PLAYER EVALUATION: THE
IMPORTANCE OF A
COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM
Mike Hill
Head Baseball Coach
Lawrence Free State High School
WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE
EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
1. Permits coaches to make best decisions for
their PROGRAM:
* Who should make the team?
* Who should play at what level?
* Who should play what position?
A system provides your staff with the best
insight towards making these decisions.
WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE
EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
2. Permits coaches to make best decisions for
their PLAYERS:
* What skills do I need to work on?
* What do I do well?
* Why am I playing this position?
An evaluation is the best foundation for having a
productive discussion with your players
WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE
EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
3. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE
WITH COLLEGE COACHES AND SCOUTS:
* Why can your player play at my level?
* What are positive and negatives?
* Quantifies your conversation
An easily communicated evaluation system
provides coaches/scouts with your best insights
WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE
EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
4. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE
WITH PLAYERS, PARENTS AND ADMINISTRATION:
* How could you cut my kid?
* Why is this parent calling my office?
* Coach: Why did I get cut?
A comprehensive evaluation makes the difficult
conversations easier to have
CRITERIA FOR A SUCCESSFUL
EVALUATION SYSTEM
1. Is the same PROCESS:
* all players have the same evaluation
2. Is DATA DRIVEN:
* It quantifies the evaluation
3. It MINIMIZES SUBJECTIVITY:
* allows for opinions but from the same language
4. It is CLEARLY COMMUNICATED:
* everyone knows what to expect
5. It is EASILY ACCESSIBLE:
* can quickly and privately be shared with others
PROCESS
• Evaluations primarily are based upon the 5 Tools:
1. Speed
2. Hitting
3. Hitting with Power
4. Arm Strength
5. Fielding
It’s easier to explain and harder to argue with
numbers
PROCESS
INFIELDERS EVALUATON:
• All infielders {except 1B} at short
* 8 balls hit to each
* 2 at them
* 2 to the left
* 2 to the right
* 2 slow rollers
* All throws to 1st Base with radar gun behind
PROCESS
1st BASEMAN EVALUATION:
* 8 Balls
* 3-6-3 double plays
* gun behind 2nd base
PROCESS
OUTFIELDERS EVALUATION:
• All outfielders in RF
* 8 balls hit to each – combination of all
* 2 at them
* 1 left
* 1 right
* 2 go get
* 2 charge
All throws to 3B through relay/gun behind 3B
PROCESS
CATCHER EVALUATION:
* Pop Times
* 6 on Monday and Tuesday
* Wednesday as needed
* Receiving
* As pitchers throw pens
PROCESS
PITCHER EVALUATION:
* Utilize 3 mounds:
Warm-up mound #1
Warm-up mound #2
Evaluation mound
* Same catcher follows pitcher through
* Radar gun at evaluation mound
PROCESS
PITCHER EVALUATION:
* 2 sets of 8: – can ask for more
* 2 FB, 2 BB, 3 FB
* 2 FB, 2 CH, 3 FB
* can always adjust
* use caution and be careful!!
PROCESS
HITTER EVALUATION:
* 1 set of 3 bunts and 8 swings
* Coach Pitched
* 1 cage for warm-up/1 for eval
PROCESS
RUNNER EVALUATION:
* 2 60 Yd. Dash times
* only need to run once
* begin on movement of runner
* start from baserunning position
* start on foul line
* OF/C run when IF evaluated: switch
DATA DRIVEN
THE IMPORTANCE OF A DETAILED RUBRIC
1. Quantifies and streamlines varying opinions
of coaches: good, ok, great, bad to a number.
2. Allows a player to be properly evaluated
against his peers:
3. Grades players on a score of 1-8, with 4 being
the average, varsity, high school player
SPEED, VELCOITY AND CATCHERS
Score
Home-1B
60 Yd. Dash
Velocity
8
4.0 L, 4.1 R 6.4 & under
86+
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
4.1 L, 4.2 R
6.5 – 6.6
4.2 L, 4.3 R
6.7 – 6.8
4.3 L, 4.4 R
6.9 – 7.0
4.4 L, 4.5 R
7.1 – 7.2
4.5 L, 4.6 R
7.3 – 7.4
4.6 L, 4.7 R
7.5 – 7.6
4.7 L, 4.8 R 7.7 & above
83 - 85
80 - 82
77 - 79
74 - 76
71 - 73
68 - 70
65 - 67
Catcher’s
Pop
1.8 and
below
1.9
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
HITTING AND POWER
Score
Explanation
8
Contact is always made with line drives being hit to all fields.
