FUNGOMAN JOURNAL

Every smart coach wants to develop skill in players that he hopes will put their team in a winning position on every play. In the age of Moneyball and MLB Statcast, the data captured for entertainment and competitive purposes alike, have opened up new ways of thinking about developing skill and maximizing talent. According to the architects at MLB Statcast uses the same technology that tracks debris during the launch of space shuttles to change the way we watch baseball on TV. Thanks to this technology, organizations are giving overlooked talent a second chance to compete in the Major Leagues, because the data shows the potential of players where we might not expect to find it. The smart data revolution has fundamentally changed the way we watch a baseball game on television; could it change the way we think about other aspects of the game?

With 9 State Championship titles, 826 wins, and 29 players drafted, it's no wonder that Coach Glenn Cecchini was bestowed the honor of 2016 All-USA Baseball Coach of the Year. Last week Cecchini generously shared some of his advice and championship-winning drills with us at FungoMan, and with his go-ahead, we're elated to share them with you.

Most of us can pinpoint one or two coaches who changed the game for us. But every once in a while, a great coach will not only change a few dozen lucky ones who got to play for him, but touch thousands with the impact of his legacy and of what it means to be a champion. Todd Oakes is one of those coaches. Read on to see his legacy.