Last practice-maybe

Had our maybe last practice last night. We still may have one on Sunday the 5th, if we need it. But in any case, it was the last before games start.

Another very good practice, especially on the defensive side. We were doing a situational drill, and I couldn't get the base runners on. The defense was really doing a good job making the plays. That was nice to see.

Things got a little loose during home run derby, but that is mostly ok. I'm sure they will get their game faces on, on Wednesday. And if you didn't see the email I sent out Tuesday morning, here it is

Just a reminder of our first game tomorrow. It is in Story City at 6PM. Please have the guys there no later than 5:15 if possible. I will have their shirts for them then. Again, white pants, blue socks if they have them, and their regular season hat.

If any of you, or your responsible kids, would like to run the concession stand, that would be good. We would only need to do that at this game, our lone on in SC. The Zearing folks will have it covered for our 2 games there.

Can't wait for tomorrow, the guys have been working hard, and I think they will put forth a good effort.

Productive practice

We had 11 of 14 boys there today, which is pretty good for a Sunday. I thought we had a productive practice. Mistakes were made, which means it gave us an opportunity to talk about stuff. As we coaches were talking afterward, if they were perfect at practice, that would have been kinda scary.

Physical mistakes don't bother me much. The kids are 12, they are going to drop balls and so on. However we had some mental mistakes, which are a bit bothersome. One play had an offensive and defensive mistake on the same play. It involved running on a pop up with one out (bad), and the defender not knowing he could tag the runner after he ran. (bad) Those are mental, and they drive me cuckoo. All stars is not self-esteem ball, and the coaches are watching what happens at practice. While rule #2 is to have fun, just a reminder that playing time is earned, and not given.

Another thing that hurts a player in my eyes is bad attitude. And I am happy to report I have not seen or heard any of that in any of our practices. While not boisterous interaction, I see the guys talking to each other, and there are no "cliques" on this team. That is really awesome, I think we are slowly building a tight team here.

We also got the guys a chance to get some swings in today. Just like the scrimmage, we hit the ball around pretty good.

Last practice is tomorrow at 6:30 at RMS. It will go to about 8:15. Not sure if I will have shirts yet. If not, I'll get them to you Wednesday before the game.

Good scrimmage tonite

I was generally very pleased with the scrimmage tonite. First off, from an umpiring perspective, it was a very good game to do. Very good pitching for the most part from both teams, and the catching was pretty good too, though I did take a couple dings. After I got on Caleb, telling him I was not only the umpire, but his coach, and his first job was to protect me, he did that the rest of the night.

What I liked: I was pretty happy with the hitting. We had 38 plate appearances, and put the ball in play 26 times (with 6 strikeouts and 6 walks/HBP). Of the 26 put in play, 8 were base hits, the rest were outs, errors, or fielders choice. So we swung the bat pretty well.

I also liked our defense. We only had one error, but that turned out for a no difference. Caleb dropped the fly ball in left, but was able to quickly retrieve it, and throw to 2nd, as his former teammate Brady at first had to hold up in anticipation of the catch. Of their 21 outs made, we struck them out 8 times, and used our defense 13 times for the outs.

We turned two double plays. The first one was really sweet. They had runners on 1st and 3rd, they tried stealing, Caleb gunned it down to JD at Short, who applied the tag for the out, and then right back to Caleb at home for the out. That wasn't how we drew it up and the play we had on, but we got lucky and added in some skill to make it work. Alex also had a nice field of a ground ball at Short, then the step on 2nd for the first out, and then the throw over to first for the twin killing.

I also liked that 4 of our pitchers, Taylor, Alex, Ozzie, and Jerald each had 1, 2, 3 innings. Ozzie and Jerald each gave up base hits, but good defense got the runners out on the bases.

And I also liked that the game went so quick and smooth, we were able to get another inning in, to give the guys some more work.

What I didn't like: Despite our reasonably good hitting, we left too many guys on base. We left 11 guys on base tonite. In the 4th inning, we had 3 on, with one out, and got nobody in. Grrrr. We also left runners at 2nd and 3rd in the 5th.

I didn't care much for our base running tonite. A couple guys missed steal signs, and Jerald got thrown out at 3rd trying to advance on a grounder. He did the right thing in theory, but didn't get a big enough lead off 2nd after the hit, and he got nailed. We really need to step up our game in this department. We are playing All Stars, and we have to act like it, by looking at the coaches for signs. We need to take advantage of every opportunity, and if we miss one, that may make the difference between a fun ride home, or a frowny face the rest of the night.

We also gave up too many walks. They drive me crazy, and I won't put up with them. Ask my Brewers pitchers this year. Sometimes I may have to live with it due to pitch counts. But walks give the defense no chance, and the extra pitches make the defense fall asleep.

