2 and #3 players on the other teams more in line with Floppinha's skill level? I wonder if it might behoove the coach to rotate the #1 player in these situations so that everyone can get some competitive games. I know that would be unconventional and as an adult it makes sense but that would probably be another hard sell to a 14 yr old. "Today you are going to be the #2 singles person because I want you to get some more competitive games in". That isn't really a good message either.

Very tough situation. Our school was in a league Gally Jr's freshman and sophomore year that was against much bigger schools and much better teams. They got crushed for two years going like 4-20 for a couple years. It was tough mentally. Then they changed leagues to be against schools of similar sizes and the team realized that they already played against the toughest teams they will ever face so they now expected to win. They went 24-4 and went to the state finals in their division. Playing against those better teams benefited them. But some players were competitive enough even if the team as a whole wasn't . So those guys improved and it helped the following year. I am just not sure how that works for an individual when the individual is that far overmatched.

Very tough situation for sure.

 

[El Floppo]

Its easy for us to look from the outside and see the benefit of playing way up- amazing experience. But too often, the girls are just so much better floppinha cant even barely hit with them, which makes it hard for her to take away much tactically.

This is the tough part. If the gap is too much then you lose the benefit of playing against better. Bad habits and bad mental approach will eventually take over because "why does it matter what I do".

Are the singles #2 and #3 players on the other teams more in line with Floppinha's skill level? I wonder if it might behoove the coach to rotate the #1 player in these situations so that everyone can get some competitive games. I know that would be unconventional and as an adult it makes sense but that would probably be another hard sell to a 14 yr old. "Today you are going to be the #2 singles person because I want you to get some more competitive games in". That isn't really a good message either.

Very tough situation. Our school was in a league Gally Jr's freshman and sophomore year that was against much bigger schools and much better teams. They got crushed for two years going like 4-20 for a couple years. It was tough mentally. Then they changed leagues to be against schools of similar sizes and the team realized that they already played against the toughest teams they will ever face so they now expected to win. They went 24-4 and went to the state finals in their division. Playing against those better teams benefited them. But some players were competitive enough even if the team as a whole wasn't . So those guys improved and it helped the following year. I am just not sure how that works for an individual when the individual is that far overmatched.

Very tough situation for sure.

Man... bad habits... timely.

I've noticed that she's been hitting her forehand pretty flat lately, and her backhand has lost confidence. the flatness, I think, is because she's trying to go toe to toe with these better players by trying to hit it harder, so less top spinny/loopy. flat, hard and low leads to a razor thin margin for error, with a lot going into the net and a lot sailing long. she's lost so much confidence in her backhand she's resorted to hitting 4/5 as slices (like I'd do because I'm terrible and don't really have a backhand).

S2s and S3s seem like they're all good athletes with some tennis training, but generally not good technically. You look at them vs floppinha and it's obvious which one plays competitive tennis all year. what I watched, the girls were really good at getting to everything and really good at hitting it where they wanted to... both things that could give floppinha problems. but then I realized they were playing against similar players who don't hit the ball that hard or with much if any spin- two things that likely take away their ability to get to everything or hit it where they want to if facing an S1 level player.

floppinha beat our senior S2 6-0, 6-1 in preseason to earn the S1 spot. from what I've watched and heard, she'd likely win all the matches against S2s... while still getting some challenge. TBH, that was what we had all been hoping/expecting.

during my soccer days, I got the opportunity to play against far superior teams... on a CA State team u19 trip to germany, we played against a bundesliga 2 squad (1 level below the top tier) and lost 0-2. these were pros who were clearly another level, but not so much that we couldn't hang in there. learned a ton that game. also played against the Cameroon world cup squad- full-on elite professional men- who were staying at the same training complex getting ready for the Africa Cup of Nations. I lost count of the score and how many times I got nutmegged- but still a highlight of my life and loved being able to see more of what it meant to be that level first hand.

but I was also 18, not 14, and with an entire team of quality players around me. I'll keep talking to her about prioritizing takeaways and minimizing expectations. I've told her repeatedly I don't care about her winning these, or any matches tbh- my hope for her is to learn from them all to help get herself better for the next point/game/set/match. I hope that's something she can do- I've seen it a little already.

 

[Gally]

I lost count of the score and how many times I got nutmegged- but still a highlight of my life and loved being able to see more of what it meant to be that level first hand.

