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Ava Quinlan – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Ava Quinlan - July Athlete of the Month

“At BVSA, Coach Matt and I do a ton of birthday parties… probably close to one hundred parties per year. They all vary in sports played, competitiveness between the kids, and time spent on each of a minimum of 2-3 sports.

Ava had her birthday party here last year and her and her teammates played ninety minutes of a legit softball game. We were blown away, we could not believe this is what the girls wanted to do and it was some of the most fun we ever had as coaches working a birthday party.”

— Joe Wanderlingh, BVSA Instructor

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for July is Ava Quinlan! Ava is going into fourth grade at Springdale Elementary School,  and currently plays for the Stamford Stars 8u Red team. This isn’t just any 8u softball team, this team just recently earned a spot in the Babe Ruth World Series in Jensen Beach, Florida. Surprise, surprise, Ava was just awarded Player of the Game during the World Series Tournament!

Ava has played for the Stars for the last five years, starting at just four years old. This is her second year playing travel softball, and it has certainly been a successful one. She is hitting .614 and leading the team in RBIs with 26. She leads the team with 15 extra base hits, including her first career home run in the State Championship game. She ended up hitting for the cycle that game and took home MVP honors along with the championship trophy. 

Ava trains at BVSA in the offseason with Coach Danielle doing both hitting and pitching, and she has already verbally committed that she wants to work here when she is older.

Other than softball, Ava loves dancing at Center Stage Dance Studio and plays basketball for the Stamford Young Timers. Her favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees, with her favorite player being Aaron Judge. In ten years, you can find Ava starting at second base or on the mound for the University of Florida, as she already knows she wants to be a Gator.

We here at BVSA want to congratulate Ava Quinlan once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for July. She has made history as the youngest BVSA Athlete of the Month we’ve ever had, and we cannot wait to see her continue to grow into her game. Congratulations, Ava!
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Alex Benevento – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Alex Benevento
Alex Benevento

“I don’t know if I have ever met someone with such intensity, passion, and kindness around the game of baseball. Alex simply does not stop. He goes from the field, to the cage, to the gym, and then back to the cage to coach…

He is undeniably incredible to watch play, but even more impressive to be around and get to know because he is an amazing human being.”

— Joe Wanderlingh, BVSA Instructor

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for June is seventeen year old Alex Benevento! Alex is a three year varsity starter for the New Canaan High School baseball team, currently finishing up his junior year.

“Seeing Alex grow these past three years has been amazing to watch. He came into BVSA as a freshman and you could see that his energy was on a different level. Not only did he want to improve at every aspect of the game, but he pushed others to do the same…

The dedication that he shows is evident, with an even higher level of respect for the craft. He proves this even further when working with younger players in our clinics, giving plenty of helpful tips while making it a fun experience. The sky is the limit for Alex in his future baseball endeavors, and I can’t want to see how far he can go.”

— Matt Diurno, BVSA Instructor

Alex is primarily a center fielder, but can play the infield as well. In addition to baseball, he is also one of the captains for the NCHS varsity football team. When not on the field, he is watching the New York Yankees or his favorite player, Diamondbacks outfielder, Corbin Carroll. Alex has a 4.0 GPA and plans to study data analytics and play baseball at Brown University. 

We here at BVSA want to congratulate Alex once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for June. The tenacity on the field combined with the knowledge he loves to share with the younger kids is one you don’t see very often. He is an inspiration both with his skillset and his leadership. We cannot wait to see where he goes from here. Congratulations, Alex!
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Marissa DelCarmine – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

“One of the hardest working athletes I have ever had the pleasure of working with. One of the most talented, well rounded softball players that I have seen in a while. Powerful, multi position, huge softball IQ. Someone you definitely enjoy watching when she’s playing and definitely am honored to coach her.” – Danielle Simoneau, BVSA Softball Director

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for May is sixteen year old Marissa DelCarmine!

Marissa started playing softball at the age of five and began her training at BVSA three years later. She is a pitcher and a shortstop, playing for both New Canaan Softball and the BVSA Titans.

“It has been an absolute pleasure getting the opportunity to coach Marissa over this past year with the Titans. She has a competitive presence to her that is unmatched and not just brings the best out of her, but elevates her teammates as well…

Marissa’s passion and drive for excellence makes her exactly the type of player coaches hope to be able to have on their team and in their program. I am excited to see what the future holds for her on the diamond and in the rink!” – Justin Virgulak, BVSA Facility Director

In addition to softball, Marissa plays volleyball and ice hockey for New Canaan High School. She is a honor roll student, undecided on what she might want to study in college being only a freshman.

Marissa is a big New York Yankees and New York Rangers fan, and enjoys watching the Florida Gators on the softball diamond when they are nationally televised. When not playing sports, she can be found at home enjoying time with her twin brother, older sister, and her two French Bulldogs.

