My son has moved on to playing College ball this year but this past week I saw a note at the local high school where he played the Coach was having the parents meeting. I must admit it tugged on my heart strings a bit. This is the first time in 4 years i have not attended these and something inside me wanted to go. I did not of course but i really wanted to. College ball is different but season starts shortly and i know i will feel better then.
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Went to ours 2 days ago. Dropped him off this a.m. for the 1st official practice for the season! Yee haaa...here we go HS baseball.
Don't know if I'm lucky or not. My oldest is a Senior this year but my middle son is a Freshman so I have three more years, than a year break and then my youngest son will be a freshman. lol
Don't know if I'm lucky or not. My oldest is a Senior this year but my middle son is a Freshman so I have three more years, than a year break and then my youngest son will be a freshman. lol
I hate the parent meeting other than the fact that baseball is right around the corner. Our coach comes off as abrasive and essentially just props himself and his staff up the whole time. It is almost a complete waste of time.
I'm with you 32! I loved those meetings. We had a GREAT coach in a great program with wonderful parents.
I still go to watch his camps sometimes. I miss it a lot!
Ours is mostly about fundraising.
not a big family feeling w our team parents. Everyone is nice but we don't travel together like we do on Summer team where we r very close. the HS players get along well so that's all that matters. We like coach so it's all good.
Rynoattack.Sounds like we're going to the same meetings
Ours is mostly about fundraising.
not a big family feeling w our team parents. Everyone is nice but we don't travel together like we do on Summer team where we r very close. the HS players get along well so that's all that matters. We like coach so it's all good.
Ours were mandatory simply because the parents had to be made aware of and sign a document indicating they understood the procedures/protocol concerning concussions.
Otherwise coach introduced himself to those that had not met him yet and introduced his "staff" including the JV coaches. Basically went over how things were run and most importantly - practices are closed to the parents simply because parents, even if well intentioned, are a distraction.
He would close by meeting individually with the player/parents.
Usually the booster club president would also ask for volunteers to run the concession stand.
Ours was like the movie Groundhog Day. I woke up to the same meeting each year. It was a mandatory meeting. It covered off season expectations and training program, tryouts, fundraising, concession stand coverage, college recruiting and parental behavior expectations. Most of the freshman parents were delusional about college ball. All thought their kids would play D1. The coach threw cold water in their face.
Don't know if I'm lucky or not. My oldest is a Senior this year but my middle son is a Freshman so I have three more years, than a year break and then my youngest son will be a freshman. lol
I hate the parent meeting other than the fact that baseball is right around the corner. Our coach comes off as abrasive and essentially just props himself and his staff up the whole time. It is almost a complete waste of time.
How about, hey parents, come to the games, shut up, let us coach and let he boys play.
What you quoted is pretty much what he says in an extremely abrasive manner, but then he let's you know that he needs your money...
We had out mandatory meeting this past Tuesday, (Roster was named on Friday - we get an early start down here)
It wasn't too painful. Coach laid out his expectations for behavior from players and parents, general practice and game schedules, and what his hopes were for the season. The booster club did its fundraising speech and looking for volunteers for things speech.
Last night we attended a "meet the players" dinner. It was a nice event put on in conjunction with the softball teams. The baseball players escorted in the softball players, the players got to stand up and introduce themselves to everyone, we all got to have a catered pasta buffet dinner.
We had out mandatory meeting this past Tuesday, (Roster was named on Friday - we get an early start down here)
It wasn't too painful. Coach laid out his expectations for behavior from players and parents, general practice and game schedules, and what his hopes were for the season. The booster club did its fundraising speech and looking for volunteers for things speech.
Last night we attended a "meet the players" dinner. It was a nice event put on in conjunction with the softball teams. The baseball players escorted in the softball players, the players got to stand up and introduce themselves to everyone, we all got to have a catered pasta buffet dinner.
Wow! Wish we had that level of dedication to baseball up here in the NE. All that happens for football but when baseball season finally rolls around in mid-March, no attention is paid.
Sounds like a great event. Glad you have such a supportive high school and community Well done.
I am in the great lakes/Midwest and I would have to totally agree. your event sounds like it was a great time. I known some of the V softball girls since kindergarden.
Ours is mostly about fundraising.
not a big family feeling w our team parents. Everyone is nice but we don't travel together like we do on Summer team where we r very close. the HS players get along well so that's all that matters. We like coach so it's all good.
Ours were mandatory simply because the parents had to be made aware of and sign a document indicating they understood the procedures/protocol concerning concussions.
Otherwise coach introduced himself to those that had not met him yet and introduced his "staff" including the JV coaches. Basically went over how things were run and most importantly - practices are closed to the parents simply because parents, even if well intentioned, are a distraction.