That is true in a one off situation. Now imagine what you would have felt like if you had to play that level every single time you went on the pitch. It would demoralize you eventually. Also, really different in a team atmosphere vs 1 on 1.

I really wish I had some better advice but you are really trying to convey everything I would be doing. It's hard as an adult to say winning doesn't matter and to keep up the disciplined work to improve when you are getting hammered every time out. You need some success sprinkled in there for a tangible sign that improvement is happening. Young minds need that thing that can see. Not sure how to get there.

 

[El Floppo]

She won her first match!

And against the school where the guy who gives her lessons coaches

 

[Kuz]

She won her first match!

And against the school where the guy who gives her lessons coaches

Nice.. Congrats!!

 

[Gally]

Gally Jr threw a pen on Friday. Pitching coach said the head coach wanted him to talk to Gally Jr about moving to 3B side of the rubber. Pitching coach agrees with Gally Jr but said he just had to reiterate that the head coach is the boss so he just "kinda has to do what he wants". Such crap. Ugh.

I also went to a wedding over the weekend that was held on the property of Brynn Smith (exp MLB pitcher). He coached locally at the high school level for awhile while I was also coaching at the high school level so we had met a few times. He was walking around during the reception and I introduced myself and reminded him that we coached against each other. I then asked him if he had any suggestions for pitching in Colorado (he was the first ever starting pitcher for Colorado) because my son is going to school in Colorado. He said he lots of things and that when he was back in town to give him a call and they could meet up and go over some things. We talked about the side of the rubber discussion and he wasn't as staunch about what side but did understand the concept. He essentially said you gotta figure out what works best for your movement and type of pitcher you are. As a two-seam/change up guy going glove side will work better but you can still be effective you just have to work on some pitches to get to that outside corner. He said he had to develop a 4 seam that didn't run as much to keep it outside and not leak over. So maybe he can work some improvements to help Gally Jr figure it out.

 

[El Floppo]

She won her first match!

And against the school where the guy who gives her lessons coaches

It was an odd match.

Warming up, i thought- this is going to be a blowout...for floppinha. Other girl was solid athlete, hit the ball hard, but poor technique especially on her backhand.

But then floppinha played some laughably bad tennis by her own standards...got smoked 1-6 first set. To other girls credit, she played well especially hitting the ball off the run. But it didnt take much- floppinha was really poor. Frustrating to watch, and im sure for her to play.

2nd set she played how shes capable..in a good way. Worked the girls backhand, forcing her to come around on the forehand and then hitting shots down the line away from her forehand ro the other corner. Kept the pressure on hitting deep, Hit some good winners and limited her own mistakes. 6-3

She kept it up in the tiebreak and won there running away, 10-5.

Opponents coach said the girl had been all league last year as a 3S.

 

[Gally]

Next intrasquad outing: Coaches have somewhat divided the squad into A and B teams. He has the A pitchers face the A hitters and viceversa. Gally Jr is in the A pitchers group.

Here is how the outing went from arm side (3B) of the rubber per coach mandate:

• 1st batter: Ahead 0-1 and tried cutter on outer 3rd. Didn't get there and hit into gap for a "hustle double" Didn't sound like it was hit that great but perfectly placed and able to hustle out a double
• 2nd batter: Pop out to CF not deep enough to advance runner
• 3rd batter: ahead 0-2 and tried cutter on the outer 3rd. Didn't get there and hit into 5/6 hole for a single scoring the run (first ER for his college team since early last fall).
• 4th batter: 1-1 count and picked the guy off first for 2nd out. Then went ahead 1-2 and struck him out on change up to end the inning.

So 2 hits, 1 ER, a K and a pick-off. Not terrible and nobody really hit the ball hard off him. He started to tell me about the outing with "well, I gave up my first ER since last fall so guess what side of the rubber I was going from". I tried to tell him that it didn't sound like it was a terrible outing or that he wasn't effective. I mean he has given up doubles and runs before and sometimes misses his spot when on the side he wants to be on. This really was promising from my perspective. He is doing what the coach wants and being effective while doing it. It may not be comfortable (yet) but as he said, good pitches are still good pitches. It's just hard learning to do things a little different.

His argument is "why do I need to learn to be effective doing this new thing when I have already shown I am effective doing what I already know how to do"? I can't answer that but it is where he is. My hope is that he can get past the mental hurdle of doing something he doesn't want to do because he is obviously still pitching well and being effective regardless. He has agreed that some things are better from this side (has more plate to work with for his CB and can get more "bite" because of where he has to release it to get it where he wants it-------but in Colorado CB's don't break as well so it can cause it to hang which is bad).

