Inside the dugout

ExclusivE intErviEw coach anna wElsh

How well do you know your stadiums?

INSIDE THE DUGOUT

INT

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S O U T H E A S T E R N BASEBALLHISTORY

J O H N N I E K I R K L A N D

SPRING TRAINING PHOTOS

of the

DETROIT TIGERS

E d i t o r ’ s N o t E B aseball has been a part of life, growing up in a very sporty family; I found that baseball has been one of the sports that I mostly look up to. The excitement of walking into a packed stadium, with the different tastes and aromas of hot dogs, peanuts and cotton candy still bring back wonderful memories of my childhood. Now, my interest in baseball goes beyond enjoying a game at a ball park; it’s knowing more about the players themselves.

As an avid baseball fan I find myself wondering about the future generations of baseball players to come in to the Major Leagues. So, I decided to create a one of kind magazine that gets in to the life of these young players both on and off of the field. This edition of InsIde the dugout is the first interview edition. Since I have played softball I decided to add in this edition of InsIde the dugout exclusive interviews and features of my Alma Mater Southeastern University softball team.

Thank you for picking up this edition of InsIde the dugout.

See ya at the ballpark.

Daniela L. HernandezDaniela L. [email protected]

Daniela L. Hernandez

DannyLHernandez

DannyLHernandez

Inside the life of Southeastern

University First Softball Coach

From Detroit to Florida SpringTraining Photos of the Detroit Tigers in

Lakeland Florida

I N T H I S I S S U E4

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BASEBALL HISTORY

IN THE CATCHERS BOX

5 GOOD MINUTES

COVER STORY

SOUTHEASTERN SOFTBALL

COACH ANA WELSH

STADIUM SAVY

TRAINING WITH TIGERS

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Ted Broer Stadium home of the Fire, as well as, the many family, friends, and faculty of Southeastern University has not always existed.

It may seem as if Southeastern has always had a baseball stadium, but that has not always been the case. The stadium was designed by SEU’s former Athletic Director Duane Aagard and former baseball coach Frank Yurchak.

The field has the dimensions of 315 feet left field, 400 feet center field, 370 feet right center field and 310 feet right field. This ultimately, makes it a much smaller version of Fenway Park. The stadium was named by Dr. Ted A. Broer, a world renowned international author and founder of Health Masters.

Southeastern University baseball has hosted four NCCAA II National tournaments. Coach Jason Beck says that during the season the stadium opens the team made it to the NCC Nationals (before he was head coach) and then won the nationals during the 2004-2005 season. Coach Beck continues by adding, “the turning point was when former president Mark Rutland raised the level for athletics.”

QUICK FACTSDonor: Dr. Ted A. BroerSeating: 750w3Opened: April 7, 2004 vs. Webber InternationalFirst win: April 15, 2004 vs. Florida Memorial, 8-7First loss: April 7, 2004 vs. Webber International, 7-5Longest Win Streak: 16 games (2011)

Written By Daniela L. Hernandez

4Photos / quick facts Courtesy of : Southeastern university Athletics

The History of Southeastern Baseball

Ted Broer Stadium home of the Fire, as well as, the many family, friends, and faculty of Southeastern University has not always existed.

It may seem as if Southeastern has always had a baseball stadium, but that has not always been the case. The stadium was designed by SEU’s former Athletic Director Duane Aagard and former baseball coach Frank Yurchak.

The field has the dimensions of 315 feet left field, 400 feet center field, 370 feet right center field and 310 feet right field. This ultimately, makes it a much smaller version of Fenway Park. The stadium was named by Dr. Ted A. Broer, a world renowned international author and founder of Health Masters.

Southeastern University baseball has hosted four NCCAA II National tournaments. Coach Jason Beck says that during the season the stadium opens the team made it to the NCC Nationals (before he was head coach) and then won the nationals during the 2004-2005 season. Coach Beck continues by adding, “the turning point was when former president Mark Rutland raised the level for athletics.”

First hit: April 7, 2004 (Ian O’Leary, single)First winning SEU pitcher: Eric Haynes, April 15, 2004 vs. Florida Memorial, 8-7.First losing SEU pitcher: Tommy Sutton, April 7, 2004 vs. Webber International, 7-5First National Tournament hosted: April 21-23, 2005

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SOUTHEASTERN BASEBALL

The History of Southeastern Baseball

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“Every person in the team has a role”

“I think that’s what makes a team better, knowing your role”


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About Carlos Favorite baseball team: Boston Red SocksCountry of Birth: VenezuelaBats/Throws: Right/RightPosition: Catcher

It starts with two basic elements: passion and a strong team to help you drive that passion. For some team is family and friends, for others an actual sports team. But, however your team looks like they are sure to inspire and stir the dreams and passion inside. Catcher Carlos Guzman says, “the passion for the game that the people in my country [Venezuela] have and the passion that is in my heart is part of my life.” Guzman currently plays for the Southeastern Fire, and when asked about his personal definition of the word team he responded, “Every person in the team has a role. And I think every player, every individual needs to know what their role is for the team. I think that’s what makes a team better; know your role. Knowing your role and input in the game.” Guzman mentions that his coaches have also been a positive influence to him both on and off the field. “I think they have done a great job at it,” Guzman said.

