Dan Hughes Podcasts - Metal Detecting - Softball

031-091105 In the Softball Corner - End-of-Season Team Party

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:46:00 GMT

How to use your end-of-season team party to keep your teammates loyal, and your sponsor happy to write next year's check.

More tips in my book, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

031-091029 In the Treasure Corner - Finding Caches

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:15:00 GMT

Sure, it's fun to find coins - free money and all that - but most treasure hunters dream of finding a cache. A jar of silver coins, an old tobacco tin stuffed with five-dollar gold pieces, or a metal box full of diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.

Cache hunting is unlike any other form of metal detecting, and this program has some tips to get you started in the right direction.

For more tips on cache hunting, see my book, The Metal Detecting Manual.

030-091022 In the Softball Corner - Pitching to Power Hitters

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:40:00 GMT

It's hard enough to pitch to average batters - how do you pitch to power hitters?

In this show, I discuss different ideas from different pitchers. And a power hitter gives us his ideas on how a pitcher might give him problems.

And of course, there is one sure way you can guarantee that the power hitter doesn't hit a homer when you're on the mound.

For more articles for slowpitch softball pitchers (and fielders, and batters, and managers and coaches), scroll to the bottom of my website: http://slowpitchbook.com.

030-091015 In the Treasure Corner - Log Cabins and Old Farmhouses

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:43:00 GMT

I have just heard from another disappointed treasure hunter who finally got a chance to search an old country homesite that you'd think would be teeming with choice finds.

But aside from a couple of zinc pennies and a clad dime, he was pretty much skunked.

Sadly, this is the rule rather than the exception for old homesteads.

Why? This podcast covers some of the basic reasons old coins are hard to come by at rural homesites.

But we all like happy endings, so this show ends with a tip about hunting one particular area of the old homestead where you might actually find several coins bunched together.

And don't forget to check out my book, at http://treasuremanual.com.

029-091008 In the Softball Corner - Broomsticks and Boxing Gloves

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 12:41:00 GMT

Abner Doubleday and James Naismith are names you may recognize, but George Hancock?

Softball began as a game of broomsticks and boxing gloves. Now it is the most popular participant sport in the country, with over 40 million players.

This is the story of how softball began, and grew. For more information about playing, coaching, and managing slowpitch softball, see my book.

029-091001 In the Treasure Corner - Hunted-Out Areas

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 1 Oct 2009 13:44:00 GMT

So you've got a few hours free, and you want to go metal detecting. Is it really worthwhile to hit that nearby park or schoolyard that is already pretty much hunted out?

This podcast discusses the secrets of hunting those "hunted-out" areas. How to find coins that others have missed.

Visit my website for free treasure hunting articles:
http://treasuremanual.com

028-090924 In the Softball Corner - The Hot Corner

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:36:00 GMT

It really IS the hot corner. Balls hit to third base are moving faster than balls hit anywhere else on the field.

In this podcast, you'll learn some of the secrets of playing third base, with tips on positioning, preparedness, strategy . . . and survival.

Thanks to veteran third basemen Phil Denman and Jonathan Pinke for their help with this program.

More softball tips are available at the bottom of this page:

Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball, by Dan Hughes.

028-091017 In the Treasure Corner - The Treasure Hunter's Basic Library

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:54:00 GMT

They say experience is the best teacher, but they are wrong. Why should you make the same mistakes others have made before you?

Philosopher George Santayana said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Similarly, when it comes to treasure hunting, those who have gone before you have made the mistakes, so you don't have to. Just listen to what they have to say!

In this program, I make some book recommendations. Books that will help you find more coins faster, books that will give you new ideas on likely hunting places, and books that will tell you what you've found and what it's worth.

I was tempted to do a review of my own book in this show, but I decided that wouldn't be fair. So instead, I'll let you choose whether or not to click here.

027-090910 In the Softball Corner - One Year Smarter

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:09:00 GMT

On the first anniversary of In the Softball Corner, I look back at what I did right, what I did wrong, which topics were the most popular, why my book doesn't sell as well as it could, why that's fine with me, and how I was able to combine softball with my other favorite outdoor activity and podcast subject, treasure hunting.

