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LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: LB BASEBALL COACH ()
Date: January 03, 2012 01:18PM

Just heard another story about Coach Rutherford requiring students to join his travel team (and pay $$) to be able to play on the baseball team.

I remember when he told me that it didn't matter if I was the next babe ruth, that I wouldn't be playing on his baseball team, so there was no use in even trying out. I tried out, made the team, and quit later after realizing that he wasn't ever going to put me in.

I'm surprised he can get away with this, considering it's our tax dollars at work!!!!!

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: ShutUpYuppie ()
Date: January 03, 2012 01:19PM

Go do something constructive about it you stupid idiot. Complaining on the internet does nothing.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: BaseballSucks ()
Date: January 03, 2012 01:48PM

'Our' tax dollars? You're a fucking teenager, you don't get to include yourself amongst the adults out there paying for your education. And consider it a blessing in disguise, baseball is for pussies and if you can take anything away from the experience it's that there are better sports out there.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: no ()
Date: January 03, 2012 02:06PM

BaseballSucks Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> 'Our' tax dollars? You're a fucking teenager, you
> don't get to include yourself amongst the adults
> out there paying for your education. And consider
> it a blessing in disguise, baseball is for pussies
> and if you can take anything away from the
> experience it's that there are better sports out
> there.

Obviously you found it to hard

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Southeast.Jerome ()
Date: January 03, 2012 02:50PM

LB BASEBALL COACH Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Just heard another story about Coach Rutherford
> requiring students to join his travel team (and
> pay $$) to be able to play on the baseball team.
>
> I remember when he told me that it didn't matter
> if I was the next babe ruth, that I wouldn't be
> playing on his baseball team, so there was no use
> in even trying out. I tried out, made the team,
> and quit later after realizing that he wasn't ever
> going to put me in.
>
> I'm surprised he can get away with this,
> considering it's our tax dollars at work!!!!!

Here's the thing...ok? I know it's easy to come onto an Internet forum and post this. It makes you feel better, doesn't it? And you might find some people who agree with your position and or situation...

But, despite all these great computers, smartphones and other technologies we have now? If you want to effect social change...in your case, NOT requiring players of a public high school baseball team to incur a cost to play on the coach's travelling team...you need to pick up the phone and make an appointment to speak with the coach's boss. That's either the athletic director or the director of student activities.

If talking to that person IN PERSON doesn't work, then you make an appointment to speak with the principal and after that, the area administrators and potentially the school board. Everyone who works in the public school system has someone that they answer to. Again, if you want to effect a change in policy you have to be willing to work the system and its chain of command. Show up for your appointments early, well-groomed and clothed with your remarks bullet pointed on a single piece of paper and take additional paper and something to write with. (A tablet PC would also replace the paper and stylus for notetaking purposes.) Keep your remarks respectful and your tone even. Stay on the facts and avoid breathy, long-winded tangeants which often trail off. Do more listening and less talking. On paper it might look like this...

"Good morning/afternoon {insert name here}. My son is interested in playing for Coach Rutherford however we've recently been informed that in order to play Bruin Baseball under Coach Rutherford, our family or a sponsor of our son would be required to pay for him to play on Coach Rutherford's non-Fairfax County Public School travel team. Can you please confirm the accuracy of this information?"

(Listen, take notes, ask appropriate follow up questions, set mutual action plan deadlines, thank them for their time whether you get your desired or not and exit.)

I'm guessing 15-20 minutes for the whole meeting.

Now, I'm not saying this will be an easy change to make. But, if you believe your cause is just then nothing should stop you, right?

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: if it were true ()
Date: January 03, 2012 03:02PM

Southeast.Jerome Wrote:

