And what was it about that freshman player that got him there?
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Sluggo,
In my son's freshman year.....(2). One was a center-fielder that ran like a deer and also pitched, swung from the left-side. The other was a two-way guy that played 2B and pitched. The center-fielder went to a D1 on scholarship until his Jr year and then quit. The 2B was done after HS. Both great kids!
O42
In my son's freshman year.....(2). One was a center-fielder that ran like a deer and also pitched, swung from the left-side. The other was a two-way guy that played 2B and pitched. The center-fielder went to a D1 on scholarship until his Jr year and then quit. The 2B was done after HS. Both great kids!
O42
Mine did.....last year -- great feeling for him (and me, I admit it!!)
This seems to be more a function of school size ... at smaller schools, you will always find some freshmen playing varsity. There are some schools that don't even have JV teams.
In a lot of states, there aren't any freshman teams either.
In a lot of states, there aren't any freshman teams either.
Mine did last year. None this year.
This is really a subjective question...the school size and competition come into play. I have schools who have freshmen play on varsity every year, but only because of the size of the team (under 30 players total JV and Varsity) and other schools whose coaches do not play freshman on varsity at all....
One of the more successful programs I get to see does not play freshmen on varsity, 90% of freshmen play on the freshman team and the other 10% of the really talented will get a JV slot. The JV team is sophs and Juniors and a small amount of freshmen. The Varsity is the best team of sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Seniors are cut if there are more talented underclassmen.
In my opinion, unless you are going to play every game, they are better off on JV or freshman teams. Better to play than sit.
Nice honor if you make it.... hollow if you sit and dont play.....
(my son made varsity as a freshman, looking back it would have been better to play a full freshman schedule and JV schedule than ride the bus as a varsity player and pinch run/pinch hit......)
One of the more successful programs I get to see does not play freshmen on varsity, 90% of freshmen play on the freshman team and the other 10% of the really talented will get a JV slot. The JV team is sophs and Juniors and a small amount of freshmen. The Varsity is the best team of sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Seniors are cut if there are more talented underclassmen.
In my opinion, unless you are going to play every game, they are better off on JV or freshman teams. Better to play than sit.
Nice honor if you make it.... hollow if you sit and dont play.....
(my son made varsity as a freshman, looking back it would have been better to play a full freshman schedule and JV schedule than ride the bus as a varsity player and pinch run/pinch hit......)
This is a discussion we've been having at the park this week.
The kids want to make the highest team possible and I've had a few get insulted when I'd tell them that they'd be better suited playing the lower level. (more playing time)
The kids want to make the highest team possible and I've had a few get insulted when I'd tell them that they'd be better suited playing the lower level. (more playing time)
At our school, I think that there have been 2 freshman to make varsity in the last 7 years.
Conversely, last year, a nearby school had 4 or 5 freshman starters on varsity. This group of freshman participated in the LL World Series.
Conversely, last year, a nearby school had 4 or 5 freshman starters on varsity. This group of freshman participated in the LL World Series.
Last season, my son was the only FR to make varsity. Made the team due to his hitting. Had to "work" his way into the starting lineup. Started the last 17 games at 3B.
Tryouts for this season start 2/21. I don't expect any FR to make the varsity this season.
I agree with the comment that school size makes a big difference on this issue. The high schools in our county (10 of them) all have about 1,100-1,600 kids attending. We have JV and Varsity teams and as a general rule, very few FR make the varsity teams.
Tryouts for this season start 2/21. I don't expect any FR to make the varsity this season.
I agree with the comment that school size makes a big difference on this issue. The high schools in our county (10 of them) all have about 1,100-1,600 kids attending. We have JV and Varsity teams and as a general rule, very few FR make the varsity teams.
