player & Parent Letter

Dear Jefferson High School Baseball Players and Parents,

At Jefferson Baseball, our goals focus on three key areas:

1. Developing fundamentally, mentally, and physically as a team and as individuals.

2. Gaining state-level exposure as both a team and as individual players.

3. Competing for and winning both regional and state championships.

The success of the team is the foundation of this process. Every decision I make is based on what is best for the team, which may not always align with what is best for an individual player. That’s part of being on a team. With 20+ games this season, my role is to determine who is performing at the highest level and who will best contribute to our team’s success. Players who perform at the highest level will earn the most playing time. However, sometimes a player who fills a specific role can have a greater impact on the team’s overall success than a player with more individual talent.

Parents, I understand that your perspective on who is playing best may differ from mine. My decisions are always based on what will help the team achieve its goals and win games. Playing time and positional assignments will not be topics of discussion between parents and coaches.

For Players: You are always welcome to talk with the coaches about your role on the team. However, be prepared for honest and direct feedback. Every player has a valuable role, but playing time is not guaranteed. There may be games where you play all seven innings and others where you may not play at all. The best way to increase your playing time is through consistent performance in both practices and games. Show up every day ready to compete and prove that you deserve the opportunity to contribute in key situations.

For Parents: Baseball is a game of strategy and percentages, and in-game decisions are rarely 100% guaranteed to succeed. While it’s natural to have opinions, I ask that you support the coaching staff and keep any negative comments to yourself. Additionally, please refrain from coaching or visiting players during the game—your role is to be a supportive fan.

We, as coaches, want this to be a positive and successful experience for all players. Thank you for your support and cooperation. Let’s work together to make this a great season!

Go Jaguars!

Jim Gess
Head Coach, Jefferson Baseball