Cut from Baseball

Question
My son was cut from baseball yesterday and he is devastated.  He came to the sport later than most kids, but fell in love with it when he was 11, and has worked hard ever since.  The cut hurt him deeply.  Anyway, the coach has offered him the opportunity to manage the team.  This means he will do the usual manager duties and work out with the team -- not every single day, but a lot of the time.  

I think he may be willing to do it, even it will be difficult for him to watch the others play.   DO you think this could be a good strategy for getting on the team next year?  In your experience, do can kids who are cut freshman year make the team later if they make progress?

Answer
Hi Eva!

Thanks for the question. Yes, this is a good way for your son to stay involved in the game. However, he should do this for the right reason. Being the manager is not going to get him on the team next year. His skill level, improving those skills, and playing this summer would give him a chance for next year. Managing he team this year keeps him involved and allows him to be part of something.

It is possible for kids to improve their skills and make the team in latter years. One of the White Sox starting pitchers got cut from his high school team as a sophomore. Michael Jordan was cut from his sophomore basketball team. However, these are the exceptions.

Back in the late 90's i cut a boy twice here at SLUH. This same young man helped me with my summer camps, later came back to teach with me and is now my lead assistant coach.

Encourage your son to stay involved for the right reason, play the game this summer and work on his skills. If he looses interest in baseball, one door closes, but others will open.

Hope this helps. If you need more help on this feel free to call me at 314 531-0330 ext 2133.

Steve