Dugout Culture

The dugout is part of the game. Rawlings Tigers NOVA players are expected to stay engaged, support teammates, prepare for their next opportunity, and bring energy from the first pitch through the final out.

Standard: Stay Engaged Focus: Team First Expectation: No Walking Mindset: Prepare Every Inning

Everyone Team-wide dugout standards for players and coaches Expand / Collapse

Dugout Standards

All Players

Everyone in the dugout has a role. Players and coaches should help create an atmosphere of preparation, support, accountability, and competitive energy.

Talk Baseball

Create an atmosphere of supporting one another. Watch the game together. Talk about what you are seeing. Cheer your teammates on, but be careful not to let your “cheers” be the only thing you’re thinking about.

The dugout is a place to prepare for your next opportunity.

Hustle To Your Position

NO WALKING out to your position!!!!!

Coaches Are Watching

Your body language, your energy, and level of support. Establish a culture of responsibility and accountability. Be the example of what you preach.

✓ Team standard The dugout should help the team stay locked in, not checked out. Be ready before your name is called.

Position Players Study the game, support teammates, and be ready between innings Expand / Collapse

Position Player Responsibilities

Game Awareness

Position players should use the dugout to learn the opponent, help teammates, and stay ready for the next defensive inning.

Study Opposing Pitchers

Look for patterns in pitch selection. Tells in their delivery. How they handle hold times and pick-off moves with runners on. Watch to see if they pay attention to the runner on third.

Pick Up Your Teammates

Know where everyone’s hat and glove are, and when they are the last out of the inning. Make sure someone is ready to take their gear to them unless they are a catcher.

Catcher, Be Ready

Unless you were at bat, on deck, or on base, make sure you are ready to go when that third out is made.

Team, if your catcher needs to get their gear on, make sure someone is ready to go out to warm up the pitcher.

! Between-inning detail Know who made the last out, who needs a glove, and who needs help getting ready before the defense takes the field.

Pitchers Study hitters, stay loose, and prepare before the next inning Expand / Collapse

Pitcher Responsibilities

Stay Ready

Pitchers should use dugout time to study hitters, manage their body, and stay ready for the next opportunity.

Study Opposing Hitters

What do they chase with two strikes?
Does their approach change with runners on vs. no runners on base?
Do they swing at the first pitch?
Are they a base stealer?

Stay Loose

If there is a long inning make sure to keep your body moving. With two outs, do some band work, arm circles, or maybe even go to the bullpen to play a little catch. Keep your arm loose and ready.

✓ Pitcher standard Long innings are not downtime. Keep your arm and body ready so you can compete when the team needs you.