This spring, the baseball community said farewell to a wonderful coach and a great American, Bill Arce. Coach Arce was not only a successful coach and Athletic Director at Claremont, he was also a pioneer in promoting and teaching baseball internationally. He was an American Baseball Coaches Association Board Member, former ABCA President and a recipient of the Lefty Gomez Award. More importantly, Coach Arce was a World War ll combat veteran, fighting for our nation in the Battle of the Bulge. We will miss this compassionate man. I thank God for him and others who have protected the freedom we enjoy. I am thankful, as well, for his contributions to our game here in the states and overseas.
Like Coach Arce, after retiring from coaching, I have continued to follow the game of baseball. Earlier in the week, I found myself watching a baseball game on my I-Pad, watching another game on my television, and following highlights from high school and MLB games on Twitter…all at the same time! Baseball at every level is now in full swing. If you love baseball, it’s a fun time of the year.
Another way baseball enthusiasts can enjoy the game is by flipping through Inside Pitch magazine and reading about the winningest coach in college baseball history – Augie Garrido; enjoying insight about commitment from former Navy Seal – Jason Kuhn and learning of the pros and cons of artificial turf from Justin Brown. Larry Owens gives his views on Travel Ball; Aaron Woodall reveals what it’s like playing and coaching baseball in Europe; and Chris Burke illustrates another Frame-by-Frame analysis. Coach and author, Trent Mongero instructs teaching infielders how to improve range; Ryan Parker analyzes the difference between teaching a player a “good swing” as opposed to “how to hit;” and one of my favorite baseball gurus, Darren Fenster, shares players how to “Learn From Watching”.
With Coach Bill Arce’s passing, it’s appropriate that we have articles in this edition from Jason Kuhn and Aaron Woodall, who wore baseball uniforms competing on the diamond and military uniforms protecting our nation. As we enjoy the game we all love, let’s also be thankful to those who serve and protect.
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