HG llc Baseball

Octobers Spin

Wow, what a shift from last year, but thats why baseball is what it is, even with the instant replay, With Tampa Bay getting the lion share of the headlines, what in the world happend to the diamondbacks, guess someone told them what they did last year was not supposed to happen so the fulfilled their prohecy this year. But, as always, there will be more to come unless Congresses plan to bail out the banks and dig into our pockets runs the price of a stadium dog to $20.... I think they missed the boat. on that one.

Baseball Training Gloves

Baseball training mitts and gloves are not new. Their basic shape and design replicate the gloves used by the early Players of the game. When padded gloves made their appearance after world war II, utilizing two hands was the only way to gain ball control. These  padded shells did not offer much if any pocket by witch to trap the ball using the glove only. As the padding in these gloves tended to shift during play, the pocket formed through use would also shift.

Commercially available training gloves include the Kelley Athletics Training mitt, Akadema APG97  Infielders Training Glove, a.k.a. the Pancake; Mizuno GXT1 Training Glove and Valle Eagle Trainer Pancake Training Glove. These gloves share similar geometry and shape.

Using a round training mitt has two obvious advantages. First, off axis catches can still be trapped over any portion of the glove. The rigid perimeter creates a stable base for glove operation as a whole. Second, as Coaches drive grounders to the Player with a baseball bat from 40 feet or more, a properly placed glove will give the visual indicator or a complete circle. This circle is important as it confirms to the Coach that the mitt is perpendicular to the ground. Oblong shapes are tell tale signs that the Player does not have their hand in the proper position. This type of instant feed back allows Coaches greater efficiency in monitoring player position throughout the drill.

Imagine throwing a baseball at a large flat board. If perpendicular to the play, any ball striking the board will simply bounce back towards its origin. This is a great advantage for Players as the ball is in front of their line of site and between them and the play. Now, rotate the board 30 degrees behind perpendicular. Most players not using two hands have their glove in this position as they are reaching out in advance of the ball. With our board, any ball striking will continue its forward progress. The baseball will bounce up and behind the player.

If lucky, the ball will not go too far and the made scramble for control will end in with the base runner only advancing by one. Unlucky Players take the bounce in the face or chest where serious injury can occur.

Several versions of this type of baseball training device have been granted Patents in the United States. From simple rigid materials 4,208,051 held by Thomas S. Robertson 1980 to the Triangle pad, 4,802,669 held by Peter C. Birmingham, 1989

It is interesting to note that under United States Patent 4121824, in 1977 Robert Hirschfield developed what on the outside appears a typical small glove, while the inside is reinforced to impair the ability of the glove to close.

The invention concerns a partially inflexible device which may be worn as a glove by one attempting to increase his glove/hand reaction time proficiency in the baseball skills of catching, fielding and catch/throw agility. It also may be used by an instructor or coach in demonstrating or teaching those skills to players of any skill level.

The glove has the palm portion thereof made inflexible whereby a user cannot flex the palm to catch a ball by squeezing it with his glove hand. Instead, the user is forced to use his free hand to trap a ball between the inflexible palm of the glove and the free hand. The inflexible palm portion of the glove can be integrally formed with the glove; it can be an insert, permanently secured into a pocket of the glove; or it can be an insert which can be easily inserted into and removed from a pocket of the glove.

Summary of the Hirschgield Invention:

Participation in the sport of baseball requires, as does participation in any physical activity involving the use of special techniques, the development of certain fundamental skills. Unless those fundamental skills become "second nature" to the player so that he executes them virtually automatically, and without hesitation or concentrated effort, his level of play will be curtailed.

This invention relates to improving one's skill in the baseball arts of fielding, catching and the combination of catch/throwing. As will be shown, by using the subject device, one automatically will practice the proper techniques of fielding ground balls, line drives and fly balls; of catching a ball thrown by another player and of catching and throwing a ball in one fluid motion.

