Tagged With "Expect"
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Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
(First Post) My son, a small 2023 LHP will be starting 9th grade in a couple months at a high school with just under 1500 students. It has the smallest student population among schools in its division (CA division 2), and I am given to understand pays around a $5000 stipend to the head coach of the HS baseball program. I don't think $5000 is likely to attract a high caliber head coach who is able and willing to put in the time and effort to build a comprehensive program. I have learned from...
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What To Expect At The Next Level?
I'm a senior in high school who just signed to a D3 progam in VA (USA South) and based off of attending a few D3 games and speaking with some D3 players and Coaches I'm confident that I will be able to compete at this level. However, I'd like to get more insight into what I can expect going into my freshman year both on and off the field. Is their typically a drastic difference in the quality of pitching? Is the players schedule completely booked throughout the week? What would a typical day...
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
I don't think you will find a consensus. It depends on the coach and the time he has to devote to the program. Some are coaching multiple sports and/or have other obligations and don't have the time or see it as their job to develop offseason. Others feel it is the student's job to do it either through class or on their own. Ours is the weight lifting coach so he makes sure players sign up for his classes but it is still up to them if they do the work.
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
Big school, small school and in-between, development is on the player. Find good personal trainers (budget allowing), physical and baseball. Sit on his academics - they will be as important to his chances as baseball. Meet with guidance counselor as early as you can get an appointment so the family can get to understand the college selection process (most rigorous cirriculum, rigorous, etc. levels and their meanings). Also, take in a few local college games so you'll can get a feel of the...
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
My sons attended different NorCal Division 2 schools in the same athletic conference, so I was pretty familiar with their programs, as well as with others in our conference and in some neighboring conferences. I think you sort of answered your own question - overall, at most schools off- season conditioning is the player's responsibility. Partly because, as you note, coaches are not paid to be full-time, year round employees, and partly because usage of school gyms and weight facilities has...
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
Thanks for your reply. There is a fall ball program with practices and games, but my observation has been that the big gains in his play in recent years have come when he really gets into his calisthenics.
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
This all makes sense to me. He is 5' 3" and 105 lbs BTW so any kind of (age-appropriate) physical conditioning he does has a big impact. At age 12 1/2, when he first got into calisthenics, he worked really hard at it for about 3 months. He gained 5 pounds and his velocity went up 5 MPH. Since then he has been inconsistent with calisthenics and his gains in velocity (inconsistent) have reflected that. We would emphasize academics regardless. Neither my wife nor I grew up in sports families -...
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
You imply that he's a PO, and if so, he should take a few months off from throwing each year, IMO, and fall is often the best time for that.
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
He's not a PO yet (he has a good arm in right field and does fine at 1B) but clearly pitching is his strong point and his future, so PO will happen eventually. He does take a minimum 3 months off from throwing each year - which is a big reason I'm not a fan of fall ball. I also religiously track pitch counts. An advantage of being small is that he has not been pitched excessively - that honor usually belongs to the big, early developers who throw hard.
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
Over the next couple of years your son’s improvement will come from growing and corresponding strength development. Optimize his strength development with workouts. Just because the baseball program doesn’t have an offseason program doesn’t mean your son can’t develop his own with a small circle of ball playing friends.
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
Welcome to the posting side joeG. I coached HS for many years in Calif. until very recently. The stipend you mention is actually on the high side. It is essentially volunteer work. Your description is typical. Most fellow coaches in the arena had some depth of experience with the game, usually at the college level. Assistant coaches were more of a crapshoot. Some had extensive playing experience, some not so much - it can be hard to find those guys who will do it for free and show up...
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
Thank you very much for your perspective, cabbagedad. I really appreciate it - exactly what I was looking for. From what you describe - it sounds like our high school has a reasonable (average) baseball setup and I should express appreciation for that at every opportunity. I agree that 1500 is plenty of students from which to draw enough good athletes. Turns out that the 2023 and 2022 age cohorts in our town happen to be way above average, so our school will likely win a lot of games a...