My Birthday Quiz and In the Collector's Corner articles mentioned in this podcast appear every month in The Active Seniors and Boomers newspaper. You can read them online at http://theactiveseniors.com.
My online high school yearbook is at http://bdhs65.com (and I am not responsible for the hair styles).

For some free articles based on chapters in my book, go to the bottom of this page: Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

027-090903 In the Treasure Corner - One Year Smarter

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 3 Sep 2009 13:04:00 GMT

On the first anniversary of In the Treasure Corner, I look back at what I did right, what I did wrong, which topics were the most popular, why my book doesn't sell as well as it could, why that's fine with me, and how I was able to combine my treasure hunting hobby with my other favorite sport, slowpitch softball.

My Birthday Quiz and In the Collector's Corner articles mentioned in this podcast appear every month in The Active Seniors and Boomers newspaper. You can read them online at http://theactiveseniors.com.

For some free articles based on chapters in my book, go to the bottom of this page: The Metal Detecting Manual.

026-090827 In the Softball Corner - Are Pitchers Important?

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:49:00 GMT

Some softball players think pitchers aren't important in slowpitch softball, because you can't do much finessing with a pitch that floats in to the batter at fifteen miles per hour.

This show offers some tips on how to be more than just a pitching machine.

My book, Coaching and Managing Adult Slowpitch Softball, is available here.

026-090819 In the Treasure Corner - Returning a Gold Ring, Part III

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Twelve years ago, I came very close to getting a class ring back to its owner.

A month ago, I began anew to try to find the girl who lost it 23 years ago.

I struck out with Classmates, and now I've stepped up my quest with five new attacks.
Enjoy the latest episode of "How Hard Can It Be To Get Rid of a Gold Ring?"

And if you enjoy the podcasts, read my book, The Metal Detecting Manual.

025-090813 In the Softball Corner - Newbie Pitching Secrets

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:01:00 GMT

Your team needs a pitcher - fast. What do you do?

This show gives you some shortcuts on finding the player on your team who is most likely to be trainable as a pitcher.

It also shows you how to build a backyard pitching frame - for under two dollars - that will help your pitcher learn to throw accurate 12-foot-high strikes.

Here's the website with photos and detailed instructions for making and setting up your pitching frame:

http://danhughesbooks.com/backyardpitching.htm

And here's the spiffy ad for my softball book:

http://softballmanual.com

Even if you're not interested in the book, the ad page has links to several free softball articles. They're at the bottom of the page - check them out!

025-090806 In the Treasure Corner - Making a Living With Your Detector?

Thu, 6 Aug 2009 12:40:00 GMT

There was a discussion in one of the treasure forums recently about the feasibility of making a living with your metal detector by becoming a full time treasure hunter.

Think of it! No alarm clocks, no early-morning commutes to the office, no suits and ties, no office politics, no boss!

Can it really be done?

In this program I examine the possibilities.

I've written a book on treasure hunting called The Metal Detecting Manual. It's for sale here.

024-090730 In the Softball Corner - Seniors and the M-Formation

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:03:00 GMT

My last-place senior team beat the league's first-place team - twice! - by using this unorthodox outfield formation.

This program, about my team's 2009 season, includes a description of an effective method of defense against a team that hits a lot of singles to the short outfield.

And don't forget to check out my book on managing and coaching adult
slowpitch softball.

024-090723 In the Treasure Corner - Returning a Gold Ring, Part II

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:45:00 GMT

After polling several metal detecting and treasure hunting forums about whether or not I should continue trying to return a class ring, I've reached a decision.

Did those who responded to my question think I should keep the ring, or try again to return it? Hear the results here, and see if you agree with my decision.

And check out my book, The Metal Detecting Manual.

023-090716 In the Softball Corner - Dealing With Umpires

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:26:00 GMT

Good umps, bad umps - what do you do when your ump makes a bad call, or doesn't know the rules?

The book is Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

023-090709 In the Treasure Corner - The Clue in the Old Book

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:26:00 GMT

The Clue in the Old Book! Sounds like a Nancy Drew title, doesn't it?

