Question...

[mcrowder]

This was their first practice. I'm envisioning a coach hitting grounders to infielders. And then telling them that even if they booted it... twice.... thrice.... still throw the ball to first. For the practice of making the throw from that position to first.

I doubt they were playing a scrimmage on their first practice day and telling infielders to relay the ball from the outfield over to first (or if they WERE... maybe they were doing it just to get more throwing practice in from that distance).

When I was coaching, that first practice is more to get a handle on who can throw from how far and who can field grounders or pop-ups than anything else. If we let them bat, it was just because that was the more recreational of the activities for the kids. I wouldn't rate the batters until several practices later.