Summer Ball or Not?

i think he could do both,   not all teams are the same i'm sure.   But on my son's team they play wkds,  more than likely Friday-sunday.   But they don't have practice and your on your own, during the week  they expect you to work on your game  get bullpens in etc.  They also expect that your working out during the week as well.  

My 2 cents worth, play baseball.  He can work on strength and speed while he is playing.  Maybe not at an intensity level he would go at it during the off season, but most kids I know continue to work strength and conditioning during the season.  

Baseball is a game of repetitiveness and taking a time off will only help to diminish his baseball skills.  

Play summer ball. Do some light training. Then amp it up in the fall.

5-11, 160 as a freshman?  Wow, that was my son when he graduated lol.  Absolutely keep playing....and work out along with it. 

I agree with the above. Do as much of both as possible. Playing ball will take precedent in season but also get stronger and more athletic. Hit speed, strength and agility hard when he is not playing.

Agree with others.  He has to keep in mind that his competitors will be taking reps every day and playing a full season of JV.  Then, I would guess that many or most will also play summer ball.  

He has to play ball.  He has to get reps.  And he has to gain ground on the others in terms of speed & agility.  On top of that, it would likely be very helpful if he could find a mentor/instructor that will assure that all the work is done with proper mechanics and mental approach so that he is maximizing his efforts.

Many areas have Spring ball for those who did not make their HS programs, chose not to play with their HS programs or didn't have that option.  He doesn't necessarily have to wait for summer ball.  

Thanks for the Replies and Input, This reinforces what I was thinking as well.  We will workout, do bull pens, hitting and fielding work through the Spring, Play an aggressive summer schedule and get back to hard work outs once summer ball is over.   

We would play Spring Rec league but the Programs in our area don't offer anything this year for 15u & up.  It's a bummer to have to take a spring off but hopefully the work outs, bull pens and hitting/fielding work will be enough to keep him from loosing to much ground.  He has a very good Instructor & Program to play for this Summer so maybe he'll be able to improve on his game and come back stronger next year for the HS team.  

I'm not sure If he's eligible but there are some home school teams,  as well as teams for players that didn't make high school team here in Houston,  and they have had a lot of success stories with those players eventually going on and making varsity teams.    You might do a search to see if its not too late to find a team in the spring.  

Good luck to your son! Hope he doesn't give up. Lots of stories of kids who didn't make a team at first, but worked hard and surpassed others in the process. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and requires patience and perseverance. Those who are resilient and grind it out are the ones who make it. 

Definitely, keep playing.  But, he needs to do some type of agility, strength and speed training at the same time.  He will want to be on a team that does not mandate that he pitches.  He will want the summer to work on basic baseball skills and body development.  I like crossfit for baseball players.  Bare minimum, push ups, pull ups, core strengthening and running the stadium.

gunner34 posted:

I'm not sure If he's eligible but there are some home school teams,  as well as teams for players that didn't make high school team here in Houston,  and they have had a lot of success stories with those players eventually going on and making varsity teams.    You might do a search to see if its not too late to find a team in the spring.  

I seem to recall Hunter Pence org in Houston has a "Second Chance" League that plays in the Spring.

If he really loves the game he needs to ask to talk to the JV coach ASAP.  He needs to let the coach know he plans to continue to work on his game and will be back again next year.  Have your son prepared for the meeting.  Armed with a set of questions and comments.

Him:  Hi coach, thanks for taking the time to meet with me.

Coach:  No problem what can I do for you?

Him:  I wanted to let you know I really enjoy baseball and will continue to work on my game.  I plan on trying out for JV next year and hope I can be a part of your fall ball program.  

Coach:  That shouldn't be a problem and I am glad to hear you plan on staying in the game

Him:  Great, what do you think I need to work on to make the team next year?

Coach:  We can always use another bat.  Spend some time on your hitting and get in the gym.

Him:  Thanks coach,  good luck this year!  

Coach:  Anytime, I look forward to seeing you next year.

This will be a big step to making the team next year.  Of course, he still has to show some progress come next spring.  So get to work!  

Thanks Real Green,  I was wondering if he should request a meeting with the Coach just to get an honest opinion of what they saw and what he needs to work on.  

1. If he is willing to, he needs to ask the coach what he needs to work on.

2. He needs to join a gym.  My son goes to LA Fitness, you have to be 13 to be a member.  They give you an evaluation when you get there, and they can tell him where he is weak, but I suspect it is his core.  Also, youtube videos on pitcher workouts and DO THEM. The trainers will ensure he is using the equipment properly.

3. Play baseball this summer. Shouldn't even be a question.

4. Get at LEAST one lesson with a highly recommended pitching coach.  He needs to be evaluated as to what he is doing right and wrong. If he is 5'11 and 160 pounds I see no reason why he shouldn't be at least 75mph.  He needs a qualified person to look at him.

5. The season in GA runs 1/15-5/15 for High School.  My son shuts down 100% from throwing mid October- early December, then ramps up for tryouts on 1/15.  Find a suitable shut down time.  DURING that time he needs to bust his butt with band work, weights, perhaps a throwing program.

I would also encourage him to ride his bike a LOT.  Maybe to school and from it if it's under 5 miles.  You would be amazed on how much that will improve his legs.  After he gets super comfy with his legs, he needs to ride standing up.  Cheapest core workout there is.

