The pressures are still there, only different. There are no large crowds and the students are doing other things. So welcome to summer baseball DHS style. The temperatures will continue to climb and so will the pressure of trying to secure a starting position going into January's practices.
We have divided our players into three teams, with American Legion being the central focus. The Legion team consists of returning players for the 2014 season. There is a lot of anticipation for the 2014 team, coming off a 29-6 season and losing only four seniors. There is a lot of anticipation for this coach, as I will be coaching my last season -- my 25th. Most coaches believe that championships are won in the heat of summer, with plenty of luck in May.
We also have two younger teams (Metro), that we work with as well. This is where we develop the next wave of talented DHS players that make this a program. Incoming freshmen and our current freshmen make up these teams. They will battle each other for spots on the varsity roster as well as for playing time in the future. They will play through the month of June, and then get some much needed summer vacation. The Legion team will get no rest, as they will play in the playoffs through the month of July.
Is this a lot of baseball? It is if you ask our football coach. Summer baseball is what makes this sport so special. All men can tell you about a game or a summer team that was special to them. No one will ever say my most memorable day was the summer workouts in football, or the seven catches I made in the 7-on-7 drill. Summer is baseball -- hot, dirty, sweaty baseball in South Louisiana, where the heat index is over 100 everyday. The summer season will end when the players decide it should. Then it will time for football games and cheering on our beloved Wildcats. It's what we do between the last pitch of summer and the long-awaited first day of practice in January.
My last first day of practice in January.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Camp Life with the Coach
We are halfway through our summer baseball camp for Destrehan Wildcat hopefuls. There are 65 players ranging from 8 years old (well, one is 7) through 14 year olds. They are learning everything from the proper way to hold and throw a ball to the proper swing while letting the ball get deep. They are enjoying base running and sliding and, of course, learning how to spit.
The spitting is becoming an art form in baseball and it's not lost on these young hopefuls. They say the major league player's name and then spit like them. "Watch, watch Robinson Cano," then a spit and a swing. They have not invented this game, as every player that comes through my program will imitate some major league player. Usually the swing or throwing motion, not the spit.
We have ample space to hold a summer baseball camp. We have a full size field, a softball field and a turfed football field. We have the use of two gyms and a hitting facility with three drop down cages. We have 7 adult coaches and 40 high school players to help demonstrate. My players love the camp, and get to know the kids and remember them when were done. It is a mutual love and we allow the campers to come to our summer games for free (mom and dad get to pay).
I tell people who ask that there will be excellent teams at Destrehan after I retire. I know I have been watching this process for years, evaluating talent in our community for 12 years. I put a Destrehan Baseball shirt on every camper and start talking about "the Destrehan Way" when they are small. We don't lose players to private schools because they can't wait to be a DHS Wildcat. I can't wait to watch them myself. I love DHS Baseball!
The spitting is becoming an art form in baseball and it's not lost on these young hopefuls. They say the major league player's name and then spit like them. "Watch, watch Robinson Cano," then a spit and a swing. They have not invented this game, as every player that comes through my program will imitate some major league player. Usually the swing or throwing motion, not the spit.
We have ample space to hold a summer baseball camp. We have a full size field, a softball field and a turfed football field. We have the use of two gyms and a hitting facility with three drop down cages. We have 7 adult coaches and 40 high school players to help demonstrate. My players love the camp, and get to know the kids and remember them when were done. It is a mutual love and we allow the campers to come to our summer games for free (mom and dad get to pay).
I tell people who ask that there will be excellent teams at Destrehan after I retire. I know I have been watching this process for years, evaluating talent in our community for 12 years. I put a Destrehan Baseball shirt on every camper and start talking about "the Destrehan Way" when they are small. We don't lose players to private schools because they can't wait to be a DHS Wildcat. I can't wait to watch them myself. I love DHS Baseball!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
The fallout
"I hate losing more than I like winning."
I'm waiting for the LHSAA to crown a 5A champion, and it sucks. I know we were not playing well enough to win in May, but we were awesome in March.We played with enthusiasm, swagger and a purpose. Unfortunately, we started to believe we were good -- No. 2 in the state, the best Destrehan team since 2004. They asked about it, brought it up often, but we reminded them that they had to finish the job. You can't be great without winning the big playoff games, but they didn't listen or execute.
The 2013 team wanted to win, but all the teams want to win. Some find a way to win, others just recruit to win. They are there every year. They win a lot and smile and celebrate, just like they earned it. I'm sounding bitter, and this blog is not about them.
