Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to work with you over the last three days. I’ve known most of you in other capacities and it pains me to have to make a team selection that excludes people. It was not an easy decision to make and I do not weigh these decisions lightly. A variety of factors go into selecting a team. Someone once told me that you are always being evaluated and judged by others, whether it is official or unofficial. You are always teaching others, whether you are trying to or not. The decisions that we made were a product or function of a variety of tools– some baseball, some academic, some character, some chemistry, and some other intangibles on and off the field. This is a highly competitive team and if you did not make the squad, I genuinely wish you the best in your future endeavors in all you do, especially baseball. Keep working hard, ask questions, look to yourself for answers before you blame others, and seek to learn from everyone. Whether you are on the team or not, I am willing to be a resource for you. Please come see me if you would like more information about your own evaluation or skill set. I will only address your own criteria and not the criteria of others. I encourage you to let things soak in for a couple of days before engaging in an emotional conversation with me.
- Criteria included:
- Fielding
- Fielding mechanics
- Quickness
- Range
- Ball approach
- Hands/glove work
- Fielding at your position
- Fielding at a position other than your primary position
- Throwing:
- Arm Strength
- Accuracy
- Throwing Mechanics
- Appropriate arm angles for position
- Quickness
- Hitting
- Swing mechanics
- Plate Discipline
- Adjustment
- Power
- Contact
- Presence
- Quickness and bath path
- Baserunning
- Speed – 90 time and 2nd to home time
- Situational baserunning and knowledge
- Awareness
- Instinct
- Conditioning
- Stamina
- Fitness
- Strength
- Agility
- Quickness
- Explosiveness
- Position specific skills
- Character
- Hustle
- Attitude
- Commitment
- Team mentality
- Attentiveness
- Respect
- Integrity
- Kindness
- Leadership
- Academics – my standards are that players need to maintain a C average in each class in order to play. I seek feedback from all teachers on all players.
- Classroom Behavior – I seek feedback from all staff on student behavior in the classroom and also coaches’ feedback from others sports. What you do follows you in life and the only person responsible for your decisions and reputation is yourself. Everyone can change, but the best predictor of future behavior is recent behavior. Ultimately, baseball is a team sport. If a student is in trouble all the time, they are ineligible to play and are holding a roster spot for someone who is committed to representing their team and school with honor.
- Team chemistry, peer relations and camaraderie. The Oklahoma City Thunder once had Westbrook, Durant, and Harden and couldn’t win a championship. Lebron James did it with an aging Dwayne Wade and an unhealthy Chris Bosch. High functioning groups outplay and outperform teams with weaker chemistry and internal relationships.
Congratulations to the following players who have been selected for the 2023-2024 Heritage Middle School Baseball team. The following players and practice squad members will report to practice tomorrow. There will be a parent meeting for players, managers, and development squad members on Wednesday following practice, at 5:00 in the courtyard outside the cafeteria. Thank you!
8th Graders
Alex R
Cameron M
Colby G
Alan P
Kanen P
Braden R
Devan W
Cole H
Ty K
Taisei F
Ian S
Heath F
Grady W
Charlie K
7th Graders
Chase K
John H
Anderson H
Development Squad Members
Vinny G
Nolan C
Grant T