7
Contact is always made with line drives and groundballs being hit to all fields.
6
Contact is always made with flyballs, groundballs and an occasional line drive to all fields.
5
Contact is always made with flyballs, groundballs and an occasional line drive to the middle or pull side.
4
Contact is usually made with groundballs and an occasional pulled flyball or lazy line drive.
3
Contact is usually made but the ball rarely travels out of the infield area and is often popped up.
2
Contact is seldom made and the ball is often foul or rarely travels beyond where the pitcher is.
1
Contact is never made.
FIELDING SCORES
Score
Explanation
8
Ball is always fielded cleanly and proper technique is always used with an occasional great play.
7
Ball is always fielded cleanly and proper technique is always used.
6
Ball is always fielded cleanly and proper technique is usually used.
5
Ball is usually fielded cleanly and proper technique is usually used.
4
Ball is usually fielded cleanly and proper technique is seldom used.
3
Ball is seldom fielded cleanly and proper technique is seldom used.
2
Ball is seldom fielded cleanly and proper technique is never used.
1
Ball is never fielded cleanly and proper technique is never used.
THROWING SCORES
Score
Explanation
8
Ball always reaches target in the air, on a line, with excellent velocity.
7
Ball always reaches target in the air, on a line, with good velocity.
6
Ball always reaches target in the air, on a line, with adequate velocity.
5
Ball usually reaches its target in the air, on a line, with adequate velocity.
4
Ball usually reaches its target in the air, but often does so with a hump in it.
3
Ball sometimes reaches its target in the air, but often does so with a hump in it.
2
Ball never reaches its target in the air.
1
Ball never reaches halfway to its target.
BUNTING
Score
Explanation
8
Contact is always made with the balls always being placed in the appropriate areas.
7
Contact is always made with balls usually being placed in the appropriate areas.
6
Contact is usually made with balls usually placed in the appropriate area.
5
Contact is usually made with balls seldom being placed in the appropriate areas.
4
Contact is usually made with balls never being placed in the appropriate areas.
3
Contact is seldom made with the balls seldom being placed in the appropriate areas.
2
Contact is seldom made and the balls are never placed in the appropriate areas.
1
Contact is never made.
PITCHING
Score
Movement
Poise
Curve
Change
Control
8
Excellent movement with strikes
Always composed
Excellent movement with
strikes
Excellent change of
speed and movement
with strikes
100% strikes
7
Excellent Movement
Excellent movement
Excellent change of
speed and movement
90% strikes
6
Good movement with strikes
Good movement with
strikes
Good change of speed
and movement with
strikes
80% strikes
5
Good movement
Good movement
Good change of speed
and movement
70% strikes
4
Adequate movement with strikes
Adequate movement
with strikes
Adequate change of
speed and movement
with strikes
50%-69% strikes
3
Adequate movement
Adequate movement
Adequate change of
speed and movement
30%-49% strikes
2
No movement with strikes
No movement with
strikes
No change of speed or
movement with strikes
Less than 30% strikes
1
Ball does not move
Ball does not move
No change
No strikes thrown
Usually composed
Seldom Composed
No composure
MINIMIZES SUBJECTIVITY
All coaches work from the same rubric and
framework:
1. Coaches speak the same language.
2. Coaches look for the same things.
3. Evaluations are not as varied.
If all coaches work from the same rubric, a more
solidified evaluation will occur
CLEARLY COMMUNICATED
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Dear Prospective Baseball Player:
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The following will be our guideline for the 2012 Free State baseball tryouts. Returning players are considered those who
played in the program last season. New players include all freshmen and others who did not play in the program last year.
Please know that this schedule is subject to changes which will be noted on our website www.freestatebaseball.com.
BASEBALL TRYOUT SCHEDULE
Monday, Feb. 27, Tues, Feb. 28, Wed, Feb. 29:
INDOOR SCHEDULE:
5:15-6:00: Returning players in cages
6:00-6:45: New players in cages
6:45-7:15: New players in gym
7:15-8:00: Returning players in gym
8:00-9:00: All pitchers/catchers in gym
OUTDOOR SCHEDULE:
3:25-4:45: Returning players on field
4:45-5:30: New players on field
5:30-6:15: Soph./Frosh hitters in indoor cages
6:15-7:15: Senior/Junior hitters in indoor cages
7:15-8:15: All pitchers/catchers in main gym
PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY ENOUGH THAT YOU ARE WARMED-UP AND READY TO GO AT THE TIME LISTED! SESSIONS FOR NEW
PLAYERS CAN BEGIN EARLIER THAN SCHEDULED.
