Some say that ground ball double-plays are a pitcher's best friend. This is false. A pitcher's best friends are the grittiest, most "blue-collar," toughest, and often, the stinkiest guys on the team. They are the hardest workers in practice; they take a beating during games; they unify a clubhouse. They direct traffic in the infield, are the most mentally locked-in, and know the opponent better than anyone on the field. They share the pride when their pitchers are mowing 'em

Earlier this week, I had an email exchange with the father (Jeff) of one of the boys (Wyatt) I began coaching the night before. I was so imp