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1st day of a high school tryout.

RD rain delay10+ posts
As I watched my 8th grader trying out today for the first time for a high school baseball team it was quite an interesting experience to watch from a distance.Weatherwise, it was a cool day with temps in the 40s under cloudy skies. T-bone ran out there in his cold weather Under Armour covered by a baseball jersey with his name on it and he had a big smile on his face while fielding grounders, tracking down fly balls and hitting some batting practice balls. I could tell he was happy to play baseball again. It looked as if there were about 100 to 110 kids trying out for the Freshman and Junior Varsity teams. Some working out on the football field. Some on the baseball diamond. Only current sophmores, freshmen and eighth graders could try out. Out of the 8th graders, the coach indicated that he is only taking one to two 8th graders for the J.V and/or the Freshmen team because of the tremendous turnout. There were over 30 8th graders trying out today. To me and according to my son, there are about 20 8th grade infielders that want to make the team playing shortstop or 2nd base and no other position. It was always my experience that every team that my son was a part of during the earlier years the coaches would encourage the kids to experience opportunities in playing several positions. Especially, if you are right handed and could play numerous positions. You never know which positions the coach is looking to fill. (I have indicated this before in another posting that I have taught my left handed son to play any and every position a lefty can play ). The 1st cut is scheduled Thursday. I guess the most interesting part of watching the first day of high school tryouts was how diversified the talent pool is. I guess with my son playing select ball for the past 4 years I have become use to a pool of considerably more talented players than what is indicated at a high school tryout. It is also interesting to hear the parents talk about how great so and so is and he should make the team as an 8th grader, when the kid they are talking about only played rec ball and has never really seen any tougher competition than a 60 mph fastball. I always thought you were only as good as your competition is. It is like comparing apples to oranges. Or an honors class in comparison to basket weaving 101. I'm not sure if T-bone will make the high school team or not this year but my son and I agree that if he doesn't, he will get more pitching and hitting lessons, more agility training and play with his summer team earlier than first anticipated. For the high school coaches out there, my heart goes out to you.I would hate to try to deal with an over protective helicopter parent that only sees things through rose colored glasses and telling their kid they didn't make the team.
Last edited {1}
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S spizzlepop1,000+ posts
rain delay,

Great post, that must be be a lot of fun for T-bone. What a turnout! I'd bet any HS coach here would love to have those numbers. The only downside is so many kids have to be cut, and there's a HS coach's toughest job. I hope T-bone makes it this year, but it sounds like you've got a great attitude and plan for your son. Let us know what happens.
RD rain delay10+ posts
It didn't seem to be a big deal most of the parents showed up sitting in their cars during and at the very end of practice and they also had a track practice and some running going on for the football team over at the high school at the same time while the baseball guys were trying out . Baseball is third fiddle to football and basketball around here. You can tell with the 2 million dollar improvement to the high school football field this past year. On the other hand, the baseball field definately needs improvement. It kind of reminds you of what was portrayed in the movie Rookie. Now today, if the weather is too rainy, the kids will be working out inside and there is no way I would find myself inside a gym watching my son during tryouts. Unless, I'm hiding under the bleachers. Just kidding.
Last edited by rain delay
IB Innocent Bystander500+ posts
I've never been to a high school or college tryout, but I've been to a few travell team tryouts. I really don't see a difference, if they're open to the public, outdoors, you love baseball and your kid and have the time, why not? If you want to observe, if the coach and your kid don't mind and you stay out of the way I don't see a problem. Smile
Last edited by Innocent Bystander
bballmanbballman10,000+ posts
Rain, I did the same as you along with a few other parents. Watched a little from the parking lot, about 80 yds away from the field. Coaches or kids didn't seem to mind. On the last day, the team did an intra-squad scrimmage that the parents were free to attend. It may depend on the school and coach, but I don't think it's a problem as long as you are not intruding.

