Académique Documents
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Culture Documents
BASEBALL
PLAYER EXPECTATIONS 4
• Loyalty • Drugs and Alcohol
• Character • Profanity
• Respect • School Policies
• Social Media • Classroom Expectations
SEASON COMMITMENT 7
• Practice Expectations
• Practice Attire
• Competition and Game Expectations
• Training Room
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 8
• Lettering
• Playing Time
• Travel Policy
• Uniforms
• Game Schedule
• Practice Schedule
SEASON GOALS 10
COACHING STAFF 11
PARENT PARTNERSHIP 14
CONTACT INFORMATION 16
1
PARK CENTER BASEBALL CORE ELEMENTS
Park Center Senior High’s mission is to inspire and prepare all students with the confidence, courage and
competence to achieve their dreams; contribute to community; and engage in a lifetime of learning.
PROGRAM THEME
In the spirit of Tim McGraw, our program’s theme is “Play Humble and Kind.”
Don't expect a free ride from no one When those dreams you're dreamin come to you
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why When the work you put in is realized
Bitterness keeps you from flying Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind Always stay humble and kind
We will seek to learn more about the depth of what it means to “Play Humble and Kind” in all situations. We
will be a team that “Plays Humbly” and be one that truly cares about all things to show a championship spirit.
We will always play as if we are the underdog, anticipate the other team is better. We will hustle,
compete, and earn every win.
We will hustle on and off the field, with infielders getting on the field in five seconds or less and outfielders
getting on the field in nine seconds or less. We will pick up our teammates, both their equipment and their
spirits. We will always sprint to first base, whether it be by hit, walk, or hit by pitch. Our hustle will make our
teammates want to hustle so that we all play the game at “212 degrees.” It begins with the premise, "At 211
degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And with steam, you
can power a train. Just one extra degree makes all the difference."
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CORE VALUES
Our core values are centered around the Five Cs: Camaraderie, Character, Courage, Compete and
Consistency.
Camaraderie
Great teams strive to build camaraderie. Its members “Talent wins games, but teamwork,
develop a sense of responsibility through fellowship. We
camaraderie and intelligence win
will discover how to infuse camaraderie throughout our
team culture to promote a sense of collective direction. championships.” — Michael Jordan
Courage
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus defines courage as "when you
know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and
see it through no matter what." If Atticus can show the kind of
courage it took to go through all that he did, we can certainly
show courage in all the small things we encounter this year.
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Consistency
BEYOND THEIR CONTROL
We can show camaraderie and perfect love to
each other, but without consistency, people Four players who might have been Hall of Famers if
forget. We can display character and walk the not for an unavoidable calamity
narrow path, but without consistency, it’s like
we weren’t there at all. We can compete on Dwight Evans — 1981 Strike
Tuesday, but we must be consistent in all Sabermetricians love the candidacy of
aspects of our efforts … we need to exert Dwight Evans, whose advanced stats rank
maximum and consistent effort. We can show better than many Hall of Fame outfielders.
courage and do great things, but without To traditionalists, though, Evans might
simply look like a very good player who
consistency, the world only sees the little
never won anything aside from a slew of
things you missed. We must show Gold Glove Awards. This might have
Camaraderie, Character, Compete and changed in 1981, when he led the
Courage . . . Consistently. American League with twenty-two home
runs in a season that lost six weeks of games in the middle
because of a strike.
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RESPECT
Trust that all decisions made by the coaching staff are in the
best interest of the team. One of the goals of the coaching staff
is to make this team the best it can possibly be. No coach will SHE LOVED BASEBALL
compromise the success of the team for an individual.
The Effa Manley Story
Below you will find our social networking guidelines which provide the following guidelines for social
networking site usage:
• Everything you post is public information – any text or photo placed online is completely out of your
control the moment it is placed online – even if you limit access to your site. Information (including
pictures, videos, and comments) may be accessible even after you remove it. Once you post a photo
or comment on a social networking site, that photo or comment becomes the property of the site and
may be searchable even after you remove it.
