Glenbard East High School Baseball Player and Parent Handbook
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Table of Contents I.
Information Page…………………………………………………….. 3
II.
Mission Statement……………………………………………………4
III.
Team beliefs ………………………………………………………….4
IV.
Coaching philosophy…………………………………………………5
V.
Glenbard East Baseball Team Rules and Policies..………………...7
VI.
Player expectations …………………………………………………..7
VII. Glenbard East Baseball communication process…………………..9 VIII. Team equipment and uniform policy……………………………….9 IX.
Program Goals………………………………………………………10
X.
Team selection process……………………………………………..11
XI.
Keys to winning…………………………………………………….13
XII.
Sportsmanship
XIII. Success XIV. Fundraising
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Glenbard East High School Baseball Program 2011-2012 Information Packet Head Varsity Baseball Coach: Joel Pelland Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach: John Peitras Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach: Dean Pelland Head Sophomore Coach: Brandon Collie Assistant Sophomore Coach: John Zimmermann Assistant Sophomore Coach (Pitching): Frank Nebbia Freshman A Coach: Colin Doyle Freshman B Coach: Mark Evangelista Freshman Assistant: Josh Kause Freshman Assistant: Kameron Matthis Freshman Assistant (Pitching): Bill Leahy Glenbard East High School Administration Principle: Josh Chambers Assistant Principle of Athletics: Omar Davis Baseball Boosters Representative: Tom Mogovero
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Glenbard East Baseball Mission Statement: The Glenbard East High School Baseball program strives to achieve excellence on and off the diamond. As members of the program we will commit to live and play with the passion, effort, and attitude that brings honor to our families, our community, and ourselves. We also understand that success doesn’t necessarily mean wins and losses. Instead we understand that success is measured by knowing that we did our best, to become the best we are capable of becoming, in the classroom, on the field, and in life.
Glenbard East Baseball Believes We play to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves. We join together, we believe in one another, and we push each other to reach a level of greatness that can only be reached when we all work as ONE. To help the players and coaches accomplish this goal, our program consists of the following facets: fundamentals, hard work, respect & loyalty, and discipline & accountability. Fundamentals: It is important to stress the proper fundamentals and techniques in every aspect of the game. It is these fundamentals that will allow us to be successful and put us in a position to win every game we play. Our goal is to make the fundamentals of this game second nature to our players so we are reacting, not thinking. These fundamental will be worked on through proper instruction by the coaches and through quality repetition in practice. Hard work: We need to work at the same level of intensity day in and day out. This work is not limited to the baseball diamond but extends into the classroom, weight room, field maintenance, meetings, and games. Hard work can help make up for a lack of skill, speed, and power. “All men are created equal; some just work harder in the off season.” Emmitt Smith. Respect & Loyalty: All coaches will treat all the players at all levels with respect and dignity. In turn all players will treat all coaches and teammates with the same respect and dignity they would expect to be treated with. Coaches are going to push the players and it is important that the players remain loyal toward the program and understand that the coaches have their best interest in mind. Discipline and Accountability: Discipline is needed because it helps players to be mentally tough and concentrate on drills in practice, signs in a game, and most importantly keeping up with school work. Discipline helps a player realize that there are acceptable and unacceptable ways to do things within in the program. At the same time players will hold each other accountable for displaying the passion, effort and attitude needed to be successful. 4
Coaching Philosophy
The first and very most important priority that we have as coaches is the safety and the development of our players. We aspire to not only develop our players as athletes but as quality young men as well. As a coaching staff the only thing that we require of our players is to come to practice/games and give us their best, which is all we can truly ask for. We strive to build a team of class, respect, and character. Sportsmanship will be a requirement and an emphasized point of the program. There is one thing that we don’t want to do, and that is put limits on what our players are capable of. When a coach starts putting limits on what they think their players can do, they start putting limits on what their players will do. We do not want to sell our players short of what they are capable of. With that said the freshman will be doing very similar drills as the varsity players. They will be brought through a progression so that as varsity players they have excelled in the movement. We win or lose during practice. When at practice we will act, practice and play like professionals. As a coaching staff we will provide our players with an atmosphere that allows them to get plenty of quality repetitions so that they can continue improve themselves. We fully understand that we cannot control the results