After 7 months of hard work, my son made the team as a lefty pitcher(senior)after never trying out before. Thanks for all the well whishes!
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Congrats! HS baseball is awesome. Having a lefty in the rotation is special. His hard work has paid off. However, his hard work has just begun. Tell him to continue working hard and enjoy the season!
congratulations to the young man
I remember your earlier post about the upcoming tryouts, and the fact that he had not tried out before. Congratulations to him! I hope he has a fantastic time this season.
Congrats, good luck with the season! It's great to hear when a player has the determination and drive!
Great Job!
Great Job!
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That's nothing. Thank you for treating us to such a great screen name!
Keep us posted Tooster!
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- "Thanks for all the well whishes!"
That's nothing. Thank you for treating us to such a great screen name!
Keep us posted Tooster!
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Nice! 
I think your son's going to be a success in life with that hardwork, don't give up attitude!
Lefties just ain’t right…… Great stuff!!! 
Tooster,
How come he didn't try out prior, did he play a different spring sport or did he just start liking baseball?
How come he didn't try out prior, did he play a different spring sport or did he just start liking baseball?
quote:Tooster,
How come he didn't try out prior, did he play a different spring sport or did he just start liking baseball?
There were probably a few reasons that contributed to why he never tried out.
He played hockey year round and participated in countless camps and clinics and most likely envisioned himself as a hockey player. There was no freshmen team, and he did not makee JV's after 2 attempts. He could have lost faith in himself or the system.
He has always played and loved baseball but for whatever reason he was never given the opportunities to earn the kind of confidence it would take to compete with those who did reiceve those opportunities, so he most likely saw himself below their level.
And lastly he is a quiet,very shy kid who probably never spoke up for himself.
Makes sense. Sounds like this player was a good athlete to begin with but needed to put the work in necessary to compete at the HS varsity level, fine tune some raw skills for baseball and gain some confidence along the way. Good athletes can catch up very fast if they work at it. Great athletes can pick up a ball for the first time and still be the best player on the field, and will have the biggest upside. Also, being a pitcher and a lefthanded pitcher at that certainly helps.
quote:Sounds like this player was a good athlete to begin with but needed to put the work in necessary to compete at the HS varsity level
I would say thats pretty accurate, additionally he did run x-country for 3 years and spring track 1 year.
Congrats!
Enjoy the season!
Hey Folks, we are looking for a little advice. As you know Latebloomer made the HS team, so far through 6 games he has not seen any playing time.
There has not been any indication that will change as the coach seems to go with 2 alternating starters and then bring positional players
in relief, keeping the starters in the game.
There is a 16-18 year old league that gets under way soon,and latebloomer is on a roster but cannot play due to varsity coach’s rule that players can not play outside of team play. For the time being we are ok with waiting and seeing if he gets an opportunity. But if we get to 10 games in and nothing has changed, would latebloomer be better of playing on the other team where at least he would have opportunity to play?
There has not been any indication that will change as the coach seems to go with 2 alternating starters and then bring positional players
in relief, keeping the starters in the game.
There is a 16-18 year old league that gets under way soon,and latebloomer is on a roster but cannot play due to varsity coach’s rule that players can not play outside of team play. For the time being we are ok with waiting and seeing if he gets an opportunity. But if we get to 10 games in and nothing has changed, would latebloomer be better of playing on the other team where at least he would have opportunity to play?
Way too ez. 
Choice between playing or sitting cuz the coach doesnt like it if he gets playing time on another team?
Whats he gonna do....bench the kid?
BTW prepare for lots of incoming messges along the lines of the coach knows what he is doing, its for the good of the team, there is no I in team etc...
Choice between playing or sitting cuz the coach doesnt like it if he gets playing time on another team?
Whats he gonna do....bench the kid?
BTW prepare for lots of incoming messges along the lines of the coach knows what he is doing, its for the good of the team, there is no I in team etc...
quote:Originally posted by NoReplay:
Way too ez.
Choice between playing or sitting cuz the coach doesnt like it if he gets playing time on another team?
Whats he gonna do....bench the kid?