Head Coach talked to him after and praised him saying he was unlucky as the RBI hit wasn't hit well and just placed well but that he looked good. He then mentioned that nobody threw from glove side of the rubber until early 90's when batters were juicing and pitchers wouldn't go inside anymore so they moved to other side and stayed away. It was a total grumpy old man comment for back in my day (coach had a cup of coffee in the majors in the mid-90's as an infielder. Played 13 games).

But we are where we are. Good to see even with the head butting that Gally Jr was on the "A" team and hopefully with continued work he can get better from the arm side. I think my next discussion has to be to get him to realize that he is still pitching well and not to blame every hit against because he is on the wrong side of the rubber. So far there doesn't seem to be a big difference in results even if it doesn't feel as comfortable. It seems like he is starting to mentally blame any hit on rubber position. That will eventually manifest into a bad outcome. He has to get past that.

Until next time........

 

[Kanil]

Kaniljr's (HS Freshman) golf season ended last night. He was under the impression that in order to letter, you had to play in a certain amount of Varsity tourneys AND have your score used for the round to count. He played more than the right amount of varsity tourneys but was there as an "alternate" for a couple of them where his score would only get used if someone else failed to show up or had to drop out for some reason. It turns out, those did count and he didn't find out he lettered until the banquet dinner last night. The smile on his face when he realized he was lettering was incredible. I haven't seen him that genuinely happy in a while.

His coach pulled us aside and spoke with us a little bit about Kaniljr's year. He said he was really impressed with how much growth he's seen from Kaniljr in both his skill level and the way he handles adversity on the course. The latter is the thing that Mrs. Kanil and I have been the proudest of. He used to get mopey and upset if he had a bad hole or two which would turn into an avalanche of poor play. I think he's realized that it's very rare to be happy with your score in golf and doesn't let a bad hole affect his attitude nearly as much.

And the best part is he's managed to keep all A's and B's in his honor program while missing 1 to 2 days of school every week. So, at this point, I think it's fairly clear that it's time for a paternity test because there's no way these are my genetics!

 

[Gally]

The latter is the thing that Mrs. Kanil and I have been the proudest of. He used to get mopey and upset if he had a bad hole or two which would turn into an avalanche of poor play. I think he's realized that it's very rare to be happy with your score in golf and doesn't let a bad hole affect his attitude nearly as much.

I think that this age group is the time that maturity for this type of thing starts happening. Gally Jr took a huge step in this type of bad body language, fits, etc when he played poorly or less than he expected to do. 8th grade to Freshman was a big leap and then 9th to 10th was even bigger. Just night and day. Sounds like Kanil Jr is starting to make that transition which is awesome.

 

[Kanil]

The latter is the thing that Mrs. Kanil and I have been the proudest of. He used to get mopey and upset if he had a bad hole or two which would turn into an avalanche of poor play. I think he's realized that it's very rare to be happy with your score in golf and doesn't let a bad hole affect his attitude nearly as much.

I think that this age group is the time that maturity for this type of thing starts happening. Gally Jr took a huge step in this type of bad body language, fits, etc when he played poorly or less than he expected to do. 8th grade to Freshman was a big leap and then 9th to 10th was even bigger. Just night and day. Sounds like Kanil Jr is starting to make that transition which is awesome.

I agree completely. I also think playing in those varsity tourneys with more of the junior and senior crowd has helped a bit. The captain of the team seems to be an incredible kid and has kind of taken Kaniljr under his wing. KanilJr definitely looks up to him, and I've seen Kaniljr emulate some of the captain's behaviors at the practices we've been to. Really happy to see it.

 

[Gally]

Next Fall Installment: Intersquad vs a local college. Set to play a double header and Gally Jr was slated to pitch the 3rd inning in the second game. Due to this he didn't do his typical pre-game warm up routine because he wasn't supposed to play in game 1 and would have the time between game 1 and 2 to do his normal routine. So before game one he threw from about 60' just to kind of get loosened up but didn't do anything else.

