A Class Act.

Yesterday, the Boston Red Sox performed one of the classiest acts I have ever seen.

Nomar Garciaparra, the former Six-Time All-Star Shortstop, Two-Time A.L. Batting Champion (1999, 2000), and 1997 A.L. Rookie of the Year,  signed a One-Day Minor League Contract with the Red Sox in order to throw out a ceremonial first-pitch to his former teammate (at both Georgia Tech and with the Red Sox) Jason Veritek, and then retire as a member of his old club, the Boston Red Sox. 

In a day and age full of "what have you done for me lately", it is so nice to see General Manager Theo Epstein, Owner John Henry,  and the entire Boston Red Sox organization understand that there is in fact, a heart underneath all those uniforms, and do what is right in remembering one of their greats with this fitting farewell.

What Are "Power Stations" and Why Are They Important?

Yesterday, I was working with a young hitter who had a tendency to hit the ball off the end of his bat. The reason...His middle "Power Station" was out!

"Power Stations" (simply put) are a hitter's front shoulder, front hip, and front knee. If any of these three are "out" (or pulling away from the pitcher), then the hitter loses power.

Take a look at this picture of the Mick. This is what lining up your "Power Stations" for maximum power looks like.

If a hitter's front shoulder pulls out, so does their head.  If a hitter's front hip juts out (or in South Georgia terms, his or her fanny), so does his or her direction and momentum back to the pitcher.  And if a hitter's front knee takes off, so do their hips.

Make sure your young hitter understands how important his or her "Power Stations" are.  And let 'em know, if they get all three lined up, there is no doubt they'll "LIGHT UP" the next pitch!