Boys and Girls Club of Redding, 170 Cross Highway, Redding CT
Our philosophy
Fairfield County Captains Travel Baseball
Team Goals, Objectives, Philosophy
To create an environment where players look forward to practices and games and find joy in playing baseball that will last a lifetime. To have a positive atmosphere, created and shaped by all – coaches, parents and players. To teach the game of baseball at a higher level by: honoring the game, giving your best effort, learning from experience and through mistakes. Our focus will be reinforcing Effort, Learning and that Mistakes are OK and honoring the game, the Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self.
- Effort – Success is determined by the level of effort, dedication and commitment – working hard, coming to practice on time and prepared and staying focused during games and practice. Staying focused and giving forth your best effort are things a player can control by ‘being ready on every pitch’, ‘hustling on and off the field’, ‘running balls out’, ‘not standing still – backing up plays’, etc.
- Learning – by watching the game, listening to the coaches, practicing hard and taking advantage of teachable moments as well as any outside tools including videos or handouts.
- Mistakes – are OK. Players learn by their mistakes. You can limit your mistakes by staying focused, dedicated and positive and by paying attention during practice. The most important play in a game is always the next play. If you hang your head after a mistake, you are not getting ready for the next play. Being able to have the poise to avoid repeated mistakes is the mark of a good player.
- Rules – Respect and know the baseball rules and team rules. Ask questions if you are not sure.
- Team Rules:
- No profanity at any time
- No throwing of bats or helmets
- No bickering, teasing, bullying or fighting. Respect and encourage each other. Lead by example. It’s what you do when no one is around that really counts!
- Arrive to practice and games on time in full game or practice uniform including your belt and hat - you need to want to be here!
- Hustle - run out all batted balls, run out to your positions. To be the best, you can’t do what everyone else does!
- Support your teammates positively, on and off the field, this includes in school. Be a role model to the younger players.
- Flush your mistakes
- Stay focused at practice and in games. You learn by listening, watching and doing.
- Listen when the coach is talking, ask questions after. Let the coaches coach and the player’s play – during a game don’t ask to play a position or bat in the order
- Have fun!! This is not a job. Train as if you were the worst player on the team, play as if you were the best.
- Team Rules:
- Opponents – one big advantage of playing Captains baseball is that worthy opponents give an opportunity to test what was learned in practice and give the players a chance to be fierce during games but also friendly. Play hard but also be courteous and polite.
- Officials – Respect the officials at all times. Understand that they will make mistakes, some will be in our favor, some will not. Respect the coach’s and professional trainers. They are here to teach you the game of baseball.
- Teammates – Respect and support your teammates at all times. Never do anything, on or off the field, which would embarrass your teammate(s). Your actions affect your teammates both positively and negatively.
- Self – Honor the game and play hard, be the best person you can be. Stay positive, focused, genuine and kind. Remember that winners are people who make the maximum effort, continue to learn and improve and refuse to allow mistakes or fear of mistakes to stop them.
For the Parents:
Playing Time and Positions We will be playing in a highly skilled, competitive league. Each player will play one or two positions during the season but will also have the opportunity to play and learn a third position if the game situation permits. Playing time will not be even. Game situations, batting order, your son’s position and skill set and the substitution rules will impact playing time. We do strive to even out the playing time whenever possible. Please do not approach the coach’s regarding playing time during or after a game or at practice.
Parent Expectations
1) Please try to get your child to practice and games on time. We know this can be difficult at times and impossible at other times, but it’s really hard to conduct practice or get ready for a game when players continually show up late. If you know your child will be late or won’t be able to make it to a practice or game, please let the coaches know in advance if possible.
2) Help out with team volunteer opportunities. We have a number of items that require parent help including help in raking the field after games and practices.
3) Please encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game and practice. Please cheer for your child during games, but try to keep from yelling instructions to them. Remember this is their opportunity to enjoy playing in the game. Much of the fun is lost if their mom or dad is always yelling instructions.
4) Please let us know if you have a problem with coaches or something that is happening. The same holds true if your child isn’t happy about something. We want to know if there is a problem right away.
5) Safety is a primary concern. Unfortunately, we can’t watch every player every second. If you see any situation that you believe is a safety concern, please step in and help. Make sure you follow up with the coaches so we know what has happened.
6) Please attend your child’s games and model the behavior you would like your son to exemplify. Show poise and confidence from the stands. Cheer for the entire team, not just your own child.
7) Please do not coach or instruct from the stands. This is the coach’s job and in fact at this age we want the players to learn the game on their own, during the game, instead of being told where and when to throw the ball, when to back up a play etc. Feedback will be given by coaches to the players during the post-game conference or sometimes with immediate feedback between innings.
8) Do not yell at officials, coaches or other parents.
9) Do not share credit for the game. Let the players play, the official’s official and the coach’s coach.
10) Please stay out of the dugout unless requested.
Note: This is not a pay to play program. All and any payments are non-refundable for any reason.