that occur on the field, but we can control how practice is run, the type of young men selected to be a part of this program, and the effort we give to the program day in and day out to reach our goals. Therefore, the Glenbard East Baseball Coaching staff strives to display the following: • Energy and enthusiasm. This is something that needs to be brought by every coach on the staff. We will only get out of our players what we put in. Humor. Baseball is fun!! It is important that we keep that perspective when training, practicing, progressing our way to a State Championship. • Affection. We want our players to know that we look at them as human beings, not just athletes to throw on the field. Each player needs to know that we care for them and communicate to them that they are an important part of the team. • Patience. Everyone must understand that although perfection is aimed for, it is rarely hit. There will be mistakes both mental and physical. Our philosophy is “We don’t mind mistakes, as long as we learn from them.” • Self-control. We are role models to our players and all that are watching. Self control of our actions, words, and reactions must remain under control in order for us to set a positive example to our players and fans. •Selflessness. Everything that we do as a staff is for the betterment of the program and the players that come through it. Dedicating the time and effort in order to give them the best opportunity for success is just one way that we will be selfless.
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• Generosity. As a program we must give back to the people that support us. We must give back to the school, give back to the community, and give back to our fans. • Confidence- As a coaching staff we need to be confident in what we are teaching our player and confident in our coaching ability. Our players will feed off of our confidence and in turn create a team that is confident in themselves and what we are doing as coaches. • Open-mindedness and eagerness to learn. “We can never know enough” The want to get better and continue to learn is a must in a successful program. There has to be a humble approach to the game and all that is involved. • Good preparation; a realistic sense of how much can be accomplished. Preparation is a means to success. As a coaching staff we must be prepared for practice with a detailed outline so there is good flow. We must also prepare our players and ourselves for competition in order for us to be successful. • Good communicator- Communication between coach and players, coach and parents, and coach and administration is a necessity in order to run an effective program. Teaching proper communication methods to players is another task that we will strive for. Players need to understand how to effectively communicate with coaches, players, opponents, and adults. • Good, comprehensive technical knowledge. We are to be teachers of the game. Helping our players develop to a level that they could not get to without us. Keeping up on current models, fundamentals, and drills is a way that we as a staff can continue to improve our team.
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GLENBARD EAST BASEBALL Congratulations on being selected to represent Glenbard East High School as a member of its baseball program. Being selected to represent your high school is an honor and a privilege. It is the coaching staff’s goal to make your involvement in baseball a valuable experience. A valuable experience, in our definition, will be achieved if each player……… is involved, learning, and improving on a daily basis. The staff will provide a practice environment that creates active opportunities to advance each players knowledge and skills in baseball. It is important that we establish an understanding between players and coaches about their respective goals, responsibilities, commitments, procedures, and policies. It is equally important to understand the discipline that it will take in areas of academics and athletics to earn the respect and success we want to achieve.
TEAM RULES AND POLICIES The following rules and policies have been developed as a guideline for all Glenbard East Baseball players to follow. These guidelines will set the foundation for a successful and respected baseball program. While it may be difficult at times to follow these rules, it is important to remember: “As a Glenbard East Baseball player you represent yourself, your parents, Glenbard East, GBE athletics, the baseball program, and your community.” Your performance and success will not only be measured by wins and losses, but also by your conduct in the classroom, and in the community. The following rules and guidelines have been selected as what best exemplifies a baseball player in this program.
CLASSROOM 1.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Strive for excellence. We, as coaches, urge you to maintain high grades. Do not be satisfied with “just getting by.” Poor grades may affect your athletic eligibility or your admittance into the college of your choice. Respect your teachers at all times. Your classroom behavior reflects the type of student-‐athlete we keep in this program. All players will attend class regularly and be punctual. Players should NOT miss a practice or game due to a detention. Players must be passing a minimum of 4 classes to maintain eligibility. An athlete must be present in school for their last 3 classes, in order to participate in a practice or a game.
