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Well, it is that time of year again.  Tryouts for the rec season are just around the corner.  I can honestly say I did not think I would be saying these words for at least a year or two, but here they are.  This year Lefty did not sign up for the local rec league and he will be playing travel ball instead.  This was a big decision for Lefty and TheRustyArm family.  The previous…

Lefty has been using these Total Control weighted balls in pre-game hitting and practice drills for the last month or so.  Already I have seen an improvement in how he drives through the ball and finishes his swing.  He is driving balls to the outfield regularly now which he was not doing before.  These training balls are a really good design that allows you to use a small area.  As your young player swings through…

No batter at any level likes getting hit by a pitch.  But, the truth is it is not if your young player will get hit, it is when.  It is a part of baseball and hitting.  Young players need to learn the proper way to take a hit by pitch and overcome the fear.  I have seen it happen when a player gets to kid pitch, can’t stand in the batter’s box, and soon his…

I witnessed a 10 year old throw 80+ pitches in one game this weekend.  Not just fastballs and changeups, curveballs too! What is your opinion? [poll id=”4″]

Ever hear a coach say something to your player and wonder what the heck that means?  Take this baseball jargon quiz and impress your young player. [WpProQuiz 1]

Every young pitcher (and parents of a young pitcher) should watch this. Ted Berg and Bobby Ojeda take a look at throwing the changeup in The Baseball Show presented by Pepsi MAX.  

At this time of year, the Little League World Series brings youth baseball to the limelight. Lefty plays Pony baseball, not Little League.  Lefty started in Pony baseball for no other reason than there is no Little League in our city.  I would guess that is why most parents have their child in either Little League or Pony.  These are two separate organizations but both provide a great youth baseball experience.  We get asked a…

I know the idea of keeping score in baseball can be intimidating.  When I ask a parent if they would be able to keep score, I see the hesitation and sometimes fear in their eyes.  It’s understandable. If you have never kept score, you have no idea what it entails, what to expect and you may feel too much responsibility.  But, if you are a baseball fan and/or parent, I really think you would get…

What size bat should I buy?  Great question!  I get asked this question often and I by no means consider myself an expert.  I know the size bat Lefty uses but when it comes to this big purchase and choosing a baseball bat,  I think we could all use some help. I prefer not to spend a car payment on a bat for Lefty, but I also want him to have decent bat.  I also…

HOW IT WORKS TheRustyArm:  How many kids usually try out each year? And for how many spots? Coach Dufek:  Typically we get anywhere from 25-30 freshman tryout each year. We will get anywhere from 5-10 upperclassman tryout.  This does not count the returning players from the previous season.  I usually keep anywhere from 16-18 players on each team.  We have three levels at which a player can compete at, Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman.  Our…