Matt In Char Nc

[RollyInRaleigh]

These are pictures of Matt from a tournament a couple of weeks ago. Our team won the tournament. The second picture is Matt and one of his coaches, a close friend and one of his biggest supporters.

3904

3905

[RollyInRaleigh]

In the last tournament our team, The Weddington Nationals, participated in, the AAU National Tournament in Concord, NC, Matt was named to the AAU All America Team (the AAU National all tournament team) for his age group which is 8 and under. There were teams there from all over the country. We finished third in our division. He had a great tournament. His mother and I were very proud of him and this accomplishment.

[KronoRed]

Congrats :)

Nice pictures

[GAC]

Must be the coaching! The kid is getting solid instruction Randy. :thumbup:

[paintmered]

Looks like he's got a great swing :)

[RollyInRaleigh]

Thanks guys, we really work at it. The swing is really good, and he has good size and hits with some power. So many folks at our league have their kids going to lessons with multiple coaches, try to coach them themselves and have their team coaches yammering at them as well. Too many voices. Dad is the coach and no one else is in his ear. We try to keep it simple. Focus, balance, a still head staying behind the ball, release the hips with flat hands extending through the hitting zone with not a lot of wrist rollover and a high finish and release. When he is really on, he hits the ball where it is pitched and can go the opposite way on the outside pitch and really turn on the inside one. If he starts pulling too much, we focus on the middle of the field and it seems to bring things back. He is starting to understand the mechanics and is starting to have a little feel for what to do when some things get out of sync. The swing that you see resulted in a double through the gap in right center. My goal is trying to keep him hitting line drives and not swinging for the fences. That can be a tough thing. Wish I would have had this swing at 8.

[MWM]

Nice pics, Randy. My son is 3 and he's just recently started to take a real interest in baseball. Unfortunately, all he wants to do is hit and he doesn't care much about throwing, which ironically was the exact opposite of me when I was young. I was a slick fielding, average hitting infielder. He hits the ball really well. It's surprised me how quickly he's improved. It's amazing how quickly they can form the basic swing mechanics without any real direction.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Mine was the same way, MWM. He has always wanted to hit, although he has always been intrigued with the pitching motion. We have been working on that for a long time, too.

You'll have your son out there in uniform before you know it. It really is a joy to watch them play.

[letsgojunior]

That's a Griffey-esque swing. :)

[GAC]

Nice pics, Randy. My son is 3 and he's just recently started to take a real interest in baseball. Unfortunately, all he wants to do is hit and he doesn't care much about throwing, which ironically was the exact opposite of me when I was young.

Batting was always my favorite position when younger. Whenever we got together to play sandlot I carried the bat so to be the first to hit. :lol:

[GAC]

Mine was the same way, MWM. He has always wanted to hit, although he has always been intrigued with the pitching motion. We have been working on that for a long time, too.

You'll have your son out there in uniform before you know it. It really is a joy to watch them play.

Since the body has broke down, I get nothing but chills and thrills from coaching kids, and watching Samuel.

[RollyInRaleigh]

That's a Griffey-esque swing. :)

He loves that compliment, letsgojunior, because he has tried to pattern his swing after two players. Griffey and Rafael Palmeiro. For me, I see a lot of Will Clark in his swing, but he never got to see Clark hit.:beerme:

[RFS62]

Wow, what great form!!!

Still waiting on that autograph.

:)

[macro]

Thanks for sharing, Randy! Like MWM, my son turns 3 this month, and we just started letting him hit off a tee with a plastic bat.

It will be interesting to follow the progress of your son as the years pass.

[ochre]

That's a Griffey-esque swing. :)
http://www.exceptionalplayerbaseballhitting.com/images/philosophy1.jpg

[RFS62]

http://www.exceptionalplayerbaseballhitting.com/images/philosophy1.jpg


Wow. What a fantastic picture of Junior's stroke.

Matt, still waiting on that autograph.

[RedsBaron]

Wow. What a fantastic picture of Junior's stroke.