At our school freshman play on the freshman team (except very rare exceptions), most sophmores play JV, some (a few)sophmores play varsity, juniors and seniors can only play varsity. Last year there were no infielder slots open on varsity, all juniors and seniors, if my son had made varsity he would have sat or at best played occasional outfield. As it was he played on te freshman team as a shortstop and pitcher, played every inning of every game. They moved him up to JV for select games and again played every inning for every jv game they asked him to play. This year he is at 3rd on varsity and I hope again he gets plenty of playing time. Although my son on one level was disappointed that he didn't make varsity his freshman year and didn't get his letter or jacket, he knows that he was given the best opportunity he could have hoped for by participating in so many games.
No freshman made varsity this year at this school. Last year 1 and he was on the bench more then he or his parents could stand.
SmartSon made the varsity last year as a freshman. He is a catcher and came into a situation where he was simply the best option for the coach. Some might say he was lucky, we prefer to think he worked hard and made the most of the opportunity in front of him. He struggled some at the plate, but had a great season catching.
This year, we will may have two freshman make the varsity. Both are middle infielders who can also run well enough to play outfield when needed. We graduated all of our middle infielders from last year, and it was the weakest link ("GOODBYE") on our JV team last year.
We are a smaller size 5A Texas HS, with about 2300 students.
This year, we will may have two freshman make the varsity. Both are middle infielders who can also run well enough to play outfield when needed. We graduated all of our middle infielders from last year, and it was the weakest link ("GOODBYE") on our JV team last year.
We are a smaller size 5A Texas HS, with about 2300 students.
My son had the best of both worlds.
He made the varsity squad as a starting pitcher and backup infielder. However the coach allowed him to play JV on days he did not pitch or play infield for varsity. This gave him a chance to continue getting plenty of fielding and at bats throughout the season.
He made the varsity squad as a starting pitcher and backup infielder. However the coach allowed him to play JV on days he did not pitch or play infield for varsity. This gave him a chance to continue getting plenty of fielding and at bats throughout the season.
We are a school of 1,300 which is average to small in our area. (Closer to small.) We have had at least one freshman each year that I've been here play some varsity. Most of the time, it was as a runner. However, we've had several also get innings in as a pitcher. We have one stretch this year where we play 8 games in 9 days. We have another where we play a tournament minimum of 3 games and bookend that weekend with conference games. Therefore, we can't throw our top pitchers in the tournament. Mix in a couple of rainout makeups and we seem to need pitching each and every year. If a freshman is the best choice, he pitches.
My son is a freshman this year and only 1 freshman made the varsity so far. The kid bats well from both sides and plays 3B, the other varsity 3B is having grade problems....curious how it will all work out. There is one other kid (mid 80s pitcher) who threatened to move out of the district who is rumored to "move up" sometime soon, so there is always an angle.
While we'd like the honor of making the varsity we know there are very few freshman on a very successful HS program (at least measured in # of state championships) and look forward to lots of ABs on the freshman team and hopefully some JV time as well.
While we'd like the honor of making the varsity we know there are very few freshman on a very successful HS program (at least measured in # of state championships) and look forward to lots of ABs on the freshman team and hopefully some JV time as well.
none/school was 2300+
Although the best freshman player that year, a SS, immediately quit school, once assigned to the freshman team, and enrolled across the state line in MO, where I believe he was able to immediately start for the varsity.
NOTE: He was certainly one of the school's ten best players, and has since gone on to have a respectable college career.
Although the best freshman player that year, a SS, immediately quit school, once assigned to the freshman team, and enrolled across the state line in MO, where I believe he was able to immediately start for the varsity.
NOTE: He was certainly one of the school's ten best players, and has since gone on to have a respectable college career.
None. 2200 students in the high school. We had a nice pitcher who could have helped a bit on the mound, but he needed some seasoning and got a lot of AB's that he wouldn't have seen in the big show. Should be our #1 or 2 this year on the hill and potentially DH the other. I've only had 1 freshman play varsity in 9 years as a head coach- very few are physically ready, and most that are aren't ready mentally - tough assignment at such a young age...but I'd LOVE to have kids that talented!
