I have made my hs baseball team and a showcase team too. My hs team is so political I may not get much playin time. Can the showcase team help me get seen and a scholarship? Somebody help me out here. I'm in 11th grade.
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quote:Can the showcase team help me get seen and a scholarship?
Yes they can.
But it's You there looking at.
So you are the one that must do the legwork and Email to the college recruitor's.
Good luck
EH
What is your definition of politics? Where do you stand in the politics of your team?
The showcase team will help but like EH said - you got to do the work in getting your name out there.
Another thing you can do is pick some schools you are interested in going to. Start going to their camps and find out which shocases they will be at. Start your connection to the team like that.
Be proactive.
The showcase team will help but like EH said - you got to do the work in getting your name out there.
Another thing you can do is pick some schools you are interested in going to. Start going to their camps and find out which shocases they will be at. Start your connection to the team like that.
Be proactive.
Sounds like you have tools that have gotten you some respect for your abilities. It also sounds like you may be listening to guys talking and it is putting some doubt in your mind about whether yoou can measure up.
Practice is what helps build confidence, playing under game situations helps give you feedback on what are your strengths and weaknesses.
The most important thing you can do for yourself is go practice and play as much as you can...try only to worry about those things you have complete control over...like your grades, and how you play. The rest of it like who likes who, and who hangs with whom(politics) will pull you away from your goals.
Be yourself, sincere, honest, and hardworking and you will do fine.
Practice is what helps build confidence, playing under game situations helps give you feedback on what are your strengths and weaknesses.
The most important thing you can do for yourself is go practice and play as much as you can...try only to worry about those things you have complete control over...like your grades, and how you play. The rest of it like who likes who, and who hangs with whom(politics) will pull you away from your goals.
Be yourself, sincere, honest, and hardworking and you will do fine.
quote:The rest of it like who likes who, and who hangs with whom(politics) will pull you away from your goals.
I agree with LLorten.
bayall - I have no doubts politics exists because it exists at just about every level of baseball. The last thing you need to do in life is find excuses however. Turn every negative into a positive. If you are not starting, assume you are not good enough and work all that much harder to overcome. This type of thinking (I need to improve) will eliminate any self pity you might have for yourself. If that does not work, develop the best attitude on the team. If the water needs carried, then carry it. If the field needs to be dragged, then drag it. If a teammate needs picked up because he screwed up, then pick him up.
Refuse to be mentally defeated. You cannot control the decisions your coach will make so let that 800 lb gorilla go. Do not let someone elses decision carry any power over you. Show your coach and your teammates you are only concerned about THEM. That is called being a leader and that is something you can control.
BTW, when my son was a freshman in college and he did not start intially, I gave him the same advice. I would not allow him to feel sorry for himself or play the victim card. The only heros and victims out there are the ones you allow to be created in your own mind. Be the hero on that ballclub whether anyone notices or not. I have a hunch they will notice however. BTW - avoid being the martyr. The martyr is someone who does things they believe are beneath them but in their heart they think they are doing everyone a BIG favor. People don't respond to that type of woe is me negativity. Also, do not discuss team politics or coaches decisions with other teamamates. It only hurts the team when one or more guys are whining about one thing or another. Show a positive attitude and put the other guy first. In the service, they have a saying and that is the leader always eats last.
To answer your question, it is possible to never play on your hs team and still play very high levels of college or pro baseball. Get out there on the showcase and select circuit and show'em what you can do if your hs ball is minimized. These coaches go by what they SEE not by what stats you can rattle off. Good luck.
Great advice, Cleveland Dad!
My son did not start his junior year, but still got a college deal through his performance on his select team. You can too, bayball. Best wishes!
My son did not start his junior year, but still got a college deal through his performance on his select team. You can too, bayball. Best wishes!
We hear the word politics. what is it? to the kid who is not playing it is one thing. to the kid who is it is another. does it exist? probably. How come it exists? Well at the high school level it is something that creeps in little by little and before you know it takes over. One group trying to control. Players who are on the short end of the political have to fight through it. easier said than done.
Cleveland Dad: Great post. I just copied it to a document I'll put in a parent's newsletter.
My son was worried about his high school lack of playing time, but he found out the college coaches were only interested in what they saw, not what they heard about, they could care less about H.S. baseball. Camps and summerball is where it's at. Go to as many college camps as you can, although it only takes one sometimes.
Some very good advice, bayball. Here's one more observation just from our personal experience. Sometimes, unfortunately, politics are parent-driven. Ours is a small school so it may be worse in this sense than a bigger school. But if a player hears from a parent (not necessarily his parent) "so-and-so is a starter because his mom/dad volunteers so much," "so-and-so got promoted to varsity because coach doesn't want to make his dad mad because he's a big fundraiser," etc., then that can engender politics in the dugout. If you're hearing this kind of negativity from adults, then just try to focus on the good advice you've gotten here. There's nothing you can do about what people are saying, but you can control how you respond (or don't respond) to it.
Good luck!
Good luck!
quote:Originally posted by Will:
We hear the word politics. what is it? to the kid who is not playing it is one thing. to the kid who is it is another. does it exist? probably. How come it exists? Well at the high school level it is something that creeps in little by little and before you know it takes over. One group trying to control. Players who are on the short end of the political have to fight through it. easier said than done.
It mirrors reality in the real world!
