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33 replies

Sad realities of high school cuts

MizzoubaseballMizzoubaseball1,000+ posts
One of my son's best friends was cut from the varsity team yesterday.

I can say honestly that I can see why he was cut from a talent standpoint. Bats left, throws left, about 5"10', a little stocky, doesnt pitch, doesnt hit for a lot of power, and not fast enough for the outfield. Started at first on freshmen team, started first base on JV last year, and just got caught up in the numbers game as a junior. Happens to a lot of boys. BUT.....

If there was ever a kid that needed baseball, it is this kid. Mom ran off and isnt in the picture, dad is an out of work alcoholic so he is with grandma most of the time. He always comes to our house, as he is embarrassed by his place. My son has been to his house one time. He can never drive anywhere since he never seems to have gas money. But great kid that loves baseball more than anyone I know. Always has his glove with him. My wife was in tears last night when our son told us he was cut, and I was choked up myself. Kinda worried with out baseball that he could get involved with some bad kids he knows, since he wont be able to hang out with the team like he does now.

My son said the team is going to talk today and figure out a way to get him on the team. The plan is to approach the coach Thursday and talk to him as a team and beg for him to be added to the roster, and at least practice with the team.

I know the hard a$$es on the board will say, the heck with him, he wasnt good enough so he shouldnt get a charity spot on the team. While I would normally agree, I wish an exception would be made for this guy. My son took him out to eat after tryouts yesterday and he said he was in tears the whole time.
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P 2013 Parent100+ posts
I like the team manager idea. A job is great, too, but if he doesn't have transportation that will be a problem.

We know of a local boy (strong natural player with much potential) declared ineligible to try out because of grades - very similar home situation. Coach told him if he managed and recovered his grades he could be considered for next year. But, he had to manage and do equipment, anything else coach asked of him this season.

Kid showed up once and that was the end of him. Already with the wrong crowd 24/7.

I hope his teammates and coach can help in some way. Kudos to your son for trying.
C cabbagedadHSBaseballWeb member since 2011
For me, this is the most difficult aspect of coaching HS ball. Most of us do it largely because we think we can make a difference for the kids in ways that go beyond playing between the lines. Yet, it seems that most of the kids that really need that help the most are typically the ones who’s ability level or other issues have them being cut first or on the bubble. No easy answers.

This year, we made a first cut of five kids. Shortly after, we discovered that four had grade problems and those problems were likely rooted from deeper issues at home. Due to budgets, we now use vans with limited capacity to travel to away games, so extra role players and/or team managers create added logistics challenges. We are also limited more and more with uniform budgets which also results in smaller roster allowances.

As far as the JV solution, yes this can be considered, but if it has been determined that this player will likely not contribute at V level next year, now you are taking a spot from a younger player who may.

I’m not saying that exceptions can’t be made and we certainly have made them. It’s just very tough, and painful.
Last edited by cabbagedad
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
quote:
Originally posted by Proud Dad 24:
RJM,

Your level of compassion really ****es me off. Is that politically correct enough for you?
I provided four possibilities ...

1) get a job
2) play rec ball
3) team manager
4) hang out

Three are viable suggestions. One is not as I mentioned. What's wrong with my suggestions? What over suggestions do you have?
MizzoubaseballMizzoubaseball1,000+ posts
I will address some of the suggestions that were brought up.

Going to JV--This coach does not put juniors on JV, more then likely thinking if you cant play varsity as a junior, I dont want you taking a spot of a younger player who will help later(I can see coaches point here)

Rec ball--he has a summer team already, but around here there are no options for high school aged baseball players until Memorial Day, so he cant do that

Manager--there have been two girls that are juniors that have been doing it every year and will do it again this year. My son last year said they get some sort of college credit and may even get some "scholarship" for this work they do.

Get a job--my son and him were looking in the fall/winter and my son had no luck. I think he is in the same boat and is actually a good suggestion.

hang out--thats the problem. He always hung out with the baseball players and now they will be busy, which will leave him with the guys in his neighborhood which worries me.

