These testimonials are generally applicable also to the book Coaching Teenage and Adult Baseball except where the coach in question refers to an under-12-only detail.
John,
I ordered your book and followed it to the letter last season with my first coach pitch league.
Let me tell you, it was awesome! We had the most organized team in the league. You made me look like a Pro.
Jay Hill <jay@hillshivers.com>
Hi Mr. Reed,
I purchased "Youth Baseball Coaching" from you and I truly enjoyed reading it immensely. I read it cover to cover and then went back and have taken notes for the upcoming season. It really is a terrific book and a great read. I was hooked after just a few pages and couldn't put it down. Thanks for writing such an excellent book. Funny enough, even though my son's little league majors team actually won our league pennant this last season, I still recognize many of the coaching errors I have made after reading your book, and I'm looking forward to implementing your coaching strategies in the upcoming spring. I've also gotten hooked on reading many of the baseball books you reference in the book, so thanks for that too. Your book was truly worth every penny. I've even tried to track down an actual Sybervision video with Rod Carew, but haven't been able to find one yet. I would love to just find the slow motion video of Carew's swing as you described it. With an iPad or laptop, it actually wouldn't be that hard to have a GIF video loop or something like it in the dugout these days, as you described.
Jack, we stood our local league on its ear following you vision, it was great. Patents still talk how we had our priorities right.
Mark Strahl on Facebook
I purchased "Youth Baseball Coaching" over 10 years ago. I was taken aback by the very first sentence, "98% of youth baseball coaches are incompetent". As I read further I realized this statement not only applied to me but every coach that I encountered in my 9 tears of coaching. I reviewed this book every year. It's well worth the price.
Ray Pascali on Facebook
Greetings,
It's been years since I coached little ball, but when I did, I used your GAM defense with pretty good success, given I was a new and very green coach dealing with 11-year olds.
Football (6th grade) was infinitely more challenging to me [than baseball], and the GAM book was critical, and I was really taken with it.
I might also add that I depended on your materials for baseball for kids as well—we were quite successful in our area, I might add. The baseball book (…brilliantly, taught me to manufacture runs via enlightened stealing, among other things) …
Thanks, and kindest regards,
Steve Knippenberg
Law professor, Oklahoma University
I spent 5 years coaching youth baseball, age 9 to age 15. i always suggested to players that a -10oz drop (weight 10oz less than length of bat) was the way to go. kids swinging a drop 3 would switch to a drop 10 and their batting avg would improve materially. i also found "youth baseball coaching" to be a helpful and unique resource.
Richard Dunn on Facebook
Hey Coach,
I love your books. I read the Coaching Freshman and JV [Adult and Teenage] Baseball book. I have been coaching football and baseball for over 30 years, I truly enjoy reading your work. Keep up the great job, and keep me posted on any new books out there that you have written lately.
PS: I have the one on being success, lead me towards a direction, if you know of any other authors out there that come close to your work on success or motivation.
Coach Capra
Head Freshman / Head Baseball
Hartland High School
Hartland, MI 48353
John,
I am in the middle of reading your Youth Baseball Coaching book. My son is seven going on eight for the upcoming season. I played baseball for 30 years and coached for about 15. This book is great. I can't wait to use some of your ideas this spring when coaching. The sad thing is I wish I read this when my son was even younger. Every father and coach should read this before they try and take the field.
Thank you,
James Gouin
Wilbraham, MA
Thoroughly enjoyed your Succeeding and Baseball Coaching books. Also, from someone who played baseball at Princeton University and then spent 8 frustratingly long years in the Navy (wrought with the same "counselling sessions" you frequently mentioned from your Army days), I find your detailing of your son's football career and your own military commentary to be incredibly accurate. Regarding your son's college recruitment, I've even referred a few people to your web article as I think it's the best description of reality that I've ever come across.
Dylan Jones <schnagtag@aol.com>
Your Coaching Youth Baseball book was my bible when I coached through my sons baseball years! Thanks
The following appeared on the Hit a Home Run Info web site:
As I mentioned in a previous post, I buy a lot of videos and books about baseball instruction, to learn as much as I can about the game, to make my players better, and to ultimately win games. Over the years in fact, of all the books and videos that I’ve read and seen, there are only two that I review over and over. The videos are pitching videos by Tom House, a former professional pitcher, and the book is Youth Baseball Coaching by John T. Reed.
Coach Reed,
I have been coaching baseball for my son's teams since t-ball. Since I am not a baseball guy and I never played baseball in high school I always said I would stop coaching when I couldn't add value. I questioned myself early this year because my son was on the 10-11 year old team. In the end I continued to coach because the parents said I was good with the kids.
Since I never really played ball myself I was always searching for how to coach. I always found a bit here and there but it was mostly
related to skills or drills. There was never a guide to baseball strategy at the youth level. For years it has seemed to be some sort
of tribal knowledge that you get only if you played in high school or higher. Finally I ended up simplifying a bunch of diagrams from the high school to teach the players their responsibilities. It was never enough to satisfy me.
Your book is amazing. I knew from day one that this is what I had been searching for. I planned our whole season around it. It was a
huge success, but first you need to understand our team.
Last year we had drafted a few players that were very very good, but they thought they were god's gift to baseball. Well these 10 year
olds were completely disruptive to the team. They were mean to other players when they made errors and even stormed off the field during play.
So this year I drafted nice kids and nice families. I also installed your system. Our record was a disappointing 3-8-1, but the players
loved playing. They loved the baseball strategies that I was able to teach them. Their parents told me that they were upset when they
missed practice. During warmups to a game one of our wiser players looked at the other team jogging across a huge soccer field and asked, "coach why don't you ever make us run?". I replied, "how many times did you steal second in practice yesterday, 20?".
All teams in our 14 team league make the playoffs. After never winning two games in a row and only winning three games all season,
they fought their way to four consecutive victories. Along the way they beat the top team in the division. Then, in the championship
game, they came one run aways from beating a team that won its last 7 seven games by no less than 5 runs a game.
But the hightlight of the season was when we scored a run the tie that game. It was scored with the Billy Martin play that the kids had
nicknamed "the lazy boy". Men on first and third, no outs. Runner on first is supposed to make himself irresistable as he steals second.
Well, this player walks a few steps and proceeds to sit down in between first and second. Run scores. Knowing exactly what happened our players and their parents errupted in laughter.
Thanks for the most memorable baseball season ever.
Hi John –
I'm a youth baseball coach who is of one mind with you on both coaching and safety. I spotted this and thought you might be interested:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/easton-baseball-softball/youre-invited-live-webcast-on-eastonbaseballcom-monday-11am-pst/10150108823497830?notif_t=note_reply
My son is a 10-year-old travel player who is the starting pitcher for his team, and I have had him wearing a face mask since he started pitching three years ago. He uses the Defender face shield, which is the only one I've found so far that allows a baseball cap to be worn with the mask (even other models that are advertised for baseball can't be worn with a hat according to the manufacturers – go figure).