Sad but true.
quote:Originally posted by bayball:
I have made my hs baseball team and a showcase team too. My hs team is so political I may not get much playin time. Can the showcase team help me get seen and a scholarship? Somebody help me out here. I'm in 11th grade.
Wow, great advise ClevelandDad! I hope other young men will read this incredible outlook.
bayball....as to your dilema, I personally think your HS team is important if for anything, when some colleges might call inquiring about you. (thus why it is SO important to do what ClevelandDad advised every single day!). You want your HS coach to give a good report about your character, work ethic, leadership, etc.
If you play on a showcase team, as mentioned by others here, more than likely this is where you will receive most inquiries and looks from colleges at. Go where you and your parents can afford to and be picky on individual showcases. By just playing on a showcase team and playing in some great tourney's during the summer will do more than you know.
IMO, you are too young to hear and understand the word "politics" when it comes to varsity baseball. This "politics" term sounds more like it comes from some helicopter parents.
I'm going to step up here and defend high school coaches in general. I hear every single year that politics drives our decisions to play one player over another, pick our varsity rosters, structure our tryouts and practices, hand out jersey numbers, score a hit or error, find college scholarships for certain players, etc, etc, etc...
It's as if high school coaches are mindless political robots being controlled by schmoozing parents with fat wallets. If a kid is in the starting lineup, it must be politics. If a kid is on the bench, it must be politics. If a kid doesn't get a college scholarship or get drafted, it must have been because the coach played politics and gave the advantage to an undeserving kid.
C'mon, give us a little credit. While "politics" may certainly exist in a few circumstances, it is extremely unfair to coaches to use the political excuse (cop out) whenever a player doesn't start. MOST coaches want to put the best players on the field and win games, even at the high school level. If we were out there to play our "political" favorites all the time, we would probably not have very successful programs.
Nearly all coaches perceive players' abiilities and their teams' needs much differently than parents. Most parents form their opinions based on what they've seen in previous years, Little League days, or when they attend games, watching through rose colored glasses. Most parents never show up to see what happens at practices, but somehow know better than the coaches. If son is not playing, it must be politics. How about we give each parent a lineup card and just rotate every game?
How about giving coaches some credit, and believe that most of us are qualified to make the decisions that most help our TEAMS. Sorry to rant and rave, and likely offend, but the politics card is being played way too often.
It's as if high school coaches are mindless political robots being controlled by schmoozing parents with fat wallets. If a kid is in the starting lineup, it must be politics. If a kid is on the bench, it must be politics. If a kid doesn't get a college scholarship or get drafted, it must have been because the coach played politics and gave the advantage to an undeserving kid.
C'mon, give us a little credit. While "politics" may certainly exist in a few circumstances, it is extremely unfair to coaches to use the political excuse (cop out) whenever a player doesn't start. MOST coaches want to put the best players on the field and win games, even at the high school level. If we were out there to play our "political" favorites all the time, we would probably not have very successful programs.
Nearly all coaches perceive players' abiilities and their teams' needs much differently than parents. Most parents form their opinions based on what they've seen in previous years, Little League days, or when they attend games, watching through rose colored glasses. Most parents never show up to see what happens at practices, but somehow know better than the coaches. If son is not playing, it must be politics. How about we give each parent a lineup card and just rotate every game?
How about giving coaches some credit, and believe that most of us are qualified to make the decisions that most help our TEAMS. Sorry to rant and rave, and likely offend, but the politics card is being played way too often.
I have to repond to knightime and defend bayball, a high school junior's position. While 98% or more coaches are excellent people, when you are stuck at a school with the 2% you need a plan and advice from those of us who have had similar experiences which I think is what Bayball is asking for. I am sure he as well as my son would have preferred the luck of the draw would have gotten him one of the vast majority of coaches but once you are in that situation you can quit, try to transfer, talk to the school admin (which we considered or did) and do like Cleveland Dad says and make the best of it.
I think the anger my son had and still has over what was clearly decisions made for the wrong reasons, (freely and cheerfully admitted by the coach by the way oddly enough ) made him a better player because he proved him wrong, not on the high school field but on other fields.
I think the anger my son had and still has over what was clearly decisions made for the wrong reasons, (freely and cheerfully admitted by the coach by the way oddly enough ) made him a better player because he proved him wrong, not on the high school field but on other fields.
knightime,
although I agree there are politics, I also agree with you about the parents who are not there 5 days a week watching the practices. Maybe some kids got grade problems, or a disciplinary problem, there are many factors.At my sons highschool coaches keep a little distance from the parents.They have gotten their share of being accused of all the above and just want to coach the team. one thing a highschool caoch said to me one time, he said I will choose my ss, the guy who has shown me what it takes to earn that spot, he will play great most times, but maybe in a crucial game he will make an error, and I am betting the parents are in the stands ripping the kid apart, and thinking their kid should of been the starting ss. I thought wow, but ive seen it and its true. thats why he keeps his distance.players will make errors even starters,but thery are a lot of aspects about baseball that some people dont know. does the kid know the strike zone, when to take a pitch, what to do with two strikes, mentally how does he compare, there are so many factors that you do have to give them some ability to make the right decisions . And just so I dont get blasted, I know there are some bad coaches in HS, there are horrible politics, but what a parent does for the team shouldnt mean anything. keep in between the chalk lines , let the kids battle out for the starting spots, and is it always fair no but nothing in life is always 100% fair.
