As a freshman 2013 barely missed out on making JV. Coach had four viable freshmen and said it was a really tough call, but was taking two and leaving two to develop and get more at-bats. Although it wasn't easy to swallow at the time, he was right.
As a sophomore 2013 made Varsity because coach needed his arm and he believed he was ready. At the year-end banquet coach commented, "we brought him up to pitch, but I immediately found out I couldn't take him out of the lineup." When he wasn't pitching he DHed, and then with an injury to a starter, he became a starting infielder.
During the offseason before his junior year 2013 stepped up his commitment to a level we had never seen. When he wasn't doing private instruction he was finding people to go to the cages. Coach strongly suggested a conditioning program for the team at a reduced rate. 2013 was the only player who never missed a session. He got stronger and much faster.
He's had a great junior season, although the team has struggled at times. He just learned he was selected to all conference first team . . . travel ball starts in less than two weeks.
As he looks at some of his HS teammates who haven't wanted it, haven't put in the work he just shakes his head. They are every bit as talented - perhaps more in some cases - but chose to party late and sleep in.
Our freshman daughter is also an athlete and the lessons she is learning are priceless. There is no offseason and sometimes the most talented will be left behind.
2013 sees very clearly now what sets apart the best players. Gee, maybe mom and dad and all those coaches did know what they were talking about.
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