Going Over the Hitters

When I set out to write this book, I had four groups of people in mind.

I wanted to write a book for moms and dads who have very little knowledge of the game and who either want to coach, or who unexpectedly will be thrust into the role for one reason or another. A “baseball bible” for rookie coaches needing help in understanding and teaching all aspects of the game.

I also wanted to send a message to coaches who are presently coaching youth baseball. A number of these individuals have lost sight of the fact that youth baseball programs are for the kids and that their wants and desires are subordinate to the wants and desires of the players. These coaches need to understand that their treatment of the players may have a long lasting, and even permanent impact, and that care should be taken so they are not doing more harm than good.

At the same time I wanted a book that would target kids from age 7 to 17 as the early years are so critical in the development of a proper foundation. Young players need to understand that a proper foundation not only consists of learning and employing proven baseball techniques, but more important, developing a positive mental attitude. Failure is a fact of life, especially in baseball, and the sooner young players learn how to deal with it in a positive manner, the sooner they will maximize their enjoyment of the game.

Finally, I wanted to write a book for spectators so that when they are viewing a game, they can do so with greater insight, which I believe will result in greater pleasure and a greater respect for the complexity of the game. After reading this book, the average fan will be able to recognize more mistakes, in addition to the obvious ones, that are committed by major league players during the course of a game. But most important, I want spectators to understand that there is a difference in viewing a youth baseball game and a professional game and that they need to adjust their behavior accordingly.