I'm not saying you are wrong - I'm just saying that this isn't the time to tell him he's right to give it up. It's natural to think "I wanna quit" when you don't achieve something. Maybe people don't / won't admit it but the thought is there. The ones who "want it" will settle down and get back to work. Some won't. Just give them time to think about it before saying "go ahead and give it up".
Just because a parent says "let's give it a week or two" doesn't mean they are pushing either.
DB,
I wish the best for your son. Looks like he did all he could prepairing for the tryout. One of my favorite quotes is "sports don't develeop character they reviel it". I think with your posts about his effort to make the team we all get a small glimpse of your son's character. Please take comfort in the fact that your son did not give up and put the effort and work into trying to reach a goal. As a parent that is all we can ask no matter what their goal is.
Your son had a tall mountian to climb. First the team he was trying to be a member of as you said is a top 10 rated team in Texas. To me the means the tallent on the club is very good. Schools in my area that are rated in the top 10 often have 40 to 50 players try to make the team. Many of those players that were cut are very good players and would play on many schools team. Unfournatly they chose a high mountain to climb and it did not work out. Your son could be a very good player but the players he was up against were just better.
Second it is very tough to take a spot from a ball player the coach already is familiar with. In our area it seems that if you do not make the team as a freshman it is very hard to make the team in later years. Having to make the team as a Jr. without being on the team for the previous two years your son would have to show much much better than returning players for the coach to take a spot away from a known quanity. A tough task indeed. Has been done but very very hard.
Let your son take some time getting over his heartbreak. If baseball is important to him he will start to miss it and look forward to summer ball.
My guess is he might even give another go when he is a senior. Please keep us udated.
I wish the best for your son. Looks like he did all he could prepairing for the tryout. One of my favorite quotes is "sports don't develeop character they reviel it". I think with your posts about his effort to make the team we all get a small glimpse of your son's character. Please take comfort in the fact that your son did not give up and put the effort and work into trying to reach a goal. As a parent that is all we can ask no matter what their goal is.
Your son had a tall mountian to climb. First the team he was trying to be a member of as you said is a top 10 rated team in Texas. To me the means the tallent on the club is very good. Schools in my area that are rated in the top 10 often have 40 to 50 players try to make the team. Many of those players that were cut are very good players and would play on many schools team. Unfournatly they chose a high mountain to climb and it did not work out. Your son could be a very good player but the players he was up against were just better.
Second it is very tough to take a spot from a ball player the coach already is familiar with. In our area it seems that if you do not make the team as a freshman it is very hard to make the team in later years. Having to make the team as a Jr. without being on the team for the previous two years your son would have to show much much better than returning players for the coach to take a spot away from a known quanity. A tough task indeed. Has been done but very very hard.
Let your son take some time getting over his heartbreak. If baseball is important to him he will start to miss it and look forward to summer ball.
My guess is he might even give another go when he is a senior. Please keep us udated.
daddyboy,
Hope things work out well for you and your son. Seems like you guys deserve a break. I hope your son doesn't give it up, but if he does it's not earth shattering.
Hope things work out well for you and your son. Seems like you guys deserve a break. I hope your son doesn't give it up, but if he does it's not earth shattering.
I appreciated everyone positive and negative feedbacks. Finally, I got this weekend off after three jobs this week. This is my takes on these.
01-- going overseas to play is great but it gives you minimal exposure (able to play with his classmates, his head coach was watching and experience playing against older players.)
02-- why are you paying a trainer and getting no results? (I gave him five weeks of pitching and hitting lessons to make sure that he was ready for the tryout. I noticed he threw a lot faster with fast balls, threw knuckle curve and change up very well. The hitting trainer was shock that he did not make it.)
03-- hate to be cruel but perhaps your son, who loves the game, may not have the talent to go beyond where he is now. (He helped his select team won a championship game in Central Texas last summer. He pitched very well during those games. Overall, His era is still less than 2.00 in all past years. He had a no hitter in 16U game when he was 14 years old after pitching for five innings. He hit a line drive to the right field while a runner scored 10-0 and won that game. I still believe he has talent. He pitched against his classmate well who made the varsity team and Europe trip.)
I did not gun him last month. He was throwing in the low 70's last year. The pitching trainer told me that his speed increased 10% faster from week #1 to week #5 and was hitting his spots.
