Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Hillhouse and Gillis pitching

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I'm going to post this on both forums for Ohio because I know some people read one and not the other so, I am hoping this gets seen by everyone. And let me state first, neither Bill Hillhouse or Doug Gillis asked me to post this but, it's something I really have wanted to post for a long time and what better time than when I see Doug doing a freebie in Toledo! I sometimes wonder how many people realize the resource we have here in Ohio of having these guys so close. Both are considered 2 of the best (if not THE best) pitching coaches/clinicians in the country and we've got them so close to us. While I realize that most on message boards know little or nothing about men's fastpitch softball, and I'm included in that, I wonder if people realize that if men's fastpitch was an Olympic sport like the women's game, these 2 guys would be as well known as Finch, Osterman, etc. to our young pitchers. What fascinates me about both is they apply their actual game experience into their coaching and teach kids what really works and what doesn't. Not everyone is able to turn their playing ability into coaching but, IMHO, both do an exceptional job at that. Plus, they are vitually identical in the things they teach because both are doing it the way they pitch themselves and what has carried them through their careers. It really is amazing how similar they are in pitching styles. I know some people think there are too many ads for clinics on these forums but, I applaud those people who bring in Bill or Doug to every place they can go. You are learning from 2 of the most elite pitchers and now pitching coaches in the entire world and it blows me away that some don't want to take this advantage we have in Ohio to it's fullest. Please don't even try to think it's all about money... I can tell you from first hand experience that (and I know others can too) this isn't so for Bill. I know Doug and Bill are pretty good friends and still play with/against each other during the summers.. wouldn't it be great to see a game with these 2? I've gone to Erie and seen Hillhouse in his city league but, I know it's not full throttle or probably even 1/2. Anyway, my point is.. Ohio is very fortunate. I hope others see it the same way.

 

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I agree, we are lucky to have them so close, not sure if you know of Jimmy Yates but he also in Ohio. Trained under Gillis and teaches the same style.

 

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2 great coaches that love to pass ther knowledge on ;D

 

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cluelesscoah, thanks for bringing up this topic. Asany know we have been bringing Bill Hillhouse to Greenville Ohio for the past two years. He has conducted clinics each year but more importantly he comes to our indoor facility "The Academy" on a regular basis thru-out the Fall, Winter, and Spring months. He has had a tremendous impact on many of our pitchers on the Ohio Wave teams and many who do not play for our program. We are proud to have him conduct lessons at our place and we routinely bring players in from as far away as Bolwing Green, and all over Indiana. Obviously these folks make a huge commitment to have thier DD work with Bill. I think you are correct in saying that many here in Ohio do not realize what a resource we have in both Bill and Doug.

We look forward to expanding our relationship even further with Hillhouse and we will have a major announcment coming in the next week or so as we wrap up the details of something we are putting together for this Fall. It will be huge.

 

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Trust me, I know how lucky we are. I was introduced to Doug Gillis (through his instructional videos) by a another coach and I'm forever thankful to him for that. I'm extremely fortunate (and pleased) that Bill has instructed my daughter for the last two years now.

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Gillis in person yet and I'm in a quandry as Bill Hillhouse is coming to the "Academy" the same weekend as Gillis' clinic in Toledo. I'm tempted to try and swing both.

P.S. Bill is an alright guy (for a Steelers fan). ;D

 

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I have seen Hillhouse already. I am can't wait to see Gillis in Toledo. This will be great. We are lucky to have such talented teachers of the game so close.

 

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We had Bill in several times when he was first starting out. He always made it very clear that if a girl truly couldn't afford the clinics to have them participate free of charge. He didn't want anybody excluded who was interested in getting better. He's a class act.