Cut from Varsity - Crossroads...

Others with far more experience will surely respond, NE -- but I just want to say that my heart aches for you and your son. The truth is, he's as much a victim of where he lives as anything else -- meaning, if he were at a smaller, less competitive high school, he'd be playing.

 

Tough stuff. 

 

I've read so many times here that most any decent to good ball player can play at some college level. I hope for your son's sake that's true -- because the fact that he LOVES BASEBALL, for me anyway, means he ought to have the chance to keep playing.

 

The fact that he's willing to leave CA says a lot -- and hopefully that, coupled with your post here, will open new avenues.

I agree with jp24...if your son's HS is truly a big time program, he is probably a victim of where he lives (CA and in this district).  But, you (especially having played yourself) probably are as good to judge as anyone.  Trust your gut.  But, I would say he should give it a go at HF and see what interest he draws, especiallly from high academic D3s.  To that end, might seem crazy, but if REALLY loves the game and is willing to move back East, you might consider HF on Long Island (not sure how many more high academic D3s attend LI vs. Sacramento, but that is all available on HF's website). Soooo, with all that said, here is a story (or a comparable, if you will) that may help..

 

We live in VA (IMO, a true baseball hotbed but by no means a CA, FL, GA, TX), and my son's HS team won the state title last year (not the biggest classification but also not the smallest classification, either). So, I say this so you get a sense - the team was very good (obviously) but not a powerhouse (no ACC or SEC studs) in a Top 4 state for HS baseball.  There was an OF on the roster who went on to play D3 who:

 

- stood 5' 7" (maybe 5' 8")

- did not start (rarely played in tight playoff games down the stretch)

- weak to average arm

- average bat (when he did play, he hit #8 or #9)

- good, maybe above average but not "game changing", speed

- to my knoweledge, average academics

- overall, a good, solid, fundamentally sound, high energy player who could make things happen but not an impact player

 

You can extrapolate what I am getting at here.  There are a lot of really good D3 schools that are seeking strong academic players to fill their rosters.  As you know, many are very expensive and in cold weather states. Of course, the higher his SAT score, the more doors will open up for him.

 

Good luck.

My daughter has a friend from
SoCal who was a good player, but not good enough to make his HS Varsity team. He is now playing at a very good D3 program in the Northwest.

If he truly loves the game and you can afford to pay, I would let/encourage him to play summer ball and attend showcases. I've read on here so many times that kids get more exposure from their summer ball teams and activities than high school ball.

I would also encourage him to take up the coach's offer to work out with the team this Spring. No better way to show what he's made of.

Best of luck!

NE, sorry this had to be your first post.  My son is about your son's size and is still playing in his third year of college ball (he is also a Calif. product).  Injuries are a reality of most players at some point in time and often have a significant impact on the direction of a player's career.  There have been a few occasions along the way where injuries came very close to ending his.  He missed his entire first college season.

 

I think you and he will soon have to drill down to figure out exactly what kind of love he has for the game.  Also, drill down to the detail level what his college playing dream is.  Not playing HS ball can be overcome.  If he connects with a decent travel team and/or a good instructional organization and is able to build arm strength to a competitive level, he may still be able to pursue his college playing dream.  But how much does your California kid know about the realities of playing at a small, obscure school in the upper Midwest?  Does he really  love it that much?  Does he understand the college time commitment even at such a school?  How does this fit into his academic plans?  What is his targeted career or major?  How does that fit with a college baseball schedule?  Does he love playing the game, regardless or only if at a very competitive level?  Would he be happy just to be around the game (i.e. D3 JV team, college club team, rec league on weekends, etc.)?  This is what I mean when I ask what kind of love.  The good news is there are still plenty of options to play baseball and/or be around the game.  He just might have to take a different route. 

 

Today is a very rough day.  I would just leave it that this doesn't necessarily mean the end of the baseball dream.  But it may be a sign that tells him more specifically what level to aim at and how much work is immediately ahead of him if he wishes to reach it. 

 

Once the sting is subsided somewhat and added soul searching is done, we can provide additional support, information and direction as needed.

 

Here's to getting back in the saddle quickly.

