What a coach just told my son he looks for

  Thanks for the share! What does it mean by see what you look like showing up at the park?

I'm gonna be brutally honest and tell you that I think that coach looks at those things AFTER he decides your son has the skills.

Not before. He simply doesn't have time to sift through all the hustlers/non-hustlers first.  That pool is wider than the talent pool - by a lot.

1. Did you arrive on time? Even if you're on time, you're late, should always be there 15 minutes ahead of time
2. Are you fully dressed & ready in a clean uniform with your shirt tucked in?
3. Is your hat on straight & sunglasses in the right place? (Not backwards, not dangling from your ear or on your cap backwards)
4.  Are you rocking out with Bose headphones or having a respectful conversation with your parent & greeting & shaking hands with coaches & team mates? (Self absorbed or engaged with team & those around you)
5. Are you fully in control of all your own equipment or is Daddy carrying you bag & mom running behind you with Gatorades & snack? (They do not like to see equipment bags with rollers~ use your muscles & carry your stuff like pros)
6. Looking to see if you are prepared, in control, and do you have self-respect, and respect for parents, coaches and those in authority. (Are you mature, self disciplined, humble, grateful & coachable)

Just Baseball - You are correct. This part of my player evaluation.

Also evaluate the parents and coaches.

 

Bob

Question:  would that apply to catchers? 

You can Google:  http://www.troskybaseball.com/...ng%20Red%20Flags.htm
not sure if there are geographic differences but these 30 red flags seemed to hold true in California

So I guess Domingo Ayala bringing his equipment in a garbage bag is taboo?  

 

justbaseball. Should have been a little clearer. This is after they've seen you at a showcase or camp, etc. once they decide you have a Skill base they are then looking into these things before they really evaluate you.

Sorry the link does not work, I do not know how to edit the post, but just google 30 red flags to recruiting, it was compiled by Nate Trosky, and as always, the way I looked at tips on this site, as a basic guide, no one person has all the answers, each situation is different, and no one really knows what that ONE particular coach is looking for in that One prospect~ Good Luck All~

Maybe you substitute the word - Disqualify you!

 

Bob

The Trosky Baseball red flags are excellent...and they prompted the following recollection:

 

Ever observe a college prospect camp? Approximately 40 - 50 high-school-aged players; all of whom, presumably, are present because theyaspire to play college baseball. Right?

 

Then, why is it that some of them show up and seem intent only upon impressing other campers with how cool they are?

 

Focused and giving their best effort, whether in the batting cage, fielding, or on the mound? Nope.

 

Running on and off the field? Nope.

 

Hustling from one teaching station to the next? Nope.

 

Looking like they take pride in their appearance? Nope.

 

Consistently attentive when coaches are speaking? Nope.

 

Simply too cool for that. ...and, in virtually all coaches' eyes, too cool to be recruited.

 

 

I'm more inclined to view this closer to Justbaseball. While all those things or suggestions regarding player make up are great.....My experience is that no amount of hustle or pre game routine will make up for a position player that can't hit. Or a pitcher that can't pitch.

My experience is that college recruiters primarily look for and value only a few simple things:

 

Pitchers- VELO / Body size

Hitters - Do they hit the ball HARD/ Body size + 60 speed.

 

I'm not suggesting that hustle, punctuality, well dressed and all that are not important. Those things are just WAY down the list. And I would argue that after the skill set the players grades and test scores are probably the most important secondaries...... A D-1 HC told me "The grades tell you the whole story"

For me the bottom line is that no amount of 'Good Citizen' type baseball behavior will secure an NCAA roster spot without an outstanding skill set. And conversely, if a kid doesn't have the best attitude or hustle and isn't a great student. But is a 6'3 RHP throwing 94 mph + he will not only get a NCAA roster spot, the recruiting coordinators will be lined up around the block 2 dozen deep to give it to him.

Let's be honest here.  Most coaches rightfully tow the line on what makes a recruit desirable: grades, character, then skill.  It's the mantra that every baseball player needs to hear because 95% of them will be playing the "Game of Life" after high school, not baseball.  When I pay $300 for a camp at some big time program at the very least I want that HC on board with my wife's and my edict that my son's priorities are academics/grades, then character, then baseball skills.  You really want some D-1 HC saying out loud, in public, that all they care about are skills?  The whole mantra of "grades, character, skills" is akin to always believing in Santa.  Yes, it's that important!

