Ok, our season is over and I have a simple question. Exactly what should a parent expect from a HS coach?
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quote:Originally posted by screwball:
Ok, our season is over and I have a simple question. Exactly what should a parent expect from a HS coach?
That is a loaded question if ever I heard one........
yep
I would say that a HS coach should be someone that cares about the kids he/she's coaching. Wants the best for them on the field and off. Knows the game enough to teach them the little things that will make them a better player. He/she should be able to help the kids that are able to play at the next level get there. He/she should be a good example of character and integrity.
I'm sure there are a few more, but these are important to me anyway.
I'm sure there are a few more, but these are important to me anyway.
quote:As the years have gone on... I have realized that my own definition of a good coach is one that leaves my son still loving the game!
Very well said, momandcpa.
Yes.........I love this kind of thread.
When you never contribute, any old thread will do.
Parents should be able to expect:
Fairness - every player gets the same opportunity to earn playing time & positions, those who earn it get it
Integrity
An attempt to teach the game - I say attempt, because often there is only one true baseball coach in the program (the assistants sometimes being off-season football coaches who are well intentioned, but not baseball guys). And in such a situation, there is only so much one guy can accomplish when working with a large number of kids.
Discipline
These are the minimums to which a coach should aspire.
Fairness - every player gets the same opportunity to earn playing time & positions, those who earn it get it
Integrity
An attempt to teach the game - I say attempt, because often there is only one true baseball coach in the program (the assistants sometimes being off-season football coaches who are well intentioned, but not baseball guys). And in such a situation, there is only so much one guy can accomplish when working with a large number of kids.
Discipline
These are the minimums to which a coach should aspire.
screwball-
you should expect the HS coach to teach your kid the objectives that should be taught in the classroom - that is his primary job... teach basic fundamentals on the field.
unfort. too many coaches (of major sports) get the boot because of W/L record and not how great of an educator/mentor they are... there is hardly a parent out there that wants to know how well the HS coach teaches is class...
of course, that is our society...
you should expect the HS coach to teach your kid the objectives that should be taught in the classroom - that is his primary job... teach basic fundamentals on the field.
unfort. too many coaches (of major sports) get the boot because of W/L record and not how great of an educator/mentor they are... there is hardly a parent out there that wants to know how well the HS coach teaches is class...
of course, that is our society...
quote:Originally posted by Texan:
When you never contribute, any old thread will do.
Come on Texan...don't let me get to you.
Just rub some dirt on it and play ball.
KG, do you still have connections in the MLBBPCU (MLB BullPen Catcher's Union)? I need a hook up man!
Another thing, if hired do I get to sign autographs?
Another thing, if hired do I get to sign autographs?
I expect alot out of my son's HS coach - and I am getting it. I don't expect anything less or more out of his HS coach as I do his summer coach. Why would I?
One more thing - it would be nice if some people could post without making snide remarks at other posters. It is childish. If you don't agree with someone from past posts I don't see the need to put them down on current posts. Why drag baggage from post to post?
One more thing - it would be nice if some people could post without making snide remarks at other posters. It is childish. If you don't agree with someone from past posts I don't see the need to put them down on current posts. Why drag baggage from post to post?
quote:Originally posted by crawdad:
I expect alot out of my son's HS coach - and I am getting it. I don't expect anything less or more out of his HS coach as I do his summer coach. Why would I?
One more thing - it would be nice if some people could post without making snide remarks at other posters. It is childish. If you don't agree with someone from past posts I don't see the need to put them down on current posts. Why drag baggage from post to post?
Not to get off topic but of all the people that post on this forum. My favorite posts are from " CRAWDAD and PANTHER DAD."
He says it the way it is and means it. He and several others make this forum a pleasure to read. Most of all he is like that in person. A pleasure to talk to.
I expect him to teach baseball and the life lessons that come from "baseball".
I wish I understood why on so many things.
I wish I understood why on so many things.
Thanks for the comments. Just wanted make sure i'm not "out in left field" so to speak.
And if your child were at a school with a coach that did none of the things mentioned in the above comments, what would you do?
And if your child were at a school with a coach that did none of the things mentioned in the above comments, what would you do?
quote:Originally posted by screwball:
Thanks for the comments. Just wanted make sure i'm not "out in left field" so to speak.
And if your child were at a school with a coach that did none of the things mentioned in the above comments, what would you do?
Home School?
Move to Another Country?
Transfer?
Give Up the Sport?
Become a Teacher/Coach?
Some times it's like shooting fish in a barrel.
quote:Originally posted by screwball:
Thanks for the comments. Just wanted make sure i'm not "out in left field" so to speak.
And if your child were at a school with a coach that did none of the things mentioned in the above comments, what would you do?
Be sure he plays on a quality summer team and teach him to be a leader on his HS team and make the best of it by working the his teammates to be as good as they can be, whether the coach is good or not. This came up on the JM thread and I will state my postion again. It is easy to run to the school next door, but be careful. There are warts hidden on every program...the devil you know might be better than the one you don't know.
Besides, fighting through a difficult situation for your son will teach him a greater life skill than finding a HS baseball program that you think fits all your criteria...that is what the summer is for.
JMHO.
quote:Originally posted by JAFO:quote:Originally posted by screwball:
Thanks for the comments. Just wanted make sure i'm not "out in left field" so to speak.
And if your child were at a school with a coach that did none of the things mentioned in the above comments, what would you do?
Home School?
Move to Another Country?
Transfer?
Give Up the Sport?
Become a Teacher/Coach?
Some times it's like shooting fish in a barrel.
thanks jafo, i expected that from you.
I aim to please!
Thanks T-Bird Dad,
We do play for a good summer/fall team. The summer/fall are not the problem. Son goes from loving the game in summer/fall to not caring if he ever steps foot on a high school field again.
If you playing on a good select club with good connections, going to all the tournaments/showcases, and already have colleges wanting to talk to you, do you really need to put up with the kind of coach we have?
We do play for a good summer/fall team. The summer/fall are not the problem. Son goes from loving the game in summer/fall to not caring if he ever steps foot on a high school field again.
If you playing on a good select club with good connections, going to all the tournaments/showcases, and already have colleges wanting to talk to you, do you really need to put up with the kind of coach we have?
Home School? - Don't have enough kdis to form a team.
Move to Another Country? - Still an option. Lots of money to be made in Cricket!
Transfer? - please!!
Give Up the Sport? - Now thats teaching him something isn't it.
Become a Teacher/Coach? - Not sure how this can help.
Move to Another Country? - Still an option. Lots of money to be made in Cricket!
Transfer? - please!!
Give Up the Sport? - Now thats teaching him something isn't it.
Become a Teacher/Coach? - Not sure how this can help.
quote:Originally posted by JAFO:quote:Originally posted by screwball:
Home School? - Don't have enough kdis to form a team.
Move to Another Country? - Still an option. Lots of money to be made in Cricket!
Transfer? - please!!
Give Up the Sport? - Now thats teaching him something isn't it.
Become a Teacher/Coach? - Not sure how this can help.
So what you're saying is Cricket in another country is your only option?
if not, how about what you think? That should be an interesting "snipet".
I know you probably don't want to hear this one, due to it's author, but.....
I got it.......sit out a year or two. Really pound the books, get the GPA up, work the SAT to the highest exponential number and go play on an academic scholarship!
College coaches love that. It's like getting a free agent that the other team is still playing for.
I got it.......sit out a year or two. Really pound the books, get the GPA up, work the SAT to the highest exponential number and go play on an academic scholarship!
College coaches love that. It's like getting a free agent that the other team is still playing for.
quote:Originally posted by screwball:
Thanks T-Bird Dad,
We do play for a good summer/fall team. The summer/fall are not the problem. Son goes from loving the game in summer/fall to not caring if he ever steps foot on a high school field again.
If you playing on a good select club with good connections, going to all the tournaments/showcases, and already have colleges wanting to talk to you, do you really need to put up with the kind of coach we have?
Yes, because there will be times when your son will have to put up with bad coaches, teammates, teachers, bosses, colleagues, etc. in the future and playing now on a less than perfect HS situation will help him develop skills that will serve him well when these things happen in the future (and they will).
He can take a leadership role and be a positive influence on everyone else out there. To me, he should commit himself to his teammates, be respectful to the coach, and do things the way he knows they need to be done. I would think a strength and quality of character will emerge from this approach if he takes it.
quote:Originally posted by JAFO:
I know you probably don't want to hear this one, due to it's author, but.....
