There are lots of nice people who aren't suited to coaching high school athletics.
Just because a guy was a baseball star in his playing days doesn't mean he can organize a practice, keep up with modern coaching techniques or is possessor of communication skills.
Your best friend might be a sociable fellow with a variety of interests and considerable intellect. That wouldn't, however, have anything to do with his ability to run a high school baseball program.
It's important to note these truths before wading into the mini-controversy surrounding the Justin-Siena High baseball program in Napa.
Justin-Siena just rehired head baseball coach Allen Rossi. Rossi returns after Scott Wright's five-year tenure running the Braves' program ended with the former Vintage High and Cal State Fullerton baseball star being fired this spring.
There is debate swirling around the Justin-Siena and Napa Valley baseball communities over Wright's dismissal. It's like every controversy that follows a coaching change at any high school.
Wright's supporters are upset over the way he was just sent packing despite his being a good friend and with a storied baseball background.
Others who follow Justin baseball are jumping for joy over Wright's departure and the return of the highly-successful and respected Rossi. All they know of Wright is what they know of him as a baseball coach.
The bickering goes on because no one wants to address what led to the coaching change. Folks fear that pointing out a coach's shortcomings are personal attacks on the coach as a human being. So, they argue about that which they don't understand.
The quality of community journalism has digressed to the point that coverage of Wright's termination shed no light on the details. It seemed as though the school had nothing but the highest regard for the former coach's work. The coach, himself, said simply that their were differences of opinion.
Coaches are fired over small differences of opinion.
If readers care enough to comment on newspaper stories in support of the old coach or the new coach, it's incumbent upon the media to try to find out why Wright might've been terminated.
Shedding some light on why the coaching change was made will be the only way to quiet Wright's critics and those who will now set about trying to undermine Rossi.
My son was a freshman left-handed pitcher at Justin-Siena in the spring. He started and ended the season on Wright's varsity team, enjoying the middle of the year playing for a coach he really liked named Mark McLeod.
I've spoken to Wright two or three times in the last three years. Once my kids reach high school, I expect their coaches to be diligent and communicative. So, I didn't talk to Wright this spring. I talked to my son about how to wade through the ups and downs of his first high school baseball season.
The folks who are bickering on the Napa Valley Register web site about Wright being treated unfairly or about the need to move forward with no further talk of what Wright did to lose his job can keep bickering -- or they can read on for a better understanding of the painful process of firing a high school coach.
My son called home in the middle of one of his varsity baseball practices. He said he didn't want to waste another practice watching his varsity teammates playing Wiffle ball instead of doing indoor baseball drills at a rainy-day practice.
Yes, Justin-Siena's baseball practice turned ito a backyard Wiffle ball game on rainy days. If someone would like to defend a varsity baseball coach who allows Wiffle ball games to account for a practice session, more power to them.
My kid wouldn't have been outside playing Wiffle ball at home, he'd have been doing homework to keep pace at the highly academic private school. So, I drove to Justin-Siena to pick him up. He wound up staying at practice to run relay races at the end of practice with his teammates.(Relay races aren't conditioning drills.)
High school baseball players playing Wiffle ball during varsity baseball practice doesn't make the coach a bad guy. Parents like me just expect more from a baseball coach, that's all.
Pitchers need to having a throwing schedule to include their game appearances and work between game appearances. Watch a practice at school with a quality program and you'll see kids throwing in the bullpen under the watchful eye of a pitching coach at practice. Even if it's wet outside, an indoor pitchers' mound allows for young pitchers to get their work in.
Justin-Siena pitchers didn't have a throwing program.
When my son's pitching, and his coach is calling his pitches, I would expect the coach to know that he's a fastball-curveball pitcher with a still-developing change-up. I'd expect the coach to know he's a freshman who throws a lot of pitches and goes deep in the count even when he's at his best. Last spring, my son was playing for a coach who clearly didn't take time to understand his pitchers.