although I agree there are politics, I also agree with you about the parents who are not there 5 days a week watching the practices. Maybe some kids got grade problems, or a disciplinary problem, there are many factors.At my sons highschool coaches keep a little distance from the parents.They have gotten their share of being accused of all the above and just want to coach the team. one thing a highschool caoch said to me one time, he said I will choose my ss, the guy who has shown me what it takes to earn that spot, he will play great most times, but maybe in a crucial game he will make an error, and I am betting the parents are in the stands ripping the kid apart, and thinking their kid should of been the starting ss. I thought wow, but ive seen it and its true. thats why he keeps his distance.players will make errors even starters,but thery are a lot of aspects about baseball that some people dont know. does the kid know the strike zone, when to take a pitch, what to do with two strikes, mentally how does he compare, there are so many factors that you do have to give them some ability to make the right decisions . And just so I dont get blasted, I know there are some bad coaches in HS, there are horrible politics, but what a parent does for the team shouldnt mean anything. keep in between the chalk lines , let the kids battle out for the starting spots, and is it always fair no but nothing in life is always 100% fair.
smalltown, it is very unfortunate that you were stuck with one of the bad guys, and I say that because you say he actually freely admitted his indiscretion. That guy should not be coaching, and I'm very sorry you had to experience that first hand.quote:Originally posted by smalltown:
While 98% or more coaches are excellent people, when you are stuck at a school with the 2% you need a plan and advice from those of us who have had similar experiences which I think is what Bayball is asking for.
I think the anger my son had and still has over what was clearly decisions made for the wrong reasons, (freely and cheerfully admitted by the coach by the way oddly enough ) made him a better player because he proved him wrong, not on the high school field but on other fields.
On the other hand, what makes bayball think his team is so political? Does he know better than his coaches as to who should be playing and who shouldn't? Who is qualified to make that call? Where is the proof that his team is so political?
Parental complaints of 'politics' is wearing on many coaches, and driving many good people out of HS coaching. It is the number one topic discussed between my coaching peers, and the number one reason for 'burn out' among us.
All I'm trying to relate here is that people make sure they have proof before blaming coaches or programs for being political or unethical. You seem to have proof that your coach was unethical by playing politics, and shame on him (I hope he no longer coaches). It's unfair, however, that most people make assumptions based on what other parents are gossiping about (or trying to find a reason why son is not starting -- it must be politics), and that gets to the players, and then the players start making assumptions. If it doesn't stop, you'll be left with nothing but the bad guys coaching out there. Just be careful what you wish for.
KnightTime - sorry! I wasn't clear. The comments I reference come from parents in the stands, and naturally through the grapevine. In 2B's HS baseball experience, our coaches, from what I can tell, are always trying to put the best nine out there. But there are always some parents who are certain that their boys aren't starting or haven't gotten certain breaks because the coach is a "mindless political robot being controlled by schmoozing parents." My point to the original poster was that this can affect the boys, too. Some players can be led to believe that they don't have a chance, when in the coach's eyes, they might.
I agree with everything you said! I have so far supported two head coaches in three years because they both tried to put the best nine out there. The first one was forced to resign due in large part to politics; the second one, except for graduating seniors, has chosen pretty much the same best nine. Imagine that.
I would like to add also that we parents who do volunteer a lot (not schmoozing, volunteering!) and whose sons always manage somehow to get into the best nine, don't appreciate that kind of gossip, either! We want our boys to earn their spots, and we simply enjoy being part of the experience. But someone is always going to criticize and make assumptions. Nothing we can do about it except play ball!
Keep up the good work, Coach!
I agree with everything you said! I have so far supported two head coaches in three years because they both tried to put the best nine out there. The first one was forced to resign due in large part to politics; the second one, except for graduating seniors, has chosen pretty much the same best nine. Imagine that.
I would like to add also that we parents who do volunteer a lot (not schmoozing, volunteering!) and whose sons always manage somehow to get into the best nine, don't appreciate that kind of gossip, either! We want our boys to earn their spots, and we simply enjoy being part of the experience. But someone is always going to criticize and make assumptions. Nothing we can do about it except play ball!
Keep up the good work, Coach!
smalltown - I guess we were posting at the same time. That is a tough situation that your son was in. That's really terrible. We haven't faced anything like that, although I was a little bit afraid that we might after losing our first coach. It didn't happen, though. The new coach turned out to care about the players and the program, too. We've been very lucky.
fanofgame, thank you for your post. I wish more parents had an understanding like you.quote:Originally posted by fanofgame:
knightime,
although I agree there are politics, I also agree with you about the parents who are not there 5 days a week watching the practices. Maybe some kids got grade problems, or a disciplinary problem, there are many factors.At my sons highschool coaches keep a little distance from the parents.They have gotten their share of being accused of all the above and just want to coach the team. one thing a highschool caoch said to me one time, he said I will choose my ss, the guy who has shown me what it takes to earn that spot, he will play great most times, but maybe in a crucial game he will make an error, and I am betting the parents are in the stands ripping the kid apart, and thinking their kid should of been the starting ss. I thought wow, but ive seen it and its true. thats why he keeps his distance.players will make errors even starters,but thery are a lot of aspects about baseball that some people dont know. does the kid know the strike zone, when to take a pitch, what to do with two strikes, mentally how does he compare, there are so many factors that you do have to give them some ability to make the right decisions . And just so I dont get blasted, I know there are some bad coaches in HS, there are horrible politics, but what a parent does for the team shouldnt mean anything. keep in between the chalk lines , let the kids battle out for the starting spots, and is it always fair no but nothing in life is always 100% fair.
