Knowing when your "Maxed Out"

Whats going on lebanon? Aren't you an incomming freshman to college? If I recall you also have an awesome GPA...

There is no specific point when you know a player has "maxed out". Each player and family has to decide what the situation is and what their next step will be. As far as maxing out talent, that can happen to a certain point I guess. But remember even the best in MLB still have more untapped potential. It just starts becoming more mental then physical at a certain point. I guess the question really is when do you decide other things/priorities in life outweigh the dedication this game requires to keep pushing on and moving to the next levels?

Having a talk with your family and loved ones is always helpful. Not to say they have the answers but to have those you trust listen to you and have a conversation with about what is going on can be helpful. One must come to their own realization when it's time to hang the cleats up but never forget baseball is a game of failure. Pursue your goals until you are content and can walk away with no regrets looking back on what you have done.

Just as the victors write the history books, we often only have the 'exceptional' cases to look upon as a frame of reference......but don't let that get in the way of the point:

It has often been stated that Roger Clemens topped out at 81-82 in high school.

Strasburg, also, was a decent but somewhat run-of-the-mill pitcher, I believe, his first couple of years of college -- and then he caught fire and had a big velocity increase.....

There are surely thousands more stories of increased success, seemingly past the point where people think they've maxed out, that we'll never hear about -- but that got those players to the next level, if that's what their hearts desired.

Heck, I'm 49 and I still think I got some gas left in the tank!

It would be better if you explain your circumstances. It just may be there's an obstacle in your way and you have to decide what it will take and how badly you want to get past the obstacle.

lebanonbb,
Maxing out is like the search for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You'll never truly get there but you can get farther and farther from your starting point as long as you strive to make mental and physical adjustments constantly. There is no concrete point that is your maximum, you'll only know that you reached the highest point of your potential as you look back on the way down. The physical portion may have limits but the mental tools and heart can carry a player far beyond he ever imagined.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

floridafan and RJM- I am an upcoming junior in HS with a 3.9 GPA. As for what is going on, I guess it's just the lack of my own approval. I'm my toughest critic, as most players are, and I'm just in need of some confidence right now. School baseball took a serious shot to my confidence and I don't believe I have moved on with it. I don't believe I have a shot in my town to ever be given a chance and I think it has carried over into the Summer. I feel like I have the biggest monkey on my back when I am playing, regardless of where and how. I would say as of now I'm just not comfortable on the field, more defensably then offensivenly. My traveling team disbanded after the Fall and I joined another with former teammates from the same team. I would say that all 3 of us feel like we need to do more and I also feel like I am doing a lot of traveling with my family which I feel is kinda a burden on me if I do not play well. I play on a team 2 and half to 3 hours away. I believe I can pitch also, and really haven't gotten much of a chance in the Summer to prove myself as other teammates(no offense to them at all) have been hit hard. I can't honestly say I wouldn't get hit hard either, but I haven't gotten a oppurtunity to see what would happen. In the Spring, I was the 3rd Pitcher on JV as a sophomore, which I still think I didn't deserve to be on, but I made the most of it batting above .300 and having an ERA under 3 in many tough outings considering the team was not the strongest defensively. Defensively I always felt I was stronger, but this fall I haven't done well. I've been put into 3 different spots in the Outfield, which I am fine with, but coach feels I am best fitted on my weakest OF spot which is Left Field. I don't really think I fit in on the roster if I wasn't hitting the ball and getting on base as well as I am right now. However, I want to prove that I deserve to be out there defensively aswell. With a feeling that you don't fit in on the roster, it makes you overthink and just not be as mentally focused. I haven't struggled defensively in a long time, and I am not sure if it's my confidence, my chip on my shoulder, or if I have straight up overmatched by the competition. I love the Coaching staff, I enjo playing with a majority of the guys and most of all I love the game. I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure why I am posting on a website either about my problems, but I would say that most of you have been in this position or delt with someone in it so I'd like some opinions please.

I'm not sure I can answer your question, but I am sure that others here will offer up great advice as they usually do.