BTW prepare for lots of incoming messges along the lines of the coach knows what he is doing, its for the good of the team, there is no I in team etc...
Terrible advice and I'm not going with what you put. He should stay with the high school team because he made a commitment. There shouldn't be a rule from the coach saying not to play because the players should know going in that it's not good to move onto another team.
It's a cop out and telling everyone "I'm not getting my way here so I'm going to pack up and head somewhere else". Way too selfish.
If he wants to play on the other team then he needs to quit the high school team but that just opens up a whole new arguemnt.
But see now there is the rub, isnt it. He has to stay committed to the team that doesnt play him but the coach, who also committrd to put him on the team, doesnt need to play him? And then says he cant play for anybody else? He is not going to get another senior year, but that coach wont care, wont remember him and will have another kid sitting next year as well cuz hey, thats what he does.
OP did not say kid was gonna quit, btw, but rather that he was hoping to actually get some playing time on another team. Its a cinch he is not going to be overused/worn out by the bench time on the hs team.
No way no how is it rational to take the postion the kid should continue to "notplay", exclusively, for the hs team and thus miss out entirely on a playing experience in his hs years.
OP did not say kid was gonna quit, btw, but rather that he was hoping to actually get some playing time on another team. Its a cinch he is not going to be overused/worn out by the bench time on the hs team.
No way no how is it rational to take the postion the kid should continue to "notplay", exclusively, for the hs team and thus miss out entirely on a playing experience in his hs years.
Don't ever assume your ballplayer will never get in a game. One time after a JV game finished, my son walked over to the varsity dugout to watch and the HC told him to get on his helmet and get up in the on deck circle and that he was up next. This was in a conference tournament game and he came up in a crucial time, not garbage time. Caught him off guard but he learned that he better be ready at all times.
As for quitting for the rec team, he should forget about that unless he'd rather play for them. He must've known going in that once he made the team, as a first time ballplayer in the program, he may have to work harder in practice than everyone else to get the shot. To quit would be a copout but I suppose it's up to him.
My son could've easily quit after his junior year as a handful of others did because they felt they were getting screwed for playing time. All this did was made my son see that by hanging in there and busting his tail, he'll have a shot and in his senior year, he rose very quickly to a starter batting 3rd in the order and a key player in an unexpected conference tournament run. There were players ahead of him in the pecking order so his rise to starter wasn't handed to him. He busted his tail for it.
Now maybe he was in the program longer compared to your kid but until you make varsity, you're still trying out so he had to outwork and outplay the competition in scrimmage to get the opportunity and he took advantage of it.
Now if it don't work out, then so be it but to quit and not give it a shot teaches him nothing about hanging in there, fighting it out and not giving up.
As for quitting for the rec team, he should forget about that unless he'd rather play for them. He must've known going in that once he made the team, as a first time ballplayer in the program, he may have to work harder in practice than everyone else to get the shot. To quit would be a copout but I suppose it's up to him.
My son could've easily quit after his junior year as a handful of others did because they felt they were getting screwed for playing time. All this did was made my son see that by hanging in there and busting his tail, he'll have a shot and in his senior year, he rose very quickly to a starter batting 3rd in the order and a key player in an unexpected conference tournament run. There were players ahead of him in the pecking order so his rise to starter wasn't handed to him. He busted his tail for it.
Now maybe he was in the program longer compared to your kid but until you make varsity, you're still trying out so he had to outwork and outplay the competition in scrimmage to get the opportunity and he took advantage of it.
Now if it don't work out, then so be it but to quit and not give it a shot teaches him nothing about hanging in there, fighting it out and not giving up.
When this boy went out for tryouts he was basically agreeing to be on the team under the coaches rules if he made the team. That includes everything even a rule that says he can't play on other teams. That includes possibly sitting on the bench the entire year.
I'm glad the boy made the team and has the opportunity to compete for a position. He's not playing because he still may not be good enough or maybe the coach just doesn't have a clue. We don't know but he still has a responsibility to the high school team to try and compete for a position.
