The Culture of Newberg Baseball

Hello coaches, first off thank you for your dedication to our players and Newberg Baseball. It is not an easy task to take on coaching responsibilities and the amount of time you donate. It is much appreciated and we could not do it without you. 

This document was created as a resource to ensure that we are establishing a championship culture from our youngest players in tee-ball all the way through high school. Our goal is for each individual player to rise to the standards required to be a champion and through that be a part of something greater then themselves. The purpose we serve as coaches is to develop fundamental skills, build character through pressure and competition, and show that despite a players ability each individual has an important role on the team. We believe that the embodiment of these things will result in a championship culture that lends itself to success on and off the field. 

A championship culture relies on breeding competition, with each player bringing a positive attitude to their role as a player. Baseball is a sport of failure; for example you can be an all-star going 3 for 10 at the plate. So, you’re failing more than half of the time. How do we create a culture that can handle the failure that comes with baseball. We limit excuses, respond to adversity, and teach players mental toughness. 

Limit excuses. We must eliminate the excuses we make on and off the field. Our players need to take responsibility for the outcomes of their actions so that they can learn from mistakes and rise. If we allow them to make excuses for their failures it will be hard for them to make the appropriate adjustments needed to have success. As coaches we need to point out players mental and physical weaknesses in a constructive way so that they can become better players and humans. 

Teach them to respond to adversity. Our players will not have selfish attitudes or have poor body language. Our intent and focus will be to respond to negative events with a positive mindset. Like mentioned before baseball is full of adversity and it is critical that players are receptive to learning and being positive. Anything less is selfish and takes away from the team. 

Mental toughness. All this leads up to players that are mentally tough. Mentally tough players have confidence as they battle through high pressure situations, finding ways to win. Mentally tough players don’t crumble after making an error or striking out. They learn from the experience and are eager and ready for another opportunity to compete and succeed. 

Energy and excitement. By the time players are at the Senior level they should know what it means to bring positive energy and excitement to their team. If players are not doing this then they are being selfish and taking away from the team. This should be addressed immediately. Players should be able to manage and control the energy they bring. This allows coaches to focus on other things such as, skill building and teaching baseball knowledge. When good players lose energy and focus it becomes detrimental to the team and then they are not fulfilling their role. 

Knowing your role and executing your role.  As players get older and playing time is no longer guaranteed, players will have to find ways to still make a positive impact on the team.  This can be accomplished in a number of ways, some of which don’t involve any play on the field.  Being a good teammate in the dugout, picking up teammates who are playing, having a job (quality at bat chart, pitch count, etc..) are examples of roles that still make a positive impact on the team.  Being involved in the success of your team and teammates as well as being ready whenever your name is called is paramount to earning your name on the lineup card.  Having a positive attitude and understanding that the teams success is more important than the individual success are requirements.

Earn everything.  Players need to have a mentality that they earn every opportunity that they are given.  Every at bat, inning on the mound or defensive opportunity is earned through hard work, a positive attitude, execution and doing the little things right.  If your name is not called in the lineup, don’t have the mentality to shut down or check out of the game, have the mentality to improve and work your hardest to get the opportunity to play and show the coaches why you should be in the lineup.  Earn everything.

Once again thank you for being apart of Newberg baseball. We are one big family and want to build a successful program from Tball through high school. Thank you for your time and commitment.

-NHS Baseball