ALL STAR BASEBALL ACADEMY RYAN HOWARD DAY

Despite thunder, lightning and a steady downpour, Thursday, August 25th of 2011, will be a day that ASBA kids will remember as the day they met Philadelphia Phillies Ryan Howard and Mitch Williams. In a joint effort, they were able to give the attendees an in depth look into what it takes to be a professional ball player.

After it was evident that the weather was not going to allow the clinic portion of the morning, everyone took shelter. Mitch Williams, the former closer for the Phillies ’93 World Series team, arrived shortly after and launched into an impromptu question and answer session. Williams answered questions for about an hour, with questions ranging from “Who was the best player you played with?” (Lenny Dykstra to the surprise of many) to “How did you mentally prepare to pitch?” Williams answered each question like a seasoned pro.

After about an hour or so, Williams gave way to Ryan Howard, who was equally impressive in his Q&A session. Like Williams, he answered questions about how he prepares for a game and gets out of a slump. He managed to avoid the trick question of “If you weren’t on the Phillies, what team would you want to play for?” with ease.

After each Q&A session, both men were gracious enough to take pictures with all of the All Star Baseball Academy kids, as well as the ASBA staff who were in attendance. After the fanfare of getting their picture taken with Mitch Williams and Ryan Howard, it was time for the ASBA-Powerade HR Derby. Williams was kind enough to stick around and throw to the contestants, which included his own son. After the first two rounds, John Brogan and Dan Hoy were able to advance to the finals. The two sluggers were still tied after one overtime round, until Brogan was able to put one well over the fence to put the pressure on Hoy. Down to his last out, Hoy made his last two swings count, as he hit two long homeruns to claim the title of Homerun Derby Champion. Other participants included Shane Allen, Dan Rosenbaum, Ryan Hissey, Mitchell Williams and Luke Emling.

Overall, it was a great day for everyone. As kids got to meet a Major League slugger, parents got to reminisce about the ’93 Phillies and everyone got to see some great hitting and enjoy some good BBQ after.

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INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Sean Kirkpatrick

Featured in this week’s All Star Baseball Academy’s Instructor Spotlight is Sean Kirkpatrick. Sean is an Instructor at All Star Baseball Academy Downingtown. He gives lessons for catching, hitting, and fielding. Sean has been part of the ASBA family since August of 2010.

Sean played his high school ball for Council Rock South, where he was a standout catcher. While attending Council Rock South, he was a two year starter, and was named Team Captain his Senior year. After graduating from there in 2006, he went on to play baseball at Wesley College in Delaware, where he was the starting catcher for 3 years. In his first college appearance behind the plate, he threw out a runner trying to steal second on the first pitch of his college career. As a freshman, he hit .286, including 2 homeruns and 17 RBI. During his time at Wesley, he played on a team that was nationally ranked in the Top 25. He was voted Team Captain for his Junior and Senior years, in which time he led a squad that won the ECAC in 2010.

At All Star, Sean has had the opportunity to coach several different teams ranging in all ages. Along with working at All Star, he works as a physical education teacher at the Wilmington Friends School.

When asked about giving lessons, Sean says that “Patience is the key. Every player is different, and you have to be able to adapt to different players. Some kids respond to certain drills, while other players don’t do as well in the same drills, instead excelling in other drills.”

When asked what he likes the most about coaching and giving lessons, Sean said what he enjoys is “Seeing the player get a lot better over time, as well as getting to know them and their families on a personal level. Along with that, I’ve learned more about the game from coaching than I did from playing, and I’ve become a better teacher of the game while working as a coach.”

To schedule lessons with Sean, please call the Warminster-Hatboro facility at 215-672-1826.

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PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Stephen Ball

This week’s All Star Baseball Academy Player of the Week Award goes to Stephen Ball, a pitcher and third baseman for ASBA West Chester’s 16U Team. Stephen is coached by Kevin McGrath, who has produced a number of POTW Award winners. Stephen is going to be a junior at Malvern Prep High School, where he is also a pitcher and third baseman.

In his lone start the weekend of the 30th, Stephen went the distance for the 16U squad. He allowed just one run in the effort, leading the team to the win. He recorded 5 strikeouts while scattering 7 hits, and gave up just one walk.

