1. PLAYER EVALUATION: THE IMPORTANCE OF A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM
Mike Hill
Head Baseball Coach
Lawrence Free State High School

2. WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
Permits coaches to make best decisions for their PROGRAM:
* Who should make the team?
* Who should play at what level?
* Who should play what position?
A system provides your staff with the best insight towards making these decisions.

3. WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
2. Permits coaches to make best decisions for their PLAYERS: * What skills do I need to work on? * What do I do well? * Why am I playing this position? An evaluation is the best foundation for having a productive discussion with your players

4. WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
3. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE WITH COLLEGE COACHES AND SCOUTS: * Why can your player play at my level? * What are positive and negatives? * Quantifies your conversation An easily communicated evaluation system provides coaches/scouts with your best insights

5. WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
4. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE WITH PLAYERS, PARENTS AND ADMINISTRATION: * How could you cut my kid? * Why is this parent calling my office? * Coach: Why did I get cut? A comprehensive evaluation makes the difficult conversations easier to have

6. CRITERIA FOR A SUCCESSFUL EVALUATION SYSTEM
Is the same PROCESS:
* all players have the same evaluation
2. Is DATA DRIVEN:
* It quantifies the evaluation
It MINIMIZES SUBJECTIVITY:
* allows for opinions but from the same language
4. It is CLEARLY COMMUNICATED:
* everyone knows what to expect
5. It is EASILY ACCESSIBLE:
* can quickly and privately be shared with others

7. PROCESS Evaluations primarily are based upon the 5 Tools: 1. Speed
2. Hitting
3. Hitting with Power
4. Arm Strength
5. Fielding
It’s easier to explain and harder to argue with numbers

8. PROCESS INFIELDERS EVALUATON: All infielders {except 1B} at short
* 8 balls hit to each
* 2 at them
* 2 to the left
* 2 to the right
* 2 slow rollers
* All throws to 1st Base with radar gun behind

9. PROCESS
1st BASEMAN EVALUATION: * 8 Balls * double plays * gun behind 2nd base

10. PROCESS OUTFIELDERS EVALUATION: All outfielders in RF
* 8 balls hit to each – combination of all
* 2 at them
* 1 left
* 1 right
* 2 go get
* 2 charge
All throws to 3B through relay/gun behind 3B

11. PROCESS
CATCHER EVALUATION: * Pop Times * 6 on Monday and Tuesday * Wednesday as needed * Receiving * As pitchers throw pens

12. PROCESS
PITCHER EVALUATION: * Utilize 3 mounds: Warm-up mound #1 Warm-up mound #2 Evaluation mound * Same catcher follows pitcher through * Radar gun at evaluation mound

13. PROCESS
PITCHER EVALUATION: * 2 sets of 8: – can ask for more * 2 FB, 2 BB, 3 FB * 2 FB, 2 CH, 3 FB * can always adjust * use caution and be careful!!

14. PROCESS
HITTER EVALUATION: * 1 set of 3 bunts and 8 swings * Coach Pitched * 1 cage for warm-up/1 for eval

15. PROCESS
RUNNER EVALUATION: * 2 60 Yd. Dash times * only need to run once * begin on movement of runner * start from baserunning position * start on foul line * OF/C run when IF evaluated: switch

16. DATA DRIVEN THE IMPORTANCE OF A DETAILED RUBRIC
Quantifies and streamlines varying opinions of coaches: good, ok, great, bad to a number.
Allows a player to be properly evaluated against his peers:
Grades players on a score of 1-8, with 4 being the average, varsity, high school player

17. SPEED, VELCOITY AND CATCHERS
Score
Home-1B
60 Yd. Dash
Velocity
Catcher’s Pop 8
4.0 L, 4.1 R
6.4 & under
86+
1.8 and below 7
4.1 L, 4.2 R
6.5 – 6.6
1.9 6
4.2 L, 4.3 R
6.7 – 6.8
2.0 5
4.3 L, 4.4 R
6.9 – 7.0
2.1 4
4.4 L, 4.5 R
7.1 – 7.2
2.2 3
4.5 L, 4.6 R
7.3 – 7.4
2.3 2
4.6 L, 4.7 R
7.5 – 7.6
2.4 1
4.7 L, 4.8 R
7.7 & above
2.5

18. HITTING AND POWER Score Explanation 8
Contact is always made with line drives being hit to all fields. 7
Contact is always made with line drives and groundballs being hit to all fields. 6
Contact is always made with flyballs, groundballs and an occasional line drive to all fields. 5
Contact is always made with flyballs, groundballs and an occasional line drive to the middle or pull side. 4
Contact is usually made with groundballs and an occasional pulled flyball or lazy line drive. 3
Contact is usually made but the ball rarely travels out of the infield area and is often popped up. 2
Contact is seldom made and the ball is often foul or rarely travels beyond where the pitcher is. 1
Contact is never made.

