Quote:
Originally posted by polyck
Anyone have an opinion on intentional walks used during youth baseball games? is it fair to the batter or pitcher? how is it perceived?
This child is only 11 years old, the level of his skill is exceptional both offensively and defensively.
Thanks
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I have mixed feelings about this matter. Intentional walks are part of the game, but, youth baseball is meant to be for the kids to have fun and learn the game with the exception of tournament play. Sometimes the coaches take things a lil too far in making decisions like that at this level of ball. Then again, if you ask the youth playing the game they all want to win. Intentionally walking a player is what it takes sometime during a particular time in the game to satisfy your teams expectations of you as a coach. If 1st base is empty an intentional walk may be beneficial to accomplishing the goals of your team. I have seen, unfortunately, coaches intentionally walk a particular player 4 times in one game with and without runners on because he didn't want him to hit a home run on his son who was pitching.
You did ask for an opinion, so here is mine. There is a time and a place for everything.