I can only say that I am incredibly impressed with a junior in hs who can come here and 1) seek advice; and, 2) be as articulate in describing your situation as you have. I don't know many in high school who could do as well.

No matter what may happen on the baseball field, I am confident you have a future as a writer.

To address your original post....keep enjoying the game. Play it hard and to the best of your ability. After that, that's all you can do. It's true that sometimes, as we develop, we all plateau a bit occasionally. Keep working hard and pretty soon that plateau will be far behind and you will be amazed at how much better you are becoming. Keep the faith and make sure you are surrounding yourself with positive people who are supportive.

Remember...nobody promised it would be easy. They only promised it would be worth it.

The best advice I can give you…is stop thinking so much.

You are handcuffing yourself with all this extra pressure about stuff you really can’t control. You are obviously a good ball player by the fact that you made your school team and that you continue to get significant playing time on your travel team. Focus on things you can control…don’t worry about the things you can’t.

You can’t control the coach’s decisions (whether he plays you in left or center, pitches you or not.) All you can control is how hard you work and how thoroughly you prepare. By showing the coaches your work ethic, which will more than likely help your game continue to develop, you will be presented with more opportunities. Instead of looking at playing left as a detriment to your skills…look at it as an opportunity to become a more well-rounded ball player. If you improve your skills in left (even if it remains your weakest OF position) nothing bad can happen.

Also, if you love the coaching staff and have a good relationship with them…talk to them. Not in a whiny “I wanna pitch” way…but just communicate some of the things you are struggling with. They may have some ideas/input on how to get you over the hump.

Good luck and stop stressing…when it is all said and done…it is truly just a game, that unfortunately will come to an end much too quickly…enjoy it!

It seems to me that the mental struggles are the most challenging part of the game. My son really likes this book : "Heads Up Baseball" by Ken Ravizza and Tom Hanson. It really has helped him with keeping focused when he is doing badly and not worrying about the future when he is doing well. Good luck!

First, and I mean this with positive intentions, no pity parties allowed. You have to believe and keep plugging. Second, any position on the field is better than any on the bench. If leftfield is a more difficult outfield position you need to work harder at it to help your team.

Given you're going to be a junior next year nothing that hasn't gone your way matters yet. Be grateful you're not my son. He's on crutches this summer missing showcases leading into his senior year.

Work hard through the summer and into next season on your game. Work hardest on your biggest flaws. Regardless of what happens on your high school team and summer team even next year, you can select individual showcases and camps to show your skills to the right college coaches. With your GPA and the right SAT scores you will be able to pick the college program that matches your baseball skills. Good luck. And hang in there. Work hard.

RJM, sorry to hear about your son. I hope he's off crutches soon and can continue his baseball career apace!

LebanonBB - I downloaded these podcasts for my rising 9th grade son. He's always been a very talented, successful player, but is having his worst season ever after a huge growth spurt. He doesn't believe he'll ever be good again -- a total head case. He's just starting to listen to them, so I can't say how good they are, but you may find them helpful as they're geared toward players your age. When your head is in a bad place, sometimes you have to try all sorts of things to see what works.

http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podcasts/23811

That said, you need to figure out what your heart is saying. There are times my son thinks about quitting (he's seen what older brother has gone through playing HS ball and he doesn't know if he's tough enough). Then he realizes how much he'd miss the game if he were not playing. Is your heart still in the game? It's perfectly ok to move on -- I know kids who said it was never fun after Little League and have no regrets that they quit shortly thereafter. Just make sure that if/when you stop playing, it's because you are done with the game and not that you think that the game is done with you. As a rising junior, there is still way too much phyically and mentally that can change everything.

Good luck and have faith that things will turn out the way they are supposed to. You sound like a mature young man -- you have a bright future no matter what you decide!

What does your parents say? Have you offered them the opportunity to answer and help solve your concerns that you have mentioned on this site. I would think that would be a good start.

As many have said here, you seem to have a very good head on your shoulders and should be able to work it out.

