Hey there! At Academy Elite, we use three terms to describe players to one another.
Without naming names, you might want to categorize yourself and be aware that you are creating your brand every time you step across the white lines...
PLAYER: This is a guy who can do a little bit of everything.  He is reliable, shows up ready to play, requires no "babysitting". If you give him a sign, he attempts to execute properly.  He doesn't whine and bitch about where or how often he plays. He comes with no parental baggage, is generally program oriented and adheres to a "team" mantra. A "Player" is a guy you would always ask back for another season and you will always look out for this as he has made an investment in you as a coach or mentor and is loyal to your program. You don't win without plenty of these guys.
DUDE: This guy takes "Player" to another level. He works tirelessly. This guy skips homecoming to make a fall game.  He gets BIG hits and wants the ball against the best teams--and can produce.
He breaks up with his girlfriend on February 28 to focus on his goal of 15 extra-base hits. He is self motivated. He plays for himself with a fire and passion that is infectious.  He picks up teammates almost instinctively and is indespensible in the dugout.  His manner of play makes others question their own commitment and effort.  This guy is why we coach.  One of these guys per year can refuel our collective coaching tanks and they are critical in developing a program. Dudes, it should be noted, are not just the truly elite players, but they come with NO BAGGAGE.  They are meticulous in their reputation and their parents are supportive and non-meddlesome, program oriented advocates for their son.
DUD: Sadly, this is a larger group than coaches would like.  Number one symptom of a "Dud" is a guy whose parents create an impossible expectation.  Coaches find themselves balancing parent-pleasing with the competitive integrity of their ballclub. The player, who is invariably struggling begins to press and creates symptom two...frozen pizza. Now this player is full of thought and cannot perform simple tasks like taking signs, secondary leads, bunts and even good old fashioned hustle. At AE, we are exceptional at keeping the morale of this player intact, but not without costs.
In addition, this player fails to "control what he can control".  Some Duds issues stem from having talent but a lack of work ethic--specific, meaningful work.  After age 15, if you are not in the gym 3 times per week in the off-season, you are allowing others an opportunity to pass you by. This player fails to be constructively objective and critical of his game allowing himself to go season to season without adding or improving any useable skill. Duds routinely make excuses or blame the program/coach for their shortcomings. This guy skips a Sunday bullpen in the spring to watch the Hawks or Bulls. He will never be a consistent performer.

We recommend you guys ask your coaching staff what you can improve upon specifically this off-season.  Work hard without guarantees of anything besides your athletic dignity and impeccable reputation as a Dude! You might bust your butt and not be offered a spot on the team next spring...but you will gain pride, purpose, and respect of coaches and players.  I've never met a SINGLE player that regretted working hard toward their goal--regardless of achievement.  The good ones control what they can and stay positive.

At Academy Elite, we have so few Duds every year, we are the most fortunate program around.
In 2011, our Dud-free Nationals won their third major championship in three years. This time it was
the Big One...the DSP World Series at 18U.  Twelve of those players are on to collegiate playing opportunities. Can you be a National? You gotta be a "Dude".