Fungo Files

We've talked before about why you should limit or eliminate the error for the purpose of evaluation of hitters, but it can be extended to your fielders, too. It's a huge adjustment for many, but it's so worth it.

The error is a flawed stat that is subjective and lacks context. But it's really less about what the error DOESN'T say than anything. There are much better ways to evaluate defensive performance without worrying about assigning blame. Learn how the Spiders do it in this episode.

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There are a few basic rulings that youth baseball scorekeepers routinely get wrong. And while scorekeepers are often parents who mean well, I'd suggest that most coaches would get these wrong, too.

Let's clear up the confusion! All of these plays that are outlined here are related to stealing bases. Why does stealing bases create so much confusion? We often apply a lot of subjectivity when it just isn't necessary.

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Before you join that new youth baseball team, make sure that you ask these basic questions before it's too late. You want to be sure the team is a good fit, and you can address any potential problems early by having some key questions ready.

Some of these questions may seem obvious, but others are often neglected, and the coach may even appreciate that you're asking them. This will help you get on the same page early and feel better about your decision to either join the team or keep looking.

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During the 2022 season, we started tracking and recognizing "Saving Butts." This is when a player makes an above average play to complete an out -- not only completing the out for a teammate who made an inaccurate throw, but saving him from an error.

By recognizing "Saving Butts," you help your players fully appreciate their impact -- not just on a play, but on their teammates. By saving a teammate's butt, they not only help their team but they also help that player feel better about themselves. Instead of dreading an error, they helped convert an out.

In this episode, learn about how the Spiders applied this during the 2022 season.

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What I suggest here is going to make a lot of people crazy -- or think that I'm crazy. But, just for a minute, forget everything you think you know about scoring errors -- at least for when your own team is at bat.

Let me rant. Allow me to make my argument for while you should limit, if not completely eliminate, the scoring of errors when your own team is batting. You may actually thank me for it later.

If I can convince you of that, we'll discuss eliminating it when you're in the field. Oh, I know. That's craziness. One thing at a time.

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Today marks the start of the final tournament of the Spiders' 2022 season. But it also marks the final few moments when these boys will play in a Spiders uniform. Their next step is high school.

It's an exciting, sad, and emotional time -- for these boys, their coaches, and their parents. But this Spiders coach has a message specifically for them.

Maybe you aren't a Spider, but you or someone you know is a 14u player playing out their final days in youth baseball. This may help them, too! Feel free to pass this on.

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Your child is looking for a new team. Before you send that coach a text or email, stop yourself. Listen to this episode.

From a coach's perspective, there's very little that a parent needs to do to get this started. Express interest. Share your child's name and the team he played for before. Answer any questions the coach has. But beyond that, resist the urge to overcompensate. Resist the urge to share three paragraphs of stats.

You can actually do more damage than good if you aren't careful. Let's discuss...

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It's tryout season, so you may be running through various tryouts right now for the 2023 season. Make sure that you're prepared. While your physical skills matter, other factors can make or break your tryout.

In this episode, Jon breaks down the eight things that you need to be aware of that matter more than you think in tryouts. They may not be the reason you make a team, but they are tie-breakers that may be why you didn't make it.

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We hear a lot about the evils of specialization in youth sports, and about how you shouldn't play only one sport year-round. What should you do?

In this episode, Jon discusses the value of playing multiple sports and the things you should consider, whether a parent or coach, related to playing more than one sport at the youth level.

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If you're just finishing up your summer baseball season, you don't need to play fall baseball. But, that doesn't mean that you should sit around playing video games all day either.

In this episode, Jon breaks down the specific things you should be doing instead of playing fall ball.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! You can also learn more about the Spiders at www.SpidersElite.com.