Hello Parents!  When I purchase a product for Lefty (which tends to be often, according to Mrs. RustyArm) I will be sure to detail my experience which may help you in your search for gear. I recently purchased the Nike N1 Air Series BF1353 for Lefty.  I wanted to get a little larger glove, better quality, more padding and a better structure than his current 11″ Mizuno.  I first decided on the next size up to 11.25″.  Lefty…

I enjoy Halloween.  Waiting to hear Lefty’s decision about his costume is always filled with anticipation (Union Soldier this year..big history fan).  I enjoy carving pumpkins, roasting pumpkin seeds, eating the roasted pumpkin seeds, taking Lefty trick-or-treating and eating his candy when he is not looking.  Soon we will be heading out to pick our family pumpkins.  The tradition in our house is three pumpkins, one for each of us to carve.  I was looking…

MIT Baseball Club is kicking off fundraising activities aimed at raising at least $6,000 to Fix Up Our Fields. There are lots of ways that everyone can help.  (And I don’t just mean money!)   ***Update:  A few ball players from CSUSM have agreed to attend this event to help support MIT’s Fundraising efforts!  Thanks to the CSUSM baseball program!**** WE ALSO NEED: – Your participation in fun fundraising events we’ll be scheduling throughout this…

Is there such a thing as a routine play? Being left-handed, Lefty is beginning his journey to his designated positions (Pitcher, First Base or Outfield).  Lefty is playing a lot of outfield now.  I get a little crazy when I see him try to catch a fly ball with one hand.  I know it is not practical to catch every ball with two hands, but when he is under the ball, I encourage him to use…

This is the first fall that Lefty decided to play baseball instead of another sport.  I always encouraged Lefty to play multiple sports because I believe it not only helps to build muscles and agility not used in baseball, but it always can prevent the dreaded  baseball burnout.  Cal Ripken states, “I have always recommended that a kid play as many sports as he or she can for the overall athletic benefits that can provide.  Better…

Lefty was playing right field at a recent practice.  The coach hit a ball to the left fielder and Lefty took off towards the ball, sprinting the entire distance of the outfield until he reached left field.  As I watched, I was somewhat amazed at his desire to get to the ball and somewhat shocked at the “swarm” mentality.  I guess I thought that Lefty would innately know that as a right fielder, he does…

The path for a high school player to a four-year school or even to be drafted can be obtained through a junior college.  Not every player with potential is going to be recruited or drafted out of high school.  A junior college program can provide an opportunity for a young player to develop skills, strength and speed.  If you also consider the rising cost of higher education,  I think the junior college route is a…

I admit it, I want my son to perform well. I know. It’s not the most shocking admission in history. I see other parents and know that we all feel the same. But I can honestly say that it’s even more important to me that Lefty enjoys playing and develops a healthy respect for the game. As he continues to play, I hope that he always treats his competitors, his coaches, his teammates, the umpires…