Our high school had a strict no-freshmen policy. We had numerous D1 and pro players come through the program, but none played as freshmen. Only a select few have played as sophomores. If the freshman is mature enough mentally and physically, there's a possibility in some programs...but I think a year being a leader in his age group builds the player.
None this year at a school of 2800+.
One last year on a team that only won 6 games
One last year on a team that only won 6 games
How many freshmen made your high school varsity?My son's high school has about 800 kids in 9-12. The coach keeps between 25-30 kids each year and cuts the rest. They have a JV team but no freshman team. My youngest son is now a junior in high school but made the varsity starting lineup after the second game of his freshman season.
What was it about that freshman player that got him there? I guess I should stop here and brag a bit and say it was the great coaching he received from his dad but I won't. Actually, the starting second baseman from a year before did not return so the job was up for grabs. My son was stubborn and had tried out for shortstop [his normal position] in an attempt to beat out the assistant coache's son who had started at shortstop since the second half of the season the year before as a freshman. There was a junior and a sophomore competing for the second base position. The junior played the first game and had two errors and no hits. The sophomore started the second game and did not have the opportunity to commit a lot of physical errors because he was never in position to do his job. i.e., not covering second base with a man of first and the ball hit to the shortstop, you get the drift I hope. Since the junior out for second base was playing third at this time [the regular third baseman was pitching] my son was put into the game in the bottom of the 4th and played an errorless game both mentally and physically. When he came to bat in the top of the 6th he got a hit that scored what turned out to be the winning run. He has started at second base every game since. So my true answer to your second question would be the ability to show his talent for playing the game when the opportunity presented itself.
What was it about that freshman player that got him there? I guess I should stop here and brag a bit and say it was the great coaching he received from his dad but I won't. Actually, the starting second baseman from a year before did not return so the job was up for grabs. My son was stubborn and had tried out for shortstop [his normal position] in an attempt to beat out the assistant coache's son who had started at shortstop since the second half of the season the year before as a freshman. There was a junior and a sophomore competing for the second base position. The junior played the first game and had two errors and no hits. The sophomore started the second game and did not have the opportunity to commit a lot of physical errors because he was never in position to do his job. i.e., not covering second base with a man of first and the ball hit to the shortstop, you get the drift I hope. Since the junior out for second base was playing third at this time [the regular third baseman was pitching] my son was put into the game in the bottom of the 4th and played an errorless game both mentally and physically. When he came to bat in the top of the 6th he got a hit that scored what turned out to be the winning run. He has started at second base every game since. So my true answer to your second question would be the ability to show his talent for playing the game when the opportunity presented itself.
Those of you who have read some of my other posts will love this one...
We have 1 freshman make the Varsity, the hot incoming freshman running back. he is slotted to be the starting center fielder, very fast (I mean VERY fast). He is an average ball player and could develop into a good player, but a year on JV would better suit him. IMO
We have 1 freshman make the Varsity, the hot incoming freshman running back. he is slotted to be the starting center fielder, very fast (I mean VERY fast). He is an average ball player and could develop into a good player, but a year on JV would better suit him. IMO
quote:He is an average ball player and could develop into a good player, but a year on JV would better suit him. IMO
average ball players dont get better by sitting on the bench. Just an opinion.
When I was coaching I had this situation. Had a freshman who was playing some JV. Since we play on the same day I really never got a chance to see him play. My JV coach was telling me about him.Oh I could watch a practice but I always like to see a player in game situations. We had a freshman game scheduled on a saturday morning so I told the boy to report for the freshman game. We were not scheduled so I could attend. Well to make a long story short father approached me and was upset that I had demoted his son to the freshman team. Sometimes you cant win when you are trying to win.
Will
When you are a head coach at the HS level and HS Travel team level you are never right for everyone
When you are a head coach at the HS level and HS Travel team level you are never right for everyone
TRHit
and if you try you are in big trouble.
and if you try you are in big trouble.
I went to a pretty large HS and in the last 10 years or so I think two, maybe three, have played varsity as a Freshman.
