ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Ryan Guckin

All Star Baseball Academy is pleased to name Ryan Guckin of Avon Grove, PA as our Player Of The Week.  Ryan attends Avon Grove Middle School and is a 7th grader there who really enjoys baseball.  He is working hard at improving his skills and loves playing catcher.


"Ryan participated recently in the Coastal Carolina Coaches Camp as a 12 year old, soon to be 13 year old, and did an amazing job," said ASBA West Chester Manager Jake King.  "Coach Schnall of Coastal Carolina praised him throughout Saturday's workout.


He pushed himself throughout the day doing the drills that Coastal Carolina players do themselves and of course, they're much older.  After the long hard workout at the Coastal Carolina Camp here, he stayed and tried out for the U13 Elite team.  In total Ryan was working hard for 6 hours. Ryan Guckin is a hard worker, a real trooper!" said King.

"He really enjoyed the Coastal Carolina Camp and he is doing other camps with All Star this winter," said his Dad, Paul Guckin.  "Ryan also participated in the UVA and Notre Dame camps and he will also be doing the Penn State camp at West Chester in a few weeks.  He loves baseball and he really enjoys playing catcher.  That's his favorite position."

Ryan played well for the ASBA 13U tournament team this past season and is looking forward to more tournament action in 2011.  Congratulations, Ryan, on being named ASBA Player of the Week, and keep up your hard work!

I'm reading: ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Ryan Guckin

ASBA INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Brian Walker

Brian Walker

All Star Baseball Academy welcomes Brian Walker as our new Business Manager at our Downingtown facility.   Brian is also one of the top pitching instructors for All Star Baseball, and has built a following of young pitchers and hitters who take lessons from him at the Academy on Boot Road, Downingtown.


"I really enjoy working with young players and helping them improve," said Walker.  "I try to teach all of my pitchers a simple, repeatable delivery that works for them.  I want them to throw lots of strikes and still be as powerful as possible."


Walker grew up in Florida and went to high school and college there.  He attended the same high school (Westminster Christian School) as Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees, although A-Rod is older than Brian and they were not on the same team.   Westminster Christian was ranked 4th in the country while Walker starred as a lefthanded starter there, and they won the state championship in Florida.  He's met A-Rod a couple of times over the last 10 years.


In college, Walker starred for the University of Miami and compiled an outstanding record of 26-5 over his four years there.  He helped the Hurricanes win 2 College World Series titles and then was drafted in the 4th round of the MLB draft by the Mets in 2001.


"I was with the Mets for 5 years in their minor league system and made it as high as their top Single A team in the Florida State League," said Walker.  "I enjoyed being with the Mets but then moved on to coaching at the college level with the University of Delaware."


Walker served as the head pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the Blue Hens for 5 years prior to joining ASBA this summer.  He is very proud of the fact that his teams won championships at every level that he played-- high school, college, and pro ball.  "My teams won titles in high school and college (Miami twice) and then in my first year of pro ball. Our Brooklyn Cyclones team won the championship in the New York-Penn League.  That was back in 2001, and yes, the Cyclones are still around," chuckled Brian.


At All Star Baseball, Walker was named Business Manager at Downingtown in early November.  He enjoys managing the facility and also likes keeping his lessons going with a group of area players who are improving with his coaching.


"For pitchers, I preach body control to get strike zone control," noted Walker.  "I really work with each player on consistent body control.  Also, pitchers have to be able to locate their pitches and change speeds.  I teach a variety of change-up pitches and work with the young pitchers on other secondary pitches like the slider, too."


Walker coaches players on hitting, as well as the finer points of pitching.  "I really enjoy seeing the improvement and the development of the players from week to week, and month to month.  The kids really work hard and you see great results together."

I'm reading: ASBA INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Brian Walker

ALL STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK

This week's Tip is from Dale Curry, one of the top instructors at our Warminster-Hatboro Academy.  Dale was a star catcher at Father Judge High School and later at Alvernia College in Reading, PA.  To schedule a package of lessons with Dale, contact our ASBA staff at 1-215-672-1826.


STAY LOW TO BLOCK THE BALL, AND DON'T TRY TO PICK IT!

