Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
On Line sign ups will open up on Tuesday January 20th 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 January 30th.Back to Top
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.Back to Top
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.Back to Top
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.Back to Top
Are there practices/games during the spring break?
Yes. Please see the schedule for details.Back to Top
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 4 coaches. We try to make sure that all 4 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.Back to Top
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.Back to Top
Practices are everyday after school and on Saturdays. A coach may give the players the day off if weather is a factor.Back to Top
The Hit-A-Thon is a fund raiser in which every player goes out to get pledges for: hitting home runs, distance hitting, distance throwing, accuracy throwing, or just flat donations. After the event players are responsible to collect from those who made pledges. Parents are NOT expected to shell out the money pledged by others from their own pockets. It is a day of fun and usually raises close to $4,00.00 annually.Back to Top
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.Back to Top
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.Back to Top
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 THREE 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.Back to Top
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). 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. The cost is $3000 for 8 weeks and is split among all participants. E-mails were sent out and players must commit by November 26th. 2008.Back to Top