A variety of situations arises during a baseball game where those techniques must be executed competently and quickly. To name but a few, an infielder must be able to field a ground ball and throw it without hesitation where the batter, or any base runner for that matter, is running quickly; an outfielder must be able to catch a batted ball, whether in the air or after it bounces, and with a quick release throw to the appropriate base or to home plate; an infielder, usually the second baseman or shortstop, must be able to catch a thrown ball and quickly pivot and throw to effect a double play. A game may be won or lost depending on proper execution.

Accordingly, baseball players at all levels of skills continually practice in an effort to increase and advance their level of play. Correspondingly, instructors and coaches of players who range from elementary school-age children to professional ballplayers insist on the development and enhancement of certain fundamental skills through repeated practice of properly demonstrated techniques. Players and coaches alike have had a long felt need for a training device that would enable one to develop those skills while reducing, if not eliminating, the potentiality of developing "bad habits" or poor skills.

The subject invention, which satisfies the aforementioned long felt need, is a device that provides the necessary means to advance the skills of any player. It is worn as a glove; indeed, its outward appearance may be that of an ordinary baseball glove. However, the pocket (that portion of the glove which covers the player's palm) and the portion at least one-third of the way up each finger is made inflexible, though it may be shock absorbent. Accordingly, when a ball is hit or thrown to a player wearing the subject training device, he must cover the ball with his ungloved hand immediately upon the ball's making contact with the rigid pocket, or else the ball will not be caught. In that way the player is properly taught to catch the ball with "two hands", i.e., to cover the ball immediately upon contact. The preference for a "two handed" catch exists in virtually all situations -- ground balls, line drives, fly balls and thrown balls. Naturally, there are exceptions to any rule, but they are just that, exceptions. Sound fundamental skills require that one be able to perform the basics in a proficient way, and then be able to adapt as extraordinary situations arise (e.g. where one must jump, lunge or stretch in order to reach a thrown or hit ball with one hand).

Even with contemporary baseball glove technology, it is obvious that the advances in manufacturing and function still rely on basic skills to reach peak Player performance. Simple devices that can only function if used properly are the key to any Player success.

Almost forgot drop by nw Kelley Athletic or sign up at the nw Kelley Owners Forum

Bush's Bailout

Sorry Mr. President, but me and about oh, 200 million other folks think that bailing out the banks is a bad idea. I have no objection giving money to my neighbor to help him out, but a bank, in an industry that got all the rules turned in their favor and then stuck the public with 29% interest on consumer debt, well it just does not sit well with me.

So, here is my solution:

Give $100,000 to each and every homeowner with and AGI of $90,000 or less. This will first be applied to the mortgage balance, the banks will also be required to re-write the notes to a maximum of 6% on the balance (if any balance remains) if there is any excess, good for homeowner with living close to their means. By giving the money to the PEOPLE it does several things.

1) Elimination of homeowner debt is the first step into generating savings which is what the Japanese have found out is a key element in stabilizing the monetary system.

2) By putting the money towards Homeowners, you secure the people who pay the bill in the first place. This will drive up consumer confidence and avert stag-flation or worse yet, hyper-inflation.

3) With the non-taxable 1 time gift, banks will recover a significant portion of their liquidity. Banks which properly screened and managed loaned money will survive by the early pay back where the ones that baited people into buying more than they really could afford will suffer. Here is were we have a past performance based system where the current proposal uses a future performance based system.

4) Creating a strong central bank authority is tantamount to creating another IRS agency, if things do not go as they predict they will ask for the laws to be changed. As this agency will likely be run by the same banking educated persons that got us into this mess, I see closed military bases being re-opened as debtors prisons and a entire swath of questionable activity as is currently the case with the clean air agency under the patriot act. Case in point is the Department of Education, no accountability, no compromise and no bankruptcy.

5) By securing owner/ occupant homes, you are securing the not only the dream of America, but at a larger scale, securing the faith in our system which is what our currency is based upon. Since Nixon took us off any real secure interest (gold, silver, diamonds etc) our currency has been based on faith and the requirement that oil only be purchased with US Dollars. When faith wains, the dollar suffers and has never recovered.