While I have you, I would like to tell you how powerful your baseball coaching book was for me. I'm probably an atypical reader, though; for me, rather than serving primarily an instructional purpose (which it does brilliantly), instead it gave me confidence that all the "crazy ideas" I had been espousing as a coach really weren't crazy after all. In fact, it was positively eerie how my own words seemed to be jumping of the pages of your book back at me! What you wrote confirmed that my general approach and specific techniques, rather than being loony, were actually enlightened. That gave me more confidence to pursue my methods (which, by the way, had always been extremely successful).
One obvious example was decision-making at the plate. I had always used a system essentially identical to yours – the two-part at-bat (less than two strikes, and two strikes). This system was so effective that I repeatedly had to declare a premature end to innings in which my kids were walking upwards of a dozen times (other coaches didn't always seem to appreciate my players' plate discipline, for some reason). I installed slip-on rubber mini-knobs on some bats in the choke-up position for reinforcement of the 2-strike approach, and I use the phrase, "up, in, and down" to remind them to choke up, move closer to the plate, and crouch a bit.
But perhaps the most important component of the plate decision-making system was the practice system I use. Like you, I think most regular batting practice is a waste of precious practice time. But I hold what I call "at-bat practice". Rather than just toss pitches and have the kids swing at everything (what do you learn from that?), I run a count just like in a game and I give each kid a dozen or so complete at-bats, with decision-making analysis throughout. Sometimes I even track where the "runners" are and runs scored to make it more fun, which really intensifies the batters' focus. I find this technique incredibly effective in preparing them for in-game at-bats, and frankly, I am rather baffled why in general, the only time kids experience a ball-strike count in their playing careers is during a game – in essence, they NEVER practice at-bat management, which, I don't have to tell you, is vital to maximizing offensive production. With my approach, when kids come to the plate in a game, it's just like the dozens and dozens of at-bats they've been through in practice, so they are very relaxed – they are in a familiar situation, and that, of course, breeds confidence. Let me know what you think of this system.
Best regards –
--Daniel Kirchheimer
John, my name is Ken Ahlberg. I have been coaching baseball for five years now starting with T-ball and just finishing up a second year with Mustang. I picked up your "Youth Baseball Coaching" book just before the start of our Spring season. I am happy to report that with the help of this book we ended up winning the championship. Your book was very helpful. One of the biggest impacts was baserunning. Our base running really set us apart from the rest of the division. We spent at least 30 minutes each practice working on the techniques you outlined in your book. I know for a fact that nobody else in the league spent that much time on base running and it showed. Your "little known rules" really helped me out also. One more thing that set our team apart was the use of bunting. No other team at our level bunted. It really threw everyone off. They did not know what to do to defend against it. Even if we were not sucessful in executing a bunt, it really razzled the opposing pitchers and we drew a lot of walks. I plan on using the book again next year and hope to have the same success. Thank you again.....and a big thank you from the Romeoville, IL. Mustang Division Phillies !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ken
John,
I'm buying these as gifts for my son's coaches...so much better than buying them restaurant gift cards...there is no gift better than the gift of knowledge.
Your books are highly rational and very well done. Thank you so much for your efforts!
Marty [John T. Reed’s wife],
Thank you so much for shipping the book so quickly. I received it this afternoon and ravenously read the first 3 chapters in anticipation of a game I had scheduled for this evening.
I utilized just two of the things pointed out by John, Pitcher cover first base and the delayed steal.
My team won the game 9 to 4.
I can't wait to read even more secrets so that we can continue to move forward through the league and I think this book will really help me to become a better coach and more important for the players to have fun this season.
Thanks Again,
Matthew Brinsfield
[John T. Reed thanked him for his kind comments and asked if he could quote him.]
Absolutely!
After reading this book cover to cover, (in only 2 days I might add), I can't think of another baseball product that I would rather have my name associated with.
Thanks again John,
John,
I just received your book. I never contact authors about their books, however I couldn't help but write in appreciation of what you'be written. Very frank and honest about coaching of youth baseball. I'm a first time coach of my son’s 8-10 year old team. Unfortunately we use youth pitchers. Would much rather have us coaches and pitching machine as you opined [for that age]. Anyway was up to very late taking notes from your book. I have one critique however. Your title of book would make it at first glance a generic-sounding run-of-the-mill-text book. While a bat shouldn't be machismo, your book is all that! Enjoying it immensely. Happy Easter.
John,
Just wanted to get out to you a Thank You for your book, Youth Baseball Coaching.
I read it cover to cover, and used your suggestions for my son’s team, and their First Baseball Practice of the year tonight, and it worked out great. It is my first year coaching baseball (9-10 yr olds). My assistant laughed when he saw my minute-by-minute game plan of how we would be running practice today. He said: “You don’t really think you’ll be able to cover all of these teachings/drills today, do you?” I said yup, and I did. Kids loved it, especially the sliding drill on the cardboard.
You have already helped me quite a bit.
Again, thanks for this book. It’ll carry me through the season.
Sincerely,
Tom OCallaghan
Your book is so good I'm sending a copy as a gift to my son's baseball camp director who agrees with many of your concepts I discussed with him on the phone today! Us baseball "nuts" have to stick together and I'm delighted to share your book with my friend.
Rob Winters, Foster City Little League
Thanks Jack I've purchased [Youth Baseball Coaching] and refer to [it] often. ...thanks!!! for making me look great and know, REALLY KNOW what I'm doing!
Mr, Reed, I have coached youth baseball for the last 4 years. Prior to this season I bought your book. I have read youth coaching books written by college baseball coaches and found them unsuited to the 12-and-under game. Your book is easy to implement and is based on common sense. Our team made it to the tournament finals and beat the season champs 7-0. Mid way thru the season I took your advice and stopped yelling at the kids. I and they had a much better experience because of that.
best wishes,
john rice
covington, la
I used your youth baseball coaching book a few years ago to successfully coach a team of 9 year olds in Cal Ripken. I still recommend it to my friends/dads who may try to get involved in youth BB.
Michael T. King via Facebook
John,
Thank you for saving me from myself. In 2005 I was a rec league baseball coach of a 7-8 year old boys team that was so bad that my team parents took a vote to fire me eight games into the season. I won by a single vote... [the next year] I checked your book (Youth Baseball Coaching) out from the library and had a one-loss season (still 7-8 year olds). Took a few years off and helped in the older leagues until coming back to 7-8 old boys last year; I reviewed what I had learned in your book and had another 1-loss season.
This season I am coaching the same age again in the same league and am undefeated so far; a coach from last year has caught on to the base-running emphasis and is giving me a run for my money. I just wanted to thank you for helping me move towards being a competent coach. I am happier and you are richer; I bought three of your baseball books (one for me and the others for friends). Keep up the good work!
Feel free to quote me. I use the basketball-off-tee drill. Really helps young hitters trying to learn how to hit. I was thinking of your turn at first and look to the outfield when I developed my race to second drill. I will try out the no runners throw to 2nd / runner on 1st throw to 3rd at tonight's practice. I have been needing something simple to address that weakness.
