Showing posts with label Travel Baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Baseball. Show all posts

Saturday, June 27, 2015

A Coach's Perspective


For many living in the Florida Panhandle, youth sports are a way of life. Getting up on the weekends to play tournaments is what teams work toward. Spending weeknights practicing is just as natural as going to school or church. And countless hours are spent on the field building friendships and making memories. At the forefront of the experience are coaches, who dedicate their efforts to making sure kids learn not only the skills of the game, but skills of life as well.                                                     


Here in Panama City, one of the premier recreational leagues with a focus on youth sports is Southport Youth Baseball. Alemga Sports' owner Marie Walker conducted some on site interviews at Southport Baseball Park to understand more of what and why coaches do what they do.

Park co-director Jamie Pettis coaches the Southport Red Sox and 12U Allstars. He's a long time coach with intimate knowledge of the game and its values. Coach Pettis made a quick explanation of what has helped the park really succeed in recent years, and how quickly registration has grown. He closes the interview saying, "We just love being around kids and teaching them life and ball." Click the video to see the full interview.




Marie also interviewed park director Brock Poe who coaches the Southport Spartans and 8U Allstars. Also a seasoned coach, he knows how to succeed both on and off the field.
When asked what it takes to run a ballpark, he responded with, "Commitment. It takes a ton of commitment and a lot of good parents... We cant do what we do if we didn't have parents that were right here pushing us."
Coach Poe went on to explain how all coaches at the Southport park are nationally certified, and his program brings in some of  the best in the area.

Marie asked Coach Poe his take on people saying his job was a 'thankless one'. Coach Poe laughed lightly before saying, "It's a relentless job," but at the end of the day as a coach, kids leave you saying, "Wow. And I just want to be a part of that."
Marie also wanted the coach's view on one saying of the park- 'We're not raising boys, we're raising men.' Coach Poe grinned, "That's just what we do."

Even with all of this, we really wanted to know the answer to one question in particular; what motivates someone to not only be a coach, but to direct a program centered around helping kids become great at something. The coach didn't disappoint with his answer, "Seeing kids develop. It's a lot of fun to see and know that you had a part of something that could later on materialize into something great." Click the video below to watch the full interview.







Southport youth baseball is a phenomenal example of what youth sports mean to so many people. If you would like to register for the fast approaching fall season, just follow this link to their website! You can also check out their Facebook page here!


We've got you covered! | 2497 Highway 77, Panama City, Florida 32405 |850.215.5151 | Facebook.com/AlmegaSports


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Get Ready for the Dizzy Dean State Tournament


Get Ready for the Dizzy Dean State Tournament

Its All Star season! For many baseball players here in the Panhandle that means the best of the best are being selected to compete in tournaments of America’s greatest pass time. All Star season pulls together sportsmanship, competitive play, and an overall appreciation of teamwork to show players that if they compete at their best, and work their hardest, they can accomplish their goals. All that said, the finest players and coaches in Panama City are preparing for the Dizzy Dean State Tournament.



Coaches are looking desperately for the best equipment, gear, and uniforms with little or no time to spare. Well, our very own All Star team here at Almega Sports has you covered from beginning to end. We know the hectic nature of the game and how quickly your orders need to be filled. We specialize in custom team uniforms as well as garb for your team fans! With our walk in friendly embroidery and printing processes, Almega’s turn around time can’t be beat. Also don't forget our wide selection of gear that can meet any team’s needs. Want trophies for your winning picks? Almega Sports now does personalized awards so your players know the importance of the achievements they’ve made as a team. Let our friendly and knowledgeable staff as well as our low priced high quality items make your All Star season a little easier. Good luck to our fantastic teams, and may the best players win!

Monday, April 16, 2012

What is 1.15 BPF?

2012 has brought about monstrous changes to the baseball world.  We have had the introduction of BBCOR, the banning of certain composite bats, and now, the mandatory 1.15 BPF stamp.  With the introduction of so many new rules and changes, Almega Sports has you covered for the season.  Let’s break down BPF.

What is 1.15 BPF?
  • 1.15 BPF is a testing method for youth and senior league baseball bats.  It measures the performance of all bats.  Basically, BPF is measuring the exit speed of the ball when hit by non-wood bats.
What does BPF stand for?
  • “Bat Performance Factor"

What does the 1.15 BPF stamp look like?

