Joe Siwa. Fall 2008 SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

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1 A L e t t e r F r o m J o e Fall 2008 SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: LOOK FOR MONEY SAVING COUPONS INSIDE THIS ISSUE!! FATHER/SON CLINICS START IN NOVEMBER!! BASEBALL/SOFTBALL CAGE LINE DRIVE LEAGUES FORMING NOW!! NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER BASEBALL & SOFTBALL GROUP LESSONS FORMING NOW!! PREPARING FOR HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL CLINIC IS A MUST FOR ALL FRESHMAN! SUNDAY LIVE HITTING LINE DRIVE LEAGUES FORMING NOW! Dear Fellow Baseball Enthusiasts, Do something wonderful, people may imitate it. Albert Schweitzer Over 12 years ago, Omaha businessman Harley Schrager opened a facility called The Strike Zone. He had always loved the game and had a vision of giving those who shared his passion a place to not only improve their skills, but have fun in doing so. Mr. Schrager approached me in 1996 and asked if I would be interested in managing the facility. Since baseball had been a huge part of my life, this was a great opportunity to work in a facility doing what I love. With my wife expecting our son, a change in employment was not planned, however, we decided that if I passed up this endeavor, I d be crazy!!!! I grew up playing baseball in the Keystone Little League Program, played high school ball at Roncalli and then went on to play college ball for the Auburn Tigers where I received my teaching degree. After being drafted by the Minnesota Twins, I played 5 years in their organization. My experience as a catcher with the Twins not only taught me fundamentals of the game, but also discipline and proper ethics in being a ball player. So playing ball and teaching is what I know. After a few years of getting the Strike Zone off and running, I was offered a chance to purchase The Strike Zone. Again, here was another fabulous opportunity. With the support of my family, it was decided this was a no-brainer. I ll never forget my mother-in-law s advice: Columbus took a chance! And so did I. I had many visions of what I wanted the Strike Zone to be It needed to be a place for ALL baseball/softball players to work out. I HAD to make sure that we reached out to everyone at every level. Whether if was beginning players, house league players, select players or anyone loving the game--ages 5-90! We would need programs designed for all players, at all levels of play. We staffed our programs with the best of the best providing lessons, training, fall leagues, summer leagues, camps, etc. Over time, people started seeing the success of the Strike Zone and decided that they could do the same, but building bigger. However, bigger is not always better. Interestingly enough, the programs being offered are all carbon copies of what the Strike Zone created and that we have implemented for years. We have had several opportunities to increase the size of our facility and also thoughts of changing our location. However, we chose to remain the same. We did not want to lose the commitment and values we offer to our customers. Our primary goal is for every player/customer to attain the goals that they have set for themselves and be available to assist them in achieving their goals. At the Strike Zone, we believe that we have done this and will continue to do so. We STILL are willing to hear our customers feedback and any suggestions in which we can improve upon. We want our customers to love baseball as we do, and help them attain their goals. Here at the Strike Zone, we thrive on their accomplishments. We have heard from several of our loyal customers that they have been and are being solicited by phone and mailers from other facilities. I appreciate all of you who have brought this to my attention. We do not have any knowledge of our customer phone log being shared, but somehow it happened. I would personally like to apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused. Although, we should be somewhat flattered that everything we started here is being duplicated. We hope you ve not been misled. Over the past few years, many talented and knowledgeable baseball/softball instructors have emerged and entered into instructing the fine sports of baseball and softball. They are fresh, have current knowledge and their motives for wanting to instruct are for the player. I have surrounded myself with a wonderful staff that shares this commitment with me. Most importantly, they are in this for all the right reasons. They love the game and STILL enjoy being a part of it. We are proud that they ve joined us and are all on the same page with us regarding our mission. The Strike Zone Mission Statement The Strike Zone Program regards each player as the "Most Valuable Player" in each of our programs and realizes that their dedication deserves special recognition. As baseball and softball teachers, we understand how challenging baseball and softball skills can be to master and value the idea that baseball is a game designed principally for enjoyment. Players are provided ample opportunity to develop their skills in a friendly, and controlled atmosphere designed to be constructive and encouraging. Key elements in our program include; a disciplined environment; qualified instructors; cooperative learning and an ethic of hard work. Overall, the Strike Zone s main objective is to offer the very best in baseball and softball training in the Omaha and surrounding areas. We at the Strike Zone want to continue providing a service to all. The personal attention that you all deserve will continue. I assure you that I am here to listen to your concerns and help you achieve your goals. I m easily accessible at the Strike Zone and also welcome your s. Remember, at the Strike Zone, there is no middleman. Again, thank you for your years of patronage at the Strike Zone and we hope that you will continue in letting us be there for you. Joe Siwa

