Is this common procedure?

This is going to be a pretty individualized decision and you'll see it mainly at a bigger school because there will (or should be) good talent at the upper grades. If this happens it's not the end of the world and should be used as a situation to drive a kid to work harder to prove himself even more. There have been many times where I've seen kids who have the talent but lack something mentally to be on varsity. It's good to help them develop in that way. Also, some younger kids with talent have never had to work for anything because they were always "the best". It doesn't hurt for them to get some humble pie by not automatically going to varsity.

Neither of my baseball sons played on varsity as freshmen in HS. Two different HS's, two very different reasons (coach policy on first one and high talent level at school on second one).

I don't see it as any problem at all. They both ended up in the Pac10/12.

I liked my younger son's HS coach's advice on this...and he does put freshmen on varsity when warranted. He basically noted that there is a very wide difference in maturity between 14/15-year olds and 18-year olds...including some of the things they may talk about in the dugout and around the cages and that a parent should carefully consider whether or not they want their freshman son fully immersed in that.

Something to think about anyways.

thanks guys--right now it looks like I'm going to most likely dress for varsity non-conference games and scrimmages, then play JV for conference games, etc.

A college coach will never know someone was a 4 year varsity player unless you tell him. He will then know the league/school wasn't very deep in talent. 4 years is huge in strength in high school. It's the USA baseball freshman who might make Varsity in good leagues and that's a MIGHT.

many coaches do not take freshman--- my so did not play varsity as frosh but as an of he got a d-1 scholarship

It is definitely on a case by case basis depending on the coach and what his policies are. I would tell your son to not worry about what level he is at, and just to focus on what is more in his control, such as his effort level and focus. All he needs to focus on is continuing to get better. Every second he spends worrying about why he is not on varsity is a second he loses that he could have used to get better.

quote:

Originally posted by 2015Lefty:
it looks like I'm going to most likely dress for varsity non-conference games

Good. This is usually where underclassmen get their first shots. 'Youthful inexperience' mistakes can cost games. If one happens in a non-conference game, it won't hurt the team, as far as playoffs go. Remember, it's about the team, not just you.

Sounds like you might get some playing time. If you don't get in, don't worry about it. Watch and learn. If you play and don't do so well, don't worry about that, either. Just keep your head up and keep working. Good luck and have fun this season. Let us know how things go.

Last year my freshman son was moved to the varsity, and got put in a game with the bases loaded and no outs....the other team had put up 4 runs on our starter and was swinging for the fences.....son got two outs then gave up a GS
I was ticked, I got over it, he was sent back to JV a week later.......

Best thing that ever happened to him. He was a player that was always the best and was used to winning. This made him work harder, and not take things for granted.

Physically he was there, mentally he was not.

This year he started the season on the varsity as a soph. We'll see what happens...I know one thing I have learned to stay out of it and just enjoy it.

Good advice Conner and welcome to the hsbaseballweb

quote:

Originally posted by calisportsfan:
A college coach will never know someone was a 4 year varsity player unless you tell him. He will then know the league/school wasn't very deep in talent. 4 years is huge in strength in high school. It's the USA baseball freshman who might make Varsity in good leagues and that's a MIGHT.

actually, you are on target with that one--only know of one frosh that made varsity on a private school contender last year--T. Stokes @ Calvert Hall

At our high school there is no policy, the head coach has been there for 30 years, has the most wins as a coach in the state, he says the best players regardless of grade play varsity.

That being said there is a big difference between 15 and 18 year old high school boys.

If you ask our head coach he will tell you that in all his years only five freshman have made the varsity team, and he can name them and the year they graduated.

We aren't a big school or big state. What I know, (which is very limimted), thats how it is in my state and assume across the country.

quote:

he says the best players regardless of grade play varsity.

why wouldn't a coach play his best players. That being said As far as freshman on varsity. I never had a player on varsity as a freshman . As a matter of fact I had over many years maybe 8-10 sophomores who played varsity. All of them were exceptional and played at the d1 level. I was at large enrollment school so i had the luxury of numbers. A freshman or sophomore can not get any better sitting on the bench on varsity. You are a freshman or sophomore would you rather be on the varsity and sitting or on the JV or freshman playing?

My Son's (2014) D1 school does not allow Freshman on the JV team. Freshman play on the Freshman team ( 51 Freshman tried out last year, over 800 freshman in My Son's class), Sophmores on the JV team & Juniors & Seniors on the Varsity team. It is what it is. We do not have a very strong Baseball program & this is partially why. I am relying on Showcases & Showcase leagues for exposure right now. i would rather he Start & play every game than sit.

if that is the hs procedure then so be it---what is your question ?-- many schools have similar situations---what level is your boy at

quote:

Originally posted by CBMDad:
My Son's (2014) D1 school does not allow Freshman on the JV team. Freshman play on the Freshman team ( 51 Freshman tried out last year, over 800 freshman in My Son's class), Sophmores on the JV team & Juniors & Seniors on the Varsity team. It is what it is. We do not have a very strong Baseball program & this is partially why. I am relying on Showcases & Showcase leagues for exposure right now. i would rather he Start & play every game than sit.

How in the world are you guys not very good? That seems like the perfect set up to develop and build better players. Obviously most will be whittled down / away through cuts as they progress on but by doing it this way you are (or should be) maximizing the teaching at each level.

I would love to be at a big school that has so many freshmen come out you can teach the fundamentals to, fine tune them on a JV team and then go out and compete (although all three levels should compete overall) for a state title.

Good luck to your son on this upcoming season.