Of course there are politics in HS sports, just like everything else, but my contention is that 99% of the time politics do NOT play a part in who plays or makes a varsity roster. The HS coach you mentioned is like the majority of experienced HS coaches. We keep our distance from parents because we know of the accusations and assumptions flying around in the stands based on what they see in one game or even just one play. One thing I've learned is that the parents of every starter are my good friends, and those in the middle of the batting order are my best friends. However, as soon as I make a change in the lineup, the sparks start flying and my and the AD's email boxes fill up with claims of politics.
The bottom line is, everyone agrees that the best nine players should be on the field. What we NEVER agree about is who those best nine are.
2Bmom, thank you very much for your post. It works both ways in that coaches should not assume every parent is thinking bad thoughts about them. You are proof of that.quote:Originally posted by 2Bmom:
KnightTime - sorry! I wasn't clear. The comments I reference come from parents in the stands, and naturally through the grapevine. In 2B's HS baseball experience, our coaches, from what I can tell, are always trying to put the best nine out there. But there are always some parents who are certain that their boys aren't starting or haven't gotten certain breaks because the coach is a "mindless political robot being controlled by schmoozing parents." My point to the original poster was that this can affect the boys, too. Some players can be led to believe that they don't have a chance, when in the coach's eyes, they might.
I agree with everything you said! I have so far supported two head coaches in three years because they both tried to put the best nine out there. The first one was forced to resign due in large part to politics; the second one, except for graduating seniors, has chosen pretty much the same best nine. Imagine that.
I would like to add also that we parents who do volunteer a lot (not schmoozing, volunteering!) and whose sons always manage somehow to get into the best nine, don't appreciate that kind of gossip, either! We want our boys to earn their spots, and we simply enjoy being part of the experience. But someone is always going to criticize and make assumptions. Nothing we can do about it except play ball!
Keep up the good work, Coach!
I'm sure your coach appreciates you, just like I appreciate my players' parents who volunteer their time. In most cases, the parents who volunteer do it to help all the kids, and don't expect a starting position for their kid in return. However, the fact is that if a kid is in the starting lineup, his parents are more likely to volunteer, not the other way around.
quote:However, the fact is that if a kid is in the starting lineup, his parents are more likely to volunteer, not the other way around.
You're probably right about that. Even when 2B was just a little 7th grader coming off the bench for JV (small K-12 school), I volunteered to take over something that a parent of a graduating senior was doing. I just liked being involved with the program and getting to know the boys. And, yes, the coaches too. But I did always figure he'd earn his spot, and we have been very lucky with good coaches all the way. And I'm still stuck doing that job!
Here is another perspective. A fellow poster sent me a PM and asked me to post this question.
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My son's Freshman team has a head coach who is involved with a local "select" team and coached several of the kids on his Freshman HS team last summer while playing U-14 select. He is planning on coaching the same select team this summer as U-15.
Although my son is not really affected by any of this, the coach's "select team" kids play every single inning, while the other players split time. There are several kids who are splitting time that play on other select teams during the summer and are, in my opinion, much better that some of those who play every inning and are on his select team.
Also, there was a kid who was cut from the team during tryouts who, shortly thereafter, began taking batting lessons from the select team's director (head coach/owner/general manager/whatever...). After almost two weeks of pre-season scrimmages, this kid is suddenly placed on the team and getting significant playing time. I don't know this for a fact, but I am told that the HS coach got a call from the select director (his summer job boss) and was told that the kid was going to play on his select team this summer and that he really should reconsider allowing him to play on the Freshman team.
Like I said, none of this is really affecting my son, but alot of his teammates are getting a raw deal in my opinion.
What would you do if you were in this situation? I really need some constructive advice...
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My 08 son is the #1 pitcher and bats clean up this year. I'm just happy as a pig in slop! 
If for some reason I show up for a game and he is riding the pine or batting 9th, then he obviously can't hit his target or water if he fell out of a boat. What an injustice I would be doing to my son if I were to roll up my sleeves and begin questioning the coach about his playing time/batting order. I would essentially be teaching him that if something just don't work out to his liking, Pop will come to his rescue. Bull hockey! This is what is known today as "Helicopter" parents. If he wants playing time or be back in the clean-up spot, he best come up with a plan to earn it! Otherwise, enjoy the view!
On another side note, our head coach (2nd season) has told our parents for all prospective players before tryouts that if their son is cut, the boy alone is to either call or contact him about the cut if he so chooses to know. He will not take a call or meet any parents. Harsh I know but over 17 years of coaching he says this is the only way after trial and error to handle it. He believes this gives him a chance to speak to the young man face to face about his talents/gifts and whether baseball is his destiny or not. He does tell parents (and there are a TON of them at the meetings each year) that his philosophy of putting the best 9 on the field for every game is never, ever understood by most parents and cuts are even harder.
If for some reason I show up for a game and he is riding the pine or batting 9th, then he obviously can't hit his target or water if he fell out of a boat. What an injustice I would be doing to my son if I were to roll up my sleeves and begin questioning the coach about his playing time/batting order. I would essentially be teaching him that if something just don't work out to his liking, Pop will come to his rescue. Bull hockey! This is what is known today as "Helicopter" parents. If he wants playing time or be back in the clean-up spot, he best come up with a plan to earn it! Otherwise, enjoy the view!