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What bats are required to carry the 1.15 BPF certification?
  • As of January 1, 2012, all youth and senior league bats (small and big barrel) are required to have the 1.15 BPF mark.  Any bat not marked has been deemed illegal in USSSA play.




Why are there so many changes in baseball for 2012?
  • Bottom line:  Player safety.  Technology is always improving, and so are the metals used to make bats.  The main concern of the industry is player safety.

Almega Sports has you covered with all of the translations and explanations you need to understand the science behind the USSSA 1.15 BPF updates.  We are your one stop baseball sports store in Panama City, Florida. 

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Top 10 List for Travel/Tournament Ball

It's tournament season!  This is the season of smelly cleats, clay in the car mats, and weekend road trips. The question is, do you have everything you need for tournament weekends?  Almega Sports has the top 10 must have items for the season.
  1. Carry Wagon - this will be the best money you spend.
  2. Folding Chairs - save your back, long days are ahead.                                 
  3. Dryer Sheets and Bug Repellent - dryer sheets work wonders to keep gnats away!
  4. Umbrella - better to be prepared than soaking wet.
  5. Cash - no cash, no entry at the gate!
  6. Tent (carry bag with wheels is best) - the summer sun is intense!
  7. Sunscreen - second degree sunburns are no laughing matter.
  8. Mini Fan - it's going to be HOT!
  9. Extension Cord - it's a given that someone will need it.
  10. Towels and Wet Wipes- sanitation at the ball field is well, compromised.
Almega Sports has you covered with all things sporting goods.  We are the only locally owned and operated full sports store in Panama City, Florida.  Almega carries lines such as Akadema, Mizuno, Worth, 3N2, and Easton.  One stop, one shop, done. 

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

What Are Team Mom Responsibilities?

Congratulations, you have been "elected" to be the team mom of your squad!  Do you know the responsibilities and obligations that accompany this title?  Don't worry, many don't.  Unfortunately, sports teams simply assign the team mom duties to a parent without consideration of their work, family, or other life obligations.  Almega Sports has put together a few tips to help you enjoy the position of team mom, rather than being stretched and stressed.

9 Common Duties of Team Mom:
  1. Team registration and organization of birth certificates
  2. Uniform sizing
  3. Organization of fundraising opportunities
  4. Publishing game schedules and practice times
  5. Organization of post game snacks for the players
  6. Recruiting volunteers (assigning tasks)
  7. Travel packets to include:  driving directions, hotel accommodations, meeting, and meal times
  8. Collecting of team money
  9. Liaison between parents and coaches
Remember, just because you have been selected to be the team mom, doesn't mean that you are required to wear a cape and perform the impossible.  Our advice is to recruit, assign, organize, and accomplish the demand and needs, of the team, with your fellow team parents.  This will be an excellent teaching opportunity for the parents to show the true meaning of sportsmanship to their players. 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

What is Catcher Equipment?

In the worlds of baseball and fastpitch softball, the catcher has one of the most important and dangerous positions.  It is critical to protect the catcher, with the proper equipment, and to ensure the equipment fits properly. Purchasing the most expensive equipment is not necessary.  Fit and integrity is more important.  We are often approached by parents and players with a wide range of questions about catcher's equipment.  The Almega Sports Team has put together a few tips to get you started.

There are 3 critical elements to catcher's equipment:
  • Helmet -  Must fit snugly but sill allow the catcher to remove it quickly to field the ball.
  • Chest Protector - The fit should be snug but also allow free movement of the catcher.
  • Leg Guards - The fit should allow the catcher free mobility while still remaining in place.

    Optional equipment:
    • Throat Guard - Protects the catchers windpipe from random balls.
    • Knee Savers - Takes the strain off the knee ligaments.
    • Custom Gear Bag - Catcher's gear will not typically fit into traditional bat bags.

    The professional team at Almega Sports is here to help your athlete suite up for the season.  We are your locally owned and operated baseball and softball sports store in Panama City, FL.  At Almega Sports, we carry the brands you love at the prices you deserve.
    .Almega Sports has you covered


    Sunday, February 5, 2012

    What is BBCOR?