The point is this: even with the trainer/coach he is still getting cut. (I don not know what the coaches were looking for their teams. I hope the race is not an issue and do not want discuss further than this.)
My son school is in this 6-5A in Texas. Here is the .discuss link about that district. http://hsbaseballweb.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7106002781/m/3741089213. There are some very good high school teams with a lot of talent in those high school plays against others. I agreed that situation can be tough on kids that have talent, but get caught up in the numbers.
My son is youngest kid in his junior 2010 class. We enrolled him to school early when he was five years old and did not know that he has some baseball talent. I am not pushing him and wish that he would not give up the games. He needs to keep up his skills and having funs playing baseballs even not playing with the HS teams just like when he was pre HS kid.
I have a question to your guys. Can a player make a next level (college) by playing select teams only?
His 2009 select team will play one of the 18U D-Bat tournament games this summer and some showcase games.
PGstaff, I was planning to register him to your showcase in north Texas in August if he made the cut but he didn't.
Thanks for your feedbacks again.
Daddboy
01-- going overseas to play is great but it gives you minimal exposure (able to play with his classmates, his head coach was watching and experience playing against older players.)
02-- why are you paying a trainer and getting no results? (I gave him five weeks of pitching and hitting lessons to make sure that he was ready for the tryout. I noticed he threw a lot faster with fast balls, threw knuckle curve and change up very well. The hitting trainer was shock that he did not make it.)
03-- hate to be cruel but perhaps your son, who loves the game, may not have the talent to go beyond where he is now. (He helped his select team won a championship game in Central Texas last summer. He pitched very well during those games. Overall, His era is still less than 2.00 in all past years. He had a no hitter in 16U game when he was 14 years old after pitching for five innings. He hit a line drive to the right field while a runner scored 10-0 and won that game. I still believe he has talent. He pitched against his classmate well who made the varsity team and Europe trip.)
I did not gun him last month. He was throwing in the low 70's last year. The pitching trainer told me that his speed increased 10% faster from week #1 to week #5 and was hitting his spots.
The point is this: even with the trainer/coach he is still getting cut. (I don not know what the coaches were looking for their teams. I hope the race is not an issue and do not want discuss further than this.)
My son school is in this 6-5A in Texas. Here is the .discuss link about that district. http://hsbaseballweb.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7106002781/m/3741089213. There are some very good high school teams with a lot of talent in those high school plays against others. I agreed that situation can be tough on kids that have talent, but get caught up in the numbers.
My son is youngest kid in his junior 2010 class. We enrolled him to school early when he was five years old and did not know that he has some baseball talent. I am not pushing him and wish that he would not give up the games. He needs to keep up his skills and having funs playing baseballs even not playing with the HS teams just like when he was pre HS kid.
I have a question to your guys. Can a player make a next level (college) by playing select teams only?
His 2009 select team will play one of the 18U D-Bat tournament games this summer and some showcase games.
PGstaff, I was planning to register him to your showcase in north Texas in August if he made the cut but he didn't.
Thanks for your feedbacks again.
Daddboy
Yes. But select the right level. Don't shoot for Texas if he didn't make the high school team.quote:I have a question to your guys. Can a player make a next level (college) by playing select teams only?
Going back to some stats you posted, stats can be irrelevant. The competition affects stats. In small numbers stats can be very misleading. If a fourteen year old pitched a no-hitter in 16U ball here, I'd say he's either a stud, which it doesn't appear your son is throwing upper 70's, or the competition was weak.
Here's a question I don't think anyone asked: How many lefthanded pitchers made the team? How hard to they throw? How's their stuff? How's their control? It may be a simple matter of being third or fourth best in a very competitive pool of players. In another program your son would be on the team.
As a lefty he could have a great future with some work. You mentioned he does not throw very hard. Is he on a year round long toss program? If not this may help improve arm strength. Does he have a pitching coach? If not might be a great investment. We started doing pitching lessons when my son was 9 years old since I did not know enough to be dangerous. My friends laughed and told me I was wasting money. My only deal for doing it was because he wanted it and enjoyed it and worked hard. Because of that my son went on to start varsity as a freshman on a very good senior team then went on to play college ball and is now oitching in the pro's.
