You are relaying a situation which you saw, but not familiar with what the young pitcher actually did that weekend, at 11 most kids are not pitchers only, he may have played in almost every game as a position player.
But it was a good scenerio in which to point out to your son, that it is important to always let someone know when you feel discomfort on the mound and always important to stop when in pain.
There's a misconception that pro players are told to pitch through pain, that is not true. As soon as a pitcher feels something unusual (notice the word unusual) the manager and trainer are called out immediately to discuss the situation with the pitcher making it his call if allowed (sometimes they are taken out regardless of the situation). Of course these players are getting paid and MANY expect that they should toughen it up, but this is NOT what is expressed to them when in PAIN. Also sometimes the adrenaline masks a rehabbing pitchers issue. There's a diference between being tough as a professional player than an 11 year old, you cannot even compare the situation.
Teach your young pitchers to speak up, their bodies are still growing and much damage can ocur.
I agree with ncball, at 11 4-5 games is too much for 11 year olds so early in the season in a weekend, regardless of what the norm is, that is not normal, IMO. Someone can get overused somewhere in those 4-5 games. That's ok if that is all one does a few times a month, but now you see 11-12 year olds play weekday games, then weekend tournies, when does it become too much?
Comparing 6 different subjects in a day doesn't come close to 6 different bb games in a week. Better to overwork your mind than your body at 11.
I understand now why son's surgeon said they keep coming in younger and younger and why orthopeadic surgeons make lots of money these days.