"I ain't ever had a job, I just always played baseball", --Satchel Paige 
 
  

ABC Nation,

  The coaches and I are enjoying our time out at the ball park watching spring baseball and following the district races in the paper and online. There was no question in my mind that several of the ABC family would rise to the occasion this spring and help lead their respective teams to success. I am most proud though, when I see and hear of ball players (and families) who push through adversity. Baseball is a team sport and at times, you might find yourself in a role or position that would not be your first choice, but affords you the opportunity to see what you are made of. Spring baseball 2012 is only one season out of many to come. One "season" does not make or break your career. It will be your entire body-of-work. Were you paying attention to the slogan that Heisman Trophy winner, Robert Griffin III (RG3) wore on his t-shirt this year?

"No Pressure - No Diamonds"  

  I want to wish you an early Happy Easter. My family and I are looking forward to celebrating Easter Sunday at church and then enjoying a fried-chicken picnic with family and friends. I trust that you too will take time to slow down and have some quality family time together. If you do not have a church home, I would love to invite you to join my family on Sunday morning. Let me know if you would like more details.

The start of the Major League Baseball season is upon us. I am headed up to Arlington tomorrow to watch opening day for the Rangers. The White Sox are in town and John Danks is the Sox opening day starter. Sorry guys.....GO SOX!

summer tournament schedule update 

  Reminder that we are scheduled to play in tournaments on the following weekends:

June 8-10, June 15-17, June 22-24, July 6-8, July 13-15, July 20-22

*off June 29-July 1st

**17U teams (2013 grads) will travel to Atlanta for Perfect Game National tournament July 5th-July 12th. Parents wanting to stay at team hotel or fly on team flight please contact us ASAP so we can get your reservation secured.

kicking it into gear

  The coaches and I are looking forward to the start if the ABC summer session. We will begin weekly training sessions at both indoor academies and weekend practices & clinics the first week of May. As soon as your high school season concludes you are eligible to begin attending ABC workouts. I will be sending out a registration e-mail for weekly indoor training sessions in the near future. At this time, we request that you start thinking about which weekly sessions you would like to register for. We will host sessions Mon-Thurs with start times 5:00-6:00, 6:00-7:00, 7:00-8:00 *each ball player will register for two weekly sessions (ex: Mon & Wed 5:00-6:00 or Tues/Thurs 7:00-8:00)

uniforms

  We appreciate all who took time to provide us with your hat sizes and jersey size. The ABC summer uniform fee is $100 (two game jersey's, two game hats, one practice shirt). You will have the opportunity to purchase extra game hats and practice shirts. We will designate several uniform pick up dates. Uniforms will be paid for and picked up at our business office (4515 Manchaca rd)

extra rep opportunities

  ABC ball players are welcome to use both indoor academies during the week for extra reps in the batting cages. Coaches are available to throw live BP or work on your swing. Contact me if you would like to schedule an appointment with a coach. We encourage you to use the thra-bands and med-balls as well. The north indoor academy is open on Sunday's, 1:30-3:30 for extra reps.

  Please know that I am happy to sit down with you one on one if you have any topics you would like to discuss. 

 Develop impact varsity players through innovative training, weekly workshops and game day experience

    Go Take on the Game,  

          Coach Prater

I watched the Marlins on TV last night...boy have their uniforms changed