Baseball, like any other sport, hinges on the fundamentals. Yesterday’s game incident involving Jo Adell of the Los Angeles Angels is a stark reminder of why mastering the little things can make or break a moment on the field.
During a crucial point in the Angels’ matchup against the Rays, Adell, confident in his speed, made the decision to steal second. He got the jump he needed but skipped the slide at second base, overrunning it and getting tagged out, squashing a potential rally in a game where every run was critical.
Angels’ manager Ron Washington didn’t mince words post-game, highlighting the mishap as “embarrassing” to the team. “It’s obvious he overran the bag. We down 4-2 right there in the eighth inning, if you’re going to decide to get that bag you gotta get the bag,” Washington stated, using this as a teachable moment for his player and the team.
The essence of baseball is often found in such minutiae—the split-second decisions that distinguish a safe call from an out. In Adell’s case, not sliding represented a fundamental oversight. Sliding isn’t just about avoiding a tag; it’s about ensuring you stay on the base, which is crucial in tight game situations. For players, especially the rookies and those in high-pressure spots, understanding and executing these basics is non-negotiable.
I wrote why some young players are hesitant to slide and what you, as a parent or coach, can do to help them to overcome such fears by teaching proper techniques and timing of effective sliding. From the pop-up slide to the hook slide, mastering these can mean the difference between a win and a loss. It’s essential for players at all levels to practice these techniques regularly, making them second nature.
In coaching, whether it’s 13U recreational or competitive tournament teams, reinforcing these fundamentals is a priority. Each practice, each drill must serve a purpose—to ingrain habits so deeply that they become instinctual in game situations. As demonstrated by Adell’s oversight, even professionals can falter under pressure when they stray from the basics.
In conclusion, as Ron Washington rightly pointed out, there’s a lesson here: no matter the size of your lead or the speed of your run, the fundamentals—like sliding—must never be overlooked. Every play, every run, every game counts, and often, it’s the little things that sway the final score. For anyone stepping onto the diamond, let this be a reminder to stick to the basics, the building blocks of great baseball.