There are several important points to properly blocking balls in the dirt as a catcher. When blocking, a catcher has to be mentally prepared to block as well as physically prepared. Before the pitch is thrown if there are two strikes on the batter or an off speed pitch is called, the catcher should be in the "block ready" position. This means the catcher does nothing different in his stance as the ball is on its way, but he will locate his throwing hand right behind his glove for protection and raise his butt a little higher. This is called the alert position for the catcher. Now when the ball goes into the ground he can lead with his hands and the body will follow.

The fingers of the glove should be touching the ground, while the bare hand (your throwing hand) should be behind the glove covering up the "5 hole".


 Next, get your butt as low as possible, and have your chest over the top of the ball, so that the ball will be in front of you after you block it.  Keep your elbows to the hips to cover any open space and tuck your chin into your chest.  


As a catcher, blocking a ball is probably the hardest thing to learn especially at a young age. As coaches, you will have kids who will try to catch or "pick" every ball in the dirt because they are afraid of getting hit by the ball.  But, if you develop good blocking skills as a young catcher, then not only will you keep getting better as you get older but you will stand out from everyone else. It's important to develop good blocking skills so that your pitcher has confidence to throw any pitch, in any situation.  Also, you need to control the opposing baserunners from running wild and taking extra bases that may hurt you over the course of the game.


Stay low, and don't try to pick it!  You'll become a top catcher and help your team win with good blocking skills.

I'm reading: ALL STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK

THE HOT CORNER... Sports Shorts with Ken Leidheiser

Are you thinking ahead to the nice, warm weather and Spring Training already?  If you want a great Spring Training experience for players in the 9U through 12U age group, then sign up for the 2nd Annual ASBA Spring Training at the Ripken Experience, in Myrtle Beach, SC.  The baseball facility in Myrtle Beach lends itself well to a "spring training" style format, preparing young players for their upcoming spring and summer seasons.  This year's event with ASBA's outstanding staff will be held February 18-21, 2011.  We welcome your All Stars to join us for this great trip!  

Contact Mark Freed of ASBA at mark@allstarbaseballacademy.com for full details and to sign up for this popular Spring Training event. Both teams and individual players are invited to sign up for this popular training experience in Myrtle Beach. This makes a great "road trip" for families over the President's Day long weekend in February!

Cincinnati Reds Scout
Shawn Pender

Looking to keep your kids active and get them off X-Box during the holidays??  Then All Star Baseball has the perfect fit for you-- our Holiday Baseball Camps. Here is our great line-up of Holiday and Pre-Season Baseball Camps for youth players:  Friends Central School Holiday Camp, Dec. 27-28 (grades 1 thorugh 8), Episcopal Academy Holiday Camp, Dec. 28-29 (grades 4 through 9), and the Haverford School Pre-Season Camp, Feb. 20-21 (grades 4 through 9).  Each camp is a 2-day instructional camp led by Cincinnati Reds Major League Scout Shawn Pender, school coaches and All Star Baseball Academy staff.  The sessions include drills, skills training, and short indoor games.  Cost for each camp is $150. Sign up on the ASBA website today.

Coaches from Villanova University will be holding a great Winter Indoor Prospect Camp at ASBA West Chester on Wednesday, Dec. 29.  Registration is now open on the ASBA website.  This is a top-rated Prospect Clinic and pro-style work-out on the turf field at ASBA, with pitchers and catchers reporting at 11 am and position players reporting at 1:00 pm.  Each player will receive skills instruction from the Villanova staff and will get an official Villanova Baseball t-shirt.  Cost for the session is $175 per player.

If you are busy or traveling over the holidays, then you should consider the Penn State College Coaches Camp for your All-Star, January 15-16, at ASBA West Chester.  This is an instructional camp for players 13 to 18 years of age, with the Hitting Camp on Saturday, 1/15 from 2 to 6 pm and the Pitching Camp on Sunday 1/16 from 9 am to 1 pm. Penn State staff will include:  Head Coach Robbie Wine, Recruiting Coordinator Eric Folmar, and Pitching Coach Jason Bell.  Great camp, great instruction....Sign up today on the ASBA website or call All Star at 610-399-9356 for full details.