>
> Here's the thing...ok? I know it's easy to come
> onto an Internet forum and post this. It makes you
> feel better, doesn't it? And you might find some
> people who agree with your position and or
> situation...
>
> But, despite all these great computers,
> smartphones and other technologies we have now? If
> you want to effect social change...in your case,
> NOT requiring players of a public high school
> baseball team to incur a cost to play on the
> coach's travelling team...you need to pick up the
> phone and make an appointment to speak with the
> coach's boss. That's either the athletic director
> or the director of student activities.
>
> If talking to that person IN PERSON doesn't work,
> then you make an appointment to speak with the
> principal and after that, the area administrators
> and potentially the school board. Everyone who
> works in the public school system has someone that
> they answer to. Again, if you want to effect a
> change in policy you have to be willing to work
> the system and its chain of command. Show up for
> your appointments early, well-groomed and clothed
> with your remarks bullet pointed on a single piece
> of paper and take additional paper and something
> to write with. (A tablet PC would also replace the
> paper and stylus for notetaking purposes.) Keep
> your remarks respectful and your tone even. Stay
> on the facts and avoid breathy, long-winded
> tangeants which often trail off. Do more listening
> and less talking. On paper it might look like
> this...
>
> "Good morning/afternoon {insert name here}. My son
> is interested in playing for Coach Rutherford
> however we've recently been informed that in order
> to play Bruin Baseball under Coach Rutherford, our
> family or a sponsor of our son would be required
> to pay for him to play on Coach Rutherford's
> non-Fairfax County Public School travel team. Can
> you please confirm the accuracy of this
> information?"
>
> (Listen, take notes, ask appropriate follow up
> questions, set mutual action plan deadlines, thank
> them for their time whether you get your desired
> or not and exit.)
>
> I'm guessing 15-20 minutes for the whole meeting.
>
>
> Now, I'm not saying this will be an easy change to
> make. But, if you believe your cause is just then
> nothing should stop you, right?


Thats all very true, but your forgetting one simple fact. For all of that to work this story has to be true. A lot of people make excuses for why they didnt make a team or why they didnt start ect. Without being there and knowing the situation its impossible to know the truth. Even if it were all true he is a good coach and has had a lot of success and it may not mean anything. But I highly doubt this story is true since he would want the best travel team possible and that means getting kids from multiple schools.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: LB BASEBALL COACH ()
Date: January 03, 2012 03:20PM

This story is true. I'm asking this forum for input so as to decide on a plan of action.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Southeast.Jerome ()
Date: January 03, 2012 03:29PM

if it were true Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Southeast.Jerome Wrote:
>
> >
> > Here's the thing...ok? I know it's easy to come
> > onto an Internet forum and post this. It makes
> you
> > feel better, doesn't it? And you might find
> some
> > people who agree with your position and or
> > situation...
> >
> > But, despite all these great computers,
> > smartphones and other technologies we have now?
> If
> > you want to effect social change...in your
> case,
> > NOT requiring players of a public high school
> > baseball team to incur a cost to play on the
> > coach's travelling team...you need to pick up
> the
> > phone and make an appointment to speak with the
> > coach's boss. That's either the athletic
> director
> > or the director of student activities.
> >
> > If talking to that person IN PERSON doesn't
> work,
> > then you make an appointment to speak with the
> > principal and after that, the area
> administrators
> > and potentially the school board. Everyone who
> > works in the public school system has someone
> that
> > they answer to. Again, if you want to effect a
> > change in policy you have to be willing to work
> > the system and its chain of command. Show up
> for
> > your appointments early, well-groomed and
> clothed
> > with your remarks bullet pointed on a single
> piece
> > of paper and take additional paper and
> something
> > to write with. (A tablet PC would also replace
> the
> > paper and stylus for notetaking purposes.) Keep
> > your remarks respectful and your tone even.
> Stay
> > on the facts and avoid breathy, long-winded
> > tangeants which often trail off. Do more
> listening
> > and less talking. On paper it might look like
> > this...
> >
> > "Good morning/afternoon {insert name here}. My
> son
> > is interested in playing for Coach Rutherford
> > however we've recently been informed that in
> order
> > to play Bruin Baseball under Coach Rutherford,
> our
> > family or a sponsor of our son would be
> required
> > to pay for him to play on Coach Rutherford's
> > non-Fairfax County Public School travel team.
> Can
> > you please confirm the accuracy of this
> > information?"
> >
> > (Listen, take notes, ask appropriate follow up
> > questions, set mutual action plan deadlines,
> thank
> > them for their time whether you get your
> desired
> > or not and exit.)
> >
> > I'm guessing 15-20 minutes for the whole
> meeting.
> >
> >
> > Now, I'm not saying this will be an easy change
> to
> > make. But, if you believe your cause is just
> then
> > nothing should stop you, right?
>
>
> Thats all very true, but your forgetting one
> simple fact. For all of that to work this story
> has to be true. A lot of people make excuses for
> why they didnt make a team or why they didnt start
> ect. Without being there and knowing the
> situation its impossible to know the truth. Even
> if it were all true he is a good coach and has had
> a lot of success and it may not mean anything.
> But I highly doubt this story is true since he
> would want the best travel team possible and that
> means getting kids from multiple schools.

I don't know if it's true or not and I suppose I'll never know. I'm an LB alum from 20+ years ago so, on a small level I care and I was trying to help someone out who clearly wanted some feedback. But, I also know the teams weren't run like that when I was there and this is now. Maybe he is a good coach, maybe he isn't. But having this travel team requirement is not a policy (as you pointed out, if it's true...) that speaks to Rutherford's coaching ability.

