Tryouts

TRYOUTS

The Mount Rainier High School Baseball Program will field a Varsity and Junior Varsity squads. The Program may also field a C-Team, or a combined JV/C-Team. We will typically carry between 30-35 players each year. Baseball is a cut sport, which means not everyone will make one of the teams. The information below is designed to assist you in preparation for baseball tryouts.

When: March 2-3, 2026, from 3:30PM to 6:00PM. Please arrive at the baseball field each day between 3:00PM - 3:15PM to get checked-in.

Where: Mount Rainier High School baseball field.

Introduce Yourself: If you’re an incoming Freshman or new to the Mount Rainier Baseball Program, you're encouraged to introduce yourself to the coaches or send us an email to Coach Kris Kelly (Kris.Kelly@highlineschools.org) and Coach Daniel Allen (Daniel.Allen@highlineschools.org). We look forward to hearing from all student-athletes interested in playing baseball.

Eligibility: If you are interested in trying out, please make sure you are registered and cleared through Final Forms. There are forms for both you and your parent or guardian to sign, and an up-to-date physical must be on file. If you have questions about registration, talk to Mount Rainier's Athletics Department. This is important - you must be registered for baseball and "green" in Final Forms to tryout for baseball.

Be On-Time, and Be Organized:

As stated above, baseball tryouts run March 2 - 3, 2026, from 3:30PM to 6:00PM. Please arrive at the baseball field each day between 3:00PM - 3:15PM to get signed-in.
If you are unable to attend tryouts for any reason, please contact Head Coach Kris Kelly (Kris.Kelly@highlineschools.org) as soon as possible prior to tryouts.
Wear baseball gear. That means baseball pants, plastic-molded cleats or turf shoes (no metal spikes), a hat, batting helmet, cup, and belt. We will tryout even if it’s cold or raining, so also dress for the weather as needed (base layers, thermal, hoodie).
We do not typically supply bats, helmets, gloves, catchers gear, or other personal equipment for tryouts. If you need something, please speak up in advance.
If you need a place for your gear during tryouts week, the school will make lockers available. Just make sure you come back and retrieve your gear after school. It’s on you to get it to the baseball field on-time for tryouts.
Rest up, eat well, and get your homework and other obligations squared away before tryouts. Be mentally alert and physically ready to do your best once tryouts begin.

Commit:

Tryouts will be fast-paced, and you will be working through a lot of drills and stations, and game-like activities. The entire coaching staff will be leading and present throughout tryouts to evaluate each player.
During tryouts, be ready from the start, listen well, and give maximum effort. Hustle between stations; do not walk.
Bring a positive attitude, and show leadership, enthusiasm, and be a great teammate. These qualities are important.
Show your baseball skills and athletic versatility. The make-up of the roster will vary based on the needs of the program. An ability and willingness to play multiple positions or different roles is a positive.
Please monitor your email: An email will be sent on Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026, identifying the student numbers of the players that have made a spot on the baseball program. This email will not identify who is on the Varsity team versus the Junior Varsity / C-Team, only who has made a spot within the program. Those who made the program should report to the baseball field for practice on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 3:15PM-5:45PM.
If you did not make the program this year, we know it can be upsetting and discouraging. It is normal to be upset and let down. Every athlete experiences setbacks; and whether it relates to baseball or something else in life, we’ve all been where you are. Remember, this is just one moment in time, and this is not a reflection of all that you are and all that you have to offer. You are immensely valuable and have a ton to offer; and tomorrow is the start of a new opportunity. Please know we care about YOU; and we hope you stay positive, persist, keeping working hard, and come back out next season. If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss your tryout, and to make a plan to help you get ready for tryouts next season, please reach out to Head Coach Kris Kelly (Kris.Kelly@highlineschools.org).