Have you ever played baseball?

Welcome to STLtoday.com's forum for fans of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Moderators: STLtoday Forum Moderators, Cards Talk Moderators

Voldemort
Forum User
Posts: 4065
Joined: 06 Aug 2022 18:21 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Voldemort »

I have a good friend who was born with a few physical problems. He loves baseball. In fact, he is one of the smartest baseball people I know. When I became a head coach in baseball, I made sure to get him on my staff. While he could not pitch, he was a really good pitching coach. He knew the grips and the mechanics. He has never played one inning of ball.
sikeston bulldog2
Forum User
Posts: 15445
Joined: 11 Aug 2023 16:20 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by sikeston bulldog2 »

Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 09:42 am I have a good friend who was born with a few physical problems. He loves baseball. In fact, he is one of the smartest baseball people I know. When I became a head coach in baseball, I made sure to get him on my staff. While he could not pitch, he was a really good pitching coach. He knew the grips and the mechanics. He has never played one inning of ball.
There is a thought that thinks those type people, those that observe verse play, make the best coaches and the nstructors; while stars, and the rest of us, coach, but can’t understand how a person Cant do it and make bad coaches.
renostl
Forum User
Posts: 3767
Joined: 23 May 2024 12:40 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by renostl »

Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:48 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
The game has been good to you.

We are a product of our experiences. Views evolve with time. Your teachings were a part
of that. People take your teachings and then add and adjust. There are as many debatable topics as absolutes.
We hope to have as many positive results as possible knowing that we won't go undefeated.
HorseTrader
Forum User
Posts: 2560
Joined: 18 Apr 2020 13:40 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by HorseTrader »

Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:48 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
Dang my first thought was when the heck did Bob Tewksbury learn to hit? Then I realized it was bary not bury. Got to admit the only one I've really heard of was Charlie Lau
fullswing
Forum User
Posts: 255
Joined: 23 May 2024 13:50 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by fullswing »

My problem is that I peaked in second grade. Man, I was good. Went downhill after that.
greyhawk
Forum User
Posts: 855
Joined: 23 May 2024 13:34 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by greyhawk »

i played thru high school and had division 2 offers but new i was at the end of the line with a really nasty case of Pedro Serrano disease (before it was a role in a movie) --- I hit really well the straight ones whether really fast or slow but i knew the level of pitching was going to just keep getting better. I know enough about baseball and tactics to be dangerous with a keyboard... :lol: --- and i for sure have opinions.
renostl
Forum User
Posts: 3767
Joined: 23 May 2024 12:40 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by renostl »

fullswing wrote: 17 Feb 2026 14:54 pm My problem is that I peaked in second grade. Man, I was good. Went downhill after that.
Trying to impress the chicks too much with the
longball

fullswing? :wink:
An Old Friend
Forum User
Posts: 13688
Joined: 20 Nov 2018 23:31 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by An Old Friend »

Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
I had a bit of juice before Tommy John surgery but never was able to get back to my pre-op velocities.

I do not work at Taco Bell.
fullswing
Forum User
Posts: 255
Joined: 23 May 2024 13:50 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by fullswing »

renostl wrote: 17 Feb 2026 15:30 pm
fullswing wrote: 17 Feb 2026 14:54 pm My problem is that I peaked in second grade. Man, I was good. Went downhill after that.
Trying to impress the chicks too much with the
longball

fullswing? :wink:
HA! Yeah, let’s go with that theory. Sounds a lot better than I just wasn’t very good!
Idaho Cards
Forum User
Posts: 142
Joined: 23 May 2024 19:50 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Idaho Cards »

played and coach college baseball. I was small, but slow.
ScotchMIrish
Forum User
Posts: 2009
Joined: 08 Sep 2024 21:25 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by ScotchMIrish »

I played it albeit poorly. Turns out you need good eyesight to play baseball. My best sport was distance running.
Voldemort
Forum User
Posts: 4065
Joined: 06 Aug 2022 18:21 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Voldemort »

renostl wrote: 17 Feb 2026 14:06 pm
Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:48 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
The game has been good to you.