On the one hand, it might be true. I can see the wisdom (disregarding the financial commitment...) of having the same roster on his travel team as he does for the purple and gold. This would imply that what's really important to Rutherford is the Bruins' performance as having the same roster would give him consistancy, chemistry and cohesiveness.

On the other hand, it might NOT be true. If as you suggested, Rutherford's priority is the performance of the travel team then having the best roster culled from multiple schools would be the way to go. It doesn't make sense to me that he cares more about the travel team. Isn't he paid more to see that the Bruins perform?

LOL...Then again, if he cared about LB's performance why is he saying as the OP stated, "I don't care if you're the next Babe Ruth..." I don't have everyone's tax returns from the 22151 and 22015 and I don't know what the travel team's fees are but, I should think most students families from that area could afford it. It's not exactly a low-income area. It's not Beverly Hills either. In the end, if the next "Babe Ruth" at LB came from a poor family it seems hard to believe if he made the Bruins better that Rutherford wouldn't dress him because he didn't play travel.

Ok, I think I've covered all the angles...:)

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: if it were true ()
Date: January 03, 2012 03:40PM

Southeast.Jerome Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> if it were true Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Southeast.Jerome Wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > Here's the thing...ok? I know it's easy to
> come
> > > onto an Internet forum and post this. It
> makes
> > you
> > > feel better, doesn't it? And you might find
> > some
> > > people who agree with your position and or
> > > situation...
> > >
> > > But, despite all these great computers,
> > > smartphones and other technologies we have
> now?
> > If
> > > you want to effect social change...in your
> > case,
> > > NOT requiring players of a public high school
> > > baseball team to incur a cost to play on the
> > > coach's travelling team...you need to pick up
> > the
> > > phone and make an appointment to speak with
> the
> > > coach's boss. That's either the athletic
> > director
> > > or the director of student activities.
> > >
> > > If talking to that person IN PERSON doesn't
> > work,
> > > then you make an appointment to speak with
> the
> > > principal and after that, the area
> > administrators
> > > and potentially the school board. Everyone
> who
> > > works in the public school system has someone
> > that
> > > they answer to. Again, if you want to effect
> a
> > > change in policy you have to be willing to
> work
> > > the system and its chain of command. Show up
> > for
> > > your appointments early, well-groomed and
> > clothed
> > > with your remarks bullet pointed on a single
> > piece
> > > of paper and take additional paper and
> > something
> > > to write with. (A tablet PC would also
> replace
> > the
> > > paper and stylus for notetaking purposes.)
> Keep
> > > your remarks respectful and your tone even.
> > Stay
> > > on the facts and avoid breathy, long-winded
> > > tangeants which often trail off. Do more
> > listening
> > > and less talking. On paper it might look like
> > > this...
> > >
> > > "Good morning/afternoon {insert name here}.
> My
> > son
> > > is interested in playing for Coach Rutherford
> > > however we've recently been informed that in
> > order
> > > to play Bruin Baseball under Coach
> Rutherford,
> > our
> > > family or a sponsor of our son would be
> > required
> > > to pay for him to play on Coach Rutherford's
> > > non-Fairfax County Public School travel team.
> > Can
> > > you please confirm the accuracy of this
> > > information?"
> > >
> > > (Listen, take notes, ask appropriate follow
> up
> > > questions, set mutual action plan deadlines,
> > thank
> > > them for their time whether you get your
> > desired
> > > or not and exit.)
> > >
> > > I'm guessing 15-20 minutes for the whole
> > meeting.
> > >
> > >
> > > Now, I'm not saying this will be an easy
> change
> > to
> > > make. But, if you believe your cause is just
> > then
> > > nothing should stop you, right?
> >
> >
> > Thats all very true, but your forgetting one
> > simple fact. For all of that to work this
> story
> > has to be true. A lot of people make excuses
> for
> > why they didnt make a team or why they didnt
> start
> > ect. Without being there and knowing the
> > situation its impossible to know the truth.
> Even
> > if it were all true he is a good coach and has
> had
> > a lot of success and it may not mean anything.
> > But I highly doubt this story is true since he
> > would want the best travel team possible and
> that
> > means getting kids from multiple schools.
>
> I don't know if it's true or not and I suppose
> I'll never know. I'm an LB alum from 20+ years ago
> so, on a small level I care and I was trying to
> help someone out who clearly wanted some feedback.
> But, I also know the teams weren't run like that
> when I was there and this is now. Maybe he is a
> good coach, maybe he isn't. But having this travel
> team requirement is not a policy (as you pointed
> out, if it's true...) that speaks to Rutherford's
> coaching ability.
>
> On the one hand, it might be true. I can see the
> wisdom (disregarding the financial commitment...)
> of having the same roster on his travel team as he
> does for the purple and gold. This would imply
> that what's really important to Rutherford is the
> Bruins' performance as having the same roster
> would give him consistancy, chemistry and
> cohesiveness.
>
> On the other hand, it might NOT be true. If as you
> suggested, Rutherford's priority is the
> performance of the travel team then having the
> best roster culled from multiple schools would be
> the way to go. It doesn't make sense to me that he
> cares more about the travel team. Isn't he paid
> more to see that the Bruins perform?
>
> LOL...Then again, if he cared about LB's
> performance why is he saying as the OP stated, "I
> don't care if you're the next Babe Ruth..." I
> don't have everyone's tax returns from the 22151
> and 22015 and I don't know what the travel team's
> fees are but, I should think most students
> families from that area could afford it. It's not
> exactly a low-income area. It's not Beverly Hills
> either. In the end, if the next "Babe Ruth" at LB
> came from a poor family it seems hard to believe
> if he made the Bruins better that Rutherford
> wouldn't dress him because he didn't play travel.
>
> Ok, I think I've covered all the angles...:)