CLEARLY COMMUNICATED
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Thursday, March 1:
All prospective players should report to the baseball office/locker room at the following times:
Seniors 2:45
Juniors: 3:20
Sophomores: 3:30
Freshmen: 3:45
At this time, you will be informed of your status with the team in a face-to-face meeting with Coach Hill and the
staff. Those who make the team will proceed to check-out equipment.
During equipment checkout, apparel packages will be available for sell from a local vendor. The packages will
include cleats, turf shoes, sleeves, socks, batting gloves etc. These items can be purchased at a discounted rate,
but are not required. Arrangements are between the player and the vendor. It is suggested that a check be
brought to equipment checkout and made payable to the vendor.
Also, contracts for summer teams will be given at this time. The full payment due date, unless otherwise arranged
with Coach Hill, shall be June 1.
Members of the teams shall remain after equipment checkout for a program meeting. The evening should
conclude around 7:30 pm.
CLEARLY COMMUNICATED
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Our intention is to let everyone know their status with the team during the meeting scheduled for
Thursday. Team practices will begin Friday.
All outdoor workouts will be held on the varsity field at Free State. Indoor workouts will be held
in both gymnasiums and the hitting cages, upstairs, above the main gym.
Remember, to tryout you must have the following on file at Free State:
A signed physical.
A signed and notarized proof of insurance and medical release form.
A signed tryout agreement.
A concussion/head injury release form.
If you make the team, you will also need to:
Have a signed Code of Conduct Contract on file in the main office.
Pay your participation fee of $50.00.
Make sure you have your $25.00 activity ticket purchased.
CLEARLY COMMUNICATED
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Friday, March 2:
Practice time TBA.
Saturday, March 3:
Practice time TBA.
You are responsible for knowing if we are inside or out. If you are uncertain, check the website,
www.freestatebaseball.com
We will do our best to give everybody 3 opportunities to be judged on the following skills:
Arm strength.
Fielding ability.
Hitting ability.
Hitting power.
60 yd. Dash.
Bunting.
Pitchers will be evaluated on:
Pitches: Fastball/Change/Curve/Other
Control.
Velocity.
Poise.
CLEARLY COMMUNICATED
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This letter has been given to each player who turned in a sign-up sheet. If you are aware of someone who would like to play
but did not sign-up, pass on this information to him and have him call the baseball office.
If you have questions, feel free to call the school. Information about items that need to be turned in prior to tryouts can be
directed to Deb Carpenter in the Athletics’ office at 832-6050. Other questions can be directed to Coach Hill at 832-6050, or
e-mail at mhill@usd497.org.
We look forward to seeing you on Monday, February 27.
Sincerely,
Coach Hill
CLEARLY COMMUNICATED: Evaluation
Sheet
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BASEBALL EVALUATION SHEET
2012 TRYOUTS
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NAME: _________________________________________
CLASS: _______________
EVALUATION SCORES:
HITTING ABILITY:
/8
PITCHING VELOCITY:
/8
HITTING POWER:
/8
PITCH MOVEMENT:
/8
BUNTING:
/8
CHANGE-UP
/8
FIELDING ABILITY:
/8
BREAKING BALL
/8
THROWING ARM:
/8
OTHER
/8
60 YARD DASH:
/8
POISE
/8
TOTAL SCORE:
/48
TOTAL
/48
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
Evaluation #’s: OUTFIELDERS
#
801 *
802 *
803 *
804 *
805
806
807
808
809 *
810
811
812
813
814
815
816
817
NAME
YR
12
12
12
11
11
11
11
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
9
9
9
HIT ABL.
5
3
4
4
4
3
3
5
5
5
4
HIT PWR.
5
3
4
4
3
3
4
5
5
5
3
FIELD
5
3
4
4
4
3
4
3
4
5
4
ARM
4
3
6
3
2
1
3
2
3
6
3
BUNTING
4
3
4
4
5
3
4
4
4
4
4
60
4
1
3
3
3
1
1
4
1
6
3
TOT.