19. FIELDING SCORES Score Explanation 8
Ball is always fielded cleanly and proper technique is always used with an occasional great play. 7
Ball is always fielded cleanly and proper technique is always used. 6
Ball is always fielded cleanly and proper technique is usually used. 5
Ball is usually fielded cleanly and proper technique is usually used. 4
Ball is usually fielded cleanly and proper technique is seldom used. 3
Ball is seldom fielded cleanly and proper technique is seldom used. 2
Ball is seldom fielded cleanly and proper technique is never used. 1
Ball is never fielded cleanly and proper technique is never used.

20. THROWING SCORES Score Explanation 8
Ball always reaches target in the air, on a line, with excellent velocity. 7
Ball always reaches target in the air, on a line, with good velocity. 6
Ball always reaches target in the air, on a line, with adequate velocity. 5
Ball usually reaches its target in the air, on a line, with adequate velocity. 4
Ball usually reaches its target in the air, but often does so with a hump in it. 3
Ball sometimes reaches its target in the air, but often does so with a hump in it. 2
Ball never reaches its target in the air. 1
Ball never reaches halfway to its target.

21. BUNTING Score Explanation 8
Contact is always made with the balls always being placed in the appropriate areas. 7
Contact is always made with balls usually being placed in the appropriate areas. 6
Contact is usually made with balls usually placed in the appropriate area. 5
Contact is usually made with balls seldom being placed in the appropriate areas. 4
Contact is usually made with balls never being placed in the appropriate areas. 3
Contact is seldom made with the balls seldom being placed in the appropriate areas. 2
Contact is seldom made and the balls are never placed in the appropriate areas. 1
Contact is never made.

22. PITCHING Score Movement Poise Curve Change Control 8
Excellent movement with strikes
Always composed
Excellent change of speed and movement with strikes
100% strikes 7
Excellent Movement
Excellent movement
Excellent change of speed and movement
90% strikes 6
Good movement with strikes
Usually composed
Good change of speed and movement with strikes
80% strikes 5
Good movement
Good change of speed and movement
70% strikes 4
Adequate movement with strikes
Adequate change of speed and movement with strikes
50%-69% strikes 3
Adequate movement
Seldom Composed
Adequate change of speed and movement
30%-49% strikes 2
No movement with strikes
No change of speed or movement with strikes
Less than 30% strikes 1
Ball does not move
No composure
No change
No strikes thrown

23. MINIMIZES SUBJECTIVITY
All coaches work from the same rubric and framework:
Coaches speak the same language.
Coaches look for the same things.
Evaluations are not as varied.
If all coaches work from the same rubric, a more solidified evaluation will occur

24. CLEARLY COMMUNICATED Dear Prospective Baseball Player:  
Dear Prospective Baseball Player:
The following will be our guideline for the 2012 Free State baseball tryouts. Returning players are considered those who played in the program last season. New players include all freshmen and others who did not play in the program last year. Please know that this schedule is subject to changes which will be noted on our website
BASEBALL TRYOUT SCHEDULE
Monday, Feb. 27, Tues, Feb. 28, Wed, Feb. 29:
INDOOR SCHEDULE: OUTDOOR SCHEDULE:
5:15-6:00: Returning players in cages 3:25-4:45: Returning players on field
6:00-6:45: New players in cages 4:45-5:30: New players on field
6:45-7:15: New players in gym 5:30-6:15: Soph./Frosh hitters in indoor cages
7:15-8:00: Returning players in gym 6:15-7:15: Senior/Junior hitters in indoor cages
8:00-9:00: All pitchers/catchers in gym 7:15-8:15: All pitchers/catchers in main gym
PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY ENOUGH THAT YOU ARE WARMED-UP AND READY TO GO AT THE TIME LISTED! SESSIONS FOR NEW PLAYERS CAN BEGIN EARLIER THAN SCHEDULED.

