KLOUTER NEWSLETTER: May, 2017

“Do what you CAN’T”

Our Klouter season is about to begin so I hope everyone is working hard, competing, and playing with rigor!! At this time of the year each player should be focusing on making solid contact with the bat and getting to EVERY ball on EVERY play. Pitchers should be on restricted pitch counts and working to keep the ball LOW!!!!! The key is to keep your arm warm and do not overthrow.

Our first tourney will be in three weeks, May 26-29th. The schedule will be out next week and count on the 8 and 9Us to play early with the others more in the afternoon and at night. We have 34 teams and need everyone to help where they can. 1. PLEASE sign up for the Klouter Kitchen 2. We need everyone to help out with the FirstSwing booth. 3. We NEED UMPS…any help greatly appreciated! 4. Please email us if you are NOT going to be able to be there..even if it is only a single game. 5. Do NOT email if you will be at all games…..Thanks GAGPTH!

The 8U team will have a practice or two just prior…probably Sunday the 21st at Phil Johnson circa 10am-noon. Notice will be out this coming week. All 8Us should be practicing pitching even if they do not pitch in their league. Other teams will be notified if there is a practice or workout.

CAMP ALERT: The first FirstSwing camp will be June 27-30th. I t will be abbreviated(Regular Camp will be just 4 days) as to the necessity of making up days for some schools for snow, etal. We expect ALL 8and 9Us to be at both the regular camp and skills camp that weekend. You must sign up with the Everett Parks/Rec. If you have financial need or other considerations please email Coach Phil. Also, please help us get new campers by spreading the word to your teammates, friends, and others. KWTP!

By this time everyone should have paid their fees and uniform costs in full. If this has not been done and you have not made an arrangement with Irene or Coach Phil, you will not be able to play in the tourney...questions?? E-mail Coach Phil or Irene!

The “Baseball Connect” team was OUTstanding in Vietnam. We have had numerous emails lauding their hard work and help in teaching not just the game but “life lessons”. Moreover, they represented Klouters and FirstSwing with dignity and aplomb as well as the US and the state of Washington. Thanks to the team and glad they enjoyed the trip as well. Six of the team also visited Siem Riep(Cambodia) and loved the temples and New Year’s celebration. It was our 10th trip and FirstSwing continues to spread the great game and help others follow their dreams. WNM!!

HEROES of the MONTH: Chip Ogar(alum)-Received a 4-year Presidential Scholarship to U of Alabama..Roll Tide! Charlie and Max Richardson(8/12U) for their outstanding scholastic achievements last month! Kyle Curtis(Alum) for his graduation with Honors at the UW in Business School. “Squirrel” was one of the original Klouters! The entire “Baseball Connect” Team: Thanks for representing us at the highest level! Henry Pratt(Alum) for his high academic achievement as a Freshman at UW and acceptance to Harris Business School! Justin Jolly(Alum) upon completing his 2 year mission!!

QUOTE of the MONTH: “Run onto the field as if you are an 8 year old headed to recess!”

BASEBALLISM of the MONTH: GEDP-Game ending double play! The real great “walk-off’ if you are the team that turns it!

MOVIE of the MONTH: “Sing”…a MUST see for all ages...not only very cool music but the story is inspirational for youngsters.

BOOK of the MONTH: Old School by Bill O’Reilly. The delineation between the “old schoolers” and the snowflakes”. It is a great depiction of current trends and the lack of definitive values in our culture. Good thing Klouters and their families are bucking the trend!

INSPIRATION of the MONTH: Please visit Tennessean.co/story/sports/high-school/2017/05/01/one-armed-middle-school-catcher-incredible-watch/100575392/

This video shows a 14 year old ONE-ARMED catcher. He is Luke Terry(he hits in the 3 hole) and each Klouter should watch how he plays catcher. Hopefully this will put sports in the proper perspective and motivate some of us to work harder!

PLAY of the MONTH: The University of Kentucky pulled off a 7-2-6 triple play against Louisville. This is one of the rarest with only one ever made in the MLB(1923).

PROFILE of the MONTH: Dr. Tom Amberry

In April, a good friend of mine, Doc Tom passed at 95. He was a great podiatrist and a true American hero. On November 15, 1993, at 71 years old, Doc Tom made 2750 consecutive free throws in 12 hours!! Yes, in a ROW!! The only reason he stopped was that the janitor wanted to go home; he swore he could have made more if he had the time! The great thing about Doc Tom was that he never was great at the game and did not touch a basketball for over 40 years until he retired from his successful medical practice. He decided he needed a hobby so he would shoot 500 free throws every day..if his right arm got tired, he used his left arm! After he set the record, he was a celebrity and worked with many NBA and college players...even tried to help Shaq, unfortunately without success!!

The key to his success was creating a 6-second routine and shooting every day. His belief, as is mine, was that repetition/focus is the key to learning any skill set and long term success.

For a number of years I had Doc Tom travel with me to clinics for all sports and exhibitions. Not only did he make every free throw, he defeated all comers EVERY time until he was over 90!! I not only met and worked with a great man, but I learned that if you want to GET GOOD it is up to YOU!!

God Bless you Doc and hope you are “shooting holes” in the sky! GAGPTH!

Coach Phil