Joe Spiers's Posts - California Baseball Academy USA Inc.2024-03-28T11:39:01ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiershttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2996132590?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blog/feed?user=2wov3wuw6vvm6&xn_auth=noOrder Your CBA College Camp Recruiting Videotag:www.cbabaseball.org,2020-09-29:6616577:BlogPost:896272020-09-29T23:43:44.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://recruiting%20video" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7983840457?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>CBA Uncommitted College Camp | Sept 26-27 | Recruiting Video</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>IRVINE, CALIFORNIA</b></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FOR CBA COLLEGE CAMP PLAYERS ONLY</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">We will be sending your individual…</p>
<p><a href="http://recruiting%20video" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/7983840457?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong>CBA Uncommitted College Camp | Sept 26-27 | Recruiting Video</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b>IRVINE, CALIFORNIA</b></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>FOR CBA COLLEGE CAMP PLAYERS ONLY</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">We will be sending your individual videos to the colleges in attendance at our camp. To receive your video, you can purchase it below. Here are examples of videos created from other events:</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pPEyYy-0O9w?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><small> </small></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aH0yhcgzP1A?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/recruitingvideo" target="_self">Order Your Recruiting Video Here</a></span></p>
<p></p>CBA | At-Home Batting Practice & Swing Developmenttag:www.cbabaseball.org,2020-04-07:6616577:BlogPost:833842020-04-07T23:30:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/swingcenter" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1348921461?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a></p>
<p><span>Players and Parents,</span><br></br> <br></br> <span>In the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, we are beginning our 2nd year with Blast Motion to provide remote swing training with our players. With that in mind, Blast has proven to be a great tool for those who use it regularly as well as for us to be able to provide that remote coaching.</span> <span>During this mandated self-quarantine period, please use…</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/swingcenter" target="_self"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1348921461?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span>Players and Parents,</span><br/> <br/> <span>In the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, we are beginning our 2nd year with Blast Motion to provide remote swing training with our players. With that in mind, Blast has proven to be a great tool for those who use it regularly as well as for us to be able to provide that remote coaching.</span> <span>During this mandated self-quarantine period, please use this time to your advantage. There are players out there that are experiencing what you are but won't take this time seriously to improve their skillset, so this is a tool that can really help you gain the edge you need.</span></p>
<p><br/> <span>With that being said, we will be offering remote coaching utilizing Blast Motion technology and other tools to provide a quality batting practice solution for you to use in isolation. This will be providing the following features for players who choose to participate:</span></p>
<ol>
<li>Free Blast Sensor (can be picked up at our facility in Fontana or shipped)</li>
<li>Zoom Webinars</li>
<li>Weekly Swing Contests & Prizes</li>
<li>Optional Monthly Swing Reports</li>
<li>Video Analysis & Customized practice plans provided by Blast Motion</li>
<li>1-on-1 Hitting Consultations Available</li>
</ol>
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<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/swingcenter" target="_self"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/4355408954?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Example of a Player Swing Report</em></p>
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<p><br/> <span>If you are interested in participating, register at <a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/swingcenter">www.cbabaseball.org/swingcenter</a></span></p>
<p><br/> <span>Please email me at joespiers1@hotmail.com if you have any questions.</span><br/> <br/> <span>Thank you,</span><br/> <br/> <span>Joe Spiers</span><br/> <span>CBA Baseball</span></p>CBA Hawai'i Makeup Tryout | Honolulu, HI | Oct 27tag:www.cbabaseball.org,2019-10-22:6616577:BlogPost:802502019-10-22T16:44:34.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/HawaiiTryouts" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3674581321?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 18pt;"><strong><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/HawaiiTryouts" target="_self">SIGN UP TO TRYOUT AT</a><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/HawaiiTryouts" target="_self">:…</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/HawaiiTryouts" target="_self"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3674581321?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 18pt;"><strong><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/HawaiiTryouts" target="_self">SIGN UP TO TRYOUT AT</a><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/HawaiiTryouts" target="_self">:</a></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 18pt;"><strong><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/HawaiiTryouts" target="_self">http://www.cbabaseball.org/HawaiiTryouts</a></strong></span></p>Cleveland Indians SS, Tyler Freeman, Explains Athletic Republictag:www.cbabaseball.org,2019-09-01:6616577:BlogPost:793212019-09-01T02:30:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="476" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F195584599168%2Fvideos%2F2212363288977426%2F&show_text=0&width=476" width="476"></iframe>