We here at BVSA want to congratulate Marissa once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for May. Her competitiveness is contagious, her leadership is inspiring, and we cannot wait to see where she goes from here both on and off the field! Congratulations, Marissa!
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BVSA Teaches: Technique for Slow Rollers

BVSA Teaches: Technique for Slow Rollers

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about technique for slow rollers. Today we’re going to discuss one of the toughest plays in the infield, the slow roll or running play where you run through the ball and make a throw on the run. This play requires athleticism and practice to master. The basic premise is to field the ball off your left foot and throw off your right foot. The timing is crucial. As you approach the ball, your left foot should be coming down as you field it. This allows you to transfer and throw while maintaining balance. The throw is usually a sidearm throw that may tail up the first base line. 

Some players may choose to come up and throw overhand if they can’t reach the target with a sidearm throw. It’s important to time your footwork correctly to make the play. When making the play barehanded, the timing is a bit different, but you have more time since there’s no need for a transfer. Kids often prefer the barehanded play, so it’s important to teach both methods. Practice and repetition are essential to improve timing and execution.

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email [email protected] 

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BVSA Teaches: Techniques for Backhanding a groundball

BVSA Teaches: Techniques for Backhanding a groundball

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about techniques for backhanding a groundball. Hey guys, today we’re going to talk about backhanding a ground ball, and there are several different ways to do it. To be a good infielder, you need to be able to do them all. I know many coaches at the young ages teach their players to get in front of every ball they can, and I think that’s a good plan. However, there is one backhand technique that is much easier when you’re coming through the ball and changing direction than trying to get around it.

So, let’s talk about the basic backhand drills and positioning. First of all, you need to focus on your prep step, which we discussed before. As the pitch is thrown, the ball enters the hitting zone, and you should be landing in your ready position. Your left foot should be down on the ground, ready to react immediately.

Now, let’s say you’re playing shortstop and the ball is hit to your backhand side. Don’t stand up and run towards the ball or pivot your feet. Meanwhile, the reaction should be to stay low, cross over, and head for the ball. You need to stay low and get your head behind the glove and ball while keeping your glove open.

There are two ways to field the ground ball in this backhand situation. In the first method, you reach out with your left foot forward. You’re staying low and trying to get your head in behind the glove and ball. Make sure to keep your glove open and prevent it from turning. This technique is useful when the ball is hit hard.

Second Method for Backhands

The second method is based on timing. Again, you start by crossing over with a right-left movement towards the ball. In this case, your right foot reaches out to make the play. This technique is more like a “foot butt”. You’re keeping your head behind the ball, your glove open, and prevent it from turning.

After fielding the ball using either of these techniques, you need to put the brakes on and throw the ball back. You can either take baby steps and then step and throw or perform a jump throw if you have a strong arm. The jump throw involves fielding off your left and throwing off your right, simulating a throw off your right foot while you’re in the air. Obviously, it requires good arm strength and can be practiced separately.

For more information on backhanding a groundball, click the video below!

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email [email protected] 

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Matthew Scholtz – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Matthew Scholtz

“I have known Matthew Scholtz pretty much since my first day here at BVSA almost two years ago now, and I am constantly blown away with the different gears he possesses…

One night he can be in here talking Giants football and taking jump shots when picking up baseballs in the cage, and the next night activating “hulk mode” and blowing fastballs by hitters. He is an absolute pleasure to train and to coach, and I’m excited to watch him continue to grow into the player he is.” – Joe Wanderlingh, BVSA Instructor

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for April is Matthew Scholtz. Matt is currently in fourth grade and a part of the 10U Red team for New Canaan Travel Baseball. Last year as 9U Red, his team made it to the Regional Semifinal in West Hartford.

Matt started playing baseball when he was in preschool, and has played New Canaan baseball every spring and fall season since.
 
This past November, baseball was put on pause as Matt underwent an open heart aortic valve surgery called the Ross Procedure over at Columbia Presbyterian in New York City.
 
It took about two months before Matt was able to resume all activities, including joining his basketball team by the end of January and resuming his baseball lessons at BVSA.
 
Matt has returned to his old self this spring, dialing up his fastball and mixing in his new changeup to keep hitters off balance. He kicked off the month of April going 2-3 with a RBI and struck out five over two innings.
 
Baseball and basketball are just a few of Matt’s many talents. When not on the field or court, he plays keyboard in a band at School of Rock and has earned himself a black belt in Taekwondo a couple years back. 
 
We here at BVSA want to congratulate Matt once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for April. He is as tough as they come, having to go through more than any ten year old should. We here at BVSA love having him around the facility and are beyond excited to continue watching him grow! Congratulations, Matt!
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Henry Reagan – First County Bank Athlete of the Month

Henry Reagan - Athlete of the Month
Henry Reagan

“Henry Reagan is one of the most determined, hard-working players I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He experienced some injury setbacks that have not slowed him down in any way, they seemed to only motivate him more. Henry is so determined and committed to be great. He is such a perfect example for other athletes, and his hard work is really paying off. His improvements over the last few years are monumental! He simply won’t be denied and I’m so excited to see what the future holds. Congratulations Henry, you deserve it!” – Frank Ramppen, BVSA Managing Partner

Bobby Valentine’s First County Bank Athlete of the Month for March is Henry Reagan. Henry is currently the first baseman and designated hitter for CTBC.

