The American Baseball Coaches Association Convention always marks the unofficial start for college baseball and, actually, all of amateur baseball. The world’s largest baseball convention is an event that generates opportunities to learn, grow and become an even more motivated and inspired coach. Besides the incredible clinics, the ABCA Hall of Fame Dinner, the Honors Luncheon and the exhibit hall, there will be literally hundreds of “mini-clinics” springing up in the lobby, restaurants, coffee shops and anywhere two or more coaches congregate. It’s one of the greatest weeks of the year, as far as I’m concerned.
Let’s face it, we’ve all been missing the game! It’s been months since baseball enthusiasts have watched one of the best MLB World Series in the history of baseball. If it wasn’t for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, November and December would be the longest two months of the year. Once the ABCA Clinics and Convention arrive, we all know that familiar sound of “Play Ball” is just around the corner.
The older I get, and the more I learn, there is no doubt in my mind that the most under-developed muscle in baseball is the heart. After watching Jose Altuve captivate the baseball world with his passion, competitiveness and skill on baseball’s biggest stage, I’m convinced that more coaches than ever will be evaluating and training the heart of their athletes. Isn’t it fun to watch a gifted player lead with his heart?!
Everyone with Inside Pitch Magazine wants to give the ABCA a helping hand. We want to help all of you get the 2018 season off to a great start. We’ve assembled several respected coaches and teachers who have contributed great content for our first edition of the year. After reading, we hope that you will agree that this may be our best effort to date.