Best way to tell HS player they're a PO

Directly.  And tell him why.  (team need, doesn't hit, future, whatever it is)  Tell him benefits of pitcher only (training, excelling, etc.)

Direct is almost always best. As a general suggestion, tell him that his best chance to help his team and develop as a player is as a PO.

I never knew a kid that was a really good pitcher that wasn't also a really good hitter in high school.  I know they are out there but I would hate for my son to be a P.O. 

There is plenty of time in college for that to happen.  

Walk up, take his bat, tell him he doesn't need it anymore. Hopefully he gets the point. 

From what I saw last year, lots of PO's in HS. Lots that ppitch and play a position. From what I saw on my son's team it was whether the pitcher could hit better than players in his position.

 

Of the 5 starting pitchers on his team, 3 w did both and were starting 1B, 3B and CF when not pitching. Other 2 were PO. I listened to those 2 parents all year talk about how there son could hit etc. But they coldn't hit as well as the person tehy would have replaced. not even close- So they were PO's and helped the team as 2nd and 5th starting pitcher.

"Your're a pitcher only."   

"Hey son, next practice, leave your bats in the car"

Just about every parent will think their kid is the best on the team or at least think their kid should be starting.  Unfortunately, it isn't up to them, it is up to the coach.  I think that issue arises in high school baseball more these days because almost every dad played little league or coached their kid's little league team so they think they know the game and who should play where and when.  And in the past few years some parents think they know the game more than the HS or Travel coach because they watch a You Tube Video. 

And for the record I am not saying every parent out there is like this.  I have had players with dads that have played in college and some pro ball.  But that is not the norm.

I know I went off the topic here but had to get this off my chest.

 

And I agree with some of the posts on the topic that telling the player straight up and directly is the way to go.  As a player I liked it more when a coach was honest with me and didn't beat around the bush or sugar coat things.

 

Direct & early also reiterate the benefit to the team. My son played both ways even up to last year when he was 9-0 with a .80 era & 101Ks across 69 innings. He is one of the best OF on the team. This year (Sr.) ...he welcomes the PO tag as they will be chasing a state championship and he wants to be at his best when he starts. BTW, the kids behind him in the OF defensively, are better hitters.

Agree with all....Direct and to the point with an explanation of the need for him to be a PO

 

 

I would think by HS...at least by their junior or senior year, most kids are probably realizing it on their own.  Our HS coach posts the stats each week in the locker room (kids don't get a copy to take hom)...and it's done a pretty good job of keeping grounded and understanding why they are (or aren't) playing a particular position.  We have a kid who's a pitcher...who wants to hit...but his stats (.125 and a lot of K's) prove he shouldn't.  He's a senior now and seems to finally be ok with it.  There's no way to tell him...other than just being direct...and having the info/stats/etc to back up your decision if he doesn't like it

a few weeks back when our local HS started pitchers and cathers workouts my 2017 told me he wasn't going....he has always been a pitcher the logs innings for every team he has played for but never a top of the rotation guy. just your typical keep the ball down lefty. i asked him why and just looked at me and said "I don't pitch anymore" LOL I don't know if that came from the coach or from him but apparently his pitching days are finished.

We try to have one-on-one chats with all of our players periodically.  "This is what we see your roll is/ how you can best help the team at this time.  Are you prepared to fill that need for us?".  Or sometimes we'll pose it as a question and then share with the player how their view compares with ours.  We will be clear about what is required to obtain a different or more substantial role.  The PO issue is no different than a positional battle, importance of being a great bench/role guy, etc.  We don't like any of our players being in the dark as to where they stand and at the same time, we want them to know we are there to help all of them work toward their individual goals as well as the team goals.

Instagram, snapchat...

When my son was in high school as each player was assigned to whatever level team, there was a meeting with each player and the coaching staff. The player's role for the season was defined. Expectations were expressed. It was also defined what he needed to step up his playing time or promotion to next level.

 

I completely disagree.

 

Walk up, take his bat, and replace it with a fungo instead!  

Hey Billy how you doing? Look your role on this team is defined by how you can best help this team win. So we have decided that your role will be on the mound. So I am going to need you to accept that role and do what it takes to help our team win. 

 

Why have you decided to do that coach?

 

Because that is what's best for our team. We feel that's where your most valuable to us. This is not open for debate son. Accept your role and go to work.

 

Well I don't like it.

 

Well the chess team is practicing right now maybe you would like to join them?

 

 

About ten minutes before cuts are announced.

Frankly, this entire topic has me confused and, I think, is a bit misguided.  Those who truly "get it", get it.  The top 5 Ps (ate up about 95% of innings) on my son's HS team last year were POs - they went 25-3, had a team ERA of just a smidge above 1.00 and won a state championship in VA.  At least 3 (2 DI, 1 DII) will throw at the next level.  It's a specialized craft and requires year round focus and training.  Mention to him the "10,000 Hours" philosophy from the book "Outliers".

Honestly, I think it's harder on the parents than the kid. Personal example. My 2015 has always played CF when not pitching. When he was asked last year to play for a national travel team, my question to the coach was he wanted as a two guy or PO. I was told he would be given an opportunity to play, but he had to outperform the other guy. No problem. True to his word and son played lots of innings during thr fall. When summer rolled around, he got zero playing time when he wasn't pitching. Son was confused and pissed initially. When he talked to the coach, he explained to son that his future was on the mound (LHP throwing 90) and he didn't want to see an injury diving for fly ball or on base paths.  We were a 17/18 team that played mostly 18U events. We did play 17U PG WWBA which meant the 18s were not eligible.  Now 6 of 8 position players were 17s anyway. Lost mostly POs. After second pool game, coach was pissed with out team approach at plate. Son got the start in outfield and played the rest of the tournament as 2 way. He led the team in hitting. He got a kick out of it, coach got a kick out if it and dad at least had the opportunity to see that son could play at that level as well. I know his future is on the mound, but hey I'm selfish, what can I say. Tough part is son has to get ready for HS season as he will be starting CF and will bat in top of the order.

I would have been upset too.  The coach should have explained to your son before summer rolled around that he was going to be a P.O.  

Although there is much to be said of protecting your P.O.'s as my son was pegged in the back by a 85 mph fast ball last year as a freshman year on Varsity.   

http://youtu.be/8pCLR2vvUss

 

In all fairness, there was a coaching change with the team between fall and summer, but new coach did tell me the same thing. We were pissed initially, but son came around a lot faster than dad. While I still think my son could play his position, I am fully aware that if he is to have any chance beyond college it will be on the mound.  One thing I can fully appreciate now. The life of a pitcher's parents is not easy. Even though I have zero control and son always seems to do fine, I find myself pacing around the park and really want to be alone when he takes the mound. My parents used to tell me similar stories how they were nervous when I played. Well now I know exactly what they are talking about. Funny thing is I never find myself to be nervous when he is a position player. Strange indeed.

Makes me chuckle.  Despite my single-minded focus, wife still tries to chat me up when junior is on the hill.  I have to continually remind her, "Unless it's a medical emergency or the house is on fire, save it for the next half inning."

 

Back to the original topic....