A player walks up and says....

[flash277]

I would take the player. I don't mind large rosters and typically have 13+ on my team. I also coach at the high school level, so managing a large roster is not an issue. I understand concerns about play-time in travel ball so I will try to explain why I have no issues.

First, after the player approached me, I would speak with her and her parents. The conversation would go something like this:
Me: Thank you for your interest in our team. I current have x# of players on our roster, if that is not a concern, then you are welcome to attend our next two practices. It is important that you practice with us first to determine if this is still something you want to be a part of. You will need to fit with us, and we need to fit with you.
Parent: That sounds good.
Me: I cannot, and will not guarantee playtime. Playtime is earned. I will do my absolute best to give innings during pool play, but once we reach bracket, I am playing the best nine I feel, that day, will give us the best shot of winning. I don't always get it right, but I will try my best.
Parent: We understand.
Me: After the second practice, we will revisit this conversation and you can make a determination if you want to be a part of this team.
Parent: That's sounds acceptable. See you (next practice day).

My reasons for this:
1. This is the most important reason I have a larger roster than most. I am here to provide a service. I am here to give young athletes an opportunity to participate, learn, and grow in a game I enjoy. So I do my very best to give them quality instruction. In the latter part of my advanced years, I have understood whole-heartedly that it is not about me.
2. The more players I have, the better I can create challenges and game-like situations for practice. Adding another player to a station seldom slows down the rotations.
3. My bench seldom sits and does nothing. Every game we are charting, observing, and sharing information. My players on the bench are my extra eyes. We keep a book, we chart pitchers, we track hitters, we track routine outs, freebies, coaches routines, etc.
4. It is not personal. I have had players tryout for the bigger organizations and make their teams. To me, that means I did my job well. They can continue to pursue their goals. Sometimes, they come back to me, as it didn't pan out with that "big named" team.
5. I have had my share of team jumpers and toxics, but that doesn't dissuade me from doing my best to prepare them for the next level or team.

If we win, it's the players fault. If we lose, it's my fault. I regularly communicate with my parents, so I seldom have issues with playtime. There are occasions where I should have substituted, or adjusted the line-up. For me, I have no issue freely admitting when I screw up.

Well, what do you tell your team about adding a new player? As for my DD's 18U team, who battled this fall, who won together, lost together, laughed together, cried together, who bonded as a team, would all not be too happy with adding another player, no matter how good she is (unless she's a lights out #1 pitcher, that is). They wouldn't buy the ol' "this is going to challenge you more" stuff. Everyone would lose playing time, no matter what you say. As a parent, it would look like to me that you were lining your pocket adding another player when it is not necessary. I wouldn't be happy, neither would my DD. I know DD's coach had a few offers to add players during this fall season (we have a good team), he always said no, our team is set, regardless if the player is better than what we have. I respect him for that. that's a coach who is not about wins or losses, but about dedication and loyalty. I respect him for that.

 

[NBECoach]

One thing we have overlooked in this conversation. If the player thinks the team she wants to join is well coached and good then it is possible the teams have played each other in which case you may have some information on her ability/attitude.

 

[ANNASDAD]

I’d throw a ball at her face as hard as I could, if she caught it barehanded, I’d welcome her aboard!

 

[_MIA_]

“Hey Alex I’d like to play SS for you. Yes I am 46 YO, yes I am 35 lbs over my playing weight and yes you have one of the better SS in MLB but see there is fastpitch site...wait you don’t know what fastpitch is? Don’t worry about that for now, just hear me out...Here I will run a 30 yard dash for you so you can see my speed..would you mind holding my cane for a second?”

 

[_MIA_]

I’d throw a ball at her face as hard as I could, if she caught it barehanded, I’d welcome her aboard!

I’d probably check to make sure her old man wasn’t 6’6” 275 before I decided to employ that strategy just in case she missed...

 

[ANNASDAD]

I’d probably check to make sure her old man wasn’t 6’6” 275 before I decided to employ that strategy just in case she missed...

Nah, with her confidence, no way she misses!

 

[ANNASDAD]

^^^ Plus I throw like a old man these days, I was going to say throw like a girl.......I wish that was the case!

 

[Ksphenom]

Invite player and parents to a practice or two.
Depending on how that goes decide from that point.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[inumpire]

A player walks up and says...
"I want to play on your team!"

Thing is, your team already has its positions filled.
And you express that.
The player responds,
"I will not disapoint you!"

Coach, What do you do?

GO SOFTBALL

Give her a tryout.......may be a stud!!

 

[radness]

Understandable to be concerned if a roster is seamingly full, team seems set, positions filled, and coach decides to bring a player out to take a look.

That said,
How about this perspective...
If the goal is to win.
And talent shows up to help that goal...
Isnt that a good thing?!

When opportunity knocks on the door...
it may be worth the time to atleast greet it with hospitality!