    There are so many questions regarding the 2012 BBCOR season.  Almega Sports is here to help unravel the most frequently asked questions regarding BBCOR
     
    Q.  What is BESR?
    A.  BESR stands for Ball Exit Speed Ratio.  Simply put, BESR is test developed to measure the exit speed of a ball after being hit by a bat.
     
    Q.  What is BBCOR?
    A.  BBCOR stands for Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution.  The BBCOR test is a more complete test of the bat, as it takes into account how the bat will perform after it has been broken in (ABI).  The BBCOR standard ensures that all aluminum and composite bats will perform equivalent to wood bats.  
     
    Q.  What is ABI?
    A.  ABI stands for Accelerated Break-In Test.  This test simulates heavily used bats and tests the performance of the bat once it is considered "hot".  ABI is a part of the BBCOR standard.
     
    Q.  Why did the NFHS change the way bats are tested?
    A.  The increase in severe injury, particularly to pitchers and third baseman, sparked the need to take a closer look at bats.  There was also an unrealistic performance in composite bats, which lead to a home run explosion on the fields.  Basically, the bat would out-perform the player.
     
     
    Q.  Are BBCOR certified bats the same as last year's bats?
    A.  No.  BBCCOR certified bats are designed to perform as close to wood bats as possible.  The sweet spots are smaller and the trampoline effect is much less that the bats of 2011.
     
    Q.  What does the BBCOR stamp look like?
    A.  Every 2012 senior league recreational, high school, and college bat must bear the BBCOR stamp on the barrel, which looks like this:
     
    Q.  Is my 2011 bat legal to use in regulation play in 2012?
    A.  No.  Non-stamped bats are considered illegal in 2012 regulation play.  Those bats have just become your practice bats.
     
    Almega Sports carries a full line of BBCOR bats.  Our expert team will guide you through the rules of BBCOR and have you ready for the field with confidence. 
    Almega Sports has you covered!

    Tuesday, January 31, 2012

    Approved BBCOR Bat List

    New year, new rules, and new equipment. The 2012 baseball season is just days away, are you BBCOR ready?  The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) has rewritten the rule books on bats.  All high school and college bats must posses the BBCOR stamp as of January 1, 2012.  Bats made prior to this season, and are not stamped BBCOR, are no longer considered legal equipment.  Almega Sports has you covered with the following list of legal equipment for the 2012 season. 

    2012 Approved BBCOR Bat List:
    Our expert team is ready to help you hit the field with confidence.  We carry everything you need for this baseball season from helmets to cleats, and everything in between.  Don't forget, Almega Sports also makes custom team uniforms.  Don't worry...Almega Sports has you covered!




    Tuesday, January 24, 2012

    Are You Ready For BBCOR?

    It's January 2012 and families all over the country are breaking out the baseball gear.  However, be wary of the bat you take to the diamond.  BBCOR rules are now in play and umpires across associations are ready to enforce them.  Almega Sports has a few tips to get you familiar with the BBCOR standard.

     BBCOR Rules Apply To:
    • Middle School
    • High School
    • College Leagues
    • Some Senior League Recreational Associations (confirm with your association)
    Key Factors Pertaining To BBCOR:
    • Bats must be stamped with the official BBCOR stamp on the barrel to be legal
    • Rules apply to all alloy and composite bats
    • Wood bats are not mandated to carry the BBCOR stamp, however, some manufactures, such as, Mizuno woods bats are BBCOR stamped.
    The bottom line is this:  If your bats is not BBCOR stamped, it is ILLEGAL to use in official play.  Any bat without the BBCOR stamp has now become your practice bat. 


    Almega Sports understands the need of every family to meet the requirements of the new season and the family budget.  We are here to help.  Come in, and allow our expert team guide you through BBCOR and keep your budget with in the foul lines.  Almega Sports has families covered!

    Monday, January 16, 2012

    How To Pick and Choose Baseball Cleats

    It's that time again.  Baseball season!  Time to pull the chairs out of the garage and get some clay on the cleats.  This should be a fun and exciting time for all levels of ball players.  Don't be alarmed if this is the first time for your athlete on the diamond.  Almega Sports has created several small "How To" videos to help you get your rising start ready to hit the field.  This blog will feature a great starting point when purchasing sports equipment.  "How To Pick and Choose Baseball Cleats."

