What do you want out of a high school program?

Best of luck with the job.  Skills development, fairness and positive leadership are among the top three things I liked as a college and high school athlete.   I loved practicing and working on the things my coach gave me as areas to improve upon...there were many.  You give me those 3 things and I'll run through a wall for you. 

Good luck coach, I hope the tryouts leave you with a lot of tough selection choices. The kids will follow your example, good and bad so I hope will remain a beacon when everything seems chaotic and dark.

At a high level, I'd encourage you to actually coach.  Instruct.  Develop. Most HS coaches I see don't actually develop players.  They take the talent and skills that God and previous coaches gave the kids and call it good.  The run some team drills, fill out lineup cards and play with their chess pieces.

I'm sure you'll get a bunch of really good input from the great people here at HSBBW, but I'll recommend one more thing that might not come up.  Sadly, my son and our family just experienced what happens when it's not done.  Make the things that are important to your players (and whenever possible, their parents), important to you.  We found out this morning that our son was named to the state's all star game.  It's a recognition for state's elite performing seniors this spring.  The press shows up and it's a really neat way for players and their families to celebrate the hard work and performance of their kids.  I would have loved to have been there last night bursting with pride and joy for my son.  But my son's coach neglected to tell my son about it.  My son and his best friend - who was the only other player from my son's school to be named to it - found out about this morning.  I texted the coach this morning and about 9 hours ago he told me he'd look into where the communication broke down and get back with me.  That hasn't happened and we've since figured what happened.  He dropped the ball.  This is but one, but awfully fresh, example of behaviors we've seen like this.  It's a tough job and often thankless, but you're there for the kids, so I'd encourage you to prioritize the things that are important to them.  Don't make it about you.  Work to make an impression and connection that lasts a lifetime and ages well. 

Skills development

Competitive

Fairness

Honesty

Leadership

Fall ball program for freshmen through prospective varsity athletes

Off season training program

Help with college recruiting, if needed

Coordination with guidance department for understanding the recruitment of athletes is different than regular students

1. Continuous Improvement - It's bothersome to see the same mistakes made over and over

2. Hustle - Hustle at all times from everyone in the program

3. Sportsmanship - Be a class act win or lose - all players and all coaches

A high GPA at a school that has academic credibility

SAT tutors

A diverse population

Good luck coach...The fact you don't think you know it all right away would cover about 95% of it for me! More specifically  and particular to my part of the woods; Our HS plays in the fall as scrimmages or tryouts. If there are players going to camps, or playing travel to play in front of colleges, let them play.

Coach:

are you located near College programs? Utilize their coaches and players to provide instruction and advise to your players.

Develop a detailed practice and game program for your rules. Interview each player as to their goals and objectives with baseball. Set your goals and objectives for the team.

Of course, the goal for the team is to be "on time" and "shut off" the cell phones and to study the field, the wind and opposing pitcher and hitters. "Read and Prepare"

you have a great opportunity to teach the game to the young men as they prepare for their future.

Bob

I would bet that you already know all the right baseball moves to make. To me, the bigger challenge is the non-baseball issues  that seem to get in the way of running a good program. Issues I have seen are ; kids & parents with entitlement issues, parents that use money & influence to better their kids situation, lack of commitment to the program (missing team functions for other activities), disrespectful behavior (on the part of players & parents) toward opponents, poor communication (already mentioned), parents keeping the scorebook (or GC), etc.

Honesty/feedback is number one for me. Seems like a lot of the programs around here shy away from it. Probably because they no longer want to deal with parents. Several schools haven’t had any post-season conversations to tell the kids what to work on. The school with by far the best coaching has already met with every player in their program.

Fairness. And if a lesser skilled player is starting over a better player, let the better player know why.

If the budget allows for it, a coaching staff that knows baseball. If not, do the best you can and be a positive influence on my kid.