 

  

A post regarding my experiences regarding this topic: I was cut from my high school team. I graduated high school in 2010. I hope my experiences could possibly influence your baseball career too if you had similar circumstances to mine. (Skip to the end if you do not want to read this whole thing)

 

I had never made a varsity team. I participated in our program all four years. I played freshman, and two years of JV. My senior year I was the team equipment manager. I was that player that was told as early as my SOPHOMORE year of high school, that it was going to be time to hang them up soon. At the time, I took it to heart. I only started playing baseball at age 11, which is obviously really late compared to the typical kid playing since he was 4 or 5. Four short years after I started playing I heard "hang em up" for the first time in my life. For the longest time, I believed it. I've heard just about every excuse a coach could tell a kid for not making a team. "The game is too fast for you. There are older players ahead of you in your position. There are younger players that I don't want to keep down just because you're a senior. You don't throw hard enough. There's no room for you" etc. Sometimes it was political, but the majority of time, I understood my talent level at the time compared to the rest. I too was a victim of where I lived. I grew up in the East Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area. These schools are very good and competitive in baseball. I went to a very competitive school where players were going draft or D1 constantly. We played in 5A Division I, which is the highest level of high school baseball in Arizona. Our team was very strong, as we'd always go very deep in the playoffs every year. 5 out of the last 7 years, they have made it into the state semifinals or higher. At the time, I only threw about 70-73 mph, and really inconsistent. I was that player that pitched really well on travel/club/scout/summer teams outside of my school, but could not figure it out at the high school level. But, even though I was heartbroken and angry at the time, I understand why I got cut back then. I realize we were just a premier talent and I just didn't cut it, and I accept that, and I have no ill feelings towards my high school coaching staff, who happens to be one of the best HS coaching staffs in Arizona. At the time, I did not know of such things as D3, NAIA, etc. If I did, I would've most likely gone that route. At the time, I thought college baseball was only for the truly elite player. I literally thought the only options were D1, juco, or draft. I never knew of a "lower level" juco. At the time, and even now, Arizona has very strong jucos. The ACCAC colleges at the time could've easily beat, or at least hang, with premier D1 teams; every year, 30+ guys were always drafted out of Arizona jucos from the late 90s to the early part of this decade. My class in my senior year, all 12 seniors on the roster went on to college baseball or draft. Funny how things work though. Except for one, a kid currently a top prospect in the Baltimore Orioles organization, all the other guys stopped playing after only one, maybe two years, of college ball. Those players were superstars back in the day. It's funny that now, I am still playing, and the superstars of my high school are not playing anymore. Their college baseball careers ended too quickly in my opinion, they definitely had the talent to be 4 year players, and maybe perhaps professionally. Most of them quit because they were "burnt out", became frustrated with recurring injuries, got in trouble, or simply could not handle the transition from metal (BESR bats at the time) to wood bats (ACCAC uses wood bats).

 

So anyways, yeah, as expected, I was "done" with baseball after high school. For two whole years I did not play any kind of baseball. I did like to stay in shape though (I had a bodybuilding phase that started in my senior year of high school all the way until I started playing again), so I always went to the gym and didn't allow myself to fall out of shape, and I loved baseball enough where I'd always long toss or play catch with my friends who were still playing. Anyways, I was just a normal full-time university student. Then, in my junior year of college, I noticed that we had a club baseball team. So I went ahead and tried out for that and was able to land a roster spot. Club baseball was an interesting experience as some of you may recall from my previous posts. However, we did get exposed to good competition by playing a few games against the ACCAC juco teams. At the time I was working at a sporting goods store, where I learned of the AZ Collegiate Wood Bat League. It was there were I decided I wanted to get really competitive again. It was there where something just clicked. I finally was able to get my fastball in the 80 mph range. Obviously that wasn't a lot, but as a player that threw low 70s in HS, it was a big deal to me. Things just clicked, I was throwing strikes consistently, was able to command ALL of my pitches. I pitched really well in the summer leagues where it had fueled my desire to play true college baseball. Last summer, for the first time in my life, A SCOUT complimented me. I know that isn't a big deal, but it was to me after my history. It felt really good for a scout to come up to me after a game and say "hey son, you have good control of your pitches. I was really impressed with what I saw today and I really believe you can play somewhere." It was just a spoken word, and he praised me highly to my summer coach. It felt even better that he attended our game to watch another player on the other team, but came to me just to compliment me and praise me to my coach. Needless to say it was the proudest moment of my baseball life, even if nothing came out of it except a simple spoken word. I never saw that guy again, and I never heard from him since. I don't even know his name, but that man made my summer. So I made it my goal that I want to play college baseball as a graduate student, while I have eligibility remaining. 