Sign up for Second Annual Indoor Hitting Camp at our Downingtown Academy on Boot Road!  The Hitting Camp is for players 9 through 12 years of age, and starts the week of January 24th.  You can sign up as a team of 3 players or as an individual player for this 6 week program.  Use the popular, token-operated batting cages at Downingtown and get your swing ready to go for a big spring season!  Call our Downingtown staff at 610-518-7400 for details and to sign up.


ENTER OUR ALL STAR BASEBALL TRIVIA CONTEST AND WIN COACHES VS. CANCER TICKETS!
Trivia Time:   Roy (Doc) Halladay of the Phillies recently won the National League Cy Young Award after a dominating season on the mound.  Our last Trivia Test:  Can you name the 3 other Phillies pitchers to win the coveted Cy Young Award?  Correct answer-- Steve Carlton (4 times), John Denny (1983) and Steve (Bedrock) Bedrosian (1983) were the last 3 Phillies pitchers to win the coveted Cy Young Award in the National League.  First with the right answer were Liam Bendo and the family team of Colin and Ryan Hammond.

This Week's Trivia Test:  Who are the top 3 all-time Phillies leaders in saves?  Hint:  Brad (Lights Out) Lidge is not there yet!  First reader with the correct answer will win 2 tickets to the Coaches vs. Cancer Breakfast at the Palestra in Philadelphia, March 14th from 8 to 10 am.  Send your replies token@allstarbaseballacademy.com...... The winner will be notified by e mail and will be listed on the next Hot Corner column.....Big 5 Basketball Coaches will be attending and speaking at this popular fund-raising event, which helps to support the fight against cancer.

I'm reading: THE HOT CORNER... Sports Shorts with Ken Leidheiser

ALL STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK

This week's Tip is from Phil Aviola, one of the top instructors at the West Chester Academy.  Phil played at Wilmington College and later in the Phillies farm system as a standout catcher.  Below are his tips for improving your game as a catcher who works with pitchers and controls the game from behind the plate.  To schedule a lesson pack with Phil, please call our staff at West Chester at 610-399-8050.

To Become a Top Catcher, Be On The Same Page With Your Pitcher!!

When preparing for a game, it is imperative to be on the same page with your pitcher. This is important for gaining trust and having the same plan of attack for hitters in the opponent's lineup.

Understanding what your pitcher wants to pitch in certain situations makes calling a game that much more enjoyable. At least an hour of preparation between catcher and pitcher is essential to having a successful outing.  This preparation should include a review of the top opposing hitters and how you plan to work the hitters with pitch selection, as well as location.

Is he a power hitter who can only hit the fastball, or a line drive hitter who goes to all fields?  Is he a low ball hitter?  Can he hit the curveball or change-up?

These are good topics of discussion between catcher and pitcher before each game.  Have a plan and work the plan!  A top catcher will always help his pitcher get the top hitters out with a pitch strategy that you both agree upon.

I'm reading: ALL STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK

ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK... Scott Williams

Conestoga's Scott Williams
Committed to UVA

All Star Baseball Academy is pleased to name Conestoga's Scott Williams as our Player of the Week.  Scott is a strong-armed junior catcher for Conestoga, and he also was a standout for ASBA Showcase teams this past summer and fall.

Just a week ago, Scott gave a verbal commitment to sign with the University of Virginia and play Division I baseball with the outstanding Cavaliers program.  "Both the academics and the baseball program are great at UVA," said Williams.  "I'm really pleased to be going there.  It's a very good fit for me."

Williams first became interested in UVA a year ago when he attended the UVA College Coaches Camp at All Star Baseball in West Chester.

"I went to the Coaches Camp with UVA last winter at All Star Baseball and really enjoyed getting to know the coaches, and I learned a lot too," said Williams. "That weekend is what raised my interest level in UVA."