As for the other countries that sought to gain by investing in un-secured banks, they should not be protected. Their investments should have been in Treasury Securities; Bonds, T-Bills and the like. Their greed for profit while being a sovereign nation does not protect them from their ill guided investments. Those that invested wisely will recover their investment as they are in with the banks that will recover from protecting the United States Homeowner.

When George, Thomas, Ben and the boys sat down some 200 years ago and created the United States; the qualifying theme throughout all their letters and discussions was that government is of and for the people and the role of government is to serve and protect the people. When did Our Lord ever breath life into the nostrils of a bank?

Does giving money to the respected persons that got us in this mess in the first place make any sense? From this perspective giving more to the abusers is like give a demerol prescription to a meth addict. How can you be convinced that once the addict is regulated that their cravings will end.

Jeter on the Move?

Seems the Yankees are on the fill'er up mode bringin up Alberto Gonzalez. Yankeecow's blog at Fox Sports gives the full run down of brining Gonzalez to short stop and moving Jeter to cover first.

Seems like a good thing. Jeters heart is still in the game and finding a way to extend his stay in the Bigs is a worthwhile task for players, owners and fans. It should also prove to be a good way to bow out as he nears the end of his career rather than be blown out with a crippling injury.

With good health, I beleive Jeter will participate in all facets of baseball long after her accepts retirement. To that end, the physical demands at first will at least save him from any spikes to the face on a hard slide.

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What I Know and Remember About Baseball - Juicing

Juicing in baseball occurs on two levels. First is the newer baseballs with composite rubber compounds that enable the ball to behave stronger. Better flight and response to the bat which results in more home runs. Second, juicing the player with steroids for increase red blood cells that allow more oxygen metabolizing and muscle growth.

For any baseball fan that has a subscription to Scientific American you can appreciate how they bring in subjects that in one aspect are very in line with their thinking. But even the best minds can have trouble putting together the simplest concepts.

In April 2008 issue they go to great lengths to discuss the compound effects of steroid use. Some of these effects are well known and others you may find surprising.

As a young man just entering college I was fortunate enough to be able to have my exercise regime overseen by the then bench press world record holder. Under his watch I put on 30 lbs and took my bench press to doing repetitions with 450lbs and perform the squat with 680lbs. At 5 foot 11 inches it was impressive.

What I learned most from my mentor was that the stories about steroids were true. Within a few years of taking steroids he developed testicular cancer which resulted in the loss of one. He constantly fought roid rages which brought stress to his whole family. In that Gym, even the discussion of steroid use was frowned upon.

Aside from the emotional and physical trauma steroids put on the athlete, the article in Scientific American points out a lesser known truth. In the periods from 1994 through 1996 world class bicyclists were dying in their sleep. These guys are at the top of all sports when it comes to overall cardio conditioning. They ride for hundreds of miles daily at paces the average Joe can only keep up for mere minutes.

Steroids create additional red blood cells. More red blood cells, the more oxygen the bodies circulatory system has available the harder the muscles can work and recover. Every thing gets stronger down the line. Lungs become larger to pass more oxygen and the cycle goes through again.

What was pointed out is that with all these new red blood cells and athletes with superior cardio is that they were having heart attacks in their sleep. You will have to read the article to get all details on how the heart attacks were actually caused. But so far as it to say, cyclists on steroids were now sleeping with heart monitors to wake them up should their heart stop.

While this is all interesting you are wondering what it has to do with baseball. Simple, steroids are a short term gain and long term loss. How short and long the terms are depends on your unique chemistry. But have no doubt, you will pay a price that you never expected.

The current controversy surrounding baseball really should be laid to rest. The lure of steroid use is so great to these top athletes as it can be the difference between a multi year multi million dollar contract or minimum wage work at Home Depot. The solution to stop steroid use in professional athletics is out there. But today, no one has been able to find it.