On another side note, our head coach (2nd season) has told our parents for all prospective players before tryouts that if their son is cut, the boy alone is to either call or contact him about the cut if he so chooses to know. He will not take a call or meet any parents. Harsh I know but over 17 years of coaching he says this is the only way after trial and error to handle it. He believes this gives him a chance to speak to the young man face to face about his talents/gifts and whether baseball is his destiny or not. He does tell parents (and there are a TON of them at the meetings each year) that his philosophy of putting the best 9 on the field for every game is never, ever understood by most parents and cuts are even harder.
I personally think the coach with an open door policy works the best. I believe a coach should be strong enough to handle all the "Helicopter Parents".
To quote Mr. YoungGunDad, that's bull hockey! The coach with an open door policy will not last very long, and will be miserable the entire time. I have seen many young inexperienced coaches get run out of town by overbearing parents who just can't accept reality. If I had an open door policy, I would be battling parents non-stop. I wouldn't have time to coach my team. It has nothing to do with being strong. Caving in to unreasonable parental pressure is not being strong, like you suggest. A coach with an open door policy is either extremely weak, or a masochist. You need to put yourself in the coach's shoes and realize what you're saying.quote:Originally posted by thats-a-balk!:
I personally think the coach with an open door policy works the best. I believe a coach should be strong enough to handle all the "Helicopter Parents".
Playing time issues are between the coach and player, not coach and parents. High school kids are old enough to learn how to handle their own sports related problems. The player is at all the practices and all the meetings (or if not, he's on the bench), and has a much better understanding of what is really going on day to day. Most coaches are more than happy to discuss things with players. At some point, parents have to cut the cord and let the kid grow up. It's a harsh world out there.
My policy is that I will meet with the kid, and his parents are more than welcome to LISTEN (you may not like what you hear). However, the conversation will only be between the player and me. I will not meet with parents alone. Usually, the kid doesn't want his parents to get involved, so that takes care of that.
YoungGunDad, great post. Your coach has lasted 17 years for a reason. He is doing the right thing, and the only way to survive his profession. Ever wonder why coaches have to make that kind of policy?quote:Originally posted by YoungGunDad:
What an injustice I would be doing to my son if I were to roll up my sleeves and begin questioning the coach about his playing time/batting order. I would essentially be teaching him that if something just don't work out to his liking, Pop will come to his rescue. Bull hockey! This is what is known today as "Helicopter" parents.
On another side note, our head coach (2nd season) has told our parents for all prospective players before tryouts that if their son is cut, the boy alone is to either call or contact him about the cut if he so chooses to know. He will not take a call or meet any parents. Harsh I know but over 17 years of coaching he says this is the only way after trial and error to handle it. He believes this gives him a chance to speak to the young man face to face about his talents/gifts and whether baseball is his destiny or not. He does tell parents (and there are a TON of them at the meetings each year) that his philosophy of putting the best 9 on the field for every game is never, ever understood by most parents and cuts are even harder.
Thanks KnightTime.
Experience does seem to prevail in no matter what we all do.
Coach May knows our coach and I think will vouch for him as to the kind of coach he is. A fair and dedicated Coach who loves what he does more now than the first day he began this profession.
To answer your question. Resoundingly YES, I DO know why they have made that kind of policy. Some of the parents I have been around over the past 3-4 involved with HS baseball have never ceased to amaze me with their antics and exorcist personalities. The writers of the Jerry Springer show are missing the real Reality shows, I'm telling ya!
Last year after the cuts were done and over and practice had started the next week there was a father who's son got cut walked out into Centerfield where the coach was coaching and started questioning him about the cut. I couldn't believe my eyes! There's always that ONE parent who just didn't seem to hear what the Coach asked before tryouts.
Experience does seem to prevail in no matter what we all do.
Coach May knows our coach and I think will vouch for him as to the kind of coach he is. A fair and dedicated Coach who loves what he does more now than the first day he began this profession.
To answer your question. Resoundingly YES, I DO know why they have made that kind of policy. Some of the parents I have been around over the past 3-4 involved with HS baseball have never ceased to amaze me with their antics and exorcist personalities. The writers of the Jerry Springer show are missing the real Reality shows, I'm telling ya!
Last year after the cuts were done and over and practice had started the next week there was a father who's son got cut walked out into Centerfield where the coach was coaching and started questioning him about the cut. I couldn't believe my eyes! There's always that ONE parent who just didn't seem to hear what the Coach asked before tryouts.
2Bmom,quote:Originally posted by 2Bmom:
Here is another perspective. A fellow poster sent me a PM and asked me to post this question.
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Also, there was a kid who was cut from the team during tryouts who, shortly thereafter, began taking batting lessons from the select team's director (head coach/owner/general manager/whatever...). After almost two weeks of pre-season scrimmages, this kid is suddenly placed on the team and getting significant playing time. I don't know this for a fact, but I am told that the HS coach got a call from the select director (his summer job boss) and was told that the kid was going to play on his select team this summer and that he really should reconsider allowing him to play on the Freshman team.
What would you do if you were in this situation? I really need some constructive advice...
