Getting Cut from Highschool tryouts

Question
Today I got cut from my high schools JV tryouts, I got cut last year because I had tendonitis in my throwing arm and could barley throw from 2nd base. This year I have been working out and taking hitting from a local Minor League player and have been hitting very well, My throwing has gotten better but it is slower than some kids. At tryouts I did good hitting and fielding and throwing the first day, and the coach had me throw from my ear since I played close to first and Ive been told never to do so, but since it was the highschool coach I listened, and had trouble throwing yesterday, Today I went back to normal and I was throwing good. At the end of try outs I and another good player were cut for the simple fact that they wanted to keep room for freshman moving up, only 14 kids tried out for JV. But being cut both freshman and sophmore year just tears me up. Im really pissed but it makes me want to work soo much harder than anyone on that field. But ever since I got back I just feel like part of my heart has been left on the field where I was told I didn't make the team, What can I do to cope with not making the team, and What would you be looking for in a player trying out for varsity as a Junior who hasn't made freshman or JV?

Answer
hi dan

thanks for the question!

getting cut is one of the most difficult things a player (or coach) can go thru.

a coach looks for baseball tools--throwing, hitting, running (speed), anticipation, athletic movement.
most kids have some of these, but not all. the coach looks for certain attributes and then looks to see how each player fits or does not fit into the makeup of a team.

you gave it all you had, and left it right on the field. that is all you can ask of yourself. the fact that it hurts means it meant something to you. today, many kids never give all they can because they want to avoid the hurt when it does not work out. you were different--you took the risk.

you have 2 choices--one is to realize that michael jordan and mark buehrle were both cut from their sophomore teams. they ended up pretty well.
the other is to say-you did the best you could and don't want to take the risk any more--there might be other things you want to invest your time in. change gears and go for the new activities. both of these choices are fine. however, only you really knows what you feel, and how much you want to continue to play baseball. there are other places you can play.

thanks so much for the note. if you want to talk further-call me at 314 531-0330 ext 2133.

steve nicollerat