But again, overall, I am very happy with the performance tonite. Oh, one other thing I wasn't didn't like. I didn't hear much chatter in the dugout. I know we are newly formed team, from 3 different schools and 8 different teams, but I was hoping the guys was support each other a little more. I know it was a low key scrimmage, and there wasn't much on the line, but I hope the guys start cheering for each other a little more. Some guys did, and I heard some, but I hope that improves.

Anyway, it was a nice get together as a way to help both North Story teams out. Great weather, and just a fun night at the ball yard.

A reminder to get $24 to me, if you haven't yet, for our jerseys. Our next practice is SUNDAY 1PM to 2:30PM at Roland Middle School, if you can make it. I know Carter, Cody, Mickey, and Alex can't, and that's ok. Besides those 4, if you know your son won't make it, please let me know.

We are likely to have one more on Monday night at RMS at 6:30. Not confirmed yet, but keep that in the back of your mind, then opening night at the Carousel on Wednesday.

Friday scrimmage

The scrimmage is on for Friday against the 11 all stars. The first pitch is set for 6, or thereabouts. For this one, have the guys there about 5:30 if you can. They are to wear a red shirt, baseball pants, and their regular season hat. It will be run like a game, but a little mellower. We are not doing pitch counts, as both coaching staffs are going to rotate pitchers, and we may possibly re-enter pitchers. We are going to use regular season substitution and continuous batting order rules. And we intend on playing 6 innings, so plan on that for your pickup/departure time.

This will be at the Roland Middle School. I know for sure Carter will be gone. If anyone else will not be there, please let me know.

Good practice

We didn't get a chance to get on the infield because it was still wet, but we had a pretty good practice despite being on the grass only. We started off with what I call the "catch game", where the players are paired up, and they play catch. The receiver can't move more than a step to catch the ball, or that team is done and has to take a knee. We slowly keep backing up until only one pair is left standing.

We then did hitting practice. I don't particularly like doing it like that, with 1 guy hitting, and everybody else standing around, especially with 12 guys at practice. But with no infield, we didn't have much choice. And with a new team, it gave a chance for the guys from the 3 different school districts and 8 different teams to mingle a little bit.

We then did a practice with what to do when our opponent has runners on 1st and 3rd. Then we had a relay throw drill, from the concession stand all the way to the middle school and back. I liked how the guys stopped lobbing the ball, and instead were throwing hard. I heard a lot of gloves popping, so I liked that.

So our practices have given the coaches a chance to see what we have, and to let the guys know each other a little better. The guys have been really good at practice, and it is refreshing to see guys interested in trying to get better, and are paying attention, instead of playing "grab hat".

I just got confirmation. We are going to have a scrimmage at 6PM on Friday in Roland with the 11s. I am not sure if that is going to be first pitch, or be there to loosen up. I have to get that clarified. So stayed tuned to this spot for details on that.

As I told the boys, wear their hat, a red shirt, and baseball pants. Their jerseys will be coming next Monday. Thanks to the 4 of you that have paid for your shirts already. For everybody else, a reminder it is $24 to me sometime.

I also have handed back some birth certificate stuff. I am only giving it to parents, not the kid, for obvious reasons!

Practice on

As of 4:30 PM Tuesday, practice is on. The Roland field has standing water, but we have some stuff we can do in the grass, so we will do that. And it looks like the storms will be gone by 6PM--we will wrap it up by 7:30.

Practice tonite

Practice tonite from 6 to 7:30 at Roland Middle School. We didn't do hitting on Saturday, but we are going to try some of that tonite. I know a couple more guys will be missing, but that's ok. A reminder to bring $24 for shirts if you can.

Schedule released

We are in a pool with Beaver Creek, Highland Park, Ankeny American, Marshalltown, and Ames. Beaver Creek is the Woodward-Granger area, with some Grimes and Polk City thrown in I believe. Highland Park is on the north side of DSM. Ankeny is big enough, they have two divisions, American and National, so we have the Americans.

I think this is a pretty good pool for us. Kids change all the time, so who knows whether they are good teams or not. I don't think this age group of kids has ever played Beaver Creek, Ames, or Highland Park. If we have, we have never gone there.

Some Ankeny team drilled our guys a couple years ago, but they may all be off playing AAU by now. And for the "veterans", we remember Marshalltown from last year, and I'm sure they remember us. That should be a good game.

If we win our pool, we advance to play other pool winners on July 10 and 11. We can also get in as a wild card. That would be if we finish 2nd. The tiebreak vs other pools is fewest runs allowed per defensive inning. So we need to have a good tight D.

July 9 will be a rain makeup day.

Here is the schedule
7-1 Carousel vs Highland Park
7-2 @Marshalltown field C
7-6 Zearing vs Beaver Creek
7-7 @ Ankeny American field 7
7-8 Zearing vs Ames

In other news, this good, we passed on our tournament affidavit, so all 14 guys are eligible to play. Thanks to you parents for getting that info to me in a timely manner. I will get it back to you sometime here. When I give it back, don't disperse it too much. If we were to continue to advance, they may put a 2nd set of eyes on it and the next level.