What if this kid is on the verge of getting playing time. Due to the fact he was behind since he hasn't played in years he needed this time to get up to speed. The coach decides he's going to play later in the week because he's gotten himself better. Early in the week he plays for his rec league team and gets hit in the wrist with a pitch. Broken hand and he's out the rest of the summer. How is that fair to this boy and to his teammates on the high school team? Yes injuries can happen at anytime but this is one that could have been avoided.
Let's say on a Wednesday both teams are playing. Where does the kid go and which team does he show up for? According to you he should go with the rec league and if that's the case then why is he still on the high school team? Go ahead and quit instead of slapping your teammates in the face by not showing up. You're telling him "hey guys since I don't play on this team I'm going to this team. I don't really care about you guys because it's all about me"
Going with the other team is a cop out and the lazy way to go. Let's assume that whoever is starting above this boy is better than him - why does the starter have to miss innings just to make this kid happy? Based on your rationale then every player on the team should get equal playing time - bench players included. Not going to win many games that way. How do you justify it to your all conference shorstop he has to sit on the bench in a clutch situation because the guys on the bench should get to play some? I'm sure he will totally understand.
What if he does go to the rec league and can't crack the starting line up there? Does he find a third team to play on? Why don't you start up a team since it seems that's ok to do if you don't get your way and play. Real players want to compete against better competition. They don't want to quit and go where it's easier.
This is a ridiculous statement. I read the Constitution and it doesn't have anywhere in it that playing time is a guaranteed right of players. This boy had chances to play but he kept getting cut so obviously playing on the high school team was important. Now that's he is on the team and his goal is closer you want him to just give up and take the path of least resistence.
That is unbelieveable. The purpose playing any sport is to compete not quit and go where it's easier.
Tooster please understand I'm not attacking your son and I hope he sticks with the HS team because that is the right thing to do. Even if he doesn't crack the lineup for the HS team he still has all summer to get on another team and compete there. But this way there won't be a conflict of interest.
I'm glad the boy made the team and has the opportunity to compete for a position. He's not playing because he still may not be good enough or maybe the coach just doesn't have a clue. We don't know but he still has a responsibility to the high school team to try and compete for a position.
What if this kid is on the verge of getting playing time. Due to the fact he was behind since he hasn't played in years he needed this time to get up to speed. The coach decides he's going to play later in the week because he's gotten himself better. Early in the week he plays for his rec league team and gets hit in the wrist with a pitch. Broken hand and he's out the rest of the summer. How is that fair to this boy and to his teammates on the high school team? Yes injuries can happen at anytime but this is one that could have been avoided.
Let's say on a Wednesday both teams are playing. Where does the kid go and which team does he show up for? According to you he should go with the rec league and if that's the case then why is he still on the high school team? Go ahead and quit instead of slapping your teammates in the face by not showing up. You're telling him "hey guys since I don't play on this team I'm going to this team. I don't really care about you guys because it's all about me"
Going with the other team is a cop out and the lazy way to go. Let's assume that whoever is starting above this boy is better than him - why does the starter have to miss innings just to make this kid happy? Based on your rationale then every player on the team should get equal playing time - bench players included. Not going to win many games that way. How do you justify it to your all conference shorstop he has to sit on the bench in a clutch situation because the guys on the bench should get to play some? I'm sure he will totally understand.
What if he does go to the rec league and can't crack the starting line up there? Does he find a third team to play on? Why don't you start up a team since it seems that's ok to do if you don't get your way and play. Real players want to compete against better competition. They don't want to quit and go where it's easier.
quote:No way no how is it rational to take the postion the kid should continue to "notplay", exclusively, for the hs team and thus miss out entirely on a playing experience in his hs years.
This is a ridiculous statement. I read the Constitution and it doesn't have anywhere in it that playing time is a guaranteed right of players. This boy had chances to play but he kept getting cut so obviously playing on the high school team was important. Now that's he is on the team and his goal is closer you want him to just give up and take the path of least resistence.
That is unbelieveable. The purpose playing any sport is to compete not quit and go where it's easier.