To make a point about your other statement regarding talent, we did not have nearly as many kids try out for freshman as you did, but there was some sketchy talent there. The story I have that comes to mind in regard to this taught me a lesson. My son has played travel ball for about 5 years prior to HS tryouts. The team name and logo was the same as the HS's. I was out at a restaurant one night with my wife. A guy sitting at the table next to me saw my hat and asked if I was a Knights coach. I said I was the pitching coach and he went on to tell me how great his son was. When I realized he was thinking I was a HS coach, I clarified I was a travel coach, but my son would be trying out for the HS team as well. When he told me who his son was, I knew him and knew that he was an average rec player. I knew at that point that I would not say anything to the coach about my son. I thought that if this Dad and myself both went to the coach and attempted to promote our kids, there is no way that he could possibly know the difference. The only way for the coach to know would be on the field. How many times must a coach hear how great someone's kid is only to get an average rec player show up. That was it for me. I wasn't saying anything. Turns out this other kid is on the freshman team (basically any one who showed up made it - I think one freshman was cut) and my son made Varsity as a pitcher and JV as a position player.

Talent speaks for itself. Just have your kid get out there and do the best he can. Coaches can tell who the good, athletic kids are and who the average players are. Good luck to T-Bone.
B Blprkfrnks100+ posts
It has been written on here about parents staying away from tryouts. It really depends on the situation. We have a raised parking area that overlooks the fields and parents show up early to pick up kids and watch the end of tryouts. No reason to talk to coaches or hang on the fences watching, but there is nothing wrong with watching from a distance.

If some parents would sit and watch some tryouts or some practices, and saw their son loafing it every chance they got, they might realize why he isn't playing as much or why he didn't make the team.

The key in high school is staying in the background. Letting your kid communicate with the coach. The coach will approach you if he wants to talk.
TRhitTRhit10,000+ posts
Perhaps my era with my kids was different---we parents never went to tryouts--no need to---it was the kids thing not the parents---today there is all this concern regarding ""johnny boy" getting a fair shake at the tryouts---wow--my guys would have hated me forever if I showed up at a tryout or even a practice-- go to the games and root for the team
bballmanbballman10,000+ posts
There is no "need" to go. Personally, I miss baseball by this time and am like a sponge wanting to get some viewing in. I watch the end of practices from the raised parking lot like Blprkfrnks was talking about. I also watched a little of the tryouts from up there. Not trying to get involved, never talked to the coach unless he approached me. My son has never said anything negative about me showing up. In fact we can talk about funny things that happened during practice or I can ask him about somethings that happened. It gives us a chance to talk.

I have had several parents ask me if I wanted to go down to the field and I have always said no, I'll just wait up here. Last Friday the team had their second intra-squad scrimmage. I got there a little before it was supposed to start and no other parents were there yet. I stayed off to the side, feeling a little uncomfortable to go over to the field. Head coach came out to his car for something so I asked if he minded if I came over and watched. He said "Absolutely, that's why we're doing this". I'm sure it was not the only reason, but he wanted to let me know it was fine.

I think as long as you're not being a pain in the neck, or if the coach has made a rule about it, there is no problem. Like I said, all schools and coaches do thing their own way. You just have to muddle to find out what that is, or follow the lead of the parents who have been there.
quillgirlquillgirl100+ posts
I think it depends on the coach and his preferences. We had one coach in past years who depended so heavily on parents that not much got done if a few dads didn't show up to help him. The coach we now have prefers parents not sit through whole practices... but he doesn't mind if parents show up a little bit early to pick up kids so long as they don't interfere or offer suggestions. Parents of older kids who drive don't ever show up. It's the parents of younger ones that might mosey over to watch what's going on toward the end.

We like coach #2 best. He seems more in control and has a plan. :-)
G gamefan100+ posts
i agree - i don't go to tryouts either. But once the roster is set, I will go to everything held outside, and anything held inside with a viewer area. However, my kid likes it when we go-- at least so far. That said, however, we have no interest in dissecting anyone's performance other than his own - and only if he brings it up.

