I've read the articles on this from the website, but I also want to hear of some personal experiences on making the team. I'll be a freshman next year, and I want to know some (near) guaranteed ways to make the team.
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There are no guaranteed ways to make the HS team
Work hard to the best of your ability and you cannot do anymore
There are no guarantees in life !!!
Work hard to the best of your ability and you cannot do anymore
There are no guarantees in life !!!
As TR said there are no guarantees. My oldest son was a power hitter from the pitching machine days on and considered a good first baseman. He loved to play and we were so excited when as a freshman his coach selected him to start at first base. He started over a senior and contributed to the team with his glove and bat all season. However, he was pulled for a tournament after two errors during that season. He had to earn his way back. As long as his bat was working he had a spot on the team. Even when he transferred to another school his junior year, his bat continued to get him playing time.
Now our youngest son(he will be a freshman this fall) has been designated the starting catcher for the high school team. He has proven to the high school coach that he has the ability to do the job even at a young age. At his position the coach says defense comes first, then the bat.
One thing our boys have in common was talent(athletic ability). Then they worked hard to develop that ability. All you can do is work hard to develop your talents. Never give up on your dream.
Now our youngest son(he will be a freshman this fall) has been designated the starting catcher for the high school team. He has proven to the high school coach that he has the ability to do the job even at a young age. At his position the coach says defense comes first, then the bat.
One thing our boys have in common was talent(athletic ability). Then they worked hard to develop that ability. All you can do is work hard to develop your talents. Never give up on your dream.
I am somewhat of an expert on this as we just went thru it with my son. So as the previous posters said there are no guarantees but here are some things you can do to improve your chances.
1)Make good grades your 1st quarter and semester. Coaches don't like to worry about kids that are borderline students.
2) If your school has a fall baseball program participate in it if at all possible.
3) If you’re the baseball coach has before or after school voluntary workouts go to everyone and if you have to miss one let the coach know why.
4) If your school has baseball fundraisers before the team is picked make sure you sell at least the minimum required and turn it in on time. If you can sell more than the minimum then do it.
5) Make sure you are prepared for tryouts. You will need to be in good physical condition because most tryouts require a lot of running. Make sure your arm is ready by starting a throwing routine at least 6 weeks prior to tryouts and start taking batting practice.
6) Look like a baseball player when you show up for tryouts. Unless otherwise instructed wear baseball pants and not shorts. No jewelry.
7) Make sure you hustle everywhere never walk on the baseball field.
8) Have a great attitude and say yes sir and no sir to the coach.
9) Never ever be late for a practice or team meeting.
Good Luck
1)Make good grades your 1st quarter and semester. Coaches don't like to worry about kids that are borderline students.
2) If your school has a fall baseball program participate in it if at all possible.
3) If you’re the baseball coach has before or after school voluntary workouts go to everyone and if you have to miss one let the coach know why.
4) If your school has baseball fundraisers before the team is picked make sure you sell at least the minimum required and turn it in on time. If you can sell more than the minimum then do it.
5) Make sure you are prepared for tryouts. You will need to be in good physical condition because most tryouts require a lot of running. Make sure your arm is ready by starting a throwing routine at least 6 weeks prior to tryouts and start taking batting practice.
6) Look like a baseball player when you show up for tryouts. Unless otherwise instructed wear baseball pants and not shorts. No jewelry.
7) Make sure you hustle everywhere never walk on the baseball field.
8) Have a great attitude and say yes sir and no sir to the coach.
9) Never ever be late for a practice or team meeting.
Good Luck
Thanks for the help everyone. Tryouts are in February, so do you all think I should rest/work out during the winter? Or should I play some winter league to stay focused? It doesn't get FREEZING here in the Southwest, but it can get quite chilly.
Rest does help some players but based on your previous post you have some significant things in your game that need work so I would recomend that you play every chance you get.
I agree with bbforlife, work, work, and work some more. Work on your game as much as possible, it will not hurt you at all. My son has a great work ethic and was always the first one at workouts and the last one to leave. Coaches notice that and love that. Another thing that will not hurt you is hustle, you dont have to be a good player to hustle and coaches love that.