Recap June 14th
Main Focus:
Shift Blake's definition of success from getting hits to helping the team, while using two simple questions after every swing to stay process-focused: "Did I swing at a good pitch?" and "Was I on time?"
Specific Actions:
Have Blake write the two questions ("Did I swing at a good pitch?" and "Was I on time?") on tape, a baseball, or somewhere visible during his tournament this week.
After each game, encourage Blake to identify how he helped the team (moving runners, quality at-bats, walks, productive outs), rather than focusing only on hits.
Reinforce that rust from time away isn't permanent—trust the work he's already put in and focus on competing, not perfection.
What I Noted:
Validated that taking time away from baseball doesn't erase years of skill development, using the bike-riding analogy to reduce anxiety about being "rusty."
Reviewed the concept of in vs. out of control, emphasizing that outcomes after contact (defensive shifts, bad hops, hard-hit outs) are outside of his control.
Challenged Blake's definition of a "good game" by highlighting that productive outs, walks, sacrifice flies, and moving runners can be more valuable than accumulating hits.
Introduced the two-question approach to evaluating at-bats:
Did I swing at a good pitch?
Was I on time?
Encouraged Blake to avoid making mechanical adjustments during games and instead use these two questions to make simple, actionable adjustments.
Reinforced that one poor swing does not indicate a broken swing, but often reflects timing or pitch selection issues.
Connected professional hitters' mindsets to Blake's development by emphasizing process over outcomes.
What You Noted:
You expressed feeling a little nervous about being rusty at the plate because you haven't played in a few weeks.
You accurately recalled examples of things that are out of your control, such as lineup placement and umpire calls.
You shared that you already use a "yes, yes, yes, no" approach to help with pitch recognition.
You recognized that timing issues can lead to poor contact even when swinging at the right pitch.
You gave an example of hitting a ball hard that resulted in an out due to defensive positioning and an unlucky bounce, showing an understanding that good process doesn't always lead to good outcomes.
You demonstrated understanding of the two-question framework by applying it to different at-bat scenarios.
You shared excitement about your upcoming Wellington Colts tournament, where you expect to pitch, catch, play first and third base, and hit in the middle of the lineup.
You committed to finding a way to write down the two questions as a reminder during the tournament.