I figure that there will soon be a time when either he isn't playing anymore, OR playing too far away to watch him more than occasionally. These days go by way too quickly.
floridafanfloridafan5,000+ posts
Not too sure that I have been to too many tryouts...but I must admit that I go to as many practices as is humanly possible while still earning some semblance of a living.

I support my sons in sports because they enjoy it and they are pretty good. However, I also support my kids in sports because it provides me a venue to be with and share my kids time. I love watching "infield/outfield" and batting practice.

I am not alone, although not all parents have the flexibility that I do, a fair share are at the park each afternoon. Sort of like in the movie "The Final Season".

We do not involve ourselves with the players or with the coaches...we sit on the bleachers and watch and talk among ourselves.

We provide a positive and supportive role. Board members show up and discuss field improvement, ideas about raising money for the team etc.

This is part of the deal for me as a father. I want to be there and enjoy this time with my kids as long and as often as I can. This is part of "enjoying the ride" to me. It will be over all too soon.
2Bmom2Bmom1,000+ posts
quote:
I love watching "infield/outfield" and batting practice.


Me, too, floridafan.

I went to tryouts this year because it was on MLK day and I was off work. Loved it. Our coach doesn't mind, as long as parents stay off the field. I did ask 2B if he minded and he said no. A couple of parents of younger players trying out sometimes yelled at their kids, "hustle!" "listen to the coach!" "pick up your stuff!" and that makes me feel kind of bad for the boys because it's not helping them. I wonder why they do it. I guess I should have asked them. Smile
Hawk19Hawk19100+ posts
I'm like floridafan...I go as much as I can. Usually several other parents are there as well and we simply watch and talk among ourselves. I've never heard anything 'negative' shouted from the stands. But this is a small school and there aren't any tryouts and nobody gets cut. So maybe the pressure is off.

One question: Why, if there are over 100 kids trying out for the Freshman and JV teams, do they feel a need to include 8th graders? Why don't they just make an 8th grade team?
floridafanfloridafan5,000+ posts
I agree with bballman. Parents need to keep their mouths shut and be invisible. No cheering, no jeering, no words of encouragement. If you can't keep quiet, then you have no business being near the field. No parents should ever approach any coach or player during practices or games.

If you can't control yourself then stay away!

Hey 19, I wondered about 8th graders with so many 9th graders out there too, why are they included. Does not make much sense to me either. If the school is small with a limited talent pool, that I can understand...but a large program like that, I don't get it...
Last edited by floridafan
trojan-skippertrojan-skipper1,000+ posts
Here's what I say to parents that want to watch practice: (we don't cut so there's no tryouts)

"It's public school grounds and you are welcome... you're helping to pay for them. Feel free to pick up any trash you see, pull any weeds growing, and chase down any foul balls that leave the park (don't slip in the lagoon!! rural people will know what that means)."

We have a few people pop in once in a while but it's rare and they are not a problem.
BBkazeBBkaze10+ posts
At my son's college there were 50 pitchers trying out with over 150 players in total this Fall. Most of these players come up through the community college system so there is pretty tough competition for the 30 or so spots that will make up the roster. This is very unlike the private institution where there are usually no cuts as all players have been recruited and are usually on some sort of scolly.

The Fall program PT regime was so difficult, most not-in-shape players dropped out after first week. By the end of Fall most guys had dropped 15 to 20 pounds and bodies were completely fatigued. Result players went from buffed to chiseled in appearance.

The pitchers were required to run over 6 miles everyday. Just a word of advice, be in tip top shape when trying out for a college baseball program.

Parents are no where to be seen at college tryouts or practice.
Last edited by BBkaze
PT Pastime Trnments100+ posts
I have found myslelf laughing at some posts at this site recently regarding high school baseball. Things are either really different where you are from or you guys/gals are lost.

