need help!!

TP,

If you are worried about making your High School team, don't. Concentrate on what you are doing right now.

I am sure that there might be a lot of Magic players that play at Sandburg, but I am sure if you look closer there are also TP Bulldogs, TP Reds, Sparks, Thunder, Berwyn Bulldogs, Mt Greenwood Brewers and I am sure some local Little League stars also.

High School coaches have a lot more to think about than what travel team a kid played on. The coach at Sandburg will put the best team he can on the field just like 99% of the other coaches out there. Don't waste your time worrying about things like that. Your job is to be as prepared as possible and show what you can do when the opportunity arises.

It looks like the whole Soph team from Sandburg plays for TT's 16 yr olds.

I am a high school varsity baseball coach and I hear the "It's Politics" thing way too much. I will tell you that not everyone that plays travel ball in my area is talented enough to make the freshmen team. I know that there are some kids playing travel ball just because their dad coaches the team, or that their parents are friends with the coach. We had about 60 freshmen tryout for the team this year and kept 27. It is really easy to pick or cut the first 20 players. It is very difficult to pick the last 5 or 6 guys. Here is what you can do to improve your chances of making the team next year: 1. Be able to throw and catch! This is the first thing we look at. If you can't look athletic doing this there isn't much of a chance. 2. Hustle! Always be flying around the gym or the field. 3. Go to the preseaon conditioning or weight lifting sessions and work hard. 4. Have a sound fundamental approach with the bat. 5. Get good grades. 6. Stay out of trouble with the dean's office. 7. Be confident.

I hope this helps you. It doesn't matter if you make the A or B team, it is just important to make the team and get better. We have had many B players go on to star on the varsity because of their work ethic and that they have had time to grow and develop physically.

Parents and players need to understand that we (coaches) don't care where you came from. We are looking for the players that give us the best chance of having a successful season. To put it this way, I have cut talented players that could probably start for me because of attitude and grade problems. I think people use "politics" as an excuse for their son's lack of ability. They have to blame something or someone other than their son. I am now down off my soap box. Thank you.

Hey Kenny, it only seems that way. Actually there are 4 Sandburg soph's on Top Tier plus Nick Chmielewski. But, 5 out of 18 is a significant number, nonetheless.

Hey thanks for all your help. I appreciate hearing everyones views and advice. I'm gonna try my best in making that team. Again, thanks.

Keeler

Just to chime in and back up what DC33 wrote, I am a high school coach on the North Shore. I hear the "it's all politics" BS all the time. Honestly, as high school coaches we usually have no clue who did or did not play travel ball--nor do we care. The program I coach in plays Sandburg every year. Sandburg is a fine program. I am sure the situation is the same there as it is up here. Any high school coach worth his salt (or interested in keeping his job for long) will do everything he can to take the best talent available, regardless of whether they played travel ball or not. Talent includes skill level, coachability, and character.

With that said, since it sounds like you will be an incoming freshman, you should consider finding a travel team to play for. Not because it is a lock into your HS team, but because the travel schedule will likely provide you with a pre-high school baseball experience that is more competitive than a house league. It does not have to be the OP Magic (although they are a fine organization)--there are many solid 14YO travel teams in your area. Hunt for one that fits you and will give you an opportunity to play--and hunt for one that is instructional based, and not overly concerned about winning.

The reason it seems that your area high school programs are littered with travel players is because the better players tend to gravitate toward them.

Follow DC33's advise--and most importantly, TAKE CARE OF YOUR GRADES. Good Luck!