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<p><span>Former CBA Shortstop, Tyler Freeman, explains why he trains at Athletic Republic. After recovering from a torn labrum, Tyler went on to win the New York Penn League Batting Title and finish with a league leading batting average of .352 in…</span></p>
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F195584599168%2Fvideos%2F2212363288977426%2F&show_text=0&width=476" width="476" height="476" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
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<p><span>Former CBA Shortstop, Tyler Freeman, explains why he trains at Athletic Republic. After recovering from a torn labrum, Tyler went on to win the New York Penn League Batting Title and finish with a league leading batting average of .352 in 2018, while currently hitting .320 in 2019. He's Loyal to the training that plays a part in his success!</span></p>
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<p><span>This is why we chose to acquire AR for the players in our program. If it offers the best training available for professional athletes, our players will yield the greatest results possible both physically and mentally.</span></p>
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<p>Athletic Republic Team Training is now available everyday for CBA players in the Inland Empire and will be coming soon to San Diego. Contact AR at 909-616-9009 to book a trial.</p>The Mike Spiers Foundation Comedy Showtag:www.cbabaseball.org,2016-11-09:6616577:BlogPost:514152016-11-09T00:30:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://www.mikespiers.org/ComedyShow" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2865642195?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p><strong>The Mike Spiers Foundation will be holding its 4th annual Comedy Show Fundraiser Dinner at the Rancho Cucamonga Senior Center on Saturday, January 21, 2017.</strong></p>
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<p>Please RSVP as soon as possible for this event by contacting Beatriz Alvarez by phone or text messaging at (323) 382-2194 or by purchasing your tickets below. We appreciate the support of all who attend and look forward to…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mikespiers.org/ComedyShow" target="_blank"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2865642195?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><strong>The Mike Spiers Foundation will be holding its 4th annual Comedy Show Fundraiser Dinner at the Rancho Cucamonga Senior Center on Saturday, January 21, 2017.</strong></p>
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<p>Please RSVP as soon as possible for this event by contacting Beatriz Alvarez by phone or text messaging at (323) 382-2194 or by purchasing your tickets below. We appreciate the support of all who attend and look forward to seeing all of you at the dinner!</p>
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<p><strong>Fundraiser Dinner & Comedy Show Itinerary:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>6:00pm: Cocktails</li>
<li>7:00pm: Dinner</li>
<li>8:30pm: Comedy Show Headlined by Willie Barcena</li>
<li>10:00pm: Raffle and Prizes</li>
<li>10:45pm - 1:00am: Live Music from Flashpants</li>
</ul>
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<p><strong>Purchase your Mike Spiers Foundation Comedy Show and Dinner Tickets</strong></p>
<p>(Choose quantity of tickets at checkout)</p>
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<p><strong>Silver Sponsors receive:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Signage at event registration/dinner tables </li>
<li>Signage at June Golf Tournament and Awards Banquet</li>
<li>Bottled Champagne at your Table!</li>
<li>Listed as a Bronze Sponsor for CBA and Mike Spiers Foundation on the websites</li>
<li>1/4 Page Advertisement in our informational packets</li>
<li>8 Free Dinner and Live Show Tickets</li>
<li>Reserved Front Row Table</li>
<li>Silver Sponsor Plaque</li>
</ul>
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<p><strong>Gold Sponsors receive:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>All Silver Benefits</li>
<li>Listed as an Gold Sponsor for CBA and Mike Spiers Foundation on the websites</li>
<li>25 Free Raffle Tickets</li>
<li>1/2 Page Advertisement in our informational packets</li>
<li>Tee Sponsorship Signage at June Golf Tournament and Awards Banquet</li>
<li>Gold Sponsor Plaque</li>
</ul>
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<p><strong>Platinum Sponsors receive:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>All Silver & Gold Sponsor Benefits</li>
<li>Recognition in all media sources, including top placement in all printed marketing and program listings</li>
<li>Listed as a Platinum Sponsor on the Mike Spiers Foundation and CBA websites</li>
<li>Full Page Advertisement in our informational packets</li>
<li>50 free raffle tickets</li>
<li>Platinum Sponsor Plaque</li>
</ul>
