When is a pitcher committing a balk? When is he not? Former MLB pitcher Ryan Dempster and former stolen base champ Harold Reynolds discuss in Studio 42.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Five Ways Parents Can Help Their Young Baseball Player Succeed
Youth baseball is an exciting journey for kids, but parents have just as much influence on the experience as coaches do. Supporting your child in the right ways can make the game more enjoyable and help them develop both as athletes and individuals.
1. Focus on Fun First
The best players often begin by simply enjoying the game. Encourage your child to have fun, celebrate small victories, and appreciate time with teammates.
2. Praise Effort, Not Just Results
A hard-hit ball can still become an out, and even great players make errors. Recognize hustle, positive attitudes, and improvement instead of only statistics.
3. Practice Without Pressure
Playing catch in the backyard, taking a few swings in the batting cage, or watching a baseball game together can build skills while keeping the experience relaxed.
4. Teach Good Sportsmanship
Respect for coaches, teammates, opponents, and umpires helps children become better athletes and better people. The lessons learned in baseball often carry into school and everyday life.
5. Remember It's Their Game
Allow your child to set their own goals and enjoy the journey. Your encouragement and support matter far more than the final score.
When families, coaches, and players work together, baseball becomes more than a seasonal activity—it becomes an opportunity to build confidence, resilience, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.
707-564-5010
777-D Elmira Road
Vacaville, CA 95687
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Why Baseball Is One of the Best Sports for Kids
Baseball is much more than a game of hits, catches, and home runs. For kids, it provides valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the field. Whether they're playing T-ball for the first time or competing in youth leagues, baseball helps children develop confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
One of the biggest advantages of baseball is that every player has a role. A child doesn't have to be the strongest or fastest to contribute. Great fielding, smart base running, encouraging teammates, and staying focused all help the team succeed. This teaches kids that everyone's efforts matter.
Baseball also encourages patience. Unlike many fast-paced sports, baseball gives young players time to think through situations, learn from mistakes, and improve with each game. A strikeout today can become tomorrow's game-winning hit, helping children understand that perseverance pays off.
The friendships built through baseball often last for years. Practices, tournaments, and team celebrations create memories that families and players cherish long after the season ends.
Parents and coaches also play an important role. Positive encouragement, celebrating effort over results, and keeping the game fun help children build a lifelong love of baseball.
At its heart, youth baseball isn't just about winning games—it's about building character, creating friendships, and helping kids grow into confident, respectful young people.
707-564-5010
777-D Elmira Road
Vacaville, CA 95687
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Sunday, July 5, 2026
5 Easy Baseball Drills Kids Can Do at Home
Want to become a better baseball player without going to the ballpark? Great news—you can practice many important skills right at home! Just grab your glove, a ball, and maybe a family member to help.
1. Wall Catch
Stand a safe distance from a wall and gently throw a tennis ball or soft practice ball against it. Catch the rebound as many times as you can.
Skill: Better hand-eye coordination.
2. Target Throwing
Set up a bucket, box, or hula hoop and practice throwing the ball toward your target.
Skill: Improved throwing accuracy.
3. Batting Tee Practice
If you have a batting tee, practice your swing by focusing on making solid contact instead of hitting the ball as hard as possible.
Skill: Better hitting technique.
4. Ground Ball Challenge
Have a parent, sibling, or friend roll ground balls toward you. Stay low, keep your glove on the ground, and use two hands whenever possible.
Skill: Stronger fielding fundamentals.
5. Base Running Sprints
Set up four markers to represent the bases and practice running from one base to the next. Work on running through first base and making smooth turns around second and third.
Skill: Faster speed and better game awareness.
Bonus Tip: Stretch Before You Play
Always warm up your muscles before practicing. A few easy stretches and light jogging can help prevent injuries and get your body ready to move.
Remember
You don't have to practice for hours every day. Even 15–20 minutes of focused practice can help you improve over time. Most importantly, have fun, stay positive, and celebrate every little improvement.
The next time you step onto the baseball field, you'll be ready to show off your growing skills!
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Baseball Basics: 7 Fun Facts Every Young Player Should Know
Baseball is one of America's favorite sports, and there's always something new to learn! Whether you're picking up a bat for the first time or already playing on a team, these fun baseball facts will help you become a smarter player.
1. There Are Nine Players on the Field
Every baseball team has nine players on defense. Each player has an important job, from the pitcher throwing strikes to the outfielders catching long fly balls. Working together is what makes a great team!
2. The Baseball Diamond Isn't Really a Diamond
Even though we call it a "diamond," the field is actually a square turned on one corner. The four bases are each 90 feet apart in professional baseball. For younger players, the distance is often shorter.
3. Home Runs Aren't the Only Way to Score
Everyone loves a home run, but teams score lots of runs by getting singles, doubles, stealing bases, and making smart plays. Good teamwork often wins more games than big hits.
4. Catching Takes Practice
Did you know even professional players don't catch every ball? Learning to watch the ball all the way into your glove takes time and lots of practice. Don't get discouraged if you miss one—just keep trying!
5. Baseball Has Its Own Language
Players use fun words like:
- Strikeout
- Double play
- RBI (Run Batted In)
- Dugout
- Pop fly
The more you play, the more you'll understand these baseball words.
6. Good Sportsmanship Matters
Winning feels great, but being respectful is even more important. Cheer for your teammates, listen to your coaches, and shake hands after the game. Great athletes show kindness on and off the field.
7. Practice Makes Progress
Nobody starts out as an all-star. Every catch, swing, and throw helps you improve. The best players in the world became great because they practiced again and again.
Challenge of the Week
Can you practice throwing and catching with a friend or family member for 15 minutes each day this week? You might be surprised how much better you get!
Remember: Baseball is about having fun, learning new skills, and being a great teammate. Play hard, encourage others, and enjoy every inning!
Monday, June 29, 2026
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