Agree with all of the above.  Our coach held voluntary practices all year -  summer and fall voluntary on-field workouts and indoor winter ones (knowing that many kids played travel, or were multi-sport, and couldn't make everything).  They were well-publicized in advance and well-run, so the varsity players (and the younger ones) showed up when they could, which created great cohesion for the program overall.  We know players whose coaches were very disorganized, and this caused less respect for the program by the kids (and the parents).

As a manager of people for almost 40 years I think the following statements are paramount in building a team.

1. Communication: Always remember that even though it makes your life easier and less complicated to avoid interaction with parents, they are an important part of the team. Build positive relationships! When things aren't going as well as critics think they should, it is a great benefit to have support to get through the rough patches. Also, 15 year old children don't have money. Parents can help support your program through monetary means and have the wherewithal to do so. It is beneficial to have a large group of support instead of one or two that are donating or interacting with you to bolster their boys chance to play SS or hit in the top of the lineup. I am not saying you need to spend the weekends with families, but I am encouraging you to at least say hello and have conversations. Let parents get to know you so at least they have the feeling that you acknowledge their existence. It is always good to be courteous to parents and players, and to people in general for that matter. If your only interaction with the players and parents is yelling across the field to "catch the ball" or "just get me an out" or my favorite "just throw strikes" when things aren't going well that game, chances are you aren't building positive relationships. Provide feedback to players and parents concerning the aspects of the game the player needs to improve. THEY MAY NOT KNOW IF YOU DON"T TELL THEM. Give parents and players a 30,000 foot view of the complete player. Talk with them about academics, attitude and what the player is doing right and where improvements can be made.

2. COACH: Coaches are teachers! As many of us know, there is more to fielding a ground ball than just catching and throwing. Get into the details. There are coaches in this forum that will say there just isn't enough time, but if you want solid players that win games you have to teach beyond the basics. Show the player the correct way to field a ball and encourage them to work on perfecting their craft. They really want to know. Most of your players don't want to misfield any ball whether it's a fly ball or a hard hit liner at their feet. Show them how to be successful. You are not only helping the player but you are building a better team and as a residual, positive relationships. Provide solutions to the problem instead of only harsh criticism. Players, and really people in general will work harder for someone that cares than someone that is apathetic and only interacts when actively criticizing. It's a fairly simple concept but it still seems to escape some managers. I was at a travel ball game last weekend and a boy was struggling at the plate. He had struck out twice and was well on his way to making it an 0 for 3 game. He was 0 and 2 and the HC standing at third got his attention and yelled "you are a good hitter, step in there and drive it". The boy hit a double to the right field wall. It doesn't always work like that, because it's baseball, but a few words of encouragement can't hurt and might make the difference. Please keep in mind that contrary to popular belief, 13 - 17 year old boys are not men yet. Many of them still have some of the little boy mentality and emotions. They will be hardened by the grind of everyday life soon enough, but for now show a little empathy. Oh and by the way, if you want to expedite creating an enemy, yell and criticize a mom's 14 year old boy on the field so everyone can hear.

3. Build a program not just a varsity team: Create programs for all ages to ensure players have learned beyond the basics by the time they enter High School. Don't rely on travel ball to prepare future players as it is expensive and time intensive. Many parents don't have the time or the money. Create school youth baseball clubs for summer ball that play locally with minimal travel. Work with youth coaches to ensure the boys are getting the proper training. Providing guidance and training to young players will pay you back in dividends. While you are coaching and providing guidance to youth coaches you are building a presence in the community, and relationships with players and parents. Creating and maintaining a baseball program in your school community sends a message that you are investing in future players and have a passion for your profession. I know coaches that have created youth programs in their school community, and they were very successful.

4. Be a professional: So many times I hear coaches using profanities and losing their composure on the field. That to me is not professional. Learn to control your emotions. Use appropriate and tactful language. It is a given that players are going to make mistakes on the field, don't be shocked when it happens. I tell my boys it's not what happened, it's what happens next, (got that from Steve Springer). I expect a coach to act with some degree of professionalism both on and off the field. Lead by example.

