Finding potential players; attending to the logistical details of scheduling practices, games, banquets and summer leagues; developing an adequate preseason throwing program that will work in a high school gym; efficiently cutting players after tryouts; and promoting a high school baseball program throughout the community—these are just a few examples of the myriad duties assigned to a high school baseball head coach. This reference work assists coaches in simplifying their many tasks.
Here is an easy-to-use handbook for beginning high school baseball coaches and seasoned veterans alike. It takes coaches step by step through the season, from the player search and the first team meeting through the end-of-season banquet (with suggestions for summer baseball as well!). Instructions for fundraising and promoting programs, creating efficient and effective practices, organizing both practice sessions and games, and simplifying baseball situations are all included. Over 40 different model documents are provided to help with the development of a baseball program: player information and evaluation forms; sample practice plans and pre-game schedules; checklists for preseason and postseason responsibilities; letters to teachers, counselors and parents; letters for starting a high school summer league; and the “cut letter” are all here. “Blueprints” for off-season weight-training and pre-season throwing programs are also offered, along with suggestions for upgrading baseball programs.

David A. Rositano is the assistant head baseball coach at Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst, Ohio. He has coached T-ball, youth league, high school and college level baseball.

David A. Rositano
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 240
Bibliographic Info: diagrams, appendix, index
Copyright Date: 2005
pISBN: 978-0-7864-2048-3
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1061-0
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      v

Preface      1

1. Getting Started      5

Step 1: Finding Players      5

Step 2: Preparing for the First Meeting with the Players      8

Step 3: First Meeting with the Players      14

Step 4: Follow-Up to the First Meeting      19

2. Off-Season Weight Training and Conditioning      21

Initial Player Testing      21

Introduction to Weight Training      24

Prevention of Weight Training Injuries      25

Guidelines for Weight Increases and Rest Periods

Between Sets      26

Abdominal Workout      28

Conditioning, Agility, and Plyometrics      31

3. Preseason Throwing Programs      34

How to Play Catch      35

Additional Tips for the Coach      36

4. The Cut Process      38

Nonbaseball Criteria for Evaluating Players      39

5. The Art of Organizing a Practice      43

Developing an Organized Practice Plan      43

6. Pregame, Game Time, and Postgame Responsibilities      48

Preparations for First Game      48

Preparations Immediately Before the Game      51

Things to Remember Throughout the Game      53

Postgame Responsibilities      54

7. Situational Baseball Simplified      56

Signs      57

Calling Pitches from the Dugout      59

First and Third Defenses      61

Priorities on Pop-Ups      64

Bunt Coverage      64

Cutoff Situation Rules      72

Cutoff Responsibilities      74

8. End of the Season: Is It Time to Relax?      105

End of Season Meeting      105

End of Season Clean-Up and Uniform Collection      106

End of Season Banquet      106

Development of a Summer League Baseball Program      108

9. Promoting Your Program      111

Building Your Program Image      111

Working the Media to Your Advantage      112

Newsletters      112

Baseball Alumni Association      113

Fundraising      114

Public Speaking Opportunities      115

Putting on Community Baseball Clinics      115

10. Developing Players’ and Coaches’ Manuals      117

Contents of the Coaches’ Manual      118

Contents of the Players’ Manual      122

Afterword      125

Appendix: Sample Letters and Other Forms      127

Freshman Orientation Letter      128

Freshman Welcome Letter      129

Coaches’ Contact Information Sheet      130

Player Information Sheet      131

Class Schedule      134

Sign-Up Sheet for Playing in College      137

Parents’ Fund Raising Letter and Sign-Up Sheet      138

Committee Descriptions      140

Memo to Classroom Teachers Regarding Players’ Academics or Behavior      141

Notice to Guidance Counselors      142

Strength Training Log      143

20 Week Weight Lifting Program      144

Six Week Indoor Throwing Programs for Outfielders, Infielders, Catchers, and Pitchers      174

Player Evaluation Form      193

Player Cut Process Letter      195

Player Cut Letter      196

Player Expectations Letter      197

Practice Plan for Mid-March (Outdoors)      199

Group Infield Routine      202

Departure Times for Away Games      205

Excuse from Class      206

Equipment Contract      207

Varsity Uniform Schedule      208

PR Employment Opportunity Letter to Students      209

Baseball Public Address Script      210

Information Needed from Opposing Team for the Public Address Announcer      212

Manager’s Responsibilities      213

Pregame Day Schedule      214

Pre-Banquet Letter      216

Banquet Program Agenda      217

Banquet Program Table of Contents      218

Varsity Baseball Awards      219

Letter to Other Head Coaches to Determine Level of Interest in a Summer League      220

Sign-Up Sheet for Teams Interested in a Summer League      221

Summer League Mission Statement      222

Proposal for Summer High School Baseball League      223

Letter to Coaches Regarding Scheduling of Summer League      224

Sample Newspaper Ad Seeking Baseball Alumni      225

Alumni Association Certificate      226

Alumni Association Player Information Sheet      227

Index      229