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSBILITIES 1. 2. 3. 4.
5. 6. 7.
Players will be fully committed to baseball during the spring season. All other activities/sports will be put on hold until the baseball season has finished. Behave with respect and maturity in and out of school, in and out of season. Be punctual (early!!)……….. to school, class, practice, and games. Hustle, work hard, maintain a positive attitude and dedicate yourself to improve every day. Keep the good of the team in mind at all times (be unselfish). Your positive attitude means more than your ability to the growth of our team. a. Handle your responsibilities and assignments, no matter how small they may seem, with pride and your best effort. Respect your coaches, teammates, opposing teams and umpires. Represent the program appropriately on the field, in the classroom and in the community. We will not throw helmets, bats, or any equipment in disgust. Face adversity unemotionally. 7
8. Players are expected to display proper sportsmanlike behavior before, during, and after games. 9. Team members will be required to ride on school provided transportation when traveling to and from away games. Special circumstances can be discussed with your coach. 10. Attend ALL PRACTICES and games. 11. Let your coach know when attendance may be an issue. A phone call/email must be made BY THE PLAYER if you are unable to attend. Missing a practice/game WILL AFFECT YOUR PLAYING TIME! 12. An athlete who misses a practice for reasons not approved or accepted by his coach, will not be permitted to participate in the next game following the absence. 13. Respect and know the differences between practices and games, as a form of evaluation. 14. Look and act like a baseball player…………clean uniform and hat worn properly (hair under the hat and behind ears). a. Hair, moustaches, sideburns, goatees, must be neatly trimmed. No beards. 15. Let the coaches-‐coach, the players-‐play, the umpires-‐ump and the parents be spectators. a. Socializing will be kept to a minimum any time you are on the baseball field. You will not be allowed to speak "through the fence" to any parent/friend/etc. b. Parents: Negative comments to umpires do not help our team. Please let the coaches handle this. Again, please understand that complaining about umpires or their calls does not help us. 16. Refrain from putting pictures on Facebook or any other social network that can be incriminating against you. 17. Follow the Glenbard East athletic “code of conduct.”
PRACTICES AND GAMES 1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Practice during the week will begin at 6:00pm, unless told otherwise. Players should be ready to practice at that time. All players should dress warm and plan for the worst weather. COME PREPARED TO GO OUTSIDE EVERYDAY! All players must wear a hat. No hat…….… NO PRACTICE. No one should wear short sleeves outside until your coach permits the entire team. a. It is recommended that all players wear several layers for warmth and muscular protection. Anyone unable to attend a practice/game must directly contact his coach. a. Do not send a message with a friend/team-‐mate. It is your responsibility. Cleats must be put on and taken off outside the building…cleats will not be worn inside. Jewelry is not allowed during practices and games. It should be taken off before walking on the field and/or entering the field house. Keep the locker room clean, pick up after yourself! “Hazing” is NOT TOLERATED. Think before you act. All pitchers are required to ice down immediately after all games and practices. Report all injuries to your coach as soon as possible.
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TEAM EQUIPMENT/UNIFORM CARE AND POLICIES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Each player will be responsible for any team equipment handed out. Any equipment lost or damaged, will be replaced at the player’s expense. All equipment will be treated with respect and kept clean. Players should never throw, kick, or abuse a batting helmet or any other piece of equipment. This is unacceptable. Uniforms should be cleaned before every game. Players designated to carry equipment to and from a practice/game are responsible for that equipment from the time they pick it up from the equipment room until they personally bring it back to the room. DO NOT EXPECT OR COUNT ON SOMEONE ELSE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES.
GLENBARD EAST BASEBALL COMMUNICATION PROCESS When a player or parent has questions or concerns regarding the program or a player's individual role on the team, it is important to keep in mind the following communication process. This process provides an effective and efficient progression, focused on solving any problem that may develop during the season.
