What to do now?

I've been there too.......oldest played D-1 and proball......youngest didn't see the work and effort older brother put forth to get there which began at very early age, just saw resulting success......reality hit two years ago at age 13....he decided "HE" wanted it too and has really started working hard......he too needed to have a place that would develop instead of all about win....so many promises from so many clubs and coaches.......none of them kept.

Go to http://zonebaseballclub.com/default.aspx.

You'll be glad you did!!

My younger son went though something similar to what you son is going through. His older brother was a good HS player and had a very successful JC career including an NJCAA National Championship. At 14 my younger son joined a very competitive select program. At the time he had not physically matured like many of the other players, he was very slow and did not have much power or arm strength compared to the other players on the team. As the season wore on he played less and less and it was clear that he was probably not going to be asked back for the next season. We started to discuss if he wanted to play baseball at this very competitive level or go to Rec. ball. As we discuss what he could do he came up with two goals; 1. He would never be out hustled by anyone on the team for the rest of the season. 2. He would start to work as hard as he could to improve his strength and speed before the next year. In his mind they were the only two things he could control, playing time was of course up to the coach and his physical limitations were hopefully going to improve as he got old and worked harder.

He was lucky enough to mature physically in the past few years and he has worked his butt off to improve his strength and speed. He had a very successful HS career and last year he earned a scholarship to a D-1 program.

The point of all this was I doubt he would still be playing baseball unless the select coach had basically told him he was not good enough to play for his team. It was not until that happened that he starting working hard enough to be successful. He was given a challenge and he reacted the way we want our kids to react.
My son went on to play for Chris ***, Arlington Heat, Chris runs a good program and he has a very good winter conditioning program that was very helpful in getting my son stronger and in better shape.

http://www.coverallbases.org/

I applaud you for the honesty in recognizing his short commings, Nothing will change untill he make s that decision to improve and "want it". Sometimes being "left off" is all it takes, Encouragment and the positive attitude that is apparent on your part will be key. Talk to as many coaches being honest about your sons stage and tell them about your older sons successes. A good coach will make himself clear when you do so. There are too many places to play here in North Texas for any kid that wants to play to be left out. Good Luck God Bless !

Thanks to all of you for the advice.

quote:

He is going to be a big guy. His brother is 6'1" 180 lbs and he has always surpassed his brother in all the growth charts.

There are a lot of young men that would like to have the size that he may have.

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Not sure you can teach speed.

The big guys don't have to have 6.5 speed, but they need to improve what they have.

The young men that develop quickly at 13-14 do have the competive edge at that point.

But, the players that develop later, grow larger, and develop more competive skills.

And, usually have a seat when the music stops........

Find another team.

And, learn to hit it farther than anyone else.