RJM- Your pity party remarks were the exact reason why I was questioning posting on this site. Regardless of how I worded it in my post, it would come out that way and that is the COMPLETE opposite of what I am trying to do. I'm not trying to whine about my playing time, position,etc. I am looking for advice. If anyone knew me and who I was, you'd know that I am the complete opposite of a guy who is looking for some sympathy. I don't like for an excuse, I tell it straight up what happen. If I dropped it, then I dropped it, no excuses. I mean no disrespect at all either, I hope you realize this. I'm just stating that through the internet, emotions cannot by thoroughly expressed.

MHC- I appreciate the help. I have no doubt that I love the game. The only doubt I have is in my playing ability which is, in my opinion at least, a huge difference. I will check out the podcasts though, Thanks!


Danny- As for talking for my parents, they just really tell me to just calm down and stop overthinking. Have confidence and everything will fall in place. That's why I came onto the site, because I feel that a player or father who is or has gone through this can help more. I respect my parents descision completely, but I like to hear from a different point of view.
As for everyone else, I appreciate the advice.

Very good lebanonbb, all the best to you!

lebanon - I think you ask a fair question here.

I don't believe it is possible to max-out at baseball. The sport is simply too complicated to master.

The main thing to guard against is getting discouraged. Do not listen to other voices out there other than from your parents or coaches who know you and love you and will continue to encourage you. There are so many negative people out there and they love to hurt people with negativity and ill will. I am convinced that thousands of baseball careers end prematurely every year. Not because of talent mind you. Merely because they became discouraged. Never let someone elses opinion (other than a coach trying to help you) influence you. For many, the time to blossom is not for years and years down the road. The only question for you is - do you have the desire and fortitude and courage to work through these tough times in order to reap the glorious times down the road.

lebanonbb....kudos to you for posting this question, because i'm sure our discussion here will let other players in your situation breathe a sigh of relief.

i think if most of us look back we can find parallel circumstances in our lives. chosen career paths that we later question, relationships, for several friends and one family member the decision to FINALLY retire from professional baseball, etc. the question is when do we need to adjust our attitude or outlook, when do we need to dig deeper, and when do we cash in and leave the table.....

my answer isn't really an answer.....it's different for everyone. but if you still love the game and you enjoy your teammates and at your age, you probably owe it yourself to finish it out at least through high school. you can't get those days back. i suggest you try to remember what made it fun as a kid and then go have FUN!!!! after all it's just a game.

goodluck and best wishes to you.....you've got a bright future no matter what you choose!

quote:

Originally posted by lebanonbb:
Danny- As for talking for my parents, they just really tell me to just calm down and stop overthinking. Have confidence and everything will fall in place.

I think that your parents are right on. But I don't think it's maxed out rather than burnt out.

What you are experiencing just doesn't happen to young HS players, but college players and pro players as well.

Perhaps you just need some time off, you might consider taking the rest of the summer to do something other than baseball. That usually revives the spirit, which to me seems you are lacking, temporarily, I hope.

My son went through this end of his freshman year in college, he was totally burnt, not happy with his end of year performance, so he gave up his spot at the cape came home for 2 weeks, totally bored, went back to work Clemson camp for a few weeks, slept late, went to the lake everyday to play like Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, caught up on movies he had missed (he's a movie buff), played lots of nintendo and eager and ready to begin fall practice and classes. He was like a new person.

Sit down and have a talk with your folks.

I agree with Cleveland Dad and TPM. YOU have control of your situation. You must decide what to do, and I think taking some time off is just the ticket. It is a funny, and sometimes cruel game, but one you fall in love with. Don't give up, just take a break. And like your parents said, don't overthink it.