I got it.......sit out a year or two. Really pound the books, get the GPA up, work the SAT to the highest exponential number and go play on an academic scholarship!
College coaches love that. It's like getting a free agent that the other team is still playing for.
you may be surprised to hear this, considering the source, but son already has the highest GPA in the program, and in the top 5% in his school. Already been invited to numerous academic baseball camps/showcases this summer/fall that we will be attending.
all that aside, are you saying that if he doesn't play HS ball then the only option is an academic scholarship? Is HS ball that important?
T-Bird Dad,
Now those are some words of wisdom. thanks
Now those are some words of wisdom. thanks
Look forward to select ball summer and fall with a good club...
quote:Is HS ball that important?
This is fun. All BS aside, my opinion is "yes" the adversity of the situation will help him in the long run. Teach him how to deal with the "other" side of baseball or life for that matter. i would venture to say "as stated before somewhere" there are issues in every program. From what you are saying this is an issue not unlike others and can be dealt with. I think it would be in the best interest to continue playing at the HS level. The key word here is to continue playing. I hear from people all the time that they are unhappy, don't understand what the coach is thinking or just don’t agree with the decisions. But.....they all usually understand the situation (may not agree) but understand and move on to try and adapt to the situation.
Bottom line is to continue to play. Every once and a while you’ll get a nugget that will continue your education of how the game is played. Sometimes it's from the opposing team. He needs to compete and play.
As for the academics
Whew, glad i got that out of my system. I like the one sentence sneak attacks better than all this communication. LOL
I suggest your son play HS baseball as long as it is important to him and he has a passion for it. Whether it is worth it to go through the motions while being miserable should be up to him. I agree with T-BD that there are life lessons to be learned. For the record, I believe that HS baseball IS "important" if your son wants to play at the next level. How important is a subject fo debate.
We can pick sides....Texan can captain the "it's not so important" side....screwball may be a #1 draft pick....and many will stand in line, hoping to get picked for the team.
Kirk can captain the "it's important" side -- having gained new perspective on this subject since last year at this time.
In any case....I still love HS baseball!
We can pick sides....Texan can captain the "it's not so important" side....screwball may be a #1 draft pick....and many will stand in line, hoping to get picked for the team.
Kirk can captain the "it's important" side -- having gained new perspective on this subject since last year at this time.
In any case....I still love HS baseball!
OMG, there is something to JAFO other than one line attacks.
understand everything you said, agree, and will ultimately do that. however, as a parent sometimes its hard to put your kid in an enviroment where it does more harm than good. i know of at least two other juniors (will be seniors next year) that are thinking along these same lines. all of these kids are year round ball players but at the end of the season this year, they hated baseball.
understand everything you said, agree, and will ultimately do that. however, as a parent sometimes its hard to put your kid in an enviroment where it does more harm than good. i know of at least two other juniors (will be seniors next year) that are thinking along these same lines. all of these kids are year round ball players but at the end of the season this year, they hated baseball.
quote:Originally posted by screwball:
OMG, there is something to JAFO other than one line attacks.
understand everything you said, agree, and will ultimately do that. however, as a parent sometimes its hard to put your kid in an enviroment where it does more harm than good. i know of at least two other juniors (will be seniors next year) that are thinking along these same lines. all of these kids are year round ball players but at the end of the season this year, they hated baseball.
Shh, someone will hear you.
I do know of some of the exact things you speak of here and when that final year of HS Ball rolled around, things were a bit different, perspectives changed, ideas modified and all the sudden it was someone else that had problems.'
Some players use HS Ball as a tune up for the summer program. In the "Bigs" I think they call it spring training. But KG will have to respond to that as he is the self anointed professional of everything in the "Bigs". As he has "credentials" and played at every level and will undoubtedly be a hall of famer in his own mind.
Ahh, that felt good.
Screwball, you have a pm.
The ONLY coach that I can think of that you have complete power to PICK is your summer coach. All it takes is money and the talent to make the team.
Before anyone points out that you CAN choose your college coach (assuming that you can go to any school you want to), yes, you can to a degree. My older son who plays football just had his college coach resign and now he is entering his junior year with a completely new coaching staff that he certainly did not pick.
HS baseball is important - no less than summer baseball - it is just important for different reasons maybe, and for alot of the same reasons too.
I promise you, very seldem in baseball (or any sport) are all of the coaching situations going to suit every player all the time. It's like someone pointed out above - it really is no different than life or careers in general.
Now, this is easy for me to say as I have a kid who respects BOTH his HS (Steve Marrs) and his summer (Linty Ingram) coaches. But if he did not like Coach Marrs I would not move - I would just tell him to "man up" and bust his as s on the field - I ain't moving! If he didn't like Linty then I would just tell him to try out for another team (after first checking on how much it cost).
Before anyone points out that you CAN choose your college coach (assuming that you can go to any school you want to), yes, you can to a degree. My older son who plays football just had his college coach resign and now he is entering his junior year with a completely new coaching staff that he certainly did not pick.
HS baseball is important - no less than summer baseball - it is just important for different reasons maybe, and for alot of the same reasons too.
I promise you, very seldem in baseball (or any sport) are all of the coaching situations going to suit every player all the time. It's like someone pointed out above - it really is no different than life or careers in general.
Now, this is easy for me to say as I have a kid who respects BOTH his HS (Steve Marrs) and his summer (Linty Ingram) coaches. But if he did not like Coach Marrs I would not move - I would just tell him to "man up" and bust his as s on the field - I ain't moving! If he didn't like Linty then I would just tell him to try out for another team (after first checking on how much it cost).
seriously, thanks for all the opinions and advice. even you JAFO.
It seems like all the things that were said at the beginning of the thread that we should "expect" from our coach are really qualities of a good coach. when actually, we have no right to "expect" anything and should teach our sons to make the best out of it, it will build character. that is a shame. if this coach were an english, math, physics, etc teacher we would be having conference after conference. however, because there is "coach" is the job description we can't question it.
It seems like all the things that were said at the beginning of the thread that we should "expect" from our coach are really qualities of a good coach. when actually, we have no right to "expect" anything and should teach our sons to make the best out of it, it will build character. that is a shame. if this coach were an english, math, physics, etc teacher we would be having conference after conference. however, because there is "coach" is the job description we can't question it.
quote:if this coach were an english, math, physics, etc teacher we would be having conference after conference. however, because there is "coach" is the job description we can't question it.
Okay, I'm going to play devil's advocate here a minute.
If it were an AP class, it would be what it is. You could have your conferences. If it were a PE class, you could have conference after conference, also.
Baseball isn't a requirement, it's an option. AP isn't a requirement, it's an option.
quote:Originally posted by screwball:
seriously, thanks for all the opinions and advice. even you JAFO.
It seems like all the things that were said at the beginning of the thread that we should "expect" from our coach are really qualities of a good coach. when actually, we have no right to "expect" anything and should teach our sons to make the best out of it, it will build character. that is a shame. if this coach were an english, math, physics, etc teacher we would be having conference after conference. however, because there is "coach" is the job description we can't question it.
screwball,
The biggest difference is your analogy is that those academic courses are core, required courses. Sports are extracurricular, therefore participation is by choice, both by the player and coach.
I don't know that you can't conference, but I don't know what you would hope to accomplish. The coach either won't (stubborn), or can't (lack of knowledge), change anything. The player can choose to not return, but I think he, and you, would regret that decision. I really doubt there is as much harm being done as you might think. Most players that understand the game will overcome any poor teaching and return to things that have made them successful.
It's still baseball -- how bad can things be?
it could be s****r!
I've probably said 20 words to my son's HS coach in 4 years. Most of them consist of "Good win coach"
He wins, consistantly, with or without the best talent on the field. He is also a gambler. He takes risks on underclassmen, and sometimes it blows up in his face, but he continues to take those chances.
Is he the type of guy I'd have dinner with on a weekly basis, probably not.
Has he made my son a better ballplayer? You bet.
A better person? I would hope so.
Make no mistake about it, 5A baseball coaches are paid to win....and if they don't, they'll be looking for a new job.
He wins, consistantly, with or without the best talent on the field. He is also a gambler. He takes risks on underclassmen, and sometimes it blows up in his face, but he continues to take those chances.
Is he the type of guy I'd have dinner with on a weekly basis, probably not.