I wanted to write about how I feel, this hollowness I can't shake. I went to a school system function today and faced the crowd. Many said congratulations for a great season, others asked why I was retiring in 2014, but most just couldn't believe we were not going to the tournament. It's hard to explain.
As coaches we did the normal coping procedures, we started looking at next year and this summer. The expectations are high for next year. We have the big arm, pitching depth and good team speed. Our hopes are high, but that's so far away, at least two blogs.
See you Saturday night after we have a champion.
I'm waiting for the LHSAA to crown a 5A champion, and it sucks. I know we were not playing well enough to win in May, but we were awesome in March.We played with enthusiasm, swagger and a purpose. Unfortunately, we started to believe we were good -- No. 2 in the state, the best Destrehan team since 2004. They asked about it, brought it up often, but we reminded them that they had to finish the job. You can't be great without winning the big playoff games, but they didn't listen or execute.
The 2013 team wanted to win, but all the teams want to win. Some find a way to win, others just recruit to win. They are there every year. They win a lot and smile and celebrate, just like they earned it. I'm sounding bitter, and this blog is not about them.
I wanted to write about how I feel, this hollowness I can't shake. I went to a school system function today and faced the crowd. Many said congratulations for a great season, others asked why I was retiring in 2014, but most just couldn't believe we were not going to the tournament. It's hard to explain.
As coaches we did the normal coping procedures, we started looking at next year and this summer. The expectations are high for next year. We have the big arm, pitching depth and good team speed. Our hopes are high, but that's so far away, at least two blogs.
See you Saturday night after we have a champion.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Give the Coach a break
I know I am a bad blogger. I write twice a year. I'm going to get better I promise.
Life is interesting, to say the least. My wife is playing the piano. And throwing things. I think she needs practice at the piano (not throwing things, she has that down). But it makes the house so alive. I love the music, and when my Daughter begins to sing, "WOW".
My mother has joined us since the assisted living facility she lived in decided she needed to much assistance. You figure it out. I can't. She is a handfull, and the bulk of the duties fall on my wife. She has been wonderful, (God knew I needed her help so he laid her off.) taking care of my mom, running her to dialysis three times a week. They get annoyed with each other, but that's normal. I do the same thing at work.
Lora is a tween in all its glory! She thinks like a adult, is maturing like an adul,t but needs to be a kid. We can't slow her down, and social media doesn't help. Skype/chatting and watching Sponge Bob. Now that's a tween.
My mom is living here but questions her quality of life. She would really like us to entertain her, but she can't hear me and she thinks Lori is mocking her by talking loud. Sometimes you just get tired of saying things twice.
I will be right back -- the beeper just went off. I hate that thing......She needed the bag of toothpicks opened. No strength she said.
My life is kind of like this blog, all over the place. In a year that my team is putting up incredible numbers (29-5), I really haven't had time to enjoy it. That is why I have decided to make next year my last. There are just too many things I am leaving for tomorrow. My mother needs more attention. I keep scheduling her needs after the baseball season. My wife and daughter have been great, being on call and helping out. Lori has literally put her life on hold for me and my mother. Now that's for for better or for worse, I never thought she would have to live up to our vows.
Well, the baseball season has one week left. A champion will be crowned in 7 days. In 24 years of coaching that champion has been someone else. I hate to beg but...
In three weeks the school year ends and summer vacation begins. I will be able to relieve Lori of her Grandma duties. I will be the main provider, and get her to appointments and dialysis. Wish me luck, cause I will get a full plate of Lori's days now.
It's a life that is full of others needs and personal wants. I am doing it with someone I love and respect, and because of her love for this forum you are doing it with us. So enjoy the ride and away we go...
Life is interesting, to say the least. My wife is playing the piano. And throwing things. I think she needs practice at the piano (not throwing things, she has that down). But it makes the house so alive. I love the music, and when my Daughter begins to sing, "WOW".
My mother has joined us since the assisted living facility she lived in decided she needed to much assistance. You figure it out. I can't. She is a handfull, and the bulk of the duties fall on my wife. She has been wonderful, (God knew I needed her help so he laid her off.) taking care of my mom, running her to dialysis three times a week. They get annoyed with each other, but that's normal. I do the same thing at work.
Lora is a tween in all its glory! She thinks like a adult, is maturing like an adul,t but needs to be a kid. We can't slow her down, and social media doesn't help. Skype/chatting and watching Sponge Bob. Now that's a tween.