Tooster please understand I'm not attacking your son and I hope he sticks with the HS team because that is the right thing to do. Even if he doesn't crack the lineup for the HS team he still has all summer to get on another team and compete there. But this way there won't be a conflict of interest.
quote:Originally posted by coach2709:
When this boy went out for tryouts he was basically agreeing to be on the team under the coaches rules if he made the team. That includes everything even a rule that says he can't play on other teams. That includes possibly sitting on the bench the entire year.
PUHLease!
This is just the kinda baloney Im talking about. Maybe in your coach-centric universe the kids go out to "make the team" and are happy just to sit on the bench. This aint what the kid signed up for at all. Nowhere in OP did dad say kid was taken on only as a favour or out of pity and told that he could do the work, miss the classes, wear the uniform and sit on the bench but "dont ever expect to get into a game". Kids perspective is he did the work made the team and wants to actually participate in the teams game. Your reductive bias in favour of the coaches position being always the correct one has you supporting the coach's silly little rule at the expense of the kids opportunity to actually play some ball.
I'm glad the boy made the team and has the opportunity to compete for a position. He's not playing because he still may not be good enough or maybe the coach just doesn't have a clue. We don't know but he still has a responsibility to the high school team to try and compete for a position.
Well, actually, we do know he made the team. Nowhere in the parents post is there any indication that the kid has given up on trying to play. As he remains on the team, with a coach making rules like this, it is probably fair to assume that he continues to meet all the requirments for same. You are defending the coach by making presumptions against the kid
What if this kid is on the verge of getting playing time. Due to the fact he was behind since he hasn't played in years he needed this time to get up to speed. The coach decides he's going to play later in the week because he's gotten himself better. Early in the week he plays for his rec league team and gets hit in the wrist with a pitch. Broken hand and he's out the rest of the summer. How is that fair to this boy and to his teammates on the high school team? Yes injuries can happen at anytime but this is one that could have been avoided.
What if he gets hit by a meteorite while sitting on the bench? Maybe a little less likely but no more irrelelevant. And again, please. This is the varsity coach and a kid on the varsity team. If the scenario you are describing exists the kid should know about it because the coach should be advising/communicating with the kid. You telling me that you as a varsity coach would select a kid for the team and sit him down for what is probably half the hs season and never find time to talk to him about how you are planning on using him? You seem to be giving this coach a pass on his responsibilities to the team but coming down hard on the kids responsibilities. Also please note that OP wondered if they should consider other additional venues if the kid didnt play for the next 4 games as well... ie further down the time line than your example. You are talking about "fair" but in a very uneven, one way direction that is anything but fair.
Let's say on a Wednesday both teams are playing. Where does the kid go and which team does he show up for? According to you he should go with the rec league and if that's the case then why is he still on the high school team? Go ahead and quit instead of slapping your teammates in the face by not showing up. You're telling him "hey guys since I don't play on this team I'm going to this team. I don't really care about you guys because it's all about me"
Nope. Never said or implied any such thing. OP never said or implied any such thing. All talk about quitting and not showing up came from you. My take on what the OP was suggesting was that this would be extra activity outside of the hs schedule. All statements concerning exclusivity by OP were related to the coach's rule of no outside participation. I envisioned the kid doing something like playing on weekends when there is no hs activity scheduled. OP, in fact, indicated another team "was starting up" ie in the future. Look, this kid is clearly not the team stud such that the coach cant live without his innings. The coach has stated this emphatically by the way he has treated him.. Neither the OP or myself ever said the kid should say "its all about me". But I think it should be some about him. Coach has no trouble saying its all about coach but thats OK by your lights?
Going with the other team is a cop out and the lazy way to go. Let's assume that whoever is starting above this boy is better than him - why does the starter have to miss innings just to make this kid happy? Based on your rationale then every player on the team should get equal playing time - bench players included. Not going to win many games that way. How do you justify it to your all conference shorstop he has to sit on the bench in a clutch situation because the guys on the bench should get to play some? I'm sure he will totally understand.