Has he made my son a better ballplayer? You bet.
A better person? I would hope so.
Make no mistake about it, 5A baseball coaches are paid to win....and if they don't, they'll be looking for a new job.
how long are they given?
i've intentionally stayed away and given this guy the benefit of the doubt. he has not made my son a better player, in fact just the opposite. like someone mentioned earlier, baseball players can overcome quite abit and we will as well.
he has not made him a better person.
he has made kids hate baseball.
he does not treat all kids equally. (kids from one select org are allowed to get away with just about anything)
he has not won.
i've intentionally stayed away and given this guy the benefit of the doubt. he has not made my son a better player, in fact just the opposite. like someone mentioned earlier, baseball players can overcome quite abit and we will as well.
he has not made him a better person.
he has made kids hate baseball.
he does not treat all kids equally. (kids from one select org are allowed to get away with just about anything)
he has not won.
I know this is a long shot, but have you talked to him about your concerns?
I think there is an appropriate way to communicate concerns -- email??? -- it sounds like they are already on the track you describe (perhaps a bit more soberly than I might).
KD,
I am glad to hear you speak so highly of your HS coach. I was just speaking with someone who has a good baseball background whose son will be a freshman at Keller HS next year. He asked me what I knew about the coach and program there. I told him about all the players and parents that I know and that I had always heard good things. He was glad to hear that from me and I am glad to see you confirm it in writing.
I am glad to hear you speak so highly of your HS coach. I was just speaking with someone who has a good baseball background whose son will be a freshman at Keller HS next year. He asked me what I knew about the coach and program there. I told him about all the players and parents that I know and that I had always heard good things. He was glad to hear that from me and I am glad to see you confirm it in writing.
My son got a new coach his junior year in high school and hated baseball the next two years and also got almost no playing time. A few times he really wanted to quit but ultimately decided to stick it out. It was really rough for him and for his mom and me but we're proud of him for sticking it out. He did not see any value in anything he got from that situation, other than what you get from toughing out a bad circumstance in pursuit of a larger goal. Certainly, he didn't feel he got any baseball value out of it.
His HS coach did not help him move to the next level of baseball. His summer coach got him JC offers but ultimately he went to a DII school to play and he got that opportunity by approaching that coach directly himself and possibly with the help of some coach references he gave if the college coach checked them.
Then midway through the fall college program while his pitching stats were good, something happened and he concluded that where he went to school and what education he got was more important than playing ball.
He quit baseball and transferred to another school in another state over the Christmas break. He did all this by himself, I might add. Figured out the requirements, applied, got accepted, transferred, got a dorm, moved up there, all in about 10 days. I haven't even been there yet. He is definitely engaged academically and I have watched his mind expand and his thinking mature incredibly fast as a result of the environment he is in now. He is starting to miss baseball, which he may or may not do anything about long term. He plans to play in some tournaments he has been invited to this summer (he's still 18).
He doesn't come home that much but when he does believe it or not he visits with his HS coach. He says he now understands the guy and that's all he says about it.
All I know is he is as happy as I have ever seen him, his world is wide open and full of options and he is pursuing them energetically.
All I can do is stand back and be amazed at the man he is turning into.
The lesson from this story is don't burn too much energy on what's bad today, just make tomorrow better. My son taught me that.
His HS coach did not help him move to the next level of baseball. His summer coach got him JC offers but ultimately he went to a DII school to play and he got that opportunity by approaching that coach directly himself and possibly with the help of some coach references he gave if the college coach checked them.
Then midway through the fall college program while his pitching stats were good, something happened and he concluded that where he went to school and what education he got was more important than playing ball.
He quit baseball and transferred to another school in another state over the Christmas break. He did all this by himself, I might add. Figured out the requirements, applied, got accepted, transferred, got a dorm, moved up there, all in about 10 days. I haven't even been there yet. He is definitely engaged academically and I have watched his mind expand and his thinking mature incredibly fast as a result of the environment he is in now. He is starting to miss baseball, which he may or may not do anything about long term. He plans to play in some tournaments he has been invited to this summer (he's still 18).
He doesn't come home that much but when he does believe it or not he visits with his HS coach. He says he now understands the guy and that's all he says about it.
All I know is he is as happy as I have ever seen him, his world is wide open and full of options and he is pursuing them energetically.
All I can do is stand back and be amazed at the man he is turning into.
The lesson from this story is don't burn too much energy on what's bad today, just make tomorrow better. My son taught me that.
Nobody kills a thread like Krace.
We're digesting your contribution -- I'm sure all 51 of your posts are meaningful, unlike 2550 of mine.
quote:Originally posted by Krace4:
Nobody kills a thread like Krace.
That's because when somebody actually comes to the table with factual information, most folks on here can't believe there is life after HS baseball.
Great post Krace4. Your post brings back memories of several coaches I had over the years and what my opinions of them now vs. the opinions I had then.
quote:Originally posted by Panther Dad:
We're digesting your contribution -- I'm sure all 51 of your posts are meaningful, unlike 2550 of mine.
Bragger
quote:Originally posted by momandcpa:quote:Originally posted by Panther Dad:
I know this is a long shot, but have you talked to him about your concerns?
Long shot? I'd call that a suicide mission. IMHO, of course!
Suicide mission is right!!!
I just hope that for those who are having or have had a terrible HS experience w/a coach that their experience parallels the birthing process.
Birthing is a very painful experience full of screaming, crying, long hours of pushing yourself to mental and physical limits.
When the process is successfully completed, its like magic, all the emotional and physically pain you experienced is amazingly erased from your mind and senses.
It works w/labor and I have been told that it works w/bad baseball experiences.
Birthing is a very painful experience full of screaming, crying, long hours of pushing yourself to mental and physical limits.
When the process is successfully completed, its like magic, all the emotional and physically pain you experienced is amazingly erased from your mind and senses.
It works w/labor and I have been told that it works w/bad baseball experiences.
Krace, Congrats to your son for having the courage to CHANGE course!
all of these ideas have some merit but i think that to expect something from a coach is a bad start to a 4 year relationship.
Expecting something from him would have to start at what he expects from his parents and players. I think that is the most important question.
It is not the responsibility of the coach to please the player but it is the responsibility for the player to please the coach. Dont take this the wrong way, when i say please I mean he needs to do things the coach likes for his players to do. It is all about trust in my opinion, if a player works hard and does it the right way and he listens to instruction and attempts to try to do it the way the coach would like for him to do it then I dont know of any coach that would have a problem with any player.
There was a post earlier about this being a coaches job and i think most people do not realize that this is the way they make their living.
I really believe to have a good relationship with a hs coach you must understand what is important to the coach and try to model yourself after those things, obviously these must be some reasonable expectations.
In conclusion expecting things going in to a program may leave you very sad and frustrated. I dont buy the thing about kids not liking the game, the game is the game and if you love it you love it. Maybe all of these seasons with no breaks (summer fall and spring) could have some impact on the love of the game.
Last thing, I bet that there are 9 people that like the coach in most programs and probably 10-13 that dont like the coach. That is a reality that everyone must endure
Expecting something from him would have to start at what he expects from his parents and players. I think that is the most important question.
It is not the responsibility of the coach to please the player but it is the responsibility for the player to please the coach. Dont take this the wrong way, when i say please I mean he needs to do things the coach likes for his players to do. It is all about trust in my opinion, if a player works hard and does it the right way and he listens to instruction and attempts to try to do it the way the coach would like for him to do it then I dont know of any coach that would have a problem with any player.
There was a post earlier about this being a coaches job and i think most people do not realize that this is the way they make their living.
I really believe to have a good relationship with a hs coach you must understand what is important to the coach and try to model yourself after those things, obviously these must be some reasonable expectations.
In conclusion expecting things going in to a program may leave you very sad and frustrated. I dont buy the thing about kids not liking the game, the game is the game and if you love it you love it. Maybe all of these seasons with no breaks (summer fall and spring) could have some impact on the love of the game.
Last thing, I bet that there are 9 people that like the coach in most programs and probably 10-13 that dont like the coach. That is a reality that everyone must endure
I won't speak for your coach, here is what we are doing after missing the playoffs by 1 strike in my first year here.