Thanks again for helping me enjoy coaching the game and helping kids love the game the way we do. The other unspoken result of your book; kids learn to love baseball and learn teamwork and love playing/winning as a team when they have a competent coach. I certainly am enjoying coaching now that I have left my old ways... Its nice to have parents and kids that like playing for me rather than voting to fire me... :)~
Jim Warberg
Memphis TN
Dear Mr. Reed,
I would like to thank you so much for the honest information contained in your books and website. I purchased Youth Baseball Coaching and the difference in my team was amazing. Simply by emphasizing defense (You were right, I was the only 8-9 year old coach who had his outfielders covering bases) and base running, we went from a team that won only 3 games the year before to a team that won 15 games. We lost to the championship team by one run in the semi-finals and trust me they had much more talent ( they beat the second place team 15-1 in the championship game).
The greatest part of reading your book is that they had so much fun ( and so did I) with your fast-paced practice schedules. I think the most difficult part of teaching youth sports is understanding the limitations and abilities of your kids. I appreciate the fact that you deal in quantifiable skills rather then the things that "might" make our kids better.
Please don't quit writing. I have spent so much money on ineffective information and your books are the real deal.
Thank you for all your help,
Aharon Williams
Dear Mr. Reed,
I want to express my gratitude for your wonderful baseball coaching book. My own baseball career spanned 4 meager years (from 2nd grade through the end of 5th grade), but the memories of those times are some of the most indelible and cherished I have. I now realize how little I learned. My coaches were well meaning, but they were either poorly informed or grossly incapable of teaching what little they, in turn, knew. Your book is a call to coach at a higher level...and it succeeds on several fronts.
Your book should be essential reading for anyone choosing to be involved in coaching baseball. The majority of coaching books do very little to change or improve things on a practical level. While most resources chant the same mantras over and over, you have put forth messages that are intelligent, well thought out, well documented and defended, and supremely rational. Your insight and courage stand above and apart from the crowd, and what you say will ring true to anyone who actually takes the time to think.
Your book is equally great for anyone with a desire to simply understand the game at a deeper level. My enjoyment and enthusiasm as a spectator have been greatly enhanced by your book. Furthermore, any parent with a child in youth baseball would be well-served to read your book, not only to enhance their own child's strategic grasp and performance, but also to understand the challenges of coaching from a fresh perspective. Above all, your emphasis on safety issues is unparalleled. The safety information you provide is invaluable, and your book must be considered one of the definitive resources in this area.
I discovered your book after my first year of assisting with my own son's team, and I know this year's effort will be much more effective thanks to you. Your book will enhance our experience of baseball for however long his playing years are, and beyond that as spectators.
It is clear you have raised the bar on education, safety, and performance for coaches, parents, and players alike. You have my respect and gratitude for your efforts.
Sincerely,
Michael Walsh, M.D.
Dallas, TX
OK Jack........here goes.......
We are 2-1 in pool play and have scored an average of 16 runs per game in the first three games. We made it into the "AA" bracket as a "B" team and 7 "A" level teams did not make that bracket.
Our pitching is not great but we have three boys that throw hittable strikes therefore every run we score is meaningful. My ace broke his arm on July 4th and has not / will not throw a pitch for us (stinks).
Your chapters on outfield have been an unexpected surprise. The other night one of their teams players hit a ball to the wall in left. My fielder picked up the ball and gunned to second (no cutoff) to make the runner retreat to first. I think he was used to getting extra bases on hits like that. We have thrown boys out at third and home from right field and I convinced one of my best throwers to play that position. He has been a difference maker in that the other teams do not even try for home once they see him throw in the early innings.
We run the bases like crazy. We have stolen home many times (including passed balls). The last game the other coach called time out and went to the umpire in protest of a first and third (the other corners....runner on second advancing on infield hit to create the "magic"). We sent the runner from first after he retreated to the bag while our runner at third waited off the bag. The pickle didn't work out well for the other team and we scored the run and got second. He (the other manager) claimed that we could not run in that situation even though it was a live ball and the play was ongoing!!!??? He was calling us cheap.
We still do have a lot of trouble covering home although we practice it all the time.
To make a long story short we are batting 0.455 as a team. We have a 0.605 OB% and an over 14 Bill James Runs created per game. We have 27 stolen bases, 32 bases on balls, and 40 hits in the three games.......and this is high level tournament play.
We have not had batting practice other than bunting (although I had to give one of my coaches 1/2 hour to hold "batting practice" one practice because they all thought I was forgetting about it). I worked with pitchers at that time. I have not gotten into the "batter's chart" but merely simplified and preach the message "swing at your pitch with 1 or 2 strikes". I applaud good decisions and yell "not your pitch" or "good take" when they lay off a pitcher's pitch.
We are definitely the misfits of the "AA" bracket and we will have a lot of trouble competing at the higher level, but we would not have the opportunity if it were not for the methods I learned in your book.
Thanks again and I will let you know how the 8 game "AA" bracket turns out.
You can see the tournament at www.district34ll.com. It is the invitational and we are in the 10 year old bracket (HHH American).
We rolled into the "AA" bracket against tough, tough competition and won two out of 8 games. They were both against "B" teams that also made it into the "AA" bracket. We were basically out pitched in the other games (and those two), but...WE WERE IN EVERY GAME. We never got ten run rulled (Mercied), in fact, we didn't give up more than ten runs in any game!! We consistently gunned down runners from the outfield at home and third. We covered home plate the best of all the teams. My son was one of the only players who understood the half bunt third strike swing and he had the least strikeouts on the team and punched several line drives up the middle as a result. These teams were all more talented and had better pitching than us.
One of my runners actually took off for second WITH BASES LOADED AND TWO OUTS from first. We got two runs in on that two out pickle!!! You would have loved it!!!! When I finally yelled to him that it was safe to go to a bag they got him at second. The other team's coaches couldn't believe it!!
The best outcome is that the "A" team from our league invited my son and another player to play up with them in a Fall League. My son became a better ball player as a result of this season and the methods he learned from your book. The "A" team could not believe how competative we were and that we beat a team that actually beat them. They suspect that we have some players that they should be looking at to reinforce their roster. My son is a year behind all of the "A" team players (They are going into 6th grade, he is only going into 5th due to the age cut-off thing).
It is amazing how crystal clear youth baseball is once you understand it!!
Thanks again.
Feel free to qoute or use any of this.
I just wanted to drop you a note concerning your Youth Baseball Coaching book. I've read many positive reviews of your book, but they're all from coaches and a coaching POV. Personally, I am not a coach, nor do I have any desire to coach; however, I bought your book three years ago with a desire to attain a little knowledge of what goes into coaching youth baseball as my sons (then 5 and 8) were starting to play Ripken Baseball. I must say that the perspective you put forth in that book was both refreshing and spot-on in regards to what should be important to put into and get out of the sport at the youth level.
I used your book (still do) as a guide for the informal 'baseball practices' that I have with my boys and the results have been enjoyable as well as rewarding for all three of us. My oldest son has developed terrific plate discipline thanks to your methods...his on-base pecentage usually ranks among the best on the team, despite the fact that skill-wise he's always in the middle of the pack. And my youngest son, though he can't field a lick, was probably the #2 or #3 hitter on his pitching machine team and was voted the MIP last year. I credit your book for a lot of this.
So, thanks again, snd sorry to be so long-winded, but I just felt you might want to hear from someone who used your book not so much to 'coach' from as to understand what my kids (and I) should try to get out of the experience.
