High School Baseball

High school baseball has always been fun and fulfilling. To some it might just be a way of releasing excess-stored energy, for others it could be their stepping stone in pursuing a big baseball career. No matter what it is, high school baseball is considered a good foundation for students in terms of discipline, professionalism and teamwork. Learn the ABCs of high school baseball and find helpful tips for both parents and high-schoolers.

Charles Albert Bender, better known as Chief Bender, was a star player on his own right back in the earlier years of the Philadelphia Athletics. He played as a pitcher in the 1900s for said team. His contribution to baseball is significant; in fact, he is included in the baseball hall of fame. He is popular for his pitching and other baseball techniques. And, he is known for his 10 commandments for high school baseball.

The first commandment says that no one can become a good baseball player by just walking after the ball. Chief Bender emphasized the importance of speed and agility. The second commandment focuses on proper handling of the bat. It says no one can become a .300 hitter if the bat is taken off the shoulder. The third commandment emphasizes on the focus, that player should not keep his face down but up. The fourth commandant in high school baseball highlights the importance of self improvement. Chief Bender exactly wrote this: “if what you did yesterday still looks big to you, you haven't done much today.” No one can ultimately help improve yourself but only you. So as a high school baseball player, learn to take steps forward. Have someone monitor your level of playing. You may ask your dad and mom about this. Take risks and don’t be afraid.

And that leads to the fifth commandment which is all about resisting hesitation. Chief Bender wrote “when you start to slide, slide. He who changes his mind may have to change a good leg for a bad one.” High school baseball, like big time Major League, is a sport of confidence. Don’t fall short when sliding. Be confident and slide your way down. Some said that doubt is the opposite of opportunity. So just slide and be confident.

The sixth commandment stresses the importance of responsibility. It says never make alibis if you make bad hops. Any one in the field can do good ones. Take full responsibility of your actions. If you missed it, that is because maybe you fall short of something. Never make excuses and don’t turn the blame to others. Do not also put heavy guilt on yourself. If the team loses, it will not be just a fault by someone. But at least you knew what went wrong.

The seventh commandment says a player should always run out the enemies. No one can really tell. Chief Bender has a long experience in playing baseball and he knew that giving room for the opponents to run you out is allowing yourself to be eaten by the lion. The eighth commandment underlines the role of perseverance in playing. High school baseball bats don’t swing by themselves. If you can’t make it good, just keep on swinging. You’ll get it right in no time. Practice makes perfect, right? So never quit.

Chief Bender’s ninth commandment goes like this “never find and put much fault on the umpires. They too are humans like you and are subject to err.” Finally, the tenth says that a pitcher who doesn’t have control does not have anything.

Coaching high school baseball is no easy task for your coach so listen to them. To parents, assist and be supportive to your students. High school baseball is a training ground for them, these commandments do not necessarily make your kids star players over night, but these are helpful in bringing out the best in them.