ABC News 12/12/12: keeping you up to speed on All Things ABC

ABC News 12/12/12

"A man has to have goals - for a day, for a lifetime - and that was mine; to have people say, 'There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived" -Ted Williams, HOF

ABC Nation

Good afternoon. One of my favorite days of the year is our annual Christmas gathering and fellowship. Is is a special time to connect with families away from the ball field on a more personal level. A special thank you to Mangia pizza for hosting our annual event. We were joined again this year by Mr. John Danks Sr and John & Jordan Danks. All three shared from their hearts and I appreciate their willingness to come back each year to spend time with us. The highlight of the evening for me was recognizing each of the 2013 grads in attendance and having them share a few words with the group. Hearing from these young men has a strong impact on me and I am so proud of each of them. My desire is that no matter what the outcome of your baseball journey, each ball player and family knows that we value your friendship and look forward to following your life's journey, wherever that might take you.

Christmas party 2012 Danks signing autographs

John & Jordan signing autographs

Saturday 12/15 - field clinic

ABC is hosting a field clinic at Balcones. 9:00-10:00 OF's & C's; 10:00-11:00 INF's. Registration link is on the ABC fall home page or click here to register.

Sunday 12/16 - open gym

Both academies will be open for extra reps from 2:00-4:00.

Game notes ABC World Series game #4 (played last Sun 12/9)

Coaches notes from Game #4 are posted. Click here to review.

*Reminder that the next ABC WS game will be Saturday, 1/12 (click here for schedule).

Holiday break adjusted schedule

Please take a minute to review the master calendar posted on the ABC fall home page. Next week (12/17-12/20) we will follow our normal weekly schdule. Starting the week of Christmas and the week after, there are some schedule adjustments, but certainly some oportunities for those who are in town and interested in some baseball to get some work in. Click here to review the master calendar.

Christmas gift idea - gift cert to apply to participation fee's

A handful of families have asked about ABC gift certificates that can be purchased my family members or friends and applied to participation fee's. Please feel free to have a relative or friend interested in helping off set participation fee's contact us for info on how to purchase a gift certificate for your ball player.

Getting to know those who have gone before you

The Austin Baseball Club has a rich tradition of former alumnus who have gone on to play at all levels of college and professional baseball. We are equally proud of all those who chose a life path after high school that did not include college baseball.

Sam Selman LHP

Vanderbilt / KC Royals 2nd rd pick

Sam is a graduate of St.Andrew's high school where he led central Texas in many pitching categories throughout his high school career. After three successful season at Vanderbilt, Sam was selected in the 2012 MLB draft by the KC Royals in the 2nd rd. After first summer of pro ball, Sam elected to the Baseball America minor league All-Star team.

Ross Speed RHP

Baylor University

Ross played for the Westwood Warriors prior to making the transition into the Big XII with the Baylor Bears. Ross made his way back to Austin, later transferring to St.Edward's University where he helped lead the Hill Toppers to success in their conference.

We appreciate and respect your decision to share your 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