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
"You imply that he's a PO, and if so, he should take a few months off from throwing each year," A bit of thread drift, but I distinguished between throwing and pitching. My son threw virtually every day from the time he began rec ball all the way through college. Throwing conditioned his arm. We took time off from pitching each year (varying length). For him, long toss made his arm feel loose and strong; just always pay attention to form and be aware of fatigue (especially when young and...
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
Southern California puts teams into divisions based on performance, so Division 2 (2nd highest out of 7) means that the baseball team has been pretty successful, and probably made the playoffs but perhaps stopped short of a championship. I point this out to suggest that you coach probably knows how to win and may very well be high-caliber, even if he's only paid $5k per year (which I believe is typical). Perhaps he has a full-time job, or perhaps he's a teacher on a full-time salary, or...
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Re: Expectations for mid-sized HS baseball program?
I don't coach in Ca but have never received $5,000 as a head coach. My school is 1,100. When I was the HC, my state only had 2 classes and we were one of, if not the, smallest school in our class many different years. Still, we managed to win our fair share of games and advanced our fair share in the playoffs. States differ so much. We are not allowed to have coaches set up anything other than weight room workouts. I did weight room and plyo program and we started at 6 in the morning.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
A drastic difference in pitching? Compared to what? You will have two primary jobs in college; academics and baseball. You are about to find out how much you like/love baseball and how much you want it to be a major part of your life. Academics and baseball will fill most of your time.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Congratulations on your college acceptance! I'll echo RJM, college baseball is like a second job. Second to college academics. Hopefully, you'll really like your jobs. My sons have played D1 and D3 baseball. Schedule wise, the most substantive difference between the two is the number of Spring games and the impacts (travel, missed classes, etc.) that occur. Fall (while technically a shorter practice schedule at D3 than D1...in reality, not so much) and Winter are pretty similar. And they are...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Terrific summary by Branson. But since the picture he paints is a bit bleak, I'll try to brighten it with a few upsides: 1 - You'll be spending A LOT less time in class, as much as 50% less. (If you're STEM it will ramp up later) 2 - Many kids who took AP or IB classes in HS report that college is actually easier. 3 - You'll be busy, but when you do have free time you'll be surrounded by great friends. 4 - College girls! 5 - No parents!
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
The thing about playing any sport in college is that it is a full time job. I hope your parents are generous and understanding. Most college kids can hold down 2-3 jobs and bust their butts in the summer, you can't. Summer will hopefully be playing with a summer league and winter you will likely be taking courses to make up the light load of credit you take during the fall and spring so you can keep up with baseball. 12 credits is a "full time student", but 12 credits won't allow you to...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
When I played I sometimes felt owned. I felt like I had very little time to myself. But I would do it all over again. My kids felt the same way. Most who play feel this way. Fortunately I had a girlfriend who thought a good time was hanging out at games with other girlfriends. Dont skip classes. Keep up with your homework/reading. Being up to date is half the battle. Never make the mistake of telling yourself you will catch up next week. Hopefully you have such a good time with college...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Just because they can doesn't mean you can. Stay focused. If you want to plow a straight row don't look where you have been but where you want to go. Be thankful for the opportunity. Earn it every single day. Good Luck
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Go into Fall in the best shape of your life. Be the Guy who comes in in shape and ready for the physical activity required. This will benefit both your academics and athletics. It will be much easier to study if you are not completely beat from workouts or practice. Stay in shape between fall and winter/spring work outs. When going home for the holidays do not slack or let up. stay in shape. Be ready to roll when you come back from winter break. I saw a lot of freshman come in out of shape...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Generally, every player that enters the college baseball environment is initially surprised at how competitive it is, regardless of level, and at the extent of time commitment. That said, if my deduction is correct, the school you are going to probably gives you the best chance at competing for playing time sooner than later. So, do everything you can between now and then to be prepared academically and athletically. The small average class size and school size will be in your favor when it...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
