Frustration

Think about this

3 years on varsity
never more than 6 wins a year
you are the leading hitter and run producer
no matter what you do you still don't win

At the HS level this happens all the time--the saving grace of the game of baseball is even though it is a team game the individual can still stand out, win or lose-- just tell you son to keep his chin up and keep doing HIS job--

TRhit

baseballdownsouth,

I think you have given him some good advice already - be patient and give them time. Pitchers can only do their job and can't let themselves get too distracted by worrying about the rest of the team's performance. He can support them in the dugout and during practices so that they know he's with them. Sounds like he's throwing well and that's good for the rest of the team to see.

My son pitched for a team his junior year that lost 12 seniors (7 were position starters) and things worked out for them. It started a little rough but ended very well.

Good luck!
twoseamer

baseballdownsouth...I believe it's hard for our boys to sometimes not want those stats and the wins showing up on their behalf.

My son's high school team has not placed in district his first 3 years...having said that...he too would at times come home replaying all of the what if's in the game....

My part in helping him was to encourage him with what he did do right...that pretty fastball..did you see how your 2 seam moved...reminding him of the good parts ...and listening...sometimes he just needed to vent.

It's not easy...they do get discouraged...but they (the senior guys) like your son can be a source of encouragement for the younger players, too.

Give your son a few pats on the back ...it's tough for these kids when it all doesn't fall into place...

I'm sure all the players are frustrated, not just the pitchers. It's part of the cycle of HS baseball and will continue in to college. There will always be a graduating class. And all of the Seniors were once Freshman and playing their first year of varsity ball. Your son is now in the leadership role...how players react to frustrating situations is what sets them apart from the others.

"There's no crying in baseball!"

Nothing he can do for the other players. He just has to keep on pithcing well and hope that they score some runs.

Even if they don't score any runs, he can pitch well and get lots of notoriety.

Look at Ernie Banks with the Cubs...He was an MVP a couple of times with a last place club (they had 8 teams in the NL at that time).

An individual player, in baseball, can do very little about others on the team. Even pitchers can't strike everyone out all of the time.

BBDS

Tell TJ to hang in. Its not where you start, but where you finish that counts. The youngsters WILL get better.

Last year ours was on a first year team, no seniors, started 0-3 getting outscored 42-2. They finished up 1 game from the state semi-finals going 3-1 in the playoffs beating a #2 state ranked team.

It will get better.

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement. I will have TJ read all of this tonight. You guys are the greatest!

I know everybody want to win. I know baseball is a team effort. Unfortunately you can only control your performance. Clearly, you are doing your share of the job. Your award will come, because I know somebody is noticing your effort.

"Peace is, the respect for the other people's rights".
Benito Juarez

BBDS...sounds to me like your son has a great baseball future ahead of him. Now is the time for him to develop leadership skills that carry players to the next level of competitiveness. If he continues to work hard, pitch well, and encourage his teammates, they will have a positive season no matter what the W/L record is. You should be very proud and I suspect he will continue to make you proud as he grows into a man.

Hey Mrs. TJ!
I'm going through the same thing on a team that is suppossed to be good. I have given up 2 earned runs in 2 starts and am 0-1 on a team that was 1 game from the state finals with NO seniors last year. Tell him to keep pitchin his game and things will work out.

_____________________________

www.ragincajuns.com
www.eastridgebaseball.com
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It could be worse, he could be pitching for the Rangers.

Florida27 - That's the right attitude! Sure glad you're in florida and not out here in California! That kind of approach wins a LOT of games, IMHO. Good luck on your season!

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Pay attention to the feedback that takes you where you want to go!

Well, tell him to cheer up. He could be in our team's situation, 7 seniors, most returnees who still having trouble getting it together and my 04 pitcher is feeling the pressure!
This is a great time for him to show leadership and help to build the confidence of his younger teammates. Sometimes that can be more rewarding than getting the win! On most college and MLB questionaires this question is always asked.
Good luck!