 

I have always told my son:

"Look like a ball player, Act like a ballplayer, Play like a ballplayer."  Looking like a ball player is the parking lot part (shirt tucked in, on time 15-mins early, etc).  Acting like a ballplayer is eyes on coach when he is speaking, hustling on and off field, on one knee never sitting on keester, etc.  And Playing like a ballplayer means having the skills. 

I suppose that there are many things that a college coach looks for, the skill set most likely will catch his eye, but I agree there is so much more to it when you are being recruited at a very large program than just your skill set.

 

That's why the coaches from these type of programs watch you closely, or have people watching you for them without you knowing about it.  Going to a very large D1 program is just not all about baseball.  They have to make sure that your maturity matches your skill set as well.  If any coach from a large program doesn't do their homework like you do yours, I would run the other way, because in my opinion that's a bubble recruit, you will have to prove yourself everytime that you have to go to the field and it wont just be about how hard you throw or how long you hit the ball.

 

Baseball has very few scholarships to go around, and reality is that they have to make sure that their choice is worthy of the $$ they will spend on you.

All, a little more context to this.  

 

This was a very informal discussion between a group of about 3 or 4 coaches and 3 or 4 players who were talking in between instruction/drills.  These were mid-D1 schools in the midwest.  As I was not part of the discussion I am interpreting what my 16U is saying.  Essentially the coach was telling the players that after they "notice" them in at a showcase or in an environment like they were in yesterday the next things they do are check up on their character before they really start talking to them and scheduling follow up visits to evaluate their skills and/or game play further.  

 

Sorry to any who felt I was saying skills don't matter.  I missed some context.  In my defense I wrote this while sitting around a car dealership waiting to straighten out a car purchase and lease buy back deal.  

With respect to presentation - You only get one chance to make a first impression.  That saying goes *both* ways.

 

With respect to skills - I've also heard coaches at showcase type events say one thing, but immediately do something different. When a coach says velo isn't the top of his list, I roll my eyes, shake my head, and know as soon as the radar gun lights up 90+ - that's the player that'll get the most attention even though he cannot throw strikes consistently. Coaches think they can teach him how to throw strikes. Conversely another kid goes out there throws 18-25 pitches in 2 "showcase innings", gets 2 fly balls, 3 ground balls, and a pickoff at 1B gets no attention because the radar says "only" 80+. Coaches for some reason don't think they can teach that player to throw harder? or get bigger/stronger in order to increase velo? They may never even know that player is a great student too. Eventually they lose out on player 1 because of grades or some better school, then wonder why they went to the showcase because they didn't find anyone. You have to be looking in order to see.

 

With respect to grades - Went to a recruiting seminar when my oldest was in 8th grade (over 10 years ago now). The one thing he and I came away with was the story regarding two prospects - similar abilities on the field, but one was a 3.7 student while the other was a 2.5.  The 2.5 had better velo, speed, whatever. Coach would take the 3.7 because he/she knows that the player will stay eligible, while the 2.5 may need constant attention, tutoring, whatever in order to stay eligible.

Lol! I would always joke after these guys made an error or struck out.

"At least they looked good"

 

Lot of truth here, balance is the key.

First coaches will look at the skills and then delve into the student/athlete. They want to know the character and work ethic of the player especially the high academic D1 and Ivy’s.  The last thing a HC want is a good player that does not fit in.  My son was being recruited, a position player, by one of his preferred D1 schools.   He was number 3 player in the pecking order for his position.  While the HC was waiting to hear from player 1 & 2, he looked into grades and test scores of my 2015 and decided to bring him in for an official visit. After spending 2 days with the coaching staff and other players my 2015 was offered a spot for his secondary position with opportunity to compete for his primary.  He has signed his commitment this past November.

Let’s face it the difference in skill level between the #1 player on their recruiting list and #3 is very small or almost interchangeable.  They are going to go with the player that they feel  fits in the best. So yes skills will get consideration for opportunity but the other variables (grades, character, work ethic) will decide if you get the opportunity.

