We violently agree. But, you answered a different question.
If a kid doesn't have the items on your list, they won't succeed. But, if they don't have genetics, then they won't succeed at the top in college.
EVERY successful pitcher in college works hard. The real differentiator is genetics.
One thing I really dislike is "sports mythology"--that a person with "grit and determination" can overcome any obstacle. That is simply not true.
My example: my daughter played hoop in Chicagoland. There were 10 or more D1 college prospects. They all worked very, very hard, and had similar coaching. However, one (Candace Parker) is considered the finest women's basketball player in the world. The only real differentiator between and Candace and the other nine was genetics.
Somehow, we think it isn't appropriate to say, "You are going to have to work your rear off just to be an average player at the collegiate level because you shouldn't even be here."
If a kid doesn't have the items on your list, they won't succeed. But, if they don't have genetics, then they won't succeed at the top in college.
EVERY successful pitcher in college works hard. The real differentiator is genetics.
One thing I really dislike is "sports mythology"--that a person with "grit and determination" can overcome any obstacle. That is simply not true.
My example: my daughter played hoop in Chicagoland. There were 10 or more D1 college prospects. They all worked very, very hard, and had similar coaching. However, one (Candace Parker) is considered the finest women's basketball player in the world. The only real differentiator between and Candace and the other nine was genetics.
Somehow, we think it isn't appropriate to say, "You are going to have to work your rear off just to be an average player at the collegiate level because you shouldn't even be here."