Definition of ‘Gear Grinders’ – Certain things, topics, issues that are ‘No-No’s” for baseball players (especially HS players) on, or off the field. Below you will find a list of things that I personally can’t stand to see, hear, witness, or any other sense that the human body possesses. I am sure every coach could add to this list and if you have any, please send via email and I’ll post.

 –          Let’s start with my favorite. Holding hands or PDA with girlfriends while in uniform. Geezz… this could be the worst one. Nothing tells me you are softer than if the first thing you do after a game is run to your girlfriend like a lost puppy dog. Acknowledging her with a hug or maybe a kiss on the head or cheek after spectators are gone is ok but to be late for the team meeting because you are making out with the girlfriend behind the dugout is unacceptable. But I will say this… If your motive is because you saw AJ McCarron smooch Katherine Webb, realize that he was at least a multiple national champion quarterback and she was Miss Alabama.

–         Dancing in uniform is right under the girlfriend thing.  The baseball uniform and dancing just doesn’t mix well. Even if you can dance, it still looks hideous. Just don’t dance!

–          I love this one…. Driving up to the field with the windows down, blaring the unedited version of Lil Wane’s #1 underground single of the week. Oh and you got to have a backwards hat, sunglasses on, bobbing your head with a west coast lean, one hand on the stirring wheel, lip syncing every word, hanging a fat dip of Skoal wintergreen, throwing duces out the window, and every now and then cracking a smile like someone just told you a joke just in case a hottie looks your way.  Get over yourself clown.

–          Always looking in the stands or in the dugout. Especially pitchers. If you look in the dugout after every pitch that is telling me you are weak and do not need to be on the mound at that particular time.  

–          Pitchers…… get a hat that fits your head if your’s can’t stay on your head after every pitch. Or cut that Justin Bieber mop you got going on up there. 

–          Too many accessories. If you can open up your own Evo-Shield outlet store with what you wear up to the plate and you have different colors to match every set of uniform, its overkill. This also goes for necklaces, earrings and bracelets, etc.

–          Too much swag that comes off cocky, disrespectful and affects the speed of the game. I like a little swag now, don’t get me wrong, but to have Young Jezzy get halfway through his six minute long song before you step into the box is quite a bit too much. Have a routine but keep it short.

–          Blaming your gear for your own mistakes. Slamming your helmet down, throwing your glove or ripping your batting gloves in half is just childish. Where is the appreciation for the person that bought that helmet or those batting gloves?

–          Expecting your first base/third base coach to pick up your gear after you just crop-dusted it around the infield because you grounded out. Actually, that should fall on your coaches and happen only once. If it happened again, you would be playing whiffle ball in the back yard with the other guys that got cut. 

–          Pimping homeruns off HS pitchers (unless it is called for or some sort of retaliation).

–          Throwing down on a #5 combo meal (go large) from Burger King in the dugout or anywhere around the diamond. Mix in a salad chunky butt.

–          Backwards hats

–          Sagging baseball pants…not baggy, saggy britches. Better be able to really play with that look!

–          Terribly groomed beards or facial hair. No facial hair is recommended but if you do have some, clean it up.

–          Untucked jersey

–          Beer guts at 17 yr. old

Quite a few more things that will step on your toes, do some digging here: Diamond Notes Archives