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<p><strong>Purchase your tickets online before December 1 for $60.</strong></p>CBA Bulldog 2016 Catcher, Josh Arkin receives a $2500 Scholarship!tag:www.cbabaseball.org,2016-06-07:6616577:BlogPost:475052016-06-07T06:30:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://www.mikespiers.org" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002691022?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> Congratulations to CBA catcher and Newhall resident, J<strong>osh Arkin</strong>, who received a $2500 college scholarship on Friday evening after the 1st Annual Mike Spiers Foundation Golf Tournament at San Dimas Canyon Golf Course. The other 2016 nominees were <strong>Dejuan Gregory</strong> (CBA Cavs) of Los Angeles, <strong>Peyton Murasky</strong> (CBA Wave) of San Diego, <strong>Michael Lee</strong> (CBA Bulldogs) of…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mikespiers.org" target="_blank"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002691022?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a>Congratulations to CBA catcher and Newhall resident, J<strong>osh Arkin</strong>, who received a $2500 college scholarship on Friday evening after the 1st Annual Mike Spiers Foundation Golf Tournament at San Dimas Canyon Golf Course. The other 2016 nominees were <strong>Dejuan Gregory</strong> (CBA Cavs) of Los Angeles, <strong>Peyton Murasky</strong> (CBA Wave) of San Diego, <strong>Michael Lee</strong> (CBA Bulldogs) of Chino Hills, and <strong>Colston Harris</strong> (CBA Mavs) of Keller, Texas.</p>
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<p>Josh began in our program while we were transitioning from another organization in 2013. He has worked hard on the field and in the classroom for the past 4 years, and from being an undersized player without a position as a freshman who didn't make his high school team, he has grown and evolved into an impact player in our organization that has brought the attention of several college programs. Ultimately, as of several weeks prior to this event, Josh made the decision to play college baseball at Sonoma State University (D2) in Northern California.</p>
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<p>Josh is a good student and a talented player, but his character and consistency exemplifies exactly what our program would like to reward. While Josh was a sophomore, his parents would drive 2 hours to get him to practice every week. He broke his arm and couldn't practice, but he made the trip for a couple months anyways to help the coaches and learn.</p>
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<p>Over 4 years with us, he has become an icon of what we'd like all of our players to emulate: Consistency, Competitiveness, and Character</p>
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<p>We are proud of this one!</p>
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<p>I want to thank everyone for coming out to support CBA and the Mike Spiers Foundation at our golf tournament this past Friday. This year we were able to give a $2500 scholarship to a deserving student-athlete. From this event we've been able to raise $5000 more for our 2017 scholarship fund. We have set our goal for $15,000 and so far, we are off to a good start.</p>
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<p>For more information on the Mike Spiers Foundation, please visit <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.mikespiers.org">www.mikespiers.org</a></span></p>
<p></p>CBA Players Given the Opportunity to Give Backtag:www.cbabaseball.org,2016-05-10:6616577:BlogPost:457172016-05-10T01:00:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
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<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blogs/cba-players-given-the-opportunity-to-give-back" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1458161?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"></img></a> In conjunction with the Mike Spiers Foundation, we are proud to offer our High School players the opportunity to earn community service hours and to give back to the youth in our program by promoting the game of baseball. We believe that all of the players in our high school program have the exceptional ability to lead, and we would like to help them…</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blogs/cba-players-given-the-opportunity-to-give-back" target="_blank"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1458161?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-left"/></a>In conjunction with the Mike Spiers Foundation, we are proud to offer our High School players the opportunity to earn community service hours and to give back to the youth in our program by promoting the game of baseball. We believe that all of the players in our high school program have the exceptional ability to lead, and we would like to help them cultivate the confidence in an environment they are very familiar with... on the field with our younger players who look up to them.</p>
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<p>CBA now has youth teams as young as 9. Working with our parents and CBA staff, through the Mike Spiers Foundation, we believe this will be a great opportunity for our High School players to gain community service hours putting themselves in a position to earn community based scholarship opportunities and accolade by helping coach our youth teams at practices and games. We are looking forward to helping all of our players even more.</p>
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<div dir="ltr"><span>If you are a CBA High School player and would like to participate in our community service program, please </span><span><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.mikespiers.org/contact-us" target="_blank">CONTACT US here</a></span>.</strong></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr"><img width="180" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1458200?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="180" class="align-right"/></div>
<div dir="ltr"><strong>About the Mike Spiers Foundation</strong></div>
<div dir="ltr">The passion to further the careers and dreams of young athletes was the driving force behind Mike's will to seek out opportunities for them. He left behind a legacy for his family, friends, colleagues, and admirers to build upon, and as we do so, we look back on how Mike Spiers would have executed a task. As we go forward laying the bricks onto the foundation that Mike built, we will continue to provide the resources and opportunities that is necessary for young athletes to achieve their goals.</div>
