Susie Morris is on vacation this week. Here are a couple of items from earlier columns she has written.
BASEBALL LINGO QUIZ:
Think high and tight is only a military haircut? Take the quiz below on baseball lingo and see how you do. Me? I was 5 for 7. Answers at the bottom of the column.
1. Baltimore Chop
2. Can of Corn
3. Moon Shot
5. High and Tight
6. Ribbie or Ribeye
(answers at end of this column)
EXCELLENT ADVICE BELOW FOR ALL PARENTS OF YOUTH PLAYING SPORTS!!!
Since the number one reason good coaches quit coaching is “the parents,” here’s a good read!
• Encourage and support your youngster regardless of their degree of success, their level of skill, or playing time.
• Model respect for the coach and highlight the critical nature of contributing to the team and its success.
• Attend and participate in preseason school-sponsored meetings, communicate with coaches and agree to support guidelines for healthy sports.
• Ensure a balance in your student athlete’s life, encouraging participation in multiple sports and other activities while placing academics first and foremost.
• Recognize the developmental stages of your youngster, ensuring enjoyment, skill development and team play as cornerstones of sports experiences, with
more serious competition left for the varsity level.
• Leave coaching to coaches and avoid placing too much pressure on your youngster about playing time and performance.
• Be realistic about your youngster’s future in sports, recognizing that only a select few earn a college scholarship, compete in the Olympics or sign a professional contract.
• Avoid leading your youngster to early specialization, year-long play in one sport and the potential of burnout.
• Understand that today’s youngsters strive for excellence, compete to win, but cherish participation most while rejecting “winning at all cost.”
• Be there when your child looks to the sidelines for a positive role model.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
"Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you are behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory." - Arthur Ashe, professional tennis player
ANSWERS TO BASEBALL LINGO QUIZ
1. Baltimore Chop – A grounder that hits in front of or off home plate and hops over the infielders head.
2. Can of Corn – An easy catch by a fielder.
3. Moon Shot – A very long, high home run..
4. Closer – A team’s late-inning relief pitcher.
5. High and Tight – A pitch that’s up in the strike zone and inside on a hitter.
6. Ribbie or Ribeye – Another way of saying RBI (run batted in)
7. Yakker – Curve ball.