News and Announcements
To participate in Coon Rapids Baseball
Coon Rapids Baseball Rec League is not associated with CRALL's Intermediate or Junior League.
For the North Star League; a 13-15 yrs old player must either reside within the Coon Rapids City Boundaries or the Coon Rapids High School Boundaries or be enrolled at CRHS as of January 1 of the current year.
For the Gopher State League; A 13-15 yrs old player must attend or will be attending CRHS Or enrolled as of January 1st of the current year. To be eligible to play on the 15 yrs old A traveling team a player must have tried out for the 9th grade team.
Players register for 13-15 yrs old baseball and hitting and fielding evaluations are held. We have all players evaluated, whether they are interested in playing in the Competitive Gopher State League or North Star League (Rec), because all teams are picked using the draft method.
By Adam Gawason
Head Coach, Salem Community College
This drill is designed to focus on the area that gives young pitchers the most trouble: Balance. It can be performed in front of a mirror for visual feedback, but is not necessary.
Next, once balance is gained, the pitcher pauses briefly, then slowly lowers the front leg straight "Down", stopping an inch from the ground.
Finally, after pausing briefly a second time, the pitcher's front foot glides parallel with the ground "Out" toward home plate. The pitcher lands on the ball of his foot as the full stride is achieved.
The drill creates an "L" motion with the front leg going straight up, straight down and straight out.
The pitcher's back leg remains firm, but not stiff, throughout the drill. It is vital that the back leg be able to control the pitcher's weight, providing the balance necessary to perform the drill.
Coach's Spotlight
By Troy Berry
Head Coach
University of Findlay
- In station one, you should use a swift stick (or if you do not have one you may saw off an appropriate length of a broom stick and create your own) and whiffle balls. This will work on hand eye coordination and getting your hands to the ball.
- In station two, you will use a regular bat and whiffle balls. You should focus on keeping your hands and weight back, then driving through the ball.
- In station three, you will use a regular bat and baseballs. You should focus on driving the ball to all sides of the field. (The tosser should use different trajectories to lead the hitter)
Directions for all stations
- The tosser should stand a safe distance away, kneeling on one knee, facing the hitter's chest.
- In each station, as the hitter gets into his stance, the tosser will show the hitter the ball. As the tosser goes back to toss ball, the hitter will move into the load position.
- The tosser then makes a firm toss toward hitter.
It is important for the tosser to make good firm tosses and be consistent with showing the ball before going back into tossing motion. Timing is the key for the tosser, and in turn it helps the hitter get into a good hitting rhythm.
Coach's Spotlight
Troy Berry enters his sixth season as the head baseball coach at The University of Findlay in Ohio. Overall, he has a 123-127 record as the head coach of the Oilers.
