May 16, 2016
GETTING TO KNOW: BILL CURRIER, NIKE BASEBALL CAMP DIRECTOR
Directing NIKE Baseball Camp at Fairfield University is Bill Currier. Coach Carrier is entering his fifth season as the Head Coach of the Stags, Bill Currier has already left his name of the Fairfield baseball program. The 2012 MAAC Coach of the Year, has led the Stags to nearly 100 wins in his first four seasons, including a program-record 32 victories in 2014. During his first season at Fairfield, the Stags finished third in the conference, their highest finish in the MAAC in a decade. Fairfield also finished third in 2014 and won two games in the MAAC tournament, their most in a season since 1995. The Stags have seen their success under Currier through their pitching staff, setting single-season records in strikeouts (315) and shutouts (five) in 2012. In total, Currier has been a head coach for 28 seasons and has accumulated 582 victories over that span. Before coming to Connecticut, Currier earned the most coaching victories in the history of his alma mater Vermont. In his 22 seasons with the Catamounts, Currier was a part of 486 wins, earned three America East Coach of the Year honors, and helped the squad to two conference Regular Season Championships. In addition to his four total conference Coach of the Year awards, Currier was presented with the 2009 Ralph Lapointe Award for his services to Vermont athletics and was the recipient of the 2002 Jack Butterfield Award by the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association’s (NEIBA). He was also inducted into the Vermont Principals Association Hall of Fame in 2005. As a player, Carrier helped the Catamounts to the title game in the 1981 East Coast Athletic Conference New England Regionals. In that season, Currier hit .295 and led the squad with five home runs, four triples, and 65 total bases. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth round and would play three seasons in their system. Nike Baseball Camps is excited to host the third year of camp in Connecticut at Fairfield University.
GETTING TO KNOW OUR DIRECTORS.
First and Last Name: Bill Currier - Director of Nike Baseball Camp
Location(s) you direct: Fairfield Univ. CT
How long have you been coaching baseball? 33 years
How long have you been directing the Nike Baseball Camp? 3 years
Why did you start coaching baseball? I enjoy teaching and watching the impact a coach can make on a young athlete and make them feel better about themselves.
Favorite Camp Drill or Activity at Camp? Cut-off relay drill
What is the key to an incredible camp experience for you? Kids wanting to experience more days of camp after the last day and tell you they can’t wait to come next year.
Your perfect camper on Day #1 arrives with what qualities? A positive attitude and willing to be a good listener about skills being taught by experienced instructors.
Which college or pro Coach do you admire and why? John Farrell, he overcame a bout with cancer and will return as the Red Sox mgr this year to fulfill his responsibilities.
Which college or pro player do you make it a point to watch play? Dustin Pedroia
What message would you like parents to understand prior to camp? Make sure your child understands our baseball camp is only 3 hours a day for 5 days. They need to make sure their son or daughter practices with a friend, sibling or parent after camp is over to keep improving their skill and enjoyment in the game.
Coaching Tip
Two common problems outfielders need correcting are: Receiving the fly ball on the throwing arm side out in front and with body momentum going toward their target while catching.
If done correctly, the entire body will be utilized in the throwing motion with this momentum and your throw will be stronger.
By receiving the ball out in front of the right shoulder for an RH Thrower and left side out in front of the shoulder for an LH thrower, you will help a quicker transfer from the glove to the hand while staying in a linear motion having a truer flight on your throw to the bases / cut-offs.
For more information on the camps this summer:
https://www.ussportscamps.com/baseball/nike/fairfield-university1/