So we're venturing into unchartered territory with our oldest son and would appreciate all serious and even some humorous advise here. I never played baseball, so not sure what is normal to expect at HS level baseball. Thank you for those that read the whole post.
My son made his sophomore team (they have sophomore, JV, Varsity) at a 6A school as an incoming freshman.
His background:
- has almost exclusively only played rec ball
- rec ball, but when he pitched he typically gave up 0-1 runs during his outings, he struck out usually 9+ batters when he pitched a whole game, we actually signed up for select last year to challenge him, but then the team fell apart last minute and we had to scramble back to rec
- almost always played SS or 3B
- we took him to private lessons during the past summer and fall to prepare for tryout - feedback from that person was he'll make team on pitching alone, he's really incredible. hitting and fielding very solid.
What we were expecting when he made team, due to his lack of select experience:
- he would probably play OF, maybe some 3B at times
- he would pitch (his strongest ability)
What has been happening for the first month of season:
- he has played every 3rd game, sometime less. All at OF, so new position + new level of competition he is learning on the fly - he has not made any errors or played a ball wrong and has made all the routine plays
- he has not pitched at all
Observations:
- the IF is pretty incredible, I'm not surprised based on those other kids talents and experience that he hasn't played IF, he even agrees with that
- there is one kid that clearly throws much faster than everyone else, but he's erratic, he walked 10 batters in one game, and allowed 10 runs; allowed 7 runs in next start, and then struck out 14 batters. All the other pitches seem very comparable to my son
- this past week my son got pretty down for the first time, but responded by asking if he could do more lessons and saying "dad, I just need to work that much harder" I encouraged him to talk to his coach (not on gameday), but he isn't so sure. He loves being on the team and doesn't want to be a distraction, but he thinks he can help the team with his pitching.
Seeking advise:
- Should he talk to his coach? ( I know I should NEVER talk to his coach) If so, when should he? Is it better before or after practice?
- How should he approach the coach? I.E. "I want to play, what do I need to do?"
Any rate, if you've read this far thank you.
My son made his sophomore team (they have sophomore, JV, Varsity) at a 6A school as an incoming freshman.
His background:
- has almost exclusively only played rec ball
- rec ball, but when he pitched he typically gave up 0-1 runs during his outings, he struck out usually 9+ batters when he pitched a whole game, we actually signed up for select last year to challenge him, but then the team fell apart last minute and we had to scramble back to rec
- almost always played SS or 3B
- we took him to private lessons during the past summer and fall to prepare for tryout - feedback from that person was he'll make team on pitching alone, he's really incredible. hitting and fielding very solid.
What we were expecting when he made team, due to his lack of select experience:
- he would probably play OF, maybe some 3B at times
- he would pitch (his strongest ability)
What has been happening for the first month of season:
- he has played every 3rd game, sometime less. All at OF, so new position + new level of competition he is learning on the fly - he has not made any errors or played a ball wrong and has made all the routine plays
- he has not pitched at all
Observations:
- the IF is pretty incredible, I'm not surprised based on those other kids talents and experience that he hasn't played IF, he even agrees with that
- there is one kid that clearly throws much faster than everyone else, but he's erratic, he walked 10 batters in one game, and allowed 10 runs; allowed 7 runs in next start, and then struck out 14 batters. All the other pitches seem very comparable to my son
- this past week my son got pretty down for the first time, but responded by asking if he could do more lessons and saying "dad, I just need to work that much harder" I encouraged him to talk to his coach (not on gameday), but he isn't so sure. He loves being on the team and doesn't want to be a distraction, but he thinks he can help the team with his pitching.
Seeking advise:
- Should he talk to his coach? ( I know I should NEVER talk to his coach) If so, when should he? Is it better before or after practice?
- How should he approach the coach? I.E. "I want to play, what do I need to do?"
Any rate, if you've read this far thank you.