How difficult is it for a slow HS player(8+ 60)
to advance to the next level. How good do your other tools have to be to overcome this or is there no hope ? Also, does anyone have any stories of someone greatly improving their speed ?

What position does the boy play?

What is his size?

Speed is not that much a drawback at first base and catcher positions

If the boy can hit a ton then they will find a spot for him

You work with the tools that you have and make the best of them

TRhit

Speed wouldn't be a requisite to pitch in College either.

Here is the deal on a slow player in my opinion: He either better be a great defensive catcher or he better hit and hit a lot and ideally with some pop. Best of luck.

If he can pitch and has enough foot speed, and is athletic enough, to field the position... he can advance.

If he catches, receives and throws very well...then he can advance.

Other than that, his ability to advance is directly proportionate to his ability to motivate the baseball at the plate...hit it hard. the others are right. If he mashes..he plays.

I still think I could beat Manny from home to 1st.

Good Luck!

Good responses, thank for your input. I hope hitting ability can also overcome being locked into one position in HS. I hope the sweet lefty swing (imo) will continue to develop with the body.

I totally agree with all the responses that you have gotten. One thing to remember as well is alot of kids get alot faster as they mature in High School especially if they work at it very hard. I have had kids come in as freshman that were 8+ guys and left 7.3. Some kids are slow because they have not physically developed yet. Some are slow and chubby and then shoot up and get faster naturally. Work on your speed with ladder drills and hill work as well as the weight room.

See if you can include the track coach in teaching running .



"There is among us a far closer relationship than the purely social one of a fraternal organization because we are bound together not only by a single interest but by a common goal. To win. Nothing else matters, and nothing else will do." Sandy Koufax

That's good to hear that a player can improve their speed considerably as the develop. I sure would like to be blessed with a coaching staff that would help him work on this but if it gets done he will have to do it on his own or with my guidance. Not to bad mouth the varsity coach(who has so far shown no interest in the jv) but the jv coach stinks. I'm sorry but it's just true.