I understand the numbers game, it just bums me out. if you knew this goofball, you could understand.
C cabbagedadHSBaseballWeb member since 2011
Antz,
Not a dumb question. Clothing. With reduced budgets, we have to buy lower quantities of uni's and spirit packs (and we only buy uni's every so many years, which is also being stretched further out). If this were the only issue, we'd get past it easily but we're taking hits from every angle and already maxing out on fundraisers, etc.
L lambo10+ posts
Just because a kid doesnt have athletic talent doesn't mean he doesn't make the team better or bring something to the table for that team.

Ive seen it at the college level even as high as D1 players are kept around for reasons other than being good player. Heard an old coach talk about one of his favorite players ever. The kid got 2 at bats his entire career but he rode every bus stayed in every hotel put on the uniform everyday practiced everyday. Why ? Because he worked hard , was on time, got good grades, devoted himself to the ball club, he just did things the right way.

In a performance driven society and game we often forget what is really important and as a coach our teaching goes way beyond baseball we are teaching these young men how to be better people. What kinda message does it send to get rid of someone who does it the right way ?

But! I can also see it from the other perspective sometimes you have to make tough decisions because it just can't work.
MN-MomMN-MomHSBaseballWeb Owner
Mizzou,

Kudos to your son and his teammates for caring enough about this boy to get their thoughts organized and then talk to the coach about trying to include him. Plenty of players come from less-than-perfect homes, but how many have this many strikes against them?

For the sake of this young man's future, I hope the players are able to convince the coach to say to him: "This team seems to care enough about you that you would be a positive influence on morale. If you care enough about this team and are willing to take on that job... bringing a positive attitude to practice and games, knowing that you may never get into a game all year... then we have a roster spot for you."

I really hope it works out for this young man and for the team. Let us know.

Julie
Last edited by MN-Mom
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
quote:
Originally posted by lambo:
Just because a kid doesnt have athletic talent doesn't mean he doesn't make the team better or bring something to the table for that team.

Ive seen it at the college level even as high as D1 players are kept around for reasons other than being good player. Heard an old coach talk about one of his favorite players ever. The kid got 2 at bats his entire career but he rode every bus stayed in every hotel put on the uniform everyday practiced everyday. Why ? Because he worked hard , was on time, got good grades, devoted himself to the ball club, he just did things the right way.

In a performance driven society and game we often forget what is really important and as a coach our teaching goes way beyond baseball we are teaching these young men how to be better people. What kinda message does it send to get rid of someone who does it the right way ?

But! I can also see it from the other perspective sometimes you have to make tough decisions because it just can't work.
At the collegiate level a rostered player with a high gpa who graduates helps the team meet NCAA academic requirements.
G Golfman2510,000+ posts
While I wouldn't recommend this if he was your son, you might consider reaching out to the coach about the boy. Comming from a concerned member of the community should be different than from a dad. Just maybe the coach really doesn't know the whole situation. A mature conversation expressing your concerns might help. This has zero to do about baseball -- but it could make a huge difference in this boy's life. I wish the kid luck.
zombywoofzombywoof1,000+ posts
Sounds like he's got bigger issues than making a baseball cut. Perhaps if this kid needs help, someone should step up to the plate since he's not getting support at home. I wouldn't worry about giving him a roster spot. That's not gonna fix the problem. Besides, it's not right if a player more deserving should be on the roster.
L like2rake1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by zombywoof:
Sounds like he's got bigger issues than making a baseball cut. Perhaps if this kid needs help, someone should step up to the plate since he's not getting support at home. I wouldn't worry about giving him a roster spot. That's not gonna fix the problem. Besides, it's not right if a player more deserving should be on the roster.


Yes, it appears this kid needs help. Wouldn't mentors like a supportive coach and the experience of being a member of a team in a sport that he loves possibly be a potential game changer? Lots of people complain that we're becoming "wussified". I believe the evaporation of compassion and empathy is becoming one of our nation's rising issues, but I'm just a "wuss"
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
You should be proud of your son and his friends regarding their efforts to try to help their friend.