I think Domingo is having more affect on young kids than I would have imagined. 

 

Lion,

Do you actually know who Domingo Ayala really is?

I've watched most of his videos.  Does that count for something? 

I also know someone who got to meet him in person.  

He is a former D1 baseball player. American born.

I think he has had a positive effect on the game, I know my son really gets a kick out of his videos.  

I am not sure I really get your style of humor, but I do hope that your post was not a dig to him.

funny stuff, lion.

I love Domingo and so does my son.  He brings humor and fun to baseball.  

 

And no, I didn't know he was a former D1 baseball player, although I can believe it! 

He is living HIS dream, gotta love that!

I agree, who needs a hustler with no talent?

To the 30 red flags. First, I'm wondering how old this is. There were a couple of the "flags" that caught my attention and I wondered what people thought.

 

Flat bills. There was a post on here a few years ago concerning this, but I wonder if the attitude has changed as flat billed hats become more common. Heck, I see entire high school teams now where the whole team wears them. A lot of younger coaches wear them. So, do you think the majority of recruiters and college coaches out there still have some big prejudice against wearing a flat bill cap?

 

Rolling bags. Personally I never thought about it much. My kid has one as do many other high school players. While I might understand a certain prejudice against flat billed caps by old schoolers, I really have a hard time grasping the rolling bag situation.

I've also heard that players wearing FLIP FLOPS or SLIDES to the field make coaches cringe.

My son does not use a rolling bag in HS. You will be hard pressed to see players with rolling bags as they get older. My son BTW is a  catcher.

What kind of bag(s) does your son typically carry?

While we should all wake up every day resolved to be a better person than we were yesterday I think when we start overthinking what scouts want to see as far as character etc it is a potential problem in itself.  Be yourself.  Work hard on your game and your grades and let the chips fall where they may.  Much better than coming off scripted or phony.  And just for the record when I start worrying about what kind of bag my kid has...  time to get a beer and relax a little more.

I think its a Wilson catchers bag without the wheels.

I agree with the bolded. Not worried about the type of bag he uses, just an observation from the few showcases we have been too.

Does it have water bottles in the bag or does the parent "hand" it over the fence

to the player. Years ago at one our Area Code games, the Texas Rangers scout/coach told the young pitcher that if his father called the pitches from behind home plate at Blair.

 

 He would remove the pitcher from the game - immediately.The boy received the message.

 

The radar gun was for fast balls.

 

Bob

<www.goodwillseries.org>

Just for fun, I challenge all roller bag parents to look in the bag & tell us how many empty water bottles & half bottles of Gatorade, half bags of seeds & extra laundry is residing in said bag! You may be surprised!

My 2017 son is a catcher. Once I pulled out about 5-6 empties of water and gatorade.

I dare not look

Not all Scouts and Coaches think alike. However, most do pay attention to tell tale signs.

 

Once at an event in Texas, we had a kid that was one of the top catching prospects in the country.  I saw him entering the park with his parents.  Dad was carrying one bag, mom was carrying another bag, and the boy was walking in front of them carrying a soda.  This left an impression and quite honestly I couldn't help but wonder what happens when the kid is off on his own.

 

This kid did end up at a top college, but never realized his potential.  Ended up transferring twice and then out of baseball.  So the next time I see a mom and dad carrying there son's equipment into the park, I suppose it will bring back memories.

 

My pet peeve is parents handing drinks, sunflower seeds, etc., to their son in the dugout during a game. Make sure this is done before the game.  I hate it when a kid hollers instructions like get me a PowerAde from the dugout during a game. That dugout is off limits to those not associated with the team.  However much this bothers me, it doesn't necessarily, by itself, mean a whole lot because it happens a lot even with some top players.

 

All that said, talent always is the most important thing.  You would be surprised what gets over looked when a player has exceptional talent.  I bet many years ago there were NBA scouts that hated to see a player with a tattoo. Wonder how good the NBA would be these days if all players with tattoo's were left out.

 

Bad player - I don't like jewelry

Bad player - I don't like wearing the cap wrong

Bad player - I don't like wearing the uniform wrong

Bad player - I don't like beards

 

Good player - Those things don't bother me as much because those are things you can change if you want to.

