Titans

Date:Wed, 12 Mar 2003 14:23:35 -0600 I just wanted to follow up with some information regarding our upcoming schedule. We will have our practices the next two Sundays, March 16th and March 23rd at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. These practices will not be mandatory if you are going out of town for Spring Break, however, most of the kids could probably use the work. If you are going away, please come back in one piece. After Spring Break we will be getting into baseball hot & heavy so I am putting everyone on notice that this will be your last break until after July. I was pleased at our performance this past weekend all things considered. We had some people who came into Spring Training out of shape, but that is to be expected. The two problems we had were pitchers giving up walks, and hitters not being able to handle hard pitching which will come around in the next 6 to 8 weeks. I thought we played well defensively, and I see a lot of potential as far as hitting. My objective was to play in a hard tournament early so we could evaluate players and I felt like I know what things we need to work on. Finally, I wan't to clarify an issue regarding what I call piecemeal attendance at tournaments. The issue of what to do with a player who would be missing for 1 day in a two or three day tournament has been brought to my attention. Tournament baseball is about making a commitment and we are at the age where we need to make choices. For the record, if a player is going to miss a game in a tournament, he needs to sit out the whole tournament. It is unfair to other team members if a player misses a game then expects to come in and take the place of a player who previously played. It is unfair to the team if a player misses a key game. The system which was set up (using an A team and B team) was designed to provide opportunities to players who were playing on the B team who were committed and who deserved an opportunity to play with the A team. If we allow players to pick and choose which games they want to play, we will have anarchy on this team. This is a spring/summer baseball league and baseball is top priority in the spring. The only exception to this rule will be if a player gets sick or injured or other circumstances beyond their control. Remember, it is an honor to play on the A team and we will constantly be under the scrutiny of those who did not make this team. If you know your son cannot make the entire tournament, I need to know at least 3 days beforehand so I can make other arrangements. We are expected to host a 13 year old tournament and the people from KC have asked me which weekend I would like to have it. I would like to have it sometime in late April or May. We will need cooperation from the parents in many areas. This is a big responsibility. Please e mail Sherry and let her know of your preferences both with job duties and weekends which are not a conflict. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. Coach Haynes