Thanks again,
Chris Mier
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
bought your book last off-season and I’m prepared this season to unleash what I’m learning!
I’ve been stressing every practice, the difference between a hitters pitch and a pitchers pitch, even made a laminated poster for the boys to get a visual. During my group talk It always goes like this, “Hey, first pitch paints that outside corner low, we don’t swing because it’s a pitchers pitch, the umpire will yell STRIKE, but that’s okay, we couldn’t hit it anyway … do your best, if a pitcher can do that 3 times, he’s a great pitcher, but those pitchers are rare, so we’ll get our chances … be selective”.
I believe this speech if understood and adhered to is worth 100 points. Just to add to my point, I took a group of my little leaguers to one of this travel ball tourney’s in Sunnyvale’s Twin Creeks. We didn’t belong on the same field as these guys, but for example, my kid was batting second and had 3 walks on his first 3 AB’s!!!! He wasn’t taking any bulls***, you either put it there or forget it.
Terry Duran
Coach Reed,
As you can probably tell, I've developed a passion for coaching youth sports. But, also a low tolerance for incompetent coaches who don't know what they're doing but aren't open to suggestions from parents THEY asked to help out. I'm in that situation now with baseball. So I'm not guilty of being one of them, I keep studying your books. Your baseball book seems to be even more phenomenal than your football books. Wish you had one for basketball too! God bless you both!
Because of my situation with my son Caleb’s baseball coaches, yesterday I read all your baseball coaching articles on your website. I was so excited about what I’d learned that I immediately ordered your baseball coaching book (to go along with the 5 football coaching books I’ve already purchased). After picking up my 5 year-old son from school, we immediately went to the park to practice just one thing: batting, specifically (1) the sweet spot on the bat and (2) NOT practicing so much batting mechanics. Today, we played the #1 undefeated team in our T-ball division. We got slaughtered 20-6, primarily because of incompetent coaches focusing on teaching “fundamentals” (and not much of that) instead of how to play in the game. My son had 2 times at bat. Each time, I just yelled to him, “Sweet spot!” He hit 2 homeruns—including a 3-run homer! He scored 4 of the 6 runs we had. After his first homer, the other team’s coach asked if my son can play on his all-star team! I wholeheartedly believe that his batting success today was completely due to me implementing your coaching strategy. I can’t wait to get my baseball coaching book next week!
Lonnie Howard
Coach Assistant
Sta-Mo PONY Baseball
Stafford, Texas
This year in Little League, I took a Manager’s position, bought your Coaching Youth Baseball book, applied a great deal of your philosophy, came in 1st place in the regular season, and won the post-season tournament.
Your books are the best. I think I have all of your sports related books and you have done a great job. FYI – the last two teams I coached after reading your books on Football and Baseball won their league championships.
Larry A. Pankey
Atlanta, GA
Dear John Reed,
I am happy to offer feedback, as you have asked for it at the end of your books. You are free to edit and use this feedback if you wish.
I managed a group of 10U boys in an 8-team league near Charlottesville, Virginia. They play in a state-of-the-art facility built and maintained privately by another author, John Grisham. The league is highly competitive, as it is one of the most attractive and inexpensive places to play baseball anywhere (John Grisham underwrites everything and supplies all things, including bats and balls).
We finished with a 14-3-1 record, including 3-0 in the tournament. We won the championship, 6-4. We won it for the second consecutive year in this age class, which had not been done in this league before, at any age class.
I am compelled to write because I have had the opportunity to do something you have written about: Compare the use or non-use of a technique, against a similar background, to determine its effectiveness. Last year’s team was not taught using your method; this year’s team was. Almost everything else was quite similar.
Last year, we were one of the teams with a good percentage of offensive and defensive talent. We practiced much more often and thoroughly than most, so we also had the advantage that preparation brings. We did not generally signal things. We let the pitchers make their pitches. We stressed long-swing offensive fireworks and strong defensive field play. We finished 18-2-1 and won the tournament championship. Every other team more or less approached the game in a similar manner.
I read as many books as I can get my hands on between seasons, and I read your baseball book this winter. Knowing that the returning team would be fairly light on offensive and defensive talent, but above average in the battery, I concluded that your book offered the best strategy for this team.
I applied your strategies fully and consistently. This year’s team had three above-average players and a majority of 8-9 year-olds new to kid-pitch baseball. With their inability to hit into the outfield, I made two-strike hitting a separate endeavor for them. We used the bunt, your chop swing and what I called a short swing. I did not allow them to take a full swing with two strikes, ever. We signaled to the hitters, coordinating their activities with the baserunners on occasion. The baserunners were mostly left to their own devices but encouraged to be very aggressive. Practices always included baserunning, sliding and short-hitting techniques. I abandoned long-swing teaching (the typical batting cage), visiting it only during pre-game tune-ups for timing and during their live scrimmage at-bats. We charted every pitch and every hit. We generally threw the (John Reed) book at them.
The difference between our team and the remainder of the league was remarkable. We quickly became known as the baserunning bunters. As you intimated, many adults (including some on our own team) were violently and vocally opposed to short-game tactics. By the second half of the season, when the boys had gotten it down, we averaged less than three strike-outs a game. We played some teams that had as many as 13 strikeouts in a game against us. Where their boys were useless or worse at many at-bats, ours always had a fighting chance of reaching first base. Every boy had gotten on base and scored a run by the first third of the season, including one who had never played before. On other teams, there were kids who did not get a hit or score all season.
We were OK defensively, but the lack of size and experience in a rising 8-9 year-old was very much a limiting factor. Following your advice, I placed my best fielder at first base, when he was not pitching or catching. I insisted on very high competence in the battery (especially at catcher) and at first base, then tried to make the remainder of the team as good as they could get. I assigned positions and kept them there, with each boy having a backup.
Our boys quickly learned several offensive strategies unique to our team. For example, the lead-off man bunted for a base hit over 80% of the time, then was advanced to third by fake-bunt steals and passed balls; at that point, the second man would lay down a bunt or short-swing chopper and head off to first base, creating a first-and-third the other team did not suspect. Very often we scored this way, and when we didn’t we were able to load the bases on successive bunts while the other team focused on the boy at third. We did this to win the semifinal, 2-1.
In the championship, we were holding a 6-4 lead in the bottom of the sixth; the opposition had boys on first and second with one out. We had already proven that we would make infield miscues; the score should have been 6-1. The situation was absolutely ripe for a bunt or some kind of short swing to get everybody running and to give us a chance to throw the bal all over the place (the entire left side of the infield and outfield was 8-9 years old). Even so, the opposition batters, boys we knew from the previous games and from their position in the batting order were not strong batters, came up and swung away. There was no effort at a bunt or two-strike adjustment of any kind. So, they each struck out to end the game. The other team’s coaches got exactly what their stupidity bought them: Second place despite having a wealth of clearly superior talent (all of their games leading up to the championship had ended in mercy-rule shortened games).
