Dealing with players walking out

NW, an interesting scenario. I applaud your stick-with-it-ness. My question, though, is: what is your Coach doing to resolve the issues? It's his job to evaluate what's going on and try and correct it.

Just things to think about. I would avoid posting anything potentially damaging about the school, coach, or program. Though I no longer live in WA, I know where Mukilteo is and it wouldn't be hard for someone to figure out what school/coach/program you're talking about. Just be diplomatic in the situation and you should be fine.

Our coach is sticking with the guys that we have right now, and is 100% confident in each and every kid who is going to stick around. Unfortunately for my age group, our team is known around the area as an "ugly stepsister program", and we have trouble drawing talent. Players leaving is by no means any fault on the coach, players, or our specific age group, but more caused by egotistical players looking for "bigger and better" programs.

As a player, i have noticed a few people not willing to bust their *** day in and day out, and have been trying to nip that in the butt every chance i get. The seeming lack of effort led one core player to leave, but other than that it was looking for "greener grass".

Yeah, I know the "handsome stepbrother" program you're talking about. I like to see when guys band together, form a goal, set out for a dream, and make it happen or 'die' trying. Good luck to you guys. I like your spirit.

You've got nine guys who have stuck around and hopefully bought in to what you guys are doing at your current high school. That's your core, and I would prefer to have nine guys that are all in than fifteen guys who aren't fully invested. Anyway, I would try to "recruit" a few good character guys that want to be a part of something special.

Maybe there are a couple of seniors that played when they were younger and want one more shot to be part of the team. If they are willing to bust it, and fit into what you've already got going then they could help out to at least provide some depth. You may also find a younger guy or two that would be projects, but they're willing to work and willing to "pay their dues". They can help facilitate practice while they improve and who knows what they may be in a couple of years. Maybe all they do initially is provide a body at practice and do some courtesy running.

I think the key is to build on the nine guys you've got. Those guys have stuck with the program and want to be there. Find a couple more players and you're in business. Try your best not to take on guys that aren't "team first" guys just to provide depth.

NW - I truly feel bad for you because I can tell you're a kid who wants to have a great experience with baseball but it doesn't seem like things are going all that great.

Krak is correct in that you need to watch out what you post on here because people may figure out who / where you are and hold it against you or it will start some drama. Sounds like you don't need anymore than what you already have.

As for what you can do is understand their is strength in numbers and you can't make people love the game as much as you do. What I mean is that if there are others like yourself then you guys need to talk to others as a group instead of one on one. Don't try to intimidate others into joining / staying because they might become a cancer if they don't truly want to be there. Walk up and down the halls of the school as a group, talk great about baseball and be open and friendly to all other groups. Show that baseball is something people want to be part of. Be a leader and not a dictator on the team. Be the one (with your group) that doesn't wait for coach to say "hey we need to do this" - get out there and work to be good.

Even after all this you still can't force people to love the game as much as you do. I love baseball and want to do nothing but be around it but not everyone on my team loves it as much as I do. Once I finally realized that's ok as long as they respect the game then it's all good. That is the standard you hold everyone to - respect the game. Guys play baseball because they enjoy it but they actually love another sport. I don't have a problem with that as long as they respect baseball and do things the right way.

If guys are leaving over a couple of tough losses then you have to truly question if they wanted to be there. As a coach if I had players who want to quit then let them. I don't want someone out there who doesn't want to be. If these guys are leaving then go find guys who do want to be there. They might lack skill but if they love the game then they might just get better with help from you and your coach.

It's a tough situation and I feel for you. Keep us posted as to how it goes because I hope it goes well for you.

NW, I really respect you for trying to help your team stay together. I believe that adversity does not build character but reveals it. If after a couple of tough losses some players quit, then that reveals something to me and I let them leave without talking them into staying. I encourage you to keep leading by example. I love it when my upperclassman leaders meet and discuss the fact that this is the time to make it all work, seniors will not have another chance. Work together, work harder than any opponent you will play, and lead the others by example. Do not let the slackers on the team feel like what they are doing is OK. Let them know that the team is working hard together to achieve its goal. It means a lot more sometimes when it comes from a unified group of seniors than just from the coach. Good luck.

NW,
You are on the right track! This is a great life lesson for you, in that you are sticking to what you believe in, and not bailing on your team because you loss a couple of tough games. That's life Bro! This is huge coming from a HS student/athlete. Keep working hard - to me that's the key. It isn't always what you say, but rather what you do that matters.

Keep us posted.

Lefty

Keep swinging it...

UPDATE:
just got word today that another one of our players quit, and we are now down to 8 guys, and fielding a team is getting a little uncertain as of right now. We have a kid that played fall ball with us, but not sure if he's on board with us for the upcoming season. As far as i know, the guys that are left are completely committed to the team, and should be a great core group. Crossing my fingers for a team, cause i have NO idea what i would do if i didnt have baseball in my life.

NW. I can tell you from experience that kids at this age like to "assert" themselves and show that they can exert some power and control over a situation by, in this example, saying in the fall they are not going to play in the spring. I have personally seen many kids say they werent going to play and end up playing when tryouts happen. Where may I ask is the coach in all this? My bet is that when tryouts occur in the spring that you will have enough and if you dont the first day the coach will go beat the bushes in class the next couple of days and you will have plenty.

If I were you I wouldnt fret over this. One thing I learned coaching is that I couldnt be everyones daddy. All I could do is say and do the right things and offer well thought out advice. In this instance I dont think you can be everybodys brother. Just lead by example and be positive... the good will naturally gravitate towards you.