• What you post may affect your future. Many employers and college admissions officers review social
networking sites as part of their overall evaluation of an applicant. Carefully consider how you want
people to perceive you before you give them a chance to misinterpret your information (including
pictures, videos, comments, and posters).
• Similar to comments made in person, the Park Center Senior High Athletic Department will not
tolerate disrespectful comments and behavior online, such as:
o Derogatory language or remarks that may harm my teammates or coaches; other Park
Center student athletes, teachers, or coaches; and student-athletes, coaches, or
representatives of other schools, including comments that may disrespect my opponents.
o Incriminating photos or statements depicting violence; hazing; sexual harassment; full or
partial nudity; inappropriate gestures; vandalism, stalking; underage drinking, selling,
possessing, or using controlled substances; or any other inappropriate behaviors.
o Creating a serious danger to the safety of another person or making a credible threat of
serious physical or emotional injury to another person.
o Indicating knowledge of an unreported school or team violation regardless if the violation was
unintentional or intentional.
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In short, do not have a false sense of security about your rights
to freedom of speech. Understand that freedom of speech is
THE “BEST BASEBALL not unlimited. The on-line social network sites are NOT a place
PLAYER IN THE WORLD” where you can say and do whatever you want without
repercussions. The information you post on a social
ISN’T IN MLB . . . YET networking site is considered public information. Protect
yourself by maintaining a self-image of which you can be proud
for years to come.
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SEASON COMMITMENT
Baseball players are expected to attend all required activities, such as practices, games, team-building
activities, etc. The game schedule and spring calendar appear in the Park Center athletic calendar and on
our team webpage. All who are involved in the baseball program are making a sizable time commitment to
pursue excellence. One of the commitments from the coaching staff will be a high level of professionalism in
honoring the above schedule and ensuring practices are completed at the listed times. When bad weather
strikes, we ask for your flexibility in terms of time and transportation. We will do everything we can to
communicate with you promptly.
Note: Teacher meetings or test taking should occur outside of the practice schedule. Calendars are
provided for your planning. Baseball players should not schedule appointments or other activities
during practice. Please try to avoid making vacation or travel plans during seasonal activities,
including competition season.
PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS
1. Players are expected to show a great attitude and effort at all practices. Be ready to go!
2. Always be early.
3. All players should be at every practice wearing the appropriate attire.
4. If you must miss, call the head coach or assistant coach before practice. This communication should
come from players, not from parents. Text or email is acceptable only as a follow-up to a phone call.
5. If you are injured and cannot practice, you still need to be at practice with your position coach to
learn.
6. If you do not report to the trainer you will be expected to practice.
PRACTICE ATTIRE
We will wear a hat, appropriately colored top (green/yellow/black/gray/white), baseball pants (white or gray),
green or yellow socks, green/black/yellow belt, and cleats every day.
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COMPETITION AND GAME EXPECTATIONS
Initial placement on a certain level (varsity, junior varsity, 9th grade team) does not guarantee your spot for
the entire season. Readiness, academics, character and attitude will determine participation. Baseball
players are expected to attend all practices and games which are placed on the baseball calendar.
TRAINING ROOM
If you believe you have an injury, you should always report to the athletic trainer according to the following
timelines:
If a player suspects they have sustained an injury during practice, they should not leave until they
have consulted with the trainer. The athletic training department at Park Center can connect you
with specialists should you desire additional medical care. For sports injuries, athletes are best
served best if they consult the trainer prior to consulting a family doctor. More information can be
found in the Athletic Training Room Guidelines posted in the training room.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
LETTERING
All varsity baseball players who finish the season in good standing will receive their varsity letter. The
definition of a varsity player is someone who dresses for the varsity contests and makes a valuable
contribution to the varsity team during the season. Letters will be awarded at the program banquet.
PLAYING TIME
Playing time is an awarded privilege, not a right. Athletes are played because:
• They exhibit high character on the field, in the classroom and in the community.
• They get the job done better than someone else.
• They add the most value to the team.
• They understand their role on the team.
• Their priority is to make the team better.
• They do the things that are required plus more.
• They make plays in practices and games.