2 Coach Siwa, Thank you again for sponsoring and hosting another successful Fall Ball Season. Our boys improved noticeably in both their individual and team skills. Your Tuesday night hitting clinics and your preseason weekend camps worked well with school schedules and kept their heads in the game for a couple of more months. We know that keeping their skills tuned during the off season is so important with baseball, especially at this age when their bodies are changing and growing so much. How they move to field a ball, how they use their throwing mechanics, or even how they swing a bat can change dramatically on any given growth-spurt. Having Fall Ball was a big plus for our kids, keeping their skills polished while having fun doing it. Strike Zone is a great asset to our community! Ed Vilak Dear Joe, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Strike Zone for their assistance in the continuation of Scott's baseball experience. Scott was fortunate to have been able to play on the Strike Zone Elite baseball team for the past two years. The experience has been very valuable in Scott's ultimate decision in attending and playing baseball for Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska. The Strike Zone Elite baseball team allowed Scott a first hand opportunity to play against college baseball teams and observe the campus facilities. The experience also allowed college coaches to observe Scott s play in a competitive environment which allowed him to receive scholarship opportunities. The friendships Scott made with his teammates continued through the fall and into his high school season, Legion season and well into his college career. I would encourage the Strike Zone Elite baseball team to anyone interested in playing college baseball. Dan Doggett Dear Strike Zone, We have been members of the Strike Zone for several years, and we still are but I wanted to let you know about a recent experience we had elsewhere in another fall baseball league. I am almost ashamed to tell you that my son didn t play fall ball at the Strike Zone this year, he played fall baseball at one of the other places so that he could be on a team with a friend. Unfortunately, the experience was horrible. My son was ready to quit playing baseball-it was so bad, and his friend was right along with him. When playing at the Strike Zone, my son always had fun, learned, and improved. The coaches know their stuff and have always been positive, and one of the things that kept my son in baseball was the promise that we would go back to Strike Zone next fall. Keep doing it the way you always have. We are coming back! Earley Smith

3 20 Plus Hi-Definition TV s Joe, Tim and I enjoyed being a part of fall ball with our sons and had a really great time. It has been busy, but well worth it. Thanks! Doug Lindner Sioux Falls, South Dakota Hi, at my son's last game with the fall competitive season, we were given some papers and among them was a note suggesting that we log onto Strike Zone to rate our kids' coaches for this season. I wanted to you because we happened to have one of the best coaches my son has ever had. My son is Mike Moyers -- 15/16 Gold team. He has learned more from John McCord and his son Colby McCord in this season alone than he has learned the whole time he has played baseball (since he was 5)! They are both two of the best coaches, I just cannot say enough good things about them. They take the time to show kids how to play their positions correctly, they explain to them when they are doing something wrong and why it is wrong, and they talk to them in ways that they can understand. They instilled in my son a sense of confidence and a need to be better. For that I am very thankful. I feel like it was money well spent. I am VERY hopeful that you will have them both back coaching the 16+ competitive fall season next year, because I definitely want my son on their team again. Please make sure that they come back to coach next year. Thank you again, Rachel Moyers

4 Off Season Workouts a must for Players During the off-season, young baseball players should concentrate on improving the fundamentals. For many young players, fall and winter is the ideal time to improve their batting skills. Many winter workout facilities in the colder regions have indoor batting cages for this purpose. However, players must be sure to set up in their proper batting stance for each and every swing, and to not rush their swings. Otherwise, you may quickly discover that it is far too easy for a hitter to develop bad habits. Lessons from a qualified trainer can reinforce proper hitting skills. Hitting instruction should focus on mechanics (i.e., stance to follow-through), power, situational hitting, and bunting. In addition to fine tuning the physical aspects of hitting, fall and winter workouts are an ideal time to focus on the mental aspects of hitting. During the season, the last inning of a pressure-packed game, is not the right time to teach a young player about mental preparation for hitting. The older players should be taught more advanced mental approaches, such as studying the pitcher, catcher, and defense and making adjustments based on different game situations. No matter what individual skills your young player chooses to focus on during fall and winter workouts, conditioning and staying in shape is essential. Some winter workout programs concentrate exclusively on strength, speed, and agility training, with instruction on base running and base stealing included. Staying strong and flexible during the winter will help prevent injuries when it s time to play ball in the spring. This is especially true for young pitchers. Weight training and aerobic activity appropriate to the pitcher s age is recommended. Fall and winter is also an ideal time for pitchers to fine tune their pickoff moves and to practice pitchers fielding situations that s right for your player s individual needs and appropriate to his age By Olan Sudduth (e.g., throwing to first base, fielding bunts, and covering first base). Pitchers can work on proper throwing mechanics during the winter and start throwing regularly about 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the season, but don t overexert your young pitcher s arm! Your coach or pitching instructor can provide a throwing workout that is appropriate to the player s age, experience level, and other factors. Find yourself a reputable training facility; like the Strike Zone. Decide on a program and playing level. While the off-season is a time to recover, don t let your young player wait until the week before the spring season starts to begin working out again doing so could result in lackluster performance, or worse, lead to injury and cut the season.

