Stories of Inspiration

Have you ever tried out for a team and not made it?  Do you have someone close to you, who has had the same experience?  If so, this should be an inspirational story for you.

On a personal note, I've watched High School baseball tryouts now for four years.  The school in question had over seventy boys trying for 18 spots on a JV roster.  I've seen many things, including some personal inspiration which I will share later.

Now to Marshall boys High School baseball story.  This is a story of inspiration.  

Mixed with Sean's and Brian's successes in baseball, were some big disappointments.  I would venture to say that one of their biggest disappointments was trying out and being cut from the JV baseball team in High School.

Brian tried out for JV baseball as an 8th and 9th grader and didn't make the team either time. He returned to try out as a 10th grader and finally got a spot on the team. He went on to have a successful high school career as a pitcher and first-baseman.

Sean tried out as a 9th and 10th grader and was never to be a member of the JV squad. He was a great sport in coming to all the games his Sophomore year and watching his brother play -- although it surely must have been a difficult season for him knowing he was just as capable of contributing to the team. Sean continued to work on his baseball skills by playing Little League and playing on a Fall Ball team. He decided to give high school tryouts one more shot his Junior year ... and finally, he earned a spot on the team. 
That's all water under the bridge now, but I hope this story might offer some encouragement to other youngsters who have been through or will go through the high school tryout process. The years that Brian and Sean tried out, there were over a hundred kids competing for 18 varsity and 18 JV spots. The process is tough ... sign in ...get a number for your shirt ... run timed drills ... hit a few balls ... throw 10 pitches ... say your prayers. Whether we like it or not, there is an element of luck involved in the whole process and coaches make mistakes. 

There are lots of kids out there that have great baseball skills or tremendous potential for development, but due to bad luck or a bad day on the field, will not be given their big break onto a high school team. Based on our experience, I'd encourage them to continue working on their baseball skills (play Little League, go to the batting cage, play catch with your friend) and try, try again! 

Authored by Carol Marshall, Sean and Brian's mother