We are in a competitive, heavily recruited market. Our H.S. fields three teams. The Head Coach uses the Freshman, J.V. teams as his minor leagues and begins training/positioning early. Like the football program, once you've reached Varsity you've learned the system (or position) their way. Thus he know's what he has and the player knows his role. Pitchers, don't play other positions nor do they ever hit (DH always employed). Pretty much the same as any successful Major College or Pro organization handles things. I'm not saying it's right or wrong .... it just is! He's been in three state finals since coming four years ago(won two). And that, from his perspective, is what he was hired to do. By the way, If you don't earn a starting role, you are very unlikely to see playing time. A pinch runner is used, the DH (the best non-playing hitter) and one reliever (two starters) are the only players to see the field once Region play begins.