June 7, 2004:  The Shepherd speaking on base running:  First and foremost - listen to and watch your base coaches.  The coaches should know your limits, so trust them.  Watch the 3rd base coach and not the ball after rounding 2nd.  Be aware that the 3rd base coach will sometimes be giving instructions to multiple runners.  Don't be that person who gets waved home and then stops half way because the coach told the runner behind you to hold up at 3rd base.  Make sure if you are running to second on an infield grounder, that you either slide or get out of the way if the other team has a potential to turn a double play.  We don't want anyone getting hit with the thrown ball.  Shake off that bad hit.  If you hit into a fielder's choice and they throw out the lead runner, don't hang your head.  You are a base-runner now and you need to focus on the task at hand!  Always run hard to 1st base, even when it is painfully obvious that you'll be out.  You never know when the sun will interfere with the outfielder and they drop the fly ball.  Here is another example:  1 out, runner on first, and you hit a lazy pop up to the 3rd baseman.  If you don't run that out, the 3rd baseman can purposely drop the ball, toss the ball to 2nd and easily turn the double play because you're still standing at home plate.  If you run it out, you take away their easy double play.  And finally, never make the 1st or 3rd out at 3rd base!  Good luck on the base pads!

May 31, 2002:  The Shepherd speaking on tagging-up.  Some might look at tagging-up as a simple aspect of a softball game.  But as a base runner, you have the responsibility of making the most of your opportunities to tag on a fly ball.  Everyone knows you tag from 3rd base on the medium to deep fly ball.  But let's examine three less-obvious nuances of tagging-up.  First of all, you might consider faking the tag early in the game to test the outfielder's arm, accuracy and readiness.  Do this in situations when you wouldn't normally tag (from 1st or 2nd) just to see if you can draw a throw.  You can scout the outfield's talent and possibly get an extra base on an overthrow.  Just be careful not to get caught at your original base.    Second, remember that you can tag as soon as the ball makes contact with the fielder.  This is important in the event the fielder bobbles the ball.  You don't have to wait for the fielder to make the catch.  As long as the ball makes contact with the fielder, you can tag.  Finally, keep in mind that you can tag on a foul ball that is caught in the air.  Any time a ball is caught in the air for the 1st or 2nd out, the runners can tag.  It doesn't matter if the ball is fair or foul.  Remember these three rules on tagging-up and you should be able to increase your base running opportunities and hopefully add to your team's overall run output.

May 21, 2002:  Matt the Shepherd speaking on pitch preparedness.  Always be ready for the pitch.  Some pitchers like to catch you off guard by giving you the 'quick pitch' while you're still in your pre-batting routine.   While this seems lame, it is totally legal.  The rule is that if you have both feet in the batter's box, they can pitch the ball whether you're looking or not.  Obviously, one way to avoid this is to carefully step into the batter's box only when you're ready to hit and step out after every pitch.  But this doesn't work for everyone.  Some people like to get in the box, work it around a little and go through a mini routine before each pitch.  If you fit this category, you should consider calling a timeout while you do this.  Simply hold up your hand to the umpire (not the pitcher) and he/she should call timeout until you're ready to hit.  Good hitting! 

April 4, 2002: Brian Leither commenting shortly after the Sheep roster was finalized.    I will say that with the free agent market locked and the trading deadlines expired, the torch for success has been passed from the front office to each of us as individuals, players, and role models in the community. Let us not forget that it is not all about your performance on the field. Your diligence and commitment to strength training and cardio regimens will speak volumes to our success as a team. Likewise, I think we are all aware in today's sports media-driven culture of how one player's lack of judgment and discretion, if even for a fleeting moment, in his/her off-field conduct can ravage and destroy a team's chemistry and focus. I challenge each of us to make sure we attend to our personal affairs with the same energy and focus that we bring to the field when we put our game faces on. With this level of personal commitment, I have confidence we will on a day-in and day-out basis, be able to pencil in a winning formula that by season's end will not only make us league champions, but will more importantly make us all players of character and proud to be part of a team and a tradition known as the Inflatable Party Sheep. Now, who wants to bet me a keg of Guinness that we win our first game?