ABC News 5/31: updates, reminders: Sat field clinic, Sun skills testing combine

May 31, 2012

"Kids should practice autographing baseballs. This is a skill that is often overlooked in Little League", --Tug McGraw, former Phillies pitcher

ABC Nation,

Good morning. As the school year officially winds down I want to take this opportunity to share a friendly reminder, as you reflect back on the past academic school year, that we are STUDENT athlete's. Taking care of business in the classroom precedes the time you put in on the ball field. Many of you have heard me share the statistic that less than 6% of high school baseball players transition into the NCAA (DI,DII,DIII) to play baseball, but 100% of high school students have the opportunity to further their education. I love a great story and I am eternally optimistic that each member of the ABC family will have the opportunity to pursue baseball after high school. A responsible student athlete recognizes that we only control our own effort and that we must have a healthy balance between our effort in the classroom and our effort on the field. Set your sights on a strong showing in the classroom during the 2012-2013 academic year.

We are looking forward to a great weekend of activities. The registration deadline for our scheduled field clinic Sat 6/2 at Westwood HS and pro-style skills testing combine Sun 6/3 is 2:00 tomorrow Fri 6/1. Our expectation is that each of you register for these activities (registration info below). The first tournament weekend of baseball is just around the corner and the extra time on the field will pay dividends.

Please take a minute to review the data points below to make sure you are "in the know":

Field clinic 6/2

ABC field clinics are an opportunity for ball players to get participate in drills and receive instruction specific to position. Clinic Sat 6/2 is @ Westwood HS

pre-registration required

10:00 C's & OF's

11:00 all INF's

click here to register

reg deadline Fri 6/1, 2:00

Skills testing 6/3

ABC will be hosting a Pro-Style skills testing combine on Sun 6/3 @ Westwood HS, 1:00. All summer ball participants are encouraged to attend.

pre-registration required

60 yard dash; home to first; arm-strength (MPH); throwing for distance; catchers pop-times

click here to register

reg deadline Fri 6/1, 2:00

ABC 101 orientation

ABC ball players and at least one parent are required to attend an ABC summer ball orientation prior to participating in tournaments. There are two remaining opportunities: Sun 6/3 & Mon 6/4. If you have not attended one of the two previously scheduled orientations please take a minute to register for Sun or Mon.

click here to register

@abcnation

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click image above to join

Reminder that baseball pants are required for all field related activities. Bring own water jug. Please check your team page for game day uniform protocol (what color of socks & belt).

We appreciate and respect your decision to share your summer baseball experience with ABC. Please hold the staff accountable to deliver on our purpose statement:

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

Go Take on the game,

Coach Prater

Prater on knee

@gotakeonthegame