Come the second to last inning the pitcher gets in trouble and head coach asks Gally Jr if he can get ready quick. He typically can but he wasn't going to say no regardless. So he gets hot. Pitcher gets out of it. Then game ends. He decides to do his normal routine but having already gotten hot it was a bit much. Anyway, he is slated for inning three so he has a plan to get ready but the starter struggles in inning 1 and head coach gets him up again. So he hurry's to get hot and then pitcher got out of it.

Coach decides since he is already ready he puts him in for the 2nd.

• 1st Batter: Gets ahead 0-2 after batter looks foolish on CB. So he throws another that he takes off the plate. Goes cutter and misses then CB again and just misses low. Full count decides CB again and it slips and he hits the batter.
• 2nd batter: Roll over ground ball perfectly placed in 5-6 hole.
• 3rd batter: Left hander and throws first pitch change. Yanks it and hits him in the foot. Bases loaded nobody out.
• 4th batter: Change up in the dirt that catcher misses. Says it should have been stopped but still not a good pitch. Run scores and 2nd and 3rd. Thows cutter that the batter fists to RF. Batter-Runner gets thrown out trying to go to 2B.
• 5th batter: Runner at 3B. One out. Another roll over that finds the 5-6 hole.
• 6th batter: strike out
• 7th batter: Pop out

1 IP, 3 H, 2 HBP, 1 K, 3 ER

When he comes off the mound head coach stops him and asks him what happened. He starts to tell him that he wasn't ready to get up and down and learned a bit about how he needs to prepare in these situations and will learn from it. Coach jumps on him saying "are you saying I am a bad coach and put you in a position to fail? Are you saying it was my fault?" Proceeds to rail on him saying last year he had no fear and just got the job done and now he is just giving excuses instead of getting it done. It totally threw Gally Jr for a loop as he was just saying how he felt and that he had some take aways to improve. It's the fall after all. He stepped back and told the coach he wasn't saying that at all and was saying this was a learning opportunity as he hasn't relieved much (he was a SP in high school) and needs to work on his pre-game routine for these situations.

After the game Gally Jr went back to coach to explain that he learned from this outing and will be better and will get the job done next time. That he wasn't blaming the coach but was taking ownership that he had things to learn from the experience and did so and will be ready for next time and will prove he is ready. I thought it was a stand up thing to go back to the coach and own it even if the coach was out of hand.

I told him it sounded like his coach (old school guy) was pressing him to see if he could handle pressure. Wanted to dress him down to see how he would react and if he would fold, talk back, or cower. I thought he handled it well but time will tell.

Overall the outing wasn't great. He said he just didn't have his usual command and being out of routine just didn't allow him to feel comfortable. If he got the first guy out when he jumped ahead 0-2 he thinks he would have settled in but flubbing a CB just put him behind a bit. I told him he still wasn't hit hard and if not for the two pitches that got away he probably would have been ok. But he has to be better and battle in those situations. He agreed. it was just not a great outing but has things to take away from it.

So far this fall has been quite the experience. I like the way Gally Jr is handling himself but the coach definitely seems on edge. This week is their Fall World Series Intersquad games. They will only have two teams this year (last year it was three) so we will see how the week goes.

 

[The Z Machine]

Definitely sounds like a big learning experience for a sophomore in college. Those can come hard at that age, whether in sport, academics, girls, partying, etc.

But it sounds like he's handling it pretty well so far.

 

[El Floppo]

After the game Gally Jr went back to coach to explain that he learned from this outing and will be better and will get the job next time. That he wasn't blaming the coach but was taking ownership that he had things to learn from the experience and did so and will be ready for next time and will prove he is ready

I aspire to be this mature.

 

[Gally]

After the game Gally Jr went back to coach to explain that he learned from this outing and will be better and will get the job next time. That he wasn't blaming the coach but was taking ownership that he had things to learn from the experience and did so and will be ready for next time and will prove he is ready

I aspire to be this mature.

Me too. I was all ready to suggest he go talk to the coach the next day (no way I could have composed myself to do so the same day. I would have been pissed). So when he said he went back after the game I was shocked. I didn't expect that but was happy he did that.

 

[Gally]

This week is their Fall World Series Intersquad games. They will only have two teams this year (last year it was three) so we will see how the week goes.

They had the first game yesterday and Jr's team lost. He said everyone on the team is pretty disappointed because it is being handled more like a normal intrasquad this year. In year's past the coaches assigned captains and let the players pick the teams in a school yard pickem. Then the captains set lineups and pitching rotations and let them go. It gave the players some ownership and built up competition and comradery.

