Opponents carry injured home run hitter around the bases

Opponents carry injured home run hitter around the bases – International Herald Tribune
PORTLAND, Ore.: With two runners on base and a strike against her, Sara Tucholsky of Western Oregon University uncorked her best swing and did something she had never done, in high school or college. Her first home run cleared the center-field fence.

But it appeared to be the shortest of dreams come true when she missed first base, started back to tag it and collapsed with a knee injury.

She crawled back to first but could do no more. The first-base coach said she would be called out if her teammates tried to help her. Or, the umpire said, a pinch runner could be called in, and the homer would count as a single.

Then, members of the Central Washington University softball team stunned spectators by carrying Tucholsky around the bases Saturday so the three-run homer would count — an act that contributed to their own elimination from the playoffs.

Gotta love the Pacific Northwest! Next time somebody asks me to define “sportsmanship,” I’m going to point them to this article.

Tysonesque – is that a word?

…Well it should be:

St. Paul Pioneer Press | 10/25/2006 | A bump, a brawl, a bite — all over a girls softball game

Hard feelings over playing time on a girls softball team erupted in a knock-down, drag-out fight between two St. Paul dads — with one accusing the other of biting off part of his earlobe.

And what is the number one youth sports issue to fight or complain over? Playing time.

Coaching Clinics Today

Had a great opportunity today to enjoy three clinics from three very different coaches. The one obvious attribute they all share, however, is that each has been incredibly successful.

First, I attended a session hosted by Nancy Pedersen detailing administrative responsibilities of coaches. Nancy is the recently-retired volleyball coaching legend at perennial powerhouse Mother McAuley High School in Chicago. While no one point presented was a particular revelation, it was easy to identify that some of the keys to Coach Pedersen’s success are thorough planning, meticulous attention to every program detail, and plenty of hard work.

I then enjoyed a session presented by DePaul University and Chicago Bandits softball coach Eugene Lenti. Coach Lenti spoke eloquently on “motivating your athletes.” His commitment to understanding his athletes’ places in life and psychological needs and motivations is outstanding.

Finally, I attended a session presented by St. Xavier University women’s basketball coach Bob Hallberg. Coach Hallberg focused his attention on creating very direct lines of communication between coaches, athletes, parents, and administrators. He stressed the importance of dealing with potentional problems immediately and with candor.

While each of these three coaches offered valuable and immediately useful insights, what was most instructive was seeing that each was successful using very different voices and means. It was a great reminder that each of us is challenged to find his or her own coaching style and voice.

Thanks to all three coaches for a great day!