      
    Key factors when purchasing cleats:
    • Fit:  Do not buy cleats that are too big.  Serious injury to the foot and ankle can occur if the cleat is not a proper fit.  It's just not worth the risk to buy cleats bigger to accommodate for growth spurts.
    • Comfort: The player must feel completely comfortable in the cleat in order to run, turn, and slide correctly.  A cleat that is not comfortable to the player could result in the player adjusting his natural way of running to compensate for the shoe.
    • Durability: We all have a budgets to keep.  Spending a little more on a well made shoe will ultimately save you money down the baseline. 
    • Easy to "break in:": The cleat needs to be made of a material that will be easy to get "game ready."
    • Rubber vs. Spike:  Know your association and the cleat requirements.  Metal spike cleats are not allowed in all associations.
    Almega Sports is here to help!  Let our experienced and dedicated staff fit your ball player with the proper equipment to hit the field with safety and confidence.  We carry everything you will need at prices that will keep your budget in bounds. 
    Almega Sports has you covered!

    Tuesday, January 10, 2012

    How to Choose a Baseball Glove

    There are literally thousands of options when it comes to choosing a baseball glove.  So many styles, colors, and manufacturers.  It can be an overwhelming experience to both parent and player.  Almega Sports is here to help.  We are going to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about "How to Choose a Baseball Glove."
    • What are the differences between baseball gloves? 
    • Are there different gloves for different baseball positions?
    • How much should I spend on a new glove?
    • Is there a way to prolong the life of a glove?

     
    Starting the baseball season should be an exciting and fun experience.  Don't allow purchasing baseball equipment to overwhelm you.  Almega Sports is here to help.  We will help you and your player every step of the way to enter the field with confidence. Gloves, bats, cleats, and all the accessories, we have it all.  We carry Northwest Florida's largest selection of baseball and softball gloves in all of the top brands such as:  Akadema, Mizuno, Easton, Worth, Rawlings, Louisville Slugger, and Wilson. 
     Almega Sports has you covered!

    Sunday, August 21, 2011

    This is why we play travel ball

    By Marie Walker

    It has been said that travel ball for young kids is ridiculous, that participating in such a thing is stealing away their youth.  It has been said that it puts too much pressure on kids and that all travel ball is, is simply parents desperately clinging onto a memory from their youth and living vicariously through their children.  Finally, it has been said that the coaches are not in it for the kids at all but are only coaching for self glorification and gratification.

    I am here to say that if this is what you have heard or if this is what you have said, then you are WRONG!  Very wrong!

    I have personally experienced something remarkable over the past few months that will put any travel ball myth to shame.  I have seen individual boys with some talent become a TEAM with extraordinary skill and drive.  I have seen boys that are capable of turning double and triple plays with all the seriousness of the Major League still play in the dirt and become captivated by helicopters flying overhead.  I have seen boys tune out the screams from the stands and the taunting from the opposing dug out and fixate on the calls from their coaches and then look to each other for reassurance.  I have experienced families, coaches, and parents spend countless hours at practice, games, and tournaments and I have watched them drive hundreds of miles, sacrifice time and money, and stand up and stand in for one another all for the love of their boys.

    Lastly, I have seen the passion of the coaches, with only absolute love for their team, teach them, guide them, correct them, and build them up to be strong, confident, and respectable young men.  I have seen the coaches make so many sacrifices not for their own glory but for the glory of the team.

    I have seen passion, determination, and true grit from the field and I have seen a random group of boys become brothers.  And that is why we play travel ball!

    Let the memories continue...and play on...

    Tuesday, July 5, 2011

    BBCOR 2012: Approved Bat List


    BBCOR is all the talk on the baseball fields.  What is it?  Who does it apply to?  When will the rules take effect?  What bats will be allowed in 2012?  Almega Sports has you covered with the answers to your BBCOR questions.

