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ecbblackknights
66 Posts |
 Posted - 07/11/2011 : 11:21:16
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The ECB Black Knight are looking for a few motivated players for the upcoming 2012 season at the 13U age group. The 2 primary coaches are veteran ECB coaches who teach fundamentals in all facets of the game in a very disciplined but fun atmosphere for the players. We expect hard work, focus and 100% effort at all times from our players but in return they will understand and know how to properly play the game of baseball.
Coach Barker has been a coach at East Cobb for 12 seasons and has coached age groups from 8U-15U. He has over 500 wins as an East Cobb Coach and to date has coached 20+ kids who have received college scholarships. Coach Barker was a pitcher at Kennesaw State and loves to work with young players. Coach Barker is also available for private pitching instruction.
Coach Rasheed has been a travel baseball coach for 5 years. During this time he has demonstrated the ability to take young players to the next level both in skill, determination and positive attitudes. He is a true leader in every aspect. Coach Rasheed played baseball at Clemson University.
The Black Knights will have their own indoor practice facility for pitching and hitting to be used only by the (3) Black Knights teams. The Black Knights will have teams at 9U, 12U and 13U. The Black Knights are working to lock down an additional practice field (High School Size) in addition to the times allocated by East Cobb Baseball.
If you would like to attend a work out for the ECB Black Knights please email ecbblackknights@aol.com or call Coach Barker at 770-317-4528.
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ecbblackknights
66 Posts |
Posted - 07/11/2011 : 23:31:34
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Questions we have been asked from emails and our answers:
Q: Why the name Black Knights?
A: This year was our first season as the Black Knights and we started this program out of our passion for the game and also in appreciation of all the military families who have had it tough over the last 10 years with their love ones in constant danger. Both myself and coach Mello are ex-military and know first hand the difficulties these families face each and everyday. We wanted to not only teach our players the game of baseball but also something we believe is just as important, love of country and sacrifice. It was wonderful to watch this year’s team as they toured the infantry museum at Ft. Benning, GA in a private guided tour and got to see first hand a part of our history and how we got to where we are as a nation and the sacrifices men and woman made for them. Each player wears a different military unit patch on their Camo jersey and does so to honor this unit.
Q: Is there a charge for the workout or evaluation?
A: No, but all players who want to make an East Cobb team are required to attend the official East Cobb try outs in August.
Q: I have heard that other teams are having a #1 and #2 team are you?
A: No, it is time consuming enough to work properly with the kids on a single team much less a second. Our focus is player development and teaching baseball the proper way to the kids we have committed to and to insure that all of our players are prepared for the next level. Just because a player is considered a #1 player at 13U does not mean they will be at 17U. I have seen this more times then you can imagine. We strive to insure all of our player’s progress and have learned the proper fundamentals to do so.
Q: Other teams are constantly bringing in new players throughout the year, what is the Black Knights policy?
A: We play the kids who have committed to be a Black Knight. Unless there is an injury, or a player has been dismissed for breaking team rules we will not add players.
Q: What is your experience as a coach?
A: I have been coaching travel baseball for 12 years. During that time I have coached 20+ kids who have earned a college baseball scholarship including my oldest son who is playing Division I baseball. Many others have come to me for private pitching instructions that are now playing in college on scholarship.
Q: What is your policy on playing time with the Black Knights?
A: All of our players play equally. You can not get better if you don’t play. It is sad to see so many very good players on other teams (whose only focus is just winning) not play when it counts or get replaced by new players when they are struggling. Experience is only gained when players are placed in tough situations and learn how to deal with the pressure. Players need to learn how to deal with pressure now because at the older ages they are expected to perform. If they don’t get the experience now, how will they learn to play when it really counts?
Q: What is your policy on working with players outside normal practice times?
A: We are looking to open an indoor facility for just that reason. There is a lot of experience on the Black Knights coaching staff. Our indoor facility will only be utilized by the Black Knights teams. Next year we will field teams at the 9U, 12U and 13U age group. Black Knights players will be able to utilize the facility on non-practice days if they wish to get extra practice.
Q: Who are the coaches for the 13U Black Knights?
A: Coach Barker (Pitching, General Manager), Coach Rasheed (Catchers, First Base, Hitting), Coach Biddy (Hitting, Outfield), Coach Mello ( Infield). Coach Mello is also the head coach for the 9U Black Knights. Coach Mello and Coach Barker have been coaching together for 4 years and have coached the ECB Astros, ECB Tigers and ECB Black Knights. Their teams have gone 148-72 over those years.
Q: Are the Black Knights going to play a Fall Schedule?
A: Yes the 13U Black Knights will play a Fall Schedule, but we realize some players will play other sports in the Fall and that is OK. It is not required to play in the Fall to make the spring 2012 team.
Q: What would you say is the difference between the Black Knights and other teams?
A: Coaching philosophy! Although winning is important, we focus more on player development. Many players I have coached over the past 12 years were not considered good enough to make the self proclaimed elite teams. Although we won more than our fair share of games against these teams, I am proud to say many of these players not considered elite (at say 12U) are now playing at top notch universities and are very successful. I will put our record at getting players to the next level against anyone.
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JETS 1
2 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2011 : 14:59:36
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| How many tournaments to you plan to play in that require overnight travel? Do you plan in playing Locally? Can you explain you scheduling of these tournaments. |
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ecbblackknights
66 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2011 : 15:32:57
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There are more than enough major tournaments locally in the metro Atlanta area. However, we usually make one out of town tournament per season and then of course the year end tournament. We will play (3) weekends every month and take (1) off.
Thanks for the interest!
Coach Barker |
Edited by - ecbblackknights on 07/12/2011 19:18:30 |
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qwikslvr
21 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2011 : 21:45:59
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| when are the try out dates set for? |
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ecbblackknights
66 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2011 : 23:57:29
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We have (1) more tournament left in Myrtle Beach. We have a preliminary date set for the weekend of July 30-31. I will post when this is finalized.
Thanks for your interest!
Coach Barker |
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Peanutsr
171 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2011 : 12:01:53
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| Do you know where the tryouts are going to be held? |
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ecbblackknights
66 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 09:46:31
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Most Likely we will be holding work outs at Mt. Bethel Field in Marietta. It is located on the corner of Lower Roswell Rd. and Johnson Ferry Rd. I will know the exact location early next week. I will post the exact times and location. We are also holding private small setting work outs at Fundamental Baseball Instruction Academy for those kids who are pitchers. Please email or call if you would like to set up a private evaluation or if your son pitches.
Coach Barker |
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Peanutsr
171 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 18:17:07
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| Are the Black Knights the team that wears the camo jerseys? |
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ecbblackknights
66 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 00:45:38
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Yes! We wear the Camo Jersey usually on Saturday. We do so to honor those men and women who serve our country every day. Each player wears the Army unit patch of their choice on their shoulder to honor this unit. We wear traditional uniforms the other days of the tournament.
Coach Barker |
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Shut Out
512 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 14:16:52
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| Really peanut |
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ecbblackknights
66 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 19:44:05
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We will start evaluating players who are pitchers starting on Monday July 25 through Thursday July 28 by appointment only. If you would like to have your son evaluated please email ecbblackknights@aol.com for available times. We will do position evaluations as a group.
Thanks,
Coach Barker |
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