Baseball - Transition from Youth Baseball to High School

Question
Mr. Priest,

Like oh so many other kids, my son has played baseball since he was 4 and this is his 9th season and only one more to go before high school, of course, with youth baseball you pay you play and he has been on many tournament teams as well as being an all around baseball player, outfield, third short, he doesn't care for 2nd or 1st or catcher and he can pitch too! But, as many parents, I am a little nervous, probably more so than my son that perhaps he may not make the team in high school, I've already contacted the high school coaches just to get an introduction and will probably do so again prior to and during his entrance into high school and I'm hoping that his all around skills and attitude will get him on the team.  My question is this, what would a general high school tryout consist of?  Is it usually one try out over the course of a few hours, a couple of days with multiple levels of try outs?  What?

I would really appreciate your feedback.

Thanks so much.

Concerned Dad! :)

Answer
Steven,
    Usually a high school tryout (at least the ones I have ran) will last for two weeks.  Pitchers and catchers usually start first doing various team and individual drills.  Cuts are made throughout the week.  If you got cut this week you could come the second week which is for the position players.  During the second week the pitchers selected for the team continue their bullpen workouts.  The infielders and outfielders do team, individual, and hitting drills.  Each day of the second week their are cuts until the final team is established.  Different coaches do different things during tryouts so this may vary with your sons coach.
    One last piece of advise would be to becareful when contacting the coaches.  Most high school coaches already know who is coming up and how the returning players played in the off season.  Contacting the coaching staff could put a negative outlook on your son.  It is nerve racking when cuts come in to play but your son is in high school now and he needs to make the team on his own.  He should be the one who contacts and speaks to the coaches.  Have him introduce himself and start out by asking the coaches what he needs to do from now to the first day of tryouts.  The coaches will notice if they see your son in the weight room, at the track, and in the cages after school.  Seeing a hardworking player goes a long way when trying to make a team.

Good Luck,
John Priest