Listen to yourself. You are making this stuff up out of thin air because its easier to whitewash the coach if you blackball the kid. Playing for two teams (well playing on one and sitting on the other)is not easier..its harder. Its not a cop out. Its trying harder to get into the activity he wants. Nobody but you has suggested that the kid play in front of "his betters". Nobody but you has mentioned every player on the team or equal playing time or sitting the all conference shortstop in clutch situations (why BTW would you sit the all conference shortstop in favour of this kid as he is, if I recall, a relief LHP? As an aside, though, would the starters that YOU mentioned above be completely incapable of understanding that it might be good for both the bench players AND the team that the bench players get some playing time? Just so, like, if they had to come into the conference championship game, fr'instance, because the all conference SS broke his leg sliding into second in the third inning? Or got suspended for drinking or whatever?
What if he does go to the rec league and can't crack the starting line up there? Does he find a third team to play on? Why don't you start up a team since it seems that's ok to do if you don't get your way and play. Real players want to compete against better competition. They don't want to quit and go where it's easier.
What if? Any sweat of your butt? Or mine? Nope. Just that kid trying to find a slot to play in. You are making up a lot of stuff here again. I saw no mention of cracking the starting line up. I do agree that players want to play if thats what you meant.quote:No way no how is it rational to take the postion the kid should continue to "notplay", exclusively, for the hs team and thus miss out entirely on a playing experience in his hs years.
This is a ridiculous statement. I read the Constitution and it doesn't have anywhere in it that playing time is a guaranteed right of players. This boy had chances to play but he kept getting cut so obviously playing on the high school team was important. Now that's he is on the team and his goal is closer you want him to just give up and take the path of least resistence.
Wow. Just Wow. Ridiculous to be sure. The constitution?? And OP said he was a senior that had never tried out before?
That is unbelieveable. The purpose playing any sport is to compete not quit and go where it's easier.
Yup cant knock a kid that actually wants to try it out against the competition...wait..
Tooster please understand I'm not attacking your son and I hope he sticks with the HS team because that is the right thing to do. Even if he doesn't crack the lineup for the HS team he still has all summer to get on another team and compete there. But this way there won't be a conflict of interest.
C'mon. This is a parent asking about ONE KID wanting a chance to play baseball in his final hs year. He asks:
"But if we get to 10 games in and nothing has changed, would latebloomer be better of playing on the other team where at least he would have opportunity to play?"
And you talk about an all conference SS getting his feelings hurt? About how many games the coach can win? You have your priorites scrambled.
Its a kid in his last year of high school that wants to play ball. The HS team is not playing him. Therefore, if he wants to actually play baseball then he needs to find another venue. Doesnt need to quit his benchsitting position on the hs team, tho' he does need to factor in the liklihood of the coach booting him. If he has never played in 10 games he is not a part of that coach's plan and he is quite likley to never play at all. If Im Dad that coach is not any sort of role model I want him exposed to anyway. Rather than telling the kid "dont act like its all about you" we should be trying to help him make intelligent choices about what is, in fact, in his best interest. I'm here to say I dont think this coach has any concern whatsoever about this player and students best interests. Its School. Its supposed to be about the kid. Not the conference championship and not the coaches record.
quote:PUHLease!
This is just the kinda baloney Im talking about. Maybe in your coach-centric universe the kids go out to "make the team" and are happy just to sit on the bench. This aint what the kid signed up for at all.
maybe you can help me out here? what was it he signed up for? this young man gets all the practice time everyone else gets as well as 20 plus high school games. and the priviledge of representing the school and community that he resides in.
no he shouldn't be happy to sit the bench, but he should be happy that he is part of the team. he has a chance every day to play, what more can you ask for?
maybe your right though, quitting would carry much more weight and respect than just BEING part of a team.
thank goodness everyone doesn't think this way. there would only be a 9 man roster.
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Well when all else fails there's still...
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Well when all else fails there's still...
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Ah, the dreaded sense of entitlement. I'm here, therefore I should get what I want. If I don't, I'm out.
IMHO the kid should talk to the coach, ask what do I need to do to get some playing time, then do the work required to get the playing time.
I'm wondering if there is some kid who didn't get the roster spot that this young man is taking up. Too late for that kid.
IMHO the kid should talk to the coach, ask what do I need to do to get some playing time, then do the work required to get the playing time.