He would close by meeting individually with the player/parents.
Usually the booster club president would also ask for volunteers to run the concession stand.
I've only heard of one school nearby that has closed outdoor practices. No way to see from cars either. If coach sets tone I would see no problems w parents sitting quietly in stands for a little while when they come to pick up son.If they get involved shut them down. I like the idea of them seeing how their son compares to teammates. He may not do as well as they think, or they can see what he needs to work on.
Our coach has no problem w parents. He doesn't change his language when they r around. I think a few r intimidated by him. That can be a good thing.
I agree with you #32DAD...kind of feels strange not going after all those years. Ours where not as elaborate as some on here, but none the less still fun because it meant the new season was just around the corner.
We did have a new player/parent BBQ at Jr's college last month and that was fun. I guess it's time to move on from HS baseball and welcome college baseball.Blessed that I have that opportunity, but clearly it's different.
Good luck to your son on his upcoming season!
I've only heard of one school nearby that has closed outdoor practices. No way to see from cars either. If coach sets tone I would see no problems w parents sitting quietly in stands for a little while when they come to pick up son.If they get involved shut them down. I like the idea of them seeing how their son compares to teammates. He may not do as well as they think, or they can see what he needs to work on.
Our coach has no problem w parents. He doesn't change his language when they r around. I think a few r intimidated by him. That can be a good thing.
For the Varsity it's not usually a problem since most of the players (Juniors and Seniors) have their own vehicles and parents are not coming to pick them up.
Why does a parent need to see how the players compare to each other? It's not how the players compare to each other, but do they have the necessary skills to play at the varsity level. A good coach will be letting the players know what skills each player needs to work on. However, by HS, prospective players should have the necessary skills to play at that level - if they don't, they more than likely won't make the team.
Part of the process is a learning experience for parents, too. At this stage it's time for the players to man up and take responsibility. After all they are transitioning from boys to being young men. Mom and Dad don't need to there to hold their hand. As a parent, my only job was to make sure he was attending school, getting good grades and to show up on game day. I didn't need to be observing practice every day. Besides, practice was usually over by the time I arrived home from work anyway.....
If you don't learn to trust the coach in HS, you're in for a rude awakening at the college level.
I like to stop by practice and watch sometimes just to see what kind of team we will have each year. Our coach has never said one word about it. I stay in the bleachers and don't say a word. Our high school's football coach encourages it.
I've only heard of one school nearby that has closed outdoor practices. No way to see from cars either. If coach sets tone I would see no problems w parents sitting quietly in stands for a little while when they come to pick up son.If they get involved shut them down. I like the idea of them seeing how their son compares to teammates. He may not do as well as they think, or they can see what he needs to work on.
Our coach has no problem w parents. He doesn't change his language when they r around. I think a few r intimidated by him. That can be a good thing.
For the Varsity it's not usually a problem since most of the players (Juniors and Seniors) have their own vehicles and parents are not coming to pick them up.
Why does a parent need to see how the players compare to each other? It's not how the players compare to each other, but do they have the necessary skills to play at the varsity level. A good coach will be letting the players know what skills each player needs to work on. However, by HS, prospective players should have the necessary skills to play at that level - if they don't, they more than likely won't make the team.
Part of the process is a learning experience for parents, too. At this stage it's time for the players to man up and take responsibility. After all they are transitioning from boys to being young men. Mom and Dad don't need to there to hold their hand. As a parent, my only job was to make sure he was attending school, getting good grades and to show up on game day. I didn't need to be observing practice every day. Besides, practice was usually over by the time I arrived home from work anyway.....
If you don't learn to trust the coach in HS, you're in for a rude awakening at the college level.
How players compare to their teammates is important IMO. Makes them work harder. If little Johnny is not high in the lineup the parents can see why. If they see the level of skills from his teammates they may see that he's not what they think. Let's face it, there is fighting for position/playing time in HS too. It usu only takes watching one practice to see who the better players are.
Not all schools have big programs that make a lot of cuts. You can make the team and still not be a very good player At a smaller school.
No one said watching practice everyday who has time for that? A lot of parents r waiting and working in the car.
I have been watching practices before I knew I would have a kid that played ball.Others are there off and on.Not ALL the time is spent doing OUR evaluation.this will be 2016 second year.Counting his one year on V and the 15 years or so of catching some preseason practices I have never heard any question the coach.We wait till the season is almost over before we start doing that.With all the games on the schedule no one is interested in practices when preseason is over. There isn't time 35 games in 45 days or so.Was'nt this about going/not going to pre start meeting?
