1. How did you prepare your team for the 2015 World Series?
We really tried to challenge the boys. We knew we were pretty good, and many of these boys have played a lot of baseball together and have been very successful. We challenged them in practice every day. We told them we wanted them to fail in practice as to make games seem much easier, and we feel that allowed them to relax because they knew they were prepared.
2. What was going through your mind after your team was announced as U.S. champs?
I really thought back to all the hard work these boys had put in. To me, that was definitely the most satisfying aspect. These boys were able to see at an early age how hard work can pay off! These boys don’t just pick up a baseball glove in March and say, “Let’s play!” They work and train all year around while still excelling at other sports.
3. What goals do you have for your team heading into the New Year?
Our goals are certainly to continue to raise money for Four Diamonds and Red Land Little League. We also need to prepare these boys for playing on the big field, as they are all too old to play Little League baseball.
4. How has this success of U.S. World Series champions shaped your experience as a coach?
Well, once again, I continue to go back to hard work. There were times I think we as coaches definitely questioned ourselves as to whether we were pushing too hard with these boys…they never complained, always were open to honest feedback and they certainly responded. I had always believed that hard work would pay off, but for it to pay off on this big of a stage truly shaped my philosophy.
5. What has been one of your favorite moments working with the team?
There are so many…but believe it or not, it came in one of the Little League World Series press conferences after the Texas U.S. Championship game. Braden Kolmansberger, our second baseman, made a comment that he knew he had to get to third base with one out on Jaden Henline’s single. Some of the reporters were very impressed. This is something that is one of our core base running rules (get to third base with one out) and for him to regurgitate that information in the press conference was very satisfying to us as coaches.
6. What advice would you give to other little league coaches?
Challenge your players; make practice more difficult than the game if at all possible. You have to know your players and if they will respond or not. We are very fortunate to have boys who want to excel at everything they do. Put your players in situations that will challenge them and sometimes will cause them to fail; it’s a growth mindset, and we preach that constantly.
7. What strengths does your team pride itself on?
Besides excellent baseball players, we are most proud that they are great students and great citizens in their respective schools. That is a testament to their parents. They are truly humble, respectful young men.
8. What challenges will your team face in the future?
Every game, every tournament, every sporting event they take part in, they will have a target on their back. We saw it in the fall travel baseball season; everyone wants to beat them or say, "I struck this kid or that kid out." Some of them may never play on that big of a stage again. They need to move forward knowing there is much more work to do in their
baseball career!
9. What unique experiences has your team gained since the World Series win?
They have used their status as a stage to raise awareness for childhood cancer, and that is invaluable. They receive a ton of attention, but they also want to use that attention for great causes. We have raised over $25,000 for Four Diamonds. We have visited a Penn State practice and game, not to mention the parades and other appearances they have had the privilege to take part in that most 12- and 13-year-olds can only dream about.
10. What was your experience like visiting the U.S. House and Senate back in October?
It was awesome; the representatives and senators from PA were very gracious hosts, but what was really cool was seeing representatives and senators from other states talk to the boys and recognize them. They all said they were watching and cheering us on!
