In a couple of weeks some teenage youth baseball players will
become high school student athletes. They
’ll have to make adjustments in the classroom as well as on the
field. They’re no longer the cream of the crop or an All-Star and
will have to earn their grades and challenge other players of the
same caliber for playing time.
In a couple of weeks some teenage youth baseball players will become high school student athletes. They’ll have to make adjustments in the classroom as well as on the field. They’re no longer the cream of the crop or an All-Star and will have to earn their grades and challenge other players of the same caliber for playing time.
Some will make it, some will not. Resting on your laurels from the past means nothing to the high school coach. Some players or parents may think their skills can measure up to the high school level. Again, the coach may think otherwise. A lot of dreams receive a crushing blow when players realize they don’t have the tools to perform at higher levels. Maintaining a GPA to compete is another intangible component that is essential to the players success.
So what does it take to physically compete on the field and what is the high school coach looking for? Well, it’s exactly what professional scouts and college coaches are looking for. As a position player you’ll need the five basic tools of the game, which are running for speed, fielding, arm strength, hitting and hitting for power. If you’re a pitcher, you’ll need polished mechanics, arm action, arm strength, command of your fastball, an off-speed pitch you can throw for a strike and an extreme amount of poise.
Most incoming freshmen probably won’t possess every tool, but the faster they get them or work hard to achieve them, the faster they advance to the next level. In addition, if a player can play more than one position that’s a plus. Remember, if there are six shortstops, someone has to go. Switch-hitting is also a bonus.
I also believe there are a few more things a high school player must do to be successful and possibly attain a college scholarship or beyond. I think players shouldn’t cut classes and should maintain grades that keep them eligible. They should set high standards and know how to attain them. Prove to people what you’re worth, don’t just tell them. When adults are talking to you maintain eye contact with them. Be passionate about the game and your teammates and don’t make excuses.
If you want to reach a higher level beyond high school work on your tools and practice hard, because you play like you practice. Respect the game and hustle and help your team win whether you’re playing or not. And lastly, baseball is a funny game. It reveals character, it doesn’t build it. And character means doing the right thing when nobody’s watching. It doesn’t take talent to hustle or have character.
Putting this all together means you‚ll become a welcome addition to any high school program. The coach will identify you as a player with the tools to play the game and a good attitude. So will everyone watching you. And that will go a long way in life in achieving your goals and objectives in the classroom and on the field.
