*The grind of High School tryouts ended today. The team had unofficially been training and playing through the summer and during this school year, but it has been the last week plus that the focus has been on making roster decisions. I am stoked to finally be on Varsity.
This was to be the first year when juniors would not be allowed to play on the JV team, so for my class it was either make Varsity or get cut. It was rough to see the herd get thinned, but we all know that the dugout is only so big, and that there are only so many positions on the field.
After breaking my thumb in tryouts for my freshman year, I was happy just to make the freshman team. I didn't think too much about how some of the freshman were already up on JV or Varsity, as I knew I was going to benefit most from playing every game rather than sitting on the bench. I played mostly at shortstop, and while I wanted to pitch more, I only got late innings, usually when we were in trouble.
Going into my sophmore season, I can admit now that I was not prepared. While I started the season on JV hitting well, it didn't last and my playing time as a middle infielder was reduced. I still didn't get much pitching time, but I began to realize that my greatest upside was on the mound, and that I better start focussing just on that. It felt good that my work was rewarded when I got called up to Varsity for the playoffs.
No regrets was the motto for the Junior year. I've worked hard on my fitness, spent time with my pitching coach, and been fully committed to the team. But until the coach finally confirmed the roster, I just didn't know the outcome.
It's odd to think back at all the guys I have played with over the years, and how many have been slowly eliminated from the game. I feel lucky to still be on the bus, but I know that I have to keep working hard on my fitness and skills so I can help the team. Bring it on!
* Is this Johnny 'Drama' Chase from Entourage? Not sure that was the message I was after, but he does have a lot of confidence.