We won't ask you to leave practice or tryouts. It is just in the back of our mind is this parent going to be a pain in my ***. In my dealings 90% of the parents that are at tryouts are a pain. There is a difference of a freshman's parent waiting in the lot 15 minutes before practice/tryouts are over and the parent sitting along the fence line. The kids usually make fun of the kid that has daddy watching and we as coaches ask who's that guy? I am not saying your kid is going to be cut for this, but it does not help his cause.
justbaseballjustbaseball10,000+ posts
quote:
In my dealings 90% of the parents that are at tryouts are a pain.


When I had to pick my son up from tryouts about a week ago I had predicted in my mind which parents would be there watching. I was pretty spot on. My prediction was based on the comment above. It was pretty accurate. Oh, and the few I walked by were able to give me a quick, unsolicited rundown on their evaluation of the talent.

Exactly what I expected.

quote:
JB...What's with the new avatar? Did you stumble upon one of Bullwinkle's harem? Inquiring minds want to know.


That was my guess too. Big Grin
redsox8191redsox8191500+ posts
Here in NH you can't watch tryouts if you wanted. Due to the weather they are held indoors in the gym. Coach locks the gym up tight so it is only the coaches and players for tryouts. Practices (when they can finally get outdoors) will have some parents there but usually at the end when they are arriving to pick up the kids..maybe last 30 minutes or so tops.
PT Pastime Trnments100+ posts
hahaha. Absolutley, and if something goes wrong you are more than welcome to come talk to me about it. I will even let you talk to me about your son's playing time if I am short changing him. haha.

High school and travel ball. how they are two seperate dealings within baseball, and I am fortunate it to live in both. I still love high school baseball. Games still mean soemthing. High school you play for the name on the front and in summer ball you play for the name on the back.
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
I like the fact we live in a free country. Those who want to be there ought to be there imho.

For me personally, I never attended a high school tryout or practice for that matter. I felt that was time for the team. I also didn't want to hear "evaluations" as justbb so aptly put it. Moreover, I never wanted to be accused of playing politics in any way. I was going to give my son all the credit for his achievement and I was willing to let the chips fall where they may. To each his own however.
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
quote:
Originally posted by redsox8191:
TRhit

I hope it is okay to stick around and watch when my son attends one of your showcases down the road a couple of years!! Razz I'll be real quiet I promise!!
Watching showcase competition is different from watching practice. If the showcase is nothing but skills drills I might find something else to do nearby if it's not close to home (assuming I drove). Watching isn't going to change anything. My son is competing against the coach's evaluations not the other players. There may be a lot of players worth noticing. They may be very few. My evaluation means nothing.

I do hang out for my son's indoor travel practice. It's thirty minutes away. I'm not going to make two roundtrips (total two hours) for a two hour practice. I spend a lot of time in the TV room with my laptop. If I'm near the drills it's socializing to get to know the parents. I can't hover like some of the dads. They're assessing where their kid fits in among fourteen other players. I let my son handle that.
Last edited by RJM
TRhitTRhit10,000+ posts
redsox

We invite all parents to attend our showcase events--in fact on the first day we have coffee/juices/doughnuts etc for all the parents first thing in the morning

Also the evening prior to the first day of the showcase we have a seminar with food etc for the parents and players along with guest speakers.

You are welcome to drop by this summer and see how we do what we do.


There is no admission to our events
B Blprkfrnks100+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by redsox8191:
Here in NH you can't watch tryouts if you wanted. Due to the weather they are held indoors in the gym. Coach locks the gym up tight so it is only the coaches and players for tryouts. Practices (when they can finally get outdoors) will have some parents there but usually at the end when they are arriving to pick up the kids..maybe last 30 minutes or so tops.


Well considering these are 14 year old kids, this practice of locking the doors would be immediately challenged here in California. I have seen coach's careers ruined by false accusations of things that went on behind closed doors. An open environment is pretty standard around here. I've been on both ends of this as a parent and a coach, and I've never seen a situation where there was more than one or two problem parents.

