RHS Warrior Baseball

Dugout culture: • Position players, study the opposing pitchers. Look for patterns in pitch selection. Tells in their delivery. How they handle hold times and pick off moves with runners on. See if they pay attention to the runner on third. • Pitchers, study the opposing hitters. Are they on time with the load phase of their swing. What do they chase with two strikes. Do they swing first pitch. Does their approach change with runner on vs no runner on. • Position players, pick up your teammates. Know where everyones hat and glove is and when they are the last out of the inning someone be ready to take their stuff to them (unless they are the catcher). • Coaches, they are watching. Your body language, your energy, your support. Establish a culture of responsibility and accountability. • All Players, talk baseball. There is plenty of time away from the field to goof off. Creat an atmosphere of supporting one another. Watching the game together. Cheer your teammates on but be careful letting your “cheers” be the only thing you’re thinking about. The dugout is a place to prepare for your next opportunity.

Catch is a drill, not a “warm up.” The teams that play better catch are often the teams that play cleaner baseball. Stop rushing through it. Have a purpose. Those that get “bored” during catch are those that don’t understand the importance of it and aren’t mentally engaged during it. Play catch with a purpose!

Pitchers: • Tell your catcher “Thank You” after throwing a bullpen. • Tell your catcher “Nice Block” or give them an “Atta-boy” after they make a great stop on a ball in the dirt. • Tell your catcher “Nice work today!” after the game. • Offer to get them some water when they are catching multiple bullpens or better yet just go get some for them. Great catchers are a game changer. Those that take it serious make us pitchers often look better than we really might be that day. Respect them and always show your appreciation.