Little League Baseball Question-- - Page 2

LS Evans · #16 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 23, 2002, 05:20pm

Yes, our son is having fun, but he is confused when this kid continues to run in front of him to cover home plate.
Our son is really doing a good job as catcher, but is becoming unsure of himself because of this weird situation. Only a few more games--so unless something worse happens we will finish the season out.

Dan_ref · #17 (**permalink**) Mon Sep 23, 2002, 09:35pm

If your son was 14 or so I would advise him to have a talk
with the 1st baseman, let him know he's gonna end up on
his @ss next time this happens. If he was 17 I suspect
this little discussion would have taken place already. But
he's 7. Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative,
latch on to the affirmative, don't mess with mr. in between.
Good choice to let him play out the season, and if he asks
what's up with his friend the 1st baseman just shrug
your shoulders and give him a hug. He'll be fine

Bfair · #18 (**permalink**) Tue Sep 24, 2002, 12:28am

Quote:

Thanks so much for all your comments and advice. We have made some decisions:

(1)Reinforce the concept with our son the importance of sticking with his team, (2)Continue to volunteer our assistance. (3)Work with the Board concerning these issues (4)Request another coach next season, and (5)Learn from this situation.

Yes, this is "fall ball" and the purpose was supposed to be to learn the mechanics better, etc., but that is not what our coach is stressing--he is in law enforcement in real life, so maybe he forgets he is off the job when he gets to the ballfield!

If you complain to the board, be certain to watch your speed while driving through town....LOL

If the coach is teaching the first baseman to make a cutoff, he's likely trying to teach 7 year old kids to run before they've learnded to walk. His technique is too advanced for that age level. He should concentrate on more basic fundamentals needed for children of that age group.

If the coach is teaching improper technique, such as the first baseman coming to the plate to replace the catcher in his play responsibilities (perhaps due to greater ability at this age), then the coach has his priorities in the wrong place. He needs to be teaching all players the fundamentals of baseball. F3 covering home plate is not a fundamental in any level of baseball. This coach has likely put his desire to win ahead of his desire to properly instruct the children. That action may meet his personal goals of winning, but it is detrimental to the goals of the children on the field which is to learn how to play---and to have fun. Having someone else directed to play your position is not fun, and 7 year olds are old enough to know that.

Just my opinion,

Freix

spillguy · #19 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 03, 2002, 10:56pm

If you stick with it there is a manager/coach evaluation coming at the end. If you quit, ...no evaluation gets submitted to show the board that this guy is mouth breather. Unfortunately the other two that already quit would have made a for a good collection of negative evaluations. LL boards may ignore one bad eval as a personal issue, rarely will they second quess a collection of bad ones.