 

The very best player - He could have hair down to his ankles and still look good.

I've looked *shudder* don't make me do it again!!!!!

I just coached a 17u team two months ago made up of players from Colorado, Texas, and las Vegas. All play varsity or JV for their highs chools. When we were walking from one field to the next, I noticed they pretty much all had rolling bags (it caught my attention because of the noise). I just brought it up because I fail to see how this would be viewed as a negative in any way.

Oh, and last year, I found about 15 bottle, most half-full.

If your field is about 30 feet from the parking lot I see why rollings bags might be considered childish, but if your field is 0.5-.75 miles from the parking lot *cough East Cobb*, isn't there something counter productive about schlepping around all that weight?

Any thought on flat bills? I know, I used to look at them as "thuggy" but now that they are standard fair on some teams, it doesn't bother me. I got used to it as easily as I eventually got used to baggy basketball shorts, I guess.

Maybe a Regional thing?

Actually, my sons has wheels but can also be worn like a backpack. he uses it both ways. Personally, I don't get the problem. I don't look down on people at the airport because they roll their bags.

 

Edit: and my son't bag has been in a few airports.

Flat bills? They look great on the best player out there. Nobody will care if he rolls in a bag either.

 

Seriously, a high school kid throwing 97 mph wearing a flat bill, what do you do? You draft him! You recruit him!

When I first posted I said it could be a geographic opinion, As background, The Trosky "red flags" first posted Nov 14', Nate is a Scout for the Mikwaukee Brewers, and Coaches the Brewers Area Code Team, my son was playing for The Miami Marlins Scout Team fall of his Jr. Year, and was recommended to Trosky based on his Grades, Character, Skill &  Projectability, although the order is up for debate, went to AZ Classic twice with him @ one of our games vs The Yankees Scout team  there were over 90 guys wearing Khaki's plus the college coaches~ who knows what was going thru all those minds?!? Only posted because I care, my son made a few mistakes along the way, want to help others from repeating them, the details may matter to some & not others. Just remember, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in awhile, haha

Just don't come in with a bag with a brand called NO ERRORS unless you are a great fielder. 

The last comment is directed towards those who may not follow all the details thru Luck, fortutuios timing they get picked....

Look at it this way, some coaches don't care for roller bags and some could care less. It made the list above so some coaches must not care for them. You will never see a coach negatively comment on a kid that carries his bag. Its all about first impressions. Once a  kid takes the field it doesn't really matter if he has the talent.

I don't doubt that at all. It just struck me as a weird "flag." Some of the "flags" I don't agree with but definitely would have projected that some might see those things as a negative. Not sure that I can see what about a rolling bag would be seen as a negative. What exactly is it that would go through a coahes mind seeing a kid roll his bag? Laziness? In that case, maybe it would be best to have the kid carry his glove on the end of his bat and tie his cleats together and wear them around his neck like we did in the "old days."

I really didn't pay much attention to it until I saw my son carry his bag full of catchers gear when he was 13/14. All the other kids had rollers. I offered to get him a bag with rollers but he said he was fine with carrying his stuff. I asked him why not, he said he didn't see any of the college catchers with rollers they all carried, I said okay. I was actually tickled pink inside that he was willing to carry the bag.        

Flat Bills? I still haven't come to grips with the STERIOD SLACKS..............

So the ones that responded to looking in sons' roller bag found a glorified recycle bin & laundry basket & how about the amount of space they take up in the dugout, (usually not squishable b/c of the frame) or if parked outside the dugout or hanging on the fence, coaches & kids jumping over them & obstructing more view from the stands... Just thinking outloud

Make great holder for those far off fields .In the summer kids throws in his first aid kit along with a cooler that fits perfectly with 4 waters 2 gatorades.plus a change of cloths for after game.Field dirt all over the leather is real pain

Some good responses here. 

 

I do have to point out one misconception in the OP.  That college coach can not call a HS Guidance Counselor and get information about a student.  Any discussion on grades is illegal.  For a HS coach to get this information to share with a college coach, they have to sign forms allowing the Guidance Department to release this information.  The coach then doesn't have a blank check to just share this with anyone but needs permission from the parents to do so.  Heck, as a parent, you can't get that information on the phone at a lot of schools.