It's impossible to find a college or professional hitting instructor who thinks pitching machines help hitters prepare for game situations. So, Justin-Siena's coach and his staff missed the mark by having the kids hit off machines almost exclusively. Live batting practice came on the field, with players standing around waiting their turn to hit.
The game has changed. First-rate coaches run practices built around fast-paced drills that balance work on hitting and the nuances of defense. Justin-Siena's coaching staff didn't run practices that quality coaching staffs run throughout Northern California.
Hey, it's not easy to run a first-rate, 2011-style high school baseball practice. Parents with sons who are serious about the game expect first-rate, new era workouts.
There are reasons to question how the 2010-2011 Justin baseball team was coached. None of those reasons have a thing to do with Scott Wright's character or his standing the community.
At mid-season, my son pitched a complete game and threw just over 100 pitches in a complete game JV win on a Wednesday. He was called to join the varsity and be prepared to pitch the following Saturday -- on two days rest.
Two days after pitching a complete game at Justin, my kid warmed up and threw maybe 40 pitches, after warming up in the bullpen, in Walnut Creek.
If all that I knew about the former coach and staff was that they allowed my son to throw 140 pitches in three days, it'd be reason for me to call for and approve a coaching change.
I should have complained to the Justin-Siena coaches in the spring. My son was overworked ailing. I opted not to go through the baseball staff protocol of meeting with the head coach in the presence of an assistant coach. My bad.
In the final week of the season, with my kid's arm still sore from the two outings in three days, he got the call back to the varsity. He warmed up to pitch three times in four days. He pitched twice in three days until, finally, he felt like he couldn't be at all effective and told the coaches he couldn't work in a game that determined the league's final playoff entry.
See? It's not about whether a coach was a great player in his youth. It's not about whether he a nice guy, a good friend. Coaching moves are made based on how a man tasked with nurturing young athletes handles those athletes.
My son, obviously, didn't respond well to the care he and his pitching arm were given this spring. He's sidelined with an arm injury after he could only manage 1 2/3 innings in the first game of a national summer tournament in Arizona.
Put yourself in this dad's shoes. Would you be worried that the former coach was unfairly dismissed?
Justin-Siena's decision to change baseball coaches doesn't reflect on Scott Wright's standing in the school or community. He's still a great and valued friend to many. Some Justin baseball parents could only judge him based on how he handled our players.
The Justin-Siena administration made a personnel decision that is believed to have best served the athletes and their families. The bickering should end or more people will be moved to tell more stories and, really, that would get ugly.
Let the controversy end. It would be best for all.
(Contact Ted Sillanpaa at tsillanpaa1956@gmail.com)
29 comments:
Ted
Thank you for saying what needed to be said. I just wish more people in Napa where aware of your blog.
I would guess that most all of "coach" Wright's supporters did not have an athlete play for him.
I did and like you I saw it first hand - - - the lackluster practices the passsive aggresive way that he handled his team and parents. Someone should do a survey of his former pitchers and count the arm problems to this day, also count the number of his players that have gone on to the next level.
Scott is a "hometown" hero but as you stated being a great player does not translate into being a great teacher.
I am sure that all the coaches in the MCAL are trying to figure out how they will beat Justin now that Coach Rossi is back in charge.
Scott was a better player than Allen but there is no question that Allen is a better teacher of the game
Good luck to you and your son
G Slinsen
Thanks for reading and responding. A reader of the Napa Valley Register read what I wrote and just blew it off as a parent complaining...because there's no way to support a coach who puts pitchers at risk of injury or plays backyard games at practice.
It was far, far more other-worldly bad for so many players. The bullying and things like favoring one pitcher over others. I've coached, played and parented my entire life and I've never seen a more poorly-run high school program.
Justin seems to have forgotten the past. Yes Rossi won...for his own ego with great players, that he often ridiculed. My son played a lot under Rossi. There are many stories about how he treated players and played favorites. I hope there is always a parent or administrator watching his behavior at practice. He, too ,overworked pitchers. Unfortunately, he is not much of a role model for today's youth. I, too, regret keeping quiet during my son's 4 years at Justin....but it had nothing to do with baseball. Keep a close eye on Coach Rossi.