Last spring as a sophomore for Conestoga, Williams had an impressive year in the tough Central League as he batted .425 with 2 homers and 22 RBI's in just 14 games.  He also established a reputation as one of the best defensive catchers in the entire area."Scott is a strong-armed catcher and he throws consistent sub-2.0 second pop times to second base," noted Mike Manning, his ASBA Showcase team coach.  "He also has good power potential as a hitter.  We are really excited for Scott and his family. Scott has worked extremely hard both in the classroom and on the baseball field, and now has the opportunity to play for one of the best baseball programs in the country.”

Williams is now working out over the winter months to prepare for a big junior season with Conestoga High's team in the spring.  "We'll be a good team again this year.  We lost four senior pitchers who went on to Division I programs this year, which is pretty amazing.  But I'm looking forward to a great year and making the district playoffs again."

UVA is looking forward to great things in the future, too, with the commitment from Williams to join the Cavaliers.  Congratulations, Scott!

I'm reading: ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK... Scott Williams

10U OCTORARA BRAVES WIN INDOOR FALL CLASSIC AT ASBA!

Champion Octorara Braves Team: Winners of 10U Indoor Fall Classic at ASBA West Chester

Bottom row, L to R: Sean Foster, Robby Koennecker, Johnny Cummings, Eric Miller, Alex Lantz

Top row, L to R: Bobby Bright, Aaron Feld, Christian Ray, Jake Kettner, Jarod Dagney

Coaches in back - on left - Bob Bright; on right - Joe Dagney

West Chester Lions 10U Team
Runner-Up In the Indoor ASBA Indoor Fall Classic

ASBA West Chester hosted a successful 10U Indoor Fall Classic over the weekend of November 20th.  A total of 7 area teams participated and the level of competition was excellent.

The Octorara Braves, who were seeded third, came away with the championship trophy, topping the West Chester Lions in the title game on Sunday.  It was a hard-fought tournament, with excellent play by all of the teams, who really enjoyed the indoor games and competition at ASBA.

Below is a summary of the tournament action:

The first day games were well-played by all of the teams.



Once Saturday ended, the seeds ended up looking like this:

Seed #1  West Chester Lions

Seed #2  Collegeville Blue Sox

Seed #3  Octorara Braves

Seed #4  Newtown Edgemont

Seed #5  All Star Baseball Academy Broomall

Seed #6  E’s A’s

Seed #7  Berwyn Panthers

Opening Round Games:

The West Chester Lions got a quarter final bye because of finishing with the #1 seed. First game of the morning was between #4 seed Newtown Edgemont and  #5 seed ASBA Broomall.  This game ended the tournament for ASBA Broomall with a 5-3 loss.  Newtown Edgemont had some time to sit before playing their semifinal game against the West Chester Lions.

The #3 seed Octorara Braves won a close one against the #6 seed E’s A’s, winning 2-0.  This game was a close one from first pitch to last pitch.  The Braves had great pitching in this game that helped get them into the semifinals.

Next, the #2 seed Collegeville Blue Sox came out with the hot bats and put up a big number.  The Sox just kept on putting runs up against the #7 seed Berwyn Panthers.    Final score was 16-0, with the Collegeville Blue Sox advancing to the semis against the Octorara Braves.

Semifinal Round and Finals:

The first semifinal of the day was between #1 seed West Chester Lions and #4 seed Newtown Edgemont.  Early in this game it was a close ball game until the Lions' bats got red hot and started pushing runs across the plate.  The contest ended 10-1, West Chester Lions, putting the #1 seed into the Finals.

The second semi was a battle between two teams that did not want to go home.  Both teams were looking for a chance to play in the finals.  The Collegeville Blue Sox and Octorara Braves went 8 innings to see who would advance.  Octorara came out on top, winning 8-6 in a tight one.

The finals were then set up, with the  #1 seed West Chester Lions against #3 seed Octorara Braves.  This was a game where you wished there wasn’t a winner or loser.  Both teams played as hard as possible and left everything on the field.  Octorara found a way to push 2 runs across and only allowed 1 run with great pitching.  Octorara came out on top, 2-1, to win the title.

Octorara MVP Aaron Feld holding his perfect gameball
with his coach, Joe Dagney of Octorara

"This was a great weekend of baseball, and there were a lot of great plays and great games," said ASBA West Chester Manager Jake King.  "We would like to thank all of the teams and players who participated in the Indoor Classic.  I'd also like to congratulate the Octorara Braves for winning the tournament title as they really earned it with good pitching, as well as timely hitting and defense."