I relayed a story in another post about how son and some of his teammates went to the coach to ask him to reinstate a teammate after being kicked off the team. I didn't mention that due to similar circumstances at home, the player had issues, he wasn't the best player either, but I do believe that his involvment with HS baseball made a significant impact on his life.
L lambo10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by RJM:
quote:
Originally posted by lambo:
Just because a kid doesnt have athletic talent doesn't mean he doesn't make the team better or bring something to the table for that team.

Ive seen it at the college level even as high as D1 players are kept around for reasons other than being good player. Heard an old coach talk about one of his favorite players ever. The kid got 2 at bats his entire career but he rode every bus stayed in every hotel put on the uniform everyday practiced everyday. Why ? Because he worked hard , was on time, got good grades, devoted himself to the ball club, he just did things the right way.

In a performance driven society and game we often forget what is really important and as a coach our teaching goes way beyond baseball we are teaching these young men how to be better people. What kinda message does it send to get rid of someone who does it the right way ?

But! I can also see it from the other perspective sometimes you have to make tough decisions because it just can't work.
At the collegiate level a rostered player with a high gpa who graduates helps the team meet NCAA academic requirements.


I am readily aware of this situation yet this was not the sole reason of the decision and it was not an NCAA institution.

Obviously at the collegiate level talent is very important because its a business. But we base our students athletes off of three things in this order ,, How they do socially (not getting in trouble etc) how they do academically and how they do athletically. If they are doing poor athletically we are sure going to recruit a better athlete but not get rid of them or drop scholarship if they do exceptionally in the other two areas. Because kids should be rewarded for doing the right thing and being a good person overall.
J johnj314100+ posts
Mizzou- I really hope that the boys can convince the coach to keep him on the team. Sounds like he needs the support structure...However if it doesn't work there is a spring league in Ballwin for kids that don't play for their High Schools for what ever reason- cut, grades, other issues, etc...my son played in it when was in 8th grade and just missed the May 1st cut off for 14U and it is a great option. I think from previous posts of yours that it sounded like you are out in St. Charles Co. so transportation may be a problem for him as could the $150.00 entry fee. But Ballwin runs a good league and the games are on great fields.
ShelbyShelby1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by RJM:
quote:
Originally posted by Proud Dad 24:
RJM,

Your level of compassion really ****es me off. Is that politically correct enough for you?
I provided four possibilities ...

1) get a job
2) play rec ball
3) team manager
4) hang out

Three are viable suggestions. One is not as I mentioned. What's wrong with my suggestions? What over suggestions do you have?


Sometimes short, quick practical responses, may come off as cold & uncaring. Hopefully, that isn't what you meant...
Last edited by Shelby
ShelbyShelby1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by MN-Mom:
Mizzou,

Kudos to your son and his teammates for caring enough about this boy to get their thoughts organized and then talk to the coach about trying to include him. Plenty of players come from less-than-perfect homes, but how many have this many strikes against them?

For the sake of this young man's future, I hope the players are able to convince the coach to say to him: "This team seems to care enough about you that you would be a positive influence on morale. If you care enough about this team and are willing to take on that job... bringing a positive attitude to practice and games, knowing that you may never get into a game all year... then we have a roster spot for you."



I really hope it works out for this young man and for the team. Let us know.

Julie

WklinkWklink500+ posts
It is sad when this day comes around.

Unfortunately, for all kids, this day will come around. Sometimes at 16, sometimes at 40. But it may not totally be over for him.

The first thing I would do is have him find out what he needs to do to make varsity next year. He is a Junior so there is a chance he can make it back next year, if he really wants to do this. If it is a weight problem then there are ways to fix that, if he really wants to do it. Drop the weight, work hard to improve his speed and he may just get on the team next year.

I'd have him talk to the coach and see if he can at least help out with the team after school. He may not officially be part of the team but if he helps out the coaches he will show that he is really motivated to be part of the team and maybe that will help him for next year.