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<p>The Mike Spiers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides materials, funding, and scholarship opportunities for underprivileged athletes. Our non-profit TAX-ID # is 47-5339258.</p>
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<p></p>Scout Ball: What it is? What it isn't?tag:www.cbabaseball.org,2016-02-01:6616577:BlogPost:441152016-02-01T05:30:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blogs/scout-ball-in-socal-for-dummies" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2203946?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>With many amateur baseball programs today pretending to be what they're not, we felt that it's a good time to touch on topic of Scoutball, what it is, and how it's meant to benefit a high school player.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>What is Scout Ball?</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>Scout leagues in Southern California are built by MLB organizations'…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blogs/scout-ball-in-socal-for-dummies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2203946?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>With many amateur baseball programs today pretending to be what they're not, we felt that it's a good time to touch on topic of Scoutball, what it is, and how it's meant to benefit a high school player.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>What is Scout Ball?</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p>Scout leagues in Southern California are built by MLB organizations' <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>area scouts.</strong></span> They are designed so that the MLB personnel involved (i.e. area scouts, crosscheckers, and front office staff) can identify <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>graduating seniors</strong></span> who are considered "draft guys" <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>for the following year</strong></span>. They put together the best teams compiled of the top high school talent available to create relationships with the players and their families. They track progress, send in prospect reports to the scouting directors, and eventually put those prospects on a draft board where they can possibly fit into the draft amongst college players and other high school prospects from around the country. </p>
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<p>Several Scout Teams have even created a chance to make their "2nd Team" which are compiled of Juniors, Sophomores, an even Freshmen. If you are not receiving quality instruction and reps, you should pursue other options.</p>
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<p>The primary reason for writing this article is to protect players from travel teams that operate under an MLB name and to help you prioritize your development ahead of exposure. If you have any questions regarding scout ball or scout teams, please feel free to contact us at your earliest convenience.</p>
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<p>We hope this information helps!</p>
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<p>Joe Spiers</p>
<p>California Baseball Academy USA</p>
<p></p>Don't Hit the College Recruiting Panic Button.tag:www.cbabaseball.org,2015-11-19:6616577:BlogPost:222562015-11-19T08:00:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2203949?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2203949?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400"></img></a></p>
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<p>Over the last decade, college recruiting has evolved into a more competitive industry than ever. With Perfect Game and USA Baseball taking center stage with their tournaments and events, their are countless other camps and "showcases" for players to attend and for parents to spend $1000's of dollars on over the course of their kids' high school career. On top of…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2203949?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2203949?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Over the last decade, college recruiting has evolved into a more competitive industry than ever. With Perfect Game and USA Baseball taking center stage with their tournaments and events, their are countless other camps and "showcases" for players to attend and for parents to spend $1000's of dollars on over the course of their kids' high school career. On top of that, in the last year, a prominent west coast D1 program committed a 7th grader (2020 grad) and several additional D1 programs committed players that haven't even played a high school game yet. Add in social media and the constant reminder that <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>some</strong></span></em> players are being recruited, how can parents and players not worry that they're behind the curve and need to start investing more time and money in getting the college exposure they think they need.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Although the college recruiting process starts for some players by the time they first step foot on a high school campus, it doesn't mean that that particular player is going to receive college attention right away. In fact, 80-90% of players will not start receiving that attention until during their junior year in high school. So why such the panic in the lack of college attention among many high school baseball players today? To help put things in perspective, here is a rough estimate of when players verbally commit to play baseball for a college program, keep in mind their are exceptions:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>5%:</strong> College committed by the end of their freshman year (mostly NCAA D1 programs)</li>
<li><strong>25%:</strong> College committed between the summer before their sophomore year and end of their junior year (mostly D1 programs, but D2, D3, and NAIA schools start to identify and begin recruiting players)</li>