U10 Fall Classic MVP Award:

Octorara Braves

MVP Aaron Feld

All Tournament Team
West Chester Lions—Conner Bartholomew
E’s A’s ---Adam Smith
Collegeville Blue Sox—Jack Beatty

I'm reading: 10U OCTORARA BRAVES WIN INDOOR FALL CLASSIC AT ASBA!

ASBA INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT...Dale Curry

Dale Curry

All Star Baseball Academy is pleased to offer a new, regular column on the Blog-- our Instructor Spotlight feature.  This series will enable our readers to get to know our instructors better, and you'll be able to understand their playing and coaching backgrounds, too.  

This week's feature is on Dale Curry, one of our top instructors at the Warminster-Hatboro facility.

All Star Baseball welcomes Dale Curry as one of our top, new instructors.  Dale is already building a following of young players at the Warminster-Hatboro academy in just three months with ASBA.

"I really enjoy working with young players and building on their strengths," said Curry.  "I analyze each player's current skills and how to improve on them.  I don't believe in starting over from scratch or changing everything.   When you start with a good foundation, players can really improve a lot through a series of lessons."

Curry grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and still resides there.  He attended Father Judge High School and starred as a catcher for the Crusaders, earning a lot of top honors such as All-Catholic, All-City and All-State.  He then moved to play in the Junior College World Series while at Gloucester County Community College in NJ, and he helped his team win the national championship there.

At Alvernia College in Reading, Curry played two years and continued to stand out as a top catcher and hitter.  He was named All-Conference, All-Region and also an All-American while playing for Alvernia.

"I played other positions but catching was always my favorite," said Curry.  "I really enjoyed working with pitchers and helping to control the game."

With All Star Baseball, Curry teaches catcher skills, hitting and throwing.

"I'm really enjoying the whole teaching experience," said Dale.  "I'm working a lot with players 7 to 13 years of age, but I'm also working with older players who are high school sophomores and juniors.  I try to work with each player on hand position and swinging through the hitting zone to improve both contact and power.  It's great to see the improvement that the kids can make with hard work and lots of repetitions."

To schedule a series of lessons with Dale, please contact our Warminster staff at 1-215-672-1826 or stop by the academy and sign up in person.

I'm reading: ASBA INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT...Dale Curry

ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK... Ryan Henritzy

Ryan Henritzy of Council Rock North
Headed to Lock Haven University

 

This week's ASBA Player of the Week award goes to Ryan Henritzy of Council Rock North High School, who just signed a baseball scholarship to attend Lock Haven University in north central PA.  Ryan starred as a second baseman for Council Rock North and also attended All Star Baseball Academy events such as the Division II Showcase in Lancaster, PA this summer.

 

Congratulations on being named Player of the Week, Ryan!

 

"All Star Baseball's insistence that Ryan play the outfield as well as the infield helped him stand out a bit at the Division II Showcase this summer in Lancaster," said Ted Henritzy, Ryan's Dad.  "Several college coaches saw him take fly balls and timed his throws with the outfielders.  This helped him get 2 Division II offers and he ended up choosing Lock Haven University."

 

With his excellent speed and fielding skills, Ryan may end up playing the outfield in college.  He has been an excellent second baseman for many years and is highly skilled as an outfielder, hitter, and baserunner too.  Lock Haven University is located in Lock Haven, PA, not far from Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series. 

"Ryan played on Warminster's Showcase team this past summer," said John Bellis of ASBA.  "He came on to the team as a middle infielder and what struck me first was his athletic ability. I decided to have him try centerfield as well, and he ended up doing an incredible job out there. 

"Ryan has an incredible work ethic with an old school approach to the game. A lot of the game mentalities that Ryan possesses come naturally. He has good speed which makes him a threat on the bases and he can throw runners out from the outfield. All-around, he can be a dominant player at the collegiate level with continued hard work on the field and in the classroom."

I'm reading: ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK... Ryan Henritzy

ALL STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK

Phillies' Jimmy Rollins lays down a practice bunt. 

