how does potential "prospect" stay motivated to play at a high level when the team he plays on is not very good?
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quote:Originally posted by lgejjt:
how does potential "prospect" stay motivated to play at a high level when the team he plays on is not very good?
1. show humility (you or the player seem to think the team is way below you or the player's level).
2. help others less talented than you or the player to improve their game.
3.you or the player quit, if this is not an option , try to look like (you or the player)are having fun with the team who is way below your or the players level (in your or the player's opinion).
Not sure if player or parent is asking this question.
quote:Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:quote:Originally posted by lgejjt:
how does potential "prospect" stay motivated to play at a high level when the team he plays on is not very good?
1. show humility (you or the player seem to think the team is way below player's level).
2. help others less talented than you or the player to improve their game.
3. quit
this was a hypothectical question. whats with finger pointing? besides that, you have a lot to learn about the real world of high school baseball.
I changed my responses see above.
High School baseball, been there done that.
Also been here a long time, most don't post hypothetical questions. But if so, I have given hypothetical answers.
High School baseball, been there done that.
Also been here a long time, most don't post hypothetical questions. But if so, I have given hypothetical answers.
I will try and give you a much better answer than TPM. Your question definitely has some merit. Though I do know some parents who think there kid is all everything I hope that is not your case. I am concerned though as you call him a prospect.
The best thing he can do is remember what he has been taught and continue to do the fundamental things correctly. Both physically and mentally. Keep leading by example and practice and play hard. Remember to never talk or look down on anyone, the attitude should always be a positive one. I would not try and teach your teammates unless they approach you for advice. Otherwise it may be taken as being conceited.
The best thing he can do is remember what he has been taught and continue to do the fundamental things correctly. Both physically and mentally. Keep leading by example and practice and play hard. Remember to never talk or look down on anyone, the attitude should always be a positive one. I would not try and teach your teammates unless they approach you for advice. Otherwise it may be taken as being conceited.
I am sorry you did not like my answers but....
Already has been a clip of the player asking what others thought (another thread).
Has already posted he wishes he is a big surprise in the 2007 draft (another thread).
Player obviously feels that being a "prospect" puts him above others.
The term "playing down" means to me, that player thinks team isn't good enough for him.
Already has been a clip of the player asking what others thought (another thread).
Has already posted he wishes he is a big surprise in the 2007 draft (another thread).
Player obviously feels that being a "prospect" puts him above others.
The term "playing down" means to me, that player thinks team isn't good enough for him.
As we have in the past we will disagree. I've seen those threads. It still does not deserve the response that you gave. It was extremely sarcastic and "talking down". If my son ever gets to play at a quality college I would certainly hope that my attitude shows that I would like to help people learn from my experiences and not been there done that.
Well, my answer will be very similar to TPMs. I think she's pretty much been around the high school baseball block, as have I - more than once. Her answer is spot on as far as I'm concerned.
So you're referring to a "hypothetical" high school player playing on a "hypothetical" high school team... otherwise there would be no reason to play with that team, correct? The "prospect" would find a team that was "hypothetically" as good as he believes he is. Of course then he might find that the players on his new team don't think he's as good as he thinks he is, so then he'd have to find another team... but that's another subject.
The beauty of baseball is that it's a team sport that you play as an individual. Whether your team wins or loses, you still can have success as an individual - that's what stats are all about. Of course, it's more rewarding to a TEAM player if the TEAM succeeds, but that's usually out of an individual player's control. A TEAM player learns to give his all for his team and accept winning or losing with grace and determination to continue to improve his own game. No high school player has maxed out on his ability to improve, unless he already thinks he's "all that"... but that's yet another subject.
One thing I always stressed to my boys, who were frequently the "best" baseball player on their team, is that every other boy on that team is also the BEST at something - it may not be baseball, but that's OK. All are blessed with talents and gifts and we need to learn to appreciate one another for what we bring to the team. More important to me than being the best player on the team was that my boys would strive to be the best TEAMMATE on the team.
Oh, and one last thing... I don't think you can consider ANYONE to be a potential "prospect" if he has a hard time keeping himself motivated.