I will point out that if you added up the ages of the boys on the teams to figure out who should win, we would have been the sixth-place team this year. The team we beat in the semis had only one new player (everyone else was 10 or 11) and the one we beat in the championship had only three. Of all the teams we faced, I cannot remember a single bunt executed against us, and all but two of them did not seem to have any idea about bunt defense. One team’s coaches were shouting it out to their players for the first time in the fourth inning of our game against them.
So, my conclusion, having made this comparison of typical and Reed techniques, is that your strategies are more fundamentally sound and offer more of a competitive advantage than all of the other books I have read, combined. By focusing on what 10 year-olds can do, instead of treating them like mini-MLB players, we crafted a style of play that fit their meager offensive talents like a glove. They were as good as they could be defensively. Combined with the lack of defense for our style of play exhibited by other teams, we were able to take an inferior team (talent-wise) and win the championship.
I will end by suggesting that in your next edition you give more time to the reactions others will have to this system. A coach who implements it has to be prepared for lots of derision/antagonism and misunderstanding from the rest of the league. It made all of the other teams look very, very poorly prepared, and the coaches and parents tend to be defensive when they are publicly embarrassed. I found that when we were executing our two-strike chop swing, many in the crowd (and most of the coaches) continued to insist that we were bunting. Even when we drove the ball by their too-infrequently-drawn-in infields, they did not understand the strategy. Even now, with the season over, I have people tell me our system was inferior and somehow not an acceptable form of baseball. Pointing out that empirical data (wins and losses) ought to be the bottom line in arguments about the appropriateness of our team’s approach gets nowhere with these people. Future coaches using your system need to understand that this is very likely to be their experience.
For me, I would not have traded this season for any other. We were giving our kids every chance to succeed, based on our strengths and the opposition’s failure to understand our approach. We were really coaching, rather than just organizing and watching. We had a plan, a unique plan, and nobody ever came up with an answer for it. Thank you for writing so clearly on the subject; I believe your price is at least $30 cheaper than it should be.
Yours Truly,
Brad
John,
I picked up your baseball book a couple of years ago and swear by your philosophy and approach. The attached pictures are from our first tournament game this summer, a 12-0 victory. My favorites are of the boys sliding. We practice sliding on cardboard (the kids call it the magic cardboard) every single practice. (You will note that we are still working on our bunting form.)
Thanks for sharing all you have learned with those of us responsible for teaching.
Mike Rodrigues,
Hopedale, MA
John, I exchanged messages with you a few years ago after purchasing your baseball book and my managing my team to its first league championship. We went on to be in the championship game three more times...we won one more of those. I attribute our success to what I applied after carefully reading your book two times and reviewing portions of it from time to time. Thanks again for all of the great experiences over the past few years.
Sincerely,
John,
I can't thank you enough for publishing that book! So many things you said were so right on the money, it was amazing - it was clear that my guys knew how to run the bases.
I read your book from cover to cover, and then used it as reference over and over as I coached my son's little league minors team this past season. I took your advice (because it made sense) and focused on baserunning, and stressing good "at bats" instead of batting averages.
I had already been designing practices similar to your style, but my focus changed after reading the book. Eliminating batting practice (during practice) was the best thing that happened to our team.
The team I coached had a record of 11-1, won the league championship, and everyone improved in at least one aspect of the game. They slid well, ran the bases aggressively, knew how to defend the bases, and had an absolute blast using their new "tricks." In our first game, my son drew a walk, and as he ran toward first, he glanced over and noticed the pitcher and catcher (and second baseman and shortstop for that matter) weren't paying attention, so he bolted for second. The opposing first baseman said out loud, "Hey, I didn't know he could do that", and it became so clear to me how right you were.
I could give you ten more examples of how I modeled our program to what I read in your book, and again, I can't thank you enough. It is the right way to coach, and the right way to teach kids how to play baseball, and how to be a part of a team.
I will approach next season with the same vigor, and will always be looking for ways to improve my coaching, so that the kids will keep getting better and love the game.
Thanks again.
Dave
Last season we had batting practice two times a week and before every game and the team hit .267
This year, after reading your book, we hit soccer balls off a tee in pre-season, preached pitch selection, had NO batting practice during the season and hit .406 as a team. .606 OBP too! Go figure.
Loved your book!
Robert J. Merlino, Jr.
508-397-2816
FAX 508-861-0163
merrob@comcast.net
Dear Mr. Reed,
Recently, I completed my first season of managing a little league team. (Actually, I coached t-ball when my son was in pre-k and he skipped playing until last year) After the draft but before the second practice I had the privilege of coming across your book. Prior to that, and for three weeks until the season began, I read five other books on coaching including one you mentioned in your book by Jeff Burroughs. Other than a book entitled Making Baseball fun, which had many games to play in practice, none held a candle to yours. I mean that very sincerely.
First, my experience with the draft was roughly like you described. I figured it was rec ball and the kids were young so how intense could it get. I was definitely in for a surprise.
Most important of all, my son and I really had a great time and I have you to thank. I can't say enough about you and your philosophy.
Sincerely,
Rich Ehrlich, Coral Springs, FL
P.S. I tell all the other coaches about the book and your website and have done my best to encourage the safety reccommendations you suggested.
P.P.S. Coach Bob Merlino & I received a lot of praise for our coaching from the parents. I shrugged it off to what I learned in YBC. I told them to buy it, or else.
By the way - if ever you update YBC, or perhaps just for your website, suggest or encourage YBC reader/coaches to team up with another YBC reader/coach, if possible. This was the first time in 8 years of LL that I had another YBC minded coach to work with and what a breeze it was - we were on the same page on probably 99% of any issue.
After a first season of Coaching Girl's Softball for my daughter, I stumbled upon your YBC book in a Border's bookstore in 2000. I couldn't believe my eyes that it was the same John Reed that wrote my Real Estate books! I found one of your Football coaching books in a Barnes & Noble in Englewood, CO the week of 9/11/2001
Also, I'm in the middle of my umpteenth re-read of YBC as well as my first read of "How to Publish ...."
My experience is that after I began reading your YBC book in the Summer of 2000, my Youth Softball/Baseball teams have had winning seasons as defined as winning more than half the games. Usually 60-75% of their games. I had one year where we lost only two games. My teams are usually in and out of first/second place throughout the 18 game season and make the playoffs. I have coached three All-Star games and won all three.
I have a bell curve of talent on the team: some pretty good players - some players who start the season as a liability. I get all players to bunt, lay off bad pitches, and run like crazy. I usually get warned by Umpires to tone down the baserunning or the opponent will be "Mercy'd" (Mercied ???).
I am assistant coach. The Head Coach was glad to have me as his assistant this 2006 season as my team won the AAA World Series last year. Also, because he remembered that my 2005 baserunning smoked his team last year. I allowed him to read your YBC book for three days at the start of the season to make sure he was ok with my coaching philosophy. He read the part about baserunning, so he knew that was true. Then he read the part about batting practice. What he recalls about last year is that his team's batting stunk until they QUIT having batting practice halfway through the season.
So I get to focus on baserunning, batting discipline/pitch selection, walking, and bunting. So far it's been a lot of fun. We coaches also work on staying as quiet as possible DURING the games. We joke to each other (quietly) about the mating call of the frustrated Youth Coach: "Keep your arm up!" "Just throw Strikes!", etc., etc.
