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What are your experiences regarding varsity players being brought down to JV the year after?
Ryanrod.... Congrats to your boy! I've never seen a player sent down to JV after having been a Varsity player, even as a Freshman. I have seen players cut in their Senior year... that get's some attention!!
Our Coach sends out his "Baseball" letter to prospective families in about October. It addresses the team selections, expectations, Spring break commitment and his policies regarding Summer H.S. ball and Travel teams. In that letter he always says that" Freshman and Sophomores WILL NOT be selected to the Varsity squad unless he feels they will be able to get substantial playing time." On the surface that makes sense but he always seems to violate that statement by placing a Freshman or two on the squad (generally pitchers) who many never set foot on the field. Seems a waste to me but they do periodically get dispatched down to a JV game for a start here and there.
Through my 23yr. association with our School, I've seen a "few" Freshman "phenoms" make Varsity. Some have more than justified their early success by continuing on to successful College and , a couple of times, Pro careers. Just as many, however, are no longer major contributors by the time they reach their Senior year and don't play beyond High School. Keeping your son grounded and focused, is indeed very wise! I'd prefer seeing a good young player playing on JV than "riding the pine" on the Varsity squad.