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TRAVEL POLICY
The school district will provide transportation for participants to all conference, nonconference and
Minnesota State High School League tournament-sponsored events in the seven-county metropolitan area.
Note: Transportation is not provided to games played at Noble Sports Park. Players must arrange
transportation to and from Noble Sports Park and report to the field at the time designated by the coach.
UNIFORMS
Uniforms are to be worn according to the game calendar. Changes in uniforms will be determined by the
coaches and/or the captains. Any changes in uniform will be made at least 24 hours prior to the wearing of a
uniform outfit and ALL team members will be notified of the change. Uniforms may only be used for games
or competitions (not practices or social events). If a piece of the uniform is lost or stolen, players are
responsible for replacing the item. They will pay the full price of the original item plus any shipping or
reordering charges.
If a player quits or is removed from the squad, he will be expected to return all uniform items owned
by the school within one week. Any items not returned will be charged to his account with the school.
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GAME SCHEDULE
The game schedule for the varsity, junior varsity and 9th grade teams can be found on the Park Center
athletic calendar and on www.parkcenterbaseball.com.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Because of the volatility of spring weather in Minnesota, games and practices will be in a constant state of
change and flux. The weekly practice schedule will be posted on www.parkcenterbaseball.com. We will
notify players of changes to the schedule via email.
SEASON GOALS
• Maintain the work ethic in the weight room established by coaches with 100% attendance and
meeting marks established on workout sheet
• Promote shoulder/arm strength and health by using J-Bands and medicine ball exercises
• 100% attendance at all practices
• Continuous Improvement every day
• Establish unity in our program through “The Brotherhood”
• Have FUN!
QAB criteria
1. Hit
2. BB/HBP/Catcher’s Interference
3. Sac Fly
4. Sac Bunt
5. Advance Lead Runner Via Out or Error
6. Squared Line Drive
7. 8-Pitch AB
8. Suicide Squeeze
9. Putting ball in play with two strikes (lower level only)
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Team QAB Goals
Varsity: 17 per game, Junior Varsity: 19 per game, 9th Grade: 21 per game
1. Earn 9 “Freebies” – BB, HBP, SB, E, 2-Strike Hit
2. Score more runs than runners left on base
3. Win more innings than the opponent
COACHING STAFF
NATHAN JOHNSON, HEAD COACH
Coach Johnson grew up playing baseball in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. After high school, he attended and
played baseball at Anoka Ramsey Community College where he earned his AA degree. Coach Johnson
then earned his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Concordia University in St. Paul.
Nathan started coaching at Andover High School when it opened in 2002, where he was the head coach of
the 9th grade A team. After three years, he moved on to become the head coach of the 10th grade Andover
team. After three more years at Andover, Coach Johnson was presented with an opportunity to become an
assistant varsity coach at Park Center in 2009 with longtime friend and mentor Rob Vitense.
Coach Johnson is excited to help lead the Pirates program and continue building lasting relationships with
the players and parents. Once a Pirate, ALWAYS a Pirate.
If Coach Johnson isn’t at a ballpark, you will most likely find him on the golf course and spending time with
family and friends.
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When not on the field, you can find Kevin near the water or at Target Field. Kevin lives in Arden Hills with his
wife Lisa, son Evan and their black lab, Macey.
When not coaching, Tyler continues to play baseball as a catcher for the Coon Rapids Redbirds Amateur
team as well as getting in a few rounds on the golf course.
Henry attended Augsburg College from 2006 to 2010 where he earned four-year MIAC All-Conference and
two-year ABCA All-West Region honors as a catcher, and was a team captain his junior and senior year.
Craig finished his career with a .378 average, is the career leader in school history in hits (186), doubles
(47), and total bases (272), 3rd in runs scored (121), and 5th in RBI’s (98).
During the day, Henry works for Molin Concrete Products in Lino Lakes and is a private catching and hitting
Instructor with Great Lakes Baseball Academy in Woodbury. When not at the field, you will most likely find him
on the golf course or at his home in Blaine with his wife, Emily, and their son, Liam Thomas.