He makes far more from a travel team than he makes from coaching HS. You dont make anything from coaching high school. You do it because you like to do it and make the money from travel teams and private lessons. Most high schools give their head coach something like 5 grand from which ALL the coaches at the varsity and JV level are paid from. Most coaches make between 500 and thousand dollars per season which is nothing considering the amount of time put in.

Unless they changed the rules theres also a rule that your travel teams can only have a certain percentage of players from your high school that you coach which is why you usually see the kids stay together and play for a different high schools coach like the madison players used to do with the oakton coach.

It could potentially be true but if the only evidence there is of this is this guys story I dont buy it. Theres more things that point to it not being true than true. Lake Braddock has also been a very successful program which also goes against the he doesnt play the best players argument.

Theres a 0 percent chance he would leave an absolute stud off his roster for not playing on his travel team. My guess is the OP has a much higher opinion of his skills than the coaching staff did.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: been there ()
Date: January 03, 2012 08:38PM

As someone whose sons have played for Lake Braddock and for "LBSS related" middle school teams prior to that (some teams coached by Rutherford, some not), and someone who has had extensive experience administering these teams -- especially finances --I can tell you that none of these coaches get rich doing this. Furthermore, Coach Rutherford was probably the most dedicated of any travel coach my sons have played for. I'm not saying I'm a great fan as my kids have had both positive and negative experiences. However, give the man some credit and stop making up ridiculous claims about how he does this for the money.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Southeast.Jerome ()
Date: January 03, 2012 09:19PM

been there Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> As someone whose sons have played for Lake
> Braddock and for "LBSS related" middle school
> teams prior to that (some teams coached by
> Rutherford, some not), and someone who has had
> extensive experience administering these teams --
> especially finances --I can tell you that none of
> these coaches get rich doing this. Furthermore,
> Coach Rutherford was probably the most dedicated
> of any travel coach my sons have played for. I'm
> not saying I'm a great fan as my kids have had
> both positive and negative experiences. However,
> give the man some credit and stop making up
> ridiculous claims about how he does this for the
> money.

Ok...you took this thread ENTIRELY in the wrong direction now, I'm going to set it back on track.

I've never met Coach Rutherford and I don't know anything about him except what I've read here on this thread, most of which is either untrue or unsubstantiated.

I don't begrudge anyone their livelihood as long as they are doing it honorably and legally. Now pay attention because you missed this the first time...

I brought up Coach Rutherford's income as a talking point to better understand his motivations. If he earns more as a travel coach then it makes sense that he would want more performance out of the travel team in order that it secures him maximum employment security and earning potential. However, if Coach Rutherford made more as a public school coach then it would also make sense that his employment priorities would be to Bruins baseball.

"If It Were True" clairified in his post prior to yours that a coach makes more from the travel team so, for you to come in here and post and I quote you again, "stop making up ridiculous claims about how he does this for the money." is simpy non-sequitor and adds nothing to the discussion.

Unless he has another source of income and whether he does or not is none of my business, he DOES coach baseball for the money. Oh he may enjoy the game and enjoy coaching kids but he wouldn't do it for free and you know what? I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT!