<li><strong>20%:</strong> College committed during the summer after their junior year (mostly D1 programs, but players start verbally committing to D2, D3 and NAIA programs)</li>
<li><strong>40%:</strong> College committed during their senior year (some NCAA D1, but majority are NCAA D2, D3, NAIA, & JC's)</li>
<li><strong>10%:</strong> Summer after their Senior Year (mostly JC's, but some NCAA and NAIA programs)</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>With all of the noise and confusion out there, one of our goals as a program is to help educate our players and parents in this area in hopes of diverting the attention back towards the on-field development. The priority should still be to get better on the field, stronger, faster, more athletic, and to make smarter decisions in between the lines. And although most of you will not be NCAA Division-1 baseball players, there is a place to play college baseball if you really want it. And if you continue to take care of what can be controlled on the field, you will be more prepared than your peerswhen college exposure does become the focal point</p>
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<p>We hope this provides some clarity for you,</p>
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<p>Jon, Josh, and Joe</p>
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<p></p>Dress for Success - Taking Pride in Your Appearancetag:www.cbabaseball.org,2015-11-13:6616577:BlogPost:223322015-11-13T08:00:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blogs/dress-for-success" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002696524?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450"></img></a></p>
<p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who wonder why we as a program pay just as much attention to our dress code off the field as we do our uniform code on the field, here is a fun story that took place recently that we'd like to share with you.…</span></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blogs/dress-for-success" target="_blank"><img width="450" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3002696524?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="450" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-2">For those of you who wonder why we as a program pay just as much attention to our dress code off the field as we do our uniform code on the field, here is a fun story that took place recently that we'd like to share with you.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-2">Chris Betts, a former CBA player and Tampa Bay Rays 2nd Round pick in the 2015 MLB Draft recently called up one of our coaches to talk to him about an incident that took place while he was rehabbing in Florida this past summer. A Rays coaching staff member was doing a shuttle run to pick up some players from the hotel, and while all of the other players wore tank tops, t-shirts, athletic shorts, and flip flops, Chris was the only one in a polo shirt and a nice pair of dress shorts with tennis shoes. Not surprisingly, he was also the only one who was not scolded by that coach for being a slob.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-2">The CBA players in the picture above bought into the smallest details that were presented to them from our program on and off the field. They took more pride in their appearance than any other group we've had thus far, which no doubt plays a large part in their successes. This picture of our 2015 team was taken at LAX last year while they were en route to play in the WWBA World Championships in Florida (from left to right: Kyle Robeniol - Oregon; Trevor Beard - Purdue; Niko Navarro - San Diego State; Kyle Molnar - UCLA; Luke Williams - Philadelphia Phillies (3rd Rd); Chris Betts - Tampa Bay Rays (2nd Rd); and Bryce Fehmel - Oregon State).</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-2">In another occurrence, we recently took a group down to a team camp at the University of San Diego. We mandated that our players show up to the facilities tour in a collared shirt and jeans or a nice pair of shorts, while the other teams who participated showed up in their uniforms, which did not go unnoticed with the coaching staff that was present. They were highly impressed with our group that they took the time to show up looking like professionals instead of kids, even though they needed to take the field for warm-up shortly after the tour. The coach who gave us the tour made a comment in the locker room, "Every single one of your players in this clubhouse would transition well into our program."</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-2">If you have not had a chance to look over our standardized policies, policy #6 on the CBA Players Dress/Look Policy is written follows: <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Proper travel/hotel attire consists of casual dress shorts (Khaki style), slacks, jeans, collared shirt (button down or polo), and shoes (no sandals).</em></span></strong> </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-2">Please be mindful going forward that on any trips we may take as a team, all staff will be enforcing the dress code in the hotel and while we travel. And please, if you have not done so, go to the <a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/page/cba-standardized-policies-1" target="_blank">"Policies" page</a> to brush up on what we expect from you as a part of our program.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-2">Thank you,</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-2">Jon, Josh, and Joe</span></p>
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<p></p>Updating Your FieldLevel Profiletag:www.cbabaseball.org,2015-10-04:6616577:BlogPost:215212015-10-04T23:30:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://www.fieldlevel.com" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2865637737?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150"></img></a></p>