There was a left handed pitcher/1st baseman cut from our team this year. He is a good ball player that could be great if he hustled. But, there was no hustle. He also made it known he didn't even really want to play HS ball but his mom and dad made him try out. He made it last year, his freshman year mainly due to his past teams reputation, but after the season of no hustle, though he had a good tryout this year as a sophmore he was cut. Everyone but the parents saw it coming as they saw how frustrated the coaches were last year with his lack of hustle. Maybe you shouldn't feel so bad for him. Maybe your son is in the same boat and doesn't want to play as bad as you think and this is a lucky break for him. It may be he couldn't find a way to tell you this himself.
daddyboy,
Are you willing to move for your son? If so, there are several schools within 10-15 miles of you where your son would start on varsity.
Just depends on how much it means to him and you.
Select ball can get you there as well. HS ball is not the end all do all....IMO
Are you willing to move for your son? If so, there are several schools within 10-15 miles of you where your son would start on varsity.
Just depends on how much it means to him and you.
Select ball can get you there as well. HS ball is not the end all do all....IMO
quote:Originally posted by 4genball:
daddyboy,
Are you willing to move for your son? If so, there are several schools within 10-15 miles of you where your son would start on varsity.
Just depends on how much it means to him and you.
Select ball can get you there as well. HS ball is not the end all do all....IMO
There is no change that he will be interested to move the other schools. He does not want leave his friends behind and the school is a blue gibbon school. His grade is excellent.
Thanks,
Daddyboy
quote:hate to be cruel but perhaps your son,who loves the game, may not have the talent to go beyond where he is now
I realize that I am new here, but it seems that TRhit feels the need to say this to everyone who has had a bad experience with baseball. We all have the right to speak our minds, however, it hurts when we are already experiencing a devastating blow for our child's sake and that is the very last thing we look for when coming to this site. I would guess that most of us are at least moderately educated, have the capacity to know that it is a possibility that our kid just may not be "good enough" to play at that particular time at that particular place!
Please be a bit more compassionate in your comments as we most likely want honesty (which no one can truly provide regarding ability of those players they haven't seen), understanding, and (if asked) a little advice. The most helpful replies I received from 3 days of non-stop thinking about baseball on this site were the thoughtful step-by-step developmental work-outs that would help for son's future chances for playing HS baseball (He was cut this year as a sophomore after playing JV as freshman). Also, the constructive tips on how to handle the coach.
These were invaluable to me and more meaningful than any negative remarks/suggestions that may or (most likely) may not apply to my son.
After 2 weeks "post-cut" my son, "Joe" is still not talking about baseball. I was told by his batting instructor, immediately following the cut, that Joe will probably HATE baseball for awhile and he has every right to. He needs time to think and process how to deal with suffering a HUGE loss in his life. Adolescents are trying to form their identities at this tender age and they are trying to figure out what that entails.
My advice, for what it is worth, is to assure your son that he has many gifts (They all do) and that baseball is only one of those gifts. He is still "special!" After some time, maybe he will come to you and tell you if he still wants to play the game. As with my son, it will probably take time- don't rush him- there will always be a team, a batting cage, etc. Take the time to do other things with him (My son and I enjoy going out to dinner and talking of other things). Hopefully he will stay active doing things with friends. My son is enjoying the company of some great friends who have helped him keep his mind off of his being cut. He plays church basketball so he is transferring his energy into a different kind of ball (24/7)!!! They are resilient, those kids! Your son just needs to know that you are there to help after he takes this time in his own private thoughts.
mom
Being compassionate wont cut it if the player does not have the talent to go further--- my sons have been down the road, 4 of them--- one was a huge success on the college level two others were solid college players and the 4th gave it up and he may have had more inate talent than the other three---so please do not lecture me about my way of telling you the facts
As for education I am more than moderately educated so please do not go there with me
Sometimes the truth hurts but it is the truth not fluff---it is about time this country got away from being soft and fuzzy---open your ears and hear the truth when it is spoken --you wanted opinions and I gave you one--you did not like the response I gave so now you want to blast me-- GO ahead--I have thick skin--
I still think he may not have the talent you think he has and the coach saw that lack of ability
Being compassionate wont cut it if the player does not have the talent to go further--- my sons have been down the road, 4 of them--- one was a huge success on the college level two others were solid college players and the 4th gave it up and he may have had more inate talent than the other three---so please do not lecture me about my way of telling you the facts
As for education I am more than moderately educated so please do not go there with me
Sometimes the truth hurts but it is the truth not fluff---it is about time this country got away from being soft and fuzzy---open your ears and hear the truth when it is spoken --you wanted opinions and I gave you one--you did not like the response I gave so now you want to blast me-- GO ahead--I have thick skin--
I still think he may not have the talent you think he has and the coach saw that lack of ability
quote:quote by Trhit:
hate to be cruel but perhaps your son, who loves the game, may not have the talent to go beyond where he is now
quote by Mom1211:
I realize that I am new here, but it seems that TRhit feels the need to say this to everyone who has had a bad experience with baseball. We all have the right to speak our minds, however, it hurts when we are already experiencing a devastating blow for our child's sake and that is the very last thing we look for when coming to this site.