The shirts have been ordered. They are going to be an even $24. They will be Royal blue. We should have them by the 29th. So if you can get me $24 sometime, that would be good. My plan is to have a practice on the 29th or 30th, so we can get the jerseys handed out then.

If you have any questions about the tournament, go to our league website, then follow the links to the District 3 website, and the maps for all D3 locations. We lucked out with the drives I think. I know Zearing is a bit of a haul for you SH folks, but we need field space, and we have 2 Zearing players, so we'll throw them a bone! I know from Roland, the Ankeny field is about 30 minutes, and Marshalltown is 45 minutes.

I take great joy in a Johnston team needing to go to Jewell in the 9 year old division. I recall a manager's meeting from a couple years ago, and a Johnston coach bitching about having to go all the way to Story City--you can see Minnesota from there. And I recall an Urbandale team showing up at Story City once, and having a fit about an all dirt infield. Acted like he had to play on a rock pile. I have no reason to believe that it will be the same people this year. But I do take a perverse pleasure when Johnston and Urbandale teams have to lower themselves to visit their country cousins.

Sunday practice canceled - next one Tuesday

Our Sunday practice has been canceled. Got water standing on the RMS field, and even tho I think the rain is done, the field won't be ready by 1PM.

So next practice is going to be from 6 to 7:30PM at Roland Middle School on Tuesday the 23rd.

Then we will have practice or scrimmage at RMS from 6 to 7:30 on Friday the 26th.

Great Practice

I've never had a practice with 13 guys before. (Cody was off doing rodeo in Oklahoma) And I've never had one like this, where the guys were really into it, working hard, but still having fun.

We did a speedy fielding drill, did some running to see who had the wheels, did some situational fielding and baserunning, did a relay drill, did some outfield practice, and played King of the Diamond. Very productive, and gave us coaches a good chance to see what we had, and let the kids know us a little better.

Weather is looking a little dicey for tomorrow. Hope we can get another one in.

Practice cancelled

We are punting on Friday's practice. We are now going to have a practice at Roland Middle School from Noon to 1:30 on Saturday, and from 1 to 2:45 on Sunday. I understand if you have stuff going on, on the weekend. Please let me know if your son won't make it tho. Thanks!

practice still on for now

Theoretically the rain is to clear up. Not sure if we will get on the diamond tonite, but I have some stuff to humor us in the grass. However if that is the case, I will shorten up practice. So if you are going to drop your son and leave tonite, please check in with me as to when practice will end.

I sent emails to some of you, as a reminder for the paperwork I still need. So here is another reminder for those of you. Those that are good as of 8AM Friday are JD, Jason, Ozzie, Mason, Carter, and Jerald.

meeting tonite

Just a reminder that we will be having a 12s All Stars meeting tonite after the Majors championship at the Carousel. The game is at 6:30PM, so I imagine the meeting will start around 8:30. We will meet around the bleachers after both the Brewers and Royals have their post game meeting (and the Brewers get done celebrating-tee hee)

I just got the documentation, so I know this is short notice. But sometime before Sunday, I will need to get the following. And if you don't have it tonite, don't sweat it. But if you can bring it, that would be great.

#1 An original birth certificate, or certified copy of a birth notice. (Some District Admins are ok with a photocopy of the birth certificate. If you have the original, that would be better, hopefully they will slide with the photocopy)

#2 Three of the following things showing your address. Copy of Drivers License, Voter Reg, School records, Welfare records, Federal records, state records, local records, support payment records, homeowner or tenant records, Utility bills (need 3 of them to count as 1 tho), financial records, insurance records, medical records, military records, internet/cable/satellite records, vehicle records, employment records.

#1 and #2 above will be taken by me down to Urbandale, the District Administrator will look them over, I will get a form ok'ed, and I will return them to you.

#3 Could you go to this website, and reprint this medical form, fill it out and get it to me.
http://www.littleleague.org/Assets/forms_pubs/asap/Medical_Release_Form.pdf
I am suppose to carry their med info with me. It is the same form filled out to start the season, but the forms are with each of the regular season coaches. Brewers players are exempt for this task, I have the forms already.

#4 Know your son's shirt size.

Player parent meeting

Has been moved. It will be held post game of the majors championship at the Carousel on Tuesday night. I'm guessing about 8PM. We will not have the practice, but we will go through various stuff that everybody will need to know about All Stars. We will just do it in the bleacher area after the game.

Welcome

Welcome to the North Story 12s All Stars blog. I will use this to keep players and parents updated on events (games and practices), commentary on games and practices, notices about rainouts, notices about forgotten equipment, and whatever else may come up.

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