<p>Parents and Players,</p>
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<p>We as a staff will begin sending out more information in the form of a newsletter and would like to touch on topics that will help give our players an edge on the field, academically, and in the recruiting process.</p>
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<p>For our High School players, do your best to keep your FieldLevel profile information up to date. After each semester, you should be updating…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fieldlevel.com" target="_blank"><img width="150" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2865637737?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="150" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>Parents and Players,</p>
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<p>We as a staff will begin sending out more information in the form of a newsletter and would like to touch on topics that will help give our players an edge on the field, academically, and in the recruiting process.</p>
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<p>For our High School players, do your best to keep your FieldLevel profile information up to date. After each semester, you should be updating all information, including academic. Be sure to include an updated set of your transcripts so that you can easily be promoted to schools you can academically qualify for. Keep in mind that there is no cost to you to have a player profile on FieldLevel.</p>
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<p>If you do not have your FieldLevel profile set up with us, email us and we will invite you in.</p>
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<p>Thank you,</p>
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<p>Jon, Joe, and Josh</p>
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<p></p>"Either you're stupid or you don't care... and I know you care."tag:www.cbabaseball.org,2013-11-01:6616577:BlogPost:46312013-11-01T23:30:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
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<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blogs/either-you-re-stupid-or-you-don-t-care-and-i-know-you-care" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1458150?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250"></img></a> This was a phrase that my dad, Mike Spiers, used on occasion to help bring the best out of his players when they weren't taking care of business. Many times he would say it when guys wouldn't hustle to pick up bats or play catch with the outfielder. When we knew we had responsibilities as players and didn't execute them, he would lightheartedly…</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blogs/either-you-re-stupid-or-you-don-t-care-and-i-know-you-care" target="_blank"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1458150?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left"/></a>This was a phrase that my dad, Mike Spiers, used on occasion to help bring the best out of his players when they weren't taking care of business. Many times he would say it when guys wouldn't hustle to pick up bats or play catch with the outfielder. When we knew we had responsibilities as players and didn't execute them, he would lightheartedly remind us with that simple comment. We would respond with a smirk or a sarcastic comment, but also with an adjustment to make better decisions the next time around. </p>
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<p>Those words became more than just a common saying for his friends, family, and players after his passing. Those words ring in our minds today as not just a way to take the field, but a way to approach life each and every day. There are times when I hear coaches from other teams use those same exact words in hopes to get the appropriate response from their players, and I find myself saying a lot of the same things my dad used to say to my players, including this phrase from time to time.</p>
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<p>The legacy Mike Spiers left behind is immeasurable with the amount of people he touched and affected around the world through baseball and sport in general. There are countless young athletes that have played for him that have moved on to play baseball in the collegiate and professional ranks, but even more so that didn't. The life lessons we took home from team practices and gameplay were much more than just baseball skills and mindset. Each player that came up under his tutelage, understood a little more each day what it meant to be young men. Mike Spiers was passionate about his work in this game we all love, but even more driven to make sure each player in his program succeeded on and off the field. Up until his last days in the hospital, he would speak about how proud he was of the guys who played for him 20 years ago and where they were in life today. Some were talented and driven enough to make it to the big leagues, but he was equally proud of the many who became professionals in other areas, such as doctors, lawyers, or politicians.</p>
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<p>After my dad's passing on January 18, there hasn't been a day that has gone by that someone hasn't come to me to tell me how he played such a positive role in their life. I'm am forever grateful for the many people that continue to remind me of how my father's legacy will continue to grow in our program and others. It is not the name of our program that represents him, his passion for the game, the love for his players and family. Rather it is the substance and the hearts of the men and women of our program that knew and loved him.</p>
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<p>I want to thank each and every one of those who understand what we try to accomplish in our program and what my dad would have wanted for our players and families who are involved. When you get a moment, I would like for each of you to go to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.mikespiers.org">www.mikespiers.org</a></span>, and sign into the guestbook. You are all apart of the Mike Spiers Family!</p>