Typically I coach Third Base. What I love to do is discreetly point out to my baserunner at Third that the Pitcher tends to look down at the ground on his stroll back to the mound and then give a look toward First. I mention that if I said "GO!" it would already be too late and the opponent would hear me and would tip off the pitcher. I then state: "I think I'll look awayfor a moment and I guess when I look back I'll see you sliding across homeplate!". I do this with the reliably fast runners who I timed earlier in the season. It's a beautiful thing to see when they make their own baserunning decisions and succeed! The opposing coaches usually start asking me to tone down sending the kids. So I stand with the opposing coach away from Third base - away from my baserunner. And the kids do it all on their own. The opposing coach mutters and I walk away.
My 12-year old son James has benefited from my emphasizing the points in your book over the past seven years or so.
I suppose James ought also to be a Walk Leader… His best hits come with two strikes on him. He comments that his best hits (Triples & Doubles) he doesn't really feel - they just seem to fly off the bat. I guess those would be Batter's Pitches. Once on base he usually steals his way home. I wouldn't say he's the athlete that your son was that went to Columbia. But that's the beauty of it - he's just an average kid with above average baseball performance by following what I estimate is at best just 10% of what you've got in your YBC book. We do no batting cage practice. We occasionally smash basketballs & soccer balls on batting tees with the inverted toilet plunger. I recently started doing soft-toss with poly-balls just prior to games. I perhaps get half the team (of 14) through the drill before the game starts.
One thing I may have mentioned in the past is that I myself NEVER played Little League. I was cut in the first tryout and never played. ALL of my other friends made Little League. I had played Farm League and thought I was at least competent. Years later I went out for football in my Senior year in High School. I was the fifth or sixth string bench warmer. More accurately, I was the starting player's tackling dummy. I would not quit.
Some years ago people started telling me I ought to see the movie "Rudy", about the kid who wanted to play football at Notre Dame and wouldn't give up. I finally watched the DVD this past Christmas 2005 with my son and nephews."Rudy" was EXACTLY my High School football experience - I had to pay to see my own team games as I was never dressed. Finally, I dressed for the final game on Thanksgiving day. I got in the last two plays. I was at Defensive End. Play right to me. Tackle! Game Over!
After my "Rudy" High School experience, I went to college. I walked on the football field and got to play some Freshman year. I was a starter both ways Sophomore year. I was a very late bloomer. Inside of four years I had gone from a 160 lb. Junior in High School to a 225 lb. Sophomore in College. That's why I like to take on and work with the "Projects". I was one myself. I know most kids have the potential if they CHOOSE to improve themselves. Your youth baseball coaching philosophy allows even the "Projects" to see improvement within a single season when they are on my team. I have one of those very Projects on my team this year. You should see him bunt! He's even hitting line drives to the outfield since he's improved his eye on the ball via bunting.It's wonderful to see these kids brighten when they realize they can do it.
Thank you Mr. Reed!
Michael P. Sullivan
sullmp@verizon.net
Coach,
You may quote me again
The Cardinals are now Preseason Tournament Champs, League Champs, and Post Season Tournament Champs, not to mention several 2nd place and 3rd place Tournament finishes
Not Bad for a drafted Rec Team and it is all due to the knowledge learned in your book and your studious approach to learning all you could about the game and then translating it down to youth baseball and not to mention your coaching and playing experience. Coach Reed Thanks for taking the time to give back to the game and the kids.
Dave Tarver
Ponca City Cardinals
Hello Mr. Reed
Your book is outstanding. I am encouraging every coach in our select league to obtain and implement your training program. You do a tremendous job of translating baseball knowledge into principles that can be applied on the field by non-professional coaches. I am extremely appreciative of all of your efforts.
I had been told that your book was out of press – so I had been buying used copies through Amazon. Then one of the moms’s asked me why I was paying more than 30.00 for used copies when I could get them new directly from you.
I think your book is tremendous. My wife saw your book on the counter this morning and starting reading it. She was very impressed. We had a coach in San Diego last year that fully implemented your teaching and took an (inherited) 3-18 team to first place the next year. We were spoiled with his coaching excellence (completely based upon your book).
Certainly you may quote me. I would be delighted to send you an actual testimonial if you like. You have set a standard of excellence that should be taught by many more coaches. Now that I understand your principles I look at most practices as a misuse of time and direction.
Cliff Gardner
Coach Reed,
The Dust has settled and [our team] the Cardinals come back through the Loser's Bracket to win the Tournament Championship, Beating the winners bracket team twice to do it. I just want to Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and for putting the pen to the Youth Baseball Coaching book, that is a must read for all coaches.
Sincerely,
Dave Tarver
John T. Reed's "Youth Baseball Coaching" is the best book out there on the subject. It should be a must read for anyone with a child beginning play in any of the youth baseball organizations. If I would have had the information in his book I wouldn't have been screwed by the crooked people running the local Little League in my first few drafts. The examples given about brother, coach, manager options, etc. were all used on me. My "expansion" team was never given a chance to compete. When first starting out I read anything I could get my hands on on the subject, I wish I would have found this one first. I'm now coaching at the High School level and I still refer back to Youth Baseball Coaching for tips.
Kent Effinger
Portland, Or.
KDEflyers@comcast.net
All bases covered by Reed. A must for youth baseball coaches.
Raymond Pascali, Philadelphia, PA
Rating: Excellent
Comments:
as a third year pony coach im really glad to have his books to help,,,we have tryed some of the stuff and wow it makes a big differents
THANK YOU AGAIN
Brian Heist
“I read and used Youth Baseball Coaching a few years ago while coaching my son's Little League team. It proved to be a tremendous resource. Howard Goldberg
“Thought you'd like to know...Our coaching staff took a 2-5 team and won the 4-5th grade city championship, going 11-1 and outscoring opponents 18 to 8 in our last 12 games. I credit the knowledge from your baseball book, specifically the batting order forumula, as a key factor to the squad's turnaround." Dave Bonko
“I just got back from Morristown Tn. from the 12yr old states. We won district 9 championship this year and regular season was my best year in 6 with the major Pirates. I changed a lot with my coaching techniques after reading several of your articles on youth baseball. It made a big difference. Thanks for making it available!
Chuck Hall
St B little League
Clarksville TN
I have a question on coaching all stars. But first I would like to thank you. I bought your book "Youth Baseball Coaching" two years ago when my son was 9 years old. He was drafted into the majors that year and I helped coach his team. After the season, the league had no one to coach the 9 year old all star team so I volunteered for the job. That's when I purchased and began reading your book. I didn't have much chance to implement your principles as we only had one week to practice. But I was hopeful that I might eventually get to manage my son's team and put your and my knowledge into use.
In March I was informed that I was going to be given a team to manage after all. It was a team that had finished last the last three years. In the last three seasons they had 1, 2 and 3 wins in that order. 5 kids were returning from that team, 3 of whom had been on the team all three years.
To make a long story short, we went 10-5. We beat the first and second place teams 2 out of 3 games each and made the playoffs. In the best of three playoffs (top 4 teams) we lost in the first round in three games to the eventual champion. We lost the last game 9-7 and had the tying run at the plate in the last inning before losing.