This past week we turned in all our game stuff. I met individually with each player that is returning and told him what I expect of him going into next year. Also told him he can make next year what ever he want to make of it whether he is a returning starter, letterman, or off of one of the subvarsity teams. If he has any concerns he needs to come and talk to me. We also met as a team and discussed the good things we did this year and the things we need to do better to take the next step. I told them the things that I need to do better as their coach. I am not perfect and I need to work on things in the off-season that will help me to do my job better.
Next week we will be testing in the weightroom and begin a summer lifting program. Make a master list of who is playing where during the summer. We will also offer a school team that will play 1 DH a week Mon-Wed. I'd like 100% particiapation on this team but understand if they can't. As long as they are playing on teams like the Tigers, Cats, Heat and Mustangs (to name a few), that is all that matters.
I have all their summer schedules so I will drop in on them a couple of times. Of course I coach a collegiate team during the summer so I am fairly busy already.
The days we don't lift from now until the end of school, we will hit in the cages, throw to keep their arms in shape for summer time.
We will also make a video of our seniors-to-be that are college prospects. I am going to video it using the computer so that I can email it to all the college coaches that I know.
Is what I do revolutionary, I don't know? Of course I don't have to coach football here so I have alot of free time. All I do know is that I enjoy the kids that I coach. They know that I work hard for them, and I know that they play hard for me.
This past week we turned in all our game stuff. I met individually with each player that is returning and told him what I expect of him going into next year. Also told him he can make next year what ever he want to make of it whether he is a returning starter, letterman, or off of one of the subvarsity teams. If he has any concerns he needs to come and talk to me. We also met as a team and discussed the good things we did this year and the things we need to do better to take the next step. I told them the things that I need to do better as their coach. I am not perfect and I need to work on things in the off-season that will help me to do my job better.
Next week we will be testing in the weightroom and begin a summer lifting program. Make a master list of who is playing where during the summer. We will also offer a school team that will play 1 DH a week Mon-Wed. I'd like 100% particiapation on this team but understand if they can't. As long as they are playing on teams like the Tigers, Cats, Heat and Mustangs (to name a few), that is all that matters.
I have all their summer schedules so I will drop in on them a couple of times. Of course I coach a collegiate team during the summer so I am fairly busy already.
The days we don't lift from now until the end of school, we will hit in the cages, throw to keep their arms in shape for summer time.
We will also make a video of our seniors-to-be that are college prospects. I am going to video it using the computer so that I can email it to all the college coaches that I know.
Is what I do revolutionary, I don't know? Of course I don't have to coach football here so I have alot of free time. All I do know is that I enjoy the kids that I coach. They know that I work hard for them, and I know that they play hard for me.
quote:Originally posted by funneldrill:
We will also offer a school team that will play 1 DH a week Mon-Wed. I'd like 100% particiapation on this team but understand if they can't. As long as they are playing on teams like the Tigers, Cats, Heat and Mustangs (to name a few), that is all that matters.
I have all their summer schedules so I will drop in on them a couple of times. Of course I coach a collegiate team during the summer so I am fairly busy already.
The days we don't lift from now until the end of school, we will hit in the cages, throw to keep their arms in shape for summer time.
We will also make a video of our seniors-to-be that are college prospects. I am going to video it using the computer so that I can email it to all the college coaches that I know.
WOW
FD you continue to impress me, your school, your players and their parents are lucky to have someone like you. I wish you nothing but continued success!!!!
I really appreciate when coaches post here -- thanks, guys.
Great post, FD.
Great post, FD.
FD, you looking for another school by chance?
quote:Of course I don't have to coach football here so I have alot of free time.
Probably one of the only high school varsity coaches that isn't tied into football, and looking at all you do, I'm thinking there isn't really that much free time.
Your post shows the passion you possess not only for your love of the game, but for the love of kids. You're obviously in it for the right reason.
I have all their summer schedules so I will drop in on them a couple of times. Of course I coach a collegiate team during the summer so I am fairly busy already.
The days we don't lift from now until the end of school, we will hit in the cages, throw to keep their arms in shape for summer time.
We will also make a video of our seniors-to-be that are college prospects. I am going to video it using the computer so that I can email it to all the college coaches that I know.
Is what I do revolutionary, I don't know? Of course I don't have to coach football here so I have alot of free time. All I do know is that I enjoy the kids that I coach. They know that I work hard for them, and I know that they play hard for me.[/QUOTE]
AWSOME POST COACH! HOW BLESSED YOUR PLAYERS ARE!
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR COLLEGIATE TEAM!
WHO DOES YOUR VIDEO? MY SON IS A SOPHMORE AND HAS BEEN ASK FOR SOME FILM. WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR? IT IS REVOLUTIONARY.....AND SO ARE YOU...
.
The days we don't lift from now until the end of school, we will hit in the cages, throw to keep their arms in shape for summer time.
We will also make a video of our seniors-to-be that are college prospects. I am going to video it using the computer so that I can email it to all the college coaches that I know.
Is what I do revolutionary, I don't know? Of course I don't have to coach football here so I have alot of free time. All I do know is that I enjoy the kids that I coach. They know that I work hard for them, and I know that they play hard for me.[/QUOTE]
AWSOME POST COACH! HOW BLESSED YOUR PLAYERS ARE!
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR COLLEGIATE TEAM!
WHO DOES YOUR VIDEO? MY SON IS A SOPHMORE AND HAS BEEN ASK FOR SOME FILM. WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR? IT IS REVOLUTIONARY.....AND SO ARE YOU...
OPPS....SORRY FUNNELDRILL
NOT SURE WHY THE ABOVE POST DID NOT CREDIT YOU.
NOT SURE WHY THE ABOVE POST DID NOT CREDIT YOU.
obrady,
This is the first year in about 7-8 that I have not dusted off my resume. The people of Mansfield ISD and Summit High School take real good care of me.
As for the video, we will shoot our hitters from the side and from behind/slightly above. Side for mechanics, behind to show if they are giving the ball proper direction based on the angle of the pitch. Plus the college coach can look for anything else that he wants from those angles.
Fielders, we'll shoot them fielding and throwing. My middle infield that I'll have next year can really turn the DP. The kid that will play 2B next year had to play 1B this year due to a sore elbow. He can turn it at 2B as quick as anyone. I know once a college coach sees that, they'll be hooked. Plus he hit .395.
Pitchers, we'll shoot them side and slightly in front. Once again stressing mechanics. We might shoot a little from behind the catcher so we can see movement on fastball, command, movement on breaking and offspeed pitches.
Everyone is excited since we made the jump from 1-13 in district, to a 4th place playoff this year (of course if we get one more strike on a hitter last friday instead of giving up a game tying grand slam HR in the bottom of 7th then go on to lose on a wild pitch in the bottom of the 8th, we'd be in the playoffs but I'm not bitter about that at all). Our district is balanced from top to bottom. 2 of the 4 teams are up 1-0 in their bi-district series going into today. Lots of teams return many players. We do too, as we will return 7 hitters from our line-up and a couple of pitchers (all 7 of which received All-District honors at our meeting on Wednesday). This off-season will be no picnic. The thing I love about this group of kids is that they invite challenges...that is all I can ask for.
This is the first year in about 7-8 that I have not dusted off my resume. The people of Mansfield ISD and Summit High School take real good care of me.
As for the video, we will shoot our hitters from the side and from behind/slightly above. Side for mechanics, behind to show if they are giving the ball proper direction based on the angle of the pitch. Plus the college coach can look for anything else that he wants from those angles.
Fielders, we'll shoot them fielding and throwing. My middle infield that I'll have next year can really turn the DP. The kid that will play 2B next year had to play 1B this year due to a sore elbow. He can turn it at 2B as quick as anyone. I know once a college coach sees that, they'll be hooked. Plus he hit .395.
Pitchers, we'll shoot them side and slightly in front. Once again stressing mechanics. We might shoot a little from behind the catcher so we can see movement on fastball, command, movement on breaking and offspeed pitches.