Now then, the OP is not happy about the situation and some of us were trying to help him. If you want to troll the thread, that's cool...but you can't hang stuff in here that's not accurate about what another poster said and expect to be ignored.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Ted Williams ()
Date: January 03, 2012 11:05PM

This is the way it works for LB Baseball. Rutherford is the coach and the moneychanger. You must PAY TO PLAY. In case you don't understand what I just said, you must PAY TO PLAY. Rutherford needs a new car every 2-3 years or must add on a new deck or remodel his stinky bathroom. In order to PLAY, you must PLAY. You would think the VHSL or the AD would remedy this blatant extortion, but that's the way it works. PAY $ and KISS A**, then you might PLAY.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: sockbag9 ()
Date: January 04, 2012 11:12AM

You all are idiots. Coach Rutherford only wants kids on those travel teams just so it can make the high school team better. They play in a crappy fall league which im pretty sure doesnt cost more than 50 bucks. So how about you people who know nothing about Coach Rutherford just shut up. He is going to put the best players on the field no matter what, so if you think you have to pay to play at LB... youre very wrong.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/04/2012 02:15PM by sockbag9.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: sockbag9 ()
Date: January 04, 2012 11:23AM

He barely makes money, if any, from those high school travel teams, and he usually only coaches younger kids who arent even in High School yet, and unless its some kids dad, youre obviously going to have to pay someone to coach the team. and no matter what team you play on for travel ball youre going to have to pay money, and the only reason you pay money is so you can pay the league that you are in so you are able to play in it. Rutherford isnt even the main coach of the fall travel teams, he only sets it up so that he can have all his players together (which is obviously a good idea) and then he hands them off to a completely volunteer Coach.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Coach H ()
Date: January 04, 2012 12:53PM

First of all Let me say I do not know coach Rutherford. I have never coached aginst at least I do not think so. I do know about this level of coaching. 1 at High schoola age it is not a travel team, it is a show case. 2 the coaching rules changed to allow coach to coach year round with the exception of 12 days. these are days when tryouts for other sports are going on so he can coach a showcase team.
3 the wording of the coaches statement suggtests you have other problems goiing on such as displine or not working hard. it also suggests to me you quit whwn you did not get to play because like a little kid you did not get your way or you are a quiter. I am sure your dady has told you you are the greatest player, but well guess what welcome to the real world of competive baseball.
I spent time in a college football program yes D1 at at top 25 school, When we met with the recruits we were interested in, the first thing we said was by to the parents. We then layed it out as it is. The school was a top 25 before they were here and will be with or without them.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Original Poster!!!!!!!!!!! ()
Date: January 04, 2012 01:50PM

It's so funny that people now want to attack me and my 'baseball skills' and calling me a 'quitter' Go ahead, cause I don't care. I never said I was great, or even good, or deserved anything. All I wanted was a fair chance. And I didn't get it.

And now, I hear that the coach isn't giving other student athletes a fair chance. I can accept that he didn't like me. But to play favorites, and give preferential treatment to players on his travel team isn't right, especially when he gets paid with my tax dollars. (I own 2 properties here in FFX CO and pay hefty taxes).

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Coach H ()
Date: January 05, 2012 01:03PM

Well my guess he plays his show case player becuase he is familier with their ability. My one question is what is his record. Also wake up son life is not always fair If you made the team you had your chance everyday at Practice. When I begin a season, I always tell parents and player I will not discuss playing time during or after a game. If they want to talk set up a time and I will discuss their son with them. But do not ask a question unless you are ready to hear an honest answer.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: More Complete ()
Date: January 05, 2012 01:25PM

http://www.fairfaxunderground.com/forum/read/2/724741.html

Stop spamming the boards with your cowardice.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: been there ()
Date: January 05, 2012 03:13PM

You know, if you read the original posting, I think you can get to the heart of the issue with Rutherford far more than focusing on all this "pay to play" nonsense. Any adult who works with teenagers --who by nature are suffering through a multitude of maturity/identity development/peer difficulties -- and says something as heartless as "I don't care if you're the next Babe Ruth, you'll never play for me" is in the wrong job. There are dozens and dozens of stories about the mean-spirited things that Rutherford has said to kids (which is what they are) and the way he has messed with their heads. He DOES pick favorites, starting as early as 7th grade, and those kids (and their parents - many of whom play him like a puppet) get all the attention. If you are not a fav, but he thinks he may need you someday, he'll throw you a bone now and again, but doesn't think twice about cutting you off at the knees when he feels like it. Kids who are talented and can get him the wins that he and the LBSS admin crave, get away with slacking in the weight room, smoking pot etc.

