24 - John Lowery, Sr. ”Legendary Lessons”

Bio

• The Current and ONLY Head Coach at Jefferson (WV) High School (opened in 1972)
• 3rd all time in High School victories. 1st in active wins
• He has won at least 20 games for 43 consecutive seasons 
• State record 12 state championships
• The State Baseball player award is named after him, 8 of which have come from his program
• Coming up on his 50th season as the Cougars Skipper
• An absolute legend! Incredible baseball mind

 

Show Notes

• Technology and travel teams have really helped players develop but at times they have hindered and took their focus away from what’s important
• Learn the game at this level
• There is a certain level of knowledge needed for our level
• There is a process that you take to get to the next level
• Practice at game speed
• 45 minutes to hour play situational BP - play the game with different situations
  • Get on and off the field as fast as you can
  • Game winning situation
  • As many outs as we can in a row
• You can’t expect kids to do things that you don’t do at practice
• 2 things to teach your players
  • What do you do when the ball is not hit to you?
  • What do you know?
• Charting rival hitters and keeping history 
• Anticipate and see moves and what the other team might do
  • 3-2 count, 2 outs = back pick move
• Teaching the team to play outs
• Repetition and being around the game, and be willing to invest the time
• It's hard to get money out of the bank if you don’t put money in it.
• Starts with the fundamentals and repetition.
• Practicing discipline and concentration.
• Execution of those fundamental skills
• Long term goals and short team goals - you need to work through the short term to get to long term
• There have to be values that you take away from the game when we are finished playing
• Play a full JV schedule! Be creative and make them feel value