The More Games You Score on GameChanger, the More Games You Win
By Spencer Wright
Yesterday, our awesome numbers guy (Travis Thieman) decided to look up statistics on the winning percentage of teams that use GameChanger. Using real records and data from real teams on GameChanger, we started looking at how the records changed as teams scored more games on our app. What we found was pretty amazing:
Again, these are real games played by real teams, all using GameChanger. The correlation is undeniable: the more games a team uses GameChanger to score their game, the more likely they are to win their games.
GameChanger is designed to help you improve your team and player performance. That is why we included the 150+ stats that are available, as well as Spray Charts for individual players. Many of these stats are designed to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your team, allowing you to leverage your team skill in the best way possible. In addition, developmental stats, such as Quality-at-bats, First-Strike Percentage, Hard-hit balls, and Spray Charts, can be used to dramatically improve aspects of your players games.
All in all, we are not the story here. We did not win anything: your team did. But we are proud that GameChanger is another tool that you use to improve your team. And the results bear out that using GameChanger does help your team achieve its potential.
Second Post from Guest Writer John Bramlette on the College Application and Recruitment Process
By John Bramlette
You’re finishing up junior year. You’re getting ready for finals, have selected next year’s courses and your team is making a final push toward post-season play. A common question that arises this spring: Which teachers should I ask for letters of recommendation as part of my college applications?
This is one of those issues where students (and parents) sometimes over think things and let the tail the wag the dog. The most important test should always be ‘which teacher(s) knows me the best and can most accurately talk about my strengths and abilities as a student?’ This should be the starting point, and may be the only question many students need to ask themselves. If you’ve had positive, meaningful experiences with two teachers that are head-and-shoulders above the rest, you probably have your recommenders. However, if you’re still unsure and need some additional guidance – use the following “tie-breakers.”
- Closer-in-time? If there are two great potential recommenders, one who taught you in tenth grade and another who taught you in eleventh grade, ask the latter for a letter of recommendation. College admissions officers are trying to read the tea leaves about the student you’ll be when in college, and they rely on teachers as a major window into that potential. Needless to say, who you are now means more than who you might have been in earlier years.
- Course Diversity Helps. If you’re choosing from among several teachers, it is generally good to pair up two teachers from different academic disciplines. To whatever extent that you can show college admissions offices you don’t exhibit diligence in only one particular class in science class, but rather across the curriculum, it may be a helpful way to choose among potential recommenders.
- It’s not only about the grade. It goes without saying that you’ll probably ask teachers in whose courses your performed well. That said, an A isn’t the only reason to ask a teacher to write a letter. As the College Admissions Insider points out here, sometimes a teacher who pushed you toward success through some adversity (and witnessed your positive response) can be the best person to share a complete perspective that admissions officers might appreciate.
Hopefully, this helps you hone in on a teacher or two you might ask for college letters either this spring, or next fall when school begins. Best of luck finishing up the year!
(John Bramlette is the Founder of Bramlette Consulting LLC, and education consulting firm that guides families through the college application and recruiting processes. John played baseball at Haverford College, and also serves as the Director of the Headfirst Honor Roll Camps, nationally-recognized recruiting events for high school baseball players with strong academics. Reach John at john@bramletteconsulting.com)
By Spencer Wright
The Panel has deliberated and come to a decision: Cierra Risinger of the Austin County Blazin Angels 14U is the GameChanger of the Week. Cierra put in a dominating pitching performance in her tournament, leading her team to their first ever Tournament Championship. Living up to her idol Jennie Finch’s #27, Risinger won all four tournament games with one of the most absurd stat-line’s I have ever seen:
4 games. 4 wins. 5 H. 2 ER. 28:1 Strikeout to Walk ratio. 1 No-hitter.
Not only did she have a no-no early in the tournament, but in the Championship Game Cierra had a no-hitter going into the final half-inning. Instead of sticking with her dominant arsenal in going for the glory of the no-hitter, Sierra listened to her coach, giving up two hits on a pitch that she was still experimenting with. Putting long-term development over personal glory is the definition of a GameChanger. Congratulations, Cierra!
Honorable Mentions:
Jake Fredrickson - Seattle Select 13U Purple - Tossed a Perfect Game. 5 IP, 8Ks. Dominant.
Will Roehl - Hinsdale LL Cardinals - 2H, 1 run, 1 rbi, 1 BB, 3 IP, 4 Ks. But more importantly, after getting drilled by a comebacker in the last inning, finished the game getting the last two outs in 4 pitches. #WillPower
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