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13 replies

So Now What Should He Do?

C Calsportsmom10+ posts
With only one game left in an undefeated season
(thus far), here I am with an update to my son's first experience with freshman baseball as a Student Manager.

His experience was extremely positive. It didn't even seem like he was a student manager. Out of 26 games, there were 4 games that he did not get a chance to play in. He usually played at least 2 innings with at least 1 AB. He even started in the 2nd game of a double header. His hitting has improved tremendously (he's only struck out twice). I don't know all of his stats, but I do know that he has RBI's as well. He's made a few mistakes That he has learned from.

What's most positive, is the fact that the coaches are excited about my son's development. When they see us (his parents) after a game, they are always smiling from ear to ear and the first thing they talk about is my son's hit, or rbi, or some defensive play he made in the outfield. They talk about how he ia a great young man etc. how they like working with him and how in practice he is able to execute everything with no errors better then anyone else on the team.

So here's the problem. Since school is almost over, it's time to get ready for summer ball. The coaches have informed the parents that there will be a very intense high school baseball summer league that they (my son's team) will be participating in. The coaches want my son to play in this league as well as another league so that he will continue to develop.

My question is should he play on the two teams? what if we do all of this and then when it's time for JV try-outs, he doesn't make the team? Is that just a chance he will have to take? I'm not trying to be negative, just being realistic. Of course he wants to play as much baseball as possible. We're just wondering what should he do?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and ideas Big Grin
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fanofgamefanofgame5,000+ posts
Everything sounds positive. If they have invited him , yes he should try and do both if time allows. The coaches sound like they like your son, his work ethic and his development. sounds like a win win. what does he have to lose? if he for some reason does not make the team next year then at least he has given it his all. Your son sounds like a great kid, who loves the game and works hard. Most coaches like players like that.god luck and keep working hard
BumBum1,000+ posts
Does your son still love the game? If so do what the coaches ask and multiply this by 2. Have him not only do what the coaches ask for Summer ball but also work harder than any other kid in the offseason. Read up on HSBBW on many good offseason workout programs. If your son works harder than anyone else, it will show next year. Don't give up.
C curveball07100+ posts
Calsportsmom,

Congrats on a postive experience for your son! What a way to turn a negative into a positive!

Yes, sign that boy up for both those teams! Get your cooler ready, buy some baseball flip-flops, mom's tote bag filled with all the necessary goodies - sunscreen, sunflower seeds, visor, etc. and have some fun at the ballpark this summer!

This summer will be his opportunity to get the innings in - I would make sure that in addition to the school's team - that the other team he is on will be the one that will play him the most - not necessarily the top team in the area. It won't help him to sit the bench.

Please remember that not all those boys that were freshman with your son will stick to baseball - some will decide that they want to concentrate on their other sport, people will move, kids will get into drugs (unfortunately), and then other studs will move in. No one has absolutely any idea what will happen next spring with JV ball - you sound like a typical baseball mom worrying about all the possible angles. Chill out and enjoy each game this summer and remember - you have absolutely no control over this and it does not do you any good to worry about next year!

Also remember that at his age, it is now all up to him how hard he wants this. To compete at a higher level, it takes lots of time in the weight room, batting cage, long toss, etc. You can suggest this but no nagging - he has to want this himself.

Good luck to you and your son!
coach2709coach270910,000+ posts
quote:
Of course he wants to play as much baseball as possible.


With this statement I believe you answered your question - let him play. Unfortunately getting cut is a possibility but it's part of life. You work hard and prepare but it doesn't guarantee success. He can use this to make himself better or it could be a chance to focus on another aspect of his life.

If the coaches are doing all the things they are doing then I think it's looking food for him. Coaches love working with good kids with good attitudes and good work ethics.
DE Double Eagle100+ posts
I agree that worrying about not making the team next year should not be on your or his radar at this time. Do whatever he can to improve his skills and the results will take care of themselves. I offer one cautionary voice. At the times my son played on two teams, he did not play his best. I don't know if my son is alone in this, but juggling the practice and games and overlap did not result in him playing his best ball. When he played and practiced with one team his skills improved and he was more productive. Going from game to game and missing out on bp or infield or a bullpen session was not best for my son.
C Calsportsmom10+ posts
RJM- That's a good positive way to look at it.


I have another question now. I was told by some other parents that my son should also be playing on a travel team. A few months ago, I located a local travel team who at the time wanted my son to play for them. Now how in the world would he be able to play travel ball as well as play on the other two league teams? Isn't that too much?
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
Maybe your son could talk to the coaches about playing for their high school summer team and the travel team. The bottom line is they want him developing. If they say no you have to decide if travel is more important than high school ball right now. Travel is great, but isn't necessary until after soph or junior year if you're looking at it as an avenue to college ball.

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