my 15U 2021 kid is a strong hitter & slow runner who currently finds himself on the bubble in the travel ball world.
I need to preface this by saying that in no way do I think anything about his situation is "unfair".
We have heard from multiple former pros & college coaches that his hitting approach & ability & mechanics are very good, that he'll play in college and where he plays depends on his continued strength development in turning those Doubles into HR's etc.
The slow 60 time and slightly above average arm velocity keeps him as a 3B/1B on the B Teams of the top travel programs in our area and I would imagine off of any National Travel Team consideration at this time. He's a half inch over 6 feet in bare feet, & 190 pounds. Won't turn 16 until next February.
He's consistently working on Strength & Speed development, with a top trainer, and is showing improvement, but he's not where he can break out of that Bubble
At the same time, it is not a challenge for him to hit 80-85mph fastballs, let alone the 70-75mph fastballs he frequently sees. So he's in this in-between place where he's not getting an opportunity to be challenged by next level pitching.... And when you are on the B Team you don't get deep in tournaments, don't get as many at bats in a weekend, and don't face opponent's top pitchers frequently.
Any suggestions for ways to face more higher level pitchers as he continues to work on getting bigger stronger faster?