Very well-put, Mom.
If I recall correctly, Daddyboy's son attends a school in Texas with a top-10 program. Those programs are typically LOADED with talent and depth and a lot of very good players can get buried behind D1-caliber players. This year, my son's former high school (a perennial top 10 program in Texas) has a D3 commit who will not be starting even as a senior. There's a high school in Dallas, Coppell H.S., that has 6 senior D1 signees plus a few JUCO commits this year. I can only imagine the discouragement of some very talented players at that school who are cut -- when they could probably be starters at some other, less-talented schools in the district.
Just because a player gets cut does NOT mean he doesn't "have the talent to go beyond where he is now."
'08
You are entitled to your opinion--does not make me wrong nor your right--it just gets tiring when people ask for opinions --you give them one and they come at you because it isnt what they want to hear---if they want to be messaged let them all go to massage therapist for body and mind therapy
You are entitled to your opinion--does not make me wrong nor your right--it just gets tiring when people ask for opinions --you give them one and they come at you because it isnt what they want to hear---if they want to be messaged let them all go to massage therapist for body and mind therapy
quote:Just because a player gets cut does NOT mean he doesn't "have the talent to go beyond where he is now."
I agree. I know a player who NEVER started in high school and who is now finishing up a career at the D2 level in South Carolina. Our high school had over 4,000 kids in grades 10-12. Well over 100 kids tried out for the freshman team. Many college players never even made varsity until they were seniors in high school. Others fell by the wayside due to the numbers game. Some of those could have easily started at other programs. Never give up your dreams. If you and your son believe in his talent, he has plenty of time to catch up this summer. Most high school seasons are relatively short and are easily dwarfed by the long summer and fall seasons that are available.
First of all, I was not lecturing you. I was specifically talking to daddyboy. Second, I didn't suggest that YOU were not educated (although I do think you are arrogant). If you were to actually read what I wrote, you would see that I said, (again talking to daddyboy) "We are all at least moderately educated . . . " (That means moderate and above.) and we have surely considered the chance that our sons might not have what it takes (even you may have thought that at one time or other).
TRhit, I happen to differ with you. Again, you don't know where I live, where my son attends school, or the political environment there. Of all the advice I gained here-none which I considered FLUFF- yours was the least helpful and the most pompous. Moreover, I think "soft and fuzzy" would do this world some good since insensitivity and callousness have scarcely any productive/positive outcomes.
Daddyboy, your son will make the right decision for himself and come back into this when he's ready. Good luck to you.
TRhit, I happen to differ with you. Again, you don't know where I live, where my son attends school, or the political environment there. Of all the advice I gained here-none which I considered FLUFF- yours was the least helpful and the most pompous. Moreover, I think "soft and fuzzy" would do this world some good since insensitivity and callousness have scarcely any productive/positive outcomes.
Daddyboy, your son will make the right decision for himself and come back into this when he's ready. Good luck to you.
MOM
Why the references to where you live, your sons HS etc---I could care less--
You may call me arrogant but that is me, always has been---can also be termed confident---I do not believe you give roses if they are not warranted---the moderators tell me not to insult posters but you can do it--the term arrogant is an what can be termed an insult--but I will take it as a compliment because I am not one of those "touchy feely" people who need to be stroked and caressed--
Yes I am tough to get along with but those who do love me--just ask my wife--she finds me to be absolutely sweet and lovable but she knows how I can be--I not say right now what is on my mind ???
Why the references to where you live, your sons HS etc---I could care less--
You may call me arrogant but that is me, always has been---can also be termed confident---I do not believe you give roses if they are not warranted---the moderators tell me not to insult posters but you can do it--the term arrogant is an what can be termed an insult--but I will take it as a compliment because I am not one of those "touchy feely" people who need to be stroked and caressed--
Yes I am tough to get along with but those who do love me--just ask my wife--she finds me to be absolutely sweet and lovable but she knows how I can be--I not say right now what is on my mind ???
quote:I not say right now what is on my mind ???