My mom is living here but questions her quality of life. She would really like us to entertain her, but she can't hear me and she thinks Lori is mocking her by talking loud. Sometimes you just get tired of saying things twice.
I will be right back -- the beeper just went off. I hate that thing......She needed the bag of toothpicks opened. No strength she said.
My life is kind of like this blog, all over the place. In a year that my team is putting up incredible numbers (29-5), I really haven't had time to enjoy it. That is why I have decided to make next year my last. There are just too many things I am leaving for tomorrow. My mother needs more attention. I keep scheduling her needs after the baseball season. My wife and daughter have been great, being on call and helping out. Lori has literally put her life on hold for me and my mother. Now that's for for better or for worse, I never thought she would have to live up to our vows.
Well, the baseball season has one week left. A champion will be crowned in 7 days. In 24 years of coaching that champion has been someone else. I hate to beg but...
In three weeks the school year ends and summer vacation begins. I will be able to relieve Lori of her Grandma duties. I will be the main provider, and get her to appointments and dialysis. Wish me luck, cause I will get a full plate of Lori's days now.
It's a life that is full of others needs and personal wants. I am doing it with someone I love and respect, and because of her love for this forum you are doing it with us. So enjoy the ride and away we go...
Monday, December 10, 2012
A lot to say, and a lot to be thankful for
I'm back already because I have plenty to be thankful for. So I thought I would make a list for Christmas:
1. A wonderful loving wife. I couldn't do everything that is being asked of me without her support and love. She makes every day special, and a man can't ask for more than that.
2. Supportive children - It's hard to balance their lives and help their dad. Courtney has been so helpful and caring, especially when I need her. She has always been there for Grandma, even when Grandma hasn't always been nice. Daniel is there for me, always saying the right thing at the right time at school. Looking out for me and keeping me balanced. Lora Leigh may have the toughest chore, living and sharing her space with Grandma.
3. An understanding school. Not the building but the people that care about my world, always asking if they can help and picking up my slack. They never get upset when I have to leave -- and Lord knows I have left enough.
4. My team. They want to be working and need my attention. They haven't complained and they ask about my mom often. They are a good group and I hope they get what they deserve.
5. Jane. I have uprooted her world, hid her stuff and locked her in her room. She sometimes believes all of these are true. When really she just wants to survive, and do it her way.
Our life has changed. It won't return to normal again real soon. I believe that may be best. We are being challenged. When it's all said and done, we will be better people. My wife, my supportive children, my school friends, and my team. But most of all we will make a safe loving home for an 82 year old.
1. A wonderful loving wife. I couldn't do everything that is being asked of me without her support and love. She makes every day special, and a man can't ask for more than that.
2. Supportive children - It's hard to balance their lives and help their dad. Courtney has been so helpful and caring, especially when I need her. She has always been there for Grandma, even when Grandma hasn't always been nice. Daniel is there for me, always saying the right thing at the right time at school. Looking out for me and keeping me balanced. Lora Leigh may have the toughest chore, living and sharing her space with Grandma.
3. An understanding school. Not the building but the people that care about my world, always asking if they can help and picking up my slack. They never get upset when I have to leave -- and Lord knows I have left enough.
4. My team. They want to be working and need my attention. They haven't complained and they ask about my mom often. They are a good group and I hope they get what they deserve.
5. Jane. I have uprooted her world, hid her stuff and locked her in her room. She sometimes believes all of these are true. When really she just wants to survive, and do it her way.
Our life has changed. It won't return to normal again real soon. I believe that may be best. We are being challenged. When it's all said and done, we will be better people. My wife, my supportive children, my school friends, and my team. But most of all we will make a safe loving home for an 82 year old.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
There's more than the game!
Life has come calling, and is chasing me around.
The Windsor's call shouldn't have surprised me, but I wasn't ready. The Windsor is the assisted living facility where my mom lived for the last 3 1/2 years. Come and get her, they said, she needs too much assistance to remain.
In the last year "Hurricane Jane" has shrunk to 88 pounds from 120. She was extremely weak and needed to be moved from place to place. I couldn't fault the Windsor, but where to next? I always assumed that the next move would be a senior citizen home and I toured one in Destrehan. It was nice, plenty of staff, clean, but half the residents were in bed waiting to pass. It was three o'clock in the afternoon, they should be playing bingo or playing cards. She may not be Hurricane Jane, but she wasn't ready for this either.