I'm wondering if there is some kid who didn't get the roster spot that this young man is taking up. Too late for that kid.
I would like to make a few points here that I feel are important.
1. Latebloomer has never talked about quiting the HS team or playing for the other team during HS season. Latebloomer is doing everything that is expected of him,, and in his oppinion he is doing it well. He does not even know I posted this question and has never quit at anything in his 17 years. This is just a dad asking questions to get oppinions to make an informed decision on whats best for his for his son.
2. The question came about because: the other league is getting underway this week at the same time I have been speaking with an aquaintance who played in the minors, coached legion for 5 years, and his son played college ball. This person is advising that unless my son plays and gets game situation experience he will be in the same position he is in now over the summer. period.
3. When son made team there was an injury to returning senior. Son was told that he would only play when they need him and that when other player returns the other player would basically take his place(ie less opportunity)
4. Team won first 3 games against weak non league teams by double digits. no opportunity
Team has lost to 2 good teams giving up an average of 7 runs a game. no opportunity
Son has k-d some of teams best hitters in practice, seems to allow mostly ground ball hits and throws strikes. no oopportunity
In regards to the question of injury, why is it ok for coach to send every day players down to jv. Is he not afraid his starters will be injured?
1. Latebloomer has never talked about quiting the HS team or playing for the other team during HS season. Latebloomer is doing everything that is expected of him,, and in his oppinion he is doing it well. He does not even know I posted this question and has never quit at anything in his 17 years. This is just a dad asking questions to get oppinions to make an informed decision on whats best for his for his son.
2. The question came about because: the other league is getting underway this week at the same time I have been speaking with an aquaintance who played in the minors, coached legion for 5 years, and his son played college ball. This person is advising that unless my son plays and gets game situation experience he will be in the same position he is in now over the summer. period.
3. When son made team there was an injury to returning senior. Son was told that he would only play when they need him and that when other player returns the other player would basically take his place(ie less opportunity)
4. Team won first 3 games against weak non league teams by double digits. no opportunity
Team has lost to 2 good teams giving up an average of 7 runs a game. no opportunity
Son has k-d some of teams best hitters in practice, seems to allow mostly ground ball hits and throws strikes. no oopportunity
In regards to the question of injury, why is it ok for coach to send every day players down to jv. Is he not afraid his starters will be injured?
FYI, I posted the same question to college coach who has shown interest and recieved this reply.
"Thats tough because I think he will get alot just from practicing with the varsity team. if he is not getting game time it can lose its effectiveness just practicing. It is a tough call He would benefit from getting time in the league but at the same time do you really want him to quit a team he worked so hard to make? I would re-evaluate after the 10-11 game timeframe you set and make a decision then. I can be honest he will need to get some significant time either way to make sure he is ready if he comes to ***X in the fall. Sorry I could not be more help just tell him to make the best of his time to impress when he gets it...if they see him getting it done in practice he may get his shot in the game."
"Thats tough because I think he will get alot just from practicing with the varsity team. if he is not getting game time it can lose its effectiveness just practicing. It is a tough call He would benefit from getting time in the league but at the same time do you really want him to quit a team he worked so hard to make? I would re-evaluate after the 10-11 game timeframe you set and make a decision then. I can be honest he will need to get some significant time either way to make sure he is ready if he comes to ***X in the fall. Sorry I could not be more help just tell him to make the best of his time to impress when he gets it...if they see him getting it done in practice he may get his shot in the game."
quote:if they see him getting it done in practice he may get his shot in the game."
exactly my point. you don't know. that's where my son had to prove himself. Practice and scrimmages is where he got the coaches attention. Plus, his JV coach when promoted to varsity most likely put his two cents in as well. He wasn't one of the chosen few who were handed the spot. As for doubling up on the rec team to fill in the missing playing time. I wouldn't do it although it's tempting play for a team where you'll get on the field.
As for the comments that you're letting your team and friends down if you quit, I don't buy that for one minute. Nobody could care less who stays or quits unless you're one of the chosen few or starters that never get pulled and one of the best players up and quits and hurts the team's chances to win a county or state tournament. It will have little or no effect if the bench warmer quits. For some players who are in competition. For the same position, they may see that as an opeing for them.
