Coming to grips with the fact that I won't be playing baseball this spring

Sorry to hear about the cut; I sure think you have a great attitude.
I'd suggest you offer to be a video guy, catch bullpens, throw bp and soft toss I don't know how a coach could say no...
good luck with that summer team; I hope you have a blast and get to throw some great games.

Thanks for the advice. I thought of catching bullpens too, but because I'm a lefty I don't know if he would let that one fly. I do like the throw BP/soft toss one though, thank you.

Where do you live? North, South, West??

What is your goal and how bad do you want to achieve it?

Do you want to beat the odds and make the varsity next year? Do you want to play on the no-cut summer team as your farewell season? Or do you just want to be around the game and your friends?

If you still want to play for your school, there are a couple realities you must confront.

First, right now there is a gap between you and the players on the team.

Second, the coach will not be able to give you the reps and instruction it would take to close that gap. If he could, he'd have made room for you on the roster. Throwing a little here and there on the side will not help you become more competitive.

If you hang around the team in a support role while they practice and play their season, they will improve but you will not. Don't ask the coach for a support role unless you are ready to give up on playing for good.

If you want to close the gap, it will have to happen in a different environment: your high school weight room, the gym at a public rec center, a commercial baseball training facility, or a makeshift target net in your back yard.

If you totally commit yourself to conditioning and if you commit to doing a lot more throwing (whether it's with a private pitching instructor, a friend, or by yourself), you can be a better pitcher and a better athlete by the beginning of summer.

quote:

Second, the coach will not be able to give you the reps and instruction it would take to close that gap. If he could, he'd have made room for you on the roster. Throwing a little here and there on the side will not help you become more competitive.

If you hang around the team in a support role while they practice and play their season, they will improve but you will not. Don't ask the coach for a support role unless you are ready to give up on playing for good.

If you want to close the gap, it will have to happen in a different environment: your high school weight room, the gym at a public rec center, a commercial baseball training facility, or a makeshift target net in your back yard.

Exactly...Hanging around the team which has been set won't help close the gap to become good enough to compete for a varsity spot next year. The coach will be focused on those players. Don't waste your time holding a clipboard or take videos of the players. There are plenty of non-athletes who can do that. If you want to play bad enough, you need to be hitting the gym, cages or seek out coaching to improve skills.

Sure, you should go talk to your coach and ask him what you need to work on. You'll get a pretty good idea where you'll stand as well.

Then go on your own and work on those things and be ready for the summer and possibly ready to compete for a roster spot next year.

Southpaw....ooops.....waphtuoS

I want you to know that like someone else said earlier, I really like your attitude young man. You have come head on with the wall of what many would consider failure in their life. After contemplating your options...the proverbial fork in the road...you decided that instead of throwing in the towel you want to continue on working hard and find a way to get back on the team. That is outstanding!

This may not mean a lot to you now but you need to know one thing - Keep this kind of outlook and attitude with you wherever you may go in life no matter what comes your way. You will find that where things may seem like the end, you will begin seeing them as opportunities!

I'm pulling for you young man. Work hard. Be a good friend and encourager to those who did make the team so they will see a winner in you.

YGD

Like he said!

Thank you all for the suggestions.

biggerpapi- Illinois

Swampboy, zombywoof- The only way I would have volunteered to work with the team is if I could have thrown with the them before practice, games, etc. I understand what you are saying about accepting a "support" role as opposed to a potential teammate, and I agree completely.

YoungGunDad, Coach_May- I appreciate it, this has been a very rough few days and its nice to hear some kind words.

I decided not to be involved with the high school team this spring. I talked to my pitching coach of 6 years and we decided that the best option is to throw independently until summer. There are a few catchers (who take lessons at the same facility) that got cut, and I am going to get in contact with them to throw during the spring.

I am also looking to join any league I can play in for the spring; not for the competition, but so that I can get some innings in before summer. No luck yet, and I don't think we are going to find one still open for registration this late in the game

quote:

Originally posted by waphtuoS:
Thank you all for the suggestions.

biggerpapi- Illinois


I talked to my pitching coach of 6 years....

I am also looking to join any league I can play in for the spring....

1. I gathered Illinois. I meant what part of Chicago as I was going to refer you to a pitching coach, but...

2. You already have one.

3. Not sure what "Spring" leagues there are for HS-aged players. Nothing until Summer I imagine.

WI has a Spring league through PG. I know it's been used by IL players in the past.

Sorry, I forgot that you can see what state I'm from in my profile. I live in the northern suburbs.

Yea..finding a local league might be tough. Being a 2012 and 17-18 yrs old, you might be too old for the local rec leagues in your area. Springtime could be a little tough to find a decent HS age league.

It don't hurt to keep looking around in your area if there's a chance you can find something. However, be sure to be ready for the summer team. That could be your shot to show something.

Good luck!