By Marc Thaler
Staff Writer

There are many different methods of mentoring young players on the baseball diamond. Adam Lawrence's style is best described as a belief that preaching isn't the best way of teaching.

Adam Lawrence, West baseball coach

"I think It's easier for players to understand something when you show them," said the firstyear Manchester West varsity baseball coach prior to the start of the 2005 Class L season.

Whether the task involves executing a sacrifice bunt or successfully swiping a base, demonstrating the proper way to play the game is the only way Lawrence knows how to offer instruction.

Considering the 28-year-old Lawrence was a standout baseball player in high school and college, the '05 Blue Knights can expect their head coach to take an active role in helping them develop their individual skills.

But the baseball knowledge Lawrence acquired during his days playing for Manchester Memorial, Sweeney Post of New Hampshire Legion Baseball, and later for Keene State College, comes at a cost.

Yes, the Blue Knights' new boss demands something from his players in return.

"When they show up to a practice or game, they're expected to hustle," Lawrence said. "They have to show me they want to be (on the team). I'm basically keeping the same type of program West has had (in the past)."

If Lawrence is to help West continue its competitive tradition, a certain element of trust is also necessary.

"They have to learn to play with each other and work together," Lawrence said. "They also have to be open with me. If they're willing to talk to me and keep the lines of communication open, I'm willing to help out any player with whatever he needs."

The Blue Knights were tested early in '05, forced to face three tough teams in their first three games, including the defending state champion Lancers of Londonderry.

Although West went winless in those first three contests, It's a safe bet Lawrence's boys will continue competing with the same sense of urgency he once displayed.

"We're going to play aggressively," Lawrence said in the preseason. "We want to make things happen. I don't want these guys to sit back and let other teams put our backs up against the wall."

The key to avoiding those difficult situations lies in West's ability to plate runners early in contests, the West coach said. And as Lawrence learned during his days on the diamond, there's no substitute for working with the lead.

Beyond wins and losses, however, Lawrence wants his players to walk away from the 2005 season feeling they've learned a few things about baseball.

"I want to see these kids be successful, whether It's in sports or with their grades," he said. "Whatever the future brings for them, I want them to feel they've done well."

The Blue Knights looked to end their three-game skid on Wednesday, April 20, when they were scheduled to visit Dover.