Old books and newspapers can be wonderful sources of clues to treasure. Just this week, this notice appeared in my local paper:
--------------------------------
Area history
In 1909, during the hot summer months, camping on the Sangamon River in Mahomet seems to be all the rage. Last summer, nearly 300 families camped around here, and from present indications there will be twice as many this year.
--------------------------------
Mahomet is a small town ten miles west of here, and there is still a county park along the Sangamon River. I've detected that park several times, but only in the play areas, never by the river. You can bet where I'll be hunting next time I'm there!

This podcast discusses reading old books and other publications with the mindset of a treasure hunter.

As always, there's a lot more information in my book.

022-090702 In the Softball Corner - The Knuckleball

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 12:50:00 GMT

The knuckleball can be the most valuable tool in the pitcher's arsenal.

When to use the knuckleball (you'll be surprised) and how to throw it are covered here.

Much more about pitching, hitting, fielding, coaching and managing adult slowpitch softball here (see the free articles at the bottom of that page).

022-090625 In the Treasure Corner - Try AGAIN to Return this Gold Ring?

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:28:00 GMT

How far should a treasure hunter go to return lost property?

Listen to my story of how I found a class ring and located the now-distant owner. And then, because the owner never got back with me to make arrangements to receive the ring, I lost the owner.

The ball is in her court now, right? Or not?

What, if anything, should I do now? Please hit the COMMENTS link and post your thoughts here. Your advice will help me decide.

And, as always, I invite you to read about my book, and, if you are sufficiently intrigued, to purchase a copy.

021-090618 In the Softball Corner - Outfielder Tips

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Here are some tips and tricks for outfielders. How to get a force-out when normally you couldn't, how to avoid collisions, who takes priority, where to play your strongest arm, and more.

Be sure to listen to more outfield tips in podcast 013.

Buy the book, available nowhere else but here.

021-090611 In the Treasure Corner - Gold Rings

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:40:00 GMT

.

Have you found your first gold ring yet? No?

What? You don't dig pulltabs? That's why you're leaving those rings for me. Pulltabs are the ringfinder's best friend! Here's why..

A discussion of how to find gold rings by digging pulltabs, without losing your sanity.

Also - Have you found more dimes, or nickels? You don't know? Tips on keeping a coin logbook.

I sell a book I've written called The Metal Detecting Manual. Available nowhere else but here: http://treasuremanual.com.

020-090604 In the Softball Corner - Team Bag

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 4 Jun 2009 13:37:00 GMT

What do you carry in your team bag? I asked managers around the country to list the items they felt were important to have available. Here's a list of things you should consider, including some surprises.

Here's my book, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball. Buy a copy so I can feed my dog Max.

.

020-090528 In the Treasure Corner - Research Tips

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:41:00 GMT

A few odds and ends on research and finding older coins, including a story on how yours truly missed a fantastic opportunity for old coins right in front of my own house.

Here's my book, The Metal Detector Manual. Buy a copy so I can feed my dog Max.

019-090521 In the Softball Corner - Handling Latecomers

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:23:00 GMT

How often do you have to turn in your starting lineup before some of your players have arrived? Here are some tips on getting your players to the ballpark on time.

Here's the book for managing and coaching adult slowpitch softball.

019-090514 In the Treasure Corner - Library Secrets

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:54:00 GMT

Many treasure hunters read the treasure magazines cover-to-cover, but they don't use a much more profitable - and free - resource: their local library.

This show gives you some valuable tips about what you can find in your local library.

Much more in my book, The Metal Detecting Manual, available only from this site.

018-090507 In the Softball Corner - Angry Ballplayers

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 7 May 2009 16:27:00 GMT

Softball is fun, right? That's why we play, right?

So what's with so many hotheads on the field, always angry about something?

Buy the book, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

018-090430 In the Treasure Corner - Finding Older Coins

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:59:00 GMT

Finding fifty coins in an afternoon is great, but disappointment can set in when their total value is a dollar, and none of them are old.

This show offers tips on finding the older coins, with a story of how one treasure hunter zeroed in on a locale that offered up coins dated 1850 and earlier.

Order the book here.

017-090423 In the Softball Corner - Pack the Stands, Bring the Kids

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:23:00 GMT

Major league baseball teams win .542 at home, but just .458 on the road. Fan noise plays a major role.