FOUR STEP ACTION PLAN STEP 1 The concerned player should approach his immediate coach to schedule a time to discuss his questions or concerns. If the player does not feel comfortable and satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, he should move forward with Step 2. STEP 2 The concerned player should request a meeting involving himself, his immediate coach and the Varsity Head Coach. If the player does not feel comfortable and satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, he should move forward with Step 3. STEP 3 A meeting involving the player, the necessary Glenbard East baseball coaches and parent(s)/guardian(s) should be requested via e-‐mail. This e-‐mail should include a brief explanation of the player/parent concerns. If this meeting does not resolve the situation, the player and his parents should then move forward with Step 4. STEP 4 A meeting should be requested involving the player, appropriate Glenbard East baseball coaches, parent(s)/guardian(s), and the Athletic Director. If all the parties involved are still not comfortable with the outcome of this meeting, additional alternatives should be discussed to resolve this matter.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 1. All discussion should focus on individual questions or concerns. 2. The performance and ability of other players will not be a subject of discussion. This is contrary to our team values of mutual respect and support. 3. Before leaving any meeting, be sure to clarify and summarize your thoughts and feelings. This will ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the meeting's outcome. 9
Program Goals (result oriented) I. Varsity a. State Champions b. Sectional Champions c. Regional Champions d. Conference Champions e. Win each series f. Win each game g. Win each pitch II. Sophomores a. Conference Champions b. Win each series c. Win each game d. Win each pitch III. Freshman a. Conference Champions b. Win each series c. Win each game d. Win each pitch
How we define Success: Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
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Team Selection Process All students who are interested in trying out for the baseball team will be evaluated during the try-out period that is designated before the season begins. If a student athlete shows up late for a non legitimate reason, he will be evaluated based on the limited time that he has been there. Injuries can occur at any level of play at any time. Any injuries should be reported to the coach and be evaluated by the trainers before the student-athlete can return to 100% participation. The try out would then occur during the time allotted. If the injuries are reported to the coach after the team has been selected, the try out evaluation will stand. Freshman Baseball: The purpose of the freshman program is to: A. Develop and refine basic skills and condition of the athlete B. Introduce, explain, and reinforce the rules of the sport C. Assess the student’s athletic ability, which will lead to a continued involvement in the sport. D. Provide playing time to all participants, at the coach’s discretion E. Introduce them to the program’s drills, plays, expectation, mentality The freshman team will consist of ninth graders who have demonstrated intellectual skills, proper attitude, physical skills, and sport specific skills that indicate a potential to be a varsity player. The number of players may vary from season to season. Sophomore Baseball The purpose of the sophomore program is to: A. Further develop skills of the athlete B. Increase the intensity of competition. C. Prepare the athlete for the varsity level D. Provide opportunities for playing time as game conditions merit. The sophomore baseball team will consist primarily of sophomores, possibly freshmen who have demonstrated the ability to start as a sophomore. The sophomores must exhibit the required intellectual skills, proper attitude, physical skills, and sport specific skills that indicate a potential to be a varsity performer of the next two years.
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Varsity Baseball The purpose of the Varsity program is to: A. Develop the physical skills and condition of the athlete to his fullest potential B. Provide talented athletes with the chance to excel C. Provide the athletes with the opportunities to learn set goals, strive to achieve them, and serve as role models for younger athletes. D. Develop program goals that include result oriented goals, personal goals, team building skills, and the enjoyment of the sport E. Communicate to athletes where they stand and what they need to do to improve. The Varsity team will consist primarily of Juniors and Seniors, but may include Freshmen and Sophomores whom have demonstrated the ability to be starters or key contributors to the varsity team. The varsity player must show the mental skills, proper attitude, physical skills, and sport specific skills needed to be starters or essential contributors to the success of the team. Note: Regardless of the level, each player must demonstrate the skills needed to be a member of the baseball program. No player is guaranteed a position in the present year because he was a part of the program the previous year.
