Let’s play ball!
It’s almost time for baseball season to start. All you moms and dads who have kids who play baseball know what that means…buying uniforms and cleats, juggling schedules, running the kids to practice and games. One-on-One Baseball is a great book for those of you who want to learn more about the techniques of playing the game, and who want to understand just exactly what it is your kids are doing out on the field.

Dom Scala is the Head Coach for the Adelphi University baseball team. He was a star baseball player at St. John’s University who then was drafted by the Oakland A’s. From 1978 to 1986, he was the bullpen coach for the New York Yankees. The forward to the book is written by Willie Randolph and is peppered with anecdotes and tips from baseball greats, including Gene Lamont, Lee Mazzilli, John Franco and Don McCormack.
One-on-One Baseball is detailed in its instructions to young players, with plenty of illustrations showing the positions, stances and techniques discussed in the book. Mr. Scala touches upon every possible aspect of playing ball, expounding on his philosophy that “perfect practice makes perfect”, discussing how important drills are for kids – the repetitiveness is what makes them excel and what strengthens weaknesses. There are chapters in the book which go into explicit detail about pitching, hitting, base running and fielding the ball. There is advice for parents and coaches.

Mr. Scala runs One on One Baseball Camp and it’s now time to register for the summer camp programs. They are offered in Garden City and in our very own Juniper Park. His “campers” range in age from 6 years old to high school. He has a schedule for each day at camp, with things like warm-ups, throwing practice, base running, pitching and hitting. Every participant has plenty of opportunity to practice each aspect of the game. To find out more about the Camp and to register, you can visit Mr. Scala’s website at Oneononebaseball.com.

I would recommend this fantastic book to any parent or child interested in the Great American Pastime. It is well written and filled with invaluable advice. Batter up!