What does this mean? Just poking a little fun at you, Tom.
Not meant as an insult but an observation. I have no doubt you have a "soft and fuzzy" side 
Don't make me pull a comical "non-political" video out of my YouTube archives. 
MOM
Do not make assumptions
Do not make assumptions
Does high school baseball need to be more "soft and fuzzy? It that a new thread topic? 
Sounds good to me 
Mom,
I'm sorry your son got cut. I really am. I am sorry the lefty got cut too. I got cut from my freshman team. I was a lefty catcher with little else to offer the team. I tried out for the golf team and lettered 4 years, then played in college. Life goes on.
I've been around baseball players a long time. The are not very soft or fuzzy, at least the good ones aren't. They don't want to be soft or fuzzy. Call'em soft or fuzzy and you should probably duck. Good luck to your son.
I'm sorry your son got cut. I really am. I am sorry the lefty got cut too. I got cut from my freshman team. I was a lefty catcher with little else to offer the team. I tried out for the golf team and lettered 4 years, then played in college. Life goes on.
I've been around baseball players a long time. The are not very soft or fuzzy, at least the good ones aren't. They don't want to be soft or fuzzy. Call'em soft or fuzzy and you should probably duck. Good luck to your son.
I think I understand where TR Hit is coming from.. and we've had at it before, too. Maybe it's arrogance from your point of view, mom, but I've been around baseball long enough to see the "comfy" side and it's just as ugly.
*Assume it's not the talent of the player, it's politics.
*So-called friends comforting you that your player was cut unfairly.
*Parents with totally unrealistic viewpoints of their player's talent level.
I remember one mom when Bum, Jr. was in middle-school. I had been trying to get her son on a few of the travel teams Bum, Jr. was on but she always refused and chose rec ball. The first game, a fly ball hits him dead on the head.. the hitter scores.. the coach pulls the kid from the game the next inning and mom is just livid on the sidelines, threatening to call the school administrator. I'll never forget her parting words: "My son has too much talent to sit!"
Perhaps TR Hit was blunt but (mom and daddyboy) consider this a wakeup call for your sons. Perhaps your view of his talent level is skewed. Just perhaps this is the end of the line for baseball. If you feel otherwise, be challenged! All of the condolensces and complaining in the world will not get him back onto that field. Get to work!
I know there's politics in baseball. It's happening at my younger son's school, too, and it's sad. But the proper response is to get even by getting better. Period.
*Assume it's not the talent of the player, it's politics.
*So-called friends comforting you that your player was cut unfairly.
*Parents with totally unrealistic viewpoints of their player's talent level.
I remember one mom when Bum, Jr. was in middle-school. I had been trying to get her son on a few of the travel teams Bum, Jr. was on but she always refused and chose rec ball. The first game, a fly ball hits him dead on the head.. the hitter scores.. the coach pulls the kid from the game the next inning and mom is just livid on the sidelines, threatening to call the school administrator. I'll never forget her parting words: "My son has too much talent to sit!"
Perhaps TR Hit was blunt but (mom and daddyboy) consider this a wakeup call for your sons. Perhaps your view of his talent level is skewed. Just perhaps this is the end of the line for baseball. If you feel otherwise, be challenged! All of the condolensces and complaining in the world will not get him back onto that field. Get to work!
I know there's politics in baseball. It's happening at my younger son's school, too, and it's sad. But the proper response is to get even by getting better. Period.
quote:I'll never forget her parting words: "My son has too much talent to sit!"
I'll never forget getting to a LL game in the second inning and seeing a mom being dragged off in steel bracelets behind her back too. Sometimes the truth needs to be said.
I expect you are right about that! I was kidding about soft and fuzzy baseball players. I too am sorry for you because I know you must have hurt badly too. We all get hurt sometime in this life and yes, it does go on anyway, if we're lucky. I'll guess that your mom took it worse than you did! It's good you had other talents as does my son.
"Joe" seems as happy as ever thanks to wonderful friends. I am in graduate school so my thoughts are better now off baseball and onto graduating! Just felt bad for lefty but got caught up in sentimentalism.