Everyone is excited since we made the jump from 1-13 in district, to a 4th place playoff this year (of course if we get one more strike on a hitter last friday instead of giving up a game tying grand slam HR in the bottom of 7th then go on to lose on a wild pitch in the bottom of the 8th, we'd be in the playoffs but I'm not bitter about that at all). Our district is balanced from top to bottom. 2 of the 4 teams are up 1-0 in their bi-district series going into today. Lots of teams return many players. We do too, as we will return 7 hitters from our line-up and a couple of pitchers (all 7 of which received All-District honors at our meeting on Wednesday). This off-season will be no picnic. The thing I love about this group of kids is that they invite challenges...that is all I can ask for.
makes me wish i had bought my last house in the summit district. what you describe could not be any further away than what is happening at Lamar. there is no talk let alone help provided to seniors that are prospects. i wasn't sure if this should be expected of a coach so i looked at a job description and sure enough it is part of their job description.
our coach seems to only care about the players on the Heat team. he will not come to any other select organizations games. that is also reflected during the season. the Heat players can do no wrong while all the other kids that play year round and have private instructors for hitting, etc. are doing it all wrong. Some of these kids are even not subject to the same school rules as the others, like tobacco use in the dugout, skipping baseball classes, cussing the coach, etc
our coach seems to only care about the players on the Heat team. he will not come to any other select organizations games. that is also reflected during the season. the Heat players can do no wrong while all the other kids that play year round and have private instructors for hitting, etc. are doing it all wrong. Some of these kids are even not subject to the same school rules as the others, like tobacco use in the dugout, skipping baseball classes, cussing the coach, etc
screwball,
I am sorry that your high school baseball experience has not been a positive one. Hopefully, things will turn around for you. I will send you a private message.
I am sorry that your high school baseball experience has not been a positive one. Hopefully, things will turn around for you. I will send you a private message.
Of course I don't have to coach football here so I have alot of free time.
He left out the part about Fungo Golf and getting into the hearts and minds of the future crosstown rivals.
Bubba has loved every minute with you, and you are making it very hard for him to say goodbye. The new guy has big shoes to fill, and we only hope that he does right by the kids as well.
Hope next spring brings lots of good stuff your way, except for a couple of those games.....I guess the gloves come off for those. I told Bubba he should probably expect plenty of heckling from you.
Thanks again for being so great to the defecting players. Unlike others that will remain nameless, but that may have a severe case of "little-man" syndrome. Oooops did I just say that outloud?
Oh and by the way, I love your Dad! He is a riot, and makes me miss mine something fierce. If he hadn't up and died on me, they would have been Trouble up there in the stands together.
He left out the part about Fungo Golf and getting into the hearts and minds of the future crosstown rivals.
Bubba has loved every minute with you, and you are making it very hard for him to say goodbye. The new guy has big shoes to fill, and we only hope that he does right by the kids as well.
Hope next spring brings lots of good stuff your way, except for a couple of those games.....I guess the gloves come off for those. I told Bubba he should probably expect plenty of heckling from you.
Thanks again for being so great to the defecting players. Unlike others that will remain nameless, but that may have a severe case of "little-man" syndrome. Oooops did I just say that outloud?
Oh and by the way, I love your Dad! He is a riot, and makes me miss mine something fierce. If he hadn't up and died on me, they would have been Trouble up there in the stands together.
makes me wish i had bought my last house in the summit district. what you describe could not be any further away than what is happening at Lamar. there is no talk let alone help provided to seniors that are prospects. i wasn't sure if this should be expected of a coach so i looked at a job description and sure enough it is part of their job description.
our coach seems to only care about the players on the Heat team. he will not come to any other select organizations games. that is also reflected during the season. the Heat players can do no wrong while all the other kids that play year round and have private instructors for hitting, etc. are doing it all wrong. Some of these kids are even not subject to the same school rules as the others, like tobacco use in the dugout, skipping baseball classes, cussing the coach, etc
Screwball,
First of all, i dont expect you to put much stock in this message as this is only my second post. Further more, my first post was in january and i picked lamar to finish second in the district (sorry about the evidently false hope).
Secondly, i empathize with you and your son concerning your frustrations with your hs program. ive had a less than glamorous experience with hs baseball myself. My advice is for your son to first of all enjoy baseball outside of hs as much as he can possibly can (and yes i realize im blatantly preaching to the choir here; for that i appologize). Also dont let it get to the point where your son's passion for the game starts to waver. He's basically got three options as i see it: confront the problem (having lived in your district for all of my eighteen years, i know this is the worst of the three options), seperate yourself from the problem, or endure the problem. THe third option is probably your best one if your son is getting playing time. If he's not, then let's be honest, he can't get much out of practicing practicingfor a coach he doesn't respect, other than maybe misery. And make no mistake, that's the most important thing, respect. It's a two way street. Yes, your son has the responsibility of treating his coach with respect so long as his coach is treating him with respect. If your son is not being treated with respect, not only should he not return respect to the coach, he has the responsibility not to do so. Watching your son being mistreated isnt worth teaching him a lesson of perseverence.
NOw to the issue I originally intended to address. I can speak for nearly all the Heat players as I play with many of them on the Heat and see the rest of them week in and week out as I work at cover all bases. THe ones I interact with are good kids and good ballplayers so i resent your less than complimentary implications of them. Frankly, in this case your looking in from the outside. And If Coach K has been at any of our games, he must have done a pretty good job hiding as ive never seen him... not once. In fact, since my freshman year at your beloved institution, the only place ive seen coach k is at cover all bases with the rest of lamar's team and days the field was too wet to practice on. Regardless of any favortism, the only two players, both juniors going to be seniors, playing for your school this spring and playing for the Heat this summer were two of your best players this spring down the stretch in your final graspings of the playoffs. So please, choose your gripings more carefully next time.
our coach seems to only care about the players on the Heat team. he will not come to any other select organizations games. that is also reflected during the season. the Heat players can do no wrong while all the other kids that play year round and have private instructors for hitting, etc. are doing it all wrong. Some of these kids are even not subject to the same school rules as the others, like tobacco use in the dugout, skipping baseball classes, cussing the coach, etc
Screwball,
First of all, i dont expect you to put much stock in this message as this is only my second post. Further more, my first post was in january and i picked lamar to finish second in the district (sorry about the evidently false hope).
Secondly, i empathize with you and your son concerning your frustrations with your hs program. ive had a less than glamorous experience with hs baseball myself. My advice is for your son to first of all enjoy baseball outside of hs as much as he can possibly can (and yes i realize im blatantly preaching to the choir here; for that i appologize). Also dont let it get to the point where your son's passion for the game starts to waver. He's basically got three options as i see it: confront the problem (having lived in your district for all of my eighteen years, i know this is the worst of the three options), seperate yourself from the problem, or endure the problem. THe third option is probably your best one if your son is getting playing time. If he's not, then let's be honest, he can't get much out of practicing practicingfor a coach he doesn't respect, other than maybe misery. And make no mistake, that's the most important thing, respect. It's a two way street. Yes, your son has the responsibility of treating his coach with respect so long as his coach is treating him with respect. If your son is not being treated with respect, not only should he not return respect to the coach, he has the responsibility not to do so. Watching your son being mistreated isnt worth teaching him a lesson of perseverence.
NOw to the issue I originally intended to address. I can speak for nearly all the Heat players as I play with many of them on the Heat and see the rest of them week in and week out as I work at cover all bases. THe ones I interact with are good kids and good ballplayers so i resent your less than complimentary implications of them. Frankly, in this case your looking in from the outside. And If Coach K has been at any of our games, he must have done a pretty good job hiding as ive never seen him... not once. In fact, since my freshman year at your beloved institution, the only place ive seen coach k is at cover all bases with the rest of lamar's team and days the field was too wet to practice on. Regardless of any favortism, the only two players, both juniors going to be seniors, playing for your school this spring and playing for the Heat this summer were two of your best players this spring down the stretch in your final graspings of the playoffs. So please, choose your gripings more carefully next time.
quote:Originally posted by nchs19:
NOw to the issue I originally intended to address. I can speak for nearly all the Heat players as I play with many of them on the Heat and see the rest of them week in and week out as I work at cover all bases. THe ones I interact with are good kids and good ballplayers so i resent your less than complimentary implications of them. Frankly, in this case your looking in from the outside. And If Coach K has been at any of our games, he must have done a pretty good job hiding as ive never seen him... not once. In fact, since my freshman year at your beloved institution, the only place ive seen coach k is at cover all bases with the rest of lamar's team and days the field was too wet to practice on. Regardless of any favortism, the only two players, both juniors going to be seniors, playing for your school this spring and playing for the Heat this summer were two of your best players this spring down the stretch in your final graspings of the playoffs. So please, choose your gripings more carefully next time.
thank you for your advice, regardless of the number of posts or your false hope for lamar at the beginning of the season, i appreciate the advice regarding how to deal with lamar.
