Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
The answers to the following questions are for anybody involved with the Pembroke Hill baseball program; however, the people who might find them most beneficial are the families of players who are or will be new to the program. As always, if you have any questions that are not answered, or if you want to talk to a real person, please do not hesitate to contact me at the following:
Jeff Diskin Pembroke Hill Head Baseball Coach
E-mails: jdiskin@pembrokehill.org
Cell #: 816.589.6525
What is the best source of information for the baseball program?
The Pembroke Hill baseball program has its own site: www.phsoldschool.com. This site is updated regularly and has information that is relevant to that point of the year. For example, during the spring months, there will be information about spring break trips, schedules, practice itineraries, etc…. In the fall, there will be a fall schedule with an off-season conditioning program. In the summer, we will have the summer schedule, updated record holders, general announcements, etc…. We want the website to be a one-stop shop for information about the program and encourage every person involved with the program to check it regularly.
Is there any off-season training?
The off-season conditioning program available to the players begins when the school year starts. The Pembroke Hill strength coach leads the overall conditioning program, and there is a baseball specific component available for those who want it. The baseball specific exercise are to be done in addition to the strength coach’s program, not instead of. The weight room is open from 3:30 – 5:30 Monday – Friday.
Are there any baseball camps?
There are no camps planned for high school players this summer, but we plan on holding summer camps and clinics for younger players and teams during the spring season.
Is there a summer baseball program?
If a player plays high school baseball for PHS and wants to play summer ball, we can provide him an opportunity to play for a Pembroke Hill team as long as there is enough committed interest for a complete team. We can also help interested players find positions on other teams. We will play on a team based out of Teamwork Sports, and former player and assistant coach Geoff Butler will lead the summer baseball program. Our goal is to complete the summer league by July 4 while playing 20 - 25 games.
Is it ok to play on another summer team?
It is perfectly OK to play on another summer team not associated with Pembroke Hill. We just want to make sure that the kids are playing somewhere, and that everybody who wants to play is able to play.
Is there a fall baseball program?
As long as there is enough interest, we will play in a fall league hosted byu Johnson County 3&2. It is a league where all games are played in the evenings during the week.
Can you participate in other sports and the off season programs?
It would be very difficult to participate in the baseball off-season conditioning/fall baseball program and play another sport, and we do not encourage kids who play fall sports to play in outside baseball activities. The bottom line is that the sport in season needs to take top priority, and all attention and energy needs to be given to that sport rather than an additional baseball league or workout.
Is it possible to take vacation during spring break?
The spring break schedule is the same every year. We practice through the last Friday before spring break begins. Players then get that Saturday – Saturday off before starting practice back up late on the afternoon of the second Sunday of spring break. Spring break trips are encouraged to be taken during that first week of spring break.
What are consequences for missing practice?
First and foremost, the state activities association mandates that players who do not compete in a winter sport must have 14 practices in order to be eligible to play in any game. Typically, we will have in the neighborhood of 15 practices prior to the first game, so families need to plan accordingly. Otherwise, coaches and the players who miss will stay after practice about 30 minutes upon a player’s return to get him caught up on what he missed while he was gone. Other consequences, if any, will be worked out between the coach and the player.
When does practice start?
Baseball always starts the week where March 1 falls. If March 1st is on a Wednesday, then practice would start on the previous Monday, February 27.
When do the games start?
We are allowed to begin playing games during the fourth week of the season. We have started a tradition of starting our games during the second week of our spring break.
Where does the team practice and play games?
The team practices and plays its home games at KCMO 3&2, located at Bannister Road and Blue River RD (9600 Blue Rived Rd) near the old Honeywell plant in south Kansas City.
Why don’t we practice at school?
There is not a baseball field on campus; however, we do utilize two batting cages, which are available for use throughout the school year.
How do the players get to practice and games?
Players drive to practices and home games as long as their transportation forms indicate that it is OK. We set it up where the upper classmen will drive the underclassmen to the stadium for practices and games. Players being picked up from practice need to be picked up at KCMO 3&2 stadium.
What time are practices held?
Practices are held from 3:55 - 6:15 during the week. We will also try to practice or play a game on most Saturdays. Towards the end of the season, practices might end a little bit earlier. Also, as we get into the season, we might give players a day off during the week and practice on the weekends. This makes it a little easier for players to stay caught up with their school work
How is transportation set up for away games?
The team charters a bus to all away games. Players are expected to ride to the games with the team, but they can ride home with their families following the games. I would like a written note or e-mail if one player is going to ride home with another player’s parents. During the COVID time, players are not allowed to ride home with other families.
How many games do we have?