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WINNING MADE SIMPLE I.GET QUALITY AT BATS A. 4 LOOKS AT PITCHER BEFORE HITTING 1. OPPOSING PITCHER IN BULLPEN 2. WATCH PITCHER IN GAME FROM DUGOUT 3. ON DECK CIRCLE 4. TAKE 1ST PITCH FIRST AB OF GAME B. QUALITY AT BAT 1. BASE HIT 2. SWELL PLACED BUNT 3. ADVANCE A RUNNER 4. 7 PITCH AT BAT NO STRIKEOUT 5. 9 PITCH AT BAT ENDING WITH A STRIKEOUT 6. HARD HIT BALL 7. HBP 8. RBI 9. BB C. PRODUCTION OF MOVING A BASERUNNER 1. Ground Balls: 30 -‐40% 2. Fly Balls: 10 – 20% 3. LINEDRIVES: 65 – 80% D. HAVE 7 OR LESS FLYBALLS/CALLED 3RD STRIKES A GAME II. CREATE OFFENSIVE FREEBIES A. BB B. HBP C. REACH ON ERROR D. WILD PITCH E. PASSED BALLS F. DIRT BALL READS 13
G. BALK • THESE CREATE BIG INNINGS III. ELIMINATE DEFENSIVE FREEBIES • AVOID THE THREE RUN INNING A. BB B. HBP C. ERRORS D. WILD PITCHES E. PASS BALLS F. BALKS IV. WINNING SIMPLIFIED *POUND THE STRIKE ZONE *DOMINATE ROUTINE PLAYS *KEEP DOUBLE PLAY IN ORDER *STAY OUT OF THE AIR OFFENSIVELY *PUT BALL IN PLAY WITH 2 STRIKES *READ DIRT BALLS *GET BUNTS DOWN *PLAY UP TEMPO
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GLENBARD EAST BASEBALL ATHLETE/PARENT CONTRACT
I, _______________________ , _______________________ understand the importance of the Glenbard East Baseball Team Handbook and the values that are stated within.
My signature below shows that I have read the entire handbook and understand my role either as an athlete or a parent and how essential it is that I follow the guidelines that are set forth.
I also understand the consequences that are discussed in the handbook (if the procedures are not followed).
Athletes Signature: _______________________
Date:______________
Parent Signature:_________________________
Date:______________
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Glenbard East Baseball Drug Policy
A player who violates the Athletic codes also violates the Trust, Dependability, and respect of his team. Breaking the athletic code is a selfish act for their personal enjoyment and does not reflect what we believe. We are selfless and we are apart of something much bigger than ourselves. 1st offense-‐ Player is suspended for the entire season. If it occurs out of season, player may still tryout knowing that they will not be able to play that season. If they don’t try out it will be determined that they no long wish to be apart of the Glenbard East Baseball program. During this season suspension the player will still be required to attend practices/games/meetings/community service being on time and giving it his all to himself and his teammates. It is during this time the player EARNS back the TRUST, DEPENDABILITY, and RESPECT of his coaches and teammates for the next season. In our baseball program we hold character, accountability, responsibility, and dependability at a very high level. Anyone who makes the decision to break the athletic code and training rules with alcohol, tobacco, steroids, or other drugs does not view those values the way a Glenbard East baseball player should and will receive a consequence for their actions. There is no Lady Justice. A sip of beer/alcohol or a case of beer/alcohol will receive the same consequence. If a senior commits their first offense during their senior year they will miss their senior year baseball season. 2nd offense-‐ Player is removed from the Glenbard East Baseball program. As a member of the Glenbard East Baseball program I completely understand the Drug Policy and will follow it entirely. Player Name________________________ Signature_________________________ Date______ As a parent/guardian of a Glenbard East Baseball player I completely understand the Drug Policy and will adhere to the policy as well as hold my player accountable for their actions. Parent Name________________________ Signature________________________ Date______
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