General Team Information
Feinstein
Middle School Baseball Player Expectations:
We will compete with character
You may be dismissed from the team
if any of the following apply:
Additional
Information:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
How many students try out for the team?
A: Usually there are 60 - 80 players that complete for about 16 spots. It
is a very competitive program and players must be prepared well for tryouts.
Q:
How is the team picked?
A: Putting together a baseball team requires lots of
specialized skill players. Some players will make the team simply for
their ability to be a pitcher or catcher. Some younger players will make
the team for development purposes. Players compete against other players
within the same grade. A 6th grader who makes the team isn't necessarily a
better player than the 8th grader who got cut. Usually, no more than 12
8th graders make the team- so the player must be one of the 12 best 8th graders.
Q:
Can 6th graders make the team?
A: Yes, but typically it is difficult for a 6th grade player to make the team.
Baseball is unlike other sports because the field size changes from playing as a
12 year old to playing as a 13 year old. Don't let that discourage you
from trying out though. Many times a 6th grader can make a lasting
impression that helps them be on the radar for making the team as a 7th grader.
Q:
Do players who were on the team the previous year automatically make the team
the next season?
A: Nobody is guaranteed a roster spot. The team is decided on a
year by year basis based on how hard the players work and what is best for the
team.
Q:
How many games are in a typical season?
A: There are typically 14-16 league games, 2-4 nonleague games, and hopefully
playoff games. So, anywhere from 16 to 23 games.
Q:
Does everyone play in the games?
A: No. There are no minimum playing requirements and there will be times
when players do not see any game time. But all players are actively
engaged in practices and have opportunities to earn playing time by working hard
and competing in practice. All players have a fair and equitable
opportunity to earn playing time. Some players capitalize on those
opportunities and some don't...it's part of the process of being a team and
working hard.
Q:
What size bat can I use?
A: Middle school rules allow a maximum of a minus 5 differential between length
and weight. For example, the weight of the bat cannot be more than 5
ounces less than the length. (31in/26oz...allowed) (30in/27oz...allowed)
(31in/24oz...not allowed)
Q:
Can I use a composite bat?
A: Beginning in the 2011 season composite bats are
NOT ALLOWED.
Any bat that has composite material ANYWHERE on it
is ILLEGAL. That includes "half + half" bats with a composite handle.
Q:
When are practices?
A: We practice most non game days once the season begins. Practices run
from 2:25 to 5:00pm.
Q:
What if I cannot make all the practices or need to leave early?
A: Prior to trying out for the team, you need to ask yourself if you are ready
to make the commitment. If you cannot commit to attending all the
practices and games then do not go out for the team.
Q:
Where does the team play its home games?
A: Our home field is Rice Field across from the school on
Knotty Oak Rd.
Q: If
I failed a class am I eligible to play for the school team?
A: All baseball players are student-athletes, with the student part coming first.
Along with pledging to work hard on the field each player must also make the
commitment to work hard in the classroom. A student is deemed ineligible
for the team if they do not have enough credits to move onto the next grade
level. Team progress reports are required to be handed in prior to
tryouts and grades are always a consideration because it shows to your work
ethic.
Q:
If I tried out for another sport this year do I need to hand in all the forms?
A: A player only needs to hand in the Assumption of Risk once. So, if you tried out for another
team you only need to hand in the grade sheet.