LebanonBB, this has been a very tough week for my daughter. I won't bore you with the details other than to say her heart was broken when she didn't get offered by the school she wants to go to the most. She went .500 for the weekend tournament with that coach in the stands, had the game winning RBIs in two games ... We played a DH on Wednesday night and again, she did exceedingly well but suffered other setbacks. Her Mother and I could see the stress mounting. So, today, she attended a camp with 5 or 6 head coaches in it. One of these head coaches is a coach at another school where she has a friend committed to already and they are a good D-I. She really gave it her all. Sprinted everywhere. It was hot. One coach told the group that he was going to have my dd do a series of cone drills and throw a ball. My dd was expected to dive and catch the ball. She flat out went as hard as she could then laid out and caught the ball. I was really proud of her efforts. We got home. It was so hot today and they went for 5 hours. She told me how badly her legs hurt. She said she was so tired. I told her that is what her first day of college ball will be like. She didn't hear me. She was sound asleep. I know she is so hurt and disappointed. Still, when she woke up, she started talking about what she got out of the camp, what she did good and bad and then talked about the next exposure tournament where she wants to impress the next group of coaches. You are young. You have so much ahead of you. It is easy to lose focus. It is easy to give in to human nature. Human nature dictates that one take the easy way out. My dd's not licked yet. She's still got the dream. You do too. Even with two steps forward and one step back, you're making progress. JMHO!

Every player knows when it's time for them to hang the spikes on the wall and walk away from the game. Some players fight it longer than others but everyone knows when it's their time to say goodbye to the game they love. I received phone calls from two very good college baseball players that I coached while they were in high school just this week saying they just wanted to be students.

Player #1 3X All-Region & 2X All-State
Did not get to sign with his dream school
Sprained ankle one week before summer league after senior year & could not play that summer season
Mono in March of his freshmen year in college & spent one week in the hospital
hit by pitch Summer after freshmen year and missed 2 weeks of college summer ball
pulled hamstring in the fall of his sophmore year and could not run for 3 weeks
sprained shoulder spring of his sophmore season

Player #2 3X All-Region & 1X All-State
Signed with a good D1
Torn labrum in the non throwing shoulder in summer after graduation
sprained knee in April of freshmen year
had knee scoped in summer after freshmen season
pulled hamstring in March of his sophmore season & missed 5 weeks of the season

Both of the players are strong students and good players but are tired of fighting injuries and decided to retire from the game. Player number one really just wants to be a student and will probably go to law school. Player number two would like to play but the torn labrum still get's sore when he takes the number of bp swings he needs to be successful. He was offered to intern at NIKE this summer and will probably get his MBA and be very successful in life.

These are two different individuals with different circumstances and both have decided to walk away from the game. What people need to understand is that to play at the highest level of college or professional baseball the individual must be: 1. very talented 2. stay injury free 3. have luck on their side at some point and time 4. have an advocate in the organization that is pushing for you to be successful

quote:

What people need to understand is that to play at the highest level of college or professional baseball the individual must be: 1. very talented 2. stay injury free 3. have luck on their side at some point and time 4. have an advocate in the organization that is pushing for you to be successful

Good stuff cbg!

Sometimes, you have to be hard-headed enough to persevere when there are no advocates. Sometimes, a hard-nosed and determined player who loves the game, will grow on a coach somewhere down the road. When that happens, they will have their advocate. Luck is a big factor in all this.

Coach Darrell - loved your story about your daughter. Please let her know that she has a huge fan here in Cleveland Ohio that is cheering her on to great things. Good things happen to people like that!

I appreciate everyone's stories. That's mainly what I was wanting to hear, the personal experiences. I'll take every ounce of advice in here. Thanks!

Look forward, not back.

quote:

Luck is a big factor in all this.

Amen to that! Anyone that thinks otherwise is delusional.

Sometimes walking away for a while and clearing your head is exactly what the doctor ordered. I do it at work and come back with renewed enthusiasm.
When all else fails, trust your instincts. They will generally steer you in the right direction.

Cleveland Dad, thanks for the support. DD is having one heck of a tournament and today alone played in front of 12-15 head coaches. She is hitting some major bombs. We don't know if they were impressed or not. She was robbed of one homerun when the centerfielder ran through the fence (field had a collaspable fence) to catch the ball. My daughter clapped for her. It made my eyes water seeing that. She is a good player but a great person. We'll be happy with that.