As a parent of travel ball players and High School players I want the coaches to be honest, approachable, professional and courteous. I want them to play the best players while giving opportunity to others to grow and improve (I understand it's a balancing act). I want the program to be structured to provide opportunity for every boy that is willing to put in the work. I want the program to foster skills, academics and excellence with the ultimate goal of being a part of a larger process that creates good citizens. 

i think you can't reasonably expect a good baseball coach at a public high school in our area. good people:  yes.  but good baseball guys? it's hit or miss.

that said, i'd want a coach that doesn't hurt the players' games (no funky advice).  I'd want a reasonable amount of baseball knowledge.  I'd want one who's interested in building a program (doesn't leave when the JV game starts and not necessarily a seniors first guy).  One who's fair and doesn't play favorites.  One who will do what he or she can to help the student athletes...whether it means writing letters or showing tough love wrt grades and academic performance or attitude on and off the field.

@Triple J posted:

As a manager of people for almost 40 years I think the following statements are paramount in building a team.

1. Communication: Always remember that even though it makes your life easier and less complicated to avoid interaction with parents, they are an important part of the team. Build positive relationships! When things aren't going as well as critics think they should, it is a great benefit to have support to get through the rough patches. Also, 15 year old children don't have money. Parents can help support your program through monetary means and have the wherewithal to do so. It is beneficial to have a large group of support instead of one or two that are donating or interacting with you to bolster their boys chance to play SS or hit in the top of the lineup. I am not saying you need to spend the weekends with families, but I am encouraging you to at least say hello and have conversations. Let parents get to know you so at least they have the feeling that you acknowledge their existence. It is always good to be courteous to parents and players, and to people in general for that matter. If your only interaction with the players and parents is yelling across the field to "catch the ball" or "just get me an out" or my favorite "just throw strikes" when things aren't going well that game, chances are you aren't building positive relationships. Provide feedback to players and parents concerning the aspects of the game the player needs to improve. THEY MAY NOT KNOW IF YOU DON"T TELL THEM. Give parents and players a 30,000 foot view of the complete player. Talk with them about academics, attitude and what the player is doing right and where improvements can be made.

2. COACH: Coaches are teachers! As many of us know, there is more to fielding a ground ball than just catching and throwing. Get into the details. There are coaches in this forum that will say there just isn't enough time, but if you want solid players that win games you have to teach beyond the basics. Show the player the correct way to field a ball and encourage them to work on perfecting their craft. They really want to know. Most of your players don't want to misfield any ball whether it's a fly ball or a hard hit liner at their feet. Show them how to be successful. You are not only helping the player but you are building a better team and as a residual, positive relationships. Provide solutions to the problem instead of only harsh criticism. Players, and really people in general will work harder for someone that cares than someone that is apathetic and only interacts when actively criticizing. It's a fairly simple concept but it still seems to escape some managers. I was at a travel ball game last weekend and a boy was struggling at the plate. He had struck out twice and was well on his way to making it an 0 for 3 game. He was 0 and 2 and the HC standing at third got his attention and yelled "you are a good hitter, step in there and drive it". The boy hit a double to the right field wall. It doesn't always work like that, because it's baseball, but a few words of encouragement can't hurt and might make the difference. Please keep in mind that contrary to popular belief, 13 - 17 year old boys are not men yet. Many of them still have some of the little boy mentality and emotions. They will be hardened by the grind of everyday life soon enough, but for now show a little empathy. Oh and by the way, if you want to expedite creating an enemy, yell and criticize a mom's 14 year old boy on the field so everyone can hear.

