Two weeks away

The official start of the 2010 season is Jan. 4th. Two weeks away from the 1st day of practice, and I am truly excited. There are so many question marks on this team. Who will pitch after McCune? Who will play center and right? Who will win the second base job next to Sam? Will the freshmen be able to help this year?

I love the beginning of a new season, such life and hope. We will compete for the State Championship. I really believe that. I always believe that. We are Destrehan High School Baseball. I always expect to contend. It's what I do. I convince players to play hard and smart and we will win. I am a motivator and that is what makes us successful (good players help).

How do you motivate players? Some you scream at. Some you pat on the back. And you must care about them all. I don't pretend to raise them, but they spend more time with me than mom and dad. I will have more impact on their lives than I should. That is why being a good role model is important, they are "my players," and will be for life. I try to show them a hard worker who is dedicated to the cause. I try to show them that they need to love what they do and work hard every day. I want them to know that love is OK, and that there are many kinds of love. I want them to see me as a good husband and father, who is dedicated to family. If I am going to be a role model I have to try to be exceptional. Just being good is not enough.

I love being around them -- the way they look at me when I talk, the way their eyes never leave me when I address the group, the way they know where I am at all times during practice, waiting and hoping for words of encouragement. I know this and I give it out as deserved. I can also take them apart with one comment. I try to be fair and I am always honest with them. I love them.

I love my team and I love my career.

2nd Annual Reunion

What started as an opportunity to bring together some of my best teams (2002-2005), has taken off. Everyone had such a good time, that this get together will become annual event. So somewhere between Christmas and New Years we will all meet again at my house. It's one of those rare moments where you see your influence on others. I am a proud coach, and I love it.