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This part of the post is what sounds a little suspicious. But, here again, this poster is going off of hearsay and assumptions. We don't really know for sure what the circumstances are with this kid taking lessons from so and so. If the player was in fact placed on the team because of a payoff, then that is severely unethical, and should be handled through proper channels. A courteous email to the school's varsity coach should get a courteous reply. Just be sure you have some proof before you go on the attack.
As far as the other select team kids go, here again we see the coach's opinion vs a parent's opinion of talent. Many high school coaches also coach summer select teams. Those coaches are always going to be accused of playing favorites with their summer team players. However, that's usually not the case. Most coaches want to win in high school ball just as much as summer ball, and will put the best players on the field in either situation. Usually, the best high school players are also the best summer players. That's just the way it works. It just doesn't make sense for a coach to compromise his team by playing favorites. How does that make the coach look good? I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but it's not the norm.
Parents need to talk to high school coaches who have coached for over 10 years. You will hear some horror stories about what parents can do and will say. I agree with KnightTime - it is running good coaches and good people out of the game. It's sad.
I have never heard a parent / kid who is starting say there is politics at a school / team. It always comes from the bench. A parent is looking out for ONE kid and one kid only - their son. A coach has to look out for 30 some kids.
Talk to a coach who has over 10 years experience and you will find a coach who is suspiscious of most parents - I know I am. When a parent comes up to me and says "I will do this .... to help the team" I automatically think are they doing this to curry favor.
I like to think I don't play favorites and feel I have the track record to say that but it doesn't stop the talkers. I had a parent thrash me for not playing his son although he had no idea his son blew off two practices and was benched for that. So here is a guy who doesn't have all the information going off half cocked becaue he feels his son is getting shorted although it's his sons fault. Once he realized his son blew off practice he then tried to defend him on it and take the blame. I just asked if they have a phone at home because they should have called me.
Now honestly I could care less about idiots like this and that is what they are - idiots. If they don't like me and want to blame me and my coaches for their son being a failure that is their problem and they have to live with those consequences down the road. Here is my problem - they will go out and talk to people and turn those people against me and my team. I might have a kid not tryout who could help us because they heard this from this guy. That is what is wrong with those idiots - they turn people against playing baseball even if they don't have all the evidence.
I don't believe in an open door policy but I won't turn parents away either. I refuse to talk to a parent at the moment something happens. That is bad business and nobody wins. Wait a day or two and let clearer heads prevail and do it with the AD or principal to cover your butt.
If young coaches want to head off problems with parents then talk to the players. If I cut a kid I take them into my office with my staff and say "thank you for your effort and time. I am cutting you because of .....". He knows when he leaves that office what standards he did not live up to. If I am going to bench a kid I tell them ahead of time and provide stats. I didn't do this one time and momma went nuts. I am partly to blame for not telling him ahead of time. I felt it should have been obvious why he was sitting - it's always not.
I have never heard a parent / kid who is starting say there is politics at a school / team. It always comes from the bench. A parent is looking out for ONE kid and one kid only - their son. A coach has to look out for 30 some kids.
Talk to a coach who has over 10 years experience and you will find a coach who is suspiscious of most parents - I know I am. When a parent comes up to me and says "I will do this .... to help the team" I automatically think are they doing this to curry favor.
I like to think I don't play favorites and feel I have the track record to say that but it doesn't stop the talkers. I had a parent thrash me for not playing his son although he had no idea his son blew off two practices and was benched for that. So here is a guy who doesn't have all the information going off half cocked becaue he feels his son is getting shorted although it's his sons fault. Once he realized his son blew off practice he then tried to defend him on it and take the blame. I just asked if they have a phone at home because they should have called me.
Now honestly I could care less about idiots like this and that is what they are - idiots. If they don't like me and want to blame me and my coaches for their son being a failure that is their problem and they have to live with those consequences down the road. Here is my problem - they will go out and talk to people and turn those people against me and my team. I might have a kid not tryout who could help us because they heard this from this guy. That is what is wrong with those idiots - they turn people against playing baseball even if they don't have all the evidence.
I don't believe in an open door policy but I won't turn parents away either. I refuse to talk to a parent at the moment something happens. That is bad business and nobody wins. Wait a day or two and let clearer heads prevail and do it with the AD or principal to cover your butt.
If young coaches want to head off problems with parents then talk to the players. If I cut a kid I take them into my office with my staff and say "thank you for your effort and time. I am cutting you because of .....". He knows when he leaves that office what standards he did not live up to. If I am going to bench a kid I tell them ahead of time and provide stats. I didn't do this one time and momma went nuts. I am partly to blame for not telling him ahead of time. I felt it should have been obvious why he was sitting - it's always not.
Bayball,
My high school coaches didn't pitch me nearly as much as I should, but scholarships were still a possibility. I would reccomend trying to get a summer coach, scout, instructor, etc. on your side to help you, and you can make it happen. Hit camps hard this summer and fall and take your high school coaches out of the equation as much as possible.
My high school coaches didn't pitch me nearly as much as I should, but scholarships were still a possibility. I would reccomend trying to get a summer coach, scout, instructor, etc. on your side to help you, and you can make it happen. Hit camps hard this summer and fall and take your high school coaches out of the equation as much as possible.
I have only posted on this site one other time, but I have to respond.
To the original poster, I know politics exist in HS baseball and if that is truly the situation for you I am sincerely sorry. I honestly believe that "politics" influencing coaches picking a player and jepordizing a winning season is a rare exception.