I actually think the flat bill looks great, and I am 44 years old.  I am sure that scouts, like regular Joes, have things they like and dislike.  I try to teach my son to do well in school, be polite, talk to adults, look them in the eye, play the game the right way, etc. etc.  Wearing a flat bill or using a roller bag are not 2 items that I am concerned with.  (My son does neither.)

Actually, it does; and, for most who coach, it's about much more than first impressions.

 

I couldn't agree more with those on this thread who point out that baseball skills top the list of what every recruiter is seeking. If the recruiter doesn't think the player being observed can contribute consistently at his program's level, none of the rest of this stuff matters.

 

However, most recruiters see more players who are capable of making that contribution than they have positions to fill. Generally speaking, it's a buyer's market from their perspective. That's where the rest of this stuff comes in.

 

Why is it about more than a first impression? Because behind many of the positive behaviors discussed here are the sort of fundamental characteristics that most coaches value on their roster. 

 

Coaches are looking for people who respect themselves, the people around them, and the game, itself. The large majority of them grew up learning these values, and they've had years of opportunities to observe why it's important to surround themselves with people who can "walk the walk."

 

There's a thread pinned to the top of the "General Items Forum" entitled "So you want an advantage?" I commend it to anyone intent upon walking the walk.

 

http://community.hsbaseballweb...ou-want-an-advantage

Don't disagree with what you are saying here. I was referring to the wheeled bag thing and first impressions. Character Counts!

Understand completely, standballdad, and I apologize for making it seem like I was picking on you and your quote. I really meant for my comments to be taken much more broadly.

 

My interest was really in addressing my remarks to some of those who might be inclined to minimize this subject's importance to the ones making the recruiting assessments out there; making the mistake of thinking that "lip service," alone, will suffice.

I don't care what a coach says. No coach isn't going to recruit a 6'5" lefty throwing 95 because he has on a flat bill cap or uses a rolling bag even if dad is pulling it. As a football guy this is one of the baseball things that crack me up. I could have been sitting in a recliner with my father fanning me and my mother feeding me grapes when a football coach came to my house. All he would have said is. What your 40 time. Hahaha

I think that's how Bryce Harper's visits went.

---

 

Jaw dropping studs yes, the rest of the pack, especially if you are a borderline recruit, I beg to differ. Character can be a descrimanator.

I'll never forget an MLB scout who used the term "false hustle" to describe how some players think that if they run everywhere in a showcase or camp, they'll be noticed.

 

They are, but not always for the right reasons. Sometimes, walking and talking with the guys after a drill means more than running off alone.

 

 

       
       

I hope my son doesn't run into that scout. He's the one running between all the drills. Since coach Corbin told him to he even does it when it's just us at the ball field alone. Hahaha I just wish he would have throw in a clean your room comment lol. If coach Corbin says it we must do it.

AMEN on that filthy room, Scotty!

 

It's something to think about, though, dont'cha think?

 

In fact, it's something I've wondered about throughout JP's years in baseball. Boys are told to hustle, hustle, hustle, as a way to catch coaches' and scouts' attention.

 

And while I wouldn't suggest to any young player that he NOT hustle in showcases and camps (I'm talking about between drills, specifically), I wouldn't tell him he should, either. Does that make sense? 

 

There are two risks: First, that he'll be viewed as over the top (false hustle) and second, that he'll separate himself ... and potentially be viewed as not able to bond with others.

 

But truth be told, as others have said ... none of this outweighs talent and commitment.

 

Prepster ,
Excellent as always!

       
       
I couldn't agree more.  While in fairness I am just a high school coach not a scout I too hate the phony 'great attitudes'.  Baseball is a game to be played full speed between the lines.  But coming on and off the field?  I don't want a guy walking of course but if they are on a jog who cares?  To me the guys who sprint in are doing it either for humor or to try to impress god knows who.  Play at 100% both physically and mentally but in baseball it is more than ok to have some fun along the way.

Do you know the 9 and 5 rule , created by Jerry Weinstein at Sac City.