I have no ties to Justin baseball, but I do take an interest in youth/high school baseball in the Napa Valley. I am a former collegiate baseball player and coach. I have heard both positive and negative things about both. I do think that the termination of Scott was unfair. In 5 seasons, he had one losing season and parents, fans and the administation are ready to villify the guy. To me it sounds like he never had a chance no matter what happened on the field. What makes the community so sure that Justin Siena will return to the top of MCAL with Coach Rossi at the helm. Has anybody stopped to think that maybe the talent level was down at Justin?
One last thing: Sillanpaa From the 707, unless you have visited every college and professional hitting coach and see how they run practices and drills, then you shouldn't be commenting on that.
If the debate over what happened to Scott Wright at Justin Siena is going to end, then stop blogging about it and write a note to the Napa Valley Register telling them stop adding fuel to the fire with needless articles that cover the front page of the local newspaper
Ex-player anonymous...Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
It's foolish to think a high school coach in Napa would be fired over a won-loss record. Wright didn't have a great team, but he didn't lose his job because they had a down season. That had nothing to do with it.
You don't know what went on in the Justin-Siena program for the past 5 years. Wright was a great player and, I'm sure, is a good man. He had no idea how to run a high school baseball program. The administration left him unchecked until things got wildly out of control. The administration should've acted firmly to address rules infractions, ethical misconduct and bullying of student-athletes. Using athletes to the point of risking injury is just one unforgivable offense.
The school should've detailed why Wright was dismissed and then he would've been able to address the issues. Then, everybody would've understood what happened and why it happened.
The decision to dismiss the coach was made at midseason but wasn't announced until later to as not to damage the coach's reputation. The Justin athletic director started going to varsity games to monitor things and make sure rules were followed, etc.
Finally...I raised two older sons who played in high school and college. Both coach college and high school baseball. I did the same baseball things myself. So ... I know what hitting instructors think of the use of pitching machines. Nobody uses them for anything except developing callouses early in the spring ...
Thanks for reading. The truth should've come out and people would've moved on.
Ted
You want to speculate about the ethical conduct/misconduct of a coach, I have a question for you...Is it ethical for your new coach to sit in the stands of a local summer ball game at his campus field and drink beer? Not to mention that same person is on the Board of Directors for that summer league. Ethical or not?
I was lucky enough to play for coach Rossi during the beginning of his coaching career at Justin and was part of the original section championship team. Coach Rossi was the best teacher I had at Justin. So many of the lessons I have learned on that field I am able to apply to my everyday life and be successful. If you look at what his players have done after baseball that is where you really see his best results. Rossi demands a lot out of his players, but he also give a lot to us. I really believe that I wouldn't be where I am at in my life if it wasn't for Coach Rossi. Justin is trying to prepare its students for the life after high school and having Rossi at the helm will teach all of his players what they will need to be successful in life, they might not know it at the time but when they have success as adults they will look back at the the lessons learned on that field and realize it was some of the most important life lessons they will ever learn. Justin wants results like that, its not all about wins on the field it is about the results we have in life after baseball that made Rossi the right choice for the Braves.....
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it.
My son is attending Rodriguez High School in Fairfield now, so I hope the Justin-Siena administration and the baseball coaching staff serve the student-athletes well.
Ted
I typically dont read or comment on blogs but this has struck a nerve. Coach Rossi is and has been a great teacher to the youth of this town. Set the the fact he is a winner aside for a minute. He is a teacher first. I learned many life lessons from him that I carry with me today as a husband,father and business man. Coach taught me how to be accountable for my actions and to show poise under pressure. I didnt always agree with him and had some rough moments as a player under him. I know today, as grown man, Im better off because of my time spent with coach. It takes no balls at all to come on blogs and run mouth anonymously.
D Raines
I had the honor of playing for many great coaches for many great programs/teams at the high school, American Legion, college, and semipro level. This would include playing for Coach Rossi in 1999 and our 26-1, Section Championship season in 2000. He was one of the best coaches I've ever played for at any level, and not only am I thrilled that he's back, I wish, selfishly, that he never left JSHS.