The kids and parents were ecstatic about our season. Six of our kids made the 11-12 year old all stars (two teams from our league). That was half our team. No other team in the league had more kids on the all stars than us.
I tell you this as a tribute to your principles and practices. I really instituted a lot of your coaching tenets and therefore would like to say thanks again for writing your book.
Thanks so much for everything,
Dave Johnson (not the ex-Oriole).
On 5/15/02, I got a call from a Seattle-area user of Youth Baseball Coaching who said his local league wants to disband his 8-0 minors team, or move them up to majors, because they are winning too much.
Another reader told me he got chewed out during the 2002 tryouts by a league official who said, “You know you’re going to have to teach some hitting this year. You can’t do like last year.” What had he done last year? What I said in my book: being extremely selective on the first two strikes and bunting or fake-bunt-and-slash on the third. What was the 2001 team batting average of the manager who was told to teach hitting this year? Would you believe .700? Yeah, I guess they need to work on their hitting.
“This is the second time I have ordered your book. (I passed the book onto someone else and they never returned it. What a surprise!) It is by far the most helpful book for getting the most out of a youth baseball team. I have a fine reputation around my town for winning and creating a team environment where every player feels a sense of worth towards the team. My winning percentage and my pleased parent percentage reflects this. I give your book a lot of that credit. We shared a lot of coaching philosophies prior to my reading your book. Your book either enhanced those philosophies or confirmed them and since they went against every book I ever read.
I know a few of my counter parts have already ordered your book and I think you can expect more (Morganville/Marlboro, NJ area). Keep up the good work.” Nick Picarello
“I have your youth baseball book and used it to coach a team to second place in our league tournament. This same team last year ended up in 8th.” Rick Pressgrove
“Immensely enjoy your coaching book for baseball. I bought it after being asked to coach a machine pitch team this spring (the league has far more eager players than eager coaches). I reluctantly accepted the coaching responsibility because I was hoping my son would get drafted by one of the coaches from whom he could really learn (last fall's season was a real disappointment in that respect). I played ball in highschool but felt very unprepared for the responsibility. As a reslut, I've invested a good deal of time preparing for practice and games employing many of the principals you outline. The trend in outcomes is good, but the trend in player development is even more rewarding!” Ed Locke
“At the start of the new year I picked up your book on Youth Baseball Coaching to help prepare for the forthcoming season. Since then, I've read and re-read it many times. It has more underscoring, personal notes and stars added to it that it barely recognizable.
Unfortunately, our Babe Ruth league is suffering stiff competition from alternative (and lesser sports) and they scrubbed one team. The short stick was drawn by me and I lost a team.
Now, it’s been excruciating watching the practices the coaches run for my son’s team. The real success is that the one-to-one time I spend working with my son has been very productively used. We've taken the position clinic and used it for the positions he plays, 2nd and LF. It's made such rapid improvement in his skills that a couple of parents have asked if I'd work with their boys, too. Thanks again for this valuable resource. This should be a must read before they trust a team to a coach in the various youth leagues.
You're welcome to use my quote. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. I'm already looking forward to next year! I've been guaranteed a team for the
next three years.
Regards,
Richard C Holland
(801) 501-7102
(801) 232-6361 Cellular
“I have applied your concepts to our little league team this season and I'm starting to reap the rewards. We're in a building year (we finished first last year so I got the last pick each round in the draft; I brought up your suggestion of a blind draft, there was some interest but it didn't go any further than that. I also made a rookie mistake in the draft; soccer is big in our town and a lot of kids play both baseball and soccer in the spring, I know, I know, baseball is for spring and soccer is for fall. We have one practice/week on Saturdays, the same day as the soccer games, so consequently, practices are not well attended. Some of the coaches had soccer rosters during the draft, to avoid picking the soccer players).
Anyway, we are definitely the best sliding team in the league. Two to three times a game our good sliding technique gets us a base that we should have been tagged out at. The kids are getting even more confident now and are sliding and popping up at each even remotely close base situation. I have also been teaching the change-up to my young pitchers and it has been impressive at times. I was a left-handed pitcher in HS and college, and had the opportunity to draft a young left-handed pitcher (it's easier for me to work with a lefty). He caught on quickly and I help him decide when to throw it. Last night, he was facing the other team's best hitter, and had a 1-2 count on him. I could just tell the moment was right. Matt threw a low and outside change-up that sank toward the end, his arm speed and body speed/motion did not change one bit from his fastball, and the kid nearly turned himself inside out trying to swing at the pitch for third strike. His ear-to-ear grin was priceless. We have also had a couple of 3 to 1 plays at first base (which we drill), and we almost always get a force out at second on a ground ball (we don't try to turn '2' as the other coaches practice, although we have gotten a couple of double-plays with the second baseman, quick tag of the runner and throw to first base). The head youth football coach was watching me 'throw' infield last night, and I could hear a bunch of them talking about my 'boot one and get one' drill. I explained that this takes the pressure off of the player when he inevitably boots one, he just picks it up and throws it calmly. It happens a couple of times a game, and wouldn't you know that it happened three times last night, our players just calmly picked up the ball and threw the runner out. Our record isn't that good because we don't have dominating pitchers (next year), but we're are in every game, and drive the other teams nuts with our baserunning, bunting, etc. I am really pleased that we're doing a number of the 'little things' correctly that will ultimately pay off for us this year and next, thanks in large part to your suggestions in the Youth Baseball Coachingbook. I've even found a friendly appliance store guy who keeps me in cardboard sheets as we wear them out during sliding practice. Thanks again and it was also a pleasure meeting your son.” Kind regards, Rick Davis Duxbury, Mass.
“I've been rereading your baseball book for the upcoming season. I really enjoy it. I had come to some of the same conclusions as you did regarding coaching baseball. I taught my kids to bat left handed from the first time they picked up a bat, I thought the way most practices are run are boring and useless, and trying to change a kid's swing most often does more harm than good. I had not formulated any direct solutions and I found many in your book. I first read it last year right before I managed the 9-10 all star team. We used several of the drills. One of my favorites was the drill throwing from right field to third with a runner on first going to third. We practiced that drill often. We were in a 0-0 game with no outs. We walked a batter. The next batter singles to right. The third base coach waves the runner on first to third. I had the kid with the best outfield arm in right, he fielded the ball and immediately fired a strike to third. He made a perfect play. The runner was twenty feet from the bag when the third basemen caught the ball and was so shocked he walked right into the tag. The coach’s jaw hit the floor, he looked at me and said, ‘I can’t believe that.’ The best part? One of the kids on the bench looked at me and said, ‘Hey—it's just like we practiced.’”
Brett McBryde
Eagle River, Alaska
“Just wanted to update you on how our team is doing thus far. I spoke to you on the phone the other day, and I thank you for your time and consideration. We've played four games so far and have won three of them. The one that we did lose went down to the wire. It was 4 - 4 in the 6th inning, they were the home team so they had their last ups. Unfortunately, there was an error by our third baseman that cost us. However, the games that we did win were were were pretty ugly for the other teams. The score if the first game, without many practices due to rain, 5-3. The scores of the other games were 4-0 (shutout!!!), and 9-3 (ouch!). Thank you, thank you, thank you for this book. I don't think that I was part of the 98% of incompetent coaches because I was always reading something about baseball in order to help my teams do well. I do think though, that there is not a single book out there that tells it like it "really" is. Yours "really" does.