But not only does baseball have to do with passion, coaches and a supportive team, but faith also plays a significant role in Guzman’s career; it influences how he plays as well. “Being faithful to the game, to yourself, believing that your faith will take you a long way. I struggled at the beginning of the season and I kept telling myself, “I can’t give up.”

In the Catchers Box with Carlos GuzmanGuzman talks about Life, baseball and the FireWritten/Photographed By Daniela L. Hernandez

Daniela Hernandez: What age did you started to play? Phil Delisle: 5 years of age started playing- my dad played both baseball and hockey. And my mom didn’t want me to play hockey, so I played baseball and fell in love with it.

DH: How long have you been playing with the Fire?

PD: 1st year. I transferred to SEU this is my 3rd school.

DH: Whats your definition of the word team?

PD: A group of people that strive for the same goal or purpose.

DH: What has been your experience playing as a part of a team? PD: Being more with the culture, community. Associating more with others beyond athletics.

DH: How have your coaches influenced you?

PD: Always challenge me to my best potential. Without them I wont be here. They all gave me the opportunity to play baseball.

DH: Name three MLB players that you would like to meet.

PD: Vladimir Guerrero, Chipper Jones and R.A Dickey (Robert Allen Dickey)

5 Good Minutes with Phil DelisleWritten/Photographed By Daniela L. Hernandez

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Delisle waiting to bat at practice


Delisle slides safe into first base against Emmanuel College; as the Fire open their

2013 baseball season.

Fun Facts Favorite baseball team: Toronto Blue JaysHometown: Montreal, CanadaMajor: Sports ManagementBats/Throws: Right/RightPosition: Shortstop Height: 6-3

Southeastern University 1000 Longfellow Blvd, Lakeland, FL www.SEU. edu

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“It was the fIrst fall game at PBa, my elBow PoPPed

I fInIshed the InnIng wIth no lIgament”

Photo by: Daniela L Hernandez11

Kirkland closes the double

header game versus Edward

Waters College on January 25th.“It was the fIrst fall game at PBa, my elBow PoPPed

I fInIshed the InnIng wIth no lIgament”

From the Pitcher’s Mound

with

JOHNNIE KIRKLAND

SOUTHEASTERN BASEBALLPh

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13Photo Courtesy of : Southeastern university Athletics

Quick Facts about JohnnieFavorite Baseball team: Tampa Bay Rays Previous School: Palm Beach AtlanticHas a brother also playing for the Fire, George Kirkland

Going through ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction surgery better known as “Tommy John” is a surgery that no baseball pitcher would like to go through. After the surgery is complete it requires about a full year of rehabilitation.

For those that don’t know, the surgery was named by Thomas Edward John Jr. a pitcher of the LA Dodgers. John went through this radical surgical procedure to replace the UCL with another tendon. This surgery is mostly common to both collegiate and professional baseball players.

Even though, one of our very own Southeastern Fire baseball pitchers has had that same surgery, Johnnie Kirkland manages to break the strikeout record for SEU. Kirkland explains that he underwent surgery after pitching with Palm Beach Atlantic University. “It was the first fall game at PBA, my elbow popped I finished the inning with no ligament, “said Kirkland.

After surgery Kirkland’s most difficult adjustment as a pitcher was to throw, “I had to learn how to throw again.” Kirkland has been playing for the Fire since 2012; he has also pitch for Polk State College and Palm Beach Atlantic before transferring to SEU.

Kirkland defines team as family in the sense that you have to trust one another. Kirkland mentions that his coaches

have influenced him and helped him as well, “they know the game like the back of their hand. Their experience has helped me; through the hard times and trials I’ve had to go through.”

Just as his teammate Carlos Guzman, faith is a major factor that plays into the life of this young pitcher, “I pray before every game… especially if my arm aint feeling right. I’ve been blessed to play. ”

It looks like this pitcher has caught the eye of two major league teams and could possibly be getting drafted with either the Detroit Tigers or Houston Astros.

When asked about three Major League Baseball players he would like to meet, he smilingly responded, David Price, Mariano Rivera and Tim Lincecum.