I do appreciate you all (yes, all)
"Joe" seems as happy as ever thanks to wonderful friends. I am in graduate school so my thoughts are better now off baseball and onto graduating! Just felt bad for lefty but got caught up in sentimentalism.
I do appreciate you all (yes, all)
quote:I'll guess that your mom took it worse than you did! It's good you had other talents as does my son.
My mother didn't give two flips, but that is another thread.
Please know two things I know are true as the sun rising tomorrow.
All players careers end, probably before they are ready for them to end. The players get past their career and move on much faster and easier than their parent(s). Take that to the bank.
I am surprised to hear of a lefty catcher getting cut... 
I saw a collegiate player get hit in the head by a fly ball a few summers ago. His teammates made him wear a batting helmet onto the field the next inning.
Funniest thing I ever heard a mom yell: "How can that be a strike? He didn't even swing at it!"
Son had a pitching lesson this afternoon with his instructor, who got up to double A before retiring due to injury. Instructor sometimes talks about how he was forbidden to pitch his first two years in a small hs baseball program.
Some kids will never be as good a player as they were when they were 12. Some kids stink at 12 and hit their stride at 17. No one has a crystal ball and knows what a kid's future will hold.
LHPMom
I saw a collegiate player get hit in the head by a fly ball a few summers ago. His teammates made him wear a batting helmet onto the field the next inning.
Funniest thing I ever heard a mom yell: "How can that be a strike? He didn't even swing at it!"
Son had a pitching lesson this afternoon with his instructor, who got up to double A before retiring due to injury. Instructor sometimes talks about how he was forbidden to pitch his first two years in a small hs baseball program.
Some kids will never be as good a player as they were when they were 12. Some kids stink at 12 and hit their stride at 17. No one has a crystal ball and knows what a kid's future will hold.
LHPMom
The coach did me a favor.
Dad04,
Great posts.
For those new websters who may not know, Dad04's son was a darn good college pitcher, a conference ERA leader. Circumstances are that his son didn't go further and I know that Dad04 had some adjustments to make and I know he felt badly for his son. Your heart bleeds when the end comes or they don't reach the level they desire, but as he says and I agree, parents take it worse than their players.
Never once did he ever complain or used any excuse.
I admire that and I think that is what some here are trying to say, even though eveyone has their own way of expressing it.
Daddybo and mom, your sons will be fine. They will do what they have to, if the game means as much as you think it does to them, let them work it out for themselves.
Great posts.
For those new websters who may not know, Dad04's son was a darn good college pitcher, a conference ERA leader. Circumstances are that his son didn't go further and I know that Dad04 had some adjustments to make and I know he felt badly for his son. Your heart bleeds when the end comes or they don't reach the level they desire, but as he says and I agree, parents take it worse than their players.
Never once did he ever complain or used any excuse.
I admire that and I think that is what some here are trying to say, even though eveyone has their own way of expressing it.
Daddybo and mom, your sons will be fine. They will do what they have to, if the game means as much as you think it does to them, let them work it out for themselves.
TPM - good post.
Dad04's son was a star player in college and played at the very highest levels of D1 baseball. He is living proof that life is often very unfair. Dad04 has handled things with extreme class.
baseballregie's son played like an All-American for our team last year. I am convinced if a pro team gave him a chance that they would be rewarded with a player who produces. Things cannot always be measured with height and weight. Anybody who says luck is not involved is lying imho.
Dad04's son was a star player in college and played at the very highest levels of D1 baseball. He is living proof that life is often very unfair. Dad04 has handled things with extreme class.
baseballregie's son played like an All-American for our team last year. I am convinced if a pro team gave him a chance that they would be rewarded with a player who produces. Things cannot always be measured with height and weight. Anybody who says luck is not involved is lying imho.
quote:All players careers end, probably before they are ready for them to end. The players get past their career and move on much faster and easier than their parent(s). Take that to the bank.
You got that right. It definitely takes some getting used to after 12 years of baseball from t-ball thru high school. My son had opportunities to continue at the next level but chose not to.
He knew what he wanted to do and it meant hanging up the spikes after high school. Giving it up wasn't hard for him.
It's worked out well for him and he made the right decision
It gets easier as you move further away from it .
But when it ends, it does take some getting used to at first.
Everybody will go thru it at some point.
From doubleday on Freshman tryouts in Texas regarding underclassmen making varsity rosters in district 6-5A in Texas:
Coppell, the school that Infield08 refers to above, is in fact a member of district 6-5A in Texas where daddyboy indicated that his son tried to make the JV team.