Be thankful that your sons did not play for me. I handed out a 6 page handout outlining everything about my program. Some of you guys would be torn between being bored and hacked off. 
I've only heard of one school nearby that has closed outdoor practices. No way to see from cars either. If coach sets tone I would see no problems w parents sitting quietly in stands for a little while when they come to pick up son.If they get involved shut them down. I like the idea of them seeing how their son compares to teammates. He may not do as well as they think, or they can see what he needs to work on.
Our coach has no problem w parents. He doesn't change his language when they r around. I think a few r intimidated by him. That can be a good thing.
For the Varsity it's not usually a problem since most of the players (Juniors and Seniors) have their own vehicles and parents are not coming to pick them up.
Why does a parent need to see how the players compare to each other? It's not how the players compare to each other, but do they have the necessary skills to play at the varsity level. A good coach will be letting the players know what skills each player needs to work on. However, by HS, prospective players should have the necessary skills to play at that level - if they don't, they more than likely won't make the team.
Part of the process is a learning experience for parents, too. At this stage it's time for the players to man up and take responsibility. After all they are transitioning from boys to being young men. Mom and Dad don't need to there to hold their hand. As a parent, my only job was to make sure he was attending school, getting good grades and to show up on game day. I didn't need to be observing practice every day. Besides, practice was usually over by the time I arrived home from work anyway.....
If you don't learn to trust the coach in HS, you're in for a rude awakening at the college level.
I love baseball, I love my son, I love watching him enjoy baseball. Enjoy the dad's setting in the stands for a few minutes counting who hit how many bombs, just enjoying being outside with fellow baseball lovers. It has nothing to do with "trusting" the coach he knows less about the game than my daughter I wouldn't trust him with a 8u team if I was paying for it, I am positive the college coach knows more. It shows support for the team, support for your son and it's about the love of the game. I'm guessing your one of the dad's that convinces himself you miss all your kids activities to help them. Sure keep saying that.
I love baseball, I love my son, I love watching him enjoy baseball. Enjoy the dad's setting in the stands for a few minutes counting who hit how many bombs, just enjoying being outside with fellow baseball lovers. It has nothing to do with "trusting" the coach he knows less about the game than my daughter I wouldn't trust him with a 8u team if I was paying for it, I am positive the college coach knows more. It shows support for the team, support for your son and it's about the love of the game. I'm guessing your one of the dad's that convinces himself you miss all your kids activities to help them. Sure keep saying that.
Then show support by attending the games and supporting the booster club. I have no problem of a parent watching the last few minutes of practice while they wait for their son. It's quite another to sit there and watch the entire practice - there's a subtle message being sent.
And you guess wrong. Like you I love my son, enjoy the game and enjoy watching him play the game. I've attended nearly every game during his HS career. College is a different story - he is 250 miles away (4.5 hour drive) and we simply can't drive down every weekend so we try to go once a month.
I've seen a variety of different parents at practices - could be any sport:
1. Shows up and watches, never attempts to address the coaches, and leaves with kid.
2. Always in coaches ear after practice, saying what his kid has done in travel or with his personal pitching or hitting coach, and asking what kid needs to work on, etc....
3. Always in coaches ear about playing time.
4. Always volunteering to help out with work on the field, booster/concessions, fund raising, pre-game or post game meals.
I've seen a variety of different parents at practices - could be any sport:
1. Shows up and watches, never attempts to address the coaches, and leaves with kid.
2. Always in coaches ear after practice, saying what his kid has done in travel or with his personal pitching or hitting coach, and asking what kid needs to work on, etc....
3. Always in coaches ear about playing time.
4. Always volunteering to help out with work on the field, booster/concessions, fund raising, pre-game or post game meals.
I would think that #2 and #3 would be a quick way for a player to ride the pine in high school as well as not get looks from college scouts.
This is actually an interesting discussion since my freshman son's Varsity practice started yesterday.
They will be practicing on the baseball field today.
I have attended almost every practice of his travel ball and American Legion for the past 3 years
I enjoy sitting in the stands talking to other Dad's while watching the team practice. I do focus on my son to see if there might be some issues with technique. Sometimes I even video him batting to review later.
However the only time I have ever talked to the coach was after practice and only to ask a question about future game locations or something trivial.
I'm not sure of his Varsity coaches viewpoint of parents in the stands but I will find out today. 
Having graduated from coach to dad, I like watching my son's practices. It's only a matter of time before he is grown and gone. I can watch him catch bullpens all day and reminisce about how far he as come. And I learn a few things here and there. I can help him when he works on his own.
But, I never speak to the coach about anything. A simple hi, how are you. Unless he asks -- and even then I am cautious.
