Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- When are sign ups this year?
- What is the period for tryouts?
- How many players will make the team?
- What determines playing time?
- Are there practices/games during the spring break?
- How are cuts made?
- What should I do if my son is not getting playing time?
- When are practices?
- What is the Diamond Club?
- I do not agree with the way the coach runs the team. What can I do?
- With respect to the fans, what are the coaches expectations?
- What are the Winter Sessions?
When are sign ups this year?
On Line sign ups will open around the third week in January and will
be announced on the morning announcements. If a student fails to
sign up on line they may not be allowed to play this year. If you
fail to sign up on line, you must see Coach Minsavage in order to
be considered for this season. On Line sign ups end on Friday
February 1st at midnight.
What is the period for tryouts?
During the first 3 or 4 days of practice each player is evaluated
on as many aspects of baseball as possible. We usually make
initial "cuts" after 3 days. We will make additional cuts if we
feel it is necessary for the success of the overall program.
How many players will make the team?
On average we keep 12-13 players for varsity; 12 - 14 for junior
varsity and up to 18 players for freshmen. We will not keep
players just to meet these "quotas". We will keep numbers
appropriate to the needs of the program.
What determines playing time?
Academics, Attitude and Athletic Ability. We will always try to
put the players in who we feel will do the best for us in any
particular situation. Unlike town ball, not everyone will have
the opportunity to play the same amount of time. We will always
try to communicate with the players as to how we see their role
on the team. In agreeing to be a part of our program they
also agree to accept our decisions with regard to playing time.
When a player makes the team it guarantees them a spot on the
team; not a spot on the field.
Are there practices/games during the spring break?
Yes. Please see the schedule for details.
How are cuts made?
We make cuts based on the candidates; ability to play
baseball...academic record...citizenship...conduct on and off the
field...attitude brought to practice (including hustle, team
spirit, unselfishness, etc.)...coachability...projected
potential...needs of the program. Cuts are always made by all
coaches. We try to make sure that all coaches have the
opportunity to see each candidate during the tryout periods. Each
player being cut will meet face to face with the appropriate
coaches and have the chance to hear why they did not make the
team.
What should I do if my son is not getting playing time?
You should encourage him to keep working hard and not give up.
You should remind him that he is a part of a program that HE
volunteered to be a part of. We ask that you do not demean the
coaches or the program to him because of our choices. We as
coaches will NOT entertain questions regarding playing time. We
would hope that parents and players realize that all of our
decisions, whether perceived as right or wrong, are always made
with the best of the entire program in mind. We will always be
willing to communicate with each player to discuss their status
or concerns.
When are practices?
The first practice of the season is Friday March 1, 2013 for
upperclassmen. Freshmen will begin on Saturday March 2. 2013
Practices are everyday after school and on Saturdays. A coach may
give the players the day off if weather is a factor.
What is the Diamond Club?
The Diamond Club was created to help give the baseball program an
opportunity to do things that they would not otherwise be able to
do. In the past the Diamond Club has provided the program with
our scoreboard, dugouts, hitting and fielding equipment, team
shirts and hats, pasta dinners, trips to NY and many other
intangible gifts. The club consists of ALL parents of players in
our program. It is not intended to be run by a small handful of
parents. All parents can contribute in some way. In helping the
club you are helping your son and all of the players to have the
best experience possible.
I do not agree with the way the coach runs the team. What can I do?
We hope that you would not express your dissatisfaction to your
son or other players. We realize that everyone has their own
philosophies with regard to coaching. We never try to lose...we
never try to make a player feel poorly about themselves or their
situation. It embarrasses the players and takes away from their
trust in the program when fans demean or contradict the coaches.
Furthermore it is insulting when a parent tries to coach their
son during the game. We try to coach them the best we can during
practices and allow them to play the game. Any pointers you may
have for your son should be shared away from the field and not
immediately before or during the game.
With respect to the fans, what are the coaches expectations?
Nothing has made us more proud than receiving the Iron Hills
Conference Award for fan sportsmanship many years in a row. We
would always hope that our fans support the program regardless of
any personal issues. We would hope that all of our players are
cheered and supported even if it is not your son or friend
involved. We also expect that fans never express any negative
comments towards umpires, coaches or opposing team members.
Ideally we should respect all of those who have committed
themselves to high school sports.
What are the Winter Sessions?
In order to build team camaraderie and develop skills for the
upcoming season we have set up winter sessions. The sessions are
open to all current 10th - 12th graders who played last year (or
transfers or those who did not make the team). We will also have separate
sessions for freshmen. Please see home page for details. NJSIAA prohibits coaches from partaking in these
sessions and is NOT run by Hanover Park High School. Extra Innings of East Hanover runs each session and insurance isssues
are the responsability of each individual family.