I also had the honor of playing with Mr. Sillanpaa’s older son for the Fairfield Indians semipro team, who featured a fairly nasty 2-seamer that rode in on the hands of righties and augmented that with a sharp slider to throw low and away. I have also played for another outstanding coach, Al Brisack, who I believe also coached Ted's son. While I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sillanpaa, I've gotten a great impression from his son and Coach Brisack had nothing but good things to say about Mr. Sillanpaa. Clearly, this is a strong baseball family with good values.
While I haven't followed JSHS baseball closely since Coach Rossi left, I am disheartened to hear the program's gone downhill. The mismanagement and developing of the pitching staff is concerning, along with the games of whiffle ball, and relay races. That and a losing season happened, in the context of these facts, isn't surprising. While I've never met Wright, it sounds like things weren't working out and a move sounds like the best on both sides.
It should also be said that JSHS is a school people love to take pot shots at whenever and wherever they can - both by envious people and those that send their kids there and threaten withdrawing $$$ or legal action. It's important to know, however, that it's not just a school for the uber rich. I am not blind to all of this, but I am extremely thankful I went to and graduated from JSHS.
Regardless of what happened, hiring someone like Coach Rossi to run your program would be like hiring Bill Belichek if he were available (and wanted to) coach your favorite NFL team. You can whoever you have and get The Guy. It's a no-brainer. I'd make that move anyday of the week and twice on Sundays. Coach Rossi helped install well-coached plays like 1st & 3rd situations, bunt coverages, cutoff man alignments, and, my personal favorite, absoulte domination on the basepaths. We took the extra 90's even when they weren't there to begin with.
Parents, let's say especially in the Napa Valley, might not comprehend Coach Rossi's intensity and passion. They might wonder why their kid got a harsh scolding for getting picked off first when they're up 5 runs. I can promise you this, Coach Rossi helps boys become men in a way that just isn't available for many parents, whether they're good or bad. He's always available to talk, and if you don't like his message tell your kid to either a) quit and join the football team or b) bust your butt and use common sense.
Also, as a minor note, a great topic to bring up is compensation for coaches and assistant coaches. To get these advanced coaching techniques and a solid program, these folks should be compensated better than they are. Most do it because they freaking love baseball, and they often do it without even receiving reimbursement for gas money. Frequently, they don't even have a kid involved at anywhere near the stage of high school baseball. JSHS frequently sends me high-gloss flyers asking for $$$, perhaps I might send a bit more if it would go directly to the baseball program.
I have told Coach Rossi I'd be happy to volunteer my experience and expertise with his catchers when I can and where he feels is appropriate. I'm coming from Concord/Martinez so it makes it hard to get off work in time for baseball practice, but I feel this is such an important program for the young men of JSHS baseball. I want to give back to the program that offered so much to me.
carp
Rick Carpenter, Ph.D.
rcarpentermail@yahoo.com
c/o 2000
Anyone who's watched a College World Series would know that pitchers get used in an old-fashioned way - lots of pitches thrown frequently. It makes sense to me how that mindset can become the mode of operation for a by-product of this system. Again, I don't know his style whatsoever, but what I'm hearing is that he uses his pitchers in a way that makes many cringe nowadays.
Mr. Sillanpaa - Not sure why you first comment on not writing about speculation, and then extensively reply to apparent speculation from an "anonymous" poster (6:52 AM)?
Let's take a minute here to think about this hearsay. Are alcoholic beverages allowed at this particular field? If it's the American Legion Home in Yountville, I'm sure of it. Again, if this even happened, he wasn't coaching these teams and this was the off-season. If he was at a Giants game enjoying an alcoholic beverage, is that not allowed? Also, Justin Siena ROUTINELY acknowledges the rich history of wine in the valley, serves it at their fundraisers, and even puts photos of happy adults enjoying alcoholic beverages in the frequently mailed newsletters.
