Hello Called Strike Three Community,

This is my first post here and I am looking forward to becoming a regular here talking baseball with Long Islanders like myself.

Even though I was born in Port Jeff, was raised in Miller Place, Graduated from Hofstra University in Hempstead, and was Drafted in 2006 by the Washington Nationals my name is probably knew to most of you.

But I plan on making myself known across the baseball community on Long Island as someone who truly cares about the youth of Long Island and wants to see more players from LI drafted in the years to come.

I wrote an article "Tryout Tips" in response to tons of questions I have been getting from nervous players and parents alike, stressed out about upcoming tryouts.

If you are interested in reading my "Baseball Tryout Tips" along with a personal story about my final day as a professional baseball player, then just follow this link and enjoy!

http://www.rickycaputobaseball.com

Best of luck to players trying out this week, I hope this message gets to you before tryouts are over, I know it will help.

Sincerely,

Ricky Caputo

So just put your name on my mailing list, so my travel organization can contact you.

This has nothing to do with the Mariners.

This is my own personal venture.

Best of luck, Ricky. You're a great trainer and a real stand up guy.

Ricky - Outstanding job, very informative and well written.
See you on the fields!!
Gary

Great "Tryout Tips" Ricky lot's of good info. Your own story of your last day of spring training with the Washington Nationals and what you said to Bob Boone the GM had me in tears. Maybe you could include a few of your tips in the post next time and then we can go to your site for the rest. Either way thanks

Good idea

1. Be on time: If your not 15 minutes early your 15 minutes late!

4. Introduce yourself: If you have never met the Coach before make sure you go out of your way to say hello and shake his hand introducing yourself. This will show the coach you are a mature young man with a professional attitude and strong self confidence. The type of confidence needed to lead a team, or get a game winning hit.

11. Fake it Until you Make it: If you hate defense it doesn't matter, "fake it until you make it" that's a great quote that means, try hard to look like you are completely comfortable on a baseball field even if you are not, if you are able to fool enough coaches throughout your career, you'll keep making teams and moving up the ladder.

22. Be coachable: Coaches are not looking for an all star player. Yes all stars are fun to have. But so are players with the ability to get better. It is more satisfying for a coach to find a player he knows has athletic ability and the burning desire to become a better ball player, and turn him into an All Star. That's why they are "coaches" in the first place.

Tears, there is no crying in basball!

Nice post Ricky. But I disagree with your statement that this has nothing to do with the Mariners. The timing of your post and the 6 tool program at the Mariner facility is suspicous. While your post is worthwhile to the parents on this boards, it Sounds like your post here is just free advertsement for a profit making venture.

If you don't have anything nice to say, Shut Up!
Be nice.