however, i take exception with a couple of the last statements. i did choose my griping carefully. the information i am basing this on comes from inside the dugout. where you there? did you see one of your beloved Heat players cuss the coach in front of the team? Did you see them joking about dipping in the dugout and the coach "acting" like he didn't know what they were doing? unless you were, please do not insinuate that you know.
aren't there 4 heat juniors on lamar, one being a recent transfer. one of these i believe you said would be our #2 pitcher. what happened there? also, as far as them being our best players down the stretch, i think that is a matter of opinion. its hard to tell without stats, which lamar will not publish. could be, as many believe, that it is because the books are cooked by the moms.
funneldrill is a great coach... I've heard from a "source" of mine who plays for him. The enthusiasm he had when talking about HS baseball this year compared to the past year or two was a night and day difference. I can't tell you the coach at my HS is doing as much, but there is definately an opportunity there. At my HS, there is an emphasis (academics and athletics) on being a strong individual... if you want something go get it. Whether he has this mentality or not, when I approached him about helping me out with college stuff, he was more than willing. He's filled out many questionaires and I have no idea if he's talked to college coaches on the phone or via e-mail, but I'm sure he would. A lot of kids/spectators/parents don't give him a lot of credit... I have been very critical at times, but he's more than willing to talk. All it takes is enough courage to approach him. It's not the coach's job to recruit his players... as a baseball player in high school, I feel we're old enough to recruit ourselves. It takes recruiting yourself to get results, unless you're an unbelievable talent.
funneldrill- I hope you stop by a couple of our games. My teammate who we've discussed before is going to a pretty dang good pitching coach and sounds excited for summer and next year HS.
funneldrill- I hope you stop by a couple of our games. My teammate who we've discussed before is going to a pretty dang good pitching coach and sounds excited for summer and next year HS.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by nchs19:
In fact, since my freshman year at your beloved institution, the only place ive seen coach k is at cover all bases with the rest of lamar's team and days the field was too wet to practice on.
First of all it is not my "beloved institution". it is a school we are stuck with because my son did not want to move out of the district. i tried.
secondly, i'm well aware of the practice sessions at Cover All Bases. The last one my son attended he has several hundred $'s worth of equipment stolen. no one seemed real interested in helping him. if it were Heat players i think things would have been handled differently.
In fact, since my freshman year at your beloved institution, the only place ive seen coach k is at cover all bases with the rest of lamar's team and days the field was too wet to practice on.
First of all it is not my "beloved institution". it is a school we are stuck with because my son did not want to move out of the district. i tried.
secondly, i'm well aware of the practice sessions at Cover All Bases. The last one my son attended he has several hundred $'s worth of equipment stolen. no one seemed real interested in helping him. if it were Heat players i think things would have been handled differently.
quote:Originally posted by Dtiger:
funneldrill is a great coach... I've heard from a "source" of mine who plays for him. The enthusiasm he had when talking about HS baseball this year compared to the past year or two was a night and day difference. I can't tell you the coach at my HS is doing as much, but there is definately an opportunity there. At my HS, there is an emphasis (academics and athletics) on being a strong individual... if you want something go get it. Whether he has this mentality or not, when I approached him about helping me out with college stuff, he was more than willing. He's filled out many questionaires and I have no idea if he's talked to college coaches on the phone or via e-mail, but I'm sure he would. A lot of kids/spectators/parents don't give him a lot of credit... I have been very critical at times, but he's more than willing to talk. All it takes is enough courage to approach him. It's not the coach's job to recruit his players... as a baseball player in high school, I feel we're old enough to recruit ourselves. It takes recruiting yourself to get results, unless you're an unbelievable talent.
funneldrill- I hope you stop by a couple of our games. My teammate who we've discussed before is going to a pretty dang good pitching coach and sounds excited for summer and next year HS.
I was counting on him to be our #1 this year. Unfortunately, his shoulder started hurting him around week 2 of the season so we limited him...first to just DHing, then back to 3B. Sure, I could have thrown him more the last two weeks, when we really needed him. But I don't think his arm was ready for all that. Throwing bullpens is one thing, throwing with a playoff spot on the line is something else.
This makes me realize even more so, how incredible this season was. We did all this with, in my opinion, our best or one of our best arms not in the rotation.
You guys have to help me get his bat going. He is a tremendous hitter, but just could not get in a groove this year.
I will be out this summer, I have the schedule.
When I've talked to him the feeling of both him and me was similar. We were both, understandably, putting a lot of pressure on ourselves to perform and that hurt us a little bit. As for me, when I did hit it solid, it seemed to be right at someone. Summer ball should take some of that pressure off, given the hitters around us in the lineup.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by funneldrill:
This makes me realize even more so, how incredible this season was. We did all this with, in my opinion, our best or one of our best arms not in the rotation.[QUOTE]
Sounds like a similar situation elsewhere. I can second dtiger on his saying that he seemed to hit it right to them. I can count about 5 or so hard hit balls either right to the centerfielder or to the left or right that could easily be doubles with 20 or 30 more feet to the left or right...and that's just from the second half of district play.
This makes me realize even more so, how incredible this season was. We did all this with, in my opinion, our best or one of our best arms not in the rotation.[QUOTE]
Sounds like a similar situation elsewhere. I can second dtiger on his saying that he seemed to hit it right to them. I can count about 5 or so hard hit balls either right to the centerfielder or to the left or right that could easily be doubles with 20 or 30 more feet to the left or right...and that's just from the second half of district play.
Screwball, without getting into any details, let's just say I feel your pain!! After two horrendous years with this coach, my son still loves the game and didn't let circumstances get him down. Thankfully, we will be getting a new head coach next year, and at least some hope that little by little, we can start turning our program around and play competitive baseball. Hang in there.
thanks,
please understand that we fully realize that HS baseball is only a small fraction of his baseball life and in fact, the serious baseball is played during the summer and fall. it is frustrating to watch each year a HS program that does more harm than good.
please understand that we fully realize that HS baseball is only a small fraction of his baseball life and in fact, the serious baseball is played during the summer and fall. it is frustrating to watch each year a HS program that does more harm than good.
quote:Originally posted by screwball:
thanks,
please understand that we fully realize that HS baseball is only a small fraction of his baseball life and in fact, the serious baseball is played during the summer and fall. it is frustrating to watch each year a HS program that does more harm than good.
I agree completely, but it's sad that the serious baseball HAS to be in the summer. High school is all about the team. The team wins, the team loses. In summer, it's more about getting yourself "out there" for colleges and scouts to see... more individual. The team can be horrible and yet one kid can "win". Although I realize this is unlikely, it's an extreme which is possible. I really wish that I could say I looked forward to playing HS ball because my TEAM had a chance to win a lot. Unfortunately I usually have to get winning and "being seen" out of the way in the summer.
OK, this stuff about the "serious" baseball is played during the summer, really bothers me. Serious for who???
Baseball is a team game...period. Sure, there are individual battles, but it is a team game. Those of you out there putting all those college scholarship eggs in those baskets are in for a rude awakening when and if you get to college baseball. You think communication is bad with HS coaches!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! You get on the wrong side of that college coach and you'll get released from that scholarship so fast it will make your head spin like a David Cone slider!!!
If I could hold tryouts for my high school team and invite all the best players from North Texas to attend...yeah...I bet that I can put together a pretty nice "all-star" team and WWWWWWWIIIIIIIINNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!! Not much coaching, not much strategy (bunting, squeezing, hit and run) needed.
Nope, I coach high school baseball, so I have to coach what I see in front of me. I can't go out and recruit this kid or that kid. I just coach the kids that are in my attendance zone.
REMEMBER, I DON'T BREED 'EM, I JUST COACH 'EM!!! Sometimes we forget this important fact. It is this kind of mentality that is ruining HS baseball.
Now, having said that, I think select baseball in the summer and fall is great for the kids. The exposure they get is light years better than what we had when I was in HS 20 years ago. Not all HS coaches help their players get to college. I am sorry for those that have to deal with this. Not all HS coaches are "baseball" guys, sorry for those that have to deal with this. Not all HS coaches are effective communicators, sorry for those that have to deal with this.
Most of all, I am sorry that not everyone can make the playoffs. I am sorry that we can not give everyone a chance to play in the playoffs...well, didn't make the playoffs in this division...that's OK, we can go make the playoffs in that division. How many World Series are there in the summer, I have lost count?