Coach Sauter is working to develop his young, but talented, junior varsity team. He welcomes the
opportunity to coach and make ready the next wave of varsity players.
When not coaching, you can find Matt at home in Plymouth working on his house or down in his workshop
doing woodworking. Of course, he spends most of his time chasing around his three-year-old son, Jack and
new addition Josephine.
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tenure in Minnesota, Coach Brinkley continued his coaching career for more than six years with the Edina
Baseball Association and currently trains/coaches at Great Lakes Baseball Academy. An athlete and
graduate of the University of Maryland Terrapin, he brings his passion and knowledge of the game.
“I am very proud to be a part of the Pirate family. Our student-athletes give 100% on/off the field and that
makes it a very easy job to lead these young men. I am very lucky to have been blessed with this
opportunity to work with such a great coaching staff and talented athletes.”
A Clear Lake, Iowa High School and Iowa State University graduate, Young was an outfielder for the Clear
Lake Lions. Coach Young was a utility player for the Cedar Rapids Mudcats in the Eastern Iowa Adult
Baseball League from 2012-2014.
From 2008 to 2010 Young worked with the Vanderbilt University baseball program in Nashville assisting with
youth and high school camps and media relations duties for the program. Following his time at Vanderbilt,
Young worked with the Lipscomb University baseball program as a sports information director and
operations assistant. In addition, Young has scouted and evaluated high school players across the country
while working for Perfect Game and Baseball America.
When not at the field, you will likely find him spending time with his wife Laura and their Boston Terrier. The
couple also enjoys spending the summer nights at the friendly confines of Target Field watching the Twins.
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PARENT PARTNERSHIP
PARTNERSHIP GUIDELINES
The team always comes first. We have no stars.
• They exhibit high character on the field, in the classroom and in the community.
• They get the job done better than someone else.
• They add the most value to the team.
• They understand their role on the team.
• Their number one goal is to make the team better.
• They do the things that are required plus more.
• They make plays in practices and games.
• Parent's influence or position makes no difference in any decision within the baseball program.
• Parents should seek to serve the program without expectations for favor for their son’s playing time.
• A team member’s position will be determined by what is best for the team and student-athlete.
If there are any problems that arise, we want to have proper communication channels within the
baseball program.
Of course, parents are always welcome to talk to the head coach about non-baseball items: grades,
girlfriend, background, recruiting, etc.
1. Schedule meetings with the coaching staff in advance, in accordance with the chain of command
represented above.
2. Remember our philosophy when evaluating a situation: The team comes first.
3. The door is always open and so is our mind.
4. We attempt to keep short accounts with your son’s challenges. We ask the same of you. Please be
open-minded as we work together to resolve situations which may arise.
5. Meetings should take place a minimum of 24 hours after an incident occurs.
6. Place responsibility on your son whenever possible, help them grow and be a self-advocate. Before
we know it, these young men will be out on their own, so let’s partner together to prepare them.
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HOW TO STAY IN THE LOOP
ASK YOUR PLAYER!
Coaches will share information with players, and players are responsible for relaying that information to their
parents. If you have questions about upcoming schedules or events, ask your player first!
EMAIL – PARKCENTERBASEBALL@YAHOO.COM
The booster club’s email address is parkcenterbaseball@yahoo.com. We will send messages from this
email address throughout the season. Please make sure we have your current email address(s) on file.
IMPORTANT DATES
• April 6 Feed My Starving Children
• April 15 Cub Bagging Fundraiser
• April 17 Booster Club Meeting, 7:00 pm at Kelly’s
• May 6 BPAA Opening Day Ceremonies (varsity players to attend)
• May 14 Steak Fry Fundraiser, Osseo American Legion
• May 15 Booster Club Meeting, 7:00 pm at Kelly’s
• May 19 Senior Recognition Day / All Family Picnic
• May 26 Playoffs Begin
• June 4 End-of-Season Banquet
• July 28-30 Hosting MYAS tournament (volunteers needed from all families)
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CONTACT INFORMATION
COACHING STAFF
Coach Position Mobile Phone Email
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