COMMENTS
27
16 wild with arm
25
22
21
14
19
23
22
31
21
3
3
2
2
4
3
3
2
2
4
3
3
3
2
4
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
4
14
15
12
5
3
3
3
2
4
818 *
9
3
3
3
2
3
1
15
819 *
820
821
822
9
9
9
9
3
1
2
2
3
1
2
2
3
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
13
6 minimal contact
10
10
25
Evaluation #’s: C and 1B
#
NAME
YR.
HIT ABL.
HIT PWR.
FIELD
ARM
BUNTING
60
TOT.
201
12
5
5
4
4
5
3
26
202
11
4
4
5
6
4
4
27
203
10
3
4
4
4
4
2
18
204
9
5
4
3
4
4
1
21 good OF arm/good feet
205
9
2
2
2
2
3
3
14
206 *
9
5
4
3
4
3
1
20 good OF
207 *
9
4
4
3
4
3
2
20 80 from OF
208
9
2
3
2
2
2
1
12
301 *
12
5
5
5
3
4
1
23
302 *
11
3
2
303 *
10
4
3
3
1
4
2
17
304 *
9
3
3
3
1
2
1
13
4
COMMENTS
Evaluation #’s: INFIELDERS
#
401 *
402
403 *
404
405 *
406
407
408
409 *
410 *
411
412
413
501 *
502 *
503 *
504
505 *
506
NAME
YR.
11
11
10
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
HIT ABL.
4
HIT PWR.
5
FIELD
4
ARM
5
BUNTING
4
60
2
TOT.
24
COMMENTS
4
3
3
2
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
1
3
1
1
4
4
3
3
1
1
1
1
16
17
13 2b only
13 poor arm
4
3
3
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
8 LH hitter/nice bat
8 all over on IF
14 ok feet/2B arm only: swings ok
13 not bad
10 no arm/some pop w bat/softball swing
11 bp in flip flops
10
10
9
9
9
9
4
4
4
3
3
2
4
5
4
3
3
2
4
4
3
3
3
2
3
3
4
1
1
1
4
4
4
2
3
2
1
3
1
1
1
20
23
20 erratic w arm/good feet
13 accurate w arm/ok rhythm: sb swing
14 wild w arm/ok feet: ok arm
No
Evaluation #’s: INFIELDERS
#
NAME
YR
HIT ABL.
HIT PWR.
FIELD
ARM
BUNTING
60
TOT.
COMMENTS
601 *
11
4
4
5
3
4
2
22
602 *
10
3
3
4
2
3
1
16
603 *
9
3
3
3
3
3
3
18 good arm/ok feet
604 *
9
3
3
3
2
3
2
16 bad arm angle: Move to OF
605
9
606
9
607 *
9
608 *
9
3
4
3
2
3
1
16 good arm/bad slot: good pop w bat
WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE
EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
1. Permits coaches to make best decisions for
their PROGRAM:
* Who should make the team?
* Who should play at what level?
* Who should play what position?
A system provides your staff with the best
insight towards making these decisions.
GENERAL RULES
30+ = All-State Player/Pro-Style Prospect
25+ = Varsity Player/College Potential
20-25 = Varsity Type Player
18-22 = Junior Varsity Type Player
16-22 = C Team Type Player
15 - = Not Likely to Make the Team
WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE
EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
2. Permits coaches to make best decisions for
their PLAYERS:
* What skills do I need to work on?
* What do I do well?
* Why am I playing this position?
An evaluation is the best foundation for having a
productive discussion with your players
BEST DECISIONS FOR PLAYERS
#
NAME
YR
HIT ABL.
HIT PWR.
FIELD
ARM BUNTING
60
TOT.
COMMENTS
601 *
11
4
4
5
3
4
2
22
603 *
9
3
3
3
3
3
3
18 good arm/ok feet
602 *
10
3
3
4
2
3
1
16
604 *
9
3
3
3
2
3
2
16 bad arm angle: Move to OF
608 *
9
3
4
3
2
3
1
16 good arm/bad slot: good pop w bat
WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE
EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
3. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE
WITH COLLEGE COACHES AND SCOUTS:
* Why can your player play at my level?
* What are positive and negatives?
* Quantifies your conversation
An easily communicated evaluation system
provides coaches/scouts with your best insights
Communication with College
Coaches/Pro Scout
#
NAME
YR
VEL.
MVMNT.
CH.
BB
OTHER
POISE TOT.