It wins games!!!

 

Bob

Agree with jolietboy on this.  However, there are certain players that sprint full out to and from their position just due to habit.  They are not doing it for any reason other than that is how they play.  Definitely not fake hustle, it's the real thing and sometimes it can look good when you see it.  

 

I'm more concerned with the player not running out ground balls or not paying attention to the situations.

 

Most of those fake hustlers show their true colors in time.  The real hustlers don't worry about it because they do it if there are a thousand people watching or if no one is watching.  

 

I always wanted hustle, everyone does, but just like jolietboy, it is just fine jogging on and off the field.  Some coaches want the whole team sprinting full speed on and off and that is OK too.

 

Play the game hard, play smart, be alert, be a good team mate.  Those things look good and other than talent they mean more than other things like what kind of bag you use or if your bill is flat. Anyway, that is the way I see it.

Approximately the ten millionth example of why I'll always be eternally grateful that my son chose baseball.

       
       
I get both points.  I never cared too much for the football culture and all that comes with it.  My son is in 7th grade and mom and me are rightfully a little concerned about all the concussion stuff etc.  So he does not play even though he would like to.  The 7th grade football coach asked him if he has to ask us for permission to take a pis as well.  Completely out of line and not all that surprising given the culture...  on the other hand sometimes we baseball people go a little overboard as well.  My first high school coaching job was at my alma matter.  A rich baseball tradition which last I knew produced more major league players than any other school in illinois.  But day one some of the coaches would go through this diatribe about exactly how to wear your baseball hat.  Exactly how to put it on in relation to your ears hair etc.  Sometimes we as baseball people worry way too much about things that should be on the periphery.   I think all scotty is trying to say is that if you are talented enough most of those things don't matter.  However I suppose it does matter more when you are in that borderline pack of 100 kids for 5 spots.

My son's high school program is run in the same manner.  At the camps, they spend 5 minutes on how they wear their hats & uniform.  They also require the boys to sprint off the field.  I am not particularly keen on the "how to wear your hat" thing, but it is a part of the whole package.  This is what we do, and how we do it.  The program is very successful, and the coaching staff is well respected.  I don't think it is a coincidence that the majority of he staff played at Lewis & Clark State under coach Ed Cheff.  He ran a tight ship, and had a great program that won lots of national titles.

 

50 cent ruined flat billed hats for me. 

 

 

We discuss how to wear the uniform, particularly when we have bus trips to away games. We don't coach how to wear a hat, but we will correct the ones who wear it in a manner that calls attention to themselves. We don't have our names on the backs of our jerseys and we don't wear the one-arm digi camo sleeves. We coach our kids how to stand at attention and respect the national anthem.We have team travel bags so that we look uniform when we get off of the bus. We don't wear headphones when in uniform. There is no specific hair style, but we will correct the ones that call attention to themselves when in uniform.

 

I don't know if that makes us old school, new school, worried about the periphery or just jerks, but we believe it's the right way so we go with it. If we find a better way and the future, we'll definitely adjust, but until that day we try to have as uniform look and feel in our program is possible.

This guy apparently didn't get the memo: 

 

       
       
I am very proud of the two state championship programs I coached at.  And I respect their rich baseball tradition.  However I still don't think how we wore our hats or got off the bus or ran off the field had a whole lot to do with it.  Yes I get that every little thing can be part of a greater dicipline.  But really I think it was the guy behind you threatening to take your spot that motivated them!  We had a kid who split time at first base freshman year who would eventually get drafted by the dodgers.  There were some great coaches from those schools but there was a hell of a lot of talent too and thats what made them great programs.  I am betting that if they wore their uniform a little different they would have still been pretty good!

To each their own. I feel like part of the championship teams I've been apart of as a player and coach got something from the pride we felt in representing the program a certain way.

       
       
Agreed whole heartedly.   My point is just that there is more than one 'right' way.  But love YOUR great attitude!  Different strokes for different folks.

Just speaking from personal experience:  A few years back, I happened to be standing near a group of college coaches watching a VERY good outfielder during a game.  The kid was a STUD, but the back of his uniform jersey was untucked and the player never bothered trying to tuck it in for 2 innings.  It could have been more than those 2 innnings, but I started paying attention to it when the coach pointed out to others.