I love baseball, I love my son, I love watching him enjoy baseball. Enjoy the dad's setting in the stands for a few minutes counting who hit how many bombs, just enjoying being outside with fellow baseball lovers. It has nothing to do with "trusting" the coach he knows less about the game than my daughter I wouldn't trust him with a 8u team if I was paying for it, I am positive the college coach knows more. It shows support for the team, support for your son and it's about the love of the game. I'm guessing your one of the dad's that convinces himself you miss all your kids activities to help them. Sure keep saying that.
Then show support by attending the games and supporting the booster club. I have no problem of a parent watching the last few minutes of practice while they wait for their son. It's quite another to sit there and watch the entire practice - there's a subtle message being sent.
And you guess wrong. Like you I love my son, enjoy the game and enjoy watching him play the game. I've attended nearly every game during his HS career. College is a different story - he is 250 miles away (4.5 hour drive) and we simply can't drive down every weekend so we try to go once a month.
I think you are dead wrong. If watching a full practice once in awhile makes me a bad guy, than I am guilty, but I don't think it does. Since my son didn't play football or basketball this year, I really am chomping at the bit to see some baseball, and I will go to a practice or two. I love baseball, and I love going to chew the fat with the other dads. We have put a lot of money, time, patience, love, etc., and wanting o watch a practice isn't too mush to ask or over the top.
In eight years of high school I watched one practice. I happened to be driving down the street, saw a parent I hadn't seen since fall ball and stopped to talk. First day of softball tryouts was the only day parents were allowed to watch. Some PITA moms killed watching practice by videotaping practice and complaining to the AD about the starting lineup.
In baseball if I showed up to pick up my son before practice was over a coach would sometimes approach me to talk baseball. It made my son uncomfortable even though I told him it was general talk about the team or baseball and never about him. There was a rule to not come closer than the stands if arriving early.
By soph year half the time my kids were riding with friends. Senior year they had their own cars. So there wasn't a frequent need for me to be near practice.
I don't see an issue with a parent watching practice on occasion, but personally I avoid doing so. I believe that my son tends to perform better and get more out of practices and one-on-one coaching sessions without dad around. Just seems to make it more of his own deal.
I love baseball, I love my son, I love watching him enjoy baseball. Enjoy the dad's setting in the stands for a few minutes counting who hit how many bombs, just enjoying being outside with fellow baseball lovers. It has nothing to do with "trusting" the coach he knows less about the game than my daughter I wouldn't trust him with a 8u team if I was paying for it, I am positive the college coach knows more. It shows support for the team, support for your son and it's about the love of the game. I'm guessing your one of the dad's that convinces himself you miss all your kids activities to help them. Sure keep saying that.
Then show support by attending the games and supporting the booster club. I have no problem of a parent watching the last few minutes of practice while they wait for their son. It's quite another to sit there and watch the entire practice - there's a subtle message being sent.
And you guess wrong. Like you I love my son, enjoy the game and enjoy watching him play the game. I've attended nearly every game during his HS career. College is a different story - he is 250 miles away (4.5 hour drive) and we simply can't drive down every weekend so we try to go once a month.
I think you are dead wrong. If watching a full practice once in awhile makes me a bad guy, than I am guilty, but I don't think it does. Since my son didn't play football or basketball this year, I really am chomping at the bit to see some baseball, and I will go to a practice or two. I love baseball, and I love going to chew the fat with the other dads. We have put a lot of money, time, patience, love, etc., and wanting o watch a practice isn't too mush to ask or over the top.
Im with you! Why does everyone assume attending a practice means you talk to the coach. I've never seen the start of practice due to work but I love catching the end of any practice I can. I've never witnessed a single dad in four years approach a coach during our after practice. It's a tradition at our school and helps the dads get to know each other. Fridays are usually the day you end up with 10 to 15 dads there. I try to make 1 every week or two. If you don't think it's right just don't come, it's your loss. My son told me last week " I feel sorry for so and so his dad never comes to anything. Might be fox dad's kid.
Never watched a baseball practice but did watch a few football practices.....not sure why seemed to be more accepted to watch football practice...many parents would be watching a football practice...i guess maybe because the varsity practice many times went longer and I had to pick my son up you just watched while you waited. chance to talk to some of the other parents.
It is was just different never felt strange watching some if the football practices but would never considered watching a baseball practice
Might be fox dad's kid.
Not. Son graduated in 2012. Joke is on you. I never attended my son's practices (JV included) as they were done for the day by the time I arrived home. It wasn't "a loss" if I missed watching a practice or missed showing up at the end.