In my experience, most teens are pretty good at assessing how much talent they've got and whether or not they truly belong on the field considering the competition at the time. What they want more than anything is to be treated with respect by a man of honesty and integrity. Talk to current and former players, and they'll tell you that Rutherford is one of the best teachers of baseball there is, he's dedicated and runs a good program BUT, as a leader and developer of young MEN, he leaves a lot to be desired. Sort of like Charlie Sheen...he may be a great actor, but would you trust him to influence your kid?

All that said, Rutherford isn't the only coach at LBSS or any other school who is like this. It's amazing such behavior is prevalent in an institution of learning when it would never be tolerated in most other professional environments.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Pete Rose ()
Date: January 05, 2012 03:21PM

BTW, the LBSS athletic department is rampant with coaches who run off athletes, won't roster or play them for petty personal reasons, and walk around the halls like chickenhawk roosters in a barnyard -- all cluck and no ****.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: two sides to a story ()
Date: January 05, 2012 05:43PM

Either someone is creating a lot of different names or people need to stop believing every thing they read.

The fact of the matter is it seems like theres a bunch of kids here that seem to be unhappy with how their careers there or lack of careers went.

Maybe in a couple cases they may have been the better player but they had big attitude problems, poor grades ect.

The fact is their program has been FAR to successful for FAR to long for it to be run in the way that these posters are saying. If he just played favorites and ran the best players off ect they wouldnt be anywhere near as good.

In the last 5 years their worst season was 17-7 and they won 20+ games the other seasons including a regional championship in 2008 over a very talented Oakton team. You just simply dont do that chasing away your best players.

The poster above is also right about it being the fall team their coaches like their players to stay together on and play year around. The fee is a minimal league fee and the head coach makes 0 dollars off it.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: First hand experience ()
Date: January 05, 2012 07:37PM

**************************************************************************
Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR Posted by: two sides to a story ()
Date: January 05, 2012 05:43PM


Either someone is creating a lot of different names or people need to stop believing every thing they read.

The fact of the matter is it seems like theres a bunch of kids here that seem to be unhappy with how their careers there or lack of careers went.

Maybe in a couple cases they may have been the better player but they had big attitude problems, poor grades ect.

The fact is their program has been FAR to successful for FAR to long for it to be run in the way that these posters are saying. If he just played favorites and ran the best players off ect they wouldnt be anywhere near as good.

In the last 5 years their worst season was 17-7 and they won 20+ games the other seasons including a regional championship in 2008 over a very talented Oakton team. You just simply dont do that chasing away your best players.

The poster above is also right about it being the fall team their coaches like their players to stay together on and play year around. The fee is a minimal league fee and the head coach makes 0 dollars off it.
****************************************************************************

You've clearly missed the point. You can't run off the best players and have his record. But a winning record doesn't justify being a jerk and a poor role model. You obviously don't know many kids who have played for him -- star players at that. The respect for the PERSON he is doesn't exist. Too bad too; he could be amazing. Maybe he'll start to get it when his own daughter meets up with a coach cut from the same cloth.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: two sides to a story ()
Date: January 05, 2012 07:56PM

First hand experience Wrote:

> You've clearly missed the point. You can't run off
> the best players and have his record. But a
> winning record doesn't justify being a jerk and a
> poor role model. You obviously don't know many
> kids who have played for him -- star players at
> that. The respect for the PERSON he is doesn't
> exist. Too bad too; he could be amazing. Maybe
> he'll start to get it when his own daughter meets
> up with a coach cut from the same cloth.


I havent missed the point. I know several players that played for him and hes not very much unlike other coaches that have been around a while. Just because you get yelled at on the field doesnt necessarily mean its personal. Is he the nicest coach ever probably not, but the biggest reason people have an issue with him now is that the kids are so pampered and sheltered growing up they cant handle a yeller.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Original Poster!!!!!!!!!!! ()
Date: January 05, 2012 08:45PM

He never yelled at me. It wasn't because he wasn't nice to me.

I'm angry that I didn't get a fair chance because he didn't like me as a person.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: two sides to a story ()
Date: January 05, 2012 08:51PM

Original Poster!!!!!!!!!!! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> He never yelled at me. It wasn't because he wasn't
> nice to me.
>
> I'm angry that I didn't get a fair chance because
> he didn't like me as a person.


And what did you do to cause this to happen

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: steve k2 ()
Date: January 06, 2012 02:15AM

This is unbelievable, first the Quiggley brothers, then the girls basketball coach, now the baseball coach? You all should be ashamed of yourselves. A bunch of cowards is what you all are, and this constant barrage of attacking people's reputations behind a computer where they cannot be defended is putting a real black eye on the Lake Braddock community. Get over yourselves!