One went on to play at Clemson and the other is now in the Padres organization. During my stay we had a few freshman get called up to dress during league and state playoffs, but they did not see any time.
One went on to play at Clemson and the other is now in the Padres organization. During my stay we had a few freshman get called up to dress during league and state playoffs, but they did not see any time.
Will
Funny sidebar here-- after my son graduated HS the AD offered me the Head Coach spot for the baseball team--I simply told him that if he valued his job he better take back the invite--he would have an insurrection on his hands--that is why we have our own program-- we have nobody, no booster groups et al telling us what to do--these are our means and methods--if you dont like them don't sign on
Cannot do that a HS coach
Funny sidebar here-- after my son graduated HS the AD offered me the Head Coach spot for the baseball team--I simply told him that if he valued his job he better take back the invite--he would have an insurrection on his hands--that is why we have our own program-- we have nobody, no booster groups et al telling us what to do--these are our means and methods--if you dont like them don't sign on
Cannot do that a HS coach
quote:we have nobody, no booster groups et al telling us what to do-
never had it and if for some reason (probably insanity)I ever got back into it would do the same.
No freshman have a chance to make the varsity baseball team...3,700+ students and very competitive sports programs except for varsity basketball.
My son '07 made the varsity team as a freshman(Catcher) we have around 2,000 kids.
He worked hard for a spot-was prepared and in condition when tryouts approached.
We got alot of flack for making the team-mostly from the parents of the older players that were placed on the JV team.
I have compassion for the older boys and their parents but it would be nice if they would give credit where it is do.
My son worked hard and displayed a positive attitude at tryouts and that is what got him on the team. The coach was new and didn't even know any kids and their ability.
As the saying goes "You get back what you put out" and that applies to putting out good stuff or bad stuff.
Have a wonderful day!!!
He worked hard for a spot-was prepared and in condition when tryouts approached.
We got alot of flack for making the team-mostly from the parents of the older players that were placed on the JV team.
I have compassion for the older boys and their parents but it would be nice if they would give credit where it is do.
My son worked hard and displayed a positive attitude at tryouts and that is what got him on the team. The coach was new and didn't even know any kids and their ability.
As the saying goes "You get back what you put out" and that applies to putting out good stuff or bad stuff.
Have a wonderful day!!!
quote:My son worked hard and displayed a positive attitude at tryouts
I'll bet 98% of the kids who got cut from the freshman squad had those qualities too!
BTW, once you're cut that positive attitude is termed "cockiness."
Catchermom~
I'm sure the hard work and positive attitude were just a bonus. I'm sure the coach saw the skills your son displayed that were necessary to the success of his program.
Someone much wiser and more knowledgeable than I once said the coach and the boys on the team know what they need in order to be successful. That's why they seldom complain about an underclassman making the varsity.
I'm sure the hard work and positive attitude were just a bonus. I'm sure the coach saw the skills your son displayed that were necessary to the success of his program.
Someone much wiser and more knowledgeable than I once said the coach and the boys on the team know what they need in order to be successful. That's why they seldom complain about an underclassman making the varsity.
My son was told that he would play JV his Freshman year. After first practice, brought home Varsity uni....Started and played in every Varsity game for 4 yrs at 2nd base! (bet you could have guessed that from my moniker!) I think one other boy, a pitcher, was brought up during the season as a freshman. School has 2,800.
And you're right Collikar, the boys were soooooo
much more accepting than the parents! We always had to watch games from the outfield to avoid the horrible comments made by the "adults"!
much more accepting than the parents! We always had to watch games from the outfield to avoid the horrible comments made by the "adults"!
just a little rundown of how many players from each grade made varsity. note that every senior and junior that tried out made the team. we are just lacking in seniors.
seniors-6
juniors-10
soph-8
fresh-0
seniors-6
juniors-10
soph-8
fresh-0
How many of those freshman who made varsity would have been league age 14 freshmen?