Gentlemen,
Long time no talk, last time I commented I was in Chicago building a baseball program at a new High School.
Second season went 12-1. Decided to leave Chicago to move back to my hometown and teach. Timing has it, I was able to get on as a Varsity Assistant/JV and Middle School Baseball Coach. It's another Inner-City program.
Head Coach is happy to have me on board as another set of eyes (He was working solo last season) teach fundamentals and have been able to establish rapport with some of the athletes in the school that have not been coming out (We are both teachers in the H.S. I teach JROTC).
This is what I am coming across now, theres quite a few juniors and seniors that are popping up saying they want to play Baseball and have not participated at the H.S. level previously.
The first question I ask them is how much Baseball they have played: The usual response "I'm an athlete" or "Can you teach me how to play?"
Upperclassmen (Jr's Sr's) in my opinion unless they are going to make an immediate impact on a young team or serious studs it's kind of a high-risk venture if they don't get a lot of playing time, as they can start to pout and become a cancer to your team.
Me and the HC are willing to give anyone a chance, if the kid can play we can find work/a role for him. How have you as coaches dealt with first time juniors and seniors coming out for your team and what are some of your philosophies on this from a team-building standpoint?
Input is appreciated, looking forward to start throwing this week.
Original Post