It's Tryout Time for Highschoolers. Are you ready?

      Over the past forty years of my life I have coached at West Lafayette High School, Hobart High School, and Lake Station Edison High School.  I also have coached 25 years of travel baseball with many high school summer programs. All of these programs had try-outs, and I would like to share some suggestions with the young players about the process.  I will preface this topic by saying the absolute worst part of coaching in cutting kids who really love the game, but it is a must as roster size is limited.

     The very first thing I would suggest to every player is to show the coaches how important baseball is to you.  Many baseball teams don't get the gymnasium time after school because winter sports have priority.  Therefore tryouts might take place at 5:30 am or 8:30 pm.  Don't show up in the morning looking and acting tired or sleepy.  Get up early, shower to wake up, and be ready to go to work.  Never complain about the time of practice.  Dress the part of a player.  Game pants and a hat are an absolute must.  Personally I suggest a haircut and be clean shaven if your that age.  

     I have never told a kid you are hustling too much.  When the team is taking batting practice and the coach yells, "pick em up" be the guy who picks up the most balls.  Don't shoot them into the bucket like a basketball player and stand around talking.  Get the balls and carry them to the bucket.  Then pick up more.  When the coach says, "Switch Stations" move quickly to the next station.  Don't waste time playing grab ass with your friends.  Arrive early with the intention to get better everyday.  Anytime the coach says "I need a volunteer" be quick to jump up.  At the end of every practice there is a clean up process no matter if practice is in doors or outside.  Stay and help clean up.  Just as important as arrive early is leave last.  Make that coach see you are a team player.

     As for the play on the field I would suggest you get as many reps as you can.  If coach holds an optional hitting practice, you be there.  Optional can go along way.  I used to schedule one of these on a Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m. every season to see who wanted to play.  If your a Freshman you are going to be working out against people three seasons older than you.  Your goal is varsity baseball as quickly as possible.  Out work everybody.  Talk to the coaches and listen to the coaches.  Not just the head coach.  Watch some older players hit and field.  You may pick up something to better your game. 

     Play baseball with a smile on your face and a tiger in your heart.  It is the greatest game in the world. Remember this, a tryout is not the end of the world.  Larry Bowa played 15 seasons in the Major Leagues and got cut every year from his high school baseball team.  His coach said he was too small.  The suggestions above will help you stand out and i hope they help you make your squad.  Being a baseball player is about the most fun thing I can imagine.