Rawlings Tigers

It’s predator, a flapped-neck chameleon is roughly 3X its size.

Hi guys, it’s Spiker and I want to talk to you about signals.

Signals are an interesting everyday occurrence in human nature that can be found in action, imagery, and sound.

We participate in this when someone breaks the norm or etiquette when driving. We signal to them through a sweet and pleasant push of the horn, “Hey! I don’t like that very much and I am sure others don’t like that either, please stop doing that.”

We also offer signals on how we stand, sit, and wear our clothes. All of these factors can determine how a person feels about us and how we connect with them.

Recently, I was invited to a black tie event and I had the decision between a tux and my favorite 1980’s authentic Nolan Ryan jersey. Even though I get compliments on the jersey when I go to a baseball game, I don’t believe it would receive the same clout next to a person eating a lobster crab cake and a glass of 2006 Dom Perignon.

In baseball, the uniform can signal to the coach whether a player is good, bad, or mediocre. It can also signal how much a person loves playing. Even the body language a player uses can signal complacency, tiredness, eagerness, passion, and/or determination.

How you carry yourself says a lot of what you think about yourself consciously and subconsciously. It also shows how you feel about your environment. This is why the praying mantis get’s on its hind legs when it’s threatened. It signals to its lizard friend, “I don’t think this is a good idea. I have eaten big insects, small birds, and some of your smaller friends. You don’t want to attack me, friend.”

Communication through action, tone, sound, and imagery relays messages. The uniform for a baseball player can signal strength, toughness, confidence, fortitude, and desire.

….BUT, only if worn properly.

We host tryouts at the end of the summer, and before we evaluate the skill level, we are evaluating how the player presents themselves. Here are a few suggestions with examples.

Uniform:

1. clean unwrinkled jersey or dri-fit shirt

2. clean unwrinkled white or grey pants

3. full leather or tabbed leather baseball belt

4. flat bill, semi-flat bill hat

5. clean cleats

How to wear your uniform:

1. tucked jersey

2. hat placed on the head just above the eyebrow line with the hair tucked under the hat

3. cleats are tied tight and cleaned preferably before the start

Possible options:

1. taped wrists

2. one button undone

3. eye-black (no crazy designs)

4. sports sunglasses

Body posture when standing and talking with a coach

1. standing tall

2. shoulders back

3. eye contact to the coach when speaking (avoid looking down)

Good uniform examples:

St. Louis native who I played with at Missouri State. Look good, feel good, play good- before King Louis got his name from the New York faithful he made his presence known through his uniform and confident body language. Luke always had the confident swag of a player who was going to get the job done, even when he had rough times.

One of the best hitters I have ever coached. Former Tiger, Erik Webb had a workers type approach with a relaxed but confident mindset. He is not someone you will find wearing eye black, wrist tape, or even a chain. He takes a clean uniform approach from top to bottom

The mentality of Zack Hilboldt was one of a hockey player. The former Tiger wore his uniform with style, but more importantly he kept his catching gear inline. He wore every piece to fit, because he was hustling to back up throws and directing traffic on foul balls near the 1st and 3rd baselines.

If you found this blog interesting, click the follow button, and if you want to know the secret behind getting drafted.

If you want to tryout for the Tigers please submit a form HERE. 

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