| Our baseball team held its tryout yesterday | | | | number. One player yesterday afternoon had a |
| afternoon. Most of the kids who wanted to play | | | | few sentences together that even went so far |
| again next year and who played on the team this | | | | as to tell me why he was interested in making |
| last season did to have to go through an official | | | | our team. It went like this - Coach, my name is |
| tryout but a couple of them were put on notice | | | | Jack Wilson (made up name for publishing). I |
| that they would need to make the team again | | | | played with the Tri County Cubs last year. I was |
| this year if we received some interest from | | | | the third pitcher in the starting rotation and |
| talented players. Everyone took the news well | | | | pitched in 14 games last season. My ERA was |
| because the understanding is that we are playing | | | | 4.40. I also played third base, hit in the 6 spot in |
| competitive baseball. Here are a few of the | | | | the lineup and hit .315 for the season. I am looking |
| highlights and some thoughts on the intangibles | | | | for a new team to play on next year because I |
| that you should consider and use to your | | | | want to be able to also participate in my high |
| advantage at your next tryout. | | | | school football program summer workout sessions |
| Greeting. When you are greeting a coach for the | | | | and the Cubs did not like us to play another sport |
| first time be sure to look him or her in the eye | | | | while baseball is in season. Needless to say, I was |
| and have a firm handshake while thanking them | | | | very impressed and quickly escorted him to meet |
| for the opportunity to tryout for the team. I was | | | | the other coaches - he was offered a spot on |
| amazed at what a simple gesture this is that can | | | | the roster last evening and will be a great addition |
| influence a coaching staff as much as it did | | | | to the team. |
| yesterday. There were three players who had | | | | Get There Early. I was very unimpressed with |
| the confidence to walk straight up to me, | | | | how many of the 15 players trying out for the 4 |
| introduce themselves in an assertive manner and | | | | spots available on our team showed up within |
| then begin to prepare for the tryout. Two of | | | | 5-10 minutes of the tryout. All the coaches |
| those three were offered spots on the team. | | | | noticed. We started promptly at 2:00 and some |
| Playing Biography. Be prepared to offer a short | | | | of the boys were still putting their cleats on while |
| playing bio when asked where you played and | | | | were discussing the format for the tryout and |
| what positions you are interested in trying out for | | | | providing some background for the team. |
| on the team. Players who give a short answer to | | | | Use these tips to make a good first impression |
| that question are missing a great opportunity to | | | | on the coaching staff, be prepared by continually |
| tell the coaches quite a bit about themselves. Go | | | | taking batting practice and fielding, pitching prior to |
| so far as to have rehearsed a couple of | | | | the tryout and you will be sure to put your best |
| sentences to share with the new coaches who | | | | foot forward in making the team you would like |
| have no idea who you are other than a name and | | | | to play on for next year. |