Originally Posted by CaCO3Girl:
I figured 1B at 13u pretty much needs to be able to scoop/pick/and track a poorly thrown ball.... righty, lefty, not sure it matters but we have run across some youth coaches who ONLY wanted lefties at 1B *shrug* Just thought I would check, thanks again!
I have never claimed to be a baseball guy, but coaches eliminating more than half of their potential 1Bs based on left-handedness seems bizarre to me. My son has transitioned from C to 1B over the past couple of years. In his experience at the HS level, the priorities, in order, have been:
1a) hit for average
1b) hit for power
2) soft, sure hands
3) decision making (when to pick, block, hold the bag, knowing the park, cuts, etc.
4) footwork and quickness (not speed) on defense
5) arm strength
I think your son plays C, too. The first time he drops down and takes one off the chest to save a big run, his coach will be glad that he has the catcher background.