17 hours ago via
Mobile
Guys, I have been a member on this site when it started with the old site. Rarely do I post, however, I just wanted to make a few points regarding the Greg Goff hiring and current situation. I apologize for the length.
First off, I was fortunate enough to get to play some college baseball myself. I had several teammates that played for Coach Goff at Montevallo, and I was actually recruited and offered a scholarship to play for Coach Goff. I spent many visits watching him conduct practices, workouts, etc. I played baseball my whole life. In fact, it was all I knew growing up as a coach's son. I was blessed to play on some great teams with some extraordinary players. I was on Clay-Chalkville's championship team, and played summer ball with guys that had extremely successful careers In the SEC and even professionally.
I say all that to explain a few things. First, championship caliber coaches have the "it" factor. Simply look at Nick Saban. The most successful coaches I have ever been around push you to the fringe of questioning if you were cut out to play this game. During the off season you are truly mentally and physically broken. You question everything you ever loved about the sport. Is it even worth it anymore?? If you can push yourself through this adversity, and help carry your teammates then you will soon begin to see the magic unfolding. It's not easy, it's honestly some of the hardest times I have ever endured in my life. But once you survive, you soon realize if I can make it through that I can handle any situation thrown at me. The bottom of the ninth in a tied game is a cake walk comparatively speaking. Teammates trust and have confidence that the next man up will get the job done. Situations like that instill a certain level of discipline, respect, and loyalty. A camaraderie is created that will never be taken away. It becomes an expectation. Those great coaches set a specific standard. You are held to that standard on and off the field. It is your job as a player to buy into that standard, play to that standard, and help the new comers believe in that standard. It cultivates a selfless desire and mentality to do anything asked to benefit the team. This approach is what Coach Goff brings to Alabama. His style is not for those that like to be coddled or stroked.
I currently live in Louisville, Ky. During my time here I have gone to several Louisville games. Three years ago I watched Louisville host Alabama. In no way am I bashing Coach Gaspard, but simply comparing the two coaching philosophies. During the game I noticed Alabama's players walking on and off the field. This was something that was not tolerated when I played. In fact, we practiced sprinting back and forth from our positions to the dugout. It was done out of respect to the game of baseball. The other thing that caught my attention was cross talk between Alabama players on deck with the opposing fans. There was ample laughing and carrying on. This really took me by surprise. It looked as if there was a total lack of discipline and concentration. Needless to say Alabama was swept that series. I mention this because it is an excellent example of where Alabama baseball lied. A cultivation of mediocrity.
It has been expressed on here that Coach Goff does not allow facial hair, and the players cannot eat with their families after games. Wow. I don't know how to even respond to that. Does the most historic franchise (Yankees) in all of baseball not have a zero facial hair policy? If it is good enough for them I think it will be ok for Alabama. This rule is set forward not to be a dictator, but It carries a much deeper meaning. It instills discipline and respect. It establishes a team first environment not an individual mentslity. Also, I am willing to bet Coach Saban has his players eating as a team. Players do not need their mommas doting and patting them on the back because they didn't have their best game.
If you do any research on Coach Goff you will find the man has had success at every stop. He was an assistant at the University of Kentucky. The man knows what an SEC player looks like. He led Montevallo to its first ever college World Series appearance. In his last two years at Montevallo he won over 40 games. He won over 40 games at Campbell in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The program had never won 40 games in a single season in the history of its existence. Coach Goff further led La Tech to a 40 win season and To their first NCAA appearance in 29 years. For those that say Montevallo, Campbell, and La Tech is not Alabama, your right. If the man can recruit and win at those previous stops he most certainly can win at Alabama. Alabama will give him an abudance of resources. Resources and money that none of those previous stops could provide.
Lastly, I can honestly say there are not many SEC caliber players on our roster. There is a vast difference in talent on any successful SEC baseball team and our current roster.
Only time will tell what Coach Goff is capable of accomplishing at Alabama. I for one, believe when he is given the opportunity to get his recruits and cultivate a winning standard many will be excited about the direction of the program. Sorry for the long post.