He said all the players hate it and it took all the fun out of the competition. I think there is something going on with the coach. Maybe it's pressure from the administration to win, maybe it's something personal. Just from the overall feedback the whole feel for the team seems different. Very strange to me.

 

[Chadstroma]

Not really an accomplishment... actually the opposite... but for my older son, so much comes 'easy' for him as he has a lot of natural athletic ability. So, when he fails, in a way, I celebrate it as I feel strongly learning to fail is a key part to success.

Football ended for him really the week before but we were not sure if there would be playoffs or not so he practiced this last week until they found out they were out. My little guy had his last game Saturday. Swim season was already a couple of weeks deep and the first meet of the season was Sunday. Both of my boys had not been in the water competitively at all since the summer season ended. We changed teams this season as there was drama with the old team and they hired a new coach that I felt was not qualified to be a HC.

We did this two years ago where the first time in the pool was a meet because of football. That time on the ride there I was telling my older son, look, you haven't been in the water- this is just getting back into swing of things and don't worry about your times, expecting him to not do well. Well, he cut time on all his events that time around which stupefied me. I did not quite expect that but I also did not expect what happened.

His first event was the 200 IM. He was in the top heat and to begin was right up there with in the top group of about 4 including him in a flat start. He started to fall back after the fly which is his strongest stroke. Then, his back turn was... questionable... and I looked up at the official and sure enough he put his hand up (which means DQ). Then, in his second event, 200 Free, he doing decently well but on the first turn literally just stopped because his goggles came off so he put them back on and went. Obviously, not having a very good time, adding 6 seconds to his time. His 50 Fly, his best event, wasn't too bad as he added .45 and ended 4th place off his 3rd seed. And then 100 Breast was not very good adding 3+ to his time. Easily the 'worst' meet he has had since his ignorant father entered him into a 100 Fly in his first season as an 8 year old.

On the positive side, my little guy cut almost a full second off of his 50 Free. His other events were not very pretty though.

My older son seems more motivated for swim than he has ever been. He already has 4 regional qualifying times after aging from 11 to 12 but his respond to being 1.4 off from a state time for 50 Fly was "Ok, I need to lock in". He should cut the time to make state but we shall see.

 

[Todem]

Todem Jr had his Fall exit meeting today. It went extremely well.

Heading into the Spring as the starting 2B. Coach also said be ready to play SS again as well as CF. Sees him hitting in the 1 or 2 hole.

He was pleased and is ready to be a captain and lead his team this spring to a potential USA South Conference title. They really added a lot of transfer arms and a stud at catcher.

Coach also told him he views him as one of his smartest, driven and gritty guys….and feels this is the year he shows the conference what he is about.

High expectations which to me is what he wanted. He has worked his *** off for the opportunity.

 

[Todem]

This week is their Fall World Series Intersquad games. They will only have two teams this year (last year it was three) so we will see how the week goes.

They had the first game yesterday and Jr's team lost. He said everyone on the team is pretty disappointed because it is being handled more like a normal intrasquad this year. In year's past the coaches assigned captains and let the players pick the teams in a school yard pickem. Then the captains set lineups and pitching rotations and let them go. It gave the players some ownership and built up competition and comradery.

He said all the players hate it and it took all the fun out of the competition. I think there is something going on with the coach. Maybe it's pressure from the administration to win, maybe it's something personal. Just from the overall feedback the whole feel for the team seems different. Very strange to me.

That’s exactly how my son’s Fall WS is handled. Seniors are split up into two teams and they hold a draft. (Todem Jr was 2nd overall pick LFG).


They love it. It absolutely gives them ownership etc. Really sad to hear something maybe amiss at your son’s school with his coach.

My son went 3/7 with 2 BB 2 RBI 3 SB so he had a good two games…in two 1 run losses (booo). They had a lot of fun though. Always a good time.

On another note my son has been telling me how close this team has become this fall. They played a couple of full court pick up basketball games in the campus gym. Did a round robin kinda thing. They all tailgate every Saturday as well for NC State home games…..he is having the time of his life.

 

[Gally]

Last outing of the fall.

First Inning

• 1st Batter: Went full count and jammed him for a high fly ball. Wasn't hit well and the batter (his roomate was mad at the swing). Unfortunately there was a jet stream blowing out to LF in Colorado and the ball scraped the fence for a HR.
• 2nd Batter: weak ground ball to 3B....error
• 3rd batter: Tried a FB on outside corner and caught too much of the plate. Crushed for HR.
• 4th batter: ground out
• 5th batter; K
• 6th batter: walk......then caught stealing to end inning.