Matt, still waiting on that autograph.
I'll have to remind Matt again that he needs an agent. I don't want to see him reducing the market value of his autographs by giving them out to every groupie that comes along.;)
Randy, I wish my two younger sons had you as a coach. I know good hitting when I see it, but I am not much of an instructor.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Thanks for the kind compliments, RedsBaron. I'm just glad that I can help him with his game, which is something that I received very little of when I was a kid. A lot of the parents around the ballfield ask where he goes for hitting lessons and who his hitting coach is. (You'd have to understand the South Charlotte area where we live. A little different for a country boy from Cabell Co.) I heard him say once, "My garage and my dad." Kind of got a chuckle out of that one.

I hear a lot of fathers say that their kids won't listen to them, but that has never been the case with Matt. I feel very fortunate in that regard. The thing that I see with Matt is that he has a lot of confidence because of the work that we put in, plus, there is a measure of trust involved with us. We have a "run-in" from time to time when I get a little to critical for his liking. but for the most part, he really listens.

[RFS62]

He's a lucky kid with a lucky father.

:beerme:

[GAC]

Just to get a kid to listen to you in ANYTHING is a miracle. ;)

[redsmetz]

Looks like he's got a great swing :)

My thought exactly!

[RollyInRaleigh]

Finished up the season with a December tournament in Myrtle Beach. We won both our games on Saturday, with Matt driving in three runs in the second game and going 3-5 in both games. The first game, was short as we were up 14-0 in the fourth inning and emptied our bench early. We were to play for the Championship in Sunday but rain got in the way so we came home early. Great season for Matt. He played in nearly 100 games since March. He asked me on the way home when the spring season starts.

For now, it's his first entry into basketball. He's doing well so far.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Been a while since I posted any photos of my boy. Here are some photos of Matt from this summer in the 10 year old Little League District tournament here in Charlotte. My team finished second. Matt had a great season, hitting near .700 with two homeruns in district tournament play. He also was 5-0 in All-Star play as a pitcher and pitched a 4 inning one hitter in the district semi-final with 7 strikeouts and another two hitter with 9 strikeouts.

He is now playing on the top 11 and under travel team in the Charlotte area, the Charlotte Hurricanes, and is having a blast. We will be traveling to Myrtle Beach this weekend to play at the Ripken Baseball Experience which has some really fantastic facilities. If my wife takes any photos, I will post some shots of the facility.

http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5383&stc=1&d=1223393152http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5384&stc=1&d=1223393152http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5385&stc=1&d=1223393152http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5386&stc=1&d=1223393152http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5387&stc=1&d=1223393152

[RollyInRaleigh]

Here are a few more:

http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5391&stc=1&d=1223403326http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5392&stc=1&d=1223403326http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5393&stc=1&d=1223403326http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5394&stc=1&d=1223403326

[Stephenk29]

perfect swing. literally.

[*BaseClogger*]

A lefty! :thumbup:

Randy, what's you opinion on letting little leaguers throw curveballs?

[RollyInRaleigh]

If they learn to throw it correctly, I have no problem if they throw it on a very limited basis. Believe me, I see a lot of kids trying to throw it when they are warming up and fooling around. The problem is, very few are throwing it correctly, and for me, that is where a lot of kids are hurting their arms. To the extent that I see it in the Little League World Series? No. Some of those kids are throwing it way too much.

[RedsBaron]

Terrific photos, Randy. :thumbup:

[GAC]

Man! That is one beautiful looking swing! Who taught that boy? :cool:

[remdog]

To paraphrase Mel Brooks, 'It's good to be the lefty.' :)

Rem

[Degenerate39]

I hope he's not attached to the number 24. He'll have to change it once he becomes a Cincinnati Red :thumbup:

[RollyInRaleigh]

Thanks for all the nice words. He has worked very hard and has become a really good player. We played at the Ripken Baseball Experience in Myrtle Beach this weekend. Just got home. What a wonderful facility! The kids had a blast. Field turf fields that are all replica's of former big league ball parks. Our team lost in the semi-finals in extra innings, 7-6. To get to the semi-finals, we had to win our last pool play game, this morning at 9:00am. Matt got the call on the mound and pitched a one hitter against a team from the Northern Part of North Carolina, close to Rocky Mount. I was real happy with his performance.

With this tournament, baseball is over for the season. We started in late January. We will continue to work on the side and basketball tryouts are next Sunday. We stay busy, but I love every minute.