Last year my son was brought up to Varsity as a Freshman (he is a catcher) and also was the only Freshman to make AA Legion. Parents who have been watching him play since he was 9 told us to our face that it was all about politics! The truth is the catcher that is a Senoir this year is very weak. My son is 6'2" and is very mature and his maturity level was one of the deciding factors. I actually told one of the parents of a SS ( has played with my son every single summer since they were 9) that if SS had been the weak position my son more than likely wouldn't be there. The parent had no ability to look at the larger scope of things and realize that the decision was made to help the team. There was a need to develop a better catcher and thank goodness my son was ready to step up. By the way, my son didn't start, he sat the bench as much as he played - it was all about getting him ready for this year.
The summer my son was 13 the coach who had coached the team for 4 years stepped down and one of the Dad's took over. Very qualified, played college ball as a catcher and coached a HS team to a winning season. He had not coached baseball for probably 10 years. His son and my son had always competed for the starting catching position and my son had always started. You can guess the rest - when he took over Jr got the spot. Not only that his son didn't have his own catcher's gear except for a glove. Jr wore my son's gear and used his glove - he liked it better. It burned me everytime it happened. I finally said something to my son and his only response was "I don't mind Mom, my glove is better than his." To be honest, I wasn't happy with the situation but I never discussed with him how I thought it was Daddyball or politics. We just told our son to keep working hard like he always has. Believe it or not he never complained about his coach. By the time that team went to state my son started every game.
My point is my son has been on both sides of "politics" and I can tell you hard work and passion for the game won out every time!
To the original poster, I know politics exist in HS baseball and if that is truly the situation for you I am sincerely sorry. I honestly believe that "politics" influencing coaches picking a player and jepordizing a winning season is a rare exception.
Last year my son was brought up to Varsity as a Freshman (he is a catcher) and also was the only Freshman to make AA Legion. Parents who have been watching him play since he was 9 told us to our face that it was all about politics! The truth is the catcher that is a Senoir this year is very weak. My son is 6'2" and is very mature and his maturity level was one of the deciding factors. I actually told one of the parents of a SS ( has played with my son every single summer since they were 9) that if SS had been the weak position my son more than likely wouldn't be there. The parent had no ability to look at the larger scope of things and realize that the decision was made to help the team. There was a need to develop a better catcher and thank goodness my son was ready to step up. By the way, my son didn't start, he sat the bench as much as he played - it was all about getting him ready for this year.
The summer my son was 13 the coach who had coached the team for 4 years stepped down and one of the Dad's took over. Very qualified, played college ball as a catcher and coached a HS team to a winning season. He had not coached baseball for probably 10 years. His son and my son had always competed for the starting catching position and my son had always started. You can guess the rest - when he took over Jr got the spot. Not only that his son didn't have his own catcher's gear except for a glove. Jr wore my son's gear and used his glove - he liked it better. It burned me everytime it happened. I finally said something to my son and his only response was "I don't mind Mom, my glove is better than his." To be honest, I wasn't happy with the situation but I never discussed with him how I thought it was Daddyball or politics. We just told our son to keep working hard like he always has. Believe it or not he never complained about his coach. By the time that team went to state my son started every game.
My point is my son has been on both sides of "politics" and I can tell you hard work and passion for the game won out every time!
My son has always gotten significant playing time on every team he has been on. I have listened to parents and kids complain about lack of playing time on almost every team he has been on, and kind of dismissed the complaints as whining. This year my son tried out for JV basketball after not playing for two years, and made the team. In my opinion, very little seperates the boys in talent. My son usually plays only a quarter in each game. I was annoyed about his lack of playing time, and thought he should play more. But when I really thought about it, the coaches are doing the right thing. I don't watch practice and know what goes on, or how the kids perform. My son was the only kid that made the team that didnt participate on the fall and summer teams, or go to the offseason workouts, he was doing baseball. If the kids are of equal talent, I think the ones that put in the work in the off season should be rewarded. And once I realized that, it was much more enjoyable to watch the games and cheer for the team
Politics are everywhere. Don't be so naive to believe they aren't. It's in the schools, churches, places of employment,etc. etc. I saw it when I was in school, kid plays centerfield for the varsity cause dad provides the materials to build the new dugouts*by the way he couldn't catch a cold, or hit his weight, but I'm certain he was the best candidate for the position*. I've seen in my son's school, it's everywhere you go. I had a dear friend try to tell me the other day that it just doesn't happen- I say bull, we'll have this conversation again when his son starts playing school sports.
Politics everywhere? I can honestly say in the 23 years that I've coached, I've never made a decision based upon who a kid's parents were. I've never eaten out/socialized with any parents. I don't even talk to any parents. One poster on this site has a son who played for me. I think he can verify that. I don't think it is everywhere.
I DO THINK THAT THE CRY OF "POLITICS" IS THE SCAPEGOAT FOR MANY WHO'S CHILD DIDN'T MEASURE UP. I also think that many kids use that instead of busting their butts more. JMHO! Now, my kid steps into the hs arena. I know that people will cry "POLITICS" if she gets to play. Last night I didn't notice any of their kids pitching for 40 minutes, hitting for an hour and then lifting weights for another hour. That's what mine does 7 days a week. Still, "POLITICS" will be the cry.
(Sorry, I'm a little touchy on this subject!