Photo Courtesy of: Southeastern University

C O A C H A N A W E L S H A N D T H E S O U T H E A S T E R N F I R EInside the life of SEU’s First Softball Coach


Photos Courtesy of : Southeastern university Athletics14

Daniela Hernandez:What’s your favorite baseball/softball team?

Ana Welsh: “Baseball = Chicago White Sox, Softball = Southeastern Fire”

DH: Can you tell me a little about yourself? Family, Spouse, Children, pets etc…?

AW: I have been married to Jeff for 11 years. We met when he was a Sales associate with the Chicago White Sox and I was working an internship in the sales dept. We have a 6 ½ year old girl, Izabelle and a 4 ½ year boy, Elijah. We have 1 cat, Prince Eric. Izzy named him after Ariel’s prince in the Little Mermaid.

DH: What interested you in softball?

AW: I love the strategy of the game. You don’t have to be the 100% best athlete, but if you apply the mental side of the game and the strategy then you can be very successful. I love how there’s so many aspects from hitting and defense to pitching as well as baserunning. I pretty much love everything about that game. I’m pretty addicted to it, ha!

DH: Do you find it de your time between your personal life and softball?

AW: Yes, this is always a struggle in this profession. The great new is my husband Jeff is also my assistant coach so we get to spend a lot of time together at practice, games, road trips, etc. Also, our kids travel with us a lot. In the last 5 years they have been to about 90% of our games, both home and away. This year is tougher as they are in school, so this is the main area we have to be very aware of our family time and balance. One of the great perks of coaching at a Christian college is that we don’t practice or play games on Sunday, therefore Jeff and I can dedicate Sundays to our children.

DH: How long have you been coaching for?

AW: This is my 11th year as a head coach

DH: Did you participate in it during college?

AW: Yes, I played basketball and softball at Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, IL.

DH: What’s your definition coaching?

AW: Teaching the game to ultimately get the most out of each player so that they reach their full potential. I also believe coaching is done on the field and off the field. I believe every coach has the important privilege to ‘coach’ their kids off the field as well.

DH: How many girls are on the team?

AW: 16

DH: Where/When did you start coaching?

AW: I was 22 years old, one of the youngest coaches in NCAA history. I coached at NCAA DIII Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana for 2 years. After that I coached at NAIA Bethel College for 8

C O A C H A N A W E L S H A N D T H E S O U T H E A S T E R N F I R EInside the life of SEU’s First Softball Coach

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years (Mishawaka,IN)

DH: How did you become the women’s softball coach here at the university?

AW: I contacted the former Athletic Director at SEU and started conversations with him about starting softball. I visited a couple of times and met various people on campus and through many phone calls we were able to follow God’s will for our lives and move our family down to Lakeland last July.

DH: How does it feel to be making history at SEU’s first softball program?

AW: AMAZING! It’s always been a dream of mine to have a job that matches this criteria (1.Christian school 2. NAIA 3.in the south 4. Potential for fully funded scholarships and 5. Starting my own program from scratch). We are not fully funded on scholarships, however we are working are way there and all the other aspects fit perfectly. This is a dream come true and to develop a program from scratch has been one of the coolest challenges ever.

DH: How are you a mentor to your players?

AW: I love getting to know my players and that starts when I recruit them in high school. I love them like they are my daughters. The great thing with recruiting is if I feel a kid isn’t a good fit for the school or team, then I can stop recruiting them….so in a way, I get to hand pick my daugthers I meet them at least every other week individually for goal meetings. I try to have regular contact with them before or after practice or on road trips, at chapel, etc and talk about day to day life as opposed to just softball.

DH: How do you intertwine softball with faith?

AW: We try to teach the girls that you can’t have one with out the other. We wouldn’t be here at SEU

with each other if it was not for God. Our gifts and talents are directly from Him and it is our goal to appreciate those every day. We do team prayers and devotions as well at community service and team bonding.

DH: How have you seen Christ reflected in your players?

AW: I love how my players win and lose in a positive manner; regardless of outcome they give God the glory. I love how my girls respect the game, the opponents, umpires, etc and we focus hard on controlling the controllables. We are in complete control of our thoughts, words and actions and we chose what we say and do, so ultimately how we present ourselves on and off the field needs to reflect that of Christ.

DH: Where do you practice?

AW: We have practice on the soccer field late at night. We practice a ton in the batting cages. We also have done live batting practice on the baseball field late at night. Occasionaly in the fall we were able to rent Lake Bonny’s field and now as of a few weeks ago we practice defense on our new softball field on the southwest end of campus.

DH: How often do you practice?

