In the next year or so, my son will be trying out for the freshman team at one of the larger high schools in Gwinnett County. He has played travel ball the last few years and is an above average catcher/pitcher.


He will be attending Collins Hill High School, which is absolutely huge (bigger than the college I attended). CHHS currently has 4 13U travel teams which will feed into the school. In addition I know of many kids who play for other travel or rec. teams outside of the CHHS district which will also attend.

Doing the math, leads me to expect between 8 – 10 catchers at the freshman tryouts. I have never doubted his ability, but the numbers are pretty daunting.

My question is, does anyone have any experience with some of the schools in Northern Gwinnett County (North, Peach Tree Ridge, Collins Hill etc)? How many usually try out? How many are kept on the team?

Any information on the programs or advice in preparation would be greatly appreciated

Two men were camping in the woods when a bear wandered into their camp. The bear became angry and was swiping at their tent. One of the men grabbed his tennis shoes and started to put them on. The other man said asked why he was putting his shoes on because he'd never out run the bear. The other replied, that's true, but all I have to do is out run you.

At this point you probably have an idea how your son stacks up with the other Catchers. The things a Coach is going to notice in tryouts is arm strength, mechanics catching pitchers and throwing to second, can he hit, does he hustle, does he look like a ballplayer.

Our High School is a third the size of yours. When my son was a Freshman they had 2-3 times as many kids as spots on the team. You can figure what that probably means at Collins Hill.

At 13u I saw very few Catchers who were good behind the plate with either footwork or at blocking pitches in the dirt. A few Catching lessons could go a long way. For arm strength at this age-Long Toss, Long Toss, Long Toss.

Coaches will always find room for a kid who can hit. Evaluate where he stands and what he needs to improve on as a hitter.

When he gets to HS, most schools have Fall baseball and conditioning programs. I know Collins Hill has had a fall team in the past.
He should look to get involved and work his butt off. Offer to catch bullpens for the pitchers with enthusiasm. Then the Coaches will have a positive feel for him going in.

Finally, when tryouts come dress like a ballplayer and hustle, hustle, hustle.

Can't worry about all the others, tell him to do his best and let the chips fall. If he doesn't make it, don't give up and continue to work hard, if that is HIS dream. If there is a stud he can't beat out, look at another position.

As to how many per team. My stepson's team keeps 18 on Varsity and less on JV because some varsity plan down and 15-18 Freshman because some Frosh play up. We had +60 for fall ball come out and I expect as much this Feb. We are one of the smaller AAAAA's but two state finals in a row draws the interest. Tell him good luck.

Thanks for the advice - all of it good. Having watched most of the kids he will be trying out with since they were 8 years old, (either playing with or against) I think he will do OK physically. However, with a 3 hour window to prove yourself in a group of say 100 others, anything can happen.

At our HS tryouts would be over a few days. I would think Collins Hill would be the same way.

At Collins Hill, you can expect between 80-100 kids trying out. Somewhere between 16-19 will be kept at the freshman level. The position he tries out for will not necessarily be where he plays.


If he can hit, he will make the team and as said by others, they will find a position. Although a few will be known because of former brothers playing, all freshman will be given an equal shot. Best advise...be a hitter, look like a player, hustle.

Also, many freshman seem to make it, then soph year there are some different players... in short, the coach's do make mistakes on freshman.

Don't think just because of the travel teams that they have an inside track..some do, most don't. Know how to play the game, give it your best shot.

Good luck, Falcon

Thanks Falcon - Great advice.