“There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who wonder what happens.” – Yogi Berra

State of Mind “If you think you are beaten, you are, If you think that you dare not, you don’t If you’d like to win but, think you can’t It’s almost a “cinch” that you won’t. If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost, Success begins with a fellow’s will It’s all in the state of mind.”

In-Season Expectations Put team 1 st Must wear Johnsburg hat (no travel team hats, college hats) On Time everyday (tardies result in running penalty) Be Prepared (Pants everyday at practice/ Have gym shoes as well as cleats in locker) Prepared for outside everyday Always trying to prove yourself (Raise expectations of effort in practice (GET DIRTY) Control Only what you can control (attitude, effort, focus)-Everyday SPRING BREAK (We play 5 games during spring break) Represent Johnsburg Skyhawks Baseball (Pillars of the community)(Leaders in classroom, school, community) Abide by district policy of Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc.

In-Season Expectations All athletes are expected to be at all practices and games. As coaches, we will plan as if all of our players will be attending. If a player cannot attend a practice or game, it is the player’s responsibility to notify the head coach of their respected level. If the absence will occur on a day in which school is not in session, the player must notify their head coach via phone. If a player is ill or injured, the player is still required to attend practice. If the player is unable to participate, the player must attend for mental repetitions as well as gaining trust with their teammates. A player must be aware of any adjustments or plays that will practiced. Frequent tardiness and absences to practice will be cause for dismissal from the team.

Off-Season Expectations Summer Summer League Tuesday/Wednesday Gametime 4:00 p.m., Double Header Competitive League Winter If you are not participating in a winter sport, expectations will be developing a competitive edge with your teammates. We will have a winter strength and conditioning program for all athletes not in a school sport. Each day bring your glove and proper workout attire.

Parents As a coaching staff, we are not “perfect”. I guarantee that every decision made in regard to your son is thought about, discussed, and realized with our program and his best interest in mind. Evaluation of your son is discussed by our entire staff (all levels) with integrity and honesty. Your son will be challenged this season, mentally, physically and emotionally. We will set high expectations for your son throughout his career at Johnsburg. We trust that you will support our decisions with the knowledge that the well being of your son and most importantly our program was fully considered.

Playing Time and Level The level at which players are placed is the sole decision of the head varsity coach. Every player will have a fair opportunity to prove themselves either in practice or games. There is no guarantee of playing time to any athlete. It is a privilege to be apart of this program. Decisions concerning playing time will be made by head coaches of their respected levels with input from their assistant coaches. All players have an “open door policy” regarding questions of how they can improve and get more playing time. Neither I nor any of my assistants will speak with a parent regarding playing time.

Parental Support Our job is to provide your sons with instruction. We will work diligently to ensure we are providing the best baseball training. It would be appreciated if you limit comments to positive reinforcement for our athletes. Encouragement provides our players with confidence to play to the best of their ability. IHSA guidelines remind us that good sportsmanship is carried over into the stands as well as the field of competition. Our dugout is an area reserved for players and coaches. Please allow your sons this time for interaction with his teammates and coaches.

Fundraiser Raffle- Each player will be responsible for selling fourteen $10.00 tickets (2 sheets) Winter Youth Clinic- March 9 th Summer Camp- Date TBD

Double Header In the past we have had parents help with lunches during Saturday Double Headers. This was organized by parents last year (each player donated at the beginning of the year) This is not an expectation Keep open communication to allow our players to plan accordingly