In this show we'll give you some tips on how to get the crowd noise going in your favor.

And we'll talk about bringing kids to your games, too.

Here's the book: Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

017-090416 In the Treasure Corner - Alkaline vs Rechargeables

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:15:00 GMT

Some people swear by alkaline batteries for their metal detectors, others use rechargeables.

What does the manufacturer recommend?

Hear the answers in this podcast.

Check out my book: The Metal Detecting Manual

016-090409 In the Softball Corner - Throw a Video Party

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 9 Apr 2009 16:02:00 GMT

Books on adult slowpitch softball are hard to find, but there are a lot of videos on the topic.

Herewith, a look at some of the most popular (and some not-so-popular) softball instructional videos.

My book site: http://slowpitchbook.com.

016-090402 In the Treasure Corner - Coinshooting and the Minimum Wage

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 2 Apr 2009 14:44:00 GMT

Is coinshooting really worth the trouble, when your finds seldom come anywhere near to earning you minimum wage?
How to answer your skeptical friends.

More about my book here: http://treasuremanual.com.

015-090326 In the Softball Corner - 20 Managers on Handling No-Shows

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:40:00 GMT

What do you do when players don't show up for your games? Twenty managers give their ideas on handing no-shows.

015-090319 In TheTreasure Corner - Treasure Seminars

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:29:00 GMT

How your club (or you as an individual) can offer treasure hunting seminars to the general public.

Make friends (and money) as you spread the word about metal detecting in your community.

And be sure to check out my Metal Detecting Manual.

014-090312 In the Softball Corner - 2009 ASA Rule Changes

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:12:00 GMT

A summary of the American Softball Association's rule changes for 2009.

Please check out my book, Managing and Coaching Adult Slowpitch Softball.

014-090305 In the Treasure Corner - Coinshooting II

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 5 Mar 2009 14:06:00 GMT

Tips on getting started correctly, gridding an area, two five-dollar gold pieces beneath a pulltab.

013-090226 In the Softball Corner - Outfield

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:40:00 GMT

Tips for playing the outfield, including the natural curvature of fly balls, avoiding collisions in the outfield, how to begin your run for a ball, the best way to the make the catch, and a lot more.

013-090219 In the Treasure Corner - Coinshooting I

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:22:00 GMT

The most popular type of treasure hunting is coinshooting, or using a metal detector to find coins in the ground.

In this first show of a series on coinshooting, we outline the steps a beginner should take to learn to coinshoot like a pro.

012-090212 In the Softball Corner - Infield

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:44:00 GMT

Very basic tips on playing the infield in adult slowpitch softball.

For detailed diagrams on infield strategy, click here.

012-090205 In the Treasure Corner - Factors affecting depth; long-distance locators

thetreasurecorner@gmail.com — Thu, 5 Feb 2009 16:27:00 GMT

First I talk about the factors that determine how deep a metal detector can go, then I discuss those mysterious "long-distance locators" ("find gold 70 feet deep!").

Check out my book: http://treasuremanual.com.

011-090129 In the Softball Corner - Recruiting New Players

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:11:00 GMT

Tips on finding new players during the offseason - setting up a team website and internet bulletin board - keeping stats.

Find much more in my book Managing and Coaching Slowpitch Softball: http://slowpitchbook.com.

011-090122 In the Treasure Corner - Hunting Old Schools

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:19:00 GMT

Secrets of pulling good finds from well-hunted school playgrounds and ball fields. How to recover what others have missed.

010-090115 In the Softball Corner - Tips for New Managers

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:55:00 GMT

If you're a new softball manager, winter is the time to get started. Here are some of the things you should be doing.

Many more tips in my book, http://slowpitchbook.com.

010-090108 In the Treasure Corner - Asking for Leads

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 8 Jan 2009 15:29:00 GMT

Everyone knows about library and book research, but what about talking to people who have leads they don't even know about?

More on this, and on all things concerning treasure hunting, in my book. Check it out at http://treasuremanual.com.

009-090101 In the Softball Corner - 100mph Bats

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Fri, 2 Jan 2009 04:56:00 GMT

100mph bats, including the Freak and the Syn 2, have been banned for one year now.

How has that ban affected batters?

