LYNX SELECTION CRITERIA
Core Philosophy:
Development first, development always.
The Lynx are not a win-first program; Rather, our organization focuses on the development of our players both on and off the field above all else. Wins are a byproduct of doing things the right way, and that means giving all of our players the opportunities they need to become better ballplayers and teammates.
Selection Process:
The selection process for the competitive/A-level NDG Lynx program is rooted in a players' abilities in the standard Five Tools of Baseball, as well as their attitude towards the game, the "coachability", and their level of commitment.
As the most competitive program for NDG Baseball, the player's skill level is the first and foremost qualifier for the Lynx.
Lynx rosters are made by the NDG Baseball Competition Committee in collaboration with each team's Head Coach.
The five tools are:
1. Speed
How fast a player can run
Speed is one of the more underrated skills to have in baseball. It's always the home runs and fancy catches that get all the glory, but when you've got a speedy runner on the base paths, they can affect the outcome of the game in 100 different ways.
2. Arm Strength
Strength is power
Just like speed, arm strength is another often overlooked tool in a baseball player's arsenal. As a position player, you may think that your arm strength "is what it is". So long as your throws are accurate, you don't give much extra thought into improving your velocity.
3. Fielding
Fielding well is crucial
Fielding every position well is key to having success on the baseball field, and being on a team that has positive results. Players need to know how to get down on a ball and understand the play both before the ball hit and once it's in play.
4. Hitting For Average
Getting on base
Hitting for average in baseball means that you are doing a few things right. Things like:
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Hitting the ball hard
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Making contact often (not striking out)
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Hitting the ball on a line
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Using the whole field
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Getting on base
5. Hitting For Power
Not just dingers
Some people say that you can't teach power. But that's not true.
The more a player practices the right techniques, the harder they'll hit the ball. It's not just about home runs, but everyone digs the long ball.
The 6th Tool
Commitment
In order to play for the Lynx, players must not be gone from Montreal for more than 2-3 consecutive weeks at a time and 4 weeks in total during the season. Parents should expect to travel to 1-2 tournaments, which may or may not include hotel stays.
All Lynx players are obligated to attend 80-90 per cent of all team activities, including practices and games. While our fair play rules dictate that all players will receive equal playing time, players who miss more than 15-20 per cent of practices may be benched for some games and/or possibly demoted to the B-level Wildcats in some cases.
Playing Lynx is a serious commitment and that should be considered when trying out.