AW: 5-6 days aweek when we do not have games. We lift ideally 3x a week and do abs 3x a week. The girls also have conditioning workouts they do throughout the week.

DH: What is a typical practice like?

AW: I take anywhere from 30-60 minutes to plan the practice and type it all out, that way there is less standing around and players waiting on me. When we are on the field it is all defense as well as baserunning and if it’s a day the pitchers need to pitch then they use the bullpens. On hitting days we HIT, HIT, HIT and love to hit more! We also

Photos Courtesy of : Southeastern university Athletics16


incorporate conditioning and abs during hitting stations. At the end we wrap things up, stretch for flexibility and pray as a team and take that time to highlight each other and give shout outs.

DH: What do you expect out of your players?

AW: Wow…a lot! Ask any of them. I am very demanding and I have very high expectations. I do not think they are too high. I think everything I expect is obtainable by that particular player. It is my goal to get the most out of them and at times I believe they have more in them then they believe, so it is my job to show them what they are actually capable of.

DH: Describe some of the experiences you have had with the softball team, so far.

AW: A lot of fun! I love my girls. We make road trips fun we make softball fun. When you create a family atmosphere you get family results!

DH: How do you encourage your players when losing a game?

AW: There is so much to learn in loses, and wins too, but loses are harder to take. I think it’s key to be detailed the next day at practice as opposed to telling them every little thing they did wrong. I think it’s important to be positive and encouraging. If you take their confidence away then it’s very hard to get that back. Players must understand that the season is a process from start to finish. I train my players to appreciate the process. It’s very key to peak at the right time and early losses are part of that process.

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AMERICAN LEAGUEBaltimore Orioles

Boston Red SoxNew York Yankees

Tampa Bay RaysToronto Blue Jays

Chicago White SoxCleveland Indians

Detroit TigersKansas City Royals

Minnesota TwinsHouston AstrosAnaheim Angels

Oakland AthleticsSeattle Mariners

Texas Rangers

NATIONAL LEAGUEAtlanta BravesMiami MarlinsNew York Mets

Philadelphia PhilliesWashington Nationals

Chicago CubsCincinnati Reds

Milwaukee BrewersPittsburgh PiratesSt. Louis Cardinals

Arizona DiamondbacksColorado Rockies

Los Angeles DodgersSan Diego Padres

San Francisco Giants

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HOW STADIUM SAVY ARE YOU?

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Born in New York, Coach Jason Beck has always been involved with baseball since the young age of seven. Coach Beck started his coaching career straight out of college with a summer college team. Then, at St. Thomas Aquinas College as an assistant coach and Nyack College, his Alma Mater. In total, Coach Beck has been coaching baseball for 21 years. Most recently Beck get his 500th career coaching win.

Beck mentions that coming to SEU was a “God thing” and that it requires him to get out of his comfort zone. “[It was a] jump head first faith decision”, and knowing that God is going to provide. Beck packed his family and moved from New York to Florida. He has been serving as SEU’s baseball head coach for nine years. Beck teaches his players that faithfulness is key stating, “If God wants you there, you will be there.”

His record with the team on the playing field combined with this strong leadership has made the past several year a huge success. Coach Beck believes that he and his assistant coaches are to help each team player grow spiritually, academically and physically. He mentions that they do team devotionals and bible studies.

Coach Beck highlights some of the many experiences with the baseball team so far. Such as “the opportunity to be nationally ranked… [we have] won 4 championships.” Coach also mentions seeing the players getting baptized and growing spiritually stronger. In addition to beating the Lakeland Flying Tigers and going to the Dominican Republic on a mission’s trip Coach Beck calls it “a humbling experience.”

COACH JASON BECKServing as Southeastern’s head Baseball Coach for 9 years

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Photos Courtesy of : Southeastern university Athletics

About Coach Jason BeckFavorite baseball Team: New York YankeesCurrently Resides in : Lakeland, FloridaPets: Bulldog,Retriever & Yorkshire Terrier

The Southeastern Fire Celebrate their win against the Lakeland Flying Tigers, a Class A Advanced

affiliate of the Detroit Tigers

S P R I N G

Photos by: Daniela L Hernandez

Training with the Detroit Tigers for the 2013 Baseball season

S P R I N G T R A I N I N GTraining with the Detroit Tigers for the 2013 Baseball season

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Photos by: Daniela L Hernandez

On March 13 the Detroit Tigers took on a local college (Florida Southern) in Lakeland Florida.An exhibition

game part of the Tigers spring training.

On March 13 the Detroit Tigers took on a local college (Florida Southern) in Lakeland Florida.An exhibition

game part of the Tigers spring training.

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