Not knowing John Gay, I did look him up...I found a softball clinic pitching handout

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Aug 26, 2011
1,285
0
Houston, Texas
I also looked up the tall girl in the picture that Ken B posted in the Honoring John Gay thread...Katie Wiese. She holds several pitching records at Oregon. Unfortunately, she was unable to finish her collegiate pitching career for personal reasons (failing grades but probably due to personal reasons). I also read that she was invited back a few years later as pitching coach for Oregon. Anyway, he has influenced/trained several high caliber pitchers in his time. Pretty awesome resume, if you ask me. :)
 
Sep 10, 2013
603
0
great find!

OMG!

"Superstars are high performance athletes. High performance athletes
Visualize, Set Goals, Self-Affirm, and do not have a Comfort Zone."

I can now see my DD telling my DW. "You were right, mom... again".
 
Last edited:
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
Also in that newspaper picture and shown in this handbook is Kim Smith (Anthony), another student of his who pitched in the WCWS with UNLV. She is an accomplished college PC and HS coach. She is one of my favorite local role models for coaching.
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
The first time I met him (in person) was at the ball field during a practice. I was sitting on a bucket near the fence and a gentleman walked up and asked about holding a pitching clinic at this park. Before saying anything else, I asked him what he taught? He asked me what I meant and I clarified by asking what kind of mechanics he taught. He laughed out loud and said "whip!" I asked his name and about fell off my bucket when he told me he was John. Prior to that we'd exchanged emails and spoken by phone. Talking and working with him in person was a treat. His love of the game was infectious. He always talked about how to play the game--not just how to pitch. I painfully regret not spending more time with him--especially with him being so close...
 
Oct 19, 2009
1,827
0
I noticed in the pitching video of him how effortlessly it appeared when he pitched and how he had great movement. Looked like he could have pitched with that motion all day.
 
Jan 20, 2011
92
8
The first time I met him (in person) was at the ball field during a practice. I was sitting on a bucket near the fence and a gentleman walked up and asked about holding a pitching clinic at this park. Before saying anything else, I asked him what he taught? He asked me what I meant and I clarified by asking what kind of mechanics he taught. He laughed out loud and said "whip!" I asked his name and about fell off my bucket when he told me he was John. Prior to that we'd exchanged emails and spoken by phone. Talking and working with him in person was a treat. His love of the game was infectious. He always talked about how to play the game--not just how to pitch. I painfully regret not spending more time with him--especially with him being so close...
e

Well shoot.... Came in to binge read and saw this.

Totally agree Ken. John was a good one. In DD's earlier days, he was a fixture at VGSA tournaments and we enjoyed his company, stories and spirit so much.

Always supportive to the kids, talking the game, teaching the game, enjoying the game,.... All with an inclusive,approachable vibe.

Highly opinionated without condescension. I enjoyed the stories, debates, gossip.

Teacher, mentor, player,fan, gentleman, John was a better ambassador to the game than he probably knew.

I bet I'll see Kim tomorrow. I'll make sure I say something.

Bummed
L
 

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