There will be players cut in that district that "have the talent to go beyond where he is now."
My son played in a similar district, several years ago. Many of the current 6-5A district teams were then rivals. I think there are actually three of those 6-5A schools currently ranked to finish in the top 10 schools in Texas baseball.
My son played four years of varsity baseball against all of those 6-5A district teams. I was shocked when a tall lanky sophomore pitcher, a year ahead of my freshman son, did not make the varsity as a sophomore.
The pitcher did become a star pitcher on that school's varsity roster as a junior and senior and was subsequently drafted as the first pick in the supplemental round of the 2003 MLB draft by the Cleveland Indians.
His name is Adam Miller, and, he is in a very good position to make the Indians' MLB roster in a few weeks.
Making the varsity roster on a large 5A school well-established baseball program in Texas can be more difficult than some college programs.
For a player whose talent level has not matured enough to make a large 5A school varsity roster, transferring to a smaller school, from only a purely baseball perspective, could be an attractive option, while continuing with a strong summer program.
Another player that I am proud to know, played at a smaller 4A school with my younger son. I don't think he would have ever made the roster at one of the 5A powerhouses. He has now successfully played two years at a well-known community college and has earned a baseball scholarship at the University of Oklahoma. I'd post his name, so you could check the roster, but I am not sure if he's listed since he may be on a medical redshirt recovering from knee surgery.
quote:As an aside, I checked the rosters on DMN for 5 of the 6 schools in District 6-5A (Lewisville isn't up yet), and there are no Freshman on any of the rosters and only 7 Sophs between the 5 schools.
quote:If I recall correctly, Daddyboy's son attends a school in Texas with a top-10 program. Those programs are typically LOADED with talent and depth and a lot of very good players can get buried behind D1-caliber players. This year, my son's former high school (a perennial top 10 program in Texas) has a D3 commit who will not be starting even as a senior. There's a high school in Dallas, Coppell H.S., that has 6 senior D1 signees plus a few JUCO commits this year. I can only imagine the discouragement of some very talented players at that school who are cut -- when they could probably be starters at some other, less-talented schools in the district.
Just because a player gets cut does NOT mean he doesn't "have the talent to go beyond where he is now."
Coppell, the school that Infield08 refers to above, is in fact a member of district 6-5A in Texas where daddyboy indicated that his son tried to make the JV team.
There will be players cut in that district that "have the talent to go beyond where he is now."
My son played in a similar district, several years ago. Many of the current 6-5A district teams were then rivals. I think there are actually three of those 6-5A schools currently ranked to finish in the top 10 schools in Texas baseball.
My son played four years of varsity baseball against all of those 6-5A district teams. I was shocked when a tall lanky sophomore pitcher, a year ahead of my freshman son, did not make the varsity as a sophomore.
The pitcher did become a star pitcher on that school's varsity roster as a junior and senior and was subsequently drafted as the first pick in the supplemental round of the 2003 MLB draft by the Cleveland Indians.
His name is Adam Miller, and, he is in a very good position to make the Indians' MLB roster in a few weeks.
Making the varsity roster on a large 5A school well-established baseball program in Texas can be more difficult than some college programs.
For a player whose talent level has not matured enough to make a large 5A school varsity roster, transferring to a smaller school, from only a purely baseball perspective, could be an attractive option, while continuing with a strong summer program.
Another player that I am proud to know, played at a smaller 4A school with my younger son. I don't think he would have ever made the roster at one of the 5A powerhouses. He has now successfully played two years at a well-known community college and has earned a baseball scholarship at the University of Oklahoma. I'd post his name, so you could check the roster, but I am not sure if he's listed since he may be on a medical redshirt recovering from knee surgery.
quote:His name is Adam Miller, and, he is in a very good position to make the Indians MLB roster in a few weeks.
Adam is a very good player - he just can't seem to stay healthy.
So true FO,
As you probably know, we came from one of those small 4A schools in Texas. I really think because of that, my son got the opportunity to play after high school. I had a friend who played I believe in 6-5A who didn't get the playing time he deserved. This young man was my sons age and had just as much talent, if not more, and was also a LHP. On occasion I would discuss with his mom about possibly getting out of that situation and moving over to our 4A school. This kid probably would have gotten plenty of innings as a sophomore and probably would have been the #1 or #2 pitcher beginning his junior year. It wasn't he lacked the talent to play at the 5A level, it was just that in that particular district there was so much talent.
