Starting slow

I think a lot will depend on quality of ABs he's having.   AND, with numbers like that in 4 games you can be hitting the ball well and just not finding the gaps.

Seems like a lot of top young players our son knows are struggling &/or having bad luck early this year (including some drafted players, well-known who did not sign).

Clearly a huge jump in talent in top leagues, diving plays, balls caught at fence. The pitching, especially sliders is so much better. A trusted source compared it to going to Rookie or low A ball. Think some hard contact even if caught will be a good sign. Easy to say stay positive.  Know it is difficult if they are far away.

Best wishes, keep plugging,  am sure his luck will change. 

Its called sophomore slump and sometimes it takes time to find your mojo.

The season just started, they should be working with him in practice or maybe just letting him relax and get comfortable.

Slumps are part of the process - albeit the worst part.

Not that other's struggles lessen the pain of your son, but pre-season all American Bobby Dalbec is batting about .120 so far this season.

Keep plugging away. And while it's easy for me to say, he should try not to press.

Keep us posted.

At the D1 level there's always pressure to perform. Every year there are 10+ players recruited looking to beat out teammates. I know a kid who went from starting freshman year, only starting against LHP soph year, sat the bench junior year, lost his scholarship and walked a way from the game senior year. What do you think this kid's future plans were when he started freshman year?

Wow, rjm, talk about a heart breaker for the kid.  I can not imagine that happening, but I guess it must happen a lot....

RJM posted:

At the D1 level there's always pressure to perform.

There's probably more on the line at DI, but from what I've seen there is pressure at every level.

MidAtlanticDad posted:

RJM posted:

At the D1 level there's always pressure to perform.

There's probably more on the line at DI, but from what I've seen there is pressure at every level.

Our high school places a lot of boys and girls in college sports. While here are multiple D1 athletes every year a majority are D3. Therefore the school had guidance cause lord who understood what's involved. They would frame it to kids they were constantly under great if being replaced in D1. But in D3 chances are they would star and be secure. A lot of high school athletes are on a fine line between mid major and top level D3.

its all relative. The pro prospects in D1 probably don't feel they are at risk to lose their position than the stars in D3. Somewhere at each level is the marginal player who may prove himself or maybe not get the opportunity.

Easier said than done but he needs to focus on the process. Time fastballs up and make hard, flush contact with them. 

Just had a call from a friend with a son playing at a different school.   Stats not there yet, his son is hitting at'em balls hard, while other players get cheapie check swing hits and the dreaded bloops just fair that look like liners in the box score.  

Was told a long time ago to judge a player on 50-60 at-bats not just 10-20.   Good advice that as a dad i try to listen to (though admittedly not as much as I should

Tim2014 posted:

Update: Got back in and he went 4-4 yesterday, double and rbi. All balls squared up. I guess he didn't like coming out for that one game.

Great!  Yup . . . just gotta "flush it" and keep moving forward. 

Tim2014 posted:

Update: Started Friday series went 1-2 double rbi, 3 plays made at 3rd. Saturday didn't start, came in went 2-2, Sunday didn't start came in went 1-1 with a triple. Didn't start midweek game came in went 0-1. Conference starts Friday and I don't see him starting. Their probably going with a freshman, good player no doubt but there no major difference between them other than mine is hitting 80(345)points higher no errors(frosh has 3)and 1 less rbi. I question their loyalty to the older players, but it what it is! Just got to be ready when they call your name again. Very confusing situation. I could see him maybe getting a start if a lefty is throwing because the DH is a lefty but who knows at this point the way this is shaking out. It could be a long season. I will be there supporting the whole way to Omaha because this team has the goods and will make it. I will keep you all posted.

Honestly never thought this would happen. I sure someone will get on here and say the player knows why he's not starting but with a closed door policy with the coach he really doesn't know why he's not play being 3rd on the team in average, on base percentage and slugging percentage. 

He's just gotta keep doing what he's doing with the bat, keeping a positive attitude and showing lots of support for all his teammates.  Doing that, he'll be ready to step in when he gets his shot a starting again.

Tim2014 posted:

Update: Started Friday series went 1-2 double rbi, 3 plays made at 3rd. Saturday didn't start, came in went 2-2, Sunday didn't start came in went 1-1 with a triple. Didn't start midweek game came in went 0-1. Conference starts Friday and I don't see him starting. Their probably going with a freshman, good player no doubt but there no major difference between them other than mine is hitting 80(345)points higher no errors(frosh has 3)and 1 less rbi. I question their loyalty to the older players, but it what it is! Just got to be ready when they call your name again. Very confusing situation. I could see him maybe getting a start if a lefty is throwing because the DH is a lefty but who knows at this point the way this is shaking out. It could be a long season. I will be there supporting the whole way to Omaha because this team has the goods and will make it. I will keep you all posted.

Honestly never thought this would happen. I sure someone will get on here and say the player knows why he's not starting but with a closed door policy with the coach he really doesn't know why he's not play being 3rd on the team in average, on base percentage and slugging percentage. 

maybe the Coach just wants to mix it up a Little and Play other guys too. don't overthink every single time he doesn't Play as Long as he is playing regularly. just Keep having good ABs and Play the field well.

Sit back and relax and enjoy the ride and whoever you are don't put anymore pressure on the player than necessary.

Jack Leggett stated once it takes about 23 games to understand roles and that changes depending upon injury.

Its not unusual for sophomores to start off slow. Same as second year mlb guys have slumps.

Get over it people, there is always going to be someone who is better. Stats don't always tell the whole story. 

Breath, relax. It's a long season.

TPM posted:

This is how big time ACC baseball works.

Sit back and relax and enjoy the ride and whoever you are don't put anymore pressure on the player than necessary.

 no doubt that's the last thing he needs.

TPM posted:

Jack Leggett stated once it takes about 23 games to understand roles and that changes depending upon injury.

Its not unusual for sophomores to start off slow. Same as second year mlb guys have slumps.

Get over it people, there is always going to be someone who is better. Stats don't always tell the whole story. 

Breath, relax. It's a long season.

Your right always someone better!

I can tell where this is going so I will make this my last text. Probably was a mistake to start this post anyways. Thanks for all your input. 

Tim2014 posted:

I can tell where this is going so I will make this my last text. Probably was a mistake to start this post anyways. Thanks for all your input. 

 

Hey Tim I did what you asked. 

I stick with my original advice as things don't look as gloomy as you post, relax, it's a long season.

LHP is 18 months post TJ and experiencing a great deal of adversity in his freshman season.  Not traveling and has not seen any spring mound time.   Proud as ever on his determined and hard-nose approach.   Not sure what will happen but son tells me it's a long season and that he will prove to everyone that he belongs.  I am just as proud of his attitude as I would be if he were a weekend starter.  

Thanks to all the posts reminding us parents to relax and enjoy.  We are blessed!