    BBCOR, simply explained, is the measurement of the trampoline or flexibility effect of a bat. This is in sharp contrast to the BESR method which measured the balls exit speed after a bat hits the ball.  The NFHS has ruled that the BBCOR standard actually includes the BESR standard. So why the change?  According to the NFHS the new standard was established as follows:  "The new standard ensures that performances by non-wood bats are more comparable to those of wood bats. It’s also expected to minimize risk, improve play and increase teaching opportunities." See the full press release from the NFHS.

    BBCOR standards apply to middle school, high school, and college players.  In some instances, some associations senior league players may be required to comply with the BBCOR standard.  The new rules for BBCOR will apply in January 2012 for NFHS play and all bats will be required to have the BBCOR stamp.  The rules already apply to NCAA (college) player as of January 2011.  The NFHS states:  The new rule also states that non-wood bats must be labeled with a rectangular certification mark “a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.”



    So now you know what BBCOR is and when it takes effect.  Next up, you will need to know the bat that are going to be approved for 2012?  We have complied a list of the new 2012 premium BBCOR stamped bats.

    2012 BBCOR Bat List

    As always, Almega Sports has you covered with everything you need for your 2012 BBCOR baseball season!




    Monday, June 27, 2011

    Facing Our Giants



    We had our first experience in participating in a 7U All Star Dizzy Dean State tournament this past weekend.  We did our homework, researched, and starting preparing.  We practiced, sorted out scenarios, and conditioned our son as best as we could.  We journeyed on...

    The day of opening ceremonies we walked onto the facility.  Those memories came flooding back to me all at once.  You know what I am talking about.  That feeling you get when you are about to do something that you think is much bigger than you.  The butterflies and queasy stomach.  It seemed like we were walking onto the battlefield and and we were about to send our first born off with a sling shot and a rock.  You cannot prepare for that.  It is what it is, an experience you walk through.  I gave him my "mom has your back" fist bump (he is now too big to give kisses and hugs on the field) and sent him off to face the giants.

    The games begin.  As I watched our six and seven year old boys walk out onto that strange field, I saw them mature by ten years.  It was as if they were growing before my eyes.  They went through so many emotions in six innings per game.  They were down and came back.  They were defeated and then rallied.  There were some AMAZING plays and some major mistakes.  They honestly gave everything they had and then some.

    The last make it or go home game was intense.  The opposing team looked so big and polished.  Our boys were watching every move they made as they warmed up.  I could tell what our boys were thinking.  "How are we going to ...?"  The coaches and moms were amazing.  They broke that train of thought and sent those boys onto the field feeling ten feet tall.  That game began and we were on fire.  They played great defense and hit like I had never seen them hit before.  They were in the other teams head.  Were we going to pull this off and play for the championship?  However, the opposing team rallied and came back strong and fast.  It's now the last inning and we are at bat.  This is it.  We had to score five runs to win.  Could we do it?

    Our son was first up at bat.  He looked back at me before he stepped out onto the field.  I lifted my chin and gave him "our look" and he ran off.  I could barley stand still.  Pitch one, no good.  No swing, good eye.  Pitch two and he cracks the bat and took off like a shot.  It was a pop fly.  "Oh, please drop ball" I was praying.  The first baseman caught it in the air.  OUT!  I caught his facial expression when he saw the ball in the first baseman's glove.  He was completely defeated.  His head dropped.  It was as if I could hear everything he was thinking.  "I just cost us the game."  "I just let down my team and my coaches."  He ran into the dugout fighting tears and fear.  He just saw his giant face to face (disappointment).  I could not stop myself from running to him.  My heart felt like a hot poker had just pierced through my chest and tears were running down my face.  I just faced my giant as well (my child in pain).   I gave him my best moms got your back fist bump and sent him to his dad who is keeping stats in the dugout.  I had to walk away.

    It turns out that we were not meant to win this tournament.  The boys took it hard.  They cried and were mentally defeated.  I applaud our coaches and parents.  We scooped up those boys and held them tight as to transfer their pain to ourselves.  The coaches gathered them around and talked to them like men.  I could not hear what was being said but I snapped a quick shot that would speak for itself.  The emerged from that huddle, stronger.



    Although winning was not our destiny this weekend, I feel like we won something more.  Life lessons that cannot be taught but must be experienced is what we won.  Not only for the boys but also for the parents.  We faced our giants and came out better for the battle.  Stronger!

    Monday, May 30, 2011

    Is Travel Ball for Us?