3. Build a program not just a varsity team: Create programs for all ages to ensure players have learned beyond the basics by the time they enter High School. Don't rely on travel ball to prepare future players as it is expensive and time intensive. Many parents don't have the time or the money. Create school youth baseball clubs for summer ball that play locally with minimal travel. Work with youth coaches to ensure the boys are getting the proper training. Providing guidance and training to young players will pay you back in dividends. While you are coaching and providing guidance to youth coaches you are building a presence in the community, and relationships with players and parents. Creating and maintaining a baseball program in your school community sends a message that you are investing in future players and have a passion for your profession. I know coaches that have created youth programs in their school community, and they were very successful.

4. Be a professional: So many times I hear coaches using profanities and losing their composure on the field. That to me is not professional. Learn to control your emotions. Use appropriate and tactful language. It is a given that players are going to make mistakes on the field, don't be shocked when it happens. I tell my boys it's not what happened, it's what happens next, (got that from Steve Springer). I expect a coach to act with some degree of professionalism both on and off the field. Lead by example.

As a parent of travel ball players and High School players I want the coaches to be honest, approachable, professional and courteous. I want them to play the best players while giving opportunity to others to grow and improve (I understand it's a balancing act). I want the program to be structured to provide opportunity for every boy that is willing to put in the work. I want the program to foster skills, academics and excellence with the ultimate goal of being a part of a larger process that creates good citizens.

   

Very comprehensive and very well said. I agree with all of it. Any HS coach should be able to do most of those things. The weak link in the chain, from my experience, is the ability to teach. Many HS baseball coaches don’t know the game well enough to teach it. This is especially true in large metro areas that have experienced tremendous growth. There are not enough experienced & seasoned head baseball coaches to go around when a new HS pops up every other year.

As others have said:

- good communication, with players and parents. Encourage the kids to talk to the coaches, and circle back with each of them to follow up to see what their concerns are. The best coaches do not shy away from parent calls and emails. They deal with them, promptly. (Hint: enlist the parents to help with the team to keep them excited and engaged. Find roles besides team mom.)

- don’t be lazy - develop your players! Assembler programs suck for everyone, esp the players, they don’t improve.

-  promote fairness. If you have to give extra playing time to the donors kids, do so, but only a little. Consistently putting money ahead of talent will kill morale and it makes the team less competitive. (Editorial - why do parents think paying for extra playing time for their less-talented kids helps? It just embarrasses the child by putting their lack of talent on full display. Love your kids for what they are, not what you want them to be.)

- respect your assistant coaches. Listen to them. They see and hear things you don’t. They also may not be as heads-down and are able to view the team through a wider lens.    

- be all in or get out. If you’re half-hearted about coaching, you won’t be able to hide it.

- bring in specialist coaches to help if you can: pitching  catching  outfield mental toughness

- have the courage to limit your roster size. 26 players on board helps no one.

- set up extra workouts or practices if you can.

- try to do team bonding exercises, even if it’s only meeting in a park for frisbee and pizza. Will help morale tremendously.

- stay positive, no matter what.  

@DD 2024 nailed it!

Thank you all so much for the responses.  I am really happy that y'all echoed a lot of similar thoughts that I had on things that I would like to see change in the program.  Interview is set up for this week so hopefully that goes well and we can get back to work.

Good luck GameCock, Go Tigers!

j/k

keep us in the loop

Really good stuff across the board.  I would echo all of the advice already given but I would further press for communication and guidance.  So much of baseball translates to life outside of and after the game.  I would hope that every player gains something from his coach over the length of a season.  My son finished his freshman year and the coach barley spoke to him and gave zero guidance as to what he should do to improve as a player and a member of his team.  A true shame.  I’ve seen far too often coaches build a wall.  Tear the wall down and help your players grow.  Sounds like you’re going to be one of the good ones.  Best of luck.  

With all the drama around playing time, I'd let the raw data dictate who plays based on performance. Put the personalities and politics aside, and let the stats dictate who gets on the field. Heck, you can use AI to show who's delivering. Make it crazy fair. But I know, I'm a dreamer....