I do believe if he would have transferred his freshman or sophomore year, he would still be playing baseball today if he so desired.
In Texas, and I'm sure other rich baseball states, it can become a numbers game and someone who deserves a shot might get overlooked.
As you probably know, we came from one of those small 4A schools in Texas. I really think because of that, my son got the opportunity to play after high school. I had a friend who played I believe in 6-5A who didn't get the playing time he deserved. This young man was my sons age and had just as much talent, if not more, and was also a LHP. On occasion I would discuss with his mom about possibly getting out of that situation and moving over to our 4A school. This kid probably would have gotten plenty of innings as a sophomore and probably would have been the #1 or #2 pitcher beginning his junior year. It wasn't he lacked the talent to play at the 5A level, it was just that in that particular district there was so much talent.
I do believe if he would have transferred his freshman or sophomore year, he would still be playing baseball today if he so desired.
In Texas, and I'm sure other rich baseball states, it can become a numbers game and someone who deserves a shot might get overlooked.
Nawp, he's had some problems with his fingers and thumb on his throwing hand that have held him back.
It seems that the Indians have brought him along very carefully.
He's a tough gritty kid with a FB touching 101, cruising 94-95, and a tough, tough slider.
I've never viewed him as an injury prone player............
I think he's gonna be OK.
"Corinth, Texas", played there too.......
Iiit's a smalll worldddd.....
It seems that the Indians have brought him along very carefully.
He's a tough gritty kid with a FB touching 101, cruising 94-95, and a tough, tough slider.
I've never viewed him as an injury prone player............
I think he's gonna be OK.
"Corinth, Texas", played there too.......
Iiit's a smalll worldddd.....
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, my son was involved in a minor car wreck that threw his core out of whack, basically shortening his career. He was t-boned by a truck load of frat boys literally dressed in toga's. Stuff happens. How you adjust to stuff reveals character, imo.
quote:Originally posted by Dad04:
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, my son was involved in a minor car wreck that threw his core out of whack, basically shortening his career. He was t-boned by a truck load of frat boys literally dressed in toga's. Stuff happens. How you adjust to stuff reveals character, imo.
I had forgotten about that story!
Here is another one. grateful who does not post here much anymore had his son following a successful D1 career. Apparently they saw some friends on campus and they rolled the window down to say hello. grateful's son reached his hand out the window to high five a teammate while the car was still moving and it accidently tore his labrum
Freaky stuff happens 
As the Water Boy says, "They are finely tuned athletic machines."
Reading FO's story about Adam Miller, got me to thinking about all the kids we have seen that did not play varsity until being a junior or senior.
This is most common in California, Texas, Florida and other areas that produce lots of talent.
The Yankees first round pick last year was a RHP from California. He throws in the high 90s and has touched 100+. He also has a very good breaking ball and a plus change up.
As a "junior" in high school he pitched 20 some innings the whole season. We first saw him before he had made the varsity. We named him to the Aflac All American team and took a little guff when people saw his high school statistics displayed.
If we would wait until someone was a varsity player before seeing him... We would have missed a lot of talent along the way. There can be many reasons why a certain player didn't make varsity. There are also many players who blossom at different times. We have seen many who were average players one year and became big prospects by the next year.
I would bet that many high school coaches and travel coaches have seen the same thing. Sometimes players just blossom right in front of your eyes, even from the beginning of the season to the end.
I have seen enough to know... Just about anything is possible!
This is most common in California, Texas, Florida and other areas that produce lots of talent.
The Yankees first round pick last year was a RHP from California. He throws in the high 90s and has touched 100+. He also has a very good breaking ball and a plus change up.
As a "junior" in high school he pitched 20 some innings the whole season. We first saw him before he had made the varsity. We named him to the Aflac All American team and took a little guff when people saw his high school statistics displayed.
If we would wait until someone was a varsity player before seeing him... We would have missed a lot of talent along the way. There can be many reasons why a certain player didn't make varsity. There are also many players who blossom at different times. We have seen many who were average players one year and became big prospects by the next year.
I would bet that many high school coaches and travel coaches have seen the same thing. Sometimes players just blossom right in front of your eyes, even from the beginning of the season to the end.
I have seen enough to know... Just about anything is possible!