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<p>Joe</p>
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<p></p>Mike Spiers Foundation Dinner & Comedy Show Tickets are now on sale!tag:www.cbabaseball.org,2013-10-23:6616577:BlogPost:44392013-10-23T07:00:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://mikespiersfoundation.ning.com/events" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2865638020?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>The Mike Spiers Foundation will be holding its 1st fundraising event at Steven's Steakhouse in the City of Commerce on November 15.</p>
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<p>Please RSVP as soon as possible for this event by contacting Aurora Jubile by phone or text messaging at (909) 957-0340 or by purchasing your tickets. </p>
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<p>We appreciate the support of all who are attend and look forward to seeing all of…</p>
<p><a href="http://mikespiersfoundation.ning.com/events" target="_blank"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2865638020?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>The Mike Spiers Foundation will be holding its 1st fundraising event at Steven's Steakhouse in the City of Commerce on November 15.</p>
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<p>Please RSVP as soon as possible for this event by contacting Aurora Jubile by phone or text messaging at (909) 957-0340 or by purchasing your tickets. </p>
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<p>We appreciate the support of all who are attend and look forward to seeing all of you!</p>
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<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><a href="http://www.mikespiers.org/events" target="_blank">Buy your Steven's Steakhouse Dinner & Comedy Show Tickets</a></b></span></p>
<p></p>Six Questions San Jose St. Head Coach Dave Nakama Wants Answered About Recruitstag:www.cbabaseball.org,2013-10-19:6616577:BlogPost:43692013-10-19T03:30:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<div class="post-header"><h2><img class="align-left" src="http://fieldlevel.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/screen-shot-2013-09-10-at-11-09-59-am.png?w=196&h=233&width=196" width="196"></img></h2>
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<div class="entry clear"><p><em>Courtesy of FieldLevel</em></p>
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<p>FieldLevel sat down with San Jose State head baseball coach Dave Nakama to ask him about his approach to recruiting.</p>
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<p><span>The former University of Washington and Stanford assistant coach said these are the <span><strong>SIX</strong></span> questions he asks coaches of potential recruits before he and his staff even consider speaking with recruits…</span></p>
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<div class="post-header"><h2><img src="http://fieldlevel.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/screen-shot-2013-09-10-at-11-09-59-am.png?w=196&h=233&width=196" width="196" class="align-left"/></h2>
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<div class="entry clear"><p><em>Courtesy of FieldLevel</em></p>
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<p>FieldLevel sat down with San Jose State head baseball coach Dave Nakama to ask him about his approach to recruiting.</p>
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<p><span>The former University of Washington and Stanford assistant coach said these are the <span><strong>SIX</strong></span> questions he asks coaches of potential recruits before he and his staff even consider speaking with recruits directly:</span></p>
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<p><b>1)</b><span><b> What’s Good About Him?</b></span></p>
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<li><span><b><i>Offensively</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Defensively</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Pitching</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Baserunning</i></b></span></li>
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<p><b>2)</b><span><b> What’s His Best Asset?</b></span></p>
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<li><span><b><i>His pitching mechanics?</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Hitting approach?</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Power?</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Pitching velocity?</i></b></span></li>
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<p><b>3)</b><span><b> What Does He Need To Work On?</b></span></p>
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<li><span><b><i>What are his weakest areas?</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Can he improve in those areas?</i></b></span></li>
<li><b><i><span>How long will his development take?</span></i></b></li>
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<p><b>4)</b><span><b> Is He Introverted Or Extroverted?</b></span></p>
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<li><span><b><i>Is he outgoing? </i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Keep to himself?</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Constantly communicating on defense?</i></b></span></li>
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<p><b>5)</b><span><b> How Are His Leadership Skills?</b></span></p>
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<li><span><b><i>Is he a born leader?</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Do teammates respect him?</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Listen to him?</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Follow him? </i></b></span></li>