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Original Poster!!!!!!!!!!! ()
Date: January 06, 2012 11:10AM

It's not an attack on a persons reputation when it's true. It's simply stating valid truths

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: if its true ()
Date: January 06, 2012 02:59PM

Original Poster!!!!!!!!!!! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It's not an attack on a persons reputation when
> it's true. It's simply stating valid truths


Says the person with 0 evidence only telling his side of the story.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Jerry Sandusky ()
Date: January 06, 2012 03:17PM

Winning coaches are always right and kids and parents are just whiny spoiled brats.

Just sayin...

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Radiophile ()
Date: January 07, 2012 05:35PM

if it were true Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> Unless they changed the rules theres also a rule
> that your travel teams can only have a certain
> percentage of players from your high school that
> you coach which is why you usually see the kids
> stay together and play for a different high
> schools coach like the madison players used to do
> with the oakton coach.
>

It's Madison Time!



Fairfaxunderground rules: Lilliputions, not ok. Midgettville ok. I got it now.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: lb baseball alumnus ()
Date: January 12, 2012 08:47PM

I was in the Lake Braddock baseball program for 6 years-- 4 playing and 2 as a manager. I played travel ball for Jody in 7th grade and played Braddock Bearcats and American Legion baseball during the off-season until I graduated. I was one of his more highly touted prospects during the beginning of my career earning some varsity innings on the mound as a sophomore, didn't play very much my junior year and got a starting job for most my senior year. I had experienced the whole nine yards-- games, lifting workouts, regular season, regional titles, my best friend getting cut, one on one coach-player meetings, fights with my parents about why I'm not getting playing time or why he took me out of a game. LB baseball was a very intricate part of my High School experience.

Now that I'm almost out of college, I can look back at my experience more objectively. Here's my assessment of Jody Rutherford based off things I've experienced, seen and heard.

The guy is great at building a baseball program and winning baseball games. He's an excellent strategist and takes his job very seriously. Practice time is always optimized and he puts his team in the best position to win. He try's to play the best 9 players on the field. He's a competitor- about as competitive as you can get. Overall, good baseball guy.

As a mentor and people person he can come off as insensitive which is very tough for a developing teenager to cope with. I know I would struggle with that. When he showed me confidence and attention, I would feel better about myself which would translate into a better performance on the field. Almost every kid in the program would also get negative feedback (even the studs). He hoped his players would use this criticism as "motivation". This style may work for a few people, but it rarely works for kids who are still in high school. There are times when he is harsh, but you become conditioned to accept that. If he showed a bit more compassion and sensitivity to his players he would enjoy a lot more success.
The problem is that he should be coaching at the college level and/or beyond where the player-coach relationships are less emotional and more professional. He would treat us at times like we were major league players that had contracts and lost sight of the fact that we only had one team to play for.

Some of you parents need understand what being a high school baseball coach entails. It's not as easy as it looks to produce multiple 20 win seasons AND appease every aspiring high school baseball player. Rejection is a harsh reality in life but can serve as guide for your child in the direction of other sports or hobbies that your he may like.

This whole notion of pay to play is inaccurate. He does not financially benefit from coaching these AAU teams. The guy drove a Honda civic and lives in a modest house, so give him a break about him trying to make money of high school baseball. Even he was trying to make money, there is nothing wrong with pursuing an entrepreneurial career in a field that he is very proficient at. The kids who play the most are the kids who have the most talent. Bottom line, nothing to do with how much they pay.

I honestly don't care about him as a person anymore. I'm not posting to bash, praise or accuse him of anything-- I'm way beyond that at this point. I'm posting for all the parents that have sons that are looking to play or are playing LB baseball currently. My advice to your child is to reinforce the notion of your son to NOT play for him, but play for his teammates that he grows very close with. More importantly though, reinforce the idea that he should be playing for HIMSELF and for the love of the game. I would get so caught up in trying to appease Rutherford that I lost sight of what I was actually playing for. If he's not enjoying his time on the baseball team, there's no shame in quitting. It's his life, not your life. Ask yourself what DOES he want out of baseball? Does he want to play in college? Does he just want to play for fun? Or do you want him to play college? Do you want him to play for fun?