“I’ve been taking lessons with Scott Grimes for 3 years, and he’s really helped me improve my power when I hit,” Stephen said when asked about his experience with All Star. “I’ve been taking pitching lessons with Dave Slusser as well, and he’s really helped me with my changeup, which is the off speed pitch I use most now. I thought we did very well as a team, we did make some mental mistakes, but overall we did well as a team. It’s an honor to be nominated because we have a lot of talent on our team. I really wanted to work on pitching this summer.”

Coach McGrath was very pleased with Stephen’s success for the weekend.
“Stephen did a good job,” said McGrath. “He battled for us and threw strikes. He’s a real hard worker and a great teammate, and he’s got great work ethic.”

Stephen’s dad has been pleased not only by his son’s play, but by the coaches as well, saying that “I thought Kevin and his other coaches did a great job with the boys this summer. They focused on development, making sure the kids improved on their primary positions. Lessons with Dave Slusser have helped tremendously. They have been a big positive for us, along with hitting lessons with Kevin. We’ve been training with All Star for years, and we’ve been pleased with this team. The coaches have been positive in the games as well, keeping their cool and not yelling.”

Stephen and the 16U squad are done playing for the summer, but be sure to keep an eye out for him this Fall and in the Spring.

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PLAYER OF THE WEEK: CJ Herron

This week’s All Star Baseball Academy Player of the Week Award goes to CJ Herron. CJ plays for Broomall’s 17U Team, where he is coached by Mike Foley. CJ is also a senior outfielder for Conestoga High School.

For the weekend of July 23rd, CJ was 5 for 11. Two of his five hits were for extra bases, and he also chipped in with 2 RBI’s. Along with his offensive performance, CJ was solid in the outfield.

“He’s a very good player, and an even better kid and a joy to have on the team,” said Coach Foley about CJ. “He’s definitely a team first guy and will do anything asked of him to help the team.”

Mrs. Herron has been very pleased with CJ’s experience this summer, as well as the lessons he’s been taking. “He’s playing with Mike Foley, Javi, and Ken, and they’ve worked hard with him to improve his skills and overall field confidence. CJ has enjoyed playing on the 17U summer team with supportive teammates who have bonded nicely together as a team as the season has progressed. They’ve played very competitive baseball and have had a fine summer. We’ve had a great experience with All Star.”

“I’ve had a great experience with All Star Baseball Academy,” said CJ. “The coaches are very helpful, and my teammates are really supportive and great guys. I just stayed relaxed and worked my at-bats this weekend and had good results.”

The 17U Team from Broomall concluded their season the weekend of the 30th in Pittsburgh. Be on the lookout for CJ this fall and spring at Conestoga.

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PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Tom Carey

This week’s All Star Baseball Academy Player of the Week Award goes to Tom Carey. Tom is going into his junior year at Haverford High School. Tom primarily plays first base for West Chester’s 16U team, which is coached by Kevin McGrath.

Tom hit .417 for the weekend, going 5 for 12 with a triple. The first baseman also chipped in with 3 RBI’s for the 16U squad, and has been a key contributor all season.

“I really like playing for All Star, they have helped me out a lot over the years. I’m looking forward to this weekend’s tournament at Berkshire. I’ve been taking lessons at Broomall for the last 8 years, along with the Big League Experience, and I feel like that really helps me get ready for the season. I feel like I did well at the plate this past weekend.”

“He’s a really good ballplayer,” said McGrath. “He’s been hitting the ball hard all summer long, and he’s been using the whole field to do so. He’s been a great team player, doing whatever’s been asked of him. He’s a hard worker, and he’s a respectable kid.”

Overall, Mrs. Carey has been pleased with everything he son has done at ASBA.

“He’s having a good year with Kevin, he’s really enjoyed it and is having a good season,” said Mrs. Carey. “He’s been with All Star since he was 12, and he works out of Broomall a lot. We’ve been doing the Big League Experience with Shawn Pender at Broomall for the last few years, and he’s also been doing lessons with Javi Rodriguez. Along with that, he’s done the Advanced Infield Program and all of their (Broomall) different programs.”

Tom and the 16U team from West Chester completed there season this past weekend, but keep an eye out for them this fall.

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