RJM posted:Chances are if a kid is athletic enough to learn to hit at fourteen there's another sport he's athletic enough to advance far more quickly. If relating to spring lacrosse comes to mind. I've seen athletic studs learn lacrosse at fourteen and develop into college prospects in two, three years.
This does not mean the game is easy. It's just easier for an athletic stud than baseball at a later age.
A very athletic kid could learn to be a stud wide receiver or defensive back in a couple of years. That is if he can handle the contact.
Hockey, not a chance due to skating. A kid could become a shooter or rebounder in basketball. He's not going to pick up dribbling quickly. With quick feet he can be taught adequate defense.
its also very hard to pick up ball handling in soccer. My son played football and middle school while continuing to play goal in travel soccer. He said those two years off the field not handling the ball killed his ball handling skills for high level high school soccer. The coach had him pegged as a goalie since he was a preteen anyway.
Interesting observation, RJM. I have a (very, very athletic) cousin who started playing lacrosse in 10th grade -- by senior year he was named an All-American and got a full scholarship to a Top 10 program. Would be hard to do that in baseball (though, yes, I know about Lorenzo Cain).