1. Pre-Season Parent Meeting

2. “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw

3.  Paul Hartmann – Varsity Head  Kyle Blahnik – Varsity  Chris Guetzlaff – Varsity  Josh Nelson – JV Head  Chris Rodgers – JV  Justin Plein – 9 th Grade Head  Josh Terrio – 9 th Grade

4.  Approachable and outgoing with teammates.  A positive role model who is able to lead by example.  Respectful to coaches, teammates, and opponents.  Someone who demonstrates sportsmanlike behavior.  A well-respected, law-abiding good citizen.  A good motivator.  A clear communicator.  An advocate and mentor for new team members.  A hard worker.  A leader who demonstrates honesty, punctuality, reliability, confidence, and the ability to organize others on a daily basis.  A link between players and coaches.  Respectful of the game.

5.  Each person in here should be excited about this season; let’s keep that excitement throughout the season!  It is critical for our success that players, coaches, and parents know their role.  Be positive with your son. Baseball is a game of failure. Focus on what he is doing well.  Insist on your son being an excellent student and a positive role model at RWHS.  Baseball is a game – let him play it and enjoy it!  Please do not keep stats. We do it.  Please show class towards umpires, opposing coaches, players, and fans.  Please understand that nothing is guaranteed related to playing time. We evaluate what is best for the team and program.  Preferred communication is via telephone and personal meetings as scheduled. Meetings can be set up to discuss valid concerns – i.e. my son has difficulty communicating with you, he’s unsure of his role. Innings played or at-bats are not valid concerns. We will not discuss these. Please only use email for routine issues (illness, etc.).  Thank you for trusting us as a staff to provide a high quality experience for your son!  ENJOY THE SEASON!

6.  2014  Missota Conference scheduled 5 levels  (Varsity, JV, 10 th grade, 9A, and 9B)  Most years, we were able to fill 5 teams, despite our school size  Positives – all players were able to play to some degree.  Negatives? – Teams and pitchers stretched out. Some teams with 9 guys on a given day.  2015  Big 9 Schedules 3 levels  (Varsity, JV, 9 th grade)  Positives? – Teams more “competitive”  Negatives – Some players may not make a team.  We have scheduled some extra JV and 9 th grade games.

7.  Varsity Priority (in this order)  Winger Baseball Player Standards  Understanding role relative to the TEAM  1. Competitiveness – “Play for the Pile”  2. Player Development  3. Participation

8.  We have identified 20 roles throughout our season.  1. First Base11. Starting Pitcher  2. Second Base12. Reliever/Spot Starter  3. Third Base13. Reliever/Spot Starter  4. Shortstop14. Reliever/Spot Starter  5. Left Field15. Reserve Catcher/Bullpen  6. Center Field16. Reserve Mid-Infield/PR  7. Right Field17. Reserve Corner Infielder  8. Catcher18. Reserve Outfielder/PR  9. Starting Pitcher19. LH Pinch Hitter / PR  10. Starting Pitcher 20. RH Pinch Hitter / PR Players in grades 9-12 have the possibility of earning these Varsity Roles.

9.  We believe that the ideal varsity roster size is 14- 15  Some players will fill multiple roles  Multifaceted players allow us to keep roster size manageable (and playing time for everyone a reality).  The more things a player can do (field, hit, run, pitch) and the more positions they can play- the more they increase their chances of filling a roster spot.

10.  JV Priority (in this order)  Winger Baseball Player Standards  Understanding role relative to the TEAM  1. Player Development  2. Participation  3. Competitiveness

11.  9 th Grade Priority (in this order)  Winger Baseball Player Standards  Understanding role relative to the TEAM  1. Player Development  2. Participation  3. Competitiveness  * We will NOT cut at the 9 th grade level.

12.  Seniors will not play JV  Juniors who do not make Varsity may have the option of playing Junior Varsity.  Some athletes may not make the team, unfortunately.  JV and 9 th grade have a full 20 game schedule.  We have scheduled additional “B Squad” and “9B” games to increase playing time for some individuals.

13.  Communication tool we will use at all levels  Allows us to communicate directly  Different from a mass text  Instructions for sign up are on website  9 th Graders – “Sign up” for 9 th Grade  10 th and 11 th – JV and Varsity  12 th – Varsity

14.  RWYBA has agreed to a $500 scholarship for a graduating senior  Details on website  Requirements:  Participated in the Red Wing Youth Baseball Program  Maintained Good Conduct  Completed their senior season in the Winger Baseball Program  Essay/Resume:  Applicants are evaluated based on four (4) criteria:  Extra-Curricular Activities (include in a resume)  Leadership Skills (include in a resume)  Community Involvement (include in a resume)  One (1) page essay – Topic – “Baseball in My Life”

15.  Varsity practice over Spring Break (April 1-6).  Being at practice is important  Being a Good Teammate  Player Development  Competitive Program  Varsity level = higher level of commitment.  Sacrifice for Success  We expect players trying to play varsity baseball to be committed and at practice.  Lower level players, while committed, have a different commitment level.  JV and 9 th will have a reduced practice schedule

16.  Legion and VFW Baseball are an extension of our season.  Tryouts for these teams will take place from March 16 – May 21  Signup day and deadline is March 28.

18.  Follow us on Twitter @WingerBaseball  Check out our website – we will update information throughout the season  Team Calendars  Important Documents