So you're referring to a "hypothetical" high school player playing on a "hypothetical" high school team... otherwise there would be no reason to play with that team, correct? The "prospect" would find a team that was "hypothetically" as good as he believes he is. Of course then he might find that the players on his new team don't think he's as good as he thinks he is, so then he'd have to find another team... but that's another subject.
The beauty of baseball is that it's a team sport that you play as an individual. Whether your team wins or loses, you still can have success as an individual - that's what stats are all about. Of course, it's more rewarding to a TEAM player if the TEAM succeeds, but that's usually out of an individual player's control. A TEAM player learns to give his all for his team and accept winning or losing with grace and determination to continue to improve his own game. No high school player has maxed out on his ability to improve, unless he already thinks he's "all that"... but that's yet another subject.
One thing I always stressed to my boys, who were frequently the "best" baseball player on their team, is that every other boy on that team is also the BEST at something - it may not be baseball, but that's OK. All are blessed with talents and gifts and we need to learn to appreciate one another for what we bring to the team. More important to me than being the best player on the team was that my boys would strive to be the best TEAMMATE on the team.
Oh, and one last thing... I don't think you can consider ANYONE to be a potential "prospect" if he has a hard time keeping himself motivated.
quote:Originally posted by bb1:
I will try and give you a much better answer than TPM. Your question definitely has some merit. Though I do know some parents who think there kid is all everything I hope that is not your case. I am concerned though as you call him a prospect.
The best thing he can do is remember what he has been taught and continue to do the fundamental things correctly. Both physically and mentally. Keep leading by example and practice and play hard. Remember to never talk or look down on anyone, the attitude should always be a positive one. I would not try and teach your teammates unless they approach you for advice. Otherwise it may be taken as being conceited.
you're right this is not my case at all, I imagine though there are cases out there. as for your advice i think it is right on point. I agree 100% (p.s. can someone direct to the hypothectical department?)
This, even though it may be hypothetcal, is something I saw to night. Our team run rulled the other team and I knew two of the players on the team and I felt for them. Good kids, good baseball players (probably wouldnt see playing time on our team). Anyway, they had no pitching and had some errors - not too bad, but what I saw is their stands were full - the parents were fantastic.
We won a game but I was taken aback by the support their boys had. Even though they havent won a game all year, I bet they pull off an upset sometime down the road.
I wonder how I or my son would react under the same circumstaces. We are very competitive and do a great job....and we have more compainers then they did.
Wonderfully humbling.
We won a game but I was taken aback by the support their boys had. Even though they havent won a game all year, I bet they pull off an upset sometime down the road.
I wonder how I or my son would react under the same circumstaces. We are very competitive and do a great job....and we have more compainers then they did.
Wonderfully humbling.
quote:Originally posted by mythreesons:
Well, my answer will be very similar to TPMs. I think she's pretty much been around the high school baseball block, as have I - more than once. Her answer is spot on as far as I'm concerned.
So you're referring to a "hypothetical" high school player playing on a "hypothetical" high school team... otherwise there would be no reason to play with that team, correct? The "prospect" would find a team that was "hypothetically" as good as he believes he is. Of course then he might find that the players on his new team don't think he's as good as he thinks he is, so then he'd have to find another team... but that's another subject.
The beauty of baseball is that it's a team sport that you play as an individual. Whether your team wins or loses, you still can have success as an individual - that's what stats are all about. Of course, it's more rewarding to a TEAM player if the TEAM succeeds, but that's usually out of an individual player's control. A TEAM player learns to give his all for his team and accept winning or losing with grace and determination to continue to improve his own game. No high school player has maxed out on his ability to improve, unless he already thinks he's "all that"... but that's yet another subject.
One thing I always stressed to my boys, who were frequently the "best" baseball player on their team, is that every other boy on that team is also the BEST at something - it may not be baseball, but that's OK. All are blessed with talents and gifts and we need to learn to appreciate one another for what we bring to the team. More important to me than being the best player on the team was that my boys would strive to be the best TEAMMATE on the team.
Oh, and one last thing... I don't think you can consider ANYONE to be a potential "prospect" if he has a hard time keeping himself motivated.
hypothetical or not, high school players don't have the luxury of just going to another school. They are where the are. Now continuing hypothetical, the player plays high level summer and fall ball, spring comes around, the team is undissaplined, laxadazical, not very well coached. With high school rules, the player has to play the hand he is dealt. Prospect or not, a good player will motivate themselves. right?