Sorry to get on my soap box. If HS baseball is so bad in your area then I have 2 suggestions. Research where the good HS baseball is and move there. Or, don't play HS baseball, just play the serious stuff in the summer and fall and let's see how that works out.
Hmmmm, I wonder what that College coach will think of that?
Baseball is a team game...period. Sure, there are individual battles, but it is a team game. Those of you out there putting all those college scholarship eggs in those baskets are in for a rude awakening when and if you get to college baseball. You think communication is bad with HS coaches!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! You get on the wrong side of that college coach and you'll get released from that scholarship so fast it will make your head spin like a David Cone slider!!!
If I could hold tryouts for my high school team and invite all the best players from North Texas to attend...yeah...I bet that I can put together a pretty nice "all-star" team and WWWWWWWIIIIIIIINNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!! Not much coaching, not much strategy (bunting, squeezing, hit and run) needed.
Nope, I coach high school baseball, so I have to coach what I see in front of me. I can't go out and recruit this kid or that kid. I just coach the kids that are in my attendance zone.
REMEMBER, I DON'T BREED 'EM, I JUST COACH 'EM!!! Sometimes we forget this important fact. It is this kind of mentality that is ruining HS baseball.
Now, having said that, I think select baseball in the summer and fall is great for the kids. The exposure they get is light years better than what we had when I was in HS 20 years ago. Not all HS coaches help their players get to college. I am sorry for those that have to deal with this. Not all HS coaches are "baseball" guys, sorry for those that have to deal with this. Not all HS coaches are effective communicators, sorry for those that have to deal with this.
Most of all, I am sorry that not everyone can make the playoffs. I am sorry that we can not give everyone a chance to play in the playoffs...well, didn't make the playoffs in this division...that's OK, we can go make the playoffs in that division. How many World Series are there in the summer, I have lost count?
Sorry to get on my soap box. If HS baseball is so bad in your area then I have 2 suggestions. Research where the good HS baseball is and move there. Or, don't play HS baseball, just play the serious stuff in the summer and fall and let's see how that works out.
Hmmmm, I wonder what that College coach will think of that?
Oh, and if you don't think HS baseball is serious, then you have never been around me!
FD- Please understand that I completely agree with you and that your mentality is how I want it to be... and in ways it is for me... but sometimes I feel like I'm the only player taking it that seriously. Does that make sense? The attitude of the "team" in high school is SO different than in summer. I want the attitude of my high school to be that of my summer team. I don't really blame the coach, but I do know having a coach as enthusiastic, as hands on, as talented as yourself, it could be a different story. Once again, I don't have a problem with my coach really. I've grown a lot in "understanding" him this year, but this enthusiastic attitude just isn't in place everywhere. I wish it was!!
And I'd like to make clear, it isn't all about winning as my previous post may have made it seem like... it's the way a kid plays the game and the effort put into it outside of regular practices. Those "extras" that my summer team teammates seem to do are not as frequently don't by some of my high school teammates. Like I said, it's the attitude, the atmosphere, the passion.
And I'd like to make clear, it isn't all about winning as my previous post may have made it seem like... it's the way a kid plays the game and the effort put into it outside of regular practices. Those "extras" that my summer team teammates seem to do are not as frequently don't by some of my high school teammates. Like I said, it's the attitude, the atmosphere, the passion.
funneldrill,
we will start our house search soon! from what i've heard about you, and read from you, i would love for my son to be around you. HOWEVER, he is not. For those of us less fortunate, please explain how being on a HS team such as i've already described helps the kid. I know, it teaches him to deal with bad situations, builds character, etc.... However, would a steady routine of hitting, fielding, conditioning, sprints, etc. during the HS season and playing in the summer and fall be worse?
we will start our house search soon! from what i've heard about you, and read from you, i would love for my son to be around you. HOWEVER, he is not. For those of us less fortunate, please explain how being on a HS team such as i've already described helps the kid. I know, it teaches him to deal with bad situations, builds character, etc.... However, would a steady routine of hitting, fielding, conditioning, sprints, etc. during the HS season and playing in the summer and fall be worse?
quote:Originally posted by Dtiger:
funneldrill is a great coach... I've heard from a "source" of mine who plays for him. The enthusiasm he had when talking about HS baseball this year compared to the past year or two was a night and day difference. I can't tell you the coach at my HS is doing as much, but there is definately an opportunity there. At my HS, there is an emphasis (academics and athletics) on being a strong individual... if you want something go get it. Whether he has this mentality or not, when I approached him about helping me out with college stuff, he was more than willing. He's filled out many questionaires and I have no idea if he's talked to college coaches on the phone or via e-mail, but I'm sure he would. A lot of kids/spectators/parents don't give him a lot of credit... I have been very critical at times, but he's more than willing to talk. All it takes is enough courage to approach him. It's not the coach's job to recruit his players... as a baseball player in high school, I feel we're old enough to recruit ourselves. It takes recruiting yourself to get results, unless you're an unbelievable talent.
This should be posted front and center of this website.
DTiger, you have a very bright future ahead of you and I say this without having he opportunity to meet you.
From the way you write and the opinions you share, obviously your parents and the people in your life have put you on the right track for success.
Follow the exact words in your post and I believe you will find success in anything you chose to do.
Not to be cruel in any way... but I find it humorous how you can "stir" things up with almost anyone, and then be nice to me... maybe I am special?
If you ever want a chance to meet, ask KCR when my next hitting lesson is... Lord knows I need more of 'em!
If you ever want a chance to meet, ask KCR when my next hitting lesson is... Lord knows I need more of 'em!
I'm puzzled as well, DTiger. But congratulations on a good season. See you this summer.
But congratulations on a good season. See you this summer.
After having 2 sons play select baseball for the past 11 years and high school baseball for the past 8 years my opinion is players are very lucky to play for a quality high school coach. Based on my experience they are few and far between. My older son was fortunate enough to play 3 years for Funneldrill. But I will tell you the worst year he and our entire family experienced was under FD. As I look back on the entire experience it was never the coaches fault for my sons success and failure. The coach did not throw the pitches or swing and miss, my sons did. I know my older son learned more from the failure he experienced his junior year in high school than all the success he experienced over the other 7 years in high school or college. He never gave up and battled through the experience. He has played summer college baseball for FD the last 2 seasons and their relationship is great.
The one virtue FD brings to the table every day is his passion for the game and the kids. Sometimes he too can be difficult to communicate with but at the end of the day the kids know he really cares about the game and them, maybe sometimes too much. If there is one thing all high school coaches could do a better it is communicating one on one with their players. If there is a problem with them, don't address it in front of the entire team and have them feel they are being ridiculed in front of their peers. Take them off to the side and explain to them what you like and don't like about their play or attitude or work ethic or any issues you have with them. At the same time you need to give them positive feedback, if most of your communications with any player is negative the player will surely tune you out.
I admire coaches like FD who coach the players with all of their heart and soul. At the end of the day these players will realize that their former coach was their biggest supporter and not in it for only their personnel success. I have seen FD work many hours to help a former or current player get the opportunity to move on to the next level. He does it with a passion you don't see from many coaches.
The one virtue FD brings to the table every day is his passion for the game and the kids. Sometimes he too can be difficult to communicate with but at the end of the day the kids know he really cares about the game and them, maybe sometimes too much. If there is one thing all high school coaches could do a better it is communicating one on one with their players. If there is a problem with them, don't address it in front of the entire team and have them feel they are being ridiculed in front of their peers. Take them off to the side and explain to them what you like and don't like about their play or attitude or work ethic or any issues you have with them. At the same time you need to give them positive feedback, if most of your communications with any player is negative the player will surely tune you out.
I admire coaches like FD who coach the players with all of their heart and soul. At the end of the day these players will realize that their former coach was their biggest supporter and not in it for only their personnel success. I have seen FD work many hours to help a former or current player get the opportunity to move on to the next level. He does it with a passion you don't see from many coaches.
quote:Originally posted by Dtiger:
Not to be cruel in any way... but I find it humorous how you can "stir" things up with almost anyone, and then be nice to me... maybe I am special?
If you ever want a chance to meet, ask KCR when my next hitting lesson is... Lord knows I need more of 'em!
It's because your the only one who ever writes anything that makes sense and is right on target.
I'm just a amazed it comes from someone with your age.
Or it could be, your actually a player?