All the above have great answers and suggestions. I would add this. As a freshman work your butt off in everything, especially practices. If you assume everyone's talent is basically at the same level, if you give that extra effort (110%), that may make you stand out in coaches eyes. It may not happen on opening day but work hard, practice hard, be a team player with encouragement, and something good will come of it.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Outstanding posts by all...2018 is headed to a top regional D3, so I am going to redirect him to this thread for him to read.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
time management, time management, time management...you will have plenty of time to do everything if you use your time well. If you don't...it is going to be a problem. My son is a what would be considered a competitive D3, they are serious, they recruit kids who they feel have fallen though the cracks a typical fall ball week besides classes is 5x a week lifting / conditioning - this started around week 2 or so of school and is the whole school year. Finals week I believe they have off for...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
I am not sure if anyone mentioned it in this thread (it seems like the message is how tough the experience is) but I thought I would like to mention something uplifting as well. If you apply yourself and keep your nose to the grindstone, all the hard work and effort will have seemed well worth the effort when you find your way on to the playing field. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more exciting or thrilling than that. My son's dream was to win a championship in both high school and college...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
I think you've gotten a pretty good idea on the biggest issue - time management!! My son struggled his freshman year with the time issues and had actually decided to quit baseball after the spring. He was about 12 hours from telling the coaches when a friend (former player, coach, etc) took him out to lunch and basically told him "hey, everyone feels that way after their freshman year". He stayed and is happy that he did. With regard to pitching that you'll see....answer these questions and...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
This is so true. It may seem like a Slog at times but the reward is so worth it. Baseball will end for everyone sometime in their lives. Just never let it be for lack of effort, in academics and athletics.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
This concept may seem odd entering college baseball. It will make sense afterwards. A few years after finishing playing you will remember far more about the smiles and laughter on your teammate’s faces than the play on the field. You don’t play baseball forever. Some of your teammates will be friends forever. You won’t talk about someone’s great catch. You will talk about the shaving cream pie he took in the face.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Spot on. I played beer league hockey with two college teammates last night. We talk about our kids, our jobs, our deteriorating bodies, how bad we played... If someone brings up the 1978 MACHC championship, it's time to call an Uber.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
I love the positive posts in this thread. CD and RJM or so right.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Here is a an article regarding a D1 baseball player. I would guess that other divisions aren't much different. This was posted on this site last year and I found it interesting. https://www.theodysseyonline.c...ball-the-16-hour-day
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
In answering the OP's question - the link JLC posted is a good indication of what to expect. My son's experience was similar. I've always maintained it's not just one full time job, but actually two - one as a student and one as an athlete. Though my son was not a pitcher (played 1B), that schedule was about what he had at JuCo and D2. Each day started a 5 am and he did not go to bed until after 10 pm. Spring was worse with an average of 4 games per weekend (a doubleheader each day) and at...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
A few comments on D3 pitching. My son finished high school last year, did summer ball with other college players -- D3, JuCo, and some D1 -- and it went well. It was not a big adjustment for him. His high school team was not particularly good, but they played against some of the top teams in the area. He faced a few pitchers who were hitting 90mph. Most were not. Same with the summer league. Most of the pitchers were in the low to mid 80s. Control still an issue for many of them. The fall...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Good thread, but going back to this question in the OP: Is there typically a drastic difference in the quality of pitching? I took a look at your league's stats from last year. The champion averaged 7.6 runs per game! Even the 8th place team scored 6.8 runs per game. Win your spot in the lineup and be prepared to mash!
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
FWIW, over Thanksgiving weekend I saw two 2017 HS grads (a PAC12 player and an Ivy player, home for the long weekend) at my son's baseball game. I asked them a version of the OP's question: "Is college baseball super intense?" The answer I got [from the PAC12 player] were that the lifting is way more intense. Not even close. The baseball work (at least in the fall) was described by both as not more intense [perhaps due to NCAA limits on fall practices?]. Maybe that will change in the spring?