Please see my post above - love the game!
quote:Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:
I am sorry you did not like my answers but....
Already has been a clip of the player asking what others thought (another thread).
Has already posted he wishes he is a big surprise in the 2007 draft (another thread).
Player obviously feels that being a "prospect" puts him above others.
The term "playing down" means to me, that player thinks team isn't good enough for him.
you know, i know what you are getting at and you could not be more wrong. you should be ashamed of your self for judging the player from "another thread" without knowing him. I can tell you for fact that the player from "another thread" loves his team mates on and off the field. Once again, this was a made up question.
One positive about playing for a "bad" team (if you are a position player) is that you will face the better pitchers who are probably not on your team. This might help improve your hitting more so than the player on a "good" team who is facing poor pitchers.
If you are a good pitcher on a bad team, it is more difficult. Poor play, errors, passed balls, etc. can erode your confidence. You have a choice to endure and be mentally tough or blame others for your losses. Suck it up and make your team better by leading.
If you are a good pitcher on a bad team, it is more difficult. Poor play, errors, passed balls, etc. can erode your confidence. You have a choice to endure and be mentally tough or blame others for your losses. Suck it up and make your team better by leading.
i'll stick my two cents in.
in my opinion if your a college prospect HS baseball is a very big part of their recruiting. because it is a school. you will have to balance sports and school in college. and how you deal with that as well as being a good coachable kid. and how you deal with situations beyond your control.now not all colleges care about all this. but the ones i've seen do. it's not all about baseball.
in my opinion if your a college prospect HS baseball is a very big part of their recruiting. because it is a school. you will have to balance sports and school in college. and how you deal with that as well as being a good coachable kid. and how you deal with situations beyond your control.now not all colleges care about all this. but the ones i've seen do. it's not all about baseball.
Bum, I disagree with you. Players that play for a weak team historically see the poorest pitching in the league or conference. Opposing coaches normally throw their weakest pitchers and save their “hosses” for the stronger teams.
How does any player that considers himself a “prospect” stay motivated playing for a team where they feel as if their team is weak and his teammates less talented? While this is common I also think this is a cop out. Think about it, EVERY player that is considered the best on his team is faced with this “challenge” of being “superior” to his teammates. No matter what level of play whether it be pre-high school or professional baseball the player has to focus on HIS individual effort during the game and during individual practice. I think this mirrors life. If we accept the fact that we are a product of our environment and succumb to our surroundings, then we are weak and have indeed become a product of our environment. However if we take responsibility for our OWN development and control our own actions we soon learn that we can actually improve oneself AND in doing so we have also improved our environment.
I think the real problem arises when we rely solely on out immediate surroundings to motivate us. A player can be the best on his team and still never develop to his full potential because he may feel as if he has succeeded in being the “best”. Not really the player’s fault because what else does he have to measure himself against except a group of weak players? I think this is where the high profile showcases and select teams come into play raising the bar so to speak and pushing the player to work harder.
These are the times where the parent needs to sit down and talk to the player. Help him understand a few of life’s lessons.
Fungo
How does any player that considers himself a “prospect” stay motivated playing for a team where they feel as if their team is weak and his teammates less talented? While this is common I also think this is a cop out. Think about it, EVERY player that is considered the best on his team is faced with this “challenge” of being “superior” to his teammates. No matter what level of play whether it be pre-high school or professional baseball the player has to focus on HIS individual effort during the game and during individual practice. I think this mirrors life. If we accept the fact that we are a product of our environment and succumb to our surroundings, then we are weak and have indeed become a product of our environment. However if we take responsibility for our OWN development and control our own actions we soon learn that we can actually improve oneself AND in doing so we have also improved our environment.
I think the real problem arises when we rely solely on out immediate surroundings to motivate us. A player can be the best on his team and still never develop to his full potential because he may feel as if he has succeeded in being the “best”. Not really the player’s fault because what else does he have to measure himself against except a group of weak players? I think this is where the high profile showcases and select teams come into play raising the bar so to speak and pushing the player to work harder.
These are the times where the parent needs to sit down and talk to the player. Help him understand a few of life’s lessons.
Fungo
The "real" HS players do not let their team record bother them---they go out and do their job--play hard and support their team mates ---my son played on a team that never won 6 games in a season the three years he was on the team--he was a three year starter and was also the first player in the history of his HS to get a baseball scholarship to a major Division I program--lack of motivation was never and factor and I don't think it ever is with the "real" players
quote:Originally posted by lgejjt:
hypothetical or not, high school players don't have the luxury of just going to another school. They are where the are. Now continuing hypothetical, the player plays high level summer and fall ball, spring comes around, the team is undissaplined, laxadazical, not very well coached. With high school rules, the player has to play the hand he is dealt. Prospect or not, a good player will motivate themselves. right?
The above was not the hypothetical scenerio stated in your original post. Go back and read your original post, think about how it came across. I do know that yuo posted the question twice, not sure what the first one was, as it was deleted and changed.
My sons HS experience, he did not play on the best HS in our area, competitive, but not the best. He along with 3 others out of 18 players were the only ones to receive scholarships. Instead of even wondering if they might be "playing down", they played their personal best and led the team to a regional first time in 5 years. I strongly feel they could have reached state finals, but one day before our first regional, two of the other three "prospects" cut school, marked as unexcused (coaches rules)and not allowed to play (AD's decision) our first regional game. My son had to pitch in our first regional game, without his catcher, and one player that would have made a difference using his bat. Projected as winners, we lost.
Not that the last part above has anything to do with playing down, but just goes to show you, high school baseball is what it is. It is not created to send 18 off to college or get drafted. It is created as an extra curricular activity. If you get 18 or so players that happen to be on teh same page, well then you are pretty lucky, but that IS not what usually happens in HS baseball. It's up to the individual player to make due of the situation he is forced to be in, whether it be he plays for the best team in the state or the worst.
I am quite certain that here on the HSBBW, for parents, most of our players ARE most likely the best players on the team, always have been. I have never once read a post where parents or the player felt their son was "playing down". Those words to me, for one who has read hundreds of posts, shows that the player has a lot to learn.
When posting, think carefully about what you intend to say (hypothetical or not) and how you choose to say it, if you don't want others to jump to conclusions. How you post and words you choose, reveals alot about a person's personality.
And hypothetically, you DO not have to play HS ball to advance to the next level. If you are not satisfied with your team, feel they are not "playing up" to your skill level, quit. JMO.
quote:Originally posted by bb1:
As we have in the past we will disagree. I've seen those threads. It still does not deserve the response that you gave. It was extremely sarcastic and "talking down". If my son ever gets to play at a quality college I would certainly hope that my attitude shows that I would like to help people learn from my experiences and not been there done that.
That's your opinion, I have helped lots of people, more than you can imagine. The player said I had no clue about HS baseball, which is not true, and I guess was ok to draw his own conclusion.
I am not stupid either, this WAS not intended to be a hypothetical question, the player thinks being a "propect" puts him above his team mates. If my son ever thought that, I'd slap him silly, but I never raised my son to ever think he was better than anyone else. He didn't get to play where he is ever thinking he was better than anyone else. Trust me on that one.
I will tell you this much, the attitude that one is better than another, true or not, doesn't work in most college baseball programs.
I think this player, who has posted a clip of himself and most of us know who it is now (done on another site as well) is feeling what many say "prospectitis".
My response would have been tougher than TPM's. You did not say it was hypethetical.
This Hype player is not a team player and TR's point is a good one.
This Hype player is not a team player and TR's point is a good one.
In addition to being a team player, I believe one must make personal goals and strive to get better always. There is no such thing as perfection, and while prospect is defined in the dictionary as: a candidate for potential, it certainly does not mean perfection.
Plenty of prospects come from non-winning,
not-so-good teams.
Work harder, train harder, hit harder, field better.
You can learn alot about life when losing.
Losing is hard,...winning is easy!
Make a difference both on and off the field, with and without your team, to keep you motivated.
Just one of many more hurdles to come,....
Best of luck.
Plenty of prospects come from non-winning,
not-so-good teams.
Work harder, train harder, hit harder, field better.
You can learn alot about life when losing.
Losing is hard,...winning is easy!
Make a difference both on and off the field, with and without your team, to keep you motivated.
Just one of many more hurdles to come,....
Best of luck.
Now it's been a while since I've posted on here, but I'm gonna try and add my 2 Canadian Cents...
In my personal experience when I was in High School, (Now I'm not saying I considered myself a prospect, because that would be just wrong, that's a label someone else must put on you, you can't label yourself that.) I played on absolute horrid teams, but as TR said;
"The "real" HS players do not let their team record bother them---they go out and do their job--play hard and support their team mates"
I went and played all 20 some odd games every year, and stayed motivated by the fact that if I played hard I knew good things were going to happen. I stuck it out on those teams and earned myself a scholarship.
Winning isn't everything, it's better to learn how to handle defeat now rather then later. Remember near the end of Tom Seaver's career he thought he was successful if he executed a pitch perfectly during an at bat, not if he won the game he pitched in.
If you want to get to the next level bad enough you'll keep yourself motivated PERIOD
Please note that when I say you I'm speaking in general
In my personal experience when I was in High School, (Now I'm not saying I considered myself a prospect, because that would be just wrong, that's a label someone else must put on you, you can't label yourself that.) I played on absolute horrid teams, but as TR said;
"The "real" HS players do not let their team record bother them---they go out and do their job--play hard and support their team mates"
I went and played all 20 some odd games every year, and stayed motivated by the fact that if I played hard I knew good things were going to happen. I stuck it out on those teams and earned myself a scholarship.
Winning isn't everything, it's better to learn how to handle defeat now rather then later. Remember near the end of Tom Seaver's career he thought he was successful if he executed a pitch perfectly during an at bat, not if he won the game he pitched in.
If you want to get to the next level bad enough you'll keep yourself motivated PERIOD
Please note that when I say you I'm speaking in general
TPM We can agree to disagree. I found this site and have a high respect for many of the people on it. "When posting, think carefully about what you intend to say (hypothetical or not) and how you choose to say it, if you don't want others to jump to conclusions. How you post and words you choose, reveals a lot about a person's personaliy." A direct quote and very appropriate.
you're right, I did fail to preface the opening of this thread my saying this was a hypothetical scenario and I apologize for that and I see how easy it is to jump to conclusions. Its seems to be a subject that everyone has a definite opinion on.
We have all seen this type of player and the feelings are deep rooted in many posters. The feelings are directed a lot of times at the parents who often foster the players attitude. I have seen it many times. The motivation should be to help your team improve. I think most great players feel like TPM suggests. They have a healthy ego but the team is a collection of mates doing the best they can for the team.
lge
Why do always apologize for your initial posts, then change them---it troubles me
Why do always apologize for your initial posts, then change them---it troubles me
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
lge
Why do always apologize for your initial posts, then change them---it troubles me
your right, I'm done apologizing for my posts and trying to start a new topic. Some of you take this stuff way to serious. I think I'll go to the park and play catch with one of my kids. I'm out...........
lge
You didnt answer the question as usual
Another internet troll in the house !!!!
You didnt answer the question as usual
Another internet troll in the house !!!!
TR,...you once called me a troll, too.
That's not very nice.
That's not very nice.
I think #1 & #2 (TPM's) are very good.
Integrity, humility and helping others rise up are keys to a well lived life, baseball or not...and there is a lot of life after baseball.
Integrity, humility and helping others rise up are keys to a well lived life, baseball or not...and there is a lot of life after baseball.
SSMom, you are right...it is not nice.
I've always learned that name calling is the result of someone not having anything productive to say.
Many, do not answer the questions posed, for a variety of reasons. It should be their right to decline, without bullying.
I've always learned that name calling is the result of someone not having anything productive to say.
Many, do not answer the questions posed, for a variety of reasons. It should be their right to decline, without bullying.
Unless you have been nailed by TR you aint in the game.
The original post invoked anger because of the way it was worded and I think lge understands that now. Most BB people hate to see that situation occure where a player thinks he is too good for a team that is losing and many not have a lot of solid players.
I wouldn't take anything to heart.
The original post invoked anger because of the way it was worded and I think lge understands that now. Most BB people hate to see that situation occure where a player thinks he is too good for a team that is losing and many not have a lot of solid players.
I wouldn't take anything to heart.
quote:Originally posted by bb1:
TPM We can agree to disagree. I found this site and have a high respect for many of the people on it. "When posting, think carefully about what you intend to say (hypothetical or not) and how you choose to say it, if you don't want others to jump to conclusions. How you post and words you choose, reveals a lot about a person's personaliy." A direct quote and very appropriate.
That's your opinion. I don't really care if you respect me or not. I was very much aware of the words I was typing and THOUGHT them out. I don't get on anyone unless they have an agenda, this poster has one. I don't have one bb1. I have said what many are thinking, I am just a little more vocal than others.
You have been here 2 months, you'll catch on eventually.
BTW, if you read below your post, you will see the poster has since changed his intention of the topic. Something done before as TR points out.
The poster posts intentionally to confuse you as to who he is, he's playin' with ya.
quote:he's playin' with ya.
...only if ya let him.
quote:Originally posted by shortstopmom:,quote:he's playin' with ya.
...only if ya let him.
That's right, that is what created my first response. You want to play, I can play right along with ya.
I'll beat ya to the fence TPM,...ready-set-go! 
We've had some good thought provoking posts in this thread,..and you TPMom have offered alot and I thank you and the others.
IMHO, its always good to play,..especially when even just one person, gets to learn something, while doing so.
We've had some good thought provoking posts in this thread,..and you TPMom have offered alot and I thank you and the others.
IMHO, its always good to play,..especially when even just one person, gets to learn something, while doing so.
My delayed and quite subjective humor bone just got it!
When I read the original question, my first thought was:
"Why would a good baseball player with aspirations to play at the next level find it hard to stay motivated just because his team was not good?"
The question makes no sense to me. I would be VERY concerned about a kid who was good at baseball but found it hard to stay motivated simply because his team wasn't winning.
Yet the question implicitly assumes just such a scenario. Interesting....
"Why would a good baseball player with aspirations to play at the next level find it hard to stay motivated just because his team was not good?"
The question makes no sense to me. I would be VERY concerned about a kid who was good at baseball but found it hard to stay motivated simply because his team wasn't winning.
Yet the question implicitly assumes just such a scenario. Interesting....
Can I please have a show of hands ( well,...ummmm not sure how we do that exactly in cyber space ) as to how many posters sons/daughters have been on a team that rarely/never wins?
Let me be the first!!!!!!!!!!
Shortstopmom's hand is a wavin' in the air, jumpin' up and down like a crazy woman!!!
While you won't find a pitty party here at my house, loosing year after year does have it's painful, some what-depressing, just plain " ick ", mad as all get out, mundane, Eyore moments.
One must strive to find ways to stay optimistic. One must strive to get better.
Perhaps that's where the true love of the game, at the core of your gutt, comes in.
Footnote:
Not fun when you have the team logo as your front license plate on your car and it gets egged with a note that says, " ( your school mascot ) su*** "...
... woops better clean that up a bit ( para phrasing ); " Your team STINKS!!! "
Talk about inspiringrevenge motivation.
( Of course now, not only do I have the team logo front license plate, but purchased the giant GO TEAM sticker for my back window! hee heee, snicker- snicker!!!
)
Let me be the first!!!!!!!!!!
Shortstopmom's hand is a wavin' in the air, jumpin' up and down like a crazy woman!!!
While you won't find a pitty party here at my house, loosing year after year does have it's painful, some what-depressing, just plain " ick ", mad as all get out, mundane, Eyore moments.
One must strive to find ways to stay optimistic. One must strive to get better.
Perhaps that's where the true love of the game, at the core of your gutt, comes in.
Footnote:
Not fun when you have the team logo as your front license plate on your car and it gets egged with a note that says, " ( your school mascot ) su*** "...
... woops better clean that up a bit ( para phrasing ); " Your team STINKS!!! "
Talk about inspiring
( Of course now, not only do I have the team logo front license plate, but purchased the giant GO TEAM sticker for my back window! hee heee, snicker- snicker!!!
The bottom line is that a kid who is a true prospect simply doesn't worry about whether the team is "good enough" for him. He competes against the limit of his ability on a consistent basis and doesn't let outside BS distract him from his goal. If he's too worried about peripheral stuff like whether he's too good for the team, he won't have to worry about it for long, he'll get passed by and wonder what happened.