This week's Tip is from featured instructor Ryan Giblin of our Warminster-Hatboro academy.  Ryan has always been an excellent bunter and gives some great advice below.  To schedule hitting lessons with Ryan at our Warminster location, call our staff at 1-215-672-1826.


Know The Basics To Be A Good Bunter!!


The Basics


Like free throws in basketball, or blocking in football, you will rarely see bunting on the highlight reels on ESPN. (Unless something goes terribly wrong!)  Nevertheless, bunting is one of the most essential parts of successful baseball and is often overlooked. Bunting is as easy or as hard as you want to make it, so for our bunting Tip of the Week, let's keep it simple.

Common problem: Players try to guide or stab at the ball in order to direct their bunt and they wind up missing the ball, tipping it foul, or the result is the dreaded bunt pop-up.


Solution: Just play catch with the pitcher! The easiest way to keep your bunt under control is to think "soft hands" while bunting. Your top hand should hold the bat comfortably on your index finger, using your thumb as a guide. Your top hand should be far enough up the bat that if you were to release your bottom hand, the bat would balance right there between your index finger and your thumb. So as the pitch approaches, just let the bat catch the ball, don't make the bat go meet the ball.


Do not change the level of your bat during a bunt, just change the angle the bat faces the pitcher. To keep it simple, if I want to bunt down the 1st base line as a right hander, I will point my knob down the 3rd base line, keep my bat parallel to the ground, and let the bat catch the ball. If I want to bunt down the 3rd base line as a right hander, I will point the barrell of my bat down the 1st base line, keep my bat parallel to the ground, and again just catch the ball with the bat. 


For left handers just reverse the process-- to bunt down the 1st base line, point your barrel towards 3rd base, and to bunt to the left side, just point the knob of the bat toward 1st base.


Think "Sacrifice"-- This is a productive out!  Just keep it away from the pitcher but do not try to be too fine or you will find yourself consistently in an 0-2 hole. Remember you are giving up yourself to move the runner!


Remember, at your next practice, do not leave without practicing your bunting!  It's an important part of the game for you and your team.

I'm reading: ALL STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK

NEW RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR NON-WOOD BATS FOR 2011

Understand The New Standards Before Your Team's Season Starts!

There are new non-wood bat regulations for some of the largest amateur baseball organizations for 2011 and beyond.


At some levels of amateur baseball, like in NCAA college leagues, the changes and new standards are dramatic and will have a sweeping effect on the games.


At some other levels, such as Little League baseball, the changes are not as significant.

"The new rules are meant to increase safety and to develop standards for bats so that they can't be rolled, or altered, to increase power and ball speed," noted Mike Manning of All Star Baseball Academy.  "The goal is to make metal bats perform more like wood bats, which will reduce the ball's exit speed off the bat.  Overall, this will decrease the number of home runs in the college games and reduce scoring too.  It will change the game, no question about it."


See the summary below, and if you have questions, speak with your team's head coach about which bats are legal for the upcoming season.  You should understand the changes for your age group.

NCAA College Baseball:


The Ball-Bat Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) standard will go into effect on January 1, 2011. This new standard was first announced in 2008.  For a bat to be legal in NCAA play in 2011, it must be BBCOR approved.  No BESR (Ball Exit Speed Ratio) bats will be allowed.

If you are a college player, or about to play in college next fall, make sure your bat is BBCOR approved.

With the increased use of composite bats in the past few years, people found that the more they were used, the better the bats performed.  This led to tampering with the bats to accelerate the break-in period and increase the overall performance of the bats.  Players were "rolling" (driving over) their bats in their driveways and also tampering with them in other ways to break them in faster than normal use would.  Testing showed that the BESR bats would often perform at higher levels than the standard-tested parameters.


Colleges playing "Fall Ball" are now using bats that meet the new BBCOR standards, as they get ready for their spring 2011 seasons.


Babe Ruth Baseball:


All divisions allow the use of metal or wood bats.  Wood bats must be one piece of solid wood.  The weight to length differential remains at -3.  Overall, no changes for Babe Ruth baseball.  Check with your coach within your league to double-check any limitations or new standards locally.