2nd inning:

• 1st batter: K
• 2nd batter; ground out to 3B
• 3rd batter; K

2 IP, 2 H, 3 R (2ER), 3 K, 1 BB --------- First HR's given up in Colorado in two years. One was a Colorado special and the other he missed his spot and got hurt. Overall not a bad outing but a couple loud hits.

Typically after an outing the HC will talk to him to go over how it went. This time he said we will talk about it next week an the fall exit interview. Gally Jr thought it was odd and said for the first time he got the feel that he may be cut. Just the way the coach has been treating him and how he doesn't seem to be able to do anything right in his eyes. Overall he believes he is in the top 3rd of the pitchers on the team and belongs and getting cut was never a thought but after the way the coach has been treating him he said he wouldn't be surprised. Kind of eye opening.

He texted the pitching coach (who wasn't there during the practice) to let him know how the HC reacted and how he felt. Here was the pitching coaches response:

"I have not talked to the HC yet today or recently about everyone and the details going into next week. But I'll see what I can do man, He knows I like you and what you bring to the table and we can definitely talk more about in in your meeting too."

I would be surprised if he gets cut because his numbers are better than most of the other pitchers but with how the HC seems to be running things you just never know. It's such a strange 180 degree switch from last year with nothing but praise and upping scholarship money to getting railed on at every turn. I think Gally Jr needs to ask in the exit meeting if he has done anything that prompted that about face in treatment. The pitching coach doesn't seem to have any issues but it appears he doesn't have much say in how things have been handled.

It's going to be a stressful next week.

 

[El Floppo]

Floppinha has won 3 of her last 4 matches. Only loss coming in first round of playoffs in a tiebreak vs a beatable opponent that would have won them the overall team match and moving forward in playoffs (she apparently had a rough day outside of tennis and was very emotional through the first set...playing poorly, by her admission).

As it is, they were put in the consolation bracket and are now playing for the consolation "championship" on Tues. Again, her opponent is beatable- floppinha lost in a tie break to her earlier in the season.

 

[Gally]

Floppinha has won 3 of her last 4 matches

Sounds like she has turned things around a bit and at least getting some reward for her efforts.

 

[El Floppo]

Floppinha has won 3 of her last 4 matches

Sounds like she has turned things around a bit and at least getting some reward for her efforts.

One big thing I've seen her learn is returning serve vs a big hitter...used to look scared and swing anna miss. Now shes pretty uniformly returning most serves.

 

[El Floppo]

Floppinha has won 3 of her last 4 matches

Sounds like she has turned things around a bit and at least getting some reward for her efforts.

One big thing I've seen her learn is returning serve vs a big hitter...used to look scared and swing anna miss. Now shes pretty uniformly returning most serves.

Shes also worked on and improved the consistency of the quality of her shots...really trying to hit deeper and more angled to backhand to try to get on the offensive. It doesnt always work, but shes more locked into that being what shes trying to do.

With a lot the girls at her level (in HS or in age group tourneys), that alone is enough to win matches. Next level/steps is taking advantage of that advantage and consistently punishing opponents who are forced into bad positions as a result of those deep balls.

 

[Skipdog77]

Last outing of the fall.

First Inning

• 1st Batter: Went full count and jammed him for a high fly ball. Wasn't hit well and the batter (his roomate was mad at the swing). Unfortunately there was a jet stream blowing out to LF in Colorado and the ball scraped the fence for a HR.
• 2nd Batter: weak ground ball to 3B....error
• 3rd batter: Tried a FB on outside corner and caught too much of the plate. Crushed for HR.
• 4th batter: ground out
• 5th batter; K
• 6th batter: walk......then caught stealing to end inning.

2nd inning:

• 1st batter: K
• 2nd batter; ground out to 3B
• 3rd batter; K

2 IP, 2 H, 3 R (2ER), 3 K, 1 BB --------- First HR's given up in Colorado in two years. One was a Colorado special and the other he missed his spot and got hurt. Overall not a bad outing but a couple loud hits.