Thanks again, Ed Rubi
“Read your book, Youth Baseball Coaching, ‘GREAT!!’” Darrell DeWeese
“I am currently reading your Youth baseball book and I love it. I'm a big proponent of the Inner Game books and have always had to grin and bear it through years of coaches’ technical imput. Total focus will be to be selective at the plate and to wait for your pitch. I’m going to incorporate much of what you propose in your book into my Kid’s season. I really enjoy your books and I appreciate your wonderful common sense and use of simple logic and practicality.” Thanks, Jim Hawkins
“Thanks for your book. My wife bought me this book for Christmas, because she was not able to find the book I asked for, "Baseball signs and plays". I am very glad that she did. Our practices just started and I can't wait to try some of the strategies that you suggest in your book. I usually read your book at the gym, while I am on the treadmill and all of a sudden I break out in a big smile while reading. Just the thought of running some of your strategies gets me excited. I CAN’T WAIT!!! I’m glad my wife could not find the book that I originally asked for.”
“I recently read your book Youth Baseball Coaching. I’m a former college pitcher that has coached a Little League team for the past four years. Being a former player, I thought I would automatically know how to coach, but quickly realized that being a good player doesn’t necessarily make someone a good youth coach. After reading your book, I realized I was doing many things wrong and was doing a disservice to the kids I coached. However, I’m now looking forward toward next year when I can implement some of the ideas and philosophies in your book. I really enjoyed your book. Thanks for
writing it.
Rod Davis
Wells Fargo Business Credit Inc.
P6101-144
1300 SW 5th
Portland, OR 97201
(503) 886-2664 (phone)
(503) 886-4312 (fax)
rodney.s.davis@wellsfargo.com
“I have read your coaching youth defense. I have used your coaching ideas in both football and baseball, and have good success.” Russ Bill, Pitman, NJ
Book review by Scholastic Coach® editor Herman Masin
“Reed is a West Point graduate, a Harvard MBA, owns one wife and three teenage sons, milks the mind of every sport technician he meets, is a youth-sport authority of staggering proportions, and is massively bright, intriguing, and controversial. All of which are strikingly exemplified in his latest writings: Youth Baseball Coaching (Can be controversial, but is always intriguing).” Herman Masin, Editor, Scholastic Coach® and Athletic Director magazine, 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, 212-343-6372
Book review by Collegiate Baseball editor Lou Pavlovich, Jr.
“John Reed has written a magnificent book addreessing the problems of youth baseball and how to correct them. At 256 pages, it may be one of the most controversial baseball coaching books ever written, and without a doubt one of the best ever penned.
Youth Baseball Coaching is a wonderful book that covers virtually all aspects of coaching in a brilliant fashion. I heartily recommend it to all baseball coaches on every level for the vast information it provides.” 10/6/00 issue of Collegiate Baseball
“I didn’t have time to tell you how much I am enjoying your book. I guess you’re in the real estate business by trade. I am a dentist who coaches baseball or maybe the other way around. Baserunning is my most fun and creative part too! I liked your part on r. at 2nd goes to 3rd on single to left then creating the 1st-3rd at that point. I will use your part on creating the tiny diamond to work on position movement after the ball is hit. I did it on the board then the field but your way is better.” W B Jones, Sumnter, SC
“I've enjoyed reading Coaching Youth Baseball and I especially appreciated the discussion on safety particulary ‘taking one for the team.’ I showed it to my brother-in-law who is a pediatrician and he definitely agreed with your position.” Mike T. James, New Orleans
“I have devoured your above book and can say it has been the best youth baseball coaching book I have read yet! I am a physical ed. teacher who agrees as an educator with of the ideas you advocate in your book. After going through 3 years of being an assistant coach…I finally was given the opportunity to take charge of my son's team practices next year! I plan on utilizing the majority of your strategies. Now, I plan on ordering your book COACHING YOUTH FOOTBALL. I have shown your free internet articles to his football coaches…. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!! Steve Korinchak, Strongsville, OH
“My wife purchased your book "Youth Baseball Coaching" as a gift for my son's baseball coach as a thank you present for his efforts this year. Before wrapping up the book I snuck in some reading. After reading the first few pages I told my wife I would like to read as much as possible before she wrapped up the book since I found the book entertaining, truthful, enlightening, funny, and most of all, quite accurate.
“I played for my father in Little League way back when. If I didn't know better, I would say my father (he is deceased so I say this tongue in cheek) helped you in writing the book as he shared practically all of your beliefs. Given this, watching the way kids are coached today is often difficult for me. My father preached teamwork, patience, and taught us how to play as opposed to yelling and screaming like many others do today (and did in my day).” Jim Lacey, Media, PA
“I…very much enjoyed and appreciated your book on coaching youth baseball. I helped me a lot with my thinking. Please feel free to quote me in relation to your baseball book. I have not read other books on coaching, but purchased it primarily due to my respect for your approach to real estate - clear, direct and intelligent combined with high standards for honesty and integrity. I found the baseball book to follow those same principles.” Chuck Shinnamon
“I just purchased your book at the local ‘Barnes & Noble.’ What can I say but WOW, I cannot believe how much sense your book makes. I cannot wait to implement your methods with my team.” Rick Pressgrove
“After suffering through a season as part of the 98% of incompetent coaches out there, I was looking for some help. We are in the Babe Ruth system. I was an assistant for the Pee Wee Player Pitch, 7-8 year olds (I know it goes against your philosophy of players pitching at that age, but I don't want to take on the league). Your book was the answer to my prayers. It is awesome!
Our season is over this year, so I can't wait until next season to implement all of the info. I can hear it now from the other coaches and the league about it being too aggressive etc, etc...but I'm aslo tired of hearing about how bad our league play is and that our All-Star performance sucks. This is the kind of baseball the league needs.
I have let several friends in other leagues borrow the book and they are very impressed with it as well. I told them to get their own copies so I can have mine back to study and underline. I told them to order off of the internet and save money. Thanks again for the enlightenment.” Hugh Dearden, Salt Lake City, UT
"I really enjoyed your baseball book. It is very unique among coaching books. I made the mistake of starting the book by picking sections in the middle. That was a mistake. I realized later that you build up the case for your recommendations from the beginning.
Especially interesting was your detail of safety issues and the curious resistance to them. My kids wear batting helmets with face masks now. Only one other kid in the league wears one. He was hit in the face with a ball and required oral surgery to repair the damage. I have about $5,000 in orthodontic work between my two boys. The masks are $12 each. Pretty cheap insurance." Brett McBryde, Coach Knik Little League Minors
"I'm just about finished reading your Youth Baseball Coaching book. Very interesting. Filled with more real information than many other books I've read put together." Dan Nichols
"It was a pleasure to read your book, Youth Baseball Coaching. I have tapes, books, gone to camps, etrc. and I wholeheartedly agree with your approach to coaching kids." Kevin Underkofler
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