Preface

This is the official Little League book of instruction for boys beginning to play baseball, and particularly for the adults who supervise and coach them. Its purpose is to demonstrate the correct techniques of play and to outline methods of motivation and practice procedures, which have proved to be constructive and successful.

The concentration is on the fundamentals of running, throwing, fielding, batting, and team play to enable the youngsters to play the game better and, in so doing, to gain the sense of achievement which comes from acquiring a skill and to enjoy participation under safe conditions. The proper ways to slide, to field ground and fly balls, to throw to bases and tag runners, to make the double play, to pitch, and to catch are clearly explained and illustrated through action pictures. Bunting leads into batting, and sprinting ties in with base running. Effective fielding drills to improve the skills while maintaining the interest of the players are covered, as well as the use and construction of simple training aids.

Throughout the book the values of baseball in developing healthy attitudes of sportsmanship, citizenship, teamwork, hustle, fitness, and application are emphasized.

Although the larger part of the material is directly applicable to the youthful player, such subjects as the value of an education to an athlete can best be interpreted in the individual situation by the adult manager, coach, or parent. Similarly, the material about leadership, safety, spring training, building a team, the batting order, fielding drills, training aids, coaching on the base lines, and setting an example will be of primary interest and value to the people who guide the boys in Little League and similar baseball programs for boys.

MICKEY MCCONNELL

Williamsport, Pa.

March 1960

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