Little League Baseball:
In the Majors division and below, bats shall be no more than 33 inches in length, and no more than 2 1/4 inches in diameter.  Non-wood bats shall be printed with a bat performance factor of 1.15 or less.


All non-wood bats shall meet the BESR performance standard, and such bats shall be labeled with a permanent certification mark.


Important Note-- Little League Baseball imposed a moratorium on the use of composite bats in the Junior, Senior and Big League divisions on August 27, 2010 and this remains in effect until further notice by Little League International.


High School Baseball:


The National Federation of High School Athletic Associations (NFHS) will allow bats that meet the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR) standard for the 2011 season, provided the bats also meet the Accelerated Break-In (ABI) standard too.  For the 2012 season and beyond, the NFHS will allow only bats that meet the NEW BBCOR standards.


Summary:  The 2011 spring season is a "transition year" in terms of the new bat rules for high school players.  The new BBCOR rules go into full effect in 2012.  Again, check with your high school coach to make sure that your bat is legal for your league this year. 


Before you buy a new bat, make sure you speak with the salesman about your league and age group team-- you will need to make certain that you are buying a bat that meets the standards for your level of baseball.

I'm reading: NEW RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR NON-WOOD BATS FOR 2011

ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK... Malvern's Triston Campbell

Triston getting ready at shortstop for ASBA

This week's ASBA Player of the Week award goes to Triston Campbell of Malvern, who has starred for Great Valley Little League, Great Valley Middle School and for an All Star Baseball Academy tournament team, too.  Triston has worked closely with ASBA Downingtown instructor Keith Falcone on a consistent schedule to improve his hitting, throwing and fielding skills.

Congratulations on being named Player of the Week, Triston!

Triston Campbell hitting for his ASBA team

"Over the past two months, Triston has worked hard on improving his bat angle and top hand control to prevent his barrel from laying flat over his shoulder prior to his swing," commented Falcone.  "During a recent lesson, he came in and hit more line drives with back spin than I have ever seen from him before!  We were both excited about the results he is now getting and we're looking forward to many more successful hitting sessions together."

"We're really enjoyed having Triston work with All Star Baseball and Keith Falcone," said Triston's Mom, Sandi.  "Keith works well with him and the work-outs are pretty hard.  It has really paid off and Triston listens to Keith and his advice.  We have been working with Keith for almost 2 years now and Triston continues to improve his skills.  All Star Baseball hs been great for Triston."

Triston's favorite position is shortstop.  He is now a 13 year old who attends Great Valley Middle School, and he'll be playing for the school's 8th grade team this spring.  In the meantime, he has been diligently working on his game in the off-season, both his hitting and his fielding skills.
"He is a great kid and he has been working hard to improve and get better," said Falcone.

I'm reading: ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK... Malvern's Triston Campbell

All STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK

 Javi Rodriguez of ASBA
Popular Instructor at Broomall

This week's All Star Baseball Tip is from Javi Rodriguez, popular instructor and coach at our Broomall location.  Javi has a big following at Broomall and has helped many young players with their hitting, fielding, and throwing skills.  To schedule a lesson package with Javi, contact the Broomall academy at 610-355-2411 or e- mail us at: basba@allstarbaseballacademy.com.

Positive Attitude and an Open Mind Are Keys to Baseball Success!

Having an open baseball mind is very difficult to accomplish. But in order to consistently improve and understand different situations in the game, a top player must be open-minded. In order to have a good, productive workout or lesson, each player should focus on his attitude and willingness to try certain drills. This will help the player trust himself and what he is trying to accomplish in a shorter period of time.

By working hard on new skills and practicing them often, you will improve your game and have greater success once you reach the next level of competition. Being open to adjustments in your hitting stroke and your throwing motion will eliminate frustration and help you improve your skills through coaching and hours of practice.

Even the best players in the Major Leagues need to make adjustments in their stance or swing, so stay positive, keep an open mind and work hard with your coach or lesson instructor. This will pay off in a big way for you.  You will hear this called the "mental approach to the game" and it is an important point for every young player to remember.

I'm reading: All STAR BASEBALL TIP OF THE WEEK