It’s time for late season moves….Wayne got called to go to the Augusta Green Jackets in the South Atlantic League for the rest of the season. He’s a closing pitcher, so we didn’t get a chance to see him actually play. Then he had injured his shoulder, so hadn’t gotten much game time. This move will give him more game time and pitching, then he expects to move back to San Jose next season.

In typical baseball fashion, he found out during afternoon practice, and had to stay for the game that evening. Then he told us when he arrived back at the house about 10:30 in the evening. He had to leave the house 7 hours later to catch a flight with two stops to join the team on the road in Hagerstown, Maryland for the evening game. He grabbed the opportunity to wash his clothes, made arrangements to have his family pick up his car, and said good-bye! We wish him good luck….And this is why experienced ball players learn to travel light, and keep their belongings organized!
Host Mom, Jean

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Lisa wrote: Hello!
My son is a sophomore player for a Division 1 college. Two days ago (two weeks before school is to start) the coaches told him they have a roster spot for him but he will probably receive very limited playing time due to current players not taking their draft options and injured players coming back.

They have suggested he go JC to get the at bats and field time he deserves. Of course, he would rather play at another D1 school. Is is so late now- any suggestions?

Do D1 schools take transfers this late in the game? Will going down to a JC help or hinder future recruiting?

Great kid,great player- just needs a spot. Any ideas are welcomed!

From the Baseball Pro:
Lisa,
Your son is in an interesting postion. I have always felt that the only way to improve and get better is to play. Obviously his chances of playing in the current situation do not sound that good. So the choice comes down to him and his goals. Does he just want to be part of a team or actually play? Is he deserving of a starting spot? These are questions for you and him to answer.

I went to a JC then left and went to a different JC my sophomore year. Then I went on to a four year program. So transfering is not a bad option you, just have to make sure you transfer into a good situation. Going the JC route will not hinder future recruiting. Every division I coach in the country wants to win, and if your son can help them do that, they will recruit him. As for transfering to a DIV 1 school I believe his current coach would have to give him a release. This is something that you might have to fight for but in this case you should be able to achieve it.
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Martin wrote:
I’ve seen you play this year at Dodd Stadium and you certainly deserved to be a 2007 Eastern League All Star. At the minor league level, how much does a catcher’s calling of the game factor into what the pitcher actually throws… and what is it like dealing with two of the most talented and fastest rising broadcasters in the business in Rory Duyon and Bobby Morales?

From the Baseball Pro:
Martin,
Thanks for the compliment. When it comes to calling the game the catcher will do 99 percent of it. The pitchers do have the ability to shake off after the catcher has put his sign down. The amount this happens depends on the pitcher and the catcher and how much they have worked together. As for the broadcaster question, I certainly think they are both tremendous broadcasting prospects. I would like to add though that having watched them both actually play on the field, Rory Duyon is a much better athlete. In fact, Bobby Morales’ glove had holes in it and it looked like his dog chewed on it. That can not be tolerated!
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Chaz wrote:
I am transferring from 4 year to a Junior College to play Baseball and Basketball. I did not play any sports my freshman year at the 4 year college. I passed a total of 17 credits of a total attempted of 29 credit hours. My basketball coach says I must have 24 credit hours passed to be eligible. My baseball coach says it is no problem. Everything I read says that the 24 hours of credit only applies to student athletes. I was not an athlete. Do you know about this rule? Thank you for any and all advice!

From the Baseball Pro:
This is without a doubt not my expertise. I do not feel qualified to counsel you in any way when it comes to NCAA rules and regulations. They are constantly changing their rules so your coach or athletic counselor would be the best advisor.
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

P.S. Eligibility would not be a problem if you passed more classes! Seriously, focus on the academics. Steve made a very smart move by taking an extra year in the off season to complete his degree–so he is eligible to become a college baseball coach after the pros. It’s a good career……but colleges do require that their coaches set an example for players!
Team Mom, Jean

Getting nutritious meals is problematic for minor league players, particularly with road games which get them back to San Jose late at night. Energy bars and drinks are the best food available on the team bus. Silicon Valley just doesn’t have the 24 hour truck stops common along major interstate highways. There are a few fast food places that are open late, but even the convenience stores are closed in the wee hours of the morning after a long road trip.

But then we discovered that Safeway has stores near our house which are actually open 24 hours a day. So now they can get fresh fruit and milk, even if there isn’t any sit-down service!
Host Mom, Jean

A fun article this week this week in the San Jose Mercury News on the top 10 bargains in Silicon Valley listed the San Jose Giants baseball team. “In an era when major league baseball has priced itself beyond many budgets, there’s a cheaper alternative at home: General admission tickets to the A-level Giants go for $7 to $10. “You can enjoy the best barbecue in town from a picnic table just a few feet from the action,” writes reader Russ Reynolds.

From personal experience, it’s a great place to have BBQ at Turnkey Mike’s and watch a reasonably priced game! It’s family friendly, without blowing the budget…..
Host Mom, Jean

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Carson wrote:
I’m fourteen playing little league allstars in Calgary, Canada. I’m the kid who is giving 110%, I hustle on and off the field and give it my all at practices. I also have the 7th best batting average on the team I have made an since the beginning of the season (5 games) and I have sat every game except one. I’m just wondering do I confront my coach or just play out the season.

From the Baseball Pro:
You must be careful when you confront your coach about playing time. You do not want to come across too bold and make the situation worse. But if you do it right there is nothing wrong with asking him a few questions. Maybe you could ask him if there is something that you need to improve upon in order to play more. Explain to him that you are doing everything you can to play your best and maybe he has some advice for you. I would start with a conversation such as this and see where it goes. I hope it helps you out.
Your Baseball Pro,Steve Holm

The season is well underway and our team has struggled to win games. We have won a few more games as of late but our record is still far below .500. This is the first time in recent memory that I have been on a team that has struggled so bad. In the beginning we just could not score runs. But lately we have swung the bats much better which is a sign that we might be coming out of it.

It is very tough to not let the losing get you down. But every athlete must learn how to lose because at some point you will do it and you need to know how to do it correctly. You have to be able to stay positive because otherwise the negetivity bleeds into everything you do. So if everyone on the team is able to stay positive the negativity does not bring everyone down. Although easy said this is very hard to do. But judging by the way we have been winning hopefully we are becoming more positive.
Your baseball pro, Steve Holm

P.S. Steve is one of the most positive players we’ve known….
Team Mom, Jean

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Brian wrote:
Hi There,
I am currently entering my 4th year of college baseball. I spent 2 years at the division I level and recently transferred down to division III for academic reasons. My question is this: how do I get myself looked at or increase my exposure to get seen for the next level. Like any ballplayer, I would love to say that I did everything I could to get my shot at the next level, I just don’t know where to start. Attending a small college now, I believe it will be a little tougher to get seen. I would love any input you might have.

From the Baseball Pro:
I believe your best bet would be to look to see if there are any tryout camps. Sometimes teams hold tryout camps where players such as yourself can show up and take batting practice or throw off the mound. I am not sure when or where they are held but your coach might be able to find more out for you.
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

P.S. Explore as many avenues as you can….
Team Mom, Jean

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Ryan wrote:
How old can you start playing minor league baseball?

From the Baseball Pro:
If you are from outside the US you can sign at the age of 16. If you are in the US you must have a high school diploma. To my knowledge that is the earliest you can sign.
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

P.S. As a parent, I wouldn’t want a high school player travelling with a professional baseball team. There are too many long days on the road, and an underage player shouldn’t be hanging out in bars. It’s best to get experience in high schools and colleges, particularly community colleges.
Team Mom, Jean