i hear another rumor

play...Wow!!! I certainly hope that is a rumor. If it is true, this coach obviously does not have the players' best interest in mind. I cannot imagine anyone doing something like this. And what happens if the kid takes a lesson from an "unapproved" instructor? Are they cut from the team? Please let this be a rumor.

Hey guys in the real world this happens. If you go outside the " approved list " the player will end up in the dog house or worse. Even if the the player has been working with the instructor for years and has contributed to his success. It comes down to control, credit and ego. There are more " politics " in baseball than you think.

I think we all know about politics in baseball. Of course, if a kid asked my opinion on whether he should go to A or B, I might have a preference, but if the kid feels more comfortable with the other and he will improve, then I do not have a problem with that. It is just a wonder why coaches who have "approved lists" are still allowed to coach...enter politics. I just cannot fathom holding a kid back from getting better, just for my self-interest. What is the point of coaching then? It is not a popularity contest but it is evident that some make it out to be.

Fellas...This is another example of parents giving up their parental responsibility.

The coaches work for the school district which is composed of the taxpayer/parents of the district.. It is not the other way around.

Look at what is happening in Minooka...See the Herald News article about the "firestorm" surrounding the AD.

If you don't like something in the athletic program, SAY SOMETHING to the coach or AD or principal. But...say something!

If people knew where it was happening, hopefully they would say something...for the kid's sake.

Let's face it not all HS programs are the same nor their coaches. There are philosophical, moral and ethical issues. Each coach has his own " personality " for lack of a better word. For some their interests are ahead of the players. The coach has his own agenda, he is the " king " of his kingdom.

Running to the AD or principal is not always the answer either. Every school is different.
Some ADs and principals are not in the position

Sorry, sent before I finished.
Some ADs and principals are not in the position to get involved and if they do the repercussions to the player could be very detrimental. The Coach holds all the cards.

Through some information I received..certain players on a certain high school team are required to take pitching and hitting lessons (paid for) from the pitching and hitting coaches at the school. There were other statements made that I will not go into because it did not involve the people I know.

I know if it were my sons coach, I would be SCREAMING!!!!!!

Again, if a coach is making his players take lessons from "him" or "his staff" and making the kids pay, that makes me sick. Coaches should help the kids for the sake of making them better, hence making the team better. He can reap the rewards when the win the Conference, Regional, Sectional, State, whatever.

Of course, as Seen says, there are the good and the bad. Hopefully the good far out-weigh the bad.

As a coach I love that the kids are spending their extra time doing something productive. I notice that my best players are those who work hard and have a focus about their baseball future. However, get the whole story before you continue to bash head coaches and group all coaches in you shallow minded gruop. The personal instructors that most of my kids see are hard working stand up guys, and my program benefits from their hard work. However, there are instances that a personal hitting/pitching instructor will be working with a kid who is of far less talent than required to make a varsity team. Do you think they tell the kid and parent that the kid will have a difficult time making the team, or do they continue telling the kid that he has a legitmate chance if he keeps coming in to see his instructor. This is a business for them and talent is not the criteria. I would like to state again that I love the work and personal touch of the instructors at the place most of my kids take lessons. This is where the conflict arises. A personal instructor tells the kid all the good things about him and he ends up being cut. To justify it, the parent or kid is told that the coach doesn't know what he is talking about. Would you become frustrated if you cut a kid who had no right to be a varsity player, and then people tell him you don't know waht your talking about? I am appauld that a HS coach would take money from a player. I think more HS coaches need to offer the kids a chance to work on their game without spending any money. This is why they got in the business, to coach. I guess you can tell that you struck a nerve.

Ballfan,

I've been there. You applaud a kid for hard work and improvement and they sometimes mistake that for a letter of recommendation to be a starter for their team. I've learned that I have to be more clear about what I say so as not to be misunderstood.

Didn't intend to have my comments to be interpreted as bashing all head coaches. Not the case at all. Just like people there are all kinds. Most do their best and for the right reasons, but not all. I agree with Ballfan's comments and too, not all instructors are the same.That said, there is ( are ) programs that give and charge players for lessons ( usually in the off season ). There also is an "approved" list and if you stray outside the repercussions can be severe if not terminal. There are times it does come down to control and credit.

Sounds to me that certain coaches on the south side of town want it their way or the highway and are willing to charge kids to make sure that their system is in place once the season starts.That's unreal!! I am an advocate for kids to go get private lessons for other baseball minds. I think that other points of view are important in their learning progression. However, like Dono said, their must be clear communication so that their abiility level isnt misunderstood. All that does is give them a HUGE ego in the offseason only to come crashing down during hte regular season.

Can't understand any coach that would do such! Running to the AD shouldn't make any difference as the policies usually come down from the top.
Sometimes all you can do is to try and work around the system but do what is best for your son.

Knowledge is Power! Thank you Mavens and HSBBWEB!

The best "lesson" anyone can get comes from within the player. That "lesson" is a passion for the game and a work ethic to fulfill your goals.

You can buy all the lessons, bats and gloves you want. Its all for nothing, unless the player has it inside of him to make it without all the extra $250 bats, gloves and lessons. Once this passion is established and the work ethic is proven. If you feel like you must be tutored to excel, then it may be appropriate to do so.

Coaches and parents can make lists of whos good and whos bad. They can spend thousands on lessons and eqipment. But, why? Is it for you (coach/parent) or the kid (because they love the game and are ready to learn)?

Its about passion, not lessons.