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<p><b>6)</b><span><b> What’s His Work Ethic Like?</b></span></p>
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<li><span><b><i>Is he a hard worker?</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Does he practice hard?</i></b></span></li>
<li><span><b><i>Does he take plays off?</i></b></span></li>
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</div>5 Major reasons you should think twice about sliding head firsttag:www.cbabaseball.org,2013-10-19:6616577:BlogPost:43672013-10-19T01:30:00.000ZJoe Spiershttp://www.cbabaseball.org/profile/JoeSpiers
<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blogs/5-major-reasons-you-should-not-slide-head-first" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74245667?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="275"></img></a> What are the real dangers of sliding head first, is it faster, and is it worth it?</p>
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<p><strong>"A 2003 study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine said there was "no significant difference" in speed between sliding headfirst and feetfirst." -<span class="skimwords-unlinked">foxsportssouthwest.com</span></strong></p>
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<p>As an advocate of…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbabaseball.org/profiles/blogs/5-major-reasons-you-should-not-slide-head-first" target="_blank"><img width="275" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/74245667?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="275" class="align-left"/></a>What are the real dangers of sliding head first, is it faster, and is it worth it?</p>
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<p><strong>"A 2003 study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine said there was "no significant difference" in speed between sliding headfirst and feetfirst." -<span class="skimwords-unlinked">foxsportssouthwest.com</span></strong></p>
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<p>As an advocate of sliding feet first into the bag, primarily because it is safer, I've compiled a small list of players who have sustained injuries from diving into bases head first. Let's take a look back at my Top 5 reasons you should slide feetfirst.</p>
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<p><strong>5. Rafael Furcal</strong> - <a href="http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/lad/los-angeles-dodgers">Los Angeles Dodgers</a> shortstop <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4243">Rafael Furcal</a> met with team physician Dr. Neal Elattrache and hand specialist Dr. Steve Shin after breaking his left thumb on a headfirst slide into third base during a game against the <a href="http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/sf/san-francisco-giants">San Francisco Giants</a>. They determined Furcal doesn't need surgery to repair the bone, but that as expected, he is likely to miss four to six weeks, including minor league rehabilitation time. courtesy of<em> <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/news/story?id=6339693&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines" target="_blank">sports.espn.go.com</a></em></p>
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<p><strong>4. Josh Hamilton</strong> - Josh Hamilton called it a "stupid play" that caused him to break his arm during a head first slide. There's growing evidence the stupidity laid with Hamilton's decision to slide headfirst. courtesy of <em><a href="http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/04/14/11/The-dangers-of-head-first-sliding/landing_rangers.html?blockID=504040&feedID=3742" target="_blank">foxsportssouthwest.com</a></em></p>
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<p><strong>3. Yunel Escobar</strong> - Escobar was an opening day starter at shortstop for the Jays. On April 5, 2011 Escobar hit a 2-run walk-off home run against the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland_Athletics">Oakland Athletics</a>, his second career walk-off home run. On April 6, Escobar left the game after sliding head first into third. He hit his head on third baseman <a target="_self" href="http://mlb.com/">Andy LaRoche</a>'s knee, causing a concussion</p>
<p><br/> <strong>2. Derek Jeter</strong> - In 2003, Jeter tried to advance an extra base on <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/3210/">Jason Giambi</a>'s comebacker, an attempt to take advantage of Toronto's defense, which was shifted to the right side of the infield. Huckaby ran up the line to field first baseman <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/players/3006/">Carlos Delgado</a>'s throw. Jeter dived headfirst into the bag, and Huckaby fell, his shin guard driving into Jeter's shoulder. Jeter immediately began writhing as Yankees' trainers, teammates and Torre gathered around. Dr. Erin Boynton and Dr. Ron Taylor of the Blue Jays also came out to help Jeter, while Huckaby watched anxiously from the dugout with a towel in his mouth. Jeter was called out on the play because he fell off the base when he was hurt. courtesy of <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/news/2003/03/31/jeter_injured_ap/" target="_blank">si.com</a></p>
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<p><strong>1. Cory Hahn</strong> - Arizona State freshman outfielder/LHP Cory Hahn suffered a head injury during the the first inning of the second game of the day. Hahn went to steal second base sliding head first colliding with the knee of New Mexico second baseman Kyle Stiner which caused him to lay motionless behind second base. He was taken off on a stretcher and taken by ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital. The injury sustained was kept private, the family only stated that they expected a "slow recovery." courtesy of <a href="http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/" target="_blank">collegebaseballdaily.com</a></p>