By Steve Williams
The new coaching staff at Austin-East High School has already seen transfers in preseason workouts who can upgrade the long-suffering Roadrunners’ program. They expect to see improvement too when the team takes the field for the TSSAA’s first official practice day this afternoon (Feb. 9).
Head Coach Sanford Smith, Assistant Coach Gaylord Gibson and volunteer coach Greg Freeman are looking forward to it.
The coaches say the plan to turn the baseball program around includes continually working with the players by encouraging them and letting them know that it takes dedication plus working on the physical and mental aspects of the game.
Secondly, it is imperative that the feeder program at Claude Walker Ball Park works for its community. The Emerald Youth middle school program also continues to develop players in the community. The coaches also are in the process of starting some camps and clinics in the community and seeking outsources to assist with indoor facilities that would further the players’ skill development. The coaches feel that this would go a long way in fast tracking player development.
Developing contacts with area JUCO programs, community colleges and four-year universities could lead to Austin-East prospects getting recruited. The coaches feel that they already have some players who are displaying some skill sets that could possibly get them a look at the collegiate level.
The A-E coaching staff also has reached out to some former Major League Baseball coaches and players that the coaches have relationships with, and they have already started sending the coaches’ information to help with practice plans and player development. The coaches also are staying on top of the players in stressing that being successful in the classroom and displaying good conduct translates into becoming a successful all-around student.
In closing, the coaches want to add that they have been impressed with the number of players who have come out for the team, their willingness to work hard and speak with other athletes at the school about joining the Roadrunner baseball team.
The A-E coaches also would like to see their players continue to play baseball together in the summer until fall sports begin.
