Notes

Dear parents and players

First Id like to acknowledge the opportunity I have been given to lead this group of young men through a challenging time in their lives. The process of learning to balance school, family and friends, all while learning the responsibilities of being a student-athlete is something we do not take for granted. The student first mentality is something we talk about a lot which shows the commitment they first make to the school. This shows with a strong team gpa average of 3.21.

From day one I came into this position with a "process over result" mentality. I believe that at a young age knowledge and quality game like repetitions are the most efficient way to improve skill level. The process over result mentality to me is a constructive way to alleviate the already high levels of pressure the game of baseball can put you through. A young baseball player is an emotional baseball player. worrying about results rather then the quality of the repetition is very common at any age in this game. physical mistakes will happen. Ground balls will be bobbled, throws will be errant, pop flies will occur. How a player reacts to instances of failure is something we would like to help these guys learn as well. How a team commands a field with their communication, hustle/ tempo and baseball instincts of backing up bases and picking each other up are aspects we feel are apart of the mental side of baseball which is just as important as physical repetitions. Learning how to move on from a instance of failure while looking to their coaches and teammates for support is so important to us as a staff. This is a family both on and off the field where everyone should feel comfortable.

After 11 weeks with this resilient group of guys I have learned a lot about myself as a coach and a person. Seeing were we are now as a unit compared to just a group of guys wearing the same shirt for me has been a humbling experience. specifically these past 3 weeks to me has been a tipping point of bringing everything together to compete in a full 7 inning ball game. I feel very lucky to be able to watch this group mature in front of me. In-between the lines they have gained skills which are very easy to see on the field starting with how they command the field with their hustle, how they communicate to each other and the chemistry of knowing how each guy plays the game in his own way. I can tell that they have taken it upon themselves to listen and understand the knowledge we as a program including varsity have facilitated them with. This group of guys have taken it upon themselves to improve everyday not by improving stats but by putting in the hard work it takes to be great at this game. Ultimately they have made the decision to trust that what we do has a purpose. That purpose to to give every opportunity to be successful.

In Light of Thursdays game and every game prior and in the future I accept responsibility of managing the players in the best way to be successful. This does not mean that we will win every game nor do I set that as a goal. Rather, the goal is to learn about the game of baseball and themselves as players and people and to take quality repetitions. When a player starts or comes into a game they are fulfilling a role which most benefits the team. I absolutely have faith in a player when I make a decision. Learning to have a player end his role on a positive high note is something I strive for. Less pressure is put on a player when they are clearly communicated about their role which is something I am learning to improve upon. stretching a player past their comfort zone/ role is unfair to the player and teammates. I will always strive, just like the players to be better then I was the day before. We will attack everyday with a goal of improving skill, gaining baseball instincts and having a great time doing it.