For athletes who are not paid but want to take their game up a level. Simple, do it without steroids. Performance enhancement through chemistry is no solution. It just may be that you are not a premium athlete. Believe in yourself that your level of play, how ever frustrating it may be to your self image, is okay.

To break it down even farther; steroids without a prescription are contraband and the mere possession of them can get you jail time. If you have convinced yourself that your body chemistry is suitable for steroids then you are a candidate for instant hire at the human gene research center, they do not even know how it all works together.

Steroids are a hurricane. Once introduced into the body you have now idea when or how bad the storm will hit, but be sure, the storm is coming. No one can be prepared for what it will bring.

As athletes mature and move on into other fields were they are successful other than sports, being brought down from a mistake in the past can wreck havoc on all their current successes. Look forward to your life at 40 or 50, do you really want your kids with you in the hospital waiting for cancer surgery. How about having your heart stop on your wedding night.

As a person you are not an island. Many people are connected with your life and are affected by what you do and go through. Be patient with yourself. There are those you may never meet but your live will impact them. So if preserving yourself is not a good enough reason, maybe they are.

You Too can Beat a Fastball Pitcher

The pitcher is well known for his fastball. Your Ace hitters are either knocking it foul or whiffing it altogether. There is a secret to beating a hard fastball Pitcher.

Fastball Pitchers are accustomed to having their way at the plate. Very little unravels their poise. They know their job and they know it well. Throw hard and throw strikes.

Occasionally their zest sends an unwitting batter to first on a free trip. Pitchers console themselves with the knowledge that all wounds will heal. It is merely a bruise, it will heal, well in time anyway.

They are the heroes of their team. Strike after strike, batter after batter, the offense is retired quickly. Amidst the slaps on the back and the cheers from the crowd. Yes, commanding Pitchers are revered.

Your number is called up to the on deck. A dynamite batting average you do not posses. From the on deck circle you check your swing to match his speed. Whoosh, the ball passes over the plate and you hear the pop of the catchers mitt with the bat in your hand only part way through the swing.

How can you beat this monster? What can you do to get that Pitcher to back off on his speed an accuracy. Is there anything that can be done to shake this guy up?

These Pitchers are determined to set the pace and play the game their way. A self centered approach to winning the game at the plate. If you let them own the plate they will take you as well.

On your side you have a great skill. An innate ability that will take the pride out of any fastball Pitcher. You have the cunning to rock this pitcher on the mound mid throw. A four letter word that has won hundreds of games. The most singular act of unnerving a pitcher available. You have the Bunt!

Bunting a baseball does far more work against a Pitcher than what is obvious. First, you want to time your switch in stance to be a little earlier, you want the Pitcher to see what you are doing as he takes the ball from his glove.

When the Pitcher is aware the ball will be put in play, their first reaction is to prepare to get off the mound to run it down. More often then not, instead of keeping his toe dug into the mound for the entirety of their throw, the Pitcher will bring their plant foot forward in anticipation of making the dash.

By taking their foot off the mound, they loose a substantial amount of power which results in a slower ball and change in accuracy as they have changed their mechanics. Could be a strike, could hit the batter, could puff the dirt in front of home plate. The reality is you have forced the pitcher to play your game.

Now that you have made the monster move to your tune it is time to dig it in a little deeper. No matter who is pitching, when a Batter bunts, the likely hood he will make contact with the ball is very high. It may roll foul, it may bounce off home plate. But the fact of the matter is you hit a pitch from the monster.

When a Pitcher becomes used to striking out Batters, they develop the need for more strikes and less hits. Hitting the ball in any fashion wears on them. Best of all, there is nothing they can do to stop it. You are going to show bunt and aside from throwing a wild pitch, you are going to put the bat on the ball.

Every time you force the Pitcher to change his pattern you are breaking them down to play your game. Every time you put the bat on the ball you force the defense to wake up and earn the out.

Bunting is much more useful that just as a sacrifice to move a man on bases. If you get several other players on your team to play the same tune with this fire throwing monster, his rhythm will end and so will the onslaught of hard pitches. Beat the monster with a Bunt.