The best way to start this chapter is by defining the terms in its title.   Routine is a good word for a hitter.  A routine is a set, customary course of behavior.  It’s an important part of preparation (a subject that will be addressed in the next chapter).

Ritual can also be a good word, implying a detailed method of procedure that is regularly followed.  Faithfully followed.  There’s where the word can lead a hitter astray.  She must have faith in herself first and in her choice of behaving consistently.   Behavior she established because it works – in a practical way.  If a ritual is followed in a compulsive way – a way which a hitter can’t resist or adjust, that ritual is no longer a “good” one.

Read the entire article on our new blog, "Dugout Chattuh" by clicking here.

Congratulations to our Ohana Tigers Hansen 12u as they took the Red Rooster All Stars Tournament Championship by defeating their opponent 12-2 in the championship game by way of a run rule. They went 7-0-1 and never looked back during championship, day outscoring their opponents 43-5! Great work girls!

Katie Katsuyama (LHP, Ohana Tigers 16U Gold) was named Daily Breeze Female Athlete of the Week for posting a 3-1 record, 0.93 ERA, allowing just 3 hits and striking out 24 last week for Mira Costa HS. At the plate she went 3-8 (.375) with 5 runs scored. Great job Katie!

Vote for Katie for So Cal Athlete of the Week here: https://poll.fm/10302079

Ohana GOLD's Ale Samperio records another shutout game for her high school team. She struck out eight and allowed just three hits as the Stars (13-4) shut out the Sea Hawks, 3-0. Keep being awesome Ale!

Team: Ohana Tigers 18U Herrera
Position: C / 1B
High School: La Reina HS, Thousand Oaks, CA
Grade: Senior, Class of 2019
Other sports/school activities: Lit Team, Retreat Leader, National Honor Society
Years in Ohana: 2 years
Signed to: YALE University
Favorite Subject: Math
Favorite Color: Orange
Favorite Band: Gavin DeGraw 
Favorite Athlete: Mike Trout
Favorite Store: Bath & Body Works
Hobbies: Hiking, puzzles, going to the beach

What courses/major do you plan to explore in college? Neurology, Physical Science, Psychology

Most important qualities in a person: integrity, optimism, kindness, trustworthiness

Biggest turn-off or pet peeve: loud chewing, taking food without asking, clicking/tapping pens

Favorite quote to live by: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the Glory of God."

If I could do one thing to change the world: End Third World hunger and poverty

Position: Catcher, 1B
High School: Lakewood HS, Lakewood, CA
Grade: Junior, Class of 2020
Years in Ohana: 3 years
Signed to: Middle Tennessee State
Favorite Subject: History
Hobbies: Snowboarding, wakeboarding, surfing
Favorite Food: Hot Dogs
Favorite Snack: Peanut butter crackers
Favorite TV Show: Fosters
Favorite Movie: Kissing Booth

I play softball because: I love the game

My most embarassing softball moment: One time when I was blocking the ball, I made a funny noise and everyone heard it around the backstop so I blamed it on the ump!

Biggest role model and why: My Pa. Because he got me into the sport and is always encouraging to me.

What I still work on to improve / tip to younger players: Catchers should always work on getting to bunts faster.