2008 Summer Team Information

Well, here we are again! It's time for summer baseball and all of the other activities in which your son takes part. I know that many of our players participate in other sports. I know that many of them have other responsibilities. In the past, Pius baseball players and all athletes have shown remarkable commitment.

This is the commitment we need for this summer. This year we will play in five tournaments, one in the last week of May [PDF] and every week in June [PDF] (Wed. or Th.- Sat. or Sun). We will lift and condition Monday-Wednesday-Friday as a program, our time slots for baseball are 8am or 9am in summer. Also, the batting facility will be open everyday. Coach Winland, and Coach Ksionzyk will head up the JV squad this summer while Coach Gilbert, Mense and Standard will work with the Varsity team.

The Travel Ball Issue: Some of our players will make additional commitments to a travel team of their choice. All we ask is that you play with the Pius Team first. We need the commitment of everyone in order to continue building the St. Pius X Catholic High School baseball program. Even if there is a conflict with a travel team and the game is in town, I would hope that you would choose your high school teammates before a squad who you may never play with again. We are only talking about 5 tournaments in the beginning of the summer. JV players (which are rising 10th grade) need to email coach Winland (jwinland@spx.org) rising 11th and 12th grade players need to email Coach Standard (standard@spx.org) their summer commitment, we need to know the numbers for the summer to make sure we have enough to run two teams.

The cost for the summer team will be $175. Please remember that I try to keep the cost as low as possible. The teams will be involved with 10 tournaments this summer. Cost for baseballs, coaching, and tournaments are not covered by the SPX budget.

The season will be treated just like the High School season. Player’s behavior and expectations will be the same as it is during the High School season, as well the summer season will be an evaluation of players. Remember the heat of the summer can be extreme so be sure to bring drinks and at times an extra t-shirt.

Once again allow me to thank you for your time, effort, and commitment. The past season went by quickly. We need to start getting ready for next season with a strong summer commitment.

Thank you,

J.T. Gilbert
Head Baseball Coach
St. Pius X Catholic High School