sixtyfeetsix

If you see him even paractice and you know the game of baseball, then you would agree that he should definately be on the list. I'm going to even stretch it, and say he probably could be on a list that included the best baseball talent in the State of KY. Robert Smith is a tremendous baseball player.

I'm all for the 14th, but Bishop Brossart is probably going to lay it on them. I really would like to see Lee County do well, but the likely hood is very slim. I hope I am eating these words tomorrow. Good luck Lee County!

It's a shame that people love to hate good players. Both Smith and Gilbert are tremendous players, but people do love to talk about them.

GOOD POINT! Tyler Rich can hoop it up with any of them. Lee County just has a tremendously balanced attack. The can get you inside, and outside. They are fun to watch. The coach ( Danny Wright) is also doing a fantastic job with these boys. Hats off to him! :thumb:

I can't believe that I am making a prediction in the 14th region because all of the basketball people know this year has been like no other in the 14th. ANYONE can win it. I like Leslie County due to their aggressive style of play. The football players will all be "loosened up" enough to shoot properly, and they play hard. I would also like to see one of the smaller schools such as Lee County head to the State. Whoever gets the nod in the 14th really won't matter when they get to Rupp. The other regions are just way too tough for them to be able to hang.

WHAT?? no Northern KY teams in the top ten? I find that hard to believe. Baseball is too competative in the North to not have a top 10 team.

Robert and Jason will also play a few different positions this season. I need to make sure their arms are well taken care of this year. They can't make a difference if they can't pitch/catch effectively due to a sore arm. If any of you all pitch and have College aspirations, PLEASE take care of your arm. Some coaches won't do it, so take it up on yourself to look out for you. Make sure you are ready to throw (warmed up, build up to a higher number of pitches each time you throw) before you start "cutting it loose"

Owsley County will look like this: The rest of the line-up is wide open. There are a lot of talented players and I would like to see them battle for their starting position. You have to have Robert and Jason hitting in the top 3. I have some pretty good ideas about the rest of the line-up, but I won't be able to tell until after the 15th when we start hitting on the field. I don't think any line-up is set in stone this early. There will be a few surprises that happen over the course of a year. Kids grow, mature, etc. 1.??? 2. Robert Smith 3. Jason Bowling 4.??? 5.??? 6.??? 7.??? 8.??? 9.???

I totally agree with the professor. Lee County is playing excellent basketball, and can play with anyone. I think their Coach should definately be the top candidate for coach of the year. These kids from Lee County will flat out play ball for him. It is very unique when you can find a coach that can get the most out of his players. I think he does that.

I have seen a lot of good baseball players in my time. The one thing that stands out to me about Robert Smith is his ability to make tough plays look effortless. He has all three of the required attributes to make it to the next level. (1) speed (2) excellent arm strength and (3) hitting for power. Whatever College team gets Robert Smith will have stumbled across a good one. Jason Bowling from Owsley has an outstanding arm, as well as an exceptional bat. It is hard to find a catcher who can catch and hit. Jason can hang with any of them. IMO.

Don't forget Jason Bowling from Owsley County. This kid can absolutely crush a baseball. He is pretty good behind the "dish" as well.

Strike 3, I believe you and I need to talk sometime. You seem to know a lot about the game. I sure would like to have you around my practices. I've got a few pretty neat drills that I like to use. (1) try soft tossing the minature marshmallows or (2) I like to see they guys use a broom handle cut off at about 30 inches, and they hit a golf wiffle ball. It takes them a few swings to hit the wiffle ball, but after they get it, they get into the groove. If they can hit those two small things, then a baseball looks like a basketball coming at them. I have a few more, but I can't give away all my secrets. I would like to get some drills on hitting a breaking ball. Most kids can hit the fastballs, but if you get a pithcer who can break one off, they are in trouble.

Does anyone have any hitting drills, or baseball drills in general that they just love to do, or think really work well. I am always looking for new, and cool drills to incorporate into my practices. All ideas welcome!

I will say that Robert Smith is definately in the top 5 in the region. He has good velocity and seems to have good control. If he can keep his arm healthy, he will have a great season. I also hear that the Morgan kid from Leslie can bring it. He may be someone to watch.

I haven't had the pleasure of seeing Baker from Leslie catch, but if he is better that Jason Bowling of Owsley Co, he is TOUGH.

I can see your point with the grip, but I have never had that problem. I like to give them the weighted ball at the end of practice. I then make a box on the basketball mats and have them hit that box. This drill does a lot...They work on their approach to the plate, and they must concentrate on the target. You can even place a batting glove on a fence and have them throw at that. You seem to know an awful lot about the great game of baseball. I'm sure I could learn a lot from you. I will take all the "free advice" that I can get. I have been an assistant coach in College, and at two different High Schools. This year is my first for "running the show".

In terms of hitting, like to underload and overload my players. This will increase batspeed. I can't give away all of my secrets, but an example would be hitting off of a tee. First swing a heavy bat, then a fungo type bat, then a normal bat. I also have my players swing the heavy bat daily. They must follow their swing. If they deviate from it, it is useless. You have to watch this drill. Can create bad swing habits.

I got with a local physicl therapist and he actually came up with a program that would decrease arm injuries if it was done properly. I use the bands daily, and incorporate them ito the different "stations" at practice. I have told a few of my pitchers that if they will follow my work out plans, that I can easliy add 5mph to theri fastball. Most of the guys I coach have never done any arm specific trainings, and their arms were abused because the pitcher's happened to be the Shortstop, and the centerfielder. You can not take a pitcher off the mound and place them at Short. And I don't think you can have your catcher catch a game the day before he is scheduled to pitch. Needless to say, I will be teaching a lot of 1st base footwork, and etc to a few of my player.

You are absolutely right! I was there with Gene when he started in 95. He didn't have a lot to work with, but look what time and effort can do. He definately does more with less than anyone. I only hope to be as good of a coach as Gene has been over the years.

The Owsley Co boys will be ready to bring it. I can't wait! If they will do what they are capable of, they will be dangerous on the diamond.. Of course, Lee Co will be tough. I think they got all their pitchers back from last season. My only prediction for this season in the 14th is: "whoever scores the most runs, will win"! That took awhile!

Should be a great one, but It is too hard to predict basketball games in the 14th region this year. I'm never right, but I will go try and enjoy a great basketball game.

IMO, I feel that RObert will be an outstanding College baseball player. He is at least smart enought to know that he may no be able to play basketball competively at the College level. Basically, Robert can play Div 1 baseball in College, and prob would not play Div 1 basketball. A lot of these kids get all "starry eyed' when they average 20 points a game in the 14th region. A lot of them need a reality check. Robert knows what he wants, and I believe he will become a good College athlete. I'll say it again, I can't wait till basketball season is over, and I get the basketball players back to baseball practice. To me, most of the basketball team is a bunch of baseball players playing basketball. But that's just me!

Looks like it will be rough for the 56th district teams again next year. Gotta run! c-ya all

Does Lee have many seniors on this years team?

Anytime you can beat a decent team three times in a season. you have accomplished a lot! Lee County has definately impressed me, and I fell they deserve the 14th region All A champs title. Just one more game to go! Unless a major breakdown occurs, the All A title will be a reality.