I just can't understand two people, one anonymously, citing this hearsay incident as the grounds for Coach Rossi not being a fantastic coach and leader for young men.
As I said before and would like to extend now, people love to take swings at those that have success, in this case Coaches Rossi and Wright and JSHS as a baseball program and institution. Instead, shouldn't we spend more time thinking about how to help out these coaches and institutions so that our values and missions can be additive?
carp
Rick...Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. They speak volumes and accurately reflect the good and the not-so-good about the baseball community I experienced in the year I was a Justin-Siena parent.
You can imagine that our family sets incredibly high standards for a high school baseball coach. Al Brisack coached my older sons at St. Bernard in Eureka and, as you, he is a magnificent coach and role model. His success as a college coach is testament to his ability to put the players and the game first.
Thanks again.
Ted Sillanpaa
Anonymous...Thanks to you all for reading. I really appreciate it.
You bet I would prefer that the insights shared here came with names attached, rather than appear anonymously.
You won't read me taking anything mentioned anonymously and treating it as fact. Ever.
Allen Rossi and I are acquainted only via e-mail. He wrote to wish my son well upon learning of his decision to transfer.
I didn't speculate on rumors of what anybody might've done. If people mention that they've seen coaches setting bad examples in public, I'm happy to admit that a coach is obligated to set a positive example for students.
This is a spot where people can share their thoughts without fearing reprisal or wondering if their feelings will be swept under a rug.
Thanks for reading.
Ted
I was lucky enough to play three years under the tutelage of Coach Rossi. While I won't be able to express in words what Dr. Carp was able to so eloquently say, I would like to add a couple comments of my own (mainly to "anonymous").
If people want to question Coach Rossi's coaching strategies, his decisions to bunt and play "small ball," making a late inning defensive substitution, or anything related to a high school baseball game, you're more than welcome to speak your opinion and call out Coach Rossi. You're most likely wrong, but no one will argue with you over your right to say it.
However, when it comes to questioning the ethics and morality of Coach Rossi you couldn't be more wrong. Coach Rossi has proven himself in every way to be an upstanding and moralistic man. The lessons he has taught me not only helped me on the ball field, but more importantly, off the field in life. Some of his finest, most pivotal lessons are the following: always giving your best; never making excuses; consistently "picking up" and being there for your teammates, doing the right thing without compromise, and last but not least, to "execute."
First of all..to all those who choose to comment anonumously...GROW A SET! In my opinion, you should not be allowed to comment, especially when you comment on rumors and hearsay.
Second, Coaches have different styles and have to coach within their personality. Wright and Rossi are totally different people and coach differently and both got results. Why Wright was let go is known only to the JS administration and Wright and really isn't anyone else's business. Ultimatley a coach is measured by the loyalty of his players and both coaches will have players who look up to them for years and will develop lifelong relationships with them because they are both good men. Wins and Losses are good in the short term, but ultimately, the life lessons that are learned from the game are priceless.
I have spent the better part of my 50 years as a player, Coach and Scout. I have watched Rossi's career closely and can attest that he teaches way more than baseball. The attitude and valuves he stresses thru baseball are invaluable to a young man. No doubt he is tough and he should be. Life is tough and learning to deal with adversity is priceless. The value of hard work is lost in our society and has given way to entitlement. Coach Rossi's return to Justin is not only a benifit to JS but the entire Napa Vally Baseball Community. Good Luck Allen
Matt Stewart
Matt Stewart...Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts and experiences with Coach Rossi. I truly appreciate it.
My son won't be returning to Justin-Siena for reasons that don't have much to do with baseball. Here's hoping Allen gets things going as he had them going at Justin previously.