 

Right now, I am throwing mid-80s, with a goal to throw in the upper 80s to hopefully 90s range by the time I enroll. I'm hoping to enroll in the 2016-2017 school year. I am now, once again, a very serious ballplayer. I workout, train hard, long toss, bullpens, etc. I truly believe that I can make a college roster, even if I only have limited years of eligibility remaining. I have graduated from my university this past December. My story is not complete yet, but I am confident I can land a roster spot on a D2 college team. This summer I accepted to play on a summer team that will really expose me to good competition, as our opponents include the BEST collegiate summer teams in the West. 

 

My point I guess is, you'll find ways to keep playing if high school ball doesn't work out. I know it did for me. Don't really believe anyone that tells you it's over, especially at your age. You still have summer ball, you still have college club if you decide to go that route. You can still participate in collegiate summer leagues, etc. If you're a senior just graduating high school, see if you can play on legion teams, or 18U scout teams if you still are of age (I didn't realize till I was  20 that I could've played 18U baseball my whole freshman year of college because I barely made the cutoff for 18U age exception at the time, I really wanted to play for the Phoenix RBI team lol). I hope my drive to accomplish my dream of playing college baseball would be a good influence on someone else. I know my situation isn't typical. And I hear it all the time, that I should "let my baseball chips land where they may," etc. I am understanding of my situation that I may not have the same opportunity as a four-year player, but I cannot wait to come back to this forum a few years from now to let you know which college team accepted me. 

 

I was that player that was "supposed to" stop playing years ago. I am a player attempting to do what most say I can't, with a smile and a chip on my shoulder (took from Marcus Stroman's Twitter bio). I was "supposed to" be an electrical engineering student that would eventually land a job at Intel or Honeywell or something along with my father and his colleagues (typical Asian expectation). That didn't pan out either because I had zero interest in engineering. I now have a degree in Economics, and I am working as an intern for an Entrepreneurship and Innovation program run by my university. Even members on this site (who has never even seen me play) told me I have little chance, but I still refuse to give up. Don't give up, you're still young.

I got one too. Friend's kid is a small Sr. Tiny -- 5 foot nothing, 100 and nothing.  Was "cut" from a competitive travel team prior to freshman year.  Kept at it and played HS as a Freshman and Soph.  Didn't make it as a Jr.  But played summer with a good travel organization.  Just tweeted a month ago that he is going to a Texas based D3 to play baseball.  So keep at it.  Good luck. 

Wow - so appreciate all of the replies - six in the first few hours!

I read each of them, and was encouraged by the stories and the experiences.

 

It also reminded me of the reality that my son goes to a school in CA with over 2000 students, in a town where baseball has a strong base and tradition (several alumni are currently playing D1 baseball and a few others are in the minors); the competition really is pretty fierce.  It is a drastic difference from the environment I had, growing up and playing ball in New England. But we moved here for the strong public school education; that can only help him in the big picture.

 

I'll do another read of your replies in the morning and I will likely ask more questions, but wanted to post tonight to thank each of you for the thoughtful replies.  I have also sent my son the link as I think he will also benefit from your comments.

NEinmyblood, your son's story reminds me somewhat of my story when I was in high school.  I made All-stars about every year until I was 13 when everyone else seem to physically get bigger and stronger than me.  I was cut from Varsity my junior year.  I don't remember it really being a life changing experience.  Just another bump in the road. 

