Triple Creek Make-Over

Curb Appeal - you got it!!

Triple Creek Academy is getting a make-over and it's starting at the curb. A new entrance, with walkway, garden area - gets you to Fields 1 & 2.

The main highlight is the crushed granite pathways. Two pathways from the parking lot to the 'clubhouse' and a winding pathway from the 'clubhouse' to Fields 1 & 2.

The make-over doesn't stop there - Field 1, used for 13U & 14U has got a new infield 'skin'. New bermuda grass turf has been laid down in the foul territories from infield/outfield edge - from 1st base to 3rd base. Not only that - the infield got cut back a bit deeper - so now the shortstop and second basemen can play in the right spot and get better angles to balls in the hole and up the middle. Wait for it.....the infield grass has also been renewed with the same bermuda turf that is laid in foul territory.

Field 1 is still having final touches done - so it won't be ready for this weekend's tournament - however it is targeted to be ready for next weekend's tournament - "Clover all Over".

The following are more photos of the pathways - photos of Field 1 coming soon. 

Link to images.

Catching Technique - Baseball Prospectus

Can a catcher really earn/lose strikes for their pitcher?

According to studies and statistics, it has been proven to be true.

By getting extra strikes called, catchers are able to save their team base runners and eventually runs scored.

The article, Spinning Yarn at Baseball Prospectus, provides a very in-depth look into the statistics and relate them to catching technique. The first part of the article provides a list of catcher's and how they rank from saving runs (getting more strikes called). Later in the article there are some video clips that compare catchers and some actions they do to either earn/lose strike calls.

Couple key points from a catching technique:

1. Squat low - this may be difficult for you taller/bigger catchers - however squatting low allows the umpire to get a clear view of the ball crossing the plate.
2. Target/Glove at your knees - You want to start your target at the bottom of the strike zone - when the pitch crosses that low plane, you are able to 'catch' the ball by extending your glove straight out, as opposed to going down to catch.
3. Catch the Ball Firmly - This allows you as the catcher to catch the ball and hold it in the spot that you catch it - as opposed to letting the pitch take your glove out of the strike zone.
4. Less Movement the Better - Keep your head and body as still as possible while catching the pitch. Lots of head and body movement are a distraction to the umpire.

Here is a quote from the article from an excellent MLB receiver (catcher) - Brett Mayne:

Exaggerated glove and body movements are well known to be distracting to umpires. As Brent Mayne wrote in The Art of Catching:

Simply catch the ball firmly. When the pitch and glove meet, that’s where the action should stop. The catcher should have enough strength to stop the momentum of the ball so that strikes don’t turn into balls. Think of a gymnast “sticking” a landing. Just “stick” the ball, hold it for a brief second, then throw it back.

Check out this clip of Jonathan Lucroy (MLB - Brewers)

EARN THOSE STRIKES - Read the full article - Spinning Yarn at Baseball Prospectus.

A New Way

Excitement @ TCA

The Triple Creek Academy Twins (TCA Twins) select baseball organization is taking a new approach to teams, practices and organization.

After kicking off their season with a uniform fitting and team meetings, the TCA Twins introduced shared practice times, an organizational culture and extra workouts. For over a month now - teams have adapted to working together to leverage practice facilities - even during rainy days - to ensure their players are getting 'deliberate workouts'. Not just 'reps', but deliberate reps that are focused to increase muscle memory and instill great fundamentals.

The 'extra work' program has been extremely well received with families and players taking full advantage. Extra work programs are 30-90 minute workouts focused on various aspects of the game: pitching, catching, middle infielders, outfielders, corner infielders, speed & agility, base running and much much more. This is a way the organization provides focused work on areas that is sometimes difficult to work into a 'team' practice. Sometimes the workouts occur before practices, sometimes on the weekend and sometimes in the evening during other team practices.

The TCA Twins organization is promoting a new culture for youth sports - encouraging their coaches, players and parents to 'ENJOY' the game being played. With experienced leadership from Ross Powell (ex-major league player) who knows what it takes to get to a high level of baseball, but more importantly the characteristics of what makes a successful person - Ross takes an approach to youth baseball that is unfortunately - way to uncommon. Coaches and players are encouraged to push the limits during practice and build solid fundamentals. Parents are requested to 'enjoy' - practices, workouts, scrimmages and games.

The 'TCA Twins Way' is not so much 'New' - but just uncommon amongst most youth sports organizations. Just like anything that is a bit new or different - it will take time, however we are very excited. The staff, coaches, families and players for this 2012 season are great and just the right folks to make this happend and be the beginning of something great!