5 To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story here. Volume 1 Issue 5 Page 5 I n s i d e S t o r y H e a d l i n e This story can fit words. One benefit of using your newsletter as a promotional tool is that you can reuse content from other marketing materials, such as press releases, market studies, and reports. While your main goal of distributing a newsletter might be to sell your product or service, the key to a successful Caption describing picture or graphic. newsletter is making it useful to your readers. A great way to add useful content to your newsletter is to develop and write your own articles, or include a calendar of upcoming events or a special offer that promotes a new product. You can also research articles or find filler articles by accessing the World Wide Web. You can write about a variety of topics but try to keep your articles short. Much of the content you put in your newsletter can also be used for your Web site. Microsoft Publisher offers a simple way to convert your newsletter to a Web publication. So, when you re finished writing your newsletter, convert it to a Web site and post it. I n s i d e S t o r y H e a d l i n e This story can fit words. The subject matter that appears in newsletters is virtually endless. You can include stories that focus on current technologies or innovations in your field. You may also want to note business or economic trends, or make predictions for your customers or clients. If the newsletter is distributed internally, you might comment upon new procedures or improvements to the business. Sales figures or earnings will show how your business is growing. Some newsletters include a column that is updated every issue, for instance, an advice column, a book review, a letter from the president, or an editorial. You can also profile new employees or top customers or vendors. I n s i d e S t o r y H e a d l i n e Caption describing picture or graphic. 24 Hour Customer Service This story can fit Microsoft Publisher includes Blum Family Chiropractic words Elm Street thousands of clip art images from which you can choose Selecting Omaha, pictures or Nebraska graphics (402) and import into your newsletter. There are also several is an important part of adding content to your newsletter. Tim Wortman tools you can use to draw Think about your article and shapes and symbols. ask yourself if the picture supports or enhances the mes- Agency Principle Once you have chosen an image, Associates, place it close Inc. to the arti- Tim Wortman & sage you re trying to convey. timwortman@allstate.com cle. Be sure to place the caption of the image near the im- Avoid selecting images that appear to be out of context. Phone: age. Fax: Toll Free: Auto~Home~Business~Life

6 Group Lessons consist of 4 one-hour classes that meet one night a week for four weeks. Classes are offered in specific skill areas, and are limited to 4-6 players per class. Each Class includes 4 sessions. Players must attend designated dates only. We at The Strike Zone try to provide as many opportunities as possible for the young player to improve. Some of the greatest opportunities come when The Strike Zone holds group lessons. We offer lessons in various aspects of the game, allowing for all around improvement for players of all ages. Pitching: Covers basics of pitching. Covers proper throwing technique, fundamentals of pitching, and development of a fastball. Will include introduction to change up and holding runners on base (depending on age). Intended for developing pitchers as well as first time pitchers. Advanced Pitching: Covers advanced aspects of pitching. Covers development of change up and additional off speed pitches. Covers the mental aspects of pitching. Intended for experienced Jr./Sr. High School pitchers. Hitting Fundamentals: Covers basics of hitting. Covers proper hitting mechanics, developing strong eye hand coordination, and power to all fields. Intended for hitters of all ages. Explosive Hitting: Covers advanced aspects of hitting. Teaches hitting through the ball, teaches using whole body to hit the ball, develops power to all fields, and develops strength in the muscles used to hit the ball. Intended for hitters 12-Up. Defensive Work: Covers basics of playing defense. This class will offer two different perspectives of playing defense; outfield and infield. Work will cover but is not limited to mental aspects of playing defense, proper throwing mechanics from each position, and proper footwork for fielding ground balls and fly balls. This class is intended for players of all ages, with more advanced aspects being introduced depending on age level. Catching: Covers the basics of the catcher s position. Covers basics in footwork, throwing, blocking, and framing. Teaches the mental aspects of catching as well as how to work well with pitchers. Intended for catchers of all ages. All Skills: Covers fundamental aspects of all skills required to play the game. The class will cover but will not be limited to throwing, hitting, defensive play, and base running. Class is intended for beginning and developing players. Mack s Mites: Covers fundamental aspects of all skills required to play the game. The class will cover but will not be limited to throwing, hitting, defensive play, and base running. Class is intended for beginning and developing players between the ages of 5-7. Lefty s Club: Covers fundamental aspects of positions best suited to lefty s: first base, outfield, and pitching. The class will cover but will not be limited to proper throwing/ pitching technique, pickoffs, the crow hop, and foot/glove work around first base. Class is intended for lefty s ages Small Ball Skills: Covers small ball aspects of the game. The class will cover, but is not limited to bunting, base stealing, and station to station play. Class is intended for players of ages 9-Up.