009-081225 In the Treasure Corner - Coins

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 20:33:00 GMT

Mostly for beginners - a look at the coins you might find with your metal detector, and their value.

008-081218 In the Softball Corner - Base Coaching

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:17:00 GMT

A look at the importance of good base coaching, with suggestions for base coaches.

008-081211 In the Treasure Corner - Hunting Yards

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:18:00 GMT

What are the best yards to hunt, and where are the best places in those yards? And a word about being careful when plunging your hand into a hole you've just dug.

If you enjoy these podcasts, order The Metal Detecting Manual now and get it before Christmas! A great gift for your treasure hunting friends (or for yourself).

007-081204 In the Softball Corner - Batting 2

thesoftballcorner@gmail.com — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 02:08:00 GMT

Part two of a series on hitting.

007-081127 In the Treasure Corner - Writing

danhughes@juno.com — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:12:00 GMT

It's easier than you think to write for the treasure magazines.

006-081120 In the Softball Corner - Batting 1

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:04:00 GMT

This time, Part One of a series on learning to become a better hitter.

006-081113 In the Treasure Corner - Parks

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:43:00 GMT

A tip about keeping a log of your trips, then a discussion of hunting parks. Lots more in my book, at http://treasuremanual.com.

005-081106 In the Softball Corner - Managing 1

thesoftballcorner@gmail.com — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 16:06:00 GMT

Are you sure you want to be a manager? Two philosophies of managing, and why each of them hurt. This is the first show in a sometimes series.

For the complete lowdown on managing, check out my book:
http://slowpitchbook.com

005-081030 In the Treasure Corner - Accessories

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:15:00 GMT

A quick tip - how I found 30 dimes - and then a list of accessories you might consider for your treasure hunting trips. Websites mentioned in the podcast: http://tinytec-probes.com and http://harborfreight.com.

004-081023 In the Softball Corner - Pitching Secrets

danhughes@juno.com — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 02:45:00 GMT

Five lists of pitching tips - Before you ever pitch a game, before the game, before you throw your first pitch, while the pitch is on its way, and when the ball is hit.

Please email comments and program suggestions to thesoftballcorner@gmail.com. MP3 voicers are welcome, too.

004-081016 In the Treasure Corner - Depth Secrets

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:04:00 GMT

First, a quick tip on how to keep everybody busy digging coins when you have just one metal detector for several people. Then, eight secrets of getting better depth from your detector, no matter what brand or model you are using.

More depth secrets are included in my book The Metal Detecting Manual, available only at http://treasuremanual.com.

003-081009 In the Softball Corner - Pitching from 56 Feet

thesoftballcorner@gmail.com — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:09:00 GMT

More and more leagues are allowing pitchers to stand farther away from the plate than the "official" 50 feet. Here's how that extra distance affects both pitcher and hitter.

003-081002 In the Treasure Corner - Onlookers

danhughes@juno.com — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 03:48:00 GMT

A host of tips on how to make your winter downtime productive, then a discussion about how to handle onlookers when you're trying to detect.

002-080924 In the Softball Corner - Batting Order

danhughes@juno.com — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:47:00 GMT

In this program, we compare baseball batting lineups to softball batting lineups, with some thoughts on on-base average vs. batting average.

002-080918 In the Treasure Corner - Permission

danhughes@juno.com — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:46:00 GMT

A nail apron tip, then a discussion of getting permission to hunt on public and private land. There is more on this topic in my book, at http://treasuremanual.com.

001-080911 In the Softball Corner - Fielding Tips, Vintage Bats

danhughesmail@gmail.com — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 03:09:00 GMT

A couple of quick fielding tips for beginners, and a discussion of vintage softball bats.

Email comments and mp3-voicers to thesoftballcorner@gmail.com

001-080904 In the Treasure Corner - Vlad and Carol

danhughes@juno.com — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:07:00 GMT

In Tips & Tricks, a tip to keep dirt from caking under your fingernails when you dig.

Then an interview with Vlad and Carol Kononov, founders of the Friendly Metal Detecting Forum, http://metaldetectingforum.com.

Please send your Tips and Tricks to danhughesmail@gmail.com, either as email or as mp3 voicer uploads.