There's more to legging out a triple than you might think

This post can now be found HERE.

Why do the best MLB teams lose so much?

This post can now be found HERE.

Dallas Green and scouting "Head and Heart"

This post is now HERE.

Pitching is not rocket science

This post is now HERE.

Flipping the switch

This post is now HERE.

Fielding a bunt is all in the footwork (Part 2)

This post is now HERE.

Fielding a bunt is all in the footwork (Part 1)

This post is now HERE.

Earned vs Unearned runs

This post is now HERE.

Focus inward - Focus outward

This post is now HERE.

Stepping down as head coach

About 10 days ago I officially announced that I was stepping down as head coach of my high school team.  This is something I have been mulling over for a couple years now and just finally came to the conclusion that it was time.  Being a head coach at any level takes up an enormous amount of time.  This, of course, is somewhat predicated on whether or not you want to do it right.  When I started as head coach of the school 13 years ago, I was not married and therefore my wife and I didn’t have the pleasure of chasing around our three little ones yet.  Times have changed.  Basically, I can no longer keep up with the schedule I created 13 years ago.  Those off-season morning and evening workouts, lifting and running sessions, etc. all have helped turn our program into a successful one.  When players enter our high school, they look forward to this schedule and usually ask to start even earlier and include more options.  This expanding program just doesn’t match my need to back off the time commitment.  As a result, it was just time for me to move on.

I feel very blessed that I have been able to decide for myself when it was time to step down.  Many coaches do not get that luxury.  I am lucky that school administrators, parents, and community members bought into our system and let it proceed as we saw fit.  The players played.  The coaches coached.  The parents cheered.  The administrators backed up our mission.  I know how fortunate I was to lead such a program.  Many of the pitfalls that throw large wrenches into programs just didn’t seem to occur for us.  Not really sure why.  I’ve heard many horror stories from and about other programs where good coaches are/were not given the same treatment.  I consider myself lucky.

When I was younger, I paid attention when players and coaches were interviewed on TV.  I also read books about and sometimes written by people in the game.  At the end of these players’ and coaches’ careers, ultimately the same question was asked to all of them.  “Do you have any regrets?”  In virtually every single case, the answer was “I didn’t get to see my kids grow up.”  I’m not sure why but even as a little kid, I remember hoping that if I was ever asked that question in the future, I would truthfully be able to give another answer.

Two of my kids are now playing their first team sport - the "S" word (soccer).  Watching them both run around in a swarm of players around the ball with gigantic smiles on their faces is priceless.  I want to see more of that.


We'll see when I decide to get back on a field to coach.  Expanding the blog, making some videos, maybe a book, organizing coaching seminars and player clinics certainly will keep me busy and connected to the game.

A big thank you to all those who played a role in our program.  My only request of you now is to continue giving the next coach the same treatment you gave me.

Tampa Bay Rays: Talented and having fun!

This post is now HERE.

Radio interview with Coach McCreary

This post is now HERE.

Outfielders: Give yourself a chance

This post is now HERE.

There’s no such thing as a “wrong pitch to throw”

This post is now HERE.

Curve ball adjustment – another option

This post is now HERE.

The safety squeeze

This post is now HERE.

Communication tips for defense

This post is now HERE.

APPROACH - result - RESPONSE

This post is now HERE.

Focus on the NOW

This post is now HERE.

Never forget

This post is now HERE.

I'm looking for some help!

A graphic designer I am not.  Because of my artistic shortcomings, I am struggling with the creation of a logo for Baseball By The Yard that could be placed on hats, shirts, jackets, etc.  I thought I’d throw it out to all of the readers and try to tap into the collective creativity of the group.  I’m now accepting any and all ideas on a symbol or logo for the blog.  To make it worthwhile, if I choose someone’s idea, they’ll get some free merchandise with the logo.  If anyone is interested, please send your ideas, pictures, artwork, etc to BaseballByTheYard@gmail.com.

Ideally, I'd like to finalize one in a week or two.
Thanks in advance to anyone who takes time to help.

I hope you are enjoying the posts.  As always, if you have any ideas for posts, comments about posts, or questions, please do not hesitate to send them along as well. 

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading the feedback I get.

Have a great day!

Coach McCreary

Catchers: Be sure to protect your hand

This post is now HERE.

Recognize the little things

This post is now HERE.

Second basemen – Back up first base!

This post is now HERE.

Two fungo drills you may not have done

This post is now HERE.

A tip for improving location for pitchers

This post is now HERE.

Report card for off-season planning

This post is now HERE.