A positive message for high school players

Thanks CD for the article. I found a thread about Tyler that you put together from his last year at college and have been following him since I read that thread (earlier this year). He has shown what sheer will, determination, and a won't take no for an answer mentality (along with talent despite not being the prototypical size)can do for you. I have my 2014 following as well since he is not the correct size (5'8" 150). He has touched 85 last summer at only showcase he has been too (at a tournament) and continues to hit despite not having prototypical swing and approach at plate (I tried to have him taught the "correct" way but then he struggled hitting with power- what do I know ). We will be following Tyler this year with the biscuits. thanks to Tyler for giving inpsiration as to what effort can do for all those ball players that are not correct size.

Beautiful article for a great kid. Good job Pops.

Projectability is something you often hear about from someone who is scouting baseball players. What this can't measure is hard work and determination. Tyler and this article are perfect examples of what one can do when then lack the typical physical statue of a typical baseball player. His work ethic is absolutely atypical! A great read for anyone who has ever been told they are too small. And also a good read for someone who does have good size. Watch out, these guys are out there trying to take your job.

Best of luck to Tyler as he continues to pursue his MLB dream. Great stuff CD.

Fantastic article CD. I love articles like this that show individual determination and self belief. The problem is that organizations don't know how to measure "heart". They have their metics, charts and graphs but are reluctant to believe their eyes, and fully understand the impact of players like your son. The smart organizations figure it out, and there is little risk involved. I'm wish him the best as he moves up.

A great player deserves a great article; and Tyler Bortnick IS a great player!

As the article captures nicely, Tyler has made himself a great player. Thanks to his determination and hard work, he has every reason to expect that he'll be playing for some time and at the highest level of the game. However, once his playing days conclude, the lessons he's learned along the way will serve him equally well in whatever pursuit he chooses.

Thanks very much, CD, for calling the article to our attention.

Every HS player who aspires to get to the next level should read this article.

Thanks for sharing.

Great article about hustle and hard work.
Let the buttons pop dad, you deserve it.

CD - Thanks for posting. You should be proud of your boy, sounds like a competitor. Best of luck to him.

CD,

I will show this to my 2013. He's been told the same stuff by the FL D1's "bigger, stronger...blah blah" He has 4 of 5 tools but at 5'11 and 155 they turn up their noses. Gonna grind it out and he remains positive in his pursuit. Thanks for the post.

CDad, thanks for sharing this great story. I especially appreciate the humility with which it was done. This is, IMHO a key factor in your son's success as you have obviously modeled the type of character that winners are made of. Congrats!!!!!

Excellent article - thanks for sharing CD.

Great article and great message in it

Great Article, my Son will be reading it tonight.

What a great article! The profile in which they portray Tyler is one that every parent would be proud of.

Good luck to Tyler this season...he is on his way!

“It's always been an uphill climb for me,” Bortnick said. “I've always had to make a name for myself. Everywhere I've been, I've had to do that. But I'd rather earn something through merit than have it given to me.”

That attitude starts at home from when he was a little guy. Congrats to you and your son CD.

Obviously I am biased towards the smaller guys because I am one (5-9 160 lbs). I just think the whole size issue in baseball scouting is stupid, especially for me as an outfielder. I mean they hit you the ball and you run and catch it. Being big doesn't give you an advantage there. It's about getting good jumps, judging the ball, and being able to run fast. As far as hitiing goes, the pitcher throws the ball over the plate and you hit it. Other than providing a little extra power and leverage, size doesn't really give you an advantage here either. It's about pitch selection, making good swings, and having quick hands. Especially with the BBCOR bats, nobody really has a ton of power anymore. Don't get me wrong though, I would still take the big guy over the small guy anyday if they had equal skills.

Many, many players say "I just want an opportunity", then don't take advantage of it when they get. Tyler has certainly taken advantage of his "shot".

Congrats to him and you CD!!

CD, that is absolutely awesome. You have every right to be proud, and most of all, because what shines through most in that article isn't the baseball stuff (as impressive as that is) but the stuff that will make Tyler a success in every phase and facet of life.

Great story, and one I will share with my 2015. Thank you.

Forwarded this to a friend who has a HS player in similar circumstances. Thanks for sharing -- great motivator!

CD,
This is a great article. Congratulations to Tyler for his hard and success.

CD, Really nice article! I've told my son Tyler's story and I think he has a lot of the same traits. How proud you must be of him!

Great article! Thank-you for sharing! You & your son have every reason to feel proud. Sometimes...the Good Guys, really do finish first!

It's not the size of the man in the fight, it is the size of the fight in the man.

Never underestimate heart.

Thanks for sharing . A great lesson.

Oh thank you so much for sharing this article, and congratulations to your son! My 2013 is very small, but the hardest worker and so much passion for baseball. He will be thrilled if he can find a D3 college team to play on - - I keep my fingers tightly crossed that it will happen. This article gives me some hope!

Can someone post repost the article. That link doesn't work anymore.

CD,
Can you re-post the link? It seems broken.

Thanks!