If watching practices occasionally is something anyone feels they really must do, by all means, go ahead. And I'm not saying those that do are going to talk to the coach or be in his face about playing time, etc. Unfortunately, there are some that do just that.
"I feel sorry for so and so his dad never comes to anything." What does that mean? Did that parent not attend practices? Did he attend games? Or did he not attend anything at all in support of the team or son? Quite a difference in not attending a practice and not attending a game.
The only time our son expected us to be there was on game day. And we were.
I have a job that allows me to watch practice. Sometimes I sit in the vehicle and other times I choose to sit in the stands. We always have multiple parents present and the dads enjoy talking baseball. I see no issue as long as you mind your own business and just watch. Our coach is an ex-big league guy and he has mentioned that he has no issues and likes the parents there supporting their kids.
I have a job that allows me to watch practice. Sometimes I sit in the vehicle and other times I choose to sit in the stands. We always have multiple parents present and the dads enjoy talking baseball. I see no issue as long as you mind your own business and just watch. Our coach is an ex-big league guy and he has mentioned that he has no issues and likes the parents there supporting their kids.
I'm glad I attended the first practice today. I was the only Dad in the stands until a mother of one kid came for a short time.
I did see the H.C. instruct the Varsity players (including my son) how to hit. Needless to say I couldn't believe my eyes when the kids were being told to bring their back foot forward ahead of their front foot during and after the swing. I mentioned this in a post in the Hitting section. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't in a Twilight Zone episode.
Might be fox dad's kid.
Not. Son graduated in 2012. Joke is on you. I never attended my son's practices (JV included) as they were done for the day by the time I arrived home. It wasn't "a loss" if I missed watching a practice or missed showing up at the end.
If watching practices occasionally is something anyone feels they really must do, by all means, go ahead. And I'm not saying those that do are going to talk to the coach or be in his face about playing time, etc. Unfortunately, there are some that do just that.
"I feel sorry for so and so his dad never comes to anything." What does that mean? Did that parent not attend practices? Did he attend games? Or did he not attend anything at all in support of the team or son? Quite a difference in not attending a practice and not attending a game.
The only time our son expected us to be there was on game day. And we were.
Your confusing me, now you didn't attend because of work? Totally get that, it's why I miss most of them, but that wasn't your stance in the first post, or at least not my take on your post. You seemed to take the high brow approach that you didn't attend because parents shouldn't attend. which one is it Obama?
Might be fox dad's kid.
Not. Son graduated in 2012. Joke is on you. I never attended my son's practices (JV included) as they were done for the day by the time I arrived home. It wasn't "a loss" if I missed watching a practice or missed showing up at the end.
If watching practices occasionally is something anyone feels they really must do, by all means, go ahead. And I'm not saying those that do are going to talk to the coach or be in his face about playing time, etc. Unfortunately, there are some that do just that.
"I feel sorry for so and so his dad never comes to anything." What does that mean? Did that parent not attend practices? Did he attend games? Or did he not attend anything at all in support of the team or son? Quite a difference in not attending a practice and not attending a game.
The only time our son expected us to be there was on game day. And we were.
Your confusing me, now you didn't attend because of work? Totally get that, it's why I miss most of them, but that wasn't your stance in the first post, or at least not my take on your post. You seemed to take the high brow approach that you didn't attend because parents shouldn't attend. which one is it Obama?
That's beautiful! The poster comes off as acting like those who go to practice must be problem parents, and you answered back eloquently. Nice work...
I suggest pistols at twenty paces.
Your confusing me, now you didn't attend because of work? Totally get that, it's why I miss most of them, but that wasn't your stance in the first post, or at least not my take on your post. You seemed to take the high brow approach that you didn't attend because parents shouldn't attend. which one is it Obama?
How about both? Is that so hard to understand? Had I been able to attend I would not have out of respect for the coach's request.
Care to explain the following statement:
" It has nothing to do with "trusting" the coach he knows less about the game than my daughter I wouldn't trust him with a 8u team if I was paying for it..."
Seems confusing to me. Do you trust him or not?
That's beautiful! The poster comes off as acting like those who go to practice must be problem parents
I did not say all parents who attend practices are "problem parents." Try reading and comprehending.......
We lost a son a few years back. When you say goodbye in the morning you just never know. I watch every chance I get. Coach has no issues with parents watching and it's cool with the son. As long as those two people are ok with it then all is good
We lost a son a few years back. When you say goodbye in the morning you just never know. I watch every chance I get. Coach has no issues with parents watching and it's cool with the son. As long as those two people are ok with it then all is good
Little C,
I am so sorry for your loss. Wow, you put a whole new prospective on watching your son play/practice. If coach & son are cool with it, go for it!