I guess it can be an opportunity or a brick wall, depending on how he looks at it. If he knows his weaknesses and is honestly motivated to improve on them then he may just work his way back on the team.
Last edited by Wklink
coach2709coach270910,000+ posts
What else does this school offer kids in the spring time? Typically track and field is in the spring so maybe he can do that or possibly some sort of organization that meets sometime after school such as an academic team or FFA type. Let's face it people - this kid doesn't need just baseball, he just needs something to occupy his time and hopefully on the straight and narrow.

If you throw all your eggs into the baseball basket then what do you do in a year and five months when this kid graduates? Baseball will be done by then, your son will move on to college a few months after that and then where is this kid in the grand scheme of things? All you did was put off what could have happened right now.

With kids like this you have to look big picture and long term in order to give them chances to stay on the right path. I've seen this happen many times and it's sad. You can't just put a kid in a uniform and expect it to help him later in life.

At a larger school you can't expect a coach to keep seven kids who are in this type of situation. But if the school can offer other things then you can give all seven options to keep them involved and on the right path.
meachrmmeachrm100+ posts
These are very tough decisions that no coach enjoys. There have been times when a player I've cut has been devastated, angry, sad, etc. only to move to another sport and thrive. One player who was crushed after being cut as a 10th grader moved on, joined the boys' lacrosse team, and ended up being a captain who received a scholarship to play lacrosse in college. Would that have happened if I kept him on as a team manager? There are no easy answers when it comes to compassion. One sees compassion as keeping a kid in the game of baseball in some fashion. Another sees compassion in forcing a kid to find where their true talents are located.
Not easy to do but that's why we get the big bucks!

BaseballByTheYard
T twotex1,000+ posts
The fact that the team is working on this together speaks volumes about the boys on the team. Good for them.

Even if they aren't successful, they are showing support and concern for this kid that his own parents aren't showing. This could have a positive impact regardless of results.

For some kids, their "family" has to be defined by more than blood relationships. This kid is in a very difficult situation, but at least he has a family of friends around him.
MizzoubaseballMizzoubaseball1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by johnj314:
Mizzou- I really hope that the boys can convince the coach to keep him on the team. Sounds like he needs the support structure...However if it doesn't work there is a spring league in Ballwin for kids that don't play for their High Schools for what ever reason- cut, grades, other issues, etc...my son played in it when was in 8th grade and just missed the May 1st cut off for 14U and it is a great option. I think from previous posts of yours that it sounded like you are out in St. Charles Co. so transportation may be a problem for him as could the $150.00 entry fee. But Ballwin runs a good league and the games are on great fields.


John, thanks so much for this. I forgot all about this league. I texted my son this morning and he asked me to get the info since I can go online here at work.

The team did decide not to go to the coach. As I thin WILL pointed out, what about the others cut. The "leader" of the team brought up that if they would bring the guy back, then what about the others. Would parents of the other kids cut start going to the AD and trying for the same.

Thanks for everyone's thoughts on this, even the hard a$$es
C cabbagedadHSBaseballWeb member since 2011
I'm reading the replies from Coach2709, Meach and twotex and I think they may have something seriously worth considering. My first reaction was that this kid clearly loves baseball and that is the outlet he responds favorably to. But, at some point, baseball will likely go away. Will he have other interests then? It sounds like this group of boys (who, I agree, should be commended) just might be capable of getting him excited about some other interest and continue to include him in their circle around baseball time?
L leftyshortstop1,000+ posts
I got cut from my HS baseball team as a sophomore. I was so mad. I hated the coach. I picked up another sport. I was All-America in college and competed in a nationally televised national final on HBO (in 1982-HBO was very young and showed all kinds of odd things). My life changed in an incredible way. None of that would have happened if I hadn't been cut from my HS baseball team. That doesn't mean I'm still not mad about it. My dad is 80 something. I bet he's still mad that I got cut.
'15 Dad'15 Dad100+ posts
It is clear that a very big thing this kid has going for him is the care and concern of your family and members of the team. That may well be more important to his current transition than anything else. It may not be enough by itself, but he is lucky to have it.
After reading the thread I am inclined to agree with the wisdom of those suggesting that this is an opportunity for him to expand his areas of interest and activity so he has more than baseball to keep him heading in a good direction. Some guidance and continued friendship can go pretty far.

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