We are a product of our experiences. Views evolve with time. Your teachings were a part
of that. People take your teachings and then add and adjust. There are as many debatable topics as absolutes.
We hope to have as many positive results as possible knowing that we won't go undefeated.
I have been truly Blessed. Yes, the game has been good to me, and I don't take it for granted.
Voldemort
Forum User
Posts: 4065
Joined: 06 Aug 2022 18:21 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by Voldemort »

HorseTrader wrote: 17 Feb 2026 14:36 pm
Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:48 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
Dang my first thought was when the heck did Bob Tewksbury learn to hit? Then I realized it was bary not bury. Got to admit the only one I've really heard of was Charlie Lau
Actually, I knew Charlie Lau Jr. I didn't know his dad. Charlie Lau Jr. died in mid 2024. Kyle Boddie runs Driveline, which is mentioned on this site every once in a while. Cressey's place is where Walker went this offseason. Dr. Chris Yeager is in Florida and has worked with a lot of MLB players. He has an organization that has sent a lot of players on to play professionally. Hudgens has been the hitting coach for the Pirates, Blue Jays, Astros, and Mets at one point or another. He had some early observations on rotation that changed how people thought of the swing. I understand that you don't know these people.
butsir01
Forum User
Posts: 1897
Joined: 23 May 2024 20:36 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by butsir01 »

Not very good at baseball. In fact, could not hit a lick. But I got back at everyone by refereeing soccer for thirty years.
renostl
Forum User
Posts: 3767
Joined: 23 May 2024 12:40 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by renostl »

Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 19:49 pm
renostl wrote: 17 Feb 2026 14:06 pm
Voldemort wrote: 17 Feb 2026 08:48 am
Jatalk wrote: 17 Feb 2026 06:19 am
Cardinals1964 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:03 am I just read a few posts where somebody asked, “have you ever played baseball” or said “obviously you’ve never played baseball”.
So who on here has ever played baseball? I’m not talking little league, high school or senior league. Who has played pro ball?
Not a camp where everyone is invited to try out. I’m looking for the legitimate prospect. I’m guessing nobody.

To go further, who has owned a team? Who is a billionaire? People have lots of advice for billionaires. I figure there has to be a couple on here. NOT.

Just admit as you drive to your middle management job or Taco Bell, you have no idea what it takes to run a $billion corporation.

It’s highly likely that the 1 hour a day thinking about how a team should be ran, doesn’t make you an expert on the subject.

Face it, like me, you’re a fan with an opinion that doesn’t normally make sense.
So should we just shut CT down since no one is qualified to speak?
My thoughts exactly for what the OP wants. Perhaps only he has the right to speak/type his opinions here. We are not worthy.

No, I have not played professionally. I have coached several players who went on to play professionally, with some making MLB. I have also coached baseball internationally, representing the U.S. I know some of the top trainers and college coaches personally. I have written letters of recommendation for some of the top college coaches when they changed jobs. Yet, I fully admit that I am a nobody. I do have an opinion. BTW, a brief list of some of the baseball gurus I know personally would include Kyle Boddie, Eric Cressey, Dr. Chris Yeager, Dave Hudgens, Steve Englishbey, Paul Nyman, Bobby Tewksbary, Jack Mankin, Charlie Lau Jr. Doug McMillen, Scott Sarginson, ... I know most of you don't know most of these guys but they are or were some of the top hitting experts in the nation. Some of these gentlemen have passed on.
The game has been good to you.

We are a product of our experiences. Views evolve with time. Your teachings were a part
of that. People take your teachings and then add and adjust. There are as many debatable topics as absolutes.
We hope to have as many positive results as possible knowing that we won't go undefeated.
I have been truly Blessed. Yes, the game has been good to me, and I don't take it for granted.
Excellent
eddie stinky
Forum User
Posts: 76
Joined: 23 May 2024 13:17 pm

Re: Have you ever played baseball?

Post by eddie stinky »

mattmitchl44 wrote: 17 Feb 2026 03:46 am
AZ_Cardsfan wrote: 17 Feb 2026 02:35 am Yes. I have never played pro ball. Nor am I a billionaire. I did manage to retire at 43 but I know it was luck I am not a financial genius or whatever.

And I share my opinions. No one has to read them or agree. It's the internet. EVERYONE has an opinion. :lol:
Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

As I have noted before, in this CT environment, it isn't what your opinion is, it is how well you can marshal facts and logic to support your opinion that matters.

And I'm counting down to retirement next month (just short of age 57). :D
Congrats! I retired 10 years ago at 58 and never looked back. I moved to Florida. Played a little golf, did a lot of fishing. Started me an part time online business after 3 years just because I needed something to do. I got bored with golf and didn't feel like fishing everyday. The best thing about it is, the freedom to do whatever the heck I want when I get up, most days. Enjoy yourself and do what you want. That's what retirement is about!
Post Reply