Tryout Cuts

Question
QUESTION: I want to know how to go about this: I tried out for my school baseball team, and I got cut. I'm a sophomore that skipped a grade, and I was on the team (but didn't play that often). I'm 14 and I turn 15 in two months. I feel that I should have made the team. There were three guys that made the team over me that didn't even go to the 4 tryouts; one never came because he didn't turn in his clearance, another was sick (I'll give him a pass because he is really good), and another came to two days of tryouts. On top of that, one name on the list I am a clearly better ballplayer than-we threw BP to each other, and he pulled a "Bull Durham," and hit the helmet in the corner of the inside cage at our 7:00 AM practice. Even one of the coaches saw it. I want to know how to approach the coach and ask him why I didn't make the team. I am not the best, but at least I came everyday ready to play.

ANSWER: Kenny,
Don't make this harder than it is.  Just ask the coach why you didn't make the team.  Also ask him what you need to work on.  Most importantly don't turn this conversation into an argument.  You can possibly ask the coach to be a manager with the possibility to practice with the team.  This will keep your skills up while awaiting summer ball.  You never know maybe the coach will change your managerial status to be a player on the team.  

Good Luck,
John Priest

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you much, and being the only sophomore cut isn't as bad, but you posed a greater question: summer ball. I'm leaving the Left Coast for Philly this summer (at UPenn). What should I do to hone my skills? I also play basketball (Got cut, so a pretty bad athlete).

Answer
Kenny,
To add to the last answer.  The sophomore year is the hardest year to make the team.  You obviously cannot play freshman ball anymore so your options are varsity, junior varsity, or nothing.  If you don't make the varsity team it becomes even harder.  You now compete against the better freshman, the players in your grade, and the juniors who don't get varsity time.  These three grades are all going for one team.  This makes it very hard and stressful on yourself and the coach.  Look for baseball camps in the area that you are going to be in.  If you really want to see where your talent stands you should look into a perfect game showcase camp.  They will give you a rating from 0 to 10 on your overall skills.  Besides baseball you can improve your speed and strength while away from home.

Good Luck,
John Priest