Adding: be sure to play Fall Ball.

2021-Dad posted:

Thanks Real Green,  I was wondering if he should request a meeting with the Coach just to get an honest opinion of what they saw and what he needs to work on.  

Almost every player that is cut from our program does something similar to what Real Green is describing and yes, one of the questions should absolutely be to ask for an honest eval.  But, here's the thing... maybe one in ten actually do show up the next year and most of those that do think that just playing Babe Ruth, taking a lesson or two and going out and taking some balls once or twice a month with dad or friends will do the trick.  It won't.  His plan in your last post is solid.  But he has to be committed.

I'd play. That's what he loves, right? No guarantees no matter how hard he works that he'll make the team, so let him do what he's passionate about. 

real green posted:

If he really loves the game he needs to ask to talk to the JV coach ASAP.  He needs to let the coach know he plans to continue to work on his game and will be back again next year.  Have your son prepared for the meeting.  Armed with a set of questions and comments.

Him:  Hi coach, thanks for taking the time to meet with me.

Coach:  No problem what can I do for you?

Him:  I wanted to let you know I really enjoy baseball and will continue to work on my game.  I plan on trying out for JV next year and hope I can be a part of your fall ball program.  

Coach:  That shouldn't be a problem and I am glad to hear you plan on staying in the game

Him:  Great, what do you think I need to work on to make the team next year?

Coach:  We can always use another bat.  Spend some time on your hitting and get in the gym.

Him:  Thanks coach,  good luck this year!  

Coach:  Anytime, I look forward to seeing you next year.

This will be a big step to making the team next year.  Of course, he still has to show some progress come next spring.  So get to work!  

 

I don't think he needs to talk to the coach — just read this post. LOL.

Those of you Houstonians may know the story about the Royals Head Scout Gene Watson. He never made his HS team, CUT, every year. He chose to stay involved as a manager and was allowed to practice with the team. As a Senior, the soft lefty got his opportunity to play..........as a pitcher! He went on to gain the attention of a college coach, got a scholarship to play, stayed involved in baseball after college with the Rangers, then onto the Braves where he met up with his future boss, Dayton Moore. The man's love for the game and perseverance speaks volumes to his character!

Don't look at being cut as a set back, the coach has told you he's not good enough by cutting him. Get a plan and go get better! 

There are no naturals. Everyone has to commit themselves at some point to getting better, especially at the HS level. If you don't commit to baseball, it will chew you up and spit you out. The game owes you nothing, it's a privilege to play the game of baseball.

Play summer and train as all the above said.  He probably already has an idea what areas he needs to improve, otherwise ask the JV coach.  Play summer ball if he enjoys the game (which he already indicated).  Even if he never gets much better or makes the high school team next year, continue playing if he enjoys it.  With so much pressure these days on "kids" to do well academically, social media problems/temptations, etc. he deserves to unwind and have fun even if not "good".  His standard of enjoyment may be different than yours or mine.  My son's ex-teammate, a D1 college player rarely got to play but he was on the roster all 4 years. He probably got less than a dozen at bats every season.  Last year after the game I was waiting for my son.  I had the opportunity to talk to this young man, and through the course of conversation he told me how much he loves being with the team even though he doesn't play.  His goal is to be the best practice player through effort and hustle, not ability.  All 4 years no regrets because he has made hundreds of "brothers" for life. Nobody can take the experience and opportunity away from him.  It took a few weeks but then I realized his experience probably meant more to him than a player hitting a walk off home run to them.

I say play. But he has to be on a team where he will see playing time. Does no good to be on the best team in the area and sit the bench. I never wanted my son to be the best player on a team or the worst. If he is the best, he may not be challenged and improve.  As the worst player he wont get playing time and again not improve. 

So play in the summer for a team with the best competition that will allow him to get plenty of playing time and still be challenged. 

Definitely play summer ball to work on game. Feedback from JV coach would be helpful as it tells what parts to focus his attention. As others have mentioned he can still train here and then during the summer. Most of all pick a summer team where your son will PLAY and be able to work on his game.

I can't add much....

Just a suggestion, but maybe try to find a running coach for a few lessons.   If you can't find one, maybe a track coach from the HS that can give him a few pointers to get down that 60 time.  The way you start, how you hold your arms and hands, and practice can make a big difference.  

Thanks Everyone for all the advise. 

He wants it pretty bad, I have no doubt he will work hard for it and prevail.  

IMO, if your son has aspirations of playing after High School in college at some level, I would forgo summer ball and train. Not sure what part of the country you are in but typically Fall Ball would provide an opportunity at a much cheaper rate for your son to showcase his ability. I believe honing his craft to become a better player with a specific work out plan would be of greater service to him than playing games in the summer. In the end making the High School team would be fantastic actually playing on the field in those games a greater reward. Good Luck to you and your son.

I would train now focusing on strength, conditioning and speed for the next couple of months. Then train baseball skills only in April in preparation for the Summer season. I would not do much strength/conditioning/speed training during the Summer season...just baseball skills training in between the games. He will need be be sharp in the games so his legs will need to be as fresh as possible in order to be successful in the games. Summer game success or lack thereof will be very important as word will get back to the HS coaches either way.