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Established in 2001, the mission of Ripken Baseball is to grow the game of baseball worldwide "The Ripken Way". With that mission in mind, Ripken Baseball has grown to include 3 minor league baseball teams; a professional design and consulting firm specializing in the feasibility and design of amateur and professional sports facilities; a sports marketing company specializing in the development of programs and services guaranteeing authentic hand-signed collectibles and licensed products; a foundation designed to build character and teach critical life lessons to disadvantaged youth through the games of baseball and softball; and finally two state of the art youth baseball complexes which plays host to thousands of kids each year participating in youth camps and tournaments. For more information, visit www.RipkenBaseball.com.Also, be sure to visit getgreat.com, a revolutionary new baseball tool from MLB.com and Ripken Baseball to make you a better player.
Learning the Change-Up
Before developing a curveball or other breaking pitches, it is a good idea to work on a change-up. The simplest change-up grip is to take your fastball grip, slide your ring-finger so it sits atop the ball with your other two fingers, and hold the ball deepr in your hand. The grip will slow the ball down, so throw you change-up with as much effort as you would a fastball - and watch hitters get caught out on their front foot.
Rainy Days
Rainy days were made for getting out on the field and working on your sliding fundamentals.
The Proper Grip
Grip the bat in your fingers, don't jam it back in the palms of your hands. Holding the bat in your fingers will give you improved bat speed and more control over the barrel of the bat.
Using a Tee
Hitters can always rely on the tee. It is never late to practice and it always gives you a strike to hit. The best hitters use the tee frequently.
Advice from Cal Ripken Sr.
"Everything starts with the basic fundamentals and the willingness to work hard and practice good habits. We only get out of the game what we put into it."
Batting Stances
A good hitter's stance has two simple characteristics: (1) it is comfortable to the individual hitter; and (2) it allows the hitter to cover the entire plate.
Bust out of the Slump
If you find yourself in a slump, try to push or drag bunt. They're great ways to catch a defense off-guard and to give yourself some momentum as a hitter.
Turning Two
When turning the double play, everything rides on the initial catch and throw. If the player fielding the batted ball cannot field it cleanly or cannot deliver a clean toss to the player covering second, the chances of turning two are slim.
First-Basemen
A good first baseman makes their entire team better. Though it is an easy to learn position, first base requires particularlygood hands. The first baseman has to field balls hit to them and take throws on nearly every play.
Value of the Dugout
Don't underestimate the value of the dugout. There is an awful lot to be learned watching the game of baseball and no one has a better view than the people in the dugout.
Picking up the Ball
Pick the ball up the first time. If the ball is hit into the gap and rolls to a stop, or a defender makes an error and the ball falls to the ground, a lot of time can be wasted in the rush to pick it up. Take your time and make sure you pick it up the first time. You'll wase a lot more time if you hurry and simply drop the ball again.
Anticipation
Good players anticipate on every play. They don't just wait for the ball to come to them. Instead, they expect the ball to come to them on every pitch and they take the time between pitches to think through what they will do if the ball is hit to them.
On-Field Communication
Verbal communication is a necessity on the diamond. When we talk with one anothe, we know who is covering the bag, we know what we are going to do with certain balls hit and we are able to be in the right place at the right time.
The First Step
First-step quickness is important for everyone in bsaeball. Fir the defense, that first step can be the difference between an easy out or a single through the hole. For the offense, that first step can mean a stolen base or a run scored.
The Proper Grip
Infielders and outfielder alike should use the four-seam grip while playing defense. The four-seam grip crates the straightest flight on the ball.
Advice from Cal Ripken Sr.
Cal Ripken Sr. said, “Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” Developing as a player requires more than simply putting on a glove and throwing the ball around, you have to practice good habits.
Building arm strength
Arm strength is very important in the game of baseball. The best way to build arm strength is by throwing a baseball, and throwing a baseball over a long distance. Players should start by playing catch at a short distance and gradually moving further and further apart. Whenever you throw a baseball over a long distance with enough consistency that your arm becomes tired, you are building arm strength.
Fielding a ground ball
When fielding a ground ball, no matter what position you are playing, you should always field with a wide base (feet at least shoulder width apart), your butt down (forces head up and hands out), and your hands out in front (allows for you to see the ball go into the glove).
Fall Baseball
Don't assume that just because your child has played baseball or softball all summer long that he or she is ready to dive right into fall ball. Give your child the freedom to decide what they want to play. You want to avoid burnout from making your child play a particular sport until they get tired of it. This ultimately runs the risk of pushing your child away from that sport and even away from a healthier athletic lifestyle altogether. And sometimes, it is necessary to let your child take some time off from sports - let them explore their other interests. Encourage your child to remain active, but a good break can often bring a child back to athletics with a renewed vigor.
Pitching
When working with a pitcher, it is very important to observe first before teaching. You should watch pitchers throw and look for the pitcher throwing strikes, demonstrating good velocity, and whether or not the ball is moving. If all three of these are occurring then you may consider not altering a pitcher's technique.
Throwing the ball as a defensive player
A defensive player should always throw the ball with a four seam grip. This allows for the ball to stay straight towards your target. Players should create momentum toward their target with their feet by pointing the front shoulder toward the target and following the throw.
Pitching – Holding the ball properly
As a pitcher, the most important thing to remember is when throwing a baseball you should always hold the ball lightly in your fingers; never jam the ball into your palm.
How to properly grip a bat
The best grip a player can have on the bat is a loose grip. A correct grip is one in which the "door knocking knuckles" are lined up. This ensures the bat is placed in the fingers and that the wrists are unlocked. When the wrists are unlocked it allows the hitter to snap or throw the bat head at the baseball, the bat can stay on a level plane through the strike zone, and ultimately the hitter will be able to create much more bat speed with a loose grip.