So I talked to Lori and we brought her home. I had no idea the amount of time and energy would go into moving her here. Getting new doctors, finding a new place for dialysis, and setting up some home health providers. Even doing some remodeling of our home to accommodate her. All of that was time consuming, but nothing was more important than finding a sitter. Where do you start? Do I call an agency or advertise? I started with Facebook. Yes, Facebook. Within three hours friends sent me three names, and the interviews were set.
What do I know about hiring a sitter? I just knew I had to do it quick. I have always been a good judge of someone's character, and that will come in handy for this task. The first candidate was a short, over-the-top women recommended by my son's in-laws. She had taken care of a member of a prominent west-bank business owner. After a call to him, I felt quite certain she could handle my mom. She is animated and loud, but I just got the right vibe. I hired her before I interviewed the other candidates. I cancelled one interview and met with another out of respect for a former co-worker. I knew I had made the right choice, and Jane liked her too.
Her name is Freda, and she has been great. She has developed a relationship with my mother. Sometimes it's a love-hate relationship, but they have survived. It's a constant battle to get my mother to talk respectfully to anyone -- Freda, Lori, Lora and even me. She has had her way all her adult life (thanks Pappy), and now demands it. She can rub you raw, and do it quickly. She makes this a very challenging situation, and it would be hard enough without her attitude. We are dealing with it, and Lori and Lora have been great. I know our world tilted and they had no control, but they are loving souls hanging on.
Jane has been here almost two months, and our lives are different. We are revolving around her, and her constant needs. She is getting more comfortable, doing more for herself and sleeping through the night. Freda is taking care of the days, driving to dialysis three days a week. Getting her to doctor visits, and taking care of her needs. She has even been bringing her to bingo and card games. Jane loves those outings. At night there is the constant concern, the beeper that never leaves my side. I have been having problems trying to relax. I almost dread weekends. We won't even talk about the Thanksgiving week I had off and Freda went to Virgina. Everyone says how tired I look. I must look bad.
I have to take care of myself, and find a way to relieve the tension. This week Lori and I go on our annual anniversary week-end getaway. When Jane came to live with me, the first thing I did was call my brother Val. He had to come this weekend and sit with his mother while we escaped. He promised to come -- well at least send his wife. He also decided to come for Thanksgiving and my mom's birthday. Nice Idea. But he cancelled (he also cancelled this week. Thanks for the help). His mother-in-law is having a procedure, and he needs to be there to help her. My daughter Courtney stepped up, (as she does often) and we are still going away. Pensacola Beach and the Margaritaville Hotel. The beach awaits our bare feet, but no swimming. Too cold.
There are plenty of adjustments to be made in our home. Baseball season is right around the corner, and will bring its own pressures. We will make it happen, and because of our love. Our love for each other, and the love of family. Even if Jane doesn't get the connection, we will survive Hurricane Jane.
The Windsor's call shouldn't have surprised me, but I wasn't ready. The Windsor is the assisted living facility where my mom lived for the last 3 1/2 years. Come and get her, they said, she needs too much assistance to remain.
In the last year "Hurricane Jane" has shrunk to 88 pounds from 120. She was extremely weak and needed to be moved from place to place. I couldn't fault the Windsor, but where to next? I always assumed that the next move would be a senior citizen home and I toured one in Destrehan. It was nice, plenty of staff, clean, but half the residents were in bed waiting to pass. It was three o'clock in the afternoon, they should be playing bingo or playing cards. She may not be Hurricane Jane, but she wasn't ready for this either.
So I talked to Lori and we brought her home. I had no idea the amount of time and energy would go into moving her here. Getting new doctors, finding a new place for dialysis, and setting up some home health providers. Even doing some remodeling of our home to accommodate her. All of that was time consuming, but nothing was more important than finding a sitter. Where do you start? Do I call an agency or advertise? I started with Facebook. Yes, Facebook. Within three hours friends sent me three names, and the interviews were set.
What do I know about hiring a sitter? I just knew I had to do it quick. I have always been a good judge of someone's character, and that will come in handy for this task. The first candidate was a short, over-the-top women recommended by my son's in-laws. She had taken care of a member of a prominent west-bank business owner. After a call to him, I felt quite certain she could handle my mom. She is animated and loud, but I just got the right vibe. I hired her before I interviewed the other candidates. I cancelled one interview and met with another out of respect for a former co-worker. I knew I had made the right choice, and Jane liked her too.