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
This is a great thread and the one thing I see missing (at least I missed it) was the importance of mental toughness. My son who just got home for Christmas and I were talking about his time playing and he said the major difference to the guys who performed well throughout the season were their mental toughness. He said one of his teams top pitchers had nowhere near the stuff of some others, but he was a mental giant. No matter the situation he would control himself mentally and he was...
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
So true BOF. While speaking to some former players the other day who are now in college they spoke about the importance of mental toughness.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Couldn't agree more. Start off by understanding the game, learn the game and this is part of the building blocks for mental toughness.
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Re: What To Expect At The Next Level?
Mental toughness is always being prepared. Never shift into “Woe is me, I’m getting screwed, I’m better than him,” mode. Shift into “Stay mentally and physically prepared to deliver when you get your chance” mode. Successful spot appearances can turn into bigger opportunities.
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Re: Expected time commitment -High school Coach
That is more common than not - speaking from my own experience. The exceptions tend to be old school guys that have been around a while & young guys on the way up that want to make a name for themselves. We need more of those guys!
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Re: Expected time commitment -High school Coach
In our area baseball coaches also have other positions at the school, usually associated with FB (football). The head HS baseball coach is also the head athletic trainer and works with the kids all year on workouts in all sports, but especially FB. Most of the assistant coaches, including JV and Freshman coach also coach FB. Pretty much all male assistant coaches of any spring team helps out with FB in the Fall. Basically, almost like in College, FB helps pay the bills, and many coaches like...
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Re: Expected time commitment -High school Coach
I say it depends on stipend and expectations from coach and administration. Parents don’t always have realistic expectations. They want the coach to work 40 hours a week on baseball for $2000 a year. Some guys do it because they love it or have other motives like moving up or kids involved. But I’ve found parents don’t want to raise money to help supplement salaries but want too much and control is one of the things they want.
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Re: Expected time commitment -High school Coach
Thank you for this time-frame. I am asking for both reasons. As a parent of a child who is part of a "team" but not really a program but also to possibly help change the culture. Our coach just doesn't seem to have any passion for the position. I'm not the kind to cause conflict but I wanted to get some comps to hopefully help our current coach or at least understand how a successful program is ran.
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Re: Expected time commitment -High school Coach
I stepped away a few years ago. California. Typical year - Nov/Dec - conditioning 3 to 5 times/wk, arm ramp up/P pen progressions where applicable, equipment/spirit pack orders, put together staffs for V and JV, game schedules, some facilities work, coordinate fundraisers, etc.. The conditioning sessions required a fair amount of planning, particularly with limited facilities and fitness equip. Averaged maybe 15-20 hrs/wk. Jan/Feb - tryouts, daily practice, separate P pen progressions,...
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Re: Expected time commitment -High school Coach
So better not calculate your hourly wage as a coach, right ?
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Re: Expected time commitment -High school Coach
I’m guessing the typical high school coach isn’t as committed as the original post’s example. My kids attended a high school with loser softball and baseball programs up until when they arrived. I believe the previous coaches went through the motions. They were glorified baby sitters who tried to keep parents happy. My kids were fortunate to be coached by new regimes brought in by a new AD. The new coaches came as assistants from established winning programs. The teams went from bottom...
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Re: Expected time commitment -High school Coach
We're in Iowa with summer baseball. I'm pretty sure our coach gets about $600 a year. Here's what our world was. January — coach is coaching wrestling and teaching third grade. Kids who care are lining up sessions with private coaches, my kid usually did a preseason warmup package with his summer team. HS has a lifting manager who focuses on football, but he would put together programs for baseball. February — wrestling ends, pitchers and catchers begin light throwing inside. Kids who care...