 

Long story short, the coach left after those 2 innings and said "If he doesn't have any pride in wearing that uniform, he's damn sure not going to wear mine.".  Three other coaches around him left too.  There's a great article about this very subject on this very site...

 

http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/never_know.htm

I'm wondering if the explanation for Army grooming standards, Army Regulation 670-1, could (and should) apply to baseball? 

 

The Army is a uniformed service where discipline is judged, in part, by the manner in which a soldier wears a prescribed uniform, as well as by the individual’s personal appearance. Therefore, a neat and well-groomed appearance by all soldiers is fundamental to the Army and contributes to building the pride and esprit essential to an effective military force. A vital ingredient of the Armys strength and military effectiveness is the pride and selfdiscipline that American soldiers bring to their Service through a conservative military image. It is the responsibility of commanders to ensure that military personnel under their command present a neat and soldierly appearance. Therefore, in the absence of specific procedures or guidelines, commanders must determine a soldier’s compliance with standards in this regulation. Soldiers must take pride in their appearance at all times, in or out of uniform, on and off duty.

Back to looking in your kids bag.  At the end of the fall season I was cleaning out the garage.  I carried his bag down into the basement for the winter.  I opened it up to put his glove in it.  I pulled out somewhere around 10 gatorade/water bottles, dumped out about 5 pounds of seeds, found a few pair of socks and about $70 in singles, 5's and 10's.  Now I know why I never "get my change back".

 

 

Does found bag money go under the same rules a found laundry money?

Went right into my pocket...

       
       

That's a bit of a broad brush there isn't it. My son sprinted on and off the field since his first t-ball game. I think my father told him he was supposed to so he's always done it. This belief was strengthened when a coach he respects very much and one of the top college coaches in the country told him to. Also as he has sat and watched dozens of that coaches games and watched this entire team do it. There is nothing false about it. It's how he believes a player is supposed to act and those that don't are just lazy. Also a bit of a broad brush on his part.

       
       
It's one of the reasons I'm glad my son chose baseball also. It may change if he ever makes higher levels but so far baseball coaches seem to care more about the players. In football it's pretty apparent from middle school your just a piece of meat to get the football coach a higher paying job.

I agree with you scotty. Your son does what he is supposed to do because that is what he was taught to do.
Some call it old school.  Thats a good thing, in my opinion.

       
       
I agree with you 100% we all are.guilty of the broad brush sometimes.  I known I am.  That is why I try to be a live and let live guy.  I personally am not a fan of the sprint off the field.  Wasted energy for shown in a lot of cases   but who knows for another player it may help keep him loose and ready to sprint home to first.  Or maybe a kid just flat out likes doing it.  Or maybe grandpa told him to so it is now a habit.  So I guess that is the point.  We don't know why a kid is or is not doing it so therefor it may be a little dangerous to make any judgement good or bad based upon it.

IMO, every good program has a set of "standards" that they want to instill in players and of which, represents a program in a certain manner.  Sprinting off the field, how one wears a ball cap, how one looks when they depart from a bus ... are all included in this for many coaches.  To be sure, it was for me.  I never said how a hat is worn made a player.  However, for my program, there was a correct way and so, do that and all is fine.  I know some of you argue here that these are trivial.  Maybe so.  When you run your program, do what you want.  For me, when my team showed up, we had a routine we went through and if you were the opponent, you knew you were in for a game.  I do believe that teams can be intimidated in various ways like these little nuances.   If you show up at a home game, you are going to see, as one coach once wrote me, A.. and elbows getting after it.  He talked about how his team was defeated before the game was played. 

 

All of the attention to detail that a coach might want to instill in his program won't matter to a hill of beans if the players don't buy in.  When they do, and I believe that they do in the best programs in America, it is a thing of beauty. 

IMO coach 110% correct.Its at the top of the list here.I show for my spot always early.Very early on in 2016 V play I ask him just what the hell was up with the pre game.When those teams that B25 mentioned show its the very first thing thats noticed.What really gets to me is looking like a senior pick up game is closer to the norm here.