)
I DO THINK THAT THE CRY OF "POLITICS" IS THE SCAPEGOAT FOR MANY WHO'S CHILD DIDN'T MEASURE UP. I also think that many kids use that instead of busting their butts more. JMHO! Now, my kid steps into the hs arena. I know that people will cry "POLITICS" if she gets to play. Last night I didn't notice any of their kids pitching for 40 minutes, hitting for an hour and then lifting weights for another hour. That's what mine does 7 days a week. Still, "POLITICS" will be the cry.
(Sorry, I'm a little touchy on this subject!
)
CoachB, we at Waterloo definitely know how that one is too
My dad told both Coach Vogel and our basketball coach, Coach Mason, that they were nuts. My junior year in both basketball and baseball we had two parents on the coaching staff Senior year in basketball we had two parents on the staff, but dad didn't coach baseball last spring.
We kind of expected to get a lot of **** since at one point dad coached all three sports that I played. Guess what, that sure didn't get me more playing time I can tell you that!
My dad told both Coach Vogel and our basketball coach, Coach Mason, that they were nuts. My junior year in both basketball and baseball we had two parents on the coaching staff
Senior year in basketball we had two parents on the staff, but dad didn't coach baseball last spring. We kind of expected to get a lot of **** since at one point dad coached all three sports that I played. Guess what, that sure didn't get me more playing time I can tell you that!
quote:Last night I didn't notice any of their kids pitching for 40 minutes, hitting for an hour and then lifting weights for another hour. That's what mine does 7 days a week. Still, "POLITICS" will be the cry.
You make a very good point, Coach. We rarely have any trouble finding an empty baseball field on the weekends to get in some extra practice. Mostly it's adult softballers that we have to compete with for rec fields.
If we do find someone out there, it's another poster on this site whose freshman player just made JV on a very good team, and another family on our team whose son is young but highly regarded by the coaches (and for good reason). We never see the complainers out there.
Reminds me of a comment made to me by the parent of another player after a particularly good 2B season a few years ago. "He had a magic bat." The guy meant this as a compliment. I wanted to tell him there was no magic involved - it was HARD WORK! But I smiled and said thanks.
This is a very interesting discussion. Lots of good points on both sides.
My son starts, plays all the important games, sits occassionally against a weaker team. Gets called up to play and pitch in a quarter final game. Pitched great, 11k's, 2 runs, but they lost in extra innings. However, do I see politics. Sure I do. How about the kid who didn't hit his weight but his dad knows the coach. How about the kid who played outfield that was related to a coach and couldn't catch a cold. Or the big kid who plays football but can't hit. Coaches are human and can and do get caught up in things. Nobody is perfect.
Coach B25,
Hard work should be rewarded. My son busts his butt all year, every year to get better, stronger, faster. Comes to practice first and leaves last. Just yesterday an off day for optional workouts. He was at the gym lifting, I didn't see anyone else there. Yet when tryouts come and he has passed some upper classman by. Do you think he'll get the position. I doubt it, they're seniors. We'll just have to wait and see.
Coach B25,
Hard work should be rewarded. My son busts his butt all year, every year to get better, stronger, faster. Comes to practice first and leaves last. Just yesterday an off day for optional workouts. He was at the gym lifting, I didn't see anyone else there. Yet when tryouts come and he has passed some upper classman by. Do you think he'll get the position. I doubt it, they're seniors. We'll just have to wait and see.
I hope he does, bb1. Our starting varsity middle infield is entirely freshmen. We have a couple of seniors who sit.
2Bmom,
Thanks! If he doesn't though it's okay. He's only a sophomore so there is time. There are a few kids that deserve a shot not just mine. I just wish they would challenge all of them. Maybe it would lead to something special. Especially if they all stay together.
Thanks! If he doesn't though it's okay. He's only a sophomore so there is time. There are a few kids that deserve a shot not just mine. I just wish they would challenge all of them. Maybe it would lead to something special. Especially if they all stay together.
Yes, if they stay together they could really be something! 2B and SS have been working together since last year and have really developed a great respect and trust for each other, not to mention chemistry. The coach is excited about what they might be able to accomplish as juniors and seniors.
Good luck to your son at tryouts!
Good luck to your son at tryouts!
For those of you in HS, come back in a few years and tell us whether you think that it doesn't exist in college or beyond as well.
A good coach will reward those who work hard, but you don't get the nod because you spent more time in the weight room than your teammates or you showed up at volunteer practice while other didn't. Some times you don't get the nod even being the most talented on the team. Sometimes that coach just plays the more experienced player and that is not unusual in the HS, college game or sometimes beyond. There's all different reasons why things happen or don't happen. If you do find way too much time sitting while others play, you have to accept most likely there is a good reason and not turn to the excuse of "politics".
I see no value in a freshman or sophmore player or his parents complaining they don't play because of politics.
JMO.
A good coach will reward those who work hard, but you don't get the nod because you spent more time in the weight room than your teammates or you showed up at volunteer practice while other didn't. Some times you don't get the nod even being the most talented on the team. Sometimes that coach just plays the more experienced player and that is not unusual in the HS, college game or sometimes beyond. There's all different reasons why things happen or don't happen. If you do find way too much time sitting while others play, you have to accept most likely there is a good reason and not turn to the excuse of "politics".
I see no value in a freshman or sophmore player or his parents complaining they don't play because of politics.
JMO.