It was always sports for Henry as he has played baseball, football, and travel hockey since he was in the third grade. He is entering his second season with CTBC, a team that was once a part of New Canaan Travel Baseball.
 
Henry is a straight-A student in the classroom, and his favorite class this year is Algebra. His favorite teams are the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs, making his favorite players Julio Rodriguez and Anthony Rizzo. His other favorite teams include the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, and Philadelphia Eagles.
 
In addition to playing and watching sports, Henry really enjoys working out and playing chess. It feels like every day you can find him at BVSA either in the gym or on the field, putting in work one way or the other!
 
We here at BVSA want to congratulate Henry once more for earning this honor of First County Bank Athlete of the Month for March. We truly admire his work ethic and drive to achieve all of his goals, whether baseball related or following his dream of attending West Point and going into the Army. Wherever he goes from here, we couldn’t be prouder and happier to be a part of his process! Congratulations, Henry!
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BVSA Teaches: Fielding a Ground Ball

BVSA Teaches: Fielding a Ground Ball

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about fielding a ground ball. Hey guys, today we’re going to talk a little bit about the basics of defense and fielding ground balls. Remember, we’re talking about teaching kids of all ages, from little kids to big kids. The smaller, less athletic, and less informed some of these kids are, the more specific you have to be in your teaching.

When fielding a ground ball, we need to get down low into a position where we bend at our knees and waist. We should be able to see our glove out in front of us and the ball. It’s important to bend at the knees and waist enough so that when we get into this position, the kids can see the top of our head. This ensures they are low enough to see the ball and the glove. Forming a triangle with our body is often talked about. Most importantly, we need to have our hands out in front of us when fielding the ball.

Some people teach the “alligator” technique, where the glove is turned up like an alligator’s mouth. However, we don’t teach that here. When players use the alligator technique, their glove tends to turn up, which can cause the fingers of the glove to miss the ball or hit the heel at the bottom, causing it to bounce away. Instead, we teach players to put their glove down with the fingers pointing down slightly but not touching the ground.

Proper Glove Positioning

Fielding the ball slightly left of center is also important because it puts us in a better position to throw the ball since we’re usually moving in that direction. It’s easier to perform the proper footwork when we field the ball slightly left of center. Additionally, holding the glove slightly left or right of center increases our depth perception, making it easier to focus on the ball.

As the ball is bouncing towards us, there’s rhythm and timing involved. We want to time our movement to get to the ball in the best athletic position possible. Having great hands also requires having great feet. Our feet get us to the right position, so it’s important to read the bouncing ball and move our feet efficiently to get into the ultimate position to field the ball.

For more information, click the video below!

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email [email protected] 

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BVSA Teaches: Breakdown Drill

BVSA Teaches: Breakdown Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the breakdown drill. Hey guys, here’s another fun little drill to help the kids run through the first base on a ground ball to the infield. Set up a little barricade with cones or wall buckets or whatever you have. Then, use little arrows to remind them that they have to break down and look right.

They’re going to do it all the way from home plate, where they’re running hard, free to the bag. Their attention should be on the base. Here’s my imaginary line, and I can run and then further go full speed. There’s a little obstacle to go right and break it. Now, I’m turning right and seeing what’s next.

Again, I love base running drills. They love little obstacles, so have some fun with it. Hope this helps!

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email [email protected] 

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BVSA Teaches: Banana Turn Drill

BVSA Teaches: Banana Turn Drill

On this episode of BVSA Teaches, Frank Ramppen talks about the banana turn drill. Hey guys, here’s a quick little easy drill that the kids love for teaching them the banana turn at first base on a base hit. Kids love running the bases, so be as creative as you can with drills for running the bases. They love to make it a competition, so use cones, baseballs, or whatever you have. They can practice directing their run and come up with a nice little gradual arc.

Have them start out on the play and then coming down hard. If they start that gradual arc and catch the inside of the bag while running by, they can practice their breakdowns over here. Another really good thing is to have one of the coaches or a ball bucket just right here off the bag. This forces them to catch the inside of the bag, whether it’s the right or left foot. This way, their body doesn’t hit whatever you put in place there. It’s really effective and really fun. Hope that helps!

Contact Us!

Here at BV Sports Academy, we are a passionate group of dedicated baseball and softball instructors with some pretty impressive resumes. More importantly we have been educated by Bobby Valentine himself. We teach a proven curriculum that has developed some of the finest talent in our area, and we’re just getting started. We’re have been blessed to be joined by some of the top programs around when it comes to other sports like lacrosse and soccer. Parties for all ages, we do those too! There is something for everyone at BVSA. We look forward to helping all athletes become the best they can be. If you would like to book anything or have any further questions, please email [email protected]