High School Baseball: How to Create and Run a Winning Program

Finding potential players; attending to the logistical details of scheduling practices, games, banquets and summer leagues; developing an adequate preseason throwing program that will work in a high school gym; efficiently cutting players after tryouts; and promoting a high school baseball program throughout the community--these are just a few examples of the myriad duties assigned to a high school baseball head coach. This reference work assists coaches in simplifying their many tasks.

Here is an easy-to-use handbook for beginning high school baseball coaches and seasoned veterans alike. It takes coaches step by step through the season, from the player search and the first team meeting through the end-of-season banquet (with suggestions for summer baseball as well!). Instructions for fundraising and promoting programs, creating efficient and effective practices, organizing both practice sessions and games, and simplifying baseball situations are all included. Over 40 different model documents are provided to help with the development of a baseball program: player information and evaluation forms; sample practice plans and pre-game schedules; checklists for preseason and postseason responsibilities; letters to teachers, counselors and parents; letters for starting a high school summer league; and the "cut letter" are all here. "Blueprints" for off-season weight-training and pre-season throwing programs are also offered, along with suggestions for upgrading baseball programs.

David A. Rositano is the assistant head baseball coach at Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst, Ohio. He has coached T-ball, youth league, high school and college level baseball. He lives in Lorain, Ohio.