Tooster once again my comments are meant to be taken as an in general situation not directly at your son. I wish your son the best and hope he does start playing more. I don't know the reason why he's not playing more - maybe he's not good enough or maybe the coach is an idiot. NoReplay is beyond wrong in what he's telling you. Go back and read some of his other posts and you will see he's a huge critic of coaches in general.
NoReplay you're a joke if that's how you truly feel. I could get on here and write a doctorial thesis as to why you're wrong using MLB personnel as sources and you would still not get it.
***************EDITED********************
I took out a part that NoReplay thinks was an insult to his son which it wasn't my intention. The comment doesn't add anything to the discussion so I got rid of it.
NoReplay you're a joke if that's how you truly feel. I could get on here and write a doctorial thesis as to why you're wrong using MLB personnel as sources and you would still not get it.
***************EDITED********************
I took out a part that NoReplay thinks was an insult to his son which it wasn't my intention. The comment doesn't add anything to the discussion so I got rid of it.
quote:NoReplay is beyond wrong in what he's telling you. Go back and read some of his other posts and you will see he's a huge critic of coaches in general
Coach 2709
You may be right but he makes some very valid points rebuttung your analysis, and you never did justify your reasoning about potential injury to bench non player in non HS game verses evereyday player particpating in JV games.
quote:Originally posted by coach2709:
Tooster once again my comments are meant to be taken as an in general situation not directly at your son. I wish your son the best and hope he does start playing more. I don't know the reason why he's not playing more - maybe he's not good enough or maybe the coach is an idiot. NoReplay is beyond wrong in what he's telling you. Go back and read some of his other posts and you will see he's a huge critic of coaches in general.
NoReplay you're a joke if that's how you truly feel. I could get on here and write a doctorial thesis as to why you're wrong using MLB personnel as sources and you would still not get it.
If you have a son I wish him the best of luck in his baseball or whatever sport he chooses to play because he will have to overcome you as well.
Ok Im a joke
I shouldnt believe that hs sports should be about the kids even a little bit; its really all about the coaches and winning as you point out.But its you that doesnt get it.
You could write a doctoral thesis using MLB personnel?? Yuk yuk.
Good luck drawing the connection between the studs that make it to mlb to a kid that wants to play ball in his final year.
Again: OP is not asking a general question. He is not trying to undermine coaches like all parents secretly try to do (your other posts are visible too). He is not trying to rearrange the hs coaching world.
He has asked for specific advice relating only to this specific kid in this specific situation. If all your comments are meant in general and not directed at the specific situation why are you talking?
Thanks for the cheap shot about my sons BTW; it speaks well(?)of you. My boys are thru hs and in college now. The younger one's arm has healed well enuff to play catch in the backyard when he is home, and he still likes to drag me off to the park to throw "BP" to him even tho its really not BP anymore but just play. We are ok. And no his HS pitching coach doesnt ask after him thanks.
EDIT: the comment about me being critical of coaches in general is, I think, untrue. I have spoken out several times about SPECIFIC instances in threads but did try to be careful to point out that I was not generalizing about coaches. I have repeated the theme that the hs athlete is on his own and not in any way protected by hs coaching staff to a frightening and sobering degree. You need to be your kids best advocate in terms of their safety cuz no one else is. Do a search on my nick and read a few posts, there really are not many. Do the same for 2709 or even just browse the coach forums. Decide the issue of bias for yourself.
EDIT 2:
Wait. Are people taking this statement:
"No way no how is it rational to take the postion the kid should continue to "notplay", exclusively, for the hs team and thus miss out entirely on a playing experience in his hs years."
to mean that I think he is entitled to playing time on the hs team?
If so let me correct that. I dont think and have not stated that the kid is entitled to playing time. I am saying that if he wants to play, and he is not going to play on the hs team then he should look elsewhere for the opportunity. My beef with the hs coach lies only with his rule that the kid CANNOT play for another team. And I get that he doesnt want his regulars racking up extra innings etc etc. But this is not that kid.