25. CLEARLY COMMUNICATED Thursday, March 1:
All prospective players should report to the baseball office/locker room at the following times:
Seniors 2:45
Juniors: 3:20
Sophomores: 3:30
Freshmen: 3:45
At this time, you will be informed of your status with the team in a face-to-face meeting with Coach Hill and the staff. Those who make the team will proceed to check-out equipment.
During equipment checkout, apparel packages will be available for sell from a local vendor. The packages will include cleats, turf shoes, sleeves, socks, batting gloves etc. These items can be purchased at a discounted rate, but are not required. Arrangements are between the player and the vendor. It is suggested that a check be brought to equipment checkout and made payable to the vendor.
Also, contracts for summer teams will be given at this time. The full payment due date, unless otherwise arranged with Coach Hill, shall be June 1.
Members of the teams shall remain after equipment checkout for a program meeting. The evening should conclude around 7:30 pm.

26. CLEARLY COMMUNICATED
Our intention is to let everyone know their status with the team during the meeting scheduled for Thursday. Team practices will begin Friday.
All outdoor workouts will be held on the varsity field at Free State. Indoor workouts will be held in both gymnasiums and the hitting cages, upstairs, above the main gym.
Remember, to tryout you must have the following on file at Free State:
A signed physical.
A signed and notarized proof of insurance and medical release form.
A signed tryout agreement.
A concussion/head injury release form.
If you make the team, you will also need to:
Have a signed Code of Conduct Contract on file in the main office.
Pay your participation fee of $50.00.
Make sure you have your $25.00 activity ticket purchased.

27. CLEARLY COMMUNICATED Friday, March 2: Practice time TBA.
Saturday, March 3:
You are responsible for knowing if we are inside or out. If you are uncertain, check the website,
We will do our best to give everybody 3 opportunities to be judged on the following skills:
Arm strength.
Fielding ability.
Hitting ability.
Hitting power.
60 yd. Dash.
Bunting.
Pitchers will be evaluated on:
Pitches: Fastball/Change/Curve/Other
Control.
Velocity.
Poise.

28. CLEARLY COMMUNICATED
This letter has been given to each player who turned in a sign-up sheet. If you are aware of someone who would like to play but did not sign-up, pass on this information to him and have him call the baseball office.
If you have questions, feel free to call the school. Information about items that need to be turned in prior to tryouts can be directed to Deb Carpenter in the Athletics’ office at Other questions can be directed to Coach Hill at , or at
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, February 27.
Sincerely,
Coach Hill

29. CLEARLY COMMUNICATED: Evaluation Sheet
BASEBALL EVALUATION SHEET
2012 TRYOUTS
NAME: _________________________________________
CLASS: _______________
EVALUATION SCORES:
HITTING ABILITY: /8 PITCHING VELOCITY: /8
HITTING POWER: /8 PITCH MOVEMENT: /8
BUNTING: /8 CHANGE-UP /8
FIELDING ABILITY: /8 BREAKING BALL /8
THROWING ARM: /8 OTHER /8
60 YARD DASH: /8 POISE /8
TOTAL SCORE: /48 TOTAL /48
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

30. Evaluation #’s: OUTFIELDERS
NAME YR
HIT ABL.
HIT PWR.
FIELD
ARM
BUNTING 60
TOT.
COMMENTS
801 * 12 5 4 27
802 3 1 16
wild with arm
803 6 25
804 11 22
805 2 21
806 14
807 19
808 10 23
809
810 31
811
812
813
814 15
815 9
816
817
818
819 13
820
minimal contact
821
822

31. Evaluation #’s: C and 1B # NAME YR. HIT ABL. HIT PWR. FIELD ARM
BUNTING 60
TOT.
COMMENTS
201 12 5 4 3 26
202 11 6 27
203 10 2 18
204 9 1 21
good OF arm/good feet
205 14
206 * 20
good OF
207
80 from OF
208
301 23
302
303 17
304 13

32. Evaluation #’s: INFIELDERS
NAME
YR.
HIT ABL.
HIT PWR.
FIELD
ARM
BUNTING 60
TOT.
COMMENTS
401 * 11 4 5 2 24
402
403 10 3 1 16
404 17
405 13
2b only
406 9
poor arm
407
408 8
LH hitter/nice bat
409
all over on IF
410 14
ok feet/2B arm only: swings ok
411
not bad
412
no arm/some pop w bat/softball swing
413
bp in flip flops
501 20
502 23
503
erratic w arm/good feet
504
accurate w arm/ok rhythm: sb swing
505
wild w arm/ok feet: ok arm
506 No

33. Evaluation #’s: INFIELDERS
NAME YR
HIT ABL.
HIT PWR.
FIELD
ARM
BUNTING 60
TOT.
COMMENTS
601 * 11 4 5 3 2 22
602 10 1 16
603 9 18
good arm/ok feet
604
bad arm angle: Move to OF
605
606
607
608
good arm/bad slot: good pop w bat

34. WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
Permits coaches to make best decisions for their PROGRAM:
* Who should make the team?
* Who should play at what level?
* Who should play what position?
A system provides your staff with the best insight towards making these decisions.