KG,
Most people confuse Point of Reference with bragging and that's a shame. I too have never met you but understand all your posts. It's a shame that these members don't have the inside track on what you stand for and what you're about. They have you all wrong. I for one know where you're coming from. BTW I also know that you invite a different opinion on anything....Makes us all think.
Most people confuse Point of Reference with bragging and that's a shame. I too have never met you but understand all your posts. It's a shame that these members don't have the inside track on what you stand for and what you're about. They have you all wrong. I for one know where you're coming from. BTW I also know that you invite a different opinion on anything....Makes us all think.
My Expectations for HS COACH:
Treat all the players as adults as each as an equal to the other--look them in the eye when you talk to them
Put the best 9 on the field every game and try your darndest to win every game regardless of the talent you are handed
Treat all the players as adults as each as an equal to the other--look them in the eye when you talk to them
Put the best 9 on the field every game and try your darndest to win every game regardless of the talent you are handed
why is that so hard?
The concept of the Best 9 being better than the 9 Best will cause trouble in River City or where ever one may hang his hat. Oh ~ It's true!
reggie-3-77,
I remember that year. I wish I could have done things differently for son #1. I am sure that now, with a whole lot more experience, that I would have done things differently.
I think I am a better coach than I was in the early days when I coached your older son. I am alot more confident in myself as a coach and as a person. I am also supported much better by administration than I was back in that time...especially athletic administration.
Anyway, I hope son #2 had a great experience for his 4 years of HS baseball and hopefully college will be rewarding as well.
I remember that year. I wish I could have done things differently for son #1. I am sure that now, with a whole lot more experience, that I would have done things differently.
I think I am a better coach than I was in the early days when I coached your older son. I am alot more confident in myself as a coach and as a person. I am also supported much better by administration than I was back in that time...especially athletic administration.
Anyway, I hope son #2 had a great experience for his 4 years of HS baseball and hopefully college will be rewarding as well.
Funnelldrill,
Kudos to you in admitting that you have learned to be a better coach, and I'm sure a better person, over time. Some people have trouble admitting that, but I've found the better coaches/people admit to learning something new and improving everyday!
I'm sure you'll have a successful coaching career and I'm happy you seem to have found a home with a supportive administration.
I'm sure you'll have a successful coaching career and I'm happy you seem to have found a home with a supportive administration.
funneldrill,
Do the area coaches ever get together and discuss "coaching at the high school level", for lack of a better name. It seems that some of the younger and/or newer guys could learn from others experiance. It seems a shame, I can see a great coach in ours but he is making so many mistakes, in my eyes.
Do the area coaches ever get together and discuss "coaching at the high school level", for lack of a better name. It seems that some of the younger and/or newer guys could learn from others experiance. It seems a shame, I can see a great coach in ours but he is making so many mistakes, in my eyes.
HS coaches should be expected to:
Treat the players with respect.
Teach the game to their the best of their ability.
Be honest.
Help with recruiting but I would not lay the all the responsibilities at their feet, market your kid and get him looks.
Treat the players with respect.
Teach the game to their the best of their ability.
Be honest.
Help with recruiting but I would not lay the all the responsibilities at their feet, market your kid and get him looks.
En Fuego -- that's my list as well. Sound simple, eh?
quote:Originally posted by Panther Dad:
En Fuego -- that's my list as well. Sound simple, eh?
Yes indeed it does sound simple...
funnell,
sent you a pm.
sent you a pm.
then why are there so many "bad" coaches?
Many reasons,
1) lack of motivation,
2) lack of resources,
3) poor people skills,
4) they are treated like 2nd-class citizens,
5) no booster club support,
6) double standards in their athletic programs
7) baseball "book" knowledge, rather than experience
8) today's youth
9) today's parents
10) aluminum bats
to name a few.
1) lack of motivation,
2) lack of resources,
3) poor people skills,
4) they are treated like 2nd-class citizens,
5) no booster club support,
6) double standards in their athletic programs
7) baseball "book" knowledge, rather than experience
8) today's youth
9) today's parents
10) aluminum bats
to name a few.
Like many things in life, isn't it interesting how the coaching grass seems greener on the other side of the fence?
En Fuego where did you get your fireball pic?
En Fuego where did you get your fireball pic?
[QUOTE]Originally posted by T-Ball:
Like many things in life, isn't it interesting how the coaching grass seems greener on the other side of the fence?
En Fuego where did you get your fireball pic?[/QUOTE
I am truly sorry for any player that is having a bad experience with a coach and program. We wish one thing of my sons program and that is to INSPIRE all "players" on and off the field. And for that we will be forever grateful.
Its got to be a tough job....how many of us are having people posting their expectations of us in the jobs we do....just a thought.
Did I agree with everything our coach did in regards to my son...no....but it is his call and my son will just have to work harder to prove himself.
Like many things in life, isn't it interesting how the coaching grass seems greener on the other side of the fence?
En Fuego where did you get your fireball pic?
[/QUOTE I am truly sorry for any player that is having a bad experience with a coach and program. We wish one thing of my sons program and that is to INSPIRE all "players" on and off the field. And for that we will be forever grateful. Its got to be a tough job....how many of us are having people posting their expectations of us in the jobs we do....just a thought.
Did I agree with everything our coach did in regards to my son...no....but it is his call and my son will just have to work harder to prove himself.
quote:Originally posted by swingdoctor14:
KG,
Most people confuse Point of Reference with bragging and that's a shame. I too have never met you but understand all your posts. It's a shame that these members don't have the inside track on what you stand for and what you're about. They have you all wrong. I for one know where you're coming from. BTW I also know that you invite a different opinion on anything....Makes us all think.
I appreciate that post.
But I also realize what I'm dealing with. I've been banging my head against the wall as a coach and now it's sorta fun on this forum.
What's the old saying.........you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink it.
Huh, I remember one year spending hours among hours trying to convince a family they were gonna have many opportunities at the D1 level if not better. Over and over I explained this and told them to relax..........................
But looking back, I couldn't blame them. All the BS being thrown around from folks who have no clue or experience. It's just that way and I need to accept it. But that something inside me won't let me sit back and say nothing.........
So I keep banging my head against that wall.
The following year this player was drafted in the first round.
T-Ballerrrrr....sent you a PM!
quote:Originally posted by screwball:
then why are there so many "bad" coaches?
It is the same as with anything else in life. There are good and bad businessmen, doctors, police, etc. No different in coaching. There are some great coaches and some bad coaches. And good coaches.
At least in HS baseball, you can be sure that none of them are in it for the money...
OLDPITCHER HAS HIT IT ON THE HEAD ABOUT EXPECTATIONS OF A H.S COACH
quote:Originally posted by TT53:
Funnelldrill,
I'm sure you'll have a successful coaching career and I'm happy you seem to have found a home with a supportive administration.
Thanks! The day I think that I know everything there is to know, is the day I need to quit! I am always looking for better ways to do things/show things/say things. I talk to coaches all the time, especially college coaches, trying to pick their brains for new ideas.
I look back on some of the things I have said or done in the past and have to just laugh at myself...did I do that???
Anyway, good luck to those still in the playoffs. Offseason is boring...necessary...but boring!
quote:Originally posted by funneldrill:
Thanks! The day I think that I know everything there is to know, is the day I need to quit!
That could be taken to heart by some other posters (or poster) on this board.
Being a student of the game is certainly one hallmark of a good coach. And probably a characteristic of every great coach.
quote:Being a student of the game is certainly one hallmark of a good coach. And probably a characteristic of every great coach.
Indeed, Texan. I concur.
The day you think you know it all, is probably the day you need to hang'em up. One of the most inspirational aspects of teaching/coaching is learning. There is so much wisdom and knowledge in the most unassuming places. Knowledge is a powerful gift, but the use of that knowledge to help others is a blessing.
Colliker,
Why don't you go ahead and quote that famous philosopher Socrates that said "True knowledge is knowing that you don't know" That's the King James version.
Why don't you go ahead and quote that famous philosopher Socrates that said "True knowledge is knowing that you don't know" That's the King James version.
Since we are talking about the King James version:
Proverb 1:7 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge...
Proverb 1:7 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge...
quote:Originally posted by swingdoctor14:
Colliker,
Why don't you go ahead and quote that famous philosopher Socrates that said "True knowledge is knowing that you don't know" That's the King James version.
Doc, Socrates was made to drink hemlock for his over zealous brilliance. That scares me.
I'll take mine with Sweet-N-Low 