Ted
Ok, basically, Stew, Carp and Siegel said any and everything that needs to be said about this guy. Its no secret that anyone who has ever played for Mr. Rossi has absolutely had nothing but respect for him. I was there when he came in as an assistant, and his hard nosed rep had preceeded him. I knew I was going to have my work cut out for me. I came into my Junior just basically doing enough to not get cut. It didn't take very long to realize that I had never really pushed myself to be better. That push came in the form of Allen Rossi. Anytime you heard the words "Figure IT OUT!" it would motivate you to be better. You just didnt wanna disappoint the guy for some reason. Getting pulled off of the field BEFORE a game while youre taking Infield/Outfield was the most embarrasing thing that could happen to a player, but you know what? Id made you work that much harder to be better.
I guess you dont realize it at the time, but he wasnt just making us better ballplayers. I have played just about every sport imaginable over the last 25 years, and there isnt ONE coach that I look back on with such fondness. ANY one of his players would have his back in a heartbeat, because he always had ours.
As far as Anonymous #1, talking about his ego and great players. A) Your a D-Bag and dont know what youre talking about. B) If by ego, you mean a sweet mustache, then YES! and C) If by playing favorites, you mean the best 9, you would be correct.
Now we come to Anonymous #2 who is worried about the consumption of alcohol. I dont really know where to begin with you. I'm pretty sure Allen is 21. If a parent buys him a beer at the Vet's home of all places, what do you care? I wanna keep this post PG-13, so I'm gonna go ahead and stop there.
All I know is that Rossi is a winner. Pure and simple. He took a sub .500 program that used to get laughed at, and made it into basically the De la Salle of baseball. Theres a reason that Vintage and Napa were scared to play them. Lets put it this way, they would have only played 5 innings, and had to go back across 29 with their tail between their legs.
They always say, if you got haters, you MUST be doing something right!
Steve...Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it.
I tend to agree that if you have critics and folks writing or speaking in praise of your work, you're probably doing your job pretty well.
Ted
Since my character was attacked in this blog I feel it is necessary for me to respond. 1st of all Scott was my pitching coach for 5yrs and he did a great job with our pitchers. We would have not been as successful as we were if not for Scott and the job he did with our pitching staff. Ted I am sorry that Kellen's experience at Justin-Siena was so traumatic that you felt the need to transfer him to Rodriquez. Scott is a good family man and had nothing but good intentions for the JS baseball program and the kids. Why did you not set up a meeting with Scott and the AD regarding your concerns? Instead you decided to rip him publicly which I totally disagree with. I made 2 poor decisions as a coach regarding over using a pitcher. No it was not Scott's fault because he was the pitching coach it was my fault because I make all final decisions on when a pitcher is taken out of a game. I let Mark Devincenzi throw 120 pitches in a pre-season game vs Kelseyville which to this day I regret. We lost Mark for a big part of the season because of my decision. In my final game in 2006 in the Section Championship game I got caught up in the game and did not realize how many pitches Matt leonard had thrown and sent him out for the 7th inning. I asked his Dad Rick who was one of my coaches and he reluctantly told me he was up to 125 pitches. I immediatly went out to the pitchers mound and got him and brought in a reliever before he started the 7th inning. We make mistakes as coaches we are only human but I can guarantee you none of us as coaches want to see a kid get hurt because of an error we made.
Anonymous 1 and Anonymous 2,(BTW I have a pretty good idea who you are) if you have a problem with my coaching or my character please at least sign your name to it so we can have a debate. To criticize me for having a beer at a baseball game because it was at the JS field is a cheap shot and made you sound like an idiot. Now the ego comment, I have been a member at Napa Valley Country Club for 3 yrs and have met so many great people and have made a ton of new friends. Did you know that I had so many of those people come up to me and tell me "I did not know you were such a succesful baseball coach" Why do you think that is? I am a very humble person and don't brag about my accomplishments. I would not have had the success without great asst. coaches and great players. You can ask any of my former players that I always gave them the credit for our success. As far as "ridiculing" my players, please give me examples so I can apologize to those former players. Playing favorites? You are correct. I did play favorites, fortunately for me they were the best players on the team. Just lucky I guess.
In closing I want to thank all of you for coming to my defense when someone attacks me for no good reason. You guys know what my character is and that is all that matters to me not the cowards who hide behind "Anonymous".
I Love you guys
EXECUTE!
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