Typically after an outing the HC will talk to him to go over how it went. This time he said we will talk about it next week an the fall exit interview. Gally Jr thought it was odd and said for the first time he got the feel that he may be cut. Just the way the coach has been treating him and how he doesn't seem to be able to do anything right in his eyes. Overall he believes he is in the top 3rd of the pitchers on the team and belongs and getting cut was never a thought but after the way the coach has been treating him he said he wouldn't be surprised. Kind of eye opening.

He texted the pitching coach (who wasn't there during the practice) to let him know how the HC reacted and how he felt. Here was the pitching coaches response:

"I have not talked to the HC yet today or recently about everyone and the details going into next week. But I'll see what I can do man, He knows I like you and what you bring to the table and we can definitely talk more about in in your meeting too."

I would be surprised if he gets cut because his numbers are better than most of the other pitchers but with how the HC seems to be running things you just never know. It's such a strange 180 degree switch from last year with nothing but praise and upping scholarship money to getting railed on at every turn. I think Gally Jr needs to ask in the exit meeting if he has done anything that prompted that about face in treatment. The pitching coach doesn't seem to have any issues but it appears he doesn't have much say in how things have been handled.

It's going to be a stressful next week.

Hoping for the best for him.

 

[Chadstroma]

Much better meet today.

My older son dropped time in three of his five events (50 Fly, 50 Back, 50 Breast) and had a 1st, three 2nd and a 3rd place finish. The odd thing was that his 1st place was in the Back stroke which is usually his weakest stroke as he just prefers to not swim it much. After his one practice this week, he had a rash and scratched it to an open wound so we held him out of Thursday and Friday practice. So, this was one practice and the second meet for him for the season.

My younger son dropped significant time in three of his events (50 Breast -2.36, 50 Free -2.32 and 100 IM -8.73) getting a 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 8th place finish in his events so it seems like it might be starting to click for him.

 

[The Z Machine]

My son finally got selected for his club team for the second time this season (soccer). The team isn't doing well and even though they have like 22 kids, they are now bringing players from the A team to play in the B team matches because the B team was getting crushed. Anyway, yesterday they won 12-1 and he played the entire game at left back. After the 1st quarter where a A team striker put in 4, they played the B team players nearly the entire match. Having a better goalie really helped, but also just having more dangerous players on the field helped. Some of those A team 13 year old boys are really big, like adult sized. My son won't be there for a few years yet, even in one more year when he's 13. He played decently and got a shout out from the coach in the team meeting after the game.

Before this weekend, he was getting kinda down about playing saying that he didn't want to go to games. Mostly I think because they were getting smoked, but his interest in soccer may be fading.

 

[Gally]

they are now bringing players from the A team to play in the B team matches because the B team was getting crushed.

At 13 years old this shouldn't be a concern. The coaches should be worried about development at this age. Not wins/losses. Let the B team play and learn. Being too caught up on winning and losing at this age can be problematic.

Before this weekend, he was getting kinda down about playing saying that he didn't want to go to games. Mostly I think because they were getting smoked, but his interest in soccer may be fading.

Losing is never fun and if the team is getting killed every time then the coaches need to set up games against teams that are on the same level. At this age group you want to win between 50-60% of the games but you want 95% of the games to be close. It's no fun getting boat-raced all the time but having a talk with jr. that he can learn a lot from playing against better players and improve quicker from this may be worthwhile.

 

[Chadstroma]

My son finally got selected for his club team for the second time this season (soccer). The team isn't doing well and even though they have like 22 kids, they are now bringing players from the A team to play in the B team matches because the B team was getting crushed. Anyway, yesterday they won 12-1 and he played the entire game at left back. After the 1st quarter where a A team striker put in 4, they played the B team players nearly the entire match. Having a better goalie really helped, but also just having more dangerous players on the field helped. Some of those A team 13 year old boys are really big, like adult sized. My son won't be there for a few years yet, even in one more year when he's 13. He played decently and got a shout out from the coach in the team meeting after the game.

Before this weekend, he was getting kinda down about playing saying that he didn't want to go to games. Mostly I think because they were getting smoked, but his interest in soccer may be fading.

When you talk to him about how he feel about soccer and not wanting to go to the games what does he say?

 

[The Z Machine]

they are now bringing players from the A team to play in the B team matches because the B team was getting crushed.

At 13 years old this shouldn't be a concern. The coaches should be worried about development at this age. Not wins/losses. Let the B team play and learn. Being too caught up on winning and losing at this age can be problematic.