I've thought about whether or not to reply to you and the more I think about it I just don't care to. There's no way in the world I'm going to convince you that you're wrong just like you're not going to convince me I'm wrong.
I stand by everything I've ever posted on here and obviously you can go back and find what I've posted. I thought it was a pretty commen sense thing you could do.
Also, go back and look - I've never said it was about the coaches like you're claiming I did. All sports are about the players and it's about committing to a team.
I'm done with this.
I stand by everything I've ever posted on here and obviously you can go back and find what I've posted. I thought it was a pretty commen sense thing you could do.
Also, go back and look - I've never said it was about the coaches like you're claiming I did. All sports are about the players and it's about committing to a team.
I'm done with this.
quote:Originally posted by Tooster:
Hey Folks, we are looking for a little advice. As you know Latebloomer made the HS team, so far through 6 games he has not seen any playing time.
There has not been any indication that will change as the coach seems to go with 2 alternating starters and then bring positional players
in relief, keeping the starters in the game.
There is a 16-18 year old league that gets under way soon,and latebloomer is on a roster but cannot play due to varsity coach’s rule that players can not play outside of team play. For the time being we are ok with waiting and seeing if he gets an opportunity. But if we get to 10 games in and nothing has changed, would latebloomer be better of playing on the other team where at least he would have opportunity to play?
Have you considered the following?
1) Have your son talk to the HS coach and ask him if there is a plan for him down the stretch?
After all, if there is no plan for him, why didn't he cut him? -- There must be some plan. Maybe LateBloomer is close to playing time and no one knows it. Maybe some other kid stepped up their game and he has work to do? If your coach is open and honest with his players, you might just get the answer you are looking for if you (LateBloomer) tries to communicate with him about it. I don't think anyone has a problem with someone coming in their office and asking them what they have to do to see the field. If they compete, they want to know that.
2) Does the other league overlap with high school play much? It it overlaps by a week or two (or whatever a small amount of time is) then why don't you tell that coach you are interested and want to be on the team. That you will come and try out and hope LateBloomer makes it on his merit. But, you will only practice with them when HS baseball is finished or you can show up to attend practices to meet and bond with the players but can't participate in them until HS ball is over. I would think that the 16-18u league coach would respect the fact that the kid made a committment and plans to keep it (if that is what you want to actually do). Also, the league coach would know you are practicing on skills elsewhere and that LateBloomer will be sharp when he joins.
This opens communication in a way (to all involved) that says I want to play ball. I want to earn it and I am willing to compete for the spot. It doesn't scream entitlement, unhappiness or "me" ball. It aligns with everyone's objectives providing the league coach doesn't mind being in 2nd position for a short time.
Just a thought. I don't know your situation, your coaches or anything else that wasn't posted here so you'll have to decide for yourself what works.
If your HS coach finds out, What does he really care? You aren't interrupting his practice schedule, you aren't using your arm for the other team and you are set for when the HS season ends -- whether you play an actual innning in HS ball or not. You put the HS team first.
quote:FYI, I posted the same question to college coach who has shown interest
This comment just sort of slipped into the discussion without note. If he's finally made the team AND getting interest, isn't that just awesome in and of itself? It would suggest to me that sticking with the HS team has a lot of value if he's seeking to continue to play.
Add to that, the prospective college coach's comment,
quote:Thats tough because I think he will get alot just from practicing with the varsity team. if he is not getting game time it can lose its effectiveness just practicing.
Doesn't this comment suggest the old adage "you get out of it what you put into it"? Sure game time is a sharpening, refining, confidence building experience for any player. But how the player sticks it out through his practice time, makes the most of his participation in this team's season, learns the value of being a great teammate seems to be important also.
This year, my little guy is playing on the first team in his life where's no longer THE guy. Where he's one of 13 other THE guys. He rarely gets reps up the middle and has played the mostly unfamiliar positions of 3B and RF. He's one of the loudest kids in the dugout when he's riding pine. And I LOVE it (especially that last part)!
Tooster, your boy's story is awesome. Stick with the HS team, it's an experience he'll never get to repeat. Hopefully, his investment this year will be rewarded with a chance to continue playing as you hint.