Other duties as assigned

Fungo,

I think the only way a player can help the way he is perceived is by playing - every day - 100%.

But what does "giving 100%" mean to me? (Many people think it is just a useless cliche.)

To me it means:

You dont quit - ever.

You leave it all on the field - every time - every play - every pitch.

And you win and lose with dignity - and not like some carnival clown.

IMO.

Fungo,
While sitting at a luncheon given for families and players in Omaha by our host organization, a few parents began talking about a player (who plays for another team) and why he didn't come to Clemson. The consensus was while he had the tools, there were other "attributes" coach didn't care for. This also brings to mind a story about a player who many years ago was having trouble getting signed at college, though drafted in the first round, I understand some coaches didn't like his attitude.

When considering recruits for college, many coaches very much take into consideration players with "team" mentalities, IMHO. Many times you will hear about a player becoming the captain, most often not for his tools but for his leadership capabilites. At Clemson, there was a 4 year player who never really played, but I understand he brought a lot to the team in other ways and was a team captain. I truely beleive that it's not always about the ERA, the BA, the GPA, or the hustle, but what it is about that player that will bring something special to add to the team's chemistry. I also feel that the team with the best players doesn't necessarily make a winning team.


Frankly, many times you find those type of not so attractive attitudes most likely are the way because it has been passed down from the parents. A parent can give son many opportunities to improve to be a better player, lessons, showcases, spend money on getting on teh best teams, but also have to understand that there is a personal side to the recruiting process money or opportunities can't bring.JMO.

The first question always asked by a college coach "What kind of kid is he"? The second "How are his parents"? The third "What kind of student is he"?

On another note: TPM I was at the 17u WWBA at East Cobb watching my son play. Two of our pitchers have already signed with Clemson they are 07's. Coach Leggett was there for both of their starts and stayed the entire game to congratulate them afterwards. He was stopped by several people who recognized him and he was very gracious with his time. He stood there and talked to everyone that stopped him. Very classy man.

Coach May,
Congrats to your players! You mean your 07's have committed? Signing comes in November for 07's right? Don't confuse me more!!!!
Coach came out to see son before he made it to Clemson and was also there at the cape this summer. It meant alot to my son. His choice of schools very much depended on the coaches and although I don't always say that should be the deciding factor, for him it has worked at well. He has learned alot from him, lots of life lessons which you really can't find in any book!

Fungo, Son and I were just discussing this topic yesterday. I posted this story in another thread and ask forgiveness for repeating it.

Son knows a kid that had a history and reputation for an attitude. We really thought those days were behind him though as he went off to a good DI program. The kid has tons of talent and has size that is coveted by many a player. Just heard that there were either/or behavior or attitude issues and he's been cut. This is a kid that started a huge number of games as a freshman and I feel certain would have eventually been drafted.

I don't blame any coach who lets a kid that doesn't play showing support for his coach, teammates, and program. To me, that means hustle, cooperation, respect, on and off the field. A truly good player demonstrates many "other duties".

And yes, mine knew what I expected in HS and still do from him! He also knows he'll hear mom's opinion on certain issues whether he's 16 or 40!

TPM I confuse myself all the time. Yes committed to Clemson. Not players on my HS team but my sons showcase team the Dirtbags with Impact Baseball.