35. GENERAL RULES
30+ = All-State Player/Pro-Style Prospect 25+ = Varsity Player/College Potential = Varsity Type Player = Junior Varsity Type Player = C Team Type Player 15 - = Not Likely to Make the Team

36. WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
2. Permits coaches to make best decisions for their PLAYERS: * What skills do I need to work on? * What do I do well? * Why am I playing this position? An evaluation is the best foundation for having a productive discussion with your players

37. BEST DECISIONS FOR PLAYERS#
NAME YR
HIT ABL.
HIT PWR.
FIELD
ARM
BUNTING 60
TOT.
COMMENTS
601 * 11 4 5 3 2 22
603 9 18
good arm/ok feet
602 10 1 16
604
bad arm angle: Move to OF
608
good arm/bad slot: good pop w bat

38. WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
3. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE WITH COLLEGE COACHES AND SCOUTS: * Why can your player play at my level? * What are positive and negatives? * Quantifies your conversation An easily communicated evaluation system provides coaches/scouts with your best insights

39. Communication with College Coaches/Pro Scout#
NAME YR
VEL.
MVMNT.
CH. BB
OTHER
POISE
TOT.
COMMENTS
101 12 4 3 5 20
801
Recruited Guy 7 6 27
301 21
803 23
802 17
302 11 1 2
401 26
601 19
804 22
303 10 16
403
C team pitcher?
405
501 18
502
602
809

40. Communication with College Coach/Pro Scout
Score
Home-1B
60 Yd. Dash
Velocity
Catcher’s Pop 8
4.0 L, 4.1 R
6.4 & under
86+
1.8 and below 7
4.1 L, 4.2 R
6.5 – 6.6
1.9 6
4.2 L, 4.3 R
6.7 – 6.8
2.0 5
4.3 L, 4.4 R
6.9 – 7.0
2.1 4
4.4 L, 4.5 R
7.1 – 7.2
2.2 3
4.5 L, 4.6 R
7.3 – 7.4
2.3 2
4.6 L, 4.7 R
7.5 – 7.6
2.4 1
4.7 L, 4.8 R
7.7 & above
2.5

41. Communication with College Coach/Pro Scout
Score
Movement
Poise
Curve
Change
Control 8
Excellent movement with strikes
Always composed
Excellent change of speed and movement with strikes
100% strikes 7
Excellent Movement
Excellent movement
Excellent change of speed and movement
90% strikes 6
Good movement with strikes
Usually composed
Good change of speed and movement with strikes
80% strikes 5
Good movement
Good change of speed and movement
70% strikes 4
Adequate movement with strikes
Adequate change of speed and movement with strikes
50%-69% strikes 3
Adequate movement
Seldom Composed
Adequate change of speed and movement
30%-49% strikes 2
No movement with strikes
No change of speed or movement with strikes
Less than 30% strikes 1
Ball does not move
No composure
No change
No strikes thrown

42. WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
4. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE WITH PLAYERS, PARENTS AND ADMINISTRATION: * How could you cut my kid? * Why is this parent calling my office? * Coach: Why did I get cut?

43. COMMUNICATION: Why you were cut/Your Son/Their Kid
401 11 4 5 2 24
404 10 3 1 17
403 16
410 9 14
ok feet/2B arm only: swings ok
405 13
2b only
406
poor arm
411
not bad
413
bp in flip flops
412
no arm/some pop w bat/softball swing
408 8
LH hitter/nice bat
409
Your Son *
all over on IF

44. COMMUNICATION: Why you were cut/Your Son/Their Kid #2
401 11 4 5 2 24
404 10 3 1 17
403 16
410 9 14
ok feet/2B arm only: swings ok
405 13
2b only
406
poor arm
411
not bad
413
bp in flip flops
412
no arm/some pop w bat/softball swing
408 8
LH hitter/nice bat
409
all over on IF

45. A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION SYSTEM IS VITAL IF YOU TRYOUT OR NOT
Quantifies your opinions for less subjectivity.
Helps determine who makes the team.
Helps determine who plays at what level.
Helps determine who plays what position.
Helps a coach communicate with college coaches, pro scouts, parents, players and administration.