COMMENTS
101
12
4
3
4
4
5
20
801 Recruited Guy
12
7
5
4
5
6
27
301
12
4
3
5
3
6
21
803
12
6
4
3
5
5
23
802
12
3
3
3
4
4
17
302
11
1
2
3
2
4
12
401
11
6
5
5
5
5
26
601
11
4
3
4
3
5
19
804
11
3
4
4
6
5
22
303
10
1
4
4
3
4
16
403
10
1
2
2
2
3
10 C team pitcher?
405
10
1
2
2
2
4
11
501
10
3
4
4
3
4
18
502
10
4
3
5
4
4
20
602
10
4
3
3
4
5
19
809
10
3
4
3
3
4
17
Communication with College
Coach/Pro Scout
Score
Home-1B
60 Yd. Dash
Velocity
Catcher’s Pop
8
4.0 L, 4.1 R
6.4 & under
86+
1.8 and below
7
4.1 L, 4.2 R
6.5 – 6.6
83 - 85
1.9
6
4.2 L, 4.3 R
6.7 – 6.8
80 - 82
2.0
5
4.3 L, 4.4 R
6.9 – 7.0
77 - 79
2.1
4
4.4 L, 4.5 R
7.1 – 7.2
74 - 76
2.2
3
4.5 L, 4.6 R
7.3 – 7.4
71 - 73
2.3
2
4.6 L, 4.7 R
7.5 – 7.6
68 - 70
2.4
1
4.7 L, 4.8 R
7.7 & above
65 - 67
2.5
Communication with College
Coach/Pro Scout
Score
Movement
Poise
Curve
Change
Control
8
Excellent movement with
strikes
Always composed
Excellent
movement with
strikes
100% strikes
7
Excellent Movement
6
Good movement with
strikes
5
Good movement
Good movement
4
Adequate movement with
strikes
Adequate
movement with
strikes
3
Adequate movement
2
No movement with strikes
Excellent change of
speed and
movement with
strikes
Excellent change of
speed and
movement
Good change of
speed and
movement with
strikes
Good change of
speed and
movement
Adequate change
of speed and
movement with
strikes
Adequate change
of speed and
movement
No change of speed
or movement with
strikes
1
Ball does not move
No change
No strikes thrown
Excellent
movement
Usually composed
Seldom Composed
Good movement
with strikes
Adequate
movement
No movement with
strikes
No composure
Ball does not move
90% strikes
80% strikes
70% strikes
50%-69% strikes
30%-49% strikes
Less than 30%
strikes
WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE
EVALUATON SYSTEM IMPORTANT?
4. Permits coaches to properly COMMUNICATE
WITH PLAYERS, PARENTS AND
ADMINISTRATION:
* How could you cut my kid?
* Why is this parent calling my office?
* Coach: Why did I get cut?
COMMUNICATION: Why you were cut/Your
Son/Their Kid
401
11
4
5
4
5
4
2
24
404
10
3
3
3
3
4
1
17
403
10
4
3
3
1
4
1
16
410
9
3
3
3
1
3
1
14 ok feet/2B arm only: swings ok
405
10
3
2
3
1
3
1
13 2b only
406
9
2
3
3
1
3
1
13 poor arm
411
9
2
3
3
1
3
1
13 not bad
413
9
2
3
2
1
2
1
11 bp in flip flops
no arm/some pop w bat/softball
10 swing
412
9
2
2
2
1
2
1
408
9
4
3
3
1
3
1
8 LH hitter/nice bat
409 Your Son *
9
3
3
3
1
3
1
8 all over on IF
COMMUNICATION: Why you were
cut/Your Son/Their Kid #2
401
11
4
5
4
5
4
2
24
404
10
3
3
3
3
4
1
17
403
10
4
3
3
1
4
1
16
410
9
3
3
3
1
3
1
14 ok feet/2B arm only: swings ok
405
10
3
2
3
1
3
1
13 2b only
406
9
2
3
3
1
3
1
13 poor arm
411
9
2
3
3
1
3
1
13 not bad
413
9
2
3
2
1
2
1
11 bp in flip flops
412
9
2
2
2
1
2
1
10 no arm/some pop w bat/softball swing
408
9
4
3
3
1
3
1
8 LH hitter/nice bat
409
9
3
3
3
1
3
1
8 all over on IF
A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION SYSTEM IS
VITAL IF YOU TRYOUT OR NOT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Quantifies your opinions for less subjectivity.
Helps determine who makes the team.
Helps determine who plays at what level.
Helps determine who plays what position.
Helps a coach communicate with college
coaches, pro scouts, parents, players and
administration.