Ask yourselves these questions and re-asses what you want to do with your child. I was fortunate enough to have parents that did not pressure me whatsoever to make certain decisions. Heck my father didn't even know what baseball was until I played T-ball. I understand your frustrations as my parents went through the same thing. This is my perspective and interpretation of my experience at LB, I hope this post gives you some more insight

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Not bad. Not bad at all ()
Date: January 13, 2012 05:28AM

lb baseball alumnus Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I was in the Lake Braddock baseball program for 6
> years-- 4 playing and 2 as a manager. I played
> travel ball for Jody in 7th grade and played
> Braddock Bearcats and American Legion baseball
> during the off-season until I graduated. I was one
> of his more highly touted prospects during the
> beginning of my career earning some varsity
> innings on the mound as a sophomore, didn't play
> very much my junior year and got a starting job
> for most my senior year. I had experienced the
> whole nine yards-- games, lifting workouts,
> regular season, regional titles, my best friend
> getting cut, one on one coach-player meetings,
> fights with my parents about why I'm not getting
> playing time or why he took me out of a game. LB
> baseball was a very intricate part of my High
> School experience.
>
> Now that I'm almost out of college, I can look
> back at my experience more objectively. Here's my
> assessment of Jody Rutherford based off things
> I've experienced, seen and heard.
>
> The guy is great at building a baseball program
> and winning baseball games. He's an excellent
> strategist and takes his job very seriously.
> Practice time is always optimized and he puts his
> team in the best position to win. He try's to play
> the best 9 players on the field. He's a
> competitor- about as competitive as you can get.
> Overall, good baseball guy.
>
> As a mentor and people person he can come off as
> insensitive which is very tough for a developing
> teenager to cope with. I know I would struggle
> with that. When he showed me confidence and
> attention, I would feel better about myself which
> would translate into a better performance on the
> field. Almost every kid in the program would also
> get negative feedback (even the studs). He hoped
> his players would use this criticism as
> "motivation". This style may work for a few
> people, but it rarely works for kids who are still
> in high school. There are times when he is harsh,
> but you become conditioned to accept that. If he
> showed a bit more compassion and sensitivity to
> his players he would enjoy a lot more success.
> The problem is that he should be coaching at the
> college level and/or beyond where the player-coach
> relationships are less emotional and more
> professional. He would treat us at times like we
> were major league players that had contracts and
> lost sight of the fact that we only had one team
> to play for.
>
> Some of you parents need understand what being a
> high school baseball coach entails. It's not as
> easy as it looks to produce multiple 20 win
> seasons AND appease every aspiring high school
> baseball player. Rejection is a harsh reality in
> life but can serve as guide for your child in the
> direction of other sports or hobbies that your he
> may like.
>
> This whole notion of pay to play is inaccurate. He
> does not financially benefit from coaching these
> AAU teams. The guy drove a Honda civic and lives
> in a modest house, so give him a break about him
> trying to make money of high school baseball. Even
> he was trying to make money, there is nothing
> wrong with pursuing an entrepreneurial career in a
> field that he is very proficient at. The kids who
> play the most are the kids who have the most
> talent. Bottom line, nothing to do with how much
> they pay.
>
> I honestly don't care about him as a person
> anymore. I'm not posting to bash, praise or accuse
> him of anything-- I'm way beyond that at this
> point. I'm posting for all the parents that have
> sons that are looking to play or are playing LB
> baseball currently. My advice to your child is to
> reinforce the notion of your son to NOT play for
> him, but play for his teammates that he grows very
> close with. More importantly though, reinforce
> the idea that he should be playing for HIMSELF and
> for the love of the game. I would get so caught up
> in trying to appease Rutherford that I lost sight
> of what I was actually playing for. If he's not
> enjoying his time on the baseball team, there's no
> shame in quitting. It's his life, not your life.
> Ask yourself what DOES he want out of baseball?
> Does he want to play in college? Does he just want
> to play for fun? Or do you want him to play
> college? Do you want him to play for fun?
>
> Ask yourselves these questions and re-asses what
> you want to do with your child. I was fortunate
> enough to have parents that did not pressure me
> whatsoever to make certain decisions. Heck my
> father didn't even know what baseball was until I
> played T-ball. I understand your frustrations as
> my parents went through the same thing. This is my
> perspective and interpretation of my experience at
> LB, I hope this post gives you some more insight
________________________________________________________

An incredibly accurate and fair description of Jody.

Nicely done LB Alum.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: been there ()
Date: January 13, 2012 08:21AM

To lb baseball alumnus -

A very fair and accurate post in terms of lb baseball and parents. You've got a good head on your shoulders and your heart is in the right place. Bravo! Best of luck to you.

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Re: LB BASEBALL COACH IS A JERK FROM WHAT I HEAR
Posted by: Jody Dimaggio ()
Date: July 20, 2018 07:48PM

Next stop....Cooperstown.

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