One easy solution is to put the problem parent in charge of snack bar, fundraising, etc. This will clear the area in a hurry!
DrillDrill10+ posts
Try outs are next Monday, son has been weight lifting and indoor batting practice. He stopped for two weeks to take some time off for hunting. Been working real hard with a batting instructor once a week and training 3 times a week.

Coach wants him to try pitching this year.

Try outs are going to be cold with temps. in the mid 30's to low 40's. He catches also but coaches always play him at either or position.

I bought a season ticket to one of our local colleges to keep me away from the practice field. I told the coach that one day and he laugh and said thanks.

Not that I ever would go and watch a full practice. I have been know to take him things he has forgotten. Only two times that happened and was off in 15 mins. Yes its hard for me to stay away, because I love to watch all aspects of the game. I do get to help with field maintenance.



drill


Season ticket is $80.00 right behind the plate, I get a fitted team hat and media guide brass plate with my name on the seat and a hot dog and a drink every game. Next year they will have a new 8 million dollar baseball and softball complex. With all of the above they are not making any money it looks to me its all about team support. I will make about 80% of the game when my sons team is not playing.
Last edited by Drill
Hawk19Hawk19100+ posts
quote:
I do hang out for my son's indoor travel practice. It's thirty minutes away. I'm not going to make two roundtrips (total two hours) for a two hour practice. I spend a lot of time in the TV room with my laptop. If I'm near the drills it's socializing to get to know the parents. I can't hover like some of the dads. They're assessing where their kid fits in among fourteen other players. I let my son handle that.


This is why I never thought of being at HS practice as a big deal...I was always at travel practice since it was too far away to just drop-off and pick-up. But the reality is that I like watching the kids practice so I go and watch when I can. I usually do something else during the 'boring' parts like read a newspaper or work on my laptop but sometimes I do have a conversation with the coach. It's usually about his girls basketball team or something that happened where he teaches. I can't remember any conversations about our baseball team. My son doesn't think it's strange I'm there but I do know that I'm not to yell out anything; good, bad, or indifferent.

I'm not a problem for the coach. I'm one of the good guys. I sometimes police the area, I do field work when asked, I'm treasurer of the booster club and I chase an occasional foul ball. But, then again, my kid's position on the team is obviously based on his own efforts and skills. He's not on any bubble so I don't worry about what others might think...
rz1rz15,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by TRhit:
Perhaps my era with my kids was different---we parents never went to tryouts--no need to---it was the kids thing not the parents---today there is all this concern regarding ""johnny boy" getting a fair shake at the tryouts---wow--my guys would have hated me forever if I showed up at a tryout or even a practice-- go to the games and root for the team

I went, there wasn't a cut, it was a decision whether it was Varsity, JV, or Frosh. I wasn't worried about a"fair shot", as I trusted the coaches. I went because I love watching baseball, and I love watching kids compete. Sometimes it was more enjoyable watching all them compete as individuals than as a team.

I also went to practices along with other parents who just enjoyed watching/talking baseball in April after a cold winter sitting inside. Nobody was close enough to the field to be noticed and it was an unwritten law not to bash coaches or kids. IMHO, In HS, team unity expands beyond the players and into the families. A complete team effort, that's HS baseball.

Some may call that over bearing, stalking, extended daddy-ball, or whatever, I called it enjoying the company of other caring parents. I'll bet even TR would have pulled up a lawn chair, had a pop, spit some seeds, watched practice, listened to an afternoon ML game, and enjoyed the company of these great parents.
zombywoofzombywoof1,000+ posts
Watching a practice from an area where you're not hanging over the fence like a lost puppy isn't bad. In some instances practices are more fun to watch because you tend to see your kid in more action than in a game. Unless they're a pitcher & catcher of course.

It's the tryouts you stay away from. Parents have no business hanging around during tryouts. There's enough pressure on those trying to make a team. Last thing they need is mom and dad hovering over tryouts. It's their time to grow up and handle it themselves. Only business they have going to tryouts is to pick up an underclassman who don't drive yet.
Last edited by zombywoof
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