    Here's the scenario.  Practices, games, and playoffs.  You have somehow gotten your player through the regular season of rec ball and nearly injury free.  Wait...now there is the all star season.  More intense practices and tournaments.  But wait...now your player has been invited to play with a travel ball team.  Are you ready?  Is your player?
    As parents of a sprouting baseball athlete, we are just beginning to enter this "season" of our lives.  In the past rec ball has been fun.  A learning experience.  Getting your feet wet type of ball.  This year has stepped it up a notch or ten.  The practices, games, and players are now serious, intense, and extremely well played.  This is no longer T-Ball.
    Now, your player has been invited to play travel ball.  So how do you know if your player and your family are ready for this type of commitment?  The following is a list of questions I asked myself when presented with the invitation to play travel ball.  This list is from a family point of view.  Take from it what you will.
    •  Skill
      • If your player has been invited to a team, there must be a level of skill there that they are looking for or can develop.  However, think about your players skill level before making a commitment.  Is your player use to being athletic for more than one typical season?  (i.e. more than one rec ball season a year) Some travel ball season can last as many as 6-8 months. 
    • Maturity
      • Is your player mentally and physically ready for travel ball?  Are they ready to handle this type of commitment?  Do they understand that this type of ball will require a great deal from them?  Is your player capable of intense focus and retaining information that will be demanded of them?
    • Time
      • Travel ball teams are extremely dedicated to practices.  Committing to a team should be taken seriously.  Practices are frequent, long, and intense.  Is your family ready for that kind of time commitment? 
    • Expense
      • The name itself should be an indication that your family will be traveling around to play in games and tournaments.  Often overnights or weekends are involved.  Not to mention the cost of new uniforms and equipment.  Be sure your family budget has room for this new adventure.
    • Intensity
      • As mentioned before.  This is not T-Ball.  There will be much more expected of your player.  They will be coached much more intensely.  Their mental and physical skills will be continually tested.  There will be yelling and screaming.  This will be the time where the "think on your feet" skill will be won or lost.
    There are many advantages to joining a travel ball team:
    • The intense training and athletic development will only help your player as they move along into high school and even college.  Perhaps, a college scholarship will be in their future?
    • The commitment to a team and all that the team will demand is a life lesson within itself.  Your player will learn what it means to commit, play as a vital member of the team, take direction, and self discipline. 
    • The maturity that will happen on the field will crossover into home and school life.
    • This is a fantastic opportunity for us as parents to fully commit and show our support to our players and be amazed at what they are capable of.
    In my opinion, travel ball teams are a wonderful group of families that have a very unique bond.  Even off the fields I have watched several travel ball "pods" out in the community together and there is a sense of a micro family that is palpable. 
    This family is fully ready to start this "season" of our lives.  We are excited about the now and the future and are basking in every second of it.

    Monday, May 2, 2011

    BBCOR Blitz: What you need to know

    The BBCOR  Standard


    Just like the real estate boom, composite bats hit a grand slam and are now ejected from the game.  There are new rules coming your way in 2012 and Almega Sports has you covered for what you need to know about the new BBCOR standard.

    Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution or (BBCOR) is the response of the NFHS to the problem that the original BESR testing proposed.  Simply put, it gives a constant measurement of the bats flexibility as opposed to the original format that strictly tested the balls exit speed. 

    January 1, 2012, The NFHS will require that all non-wood bats meet the BBCOR performance standard.  See NFHS press release.

    What does this change in rules mean to you?  It means that in 2012 any bat used in middle school, high school, and college play must have a BBCOR approval stamp. A BESR stamp is no longer acceptable.  The BBCOR stamp must be labeled “a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.”
    
    
    Here are just a few BBCOR bats on the approved list for 2012:

    DeMarini 2011 Voodoo -3
    DeMarini 2011 Vexxum -3
    The 2011 Rawlings 5150 -3
    Rawlings 2011 5150 -3
    Anderson 2011 NanoTek XS -3
    Louisville 2011 Omaha -3
    *Stop by Almega Sports for a detailed list of the available products for 2012*

    The market has been wiped clean.  Do your homework and don't make a rushed decision.  Almega Sports has you covered for all your baseball equipment needs.