Agree with the group.  Never give up until you absolutely have to if you love something.  I am an educator who believes education is what you make of it.  You can get a great education pretty much anywhere.  There are lots of D3's who are begging for good students to fill out their rosters as previously mentioned.  Not going to be D3 national champion contenders but if he just wants to play there is ALWAYS somewhere to play.  That's why myself and others in other threads about the 'odds of playing in college' have always pointed out that to be deceptive.  Odds of getting a D1 scholarship?   Pretty tough.  Odds of just playing somewhere for the love of the game?  Darn near 100%.  Keep working!

Sorry to hear this NEinmyblood.  

 

I agree with others that if he truly loves the game that there will be various baseball opportunities out there both in college and after college.  This is especially the case if he has academic achievement in his back pocket.

 

Based on what you've shared, I'd go to HeadFirst and roll the dice.  But he has to keep himself in playing shape.  These programs are looking for recruits like your son because of the academic requirements.  If he is willing to consider any geographic opportunity then he's increased his chances quite a bit.  There are also club opportunites out there.  

 

College experience can be a stepping stone to the next level in a front office.  My son knows a handful of people that are involved in various front offices because they were on a college team, found a mentor, and leveraged that into the next level.  These are really smart guys that also loved the game as your son does.  So, I would advise your son to keep trying if this is something he really wants.  JMO.

I got two stories for you.  One my own son.  The other the son of one of my best friends.  My son was cut freshman year in HS.  He was (and is) a small kid -- right now he's all of 5' 9" 150 (when soaking wet with shoes on).   But he was an even less impressive physical specimen as a frosh.   Weighed all of 116 lbs I think.  He was devastated.   But he was also (a) honest with himself about his weakness and (b) determined to get better. Fortunately, he was still 14 at the time, so he played all freshman year with  a 14U travel team, filled with mostly 8th graders and a few other frosh rejects.   In addition, I hired him a personal trainer who absolutely worked his butt off.   Make a long story short, he made the team the next year and was singled out by the varsity HC as a sterling example of what hard work and dedication can do for you.  Still playing, will be playing next year in college somewhere  (not quite decided where yet).    Another story, good friend of ours gets cut from a powerhouse team in our area last year as a junior.   He too was devastated.  But he too went to work got better kept playing with our travel team.  Determined to try out again this spring, but was convinced that he wasn't going to make it.  You know what?  He did make it.  Coach called the kid into his office at the end of tryouts to tell him how much he had improved and how much he was impressed with his off the chart work ethic and gave him a spot on the varsity -- on a team that is regularly nationally ranked.    

 

encourage your son to have a "build-on, work on" mentality.   What can I do that I can build on?  What do I need to work on?  Always start with the build on, but never leave out the work on. 

Lots of good feedback so far!

 

Every player should continue to work on their grades and SAT/ACT scores.  Higher scores create many more opportunities.  And your son has great grades and scores right now that would interest all the coaches who go to Headfirst.

 

Players can get bigger, faster, and stronger.  They can work on individual baseball skills.  All of that can be done separate from a team.

 

I know this topic is not endorsed by some on the board, but there are alternate high school age leagues.  For a variety of reasons, some players choose to play (or have to play if they want to be on a team) in an alternate league.  My 2012 could not play his 17 year old season in California for a high school because he played 4 years already (he was a 13 year old Frosh and had an extra year of high school).  Check out www.abdspringleague.com     We did a lot of weekends NorCal to SoCal using Southwest Airlines miles as did quite a few other families.

I am so sorry for your son and entire family.  I know your pain.  My son was cut from Varsity based upon a club grudge as a Junior.  He was devastated but played JV. It was embarrassing to him but he wasn't going to let them make him quit.  He was on Varsity as a senior but the coach rarely played him unless the game was very tough and must win, in which case he started and played the whole time.

He played on a great club team and had several college offers DESPITE high school being something to overcome rather then help and took a recruited walk on spot at a very good D1 program here in California.  He did not play much until the end of his Soph year when he forced his way into the line up on a team that played into the post season.  This year he is a junior and having a very different experience then as a high school Junior.  He is a D1 starter and leading his team (well, through the first 4 games haha) in many categories.

