Baseball
Coaching Staff
Charles Simmons
Head Coach JV
Program Description
Junior Varsity
Junior Varsity Team is made up of mostly Juniors, Sophomore, Freshman and 8th graders. Athletes are placed on the JV team to develop for the future. Although we would like to win every game to have a sense of accomplishment, it is more important that we become better players both individually and as a team. At this level winning is not the most important thing. Player development is! Coaches build on:
- Provide players knowledge of the fundamentals of the game.
- Refine those fundamentals so that the players can complete them at the varsity level.
- To develop players positive attitude, sportsmanship, student athlete responsibilities and work ethic. Player selection will be determined after a three-day tryout. Face-to- Face meetings will be used to make cuts. Some players may float between Varsity and JV depending on the number of players trying out. Playing time is dictated by attendance at practice, otherwise we will try and play everyone during the games.
Varsity
The player limit set by the Minnesota High School League for Varsity Baseball is set at (18) players. However, we will not always carry 18 players on the Varsity team. Most seasons we will carry 14-15 players These will be the players that we believe can play at the varsity level immediately, regardless of their grade level in school. No players are guaranteed a spot on the team because they are seniors or because they played on one of the teams last season. Players will be moved up and down between JV/Varsity as needed by the coaching staff. Playing time is not qual or even guaranteed at the Varsity level. A Three-day tryout process will determine the Varsity Roster. Face-to-Face meetings will be used to make cuts.
Player Expectations
- St. Croix Prep student-athlete need to develop a great work ethic on and off the diamond. Respect authority and each other.
- Be accountable and responsible for your actions on and off the diamond.
- Be on time to all team and school activities. Give a 100% effort on the diamond and in the classroom.
- All athletes will understand and adhere to the MSHSL regulations.
- Follow the Athletic Code of Conduct.
Academic Expectations
- Grades will be monitored on a bi-weekly basis during the season by a coach to ensure athletes are maintaining eligibility.
- OR a GPA below 1.75 that athlete will be in eligible to play in games until the “F” is no longer.
- Athletes are expected to attend class on a regular basis. If an athlete is not in school or goes home early. They need to contact a coach to let them know. Followed up with a signed note from a parent.
- Adhere to policies set forth by the faculty and administration.
Lettering Requirements
- Successfully complete the season.
- Attend practice daily, and try to make you and the team better. If at grade check, any athlete has an “F” or conduct yourself in a professional manner
- Play in a 1/3 of the games, an appearance constitutes a game played.
- Coaches discretion.
Policies
- MSHSL Violation during the season forfeits your letter.
- MSHSL Violation anytime during your high school career forfeits your captainship.
- MSHL Violation during the season forfeits your opportunity to apply for or receive end of the year awards.
Sportsmanship
As members of the Prep Baseball program, students, coaches and parents are expected to demonstrate proper respect for each other, opponents, opposing coaches, teachers, umpires, spectators and community. Players and coaches are expected to exhibit the highest level of conduct, both on and off the diamond, as they are always a representative of their team,school and community.
The 4 Cornerstones of Prep Baseball
We are…teammates
Prep Baseball strives to create an atmosphere where we give our energy to the people around us, and in turn, everyone can become better in the process.
Player/Coach Standards :
- Make an effort to recognize your teammates’ accomplishments and struggles.
- Communicate in a way that empowers your teammate to make positive change.
- Compete with teammates in the spirit of striving for excellence and not as a zero sum game.
- Deflect the spotlight of praise by recognizing those who helped you on your journey.
Parent Standards :
- Recognize the efforts of other players in a way that you would like others to recognize your player.
- Keep in mind the goals and dreams of your player’s teammates when discussing the goals and dreams of your player with coaches or other parents.
- Make an effort to create a community of parents by being inclusive and welcoming.
A lot of little things … make a big thing.
Prep Baseball puts focal energy into the details that make things happen both on and off the field.
Player/Coach Standards :
- Leave the practice and game environment at least as usable and presentable as your found it. If unpresentable, leave it presentable.
- Make an effort to master the baserunning, positioning, specialty plays, bunting, holding runners, backing up bases, inning prep, and game prep details.
- Respect every rep in practice.
- Make every effort to be on time to and during practices and games.
Player/Coach Standards :
- Provide places to decompose games that are judgement free.
- Present a welcoming atmosphere for umpires and opposing teams.
We will be judged by our actions … they speak louder than words.
Prep Baseball knows that there is more to having standards than reading them. We must communicate our love and passion through doing much more than through narrative.
Player/Coach Standards :
- Hustle on the field as a way to communicate passion and appreciation for the game.
- Be the change you want to see in practice and on the field. Lead by example.
- Plan and execute acts of appreciation for those who help make this experience possible.
- Reflect the honor of the team in your actions at school.
Parent Standards :
- Consider participating in at least one booster activity either in planning or execution.
- Make an effort to acknowledge the accomplishments or inspiration provided by another player/parent.
Walk softly … but carry a big stick.
Prep Baseball will strive to be a clearly excellent baseball program. In the process, we will not draw attention to ourselves nor attempt to lower others in this pursuit.
Player/Coach Standards :
- Keep all baseball chatter focused on the next play/ pitch/situation with regards to our own team’s energy and focus.
- Social media posts about teammates reflect better than ones about one’s self. This is true about most forms of bragging.
- Avoid using athlete status for special treatment. Recognize the efforts of classmates outside of athletics.
- Value practice time as place to push to failure and to improve every day.
Parent Standards :
- Support your player’s goals by helping him pursue relevant off-season development.
