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Originally Posted by WhatWuzThatBlue
I was also amazed at the amount of signs a JV coach finds necessary.
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What? JV teams don't have hit-and-runs? Delayed steals? Suicide squeezes?
This gives me a chance to brag a little. Houston High School (not Texas!) is a 5A school that is almost always ranked in baseball. They have one of the strongest programs in the nation. They are currently the Tennessee State champions.
The JV program is closely monitored by the varsity coach. In fact, the players are chosen by the VARSITY coach and then handed over to the JV coach. The JV coach does *not* pick the players. Everything the JV does mirrors the way it is done on varsity ... even down to the indicator in their signals. The JV program is taken very seriously and it is not dismissed in any way.
Houston High School routinely sends players off to Division I schools and it is very common to have at least one player sign directly to Pro Ball.
Matt Cain, one of the starters in the Giant's rotation, was drafted #1 when he graduated. There have been others since.
In short, this is not a typical JV program. They are currently 10-0 and have been averaging 11-runs per game. And they play strong competition.
This team doesn't just have a STEAL signal. They have ...
1. straight steal
2. delayed steal
3. early break (runners on 1st and 3rd)
4. fake steal
5. one way steal (for left-handed pitchers)
6. extra large leadoff - draw a throw - one way BACK
The kids have notes written on their arms during the preseason - so they don't forget, until they become comfortable with the signals.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN