Playing Multiple Sports

If a kid is worried about getting hurt playing a sport, he shouldn't play. When fear of injury enters the picture the player doesn't play all out and increases the risk of getting hurt.

Without taking sides since my son plays both, both s****r and basketball have a lot of contact. Since most don't seem to know, high school varsity s****r is very physical.

quote:

Lets say a kid as a baseball dream and he is determined to make through hardwork, conditioning, and HS sports. Now lets list his activities.

1. Everday general life
2. Conditioning
3. Football
4. Wrestling
5. Baseball

Now lets strike out some of those tangibles and someone explain to me how he does not have a "safer chance" of not being injured.

1. Everday general life
2. Conditioning
3. Football
4. Wrestling
5. Baseball

Sure he has a "safer chance" of not getting hurt playing football or wrestling. But I do believe that INCREASES the risk of getting hurt playing baseball. Overuse.

Every single player has to make his own choice. It's that simple. What works for one just does not work for another.

Personally I cannot imagine what high school would have been like if I hadn't played 3 sports all 4 years. I can't tell you how many times I had decided to quit basketball while I was in high school-- I'd say probably a dozen times or more. I had enough and I wanted to focus on baseball and football. But I just could not do it. Not because I loved the game but because I learned so much more being a part of the team.

Look, I'll be honest growing up I was one of those "stars" that there are always in the little league and such. I never sat in any sport that I played. High school was a whole new world. Realize I don't intend to brag or make you think I'm something I'm not but it takes special individual to play the "role player" spot on any team. And for someone who has never felt that feeling before, I do believe it is something everyone should experience.

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"shet happens".

Well thats one way of wrapping up what I tried to say bout' stubbin' a toe! ha!

You can take out as many variables as one wants to take out of a kid's life, but to do so inorder to purely " protect " them from " risk " may lead to regret down the road for both the parent and the child.
Especially if the child who never got to try/play the multiple activities that he/she had an interest in,....only focused in the area that parents deemed " ok ",....and then tripped on the sidewalk one day while skipping down the street and got injured.
Then what?

Tidbit:

quote:

Bungie Jumping, parachuting,

Been there.
Done that.
Got the T-shirt.
Airborne!

RZ,

quote:

Besides the fact my son conditioned/played baseball in the offseason, and there were potential team conflicts, he felt that the reward of playing HS football/basketball was not worth the risk of potentially damaging his chances of a baseball dream.

Your son made his own decision and I support that 100%.

But what if he BEGGED you to play another sport in addition to baseball?
Then what?

Ya those cheer leaders break a finger nail and they are done for the season.

TPM

quote:

My son only played baseball in HS so I guess he isn't considered a solid citizen.

TPM you're sounding like a politician

Each kid has their own life experiences that adds (detracts?) from who they become. I merely indicated my son was a better person from his experience playing different sports during HS. I never said playing multiple sports was necessary to become a better citizen. I only said:

quote:

....if he only played baseball he would have never played on football and Basketall teams that really helped build a solid citizen!

The experience of playing multiple sports really depends upon the coaches. Your son could play for a slime bag football coach and have the opposite result.

I don't think playing multiple sports makes you a better person and that may be what TPM is saying.
It may enhance your phusical development but even that is not always true

BH,

quote:

Ya those cheer leaders break a finger nail and they are done for the season

And you would know this,...how???

I have been a long time supporter of the cheer leaders.

quote:

Originally posted by rz1:
Besides the fact my son conditioned/played baseball in the offseason, and there were potential team conflicts, he felt that the reward of playing HS football/basketball was not worth the risk of potentially damaging his chances of a baseball dream.

Same here. My sons dream of playing baseball was too strong to possibly risk injury playing another sport such as football, the only sport that didn't overlap in HS.
As a sophmore and junior, they wouldn't even let him play a position, told him there was too much risk in throwing away a major D1 scholarship or professional career. My son is reckless abandon in everything he does. Example his sprain he got his first summer of pro ball trying to fix his bike. The bad ankle sprain (other) last college season walking on the dirt and stepping on a rock. When they finally let him play position his senior year, the deal was no sliding unless you had to. So injury can be a concern, but that's individual opinions.
This is a personal decision. There are very few players that can EXCELL at more than one sport in the sense they will be highly sought after as two way players later on. You can site examples but only a few. I see this happen here, players plays two or three sports, then the parents are upset that no one offered their son nice scholarhsip for baseball or the big D1 schools aren't knocking on their doorsor that scouts want to draft him late rounds. Why, read Coach May's beginning of his post. JMO.

Many students play multiple sports in hS, but do not beleive that this will make you more attractive to a coach, unless he can get you a full football, basketball scholarship and you are no cost to his program but able to contribute. Coaches want players who have baseball talent and are healthy.

What bobblehead stated about my response is true. I also feel, strongly, that young bodies need rest, eventually it all breaks down. It's up to the player to decide and the parents to guide him in that decision. Yes, HS is a once in a liftime experience, but so is college ball and so is professional sports. But you have to be healthy to get there if this is what you want to do. rz is familair with a player from his state who got a big scholie to son's school, over pitched, quarterback, TJS, missing his draft year. Was it too much in HS for a pitcher?

BTW, the worst injury my son ever sustained in sports was in middle school playing sakker, he got kicked in the ankle and he had to give up the season. And no wussie fall ball here, that was more competitive than his HS ball, and that is how he established himself as a player.

Playing more than one sport can have it's advantages. When you play multiple sports you as an individual have to interact as a team mate with a whole different group of players and coaches. It opens up new social groups, coaches get to know you on a personal level (remember, you never know who's whatching, and you never know who knows who It can keep you in great physical condition year round, and it can also inspire leadership and confidence in a player. If your player attends a huge high school, just think how many more people you come to know. If he or she is at a smaller school - they will know everyone!
Playing and being good at more than one sport can also earn you some respect from other athletes.
We have an area in our home that our boys started putting their awards (you know, the ones beyond the participation trophies)trophies, plaques,photos that people had given us.These things meant a lot to them, but they didn't really want a big shrine or anything. So, the stuff just kind of got stacked on a bookshelf in no particular order, but when they received a special award, they would put it there. When my older son brought home some of his team mates and friends for Thanksgiving and Christmas, they found these things and started going through them. They had no clue what he had accomplished prior to setting foot on his college campus. They instantly had newfound respect and admiration for him it was kinda cool.

As for getting injured playing another sport, I don't think that comes into play - life is so random, if you are good enough to make more than one high school team, and it makes you happy, go for it. We sure read a lot about TJ surgery on this board, and I guess that some of those just play baseball.

I'll take a baseball player who is a great overall athlete and participates that way versus a one dimensional baseball player who is a marginal athlete.

You keep forgetting these are boys/young men who have a short window to utilize their gifts and efforts.

By the way. Dedicating oneself to just playing baseball guarantees NOTHING. Eliminating other sports just softens any future letdowns if and when baseball only fails, i.e "I gave it my best shot".

Why are scouts enthralled with speed? Why are they enthralled with overall athleticism?

On to the high school aspect. HS sports are about team, relationships, colors, pride, representation, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for youngsters. It is mainly about FUN.

quote:

Originally posted by shortstopmom:

But what if he BEGGED you to play another sport in addition to baseball?
Then what?

Then he would have signed up to play. Begging is frowned upon in our house and is responded to by gut wrenching laughter and ridicule.

At the pre-HS age we provided opportunities and $ for our kids to pursue their interest. When in HS we were there to support the decisions they made.

quote:

I'll take a baseball player who is a great overall athlete and participates that way versus a one dimensional baseball player who is a marginal athlete.

You keep forgetting these are boys/young men who have a short window to utilize their gifts and efforts.

By the way. Dedicating oneself to just playing baseball guarantees NOTHING. Eliminating other sports just softens any future letdowns if and when baseball only fails, i.e "I gave it my best shot".

Why are scouts enthralled with speed? Why are they enthralled with overall athleticism?

On to the high school aspect. HS sports are about team, relationships, colors, pride, representation, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for youngsters. It is mainly about FUN.

Can't that be done outside the realm of participation in other HS sports. I feel that if you get to the point of being professionally scouted you have paid your dues in making yourself the best you can be and maybe all you've missed from the HS experience is being on the floor for the pep rallies and the chicken dinner you get at the team banquet.

I know, there is the camaraderie, school spirit, and all that stuff involved with HS sports, but, every once in a while you might be able to justify the "I comes before team" concept. That's a hard thought for me to swallow, but in order for some to reach high goals, the ideals of the majority may need to be compromised.

I do like this quote......

quote:

“All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.”

This is an interesting thread and one that where no other person will follow the exact path. However, as it happens many times on this site all ends of the bar are covered and other members can pick-n-choose what to accept and what to reject and draw their own opinions and paths.

I think it is all relative to the the boy---they are all different and I daresay I have a different outlook on life tham most that post here but that is life

My guy made his choices---he was touted as the best point guard they ever had at the school as a sophomore and in his junior year he gave up basketball to concentrate on his baseball---yet in his senior year when he was comfortable with his baseball situation he went back and played hoops, not as starter --he just asked coach can he play to stay in shape and be with his "buds" --he was a contributor of the bench---he also helped the s****r team as they needed a goalie and he helped them make the sectionals---all his decisions---he knew what he wanted and in what direction he wanted to go.

Did the multiple sports help him---I cannot tell you the answer other than he was happy being involved with his "buds" most of whom hung out at our house and emptied my fridge regularly.

Again, there were several kids from my sons high school who were exceptional athletes and in my opinion could have played D1 baseball IF they had concentrated on baseball. I thought they had more athletic ability than three other baseball only guys who went on to D1 and the minors. Football and basketball injuries ended their baseball careers and they never got a chance to play college ball. Maybe Friday nite fever was worth it to them, I don't know if they have regrets or not.
I think everyone should be free to choose whether or not to play multiple sports without being judged.
If you want to go to the olympics as a swimmer or gymnist how many other sports should you play? Lebron could've played pro football and been unstoppable as a receiver, but I don't think he played football or baseball after his soph yr. Some do with success and others don't with success. My boys do what they think is right for them, and since they're not Bo or Dion they choose baseball.

I like this thread for corroboration purposes. I am again feeling there is a difference.

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Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
Ya those cheer leaders break a finger nail and they are done for the season.

I've seen one of our high school cheerleaders not be caught falling backwards out of the pyramid and leave on a stretcher.

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Originally posted by kbat2012:
Any body thought about kids playing multiple sports and become "Jack of all tricks and Master of none!"

If a kid is good enough to excel in three sports chances are he's going to be good enough to play at least one at the next level. My daughter played three high school sports and was recruited for two college sports. One of my son's high school coaches (other than baseball) thinks he can play at the next level. He's playing three sports so far as a high school sophomore. Athletes are athletes. The fine tuning can come later.

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I am pretty much sure, all the Webster's kids here can easily make 2 or 3 sports team in their HS with their athletic ability. If you are not athletic, you can't play high level baseball. But I doubt anybody can get D1 offers for two sports. Very few can do that.

Take the main three sports of football, basketball and baseball. I've seen plenty of high school kids who skills-wise can't play the other two by high school.

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I think TPM hit the nail on the head, if you are a Major D1 or pro prospect, you don't risk yourself to someone trying to "trim you down" everytime when you got a S0CCER ball under your feet.

Most kids won't know they're a D1 prospect until their junior year. Should they quit other sports entering high school based on a dream?

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zombywoof,
That goes to my question. Do you have to actually play on a varsity team to be considered a multi-sport athlete? I will stick my neck out and say that many athletes who play one sport but train year round and participate in an intermural fashion will go into a season in better shape than the "multi-sport" player. because they are dedicated athletes.

Yes. I consider varsity level because it's the highest level of play. The jury is still out on JV players and lower and are still considered trying out for their sport.

As for 1-sport players, there's nothing wrong at all with it especially if they enjoy that one sport over the others, work at it and are very good at it. Anybody who knocks athletes who are dedicated to one sport have no clue.
Not everyone can play at a high level in multiple sports. It's only the gifted athlete that can.

However, an athlete being scouted, looking to play college or pro will focus on that one sport.

At the high school level though, the top players tend to play other varsity sports because they're very good athletes and have innate abilities that can't be taught and have the advantage to use those skills in multiple sports. Another thing that can't be underestimated is the mental appproach from the multi-sport athlete. To put in the work and dedication takes a lot of focus to handle all that so when these athletes are in the game, they're prepared for anything that comes their way.

quote:

Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
Ya those cheer leaders break a finger nail and they are done for the season.

Man, you are way off on this one.

Just do a Google search on "most dangerous sport" and find all the references to cheerleading.

My guess you're not familiar with all-star level cheerleading. My daughter cheers on an all-star level that competes nationally and what they do on the floor is far more risky than what you see on a baseball or the football field. A few years ago, she suffered a very serious injury from attempting a stunt and was in a cast for almost 6 months and it took her about a year to get over the mental part of the injury that slowed her progress of executing the tumbling, stunting and flying skills required at the advanced levels. She was determined to get her edge and her skills back and with the extra work she put in the gym on conditioning and regaining her confidence and advanced skills she lost due to being sidelined..

Cheerleaders are tough competitors and like football players, they compete with nagging injuries because of the demands of their sport. I've seen some of these girls compete with fractures, sprains, wrapped knees etc....For them to compete and win national championships, which is the goal of cheering at this level, they have to overcome those nagging injuries and gut it out.

The competitive nature that comes with the multi-sport athlete can be a huge asset to a baseball player. Scouts and coaches came to son's basketball games to watch him play. More than one told us later that it was his desire to win, and compete with such intensity, and be so unselfish at the same time,(team player) that really bumped him up a few notches in their eyes. They were also able to see his athleticism, strength, and mental toughness.

Start taking a look at college bios of any school.
A larger percentage of the roster played more than one sport through the end of high school.

Have you noticed how many TALL pitchers are surfacing in baseball recently, do you really think that those bodies never touched a basketball

Now, for the guys that get drafted out of high school for big bucks and are high profile, sure, maybe the plan of narrowing it down sooner than later is prudent, but that a small group comparitively.

Having the discipline to prepare and compete in more than one sport, is a good thing. I do not see a downside (unless the student athlete has trouble with time management or fatigue that affects his grades). If that is the case, drop the second or third sport, get good grades. If he/she is able to handle it all, top prospect I would think.

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Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
I have been a long time supporter of the cheer leaders.

does this make you an (athletic) supporter?

zombywolf

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As for 1-sport players, there's nothing wrong at all with it especially if they enjoy that one sport over the others,

Iheartbb

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Start taking a look at college bios of any school.
A larger percentage of the roster played more than one sport through the end of high school.

Have you noticed how many TALL pitchers are surfacing in baseball recently, do you really think that those bodies never touched a basketball

I agree.

Tidbit:
First words out of a Big 12 baseball coach to my son, " So we hear you play football. "

when I first started coaching in high school the athletes were athletes. They played multiple sports. Then as the years progressed there crept in this all year stuff. The football coach wanted the kids in the weight room. the basketball coach wanted the kids playing in spring leagues and summer leagues. Now baseball is right up there with all year round stuff. Everybody is putting pressure on the athlete. I guess it depends on what program is getting the short end of the stick. If you are the baseball coach and after having a kid for 2 years he comes up and tells you he wants to concentrate on football or basketball you say? In our neck of the woods they had a high school football All star game in April. yes right in the middle of baseball season. Now one of your baseball players tells you he is playing in the football game. What do you do? Yea miss a game or 2 to attend practice and then play risk injury and when you come back you are playing cf and leading off right?

I once told a high school football player he should concentrate on baseball because he could have a better future in baseball.

Fortunately, he did not follow my advice.

Kurt Warner later became a two time NFL MVP, won the Super Bowl and has made "many" millions of dollars playing football and might end up in the Football Hall of Fame.

These days, I no longer feel smart enough to tell kids what they should do!

Kurt never played high school baseball I don't believe, so are you talking about when he was in little league? When I talk to him he says he wasn't very good at baseball and didn't like it very much?

Kurt Warner played SS/P every year in high school and also played OF every year in the summer for Hanford Post #5 (American Legion). He was a very talented baseball player.

He was the best baseball player at Regis High School in Cedar Rapids. He was also the best basketball player there.

Can't say how much he actually liked baseball. Obviously he liked football a lot more.

Have you noticed how many TALL pitchers are surfacing in baseball recently, do you really think that those bodies never touched a basketball
Good observation, mine played basketball during summer time in middle school
First words out of a Big 12 baseball coach to my son, " So we hear you play football. "

First words out of many coaches to son, "so we hear you fly pies". Trust me, most really don't care what else you did in HS, your GPA is more important than if you played another sport. Most coaches liked the fact that he concentrated on baseball only. So understand that lots of that stuff is just conversation to make your son feel comfortable.

Does it REALLY matter if one participated in other sports in HS? Or what does really matter is that the player has the skill to play at the next level? And just because you play ONE sport doesn't make you less competitive or a better citizen.
My son played ONE sport in HS and received a huge scholarship (one of the highest ever given) to play at his school. It wasn't playing another sport that got him a scholarship. I do beleive that concentrating on one sport, helped to develop skills needed to achieve this (leaving the pro stuff out of the equation). And so did spending a bit more time working on his grades. I don't hink if he played 2-3 sports he would be able to maintain a 4.0+. That is a very important part of the puzzle, you have to be competitve in the classroom as well.
Also, position has LOTS to do with the decision to play other sports. If your son's strength is on the mound, you have to help protect that.
As far as most kids not knowing that they are D1 material until later, that is not necessarily a true statement. Attend a PG showcase and put your skills up against the others attending and you will find out soon enough (even as a sophmore)if you are D1 potential material or high draft potential, that is all it takes. That's a big reason for showcases.
IMo, most folks and their players are out there looking for scholarships, again, because you played multiple sports in HS doesn't make that happen, your son's talent and skill does.

Listen I don't want to beat a dead horse, my only purpose is to let people know that concentrating on one thing will not make you less attractive to the stud that plays football, basketball AND baseball. What you do on the field is what is important. If you feel that your son has lots of baseball potential, wants to play and get rewarded with a scholarship for it, then perhaps concentrating on that only will help achieve that goal.

I agree. You play other sports at your peril. You take the risk and that is fine.
To a college coach the fact you played other sports is like play money. It doesn't buy you anything. Yes it is play and fun but it may be worth it to many.
When a coach asks you about another sport it doesn't mean anything. If you were good at that sport he may be able to grab some unused scholarship money from that sport. I know of one case where a guy got unused fencing money to bolster his scholarship. It could also be for the bios or concern that you mkight be recruited in that sport.

I think all this consternation about whether playing multiple sports in high school helps in the baseball recruiting process misses the point.

The reason to play another sport is because it is FUN!

My son will never forget the memories he is creating through his involvement in football. The life lessons he has learned, and the comraderie with his teammates he's forged (which in football are quite different than baseball) will be with him forever.

Is there an injury risk? Sure. That is the chance you take by living your life.

But if he didn't play another sport, there is a 100% chance he would miss out on all it has to offer him.

I am grateful his college coach sees it the same way. He told my son in no uncertain terms he wanted him to play football his senior year.

Which was just another indicator to us that he was the kind of guy we wanted our son to play for in college.

So if players don't play multiple sports they are having less fun?

Rob,
Are you saying the coach did NOT want him to play football? If so would that be that he has made an investment in him and doesn't want him to get hurt?

TPM:

I'm not quite sure what to make of your post. I wrote: "He told my son in no uncertain terms he wanted him to play football his senior year."

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Originally posted by Rob Kremer:
I am grateful his college coach sees it the same way. He told my son in no uncertain terms he wanted him to play football his senior year.

The first sentence, meant you were glad he saw it that as was having fun or not to play? I didn't mean to get on ya.

Ok so here goes, some folks spend gobs of bucks on their sons for lessons, high profile teams, showcases, tournies etc. I see this as many investing in their sons baseball future not all for the fun of it (though that's what many will admit). Many do this for their sons to gain an edge over others.
So if many do that, why do their sons play a sport like football where you can get seriously hurt? Do they see it as gaining an advantage?

I was just wondering because I do not see participating in others sports making you any better on the baseball field. JMO.

Son played football in middle school, but decided not to in HS.
He also was a wrestler, and decided to wrestle in HS.
His sophmore year he wrestled Varsity, 6'1"+ at the time and 150#
Normally 165#.
He looked like he came out of concentration camp.
Well not quite that bad, but he was skinny in his singlet.
Had no a$$.
Did real well, and was awarded the Most Inspirational Wrestler.

It took for ever to get the Weight back on.
He did not wrestle after his Sophmore year.
To hard to put the weight on.
And his future was baseball.
Although he is very very strong. He looked like a light weight.

Now finally After 2+ years in college, starting his Junior year.
He is gaining weight, 6'3" 192#

He was a late bloomer anyway, and will gain more weight as he gets older.
At no time did he/we consider any other way then the Natural way of working out and gaining weight. No Creatine.

So to answer your question, Play multiple sports as long as they want to, and let them make the decision to continue are not.
As long as there having fun.

EH

I don't think there is an advantage or disadvantage to play one sport or play more than one. It is not black and white, there are too many variables.

What does seem clear though, is that people that can make the team of more than one sport in high school are most likely the best athletes. What coach does not want an exceptional athlete on his team?


You can get seriously hurt playing one sport. Happens everyday.

TPM: I didn't think you were getting on me, I just couldn't see how you could read what I wrote as saying anything other than the coach wants my kid to play football.

Rob,
I must be tired, I read it differnetly, been a tough week.
Regardless, I asked a friend of mine who is involved in coaching college baseball , he likes kids that play two sports, but agreed you got to get it done on the baseball field for that schollie.
And be careful if you have potential, in whatever you do.

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The reason to play another sport is because it is FUN!

The reason to play any sport is because it is fun. You know they say you play baseball or play football. I never heard I am going to work baseball etc etc. Might be a thread for another topic but we all have heard kids stop playing a sport and they say it is not fun anymore. When and how did it stop being fun?

Why shouldn't they have fun and play 3 sports in college as well? Why do we draw the line at 12th grade?

Well.....from the moment a player steps on to campus for the fall semester, baseball in some fashion begins, weights, meetings, captains practice, intra-squad, alumni game, fundraising golf tourneys, dinners, special events, etc.This all dovetails with the start of official workouts, and practice, practice and more practice. Preseason, season, post season, summer ball.
It takes up the whole year.

While, if you have the desire to do so, and you have agreement between all the coaches that this is doable, go for it, have fun!

It seems nearly impossible, but some have done it.