Assuming that no games are lost to rainouts, the varsity will typically play 16 regular season games and three tournaments (3 games in each tournament) which will account for approximately 25 regular season games. District play begins post-season play. The junior varsity will play in the neighborhood of 16 - 20 games, depending on roster size.
How many players are carried on the roster?
We generally attract in the neighborhood of 20 – 30 players out for the baseball program. This number would allow us to have between 12 and 15 players on each team. Some players may be asked to play on more than one level of team throughout the course of the season.
What class are we?
In Missouri, there are six classifications for baseball with 1 being the smallest and 6 being the largest. We currently play in class 4. The classification number is based on enrollment and could change every two years.
What district are we in?
District assignments are made every year two weeks after the first practice. Overall, there are 16 districts in class 4. We occasionally host the district tournament.
Are we in a conference?
We are not in a conference. This is one reason why we try to schedule three tournaments during the regular season. However, the school is always exploring the option of joining a conference.
Are uniforms and equipment provided?
Each player will receive a pair of gray and white game pants, a red vest jersey, and a solid royal blue jersey. Players must buy their hats. In addition, red batting helmets, red socks, red belts, red undersleeves, and baseball hats can be purchased at the PHS Bokstore. Players can use their own helmets if they like, as long as they are red. Catching gear is also provided, but many catchers prefer to use their own. The school does not provide bats for the players.
What is appropriate practice wear?
Practice jerseys, pants, hats and other baseball attire are available in the bookstore. Make sure to have plenty of warm clothes and a pair of tennis shoes for each practice.
Is spirit wear available?
For fans of the program, spirit wear is available.
Who are the coaches?
There are 5 coaches, and all 5 coaches work together to run the program. The coaches are as follows:
Head coach: Jeff Diskin
Assistant coaches: Brett Bailey, Taylor Davis, Justin Hartmann, Tyler LaPlante
Joe Diskin also spends lots of time assisting the program with field maintenance and statistics.
What is the baseball program like at Pembroke Hill?
The baseball program continues to grow and develop in a positive manner under the leadership of Coach Diskin. It is a great learning environment for players that enjoy the game of baseball. The coaches concentrate on teaching and improving the skills of each player which allows the team to perform at a very competitive level. The coaches have a sincere interest in the development of the players; in turn, the players seem to enjoy and excel in the program. For information from a player's perspective, please refer to the Player Testimonials page.
Who goes on the out of town tournaments?
The varsity team only (14 – 16 players) plays in out of town tournaments.
Trip to the Dominican Republic
In the past, the Pembroke Hill baseball program tried to take a trip to the Dominican Republic to participate in a summer camp every three years. The camp was run by a college coach, and the players practiced with and played against aspiring Dominican baseball players. With my summer schedule, this camp is now available during the week between Christmas and New Year's. Please visit the following site for more information: www.dominicanbaseballcamp.com.
Are there any forms needed prior to the start of practice?
Before players are eligible to practice, they must have a physical form turned in and their transportation form must be correct if they plan on driving or riding with another player to practice. In addition, an athletic code form must be signed by the player and the parent(s) before a player can play in a game. An overnight/emergency form must be completed prior to going on an out of town trip. Finally, a physical needs to completed every two years while the health history (annual form) needs to be completed every year.
Who should be contacted for questions?
Head coach Jeff Diskin. Contact information at the top of this page.
What about private instruction away from school?
Players can take all of the private lessons they want prior to the season. Once in season, players can continue private hitting lessons if they feel that they need more swings, but private pitching lessons should stop so that pitchers can get on the school’s regular throwing program.
Is there anything the parents can do to help the program?
The main thing that parents can do to help the program is be supportive. If questions arise, please contact the head coach or ask your son about the issue. More specifically, parents are really helping the program when they are able to meet the demands that the program asks. Scheduling around spring break and Saturday practices is a great benefit. As far as wanting to give financially to the program, all inquiries need to go through the Pembroke Hill business manager. If issues arise regarding the program, it is Coach Diskin's desire to meet with both the player and the parent(s).
Are their times when players participate in both junior varsity and varsity games?
Yes, there are times when some players participate in junior varsity and varsity games and “C” and junior varsity games. It is important that players keep communication open with the coach if they feel that the demands of participating at each level is becoming too much. The coaching staff is good at accommodating and working through conflicts and coming up with a schedule that works for all parties involved.
Is there a “C” team?
As long as there is enough interest (roughly 34 players), then the school is committed to having a “C” team. If the numbers in the program are less than 34, there will be varsity and junior varsity teams only.
If not involved in a game, can players study while waiting on transportation?
Yes.
What is available to store player equipment during school?
There is a changing room underneath the bleachers that the players use to change into practice attire each day. It is a good idea for players to store clothes and equipment in their baseball bags and bring them home each night. There are storage areas around the upper school to place baseball bags during the school day.