He wasn't a big kid in high school but his heart was and still is bigger then many of those surrounding him.

If your son LOVES the game and is driven by desire, support his goals in whatever way you can.  Can he play on the JV team?  So much good comes from disappointment and how you deal with it, embrace this as an opportunity and help him see what really matters to him.  I know many very average CA baseball players loving and succeeding in D3 ball who didn't get much opportunity in high school.  His baseball opportunity may come as a result of his work ethic and success in the classroom and that's really something to be proud of.

 

This is exactly what my son's good friend did when he was cut from varsity his junior year(This HS every year has to cut players who could play/start at other high schools).He joined the ABD Spring League and played there for two seasons.He is a catcher and was able to catch Cody Poteet(UCLA) and other really talented pitchers.The competition in this league was very good as was the coaching.The young man is now the starting catcher for a local JC team. He has received  interest from a number of four year schools, and barring injury I'm sure he will play four years of college ball.

Frankly in Illinois, playing on a travel team will get you noticed by more college coaches that playing for your high school, unless your the D1 stud on the team,then they will notice you anywhere. If the high school team is the problem that you say it is, get your son on a good travel team and coaches will be contacting you NE. Good luck. My son is a decent player, is going to a NAIA school for baseball and I dont think they attended one high school game.

This is a very difficult situation and I have provided a "virtual shoulder" to more young men then I would care to admit.  The reality is that rejection is a fact of life and for a young man it is absolutely a crossroads.  How a man responds to rejection or failure can set a pattern that affects them far beyond the years when the fastball slows and the swings diminish.  I feel deeply for your son and your family because in a strong family the impact on both is heartfelt.

1. Don't allow your experience to fester into bitterness or a process of making excuses
2. If you love the game, play the game.  I just did a quick search on the top D3 baseball teams and they were heavy on sub 6' players and 5'8" and 160 is not uncommon
3. Focus on academics, academics, academics, the reality of life is that 99% of all baseball players will establish their career and livelihood in something other than the sport they love.
4. There is a place in college for almost all who really want to play baseball and if is a true love and passion look for alternatives to D1...D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO, Club baseball somewhere he can find the right fit that will allow him to enjoy the experience
5. Learn from the experience.  It is hard but there will be harder things to come.  Assess, evaluate, accept, develop a strategy, develop tactics and move ahead.  To me the movement and learning is much more important than the specific direction. 

I do not see this as a crossroads for baseball as much as a crossroads for life.  This may be the best opportunity your son has ever had to look disappointment in the face and find a path to the other side.

 

My hope for you, your son and your family is that this turns out to be a moment that you can point to 20 years from now and say..."I am so glad we went through that together"...Best of luck!!

Well said MDballDad!

Unfortunately kids don't learn from failure until they get older.

Our society today won't allow it at a younger age.

Kids are allowed to stay home from schools these days because it's too cold.

Enough on that.

 

NE, my guess is you would know your kids talents and realize his potential.

Being cut from a strong Cal HS team, certainly to me, seems like just a bump in the road. 

Keep pushin on!

Michael Jordan did not make the varsity basketball team as a sophomore at Laney High School in Wilmington, N.C. (played on the JV that year).

Why quit?

 

NEinmyblood,

 

I’ve been hangin’ ‘round NorCal DI baseball for about 15 seasons now, so I can understand the conundrum. A lot of very capable kids are culled from the baseball experience because of their situation, while a lot of kids they are at least as good as if not better get to start and become stars because of their situation.

 

I’d love to know what school or league the boy is in. I never gave this thing much thought until this season when I changed my association from one of the very best baseball schools in the SJS to one of the worst. Kids I saw cut in years past would be the team stars on this team, and as most people know, a lot of success depends on opportunity. So to say the least, the whole thing isn’t at all fair, but it does work to some degree. The saving grace of it all is that REAL life doesn’t begin and end with baseball.

 

I was actually thinking of your situation when I read the OP, Stats. Sounds like the kid attends your old school (or one of the other Sac area powerhouses) but might better off in baseball terms if he was at your new school. Too bad you can't send a kid to another school to play like an MLB team would send a player down to AAA for more seasoning.