7 PITCHING/ADVANCED PITCHING 5:00 6:00 7:00 Mon Nov. 3,10,17,24 or Mon Dec. 1,8,15,22 Pitching: Ages 7-9 Pitching: Ages Pitching: Ages Wed Nov. 5,12,19,26 or Wed Dec. 3,10,17,?? Pitching: Ages Advanced Pitching: Ages Advanced Pitching: Ages 16-Up PITCHING/ADVANCED PITCHING 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM Sun Nov. 9,16,23,30 or Sun Dec. 7,14,21,28 Pitching: Ages 9-11 Pitching: Ages Advanced Pitching: Ages High School HITTING FUNDAMENTALS/EXPLOSIVE HITTING 5:00 6:00 7:00 Mon Nov. 3,10,17,24 or Mon Dec. 1,8,15,22 Hitting Fundamentals: Ages 7-9 Explosive Hitting: Ages Explosive Hitting: Ages Wed Nov. 5,12,19,26 or Wed Dec. 3,10,17,?? Hitting Fundamentals: Ages 7-9 Explosive Hitting: Ages Explosive Hitting: Ages 15-Up CATCHING 5:00 6:00 7:00 Mon Nov. 3,10,17,24 or Mon Dec. 1,8,15,22 Catching: Ages 7-9 Catching: Ages Catching: Ages CATCHING 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM Sun Nov. 9,16,23,30 or Sun Dec. 7,14,21,28 Catching: Ages Catching: Ages Catching: Ages 15-Up LEFTY S CLUB 5:00 6:00 7:00 Wed Nov. 5,12,19,26 or Wed Dec. 3,10,17,?? Lefty s Club: Ages 7-9 Lefty s Club: Ages Lefty s Club: Ages MACK S MITES/ALL SKILLS 5:00 6:00 7:00 Mon Nov. 3,10,17,24 or Mon Dec. 1,8,15,22 Mack s Mites: Ages 5-7 All Skills: Ages 7-9 All Skills: Ages Wed Nov. 5,12,19,26 or Wed Dec. 3,10,17,?? Mack s Mites: Ages 5-7 Mack s Mites: Ages 5-7 All Skills: Ages 7-9 SMALL BALL SKILLS 5:00 6:00 7:00 Thu Nov. 6,13,20,?? or Thu Dec. 4,11,18,?? Small Ball Skills: Ages 9-11 Small Ball Skills: Ages Small Ball Skills: Ages 15-Up DEFENSIVE WORK 5:00 6:00 7:00 Thu Nov. 6,13,20,?? or Thu Dec. 4,11,18,?? Defensive Work: Ages 7-9 Defensive Work: Ages Defensive Work: Ages DEFENSIVE WORK 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Sat Nov. 8,15,22,29 or Sat Dec. 6,13,20,27 Defensive Work: Ages Defensive Work: Ages 15-Up SPACE IS LIMITED - REGISTER NOW AT THE STRIKE ZONE Please register me for Strike Zone Group Lessons marked above: No. of Classes Member Price $100 Non-Member Price $125 Name: Age: Telephone: Cell #: Address: City/State/Zip: Amount Enclosed: $ PARENT/GUARDIAN RELEASE STATEMENT: We (I) hereby give our (my) permission to The Strike Zone to provide medical attention to our (my) son/daughter in the event of injury or illness. We (I) hereby release The Strike Zone and all its employees from all claims (present or future) resulting from any injuries which may be sustained by our (my) son/daughter while attending The Strike Zone Clinic. (Parent/Guardian Sign Here:) PAYMENT METHOD Cash Check Visa MC Disc AMEX Card No Exp Date 3 digit V-Code Signature

8 Saturday, December 13, :00 5:00 PM For Great Offers!! Important Message Inside! See Front Page! PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT NO Strike Zone 2900 South 110th Street Omaha, Nebraska (402)