SITUATION BASEBALL

About the Book

“If the ball is hit to me—what do I do with it?”

Every young ballplayer has faced that moment of hesitation. The ball’s in their glove, but they are caught between shouts from teammates and coaches—“Go home!” “Throw to second!”—unsure of what to do. That split-second indecision can mean the difference between an out and a run scored.

Situation Baseball is a practical guide designed for young players ages 9 to 12, their coaches, and parents. It focuses on developing one of the most critical (and often overlooked) skills in baseball: knowing what to do before the ball is hit. After mastering physical skills like hitting and fielding, players need to sharpen their mental game—the baseball “smarts” that turn solid players into smart, confident ones.

Inside, you will find simple, easy-to-follow scenarios covering every base-running situation an infielder or outfielder might face. With clear answers to the question, “What do I do if the ball is hit—or not hit—to me?” this book helps players build instinct, awareness, and decision-making skills on the field.

Whether you are a coach using it during practice, a parent working with your player in the backyard, or a young athlete flipping through it on the way to a game, Situation Baseball is a go-to tool for building confidence and game IQ.

Give your players the edge. Help them make the play.

About the Author

I am a baseball enthusiast with a passion for the sport and an appreciation for the tradition of the great American pastime. I've played baseball from Little League through high school at many positions and learned the game from coaches, dad, books, and movies. Visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, PA. was very inspiring and instills the deep passion for a sport created in this great country and what it represents about our competitive values. In attending my grandsons' baseball games, it has always perplexed me as to why many youngsters are simply confused with what to do with the ball after fielding it. Many of the dad coaches try to instruct this as they go in game situations. The practice time is filled with how to field a grounder, how to catch a fly ball, how to run, how to throw, how to bat, all of which is definitely needed. But we must add the "smarts" to the game. Knowing what the player is going to do with the ball BEFORE it is hit makes for a fully developed player. I live in the medium size midwestern town of Columbus, Indiana. Although born and raised here, I've spent most of my sales career in Missouri, Michigan and Indiana. Recently moving back to my hometown to semi-retire has allowed me more time to attend yet more youth baseball games which this community has developed into several city and county leagues utilizing 27 ball fields. We are blessed with fine facilities hosting the 2011 USSSA World Series.