Another "talk to the coach" slash JV vs. V question

I'm sure I'll be the oddball, but I will say it anyway, and I get the whole "playing JV is better than sitting at V" thing.

When my son was a freshman, he was the top pitcher on JV and played right field when not pitching.  One of the better hitters, blah, blah, blah.  So after tryouts the next year as a sophomore, the varsity coach grabs him and says my son has two choices:  First, stay at JV and do the same thing he did last year; or second, he could play on varsity, but he would be a PO out of the bullpen.  My son asked if he would ever get a chance to be starting pitcher and the coach said yes if he earned it.  So my son took the spot on varsity.  The coach told him that was the correct decision and he hoped he made that one.

Granted, my son got some opportunities, and was starting some games late in the year, so that is different than just riding the bench.  But with this experience, I just think there is something about being on the highest level, most competitive team you can.  I think it may look odd to ask to move down.  I got the feeling my son's coach would not have liked him saying he wanted to stay down on JV.

2017's need reps, and playing time.....if coach is rostering him on Varsity with no prospect of playing time, I think he'd be better off playing full time on JV.  As for how he makes that happen is based on several factors.  If coach is not very approachable, then it just may not happen, and he will just have to ride it out, and hope he can show enough value during practices to earn some playing time.  If coach is approachable, then your son should have that conversation with him.  Depending on school size, it may be that he needs reserves in case of injury, etc., but if he is rostering 17 players (your son being one of them), then there is no reason to keep him on varsity without any possibility of seeing the field.

You have your potential answer. Chances are he will be sent down to JV when conference play starts. Wait until then before giving the situation another thought.

+1

Thanks, guys. Kind of funny postscript. My wife tells me this morning, hey I just ran into N___, who she's very friendly with, and who happens to be married to one of the school's athletic directors. Wife says N___ says she heard that son is quite a player and made Varsity. Wife says, yeah, but he's not playing so we're wondering if he should go down.  N___ says, no worries, I'll talk to my husband about it. My heart skipped a beat then, but wife says she said no thanks, please don't, very clearly.

Same exact situation for my 2016.  Played a little last year on varsity but once we got to district play clear he was not going to play much if any.  Coach would always get the non starter seniors into the blowouts, which I understood.

Son went to JV for rest of season.  Dominated on the mound and played every game in the field.  Called back up for playoffs and got into a couple of playoff games.

This year closer on varsity and #3 starter when we need one that week.  DH when not pitching.

In my mind those reps were crucial to get him ready for a productive summer/fall and being able to contribute this year on varsity. 

Like the others I agree it likely will work itself out, but I don't think your son should be silent and ride an entire year out on the pine.  If he isn't moved with the other and still not playing after a short time I am of the opinion he needs to find a way to approach the subject with the coach.  If your son is mature enough to be on varsity as a 14/15 year old I suspect he is mature enought to handle this converstation.

Good luck

Thanks. Oh, yeah.  He's mature enough. He's more mature than me, in some ways.

Another two cents... the coach brought your son to varsity as a frosh.  That means (to me at least) that there is already a direct line of communication and a relationship between your son and the HC.  As such, seems entirely appropriate that your son could approach the coach and open that conversation... ie playing in the JV tourney rather than helping with the varsity camp, and JV reps in general vs support time on V.  If he's ASKING the coach about these things open mindedly rather than trying to complain or coerce (which I'm sure he wouldn't be doing), then I don't see any issues.  Coach might say "I want you at the camp... It's an important team-building event for our program"... who knows.  Point being that your son should be able to communicate directly with HC and/or position coach and ask legitimate questions.  Of course, some coaches are different.  Your son should have an idea about the coaches communication style from his own read and/or by maybe asking upperclassmen for some guidance.

Sounds like he s  going to have an interesting 4 yrs w HS baseball. Is he a pitcher?

not understanding why V coach would take him and not play him. Do V and JV play same days  right after/before each other. I've seen kids start one and just be with V for experience. Good luck

i would have discussion w wife and both of u agree not to discuss your opinions of program or playing time w anyone. Nothing good ever comes of it. That other wife has no business getting involved or trying to "help". 

Sounds reasonable, but I would do as others suggested and wait.  He may get sent down soon anyway.  I wouldn't want to take the chance of the coach thinking you are a selfish player, and some coaches would.

Yeah I agree - if he can wait and see if it resolves itself, better still.  I wasn't sure if this upcoming JV tourney was maybe prior to conf play starting.  

Thanks again for the replies.  No, he's a position player only.

Coach is a good guy and a good communicator, for the most part.   Son has known him since he was little, and has taken  hitting with him on and off over the years. 

I agree that it probably will work itself out soon, and in general I don't think my kid needs to ask the coach about playing down. It's just the issue of the spring break tournament (which does take place right before league begins) that has me wondering if that wouldn't be a chance to get some PT while at the same time seeing what the guy's plans are for the boy. 

Since there is a decent chance he will be sent down in two weeks, I suggest he make the most out of the opportunity to practice every day with the V group between now and then.  If the situation doesn't change at that time, there are ways for him to talk to the coach without creating an issue.

Something like... "Coach, I'm honored to be part of the V team and will work my hardest to be able to contribute.  If you think it would be beneficial that I also go down and play some JV games to get some live AB's so I'm ready when you need me, I am more than willing to do that as well."

Another comment about one thing you said... ("best thing that can happen for him and the other freshman is to go down to JV (which is doing very poorly) and make an impact." ).   Most V coaches look at JV as developmental and wins/losses are secondary.  Therefore, there is little or no appeal to moving a player down to make the lower level team stronger.  He is more likely to make the move for other reasons such as getting some reps for the player who he has already deemed a V player.