WINGER BASEBALL2015

Pre-Season Parent Meeting

WHY ARE WE HERE?

“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken

place.” – George Bernard Shaw

2015 COACHING STAFF Paul Hartmann – Varsity Head

Kyle Blahnik – Varsity

Chris Guetzlaff – Varsity

Josh Nelson – JV Head

Chris Rodgers – JV

Justin Plein – 9th Grade Head

Josh Terrio – 9th Grade

WINGER BASEBALL PLAYER STANDARDS

Approachable and outgoing with teammates. A positive role model who is able to lead by example. Respectful to coaches, teammates, and opponents. Someone who demonstrates sportsmanlike behavior. A well-respected, law-abiding good citizen. A good motivator. A clear communicator. An advocate and mentor for new team members. A hard worker. A leader who demonstrates honesty, punctuality,

reliability, confidence, and the ability to organize others on a daily basis.

A link between players and coaches. Respectful of the game.

WINGER BASEBALLPARENTAL RECOMMENDATIONS Each person in here should be excited about this season; let’s keep that

excitement throughout the season! It is critical for our success that players, coaches, and parents know their

role. Be positive with your son. Baseball is a game of failure. Focus on what he

is doing well. Insist on your son being an excellent student and a positive role model at

RWHS. Baseball is a game – let him play it and enjoy it! Please do not keep stats. We do it. Please show class towards umpires, opposing coaches, players, and fans. Please understand that nothing is guaranteed related to playing time. We

evaluate what is best for the team and program. Preferred communication is via telephone and personal meetings as

scheduled. Meetings can be set up to discuss valid concerns – i.e. my son has difficulty communicating with you, he’s unsure of his role. Innings played or at-bats are not valid concerns. We will not discuss these. Please only use email for routine issues (illness, etc.).

Thank you for trusting us as a staff to provide a high quality experience for your son!

ENJOY THE SEASON!

2014 VS. 2015

2014 Missota Conference scheduled 5 levels (Varsity, JV, 10th grade, 9A, and 9B) Most years, we were able to fill 5 teams, despite our

school size Positives – all players were able to play to some

degree. Negatives? – Teams and pitchers stretched out. Some

teams with 9 guys on a given day. 2015

Big 9 Schedules 3 levels (Varsity, JV, 9th grade) Positives? – Teams more “competitive” Negatives – Some players may not make a team.

We have scheduled some extra JV and 9th grade games.

WINGER BASEBALL PHILOSOPHY

Varsity Priority (in this order) Winger Baseball Player Standards Understanding role relative to the TEAM

1. Competitiveness – “Play for the Pile” 2. Player Development 3. Participation

VARSITY ROLES We have identified 20 roles throughout our

season. 1. First Base 11. Starting Pitcher 2. Second Base 12. Reliever/Spot Starter 3. Third Base 13. Reliever/Spot Starter 4. Shortstop 14. Reliever/Spot Starter 5. Left Field 15. Reserve Catcher/Bullpen 6. Center Field 16. Reserve Mid-Infield/PR 7. Right Field 17. Reserve Corner Infielder 8. Catcher 18. Reserve Outfielder/PR 9. Starting Pitcher 19. LH Pinch Hitter / PR 10. Starting Pitcher 20. RH Pinch Hitter / PR

Players in grades 9-12 have the possibility of earning these Varsity Roles.

VARSITY ROSTER We believe that the ideal varsity roster

size is 14-15 Some players will fill multiple roles Multifaceted players allow us to keep

roster size manageable (and playing time for everyone a reality).

The more things a player can do (field, hit, run, pitch) and the more positions they can play- the more they increase their chances of filling a roster spot.

WINGER BASEBALL PHILOSOPHY JV Priority (in this order) Winger Baseball Player Standards Understanding role relative to the TEAM

1. Player Development2. Participation3. Competitiveness

WINGER BASEBALL PHILOSOPHY 9th Grade Priority (in this order) Winger Baseball Player Standards Understanding role relative to the TEAM

1. Player Development2. Participation3. Competitiveness * We will NOT cut at the 9th grade level.

JUNIOR VARSITY AND 9TH GRADE ROSTERS

Seniors will not play JV Juniors who do not make Varsity may

have the option of playing Junior Varsity. Some athletes may not make the team,

unfortunately. JV and 9th grade have a full 20 game

schedule.

We have scheduled additional “B Squad” and “9B” games to increase playing time for some individuals.

REMIND 101 Communication tool we will use at all

levels Allows us to communicate directly Different from a mass text Instructions for sign up are on website

9th Graders – “Sign up” for 9th Grade 10th and 11th – JV and Varsity 12th – Varsity

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP RWYBA has agreed to a $500 scholarship for a

graduating senior Details on website Requirements:

Participated in the Red Wing Youth Baseball Program Maintained Good Conduct Completed their senior season in the Winger Baseball

Program Essay/Resume:

Applicants are evaluated based on four (4) criteria: Extra-Curricular Activities (include in a resume) Leadership Skills (include in a resume) Community Involvement (include in a resume) One (1) page essay – Topic – “Baseball in My Life”

SPRING BREAK Varsity practice over Spring Break (April 1-6). Being at practice is important

Being a Good Teammate Player Development Competitive Program

Varsity level = higher level of commitment. Sacrifice for Success

We expect players trying to play varsity baseball to be committed and at practice.

Lower level players, while committed, have a different commitment level. JV and 9th will have a reduced practice schedule

SUMMER BASEBALL Legion and VFW Baseball are an

extension of our season. Tryouts for these teams will take place

from March 16 – May 21 Signup day and deadline is March 28.

APPAREL ORDERS – DUE THURSDAY, MARCH 12

TWITTER AND WEBSITE Follow us on Twitter @WingerBaseball Check out our website – we will update

information throughout the seasonTeam Calendars Important Documents

QUESTIONS?