Her name is Freda, and she has been great. She has developed a relationship with my mother. Sometimes it's a love-hate relationship, but they have survived. It's a constant battle to get my mother to talk respectfully to anyone -- Freda, Lori, Lora and even me. She has had her way all her adult life (thanks Pappy), and now demands it. She can rub you raw, and do it quickly. She makes this a very challenging situation, and it would be hard enough without her attitude. We are dealing with it, and Lori and Lora have been great. I know our world tilted and they had no control, but they are loving souls hanging on.
Jane has been here almost two months, and our lives are different. We are revolving around her, and her constant needs. She is getting more comfortable, doing more for herself and sleeping through the night. Freda is taking care of the days, driving to dialysis three days a week. Getting her to doctor visits, and taking care of her needs. She has even been bringing her to bingo and card games. Jane loves those outings. At night there is the constant concern, the beeper that never leaves my side. I have been having problems trying to relax. I almost dread weekends. We won't even talk about the Thanksgiving week I had off and Freda went to Virgina. Everyone says how tired I look. I must look bad.
I have to take care of myself, and find a way to relieve the tension. This week Lori and I go on our annual anniversary week-end getaway. When Jane came to live with me, the first thing I did was call my brother Val. He had to come this weekend and sit with his mother while we escaped. He promised to come -- well at least send his wife. He also decided to come for Thanksgiving and my mom's birthday. Nice Idea. But he cancelled (he also cancelled this week. Thanks for the help). His mother-in-law is having a procedure, and he needs to be there to help her. My daughter Courtney stepped up, (as she does often) and we are still going away. Pensacola Beach and the Margaritaville Hotel. The beach awaits our bare feet, but no swimming. Too cold.
There are plenty of adjustments to be made in our home. Baseball season is right around the corner, and will bring its own pressures. We will make it happen, and because of our love. Our love for each other, and the love of family. Even if Jane doesn't get the connection, we will survive Hurricane Jane.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Where have I been? Don't ask. I let an administrator talk me out of writing. Well here I go again....
This season has been as demanding as any I have experienced. The season began with the introduction of BBCOR bats. The end of power hitting.
There are teams in our area that were known for their hitting. As one coach said, "Just take a hundred points off your average."
Finding runs and players that didn't use it as an excuse were hard to find. Pitching, defense and bunting became a way of life.We finished 17-17 and made the playoffs, but that is a poor year for Destrehan High School (at least since I arrived here}.
So much for prep.
This blog post is about American Legion and the maturing of a ball club. How do you convince young players to not be selfish and give yourself up for your teammates? Teenagers are the most selfish people in the world,. Me me me. The task is huge, but when accomplished it is fun to watch. We are there as a team.
The time spent at the park is fun, enjoyable and extremely rewarding. I credit a young coach for making this happen. Chris Mire has joined our program and is relentless in instructing the players. Sometimes I believe he is too hard, but the results speak volumes. The players don't always like him, and sometimes I think he is going to give up. He will not and they haven't and the result is a 22-11 record and a trip to the State Tournament this weekend.
I am enjoying the ride and smoothing out the rough spots, while enjoying the maturing process for both Chris and our players.What ever happens this weekend, it will not tarnish the success that this group has enjoyed this summer.
This season has been as demanding as any I have experienced. The season began with the introduction of BBCOR bats. The end of power hitting.
There are teams in our area that were known for their hitting. As one coach said, "Just take a hundred points off your average."
Finding runs and players that didn't use it as an excuse were hard to find. Pitching, defense and bunting became a way of life.We finished 17-17 and made the playoffs, but that is a poor year for Destrehan High School (at least since I arrived here}.
So much for prep.
This blog post is about American Legion and the maturing of a ball club. How do you convince young players to not be selfish and give yourself up for your teammates? Teenagers are the most selfish people in the world,. Me me me. The task is huge, but when accomplished it is fun to watch. We are there as a team.
The time spent at the park is fun, enjoyable and extremely rewarding. I credit a young coach for making this happen. Chris Mire has joined our program and is relentless in instructing the players. Sometimes I believe he is too hard, but the results speak volumes. The players don't always like him, and sometimes I think he is going to give up. He will not and they haven't and the result is a 22-11 record and a trip to the State Tournament this weekend.
I am enjoying the ride and smoothing out the rough spots, while enjoying the maturing process for both Chris and our players.What ever happens this weekend, it will not tarnish the success that this group has enjoyed this summer.
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