The weather is getting hot!
The pools are open!
The beaches are starting to get crowded!
But you’re still playing baseball!
This is a tricky time of year for ballplayers. It seems that everyone else is on their summer vacation, carrying on, having fun, and doing things they couldn’t do just a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, you’re spending your “vacation,” traveling to a different game or tournament, (in a car or van that doesn’t seem to be cranking the AC as well as it could) and playing on fields that seem (and actually ARE) twenty degrees hotter (or more) than everywhere else on the planet… especially at the pool or down the shore. (That’s Jersey talk for “at the beach.”)
You’ve worked just as hard as everyone else, and deserve a break, a dip in the pool, or a relaxing day lounging out on a beach, and checking out “the sites.”
But be careful if you decide to cash in on these summer treats on game day!
Have you ever spent the day at the pool, or on the beach, or in the ocean? How did you feel at the end of the day? If you’re answering that question with a word like “rejuvenated,” nice try. You and I both know these relaxing summer spots wipe you out… even if you’re just hanging out.
Why?
For starters, the heat! (As I’m writing this, it’s already 90 degrees, and it’s not even noon!)
Add that to the Sun’s rays as they reflect off the sand, the concrete surrounding the pool, or the water, forcing your eyes to squint – even with a great pair of shades on… (Oh, and let’s not forget the chance of a sunburn!!!)
Add that to the fact that you’re just laying around NOT staying as hydrated as well as possible… (If you’re not laying around, you’re running or jumping around more than you normally do!)
Add that to “irregular” eating habits…
You’re body has no choice but to struggle and feel beat at the end of the day.
And you’re expecting to play a baseball game to the best of your ability later on in the day?!
Sorry Charlie… ain’t happening!
Look…
I’m not saying you should avoid the pool or the beach like the plague. I love the pool and I can’t get enough of the ocean waves… except when “Shark Week” is on TV.
But if you’re “using” the summer team to “get noticed,” make improvements, or just play at a level you expect to play at more often than not…
You might want to plan a “beach day,” when you don’t plan on “showing off” on the field.
Yeah I know, you’re making a commitment to something when it seems like everyone else is taking a break from any and all commitments until the summer’s over. If a commitment-free summer is what you’re after, then don’t expect much in return on the ball field.
But if you stick it out, you’ll have made much more out of your summer, than just getting a tan…
Coach Bones
Truer words were never spoken!
If I might add, judging from Katie’s summer softball experiences, you play more often and harder during the summer season. Especially true at tournaments, where you may be up for 3+ games in one day! I remember one evening game in East Brunswick NJ: Field temp at game time 6:30pm – 112! Not a stick of shade to be had. The girls sat in our van with the AC cranking in between at bats!
When we coached All-Stars after the regular Bambino League season we always warned/advised kids and parents to avoid cooling off at the pool between games (it gets extremely hot here in central California). You could tell who didn’t listen by how lethargic they were for the later games!
Ahh- the pool feels great AFTER the game- refreshing yet calming after a long, hot day. When athletes are cooled off and cleaned up, they are ready for an appropriate “bedtime” meal- my best suggestion is a bowl of cereal and milk before sleep. The “health” side of me was always concerned about maintaining a healthy athlete for a very long and physically demanding playing season.