Before this weekend, he was getting kinda down about playing saying that he didn't want to go to games. Mostly I think because they were getting smoked, but his interest in soccer may be fading.

Losing is never fun and if the team is getting killed every time then the coaches need to set up games against teams that are on the same level. At this age group you want to win between 50-60% of the games but you want 95% of the games to be close. It's no fun getting boat-raced all the time but having a talk with jr. that he can learn a lot from playing against better players and improve quicker from this may be worthwhile.

I hear you on the wins/losses, but they play in a promotion / relegation setup with the scheduled locked in at the start of the season. If they don't right the ship, the B team will get relegated and that club doesn't want that. I honestly think it would be good for them to get relegated since they are getting smoked and not at the right level.

 

[The Z Machine]

My son finally got selected for his club team for the second time this season (soccer). The team isn't doing well and even though they have like 22 kids, they are now bringing players from the A team to play in the B team matches because the B team was getting crushed. Anyway, yesterday they won 12-1 and he played the entire game at left back. After the 1st quarter where a A team striker put in 4, they played the B team players nearly the entire match. Having a better goalie really helped, but also just having more dangerous players on the field helped. Some of those A team 13 year old boys are really big, like adult sized. My son won't be there for a few years yet, even in one more year when he's 13. He played decently and got a shout out from the coach in the team meeting after the game.

Before this weekend, he was getting kinda down about playing saying that he didn't want to go to games. Mostly I think because they were getting smoked, but his interest in soccer may be fading.

When you talk to him about how he feel about soccer and not wanting to go to the games what does he say?

I tell him he has to step up otherwise he's a major disappointment to me and to the family.

Obviously I'm kidding. I just told him that he should play out the season and see how he feels at the end. He acknowledged that it was nice to win a game.

 

[Gally]

they are now bringing players from the A team to play in the B team matches because the B team was getting crushed.

At 13 years old this shouldn't be a concern. The coaches should be worried about development at this age. Not wins/losses. Let the B team play and learn. Being too caught up on winning and losing at this age can be problematic.

Before this weekend, he was getting kinda down about playing saying that he didn't want to go to games. Mostly I think because they were getting smoked, but his interest in soccer may be fading.

Losing is never fun and if the team is getting killed every time then the coaches need to set up games against teams that are on the same level. At this age group you want to win between 50-60% of the games but you want 95% of the games to be close. It's no fun getting boat-raced all the time but having a talk with jr. that he can learn a lot from playing against better players and improve quicker from this may be worthwhile.

I hear you on the wins/losses, but they play in a promotion / relegation setup with the scheduled locked in at the start of the season. If they don't right the ship, the B team will get relegated and that club doesn't want that. I honestly think it would be good for them to get relegated since they are getting smoked and not at the right level.

The fact the club cares more about the way it looks to get relegated than putting the kids in a league that will benefit them the most tells me I don't think their goals would be aligning with my goals.

 

[The Z Machine]

they are now bringing players from the A team to play in the B team matches because the B team was getting crushed.

At 13 years old this shouldn't be a concern. The coaches should be worried about development at this age. Not wins/losses. Let the B team play and learn. Being too caught up on winning and losing at this age can be problematic.

Before this weekend, he was getting kinda down about playing saying that he didn't want to go to games. Mostly I think because they were getting smoked, but his interest in soccer may be fading.

Losing is never fun and if the team is getting killed every time then the coaches need to set up games against teams that are on the same level. At this age group you want to win between 50-60% of the games but you want 95% of the games to be close. It's no fun getting boat-raced all the time but having a talk with jr. that he can learn a lot from playing against better players and improve quicker from this may be worthwhile.

I hear you on the wins/losses, but they play in a promotion / relegation setup with the scheduled locked in at the start of the season. If they don't right the ship, the B team will get relegated and that club doesn't want that. I honestly think it would be good for them to get relegated since they are getting smoked and not at the right level.

The fact the club cares more about the way it looks to get relegated than putting the kids in a league that will benefit them the most tells me I don't think their goals would be aligning with my goals.

They got promoted after last season. It's not up to the club what league they play in. It's based on the previous season performance.

But I do hear you about it not being great for the kids' development. Like I said, I think it would be good if they got relegated.

 

[Gally]

It's not up to the club what league they play in.

It kind of is when they are dropping A-guys down so they win to stay in the league they are in rather than letting the actual players on the team decide the proper spot for them to be in.