[Stephenk29]

Thanks for all the nice words. He has worked very hard and has become a really good player. We played at the Ripken Baseball Experience in Myrtle Beach this weekend. Just got home. What a wonderful facility! The kids had a blast. Field turf fields that are all replica's of former big league ball parks. Our team lost in the semi-finals in extra innings, 7-6. To get to the semi-finals, we had to win our last pool play game, this morning at 9:00am. Matt got the call on the mound and pitched a one hitter against a team from the Northern Part of North Carolina, close to Rocky Mount. I was real happy with his performance.

With this tournament, baseball is over for the season. We started in late January. We will continue to work on the side and basketball tryouts are next Sunday. We stay busy, but I love every minute.


One of my friends worked for Ripken Academy this summer in Baltimore. They definitely have some nice facilities all over the place. I went up there for a visit and checked that one out, very nice. The main field in Baltimore was a replica of Camden, the factory in right field was a dormatory for all the players. Pretty sweet stuff.

[RFS62]

Fantastic pics, Randy.

Perfect form.

Well done.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Thanks, RFS62. That means something, coming from you.

[Team Clark]

Sharp looking swing. What I liked most was his head position and ability to stay on the ball. Very nice. Most kids his age just grip and rip.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Matt

[RollyInRaleigh]

Some pics of Matt pitching from this season. We won our first tournament and only allowed 1 run the entire tournament (4 games). The most impressive thing was that our pitchers only allowed one walk the entire tournament. Matt pitched a two hitter in the final. We travel to Atlanta this week for a Super NIT with teams from Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and Louisiana. I'm sure we will see some great teams there.

http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5439&stc=1&d=1237299660http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5440&stc=1&d=1237299660http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5441&stc=1&d=1237299660http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5442&stc=1&d=1237299660

[camisadelgolf]

Sounds like he's doing great. Congratulations. I'm just wondering--is he throwing a breaking pitch yet?

[RollyInRaleigh]

Thanks, camisadelgolf. He is, on a very limited basis. He is mainly four seam fastball, two seam fastball, and changeup. He throws two changes, circle and a knuckleball. This year, we have a former big league pitcher, Mike Trombley, as our pitching coach. His son is also on the team. We have emphasized that if the boys are going to throw a curve ball, they are going to throw it correctly.

This is from an earlier post in this thread:


If they learn to throw it correctly, I have no problem if they throw it on a very limited basis. Believe me, I see a lot of kids trying to throw it when they are warming up and fooling around. The problem is, very few are throwing it correctly, and for me, that is where a lot of kids are hurting their arms. To the extent that I see it in the Little League World Series? No. Some of those kids are throwing it way too much.

On another note, it is unbelievable how many kids are not throwing the fastball correctly and, that, is hurting their arms every bit as much as throwing the breaking ball. We really emphasize the proper throwing mechanics, every practice. The facility that we play out of, Carolina's Baseball Center, is very big on teaching baseball the correct way.

[camisadelgolf]

Throwing curveballs is more than likely what ended my pitching. In my little league years, I would throw 100+ curveballs per week, and it didn't take long for it to catch up to me. I was starting to get some attention from people outside of town, but I tore a labrum and never got back to where I was. It's an unfortunate situation, but I'm glad to hear that there's a lot more awareness about it now. I'm excited for you, and I wish you and your son luck.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Much appreciated!

[RollyInRaleigh]

Couple of pictures of Matt from the Ripken Experience this spring.


http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5580&stc=1&d=1251725026



http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5581&stc=1&d=1251725026

[RedsBaron]

Looks great Randy. :thumbup: Have the Reds offered Matt a contract yet?

[RollyInRaleigh]

Looks great Randy. :thumbup: Have the Reds offered Matt a contract yet?

Not hardly. :) He is progressing very nicely, both pitching and hitting and plays a very good first base. We are trying to get him some time in the outfield this fall to give him a few more options. We don't usually notice how good he is at first base until we move him off of it. He continues to love the game and works very hard at it. His 12 year old season will be coming up this spring. Thanks for the nice comments!

[*BaseClogger*]

Great pics, Randy. Is that you sitting on the bucket of balls in the second picture?

[RollyInRaleigh]

Thanks, BaseClogger. To answer your question, no, that is the father of one of the other kids. I coach third base and don't get to sit much!

