As I received my 2015-16-membership card from the American Baseball Coaches Association late this summer, my eyes drifted to the bottom of the card only to see a number that stunned me…41. The number represents forty-one continuous years of membership in this wonderful organization.
During the four decades of membership, I have attended almost forty ABCA Clinics and learned from some of the very best teachers of the game. I also have met incredible people who love the game and were willing to share their knowledge in hotel lobbies, convention halls and exhibit areas. At this point, I must indulge in some name dropping: Joe Torre, Tommy Lasorda, John Smoltz, Ron Polk, Rod Dedeaux, Augie Garrido, John Scolinos and Ray Tanner, to name a few. It’s also been an honor to serve on some great committees. Plus, I have developed relationships and friendships with hundreds of coaches, sporting goods executives and quality baseball enthusiasts from all over the world. My coaching career and my life after coaching have been wonderfully blessed through my membership and involvement with the ABCA.
This past summer was definitely a highlight in my 41-year affiliation with the American Baseball Coaches Association. The Board of Directors voted to embrace Inside Pitch as the official magazine of the ABCA. This is a perfect fit since the ABCA and Inside Pitch share very similar goals of being a conduit for sharing knowledge, promoting character in the game and helping amateur baseball continue to progress at all levels.
I know that I speak for the entire staff at Inside Pitch when I say that I couldn’t be more pleased to have every member of the ABCA receive a copy of the magazine as an added benefit to becoming a member of this phenomenal organization.
As you read through this issue, I hope that you will see how committed we are to providing quality information, instruction and inspiration to our subscribers and to every member of the ABCA. You will be hearing from passionate baseball guys such as Steve Springer, Joe Urso, Jim McGuire and Mike Kinnison. And our own former major leaguer and current ESPN College Baseball analyst, Chris Burke will be breaking it down in our “Frame by Frame” section featuring big leaguers Jose Altuve and Matt Carpenter.
Thanks, ABCA! After 41-years of continuous membership, the benefits are greater than ever!