GRIFFITH | With baseball careers going way back to when HGH were just middle letters on a keyboard, you may forgive Dave Griffin and Bill Bryk for not being completely sold on the "Moneyball" craze and all its sabermetrics ballpark figures.
But they do embrace philosophies that sometimes slide back into vogue.
"When I coach, I try to manufacture a run an inning," said Griffin, who played in the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees organizations, and had future -- and past -- major league stars Hal Morris, Bernie Williams, Ron Guidry and even NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders as teammates.
Griffin also coached Bishop Noll to a Class 2A Indiana state title in 2004, and currently owns the Dave Griffin's Baseball and Softball Complex in Griffith, the home base for several Playmakers travel teams that he coaches and trains.
"If you can do that, it gives you at least seven or nine runs a game," Griffin said. "That's usually enough to win, and big innings sometimes take care of themselves."
Former minor league pitcher and manager Bryk, who is a special assistant to the general manager for the Arizona DiamondBacks, relishes any big-hitter discovery, but believes there are other factors to consider.
"I often look for guys who can beat you without the bat," states Schererville resident Bryk, who incidentally managed a prospect who went on to beat a lot of teams with his bat -- future Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn.
Griffin, Bryk and Andrean head baseball coach Dave Pishkur and Andrean pitching coach Jim Nohos are putting together the Northwest Indiana Futures exposure baseball camp and game to take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at Andrean High School.
"We thought this would be a good way to highlight some the players in the area," Griffin said. "There's a lot of good talent out here, but it doesn't always get exposed."
Griffin said there will be numerous professional and college scouts at the event.
"It will be by invitation only," said Griffin, who compiled the final invite list with Bryk. "It will be a great opportunity for any kid who gets chosen."
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