[GAC]

Looks like your hard work and investment is paying dividends Randy. :thumbup:

[RollyInRaleigh]

Thanks, GAC. We have invested a lot of time and hard work. He works at it and is a good listener, most of the time. We have our days, but for the most part, he listens to me and makes the adjustments. The key is, he still loves it and wants to be good.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Matt pitched a no-hitter on Sunday in a Super NIT tournament in Columbia, SC. He has flirted with it before, having pitched 4 one hitters, but this was his first "no-no."

Overall for the fall, 9 innings pitched allowing only 1 run, 3 hits, no walks, and 16 strikeouts. I'm real proud of my little lefty. (Well, he's not so little any more)

[RollyInRaleigh]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2022352129693&set=a.2022228966614.2106793.1570663900&type=1&theater

[RollyInRaleigh]

http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5921&stc=1&d=1311111180http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5922&stc=1&d=1311111180http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5923&stc=1&d=1311111180

Matt pitching for the Indiana Bulls in the Best of the Midwest Tournament in Bloomington Indiana last weekend.

[George Anderson]

http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5921&stc=1&d=1311111180http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5922&stc=1&d=1311111180http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5923&stc=1&d=1311111180

Matt pitching for the Indiana Bulls in the Best of the Midwest Tournament in Bloomington Indiana last weekend.

I have umpired Bulls games the last 2 weekends. One tournament was at Butler and the other was at North Central HS. This team kinda looks familiar. Is their manager a thin, dark skinned guy??

BTW I have #42 on my umpire shirt, so look for me sometime.

[RollyInRaleigh]

The manager is on the far right, standing up in the picture, George. That was the last tournament of the season for the 13U group. I will be looking for you next season!

[abish1572]

Future Reds Star!

[RollyInRaleigh]

Some pics of Matt's last game. Brownsburg vs Lafayette Jefferson at Brownsburg's Rose Park.

[RollyInRaleigh]

And yes, run support is a wonderful thing!

[George Anderson]

Nice pics.

How is his season going?

More important, how is the umpiring?

[RollyInRaleigh]

The freshman team is 6-1 and looks to be very talented. They scrimmaged the JV team and beat them before the season got started. The Varsity team is senior dominated and has been a little disappointing so far. (13 seniors) Matt is 2-0 and has both conference wins for the freshman team, beating Westfield and Lafayette Jefferson. They lost to Carmel's JV, 9-4, on a rainy Saturday in the first game of a DH in which the coach didn't start his regular lineup. We still haven't figured that one out. The second game was rained out, and was to be against their freshmen. Lots of opportunity for varsity next season with all the seniors leaving.

The umpiring has been OK. Pleased with that so far. Supposed to be playing at Lebanon tonight if the rain holds off. Matt will pitch again on Saturday in the Brownsburg Invitational. They have a 3 man starting rotation that they have stuck to so far.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Some pics of Matt from Summer Baseball

[George Anderson]

A couple of those pics look like they were taken at Butler.

I was there Friday night.

[RollyInRaleigh]

A couple of those pics look like they were taken at Butler.

I was there Friday night.

They were but this was a couple of weeks ago.:beerme:

[RollyInRaleigh]

Some pics of Matt pitching in his sophomore season for Brownsburg High School, during the Brownsburg Invitational tournament this past weekend. He was the starter in the Championship game and got the win. He is currently 4-1 this season with 29 strikeouts in 29 innings and a 2.98 ERA.

http://www.redszohttp://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6499&stc=1&d=1368467935ne.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6492&stc=1&d=1368466895http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6493&stc=1&d=1368466895http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6494&stc=1&d=1368466895http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6495&stc=1&d=1368466895http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6496&stc=1&d=1368466895http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6497&stc=1&d=1368466895http://www.redszone.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=6498&stc=1&d=1368466895

[RollyInRaleigh]

Matt warming up in the bullpen before Brownsburg's annual Purple/White game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygkJHl1oE5s

[George Anderson]

Nice video..I have heard rumors he is doing well.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Right now, 2-1 with a 1.70 ERA.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Now 4-1, tied for third in Hoosier Crossroads Conference, and an 0.98 ERA which is leading the HCC.