How does your team handle batting order?

I set my lineup and players have to earn their way up. I keep very good records and the higher the batting stats the higher the order.

But, I may try your coach's idea in some of our league games. I'm trying to make things funner this year.

Two years ago we played 150 games in 12 months. Too serious too young.

Jeff -

We play 80 to 100 games. My son joined this team last year after being on 'earn your way teams' the previous 4 years. He's a fast up the middle hitter with high BA and almost identicle OPB. (doesn't walk much) Good 2 or 3 hitter but used to be used as lead-off alot because of his speed.

Over the course of a year 4 or 5, at-bats as opposed to 3 or 4 really makes a difference to those kids high in the order. It is hard for the 6 and above hitters to work their way up simply because they don't get as many chances. This can also force them to be overly timid at the plate eventually developing into a vicious cycle that is hard for them to overcome mentally.

My son played a fall tournament with his new team last year and really enjoyed the more relaxed attitude they have. The lighter atmosphere was very good for him as he tends to be very quit, focused, intense and aggressive. In one game he went 4 for 4 (I think 3 doubles and a single) and in the next game went 1 for 1. His name wasn't drawn from the hat, he subed in in the 6th inning. I think I recall that a player draws the names before the game. I think they came in 2nd in the tournament but, what I really remember is that he played more relaxed than I have seen him play since 9U while trying to 'prove' himself to his new coach and teammates.

Another unusual thing, in my experience, about this team is that the boys are not sub-divided into cliques. Neither is there any parental sniping amonst the parents. We used to be on same team with many of them. What a difference a coach can make for the familys involved. I don't want to neglect to mention that this is a top flight team that expects to win when they play and bases the season's written goals on mostly competitive concerns.

The team is blood and guts competitive on the field but they never seem to take themselves as seriously as other 'competitive' teams. The coach keeps the kids smiling and is always making fun games in practice.

Maybe you should consider doing something like this. It hasn't hurt this teams performance and I would argue that the resulting higher player self-confidence has made them perform better. Proceed with caution though. If your parents aren't on board with this kind of thing, you could see alot of greif from angry parents if you lose a game.


Boy, did we get lucky.

We keep stats in every category, as you will see from our website. We do our lineup a bit differently than some may. Our top batter hits in the 1 slot and on down. We have had great success with this strategy, because the 1 and 2 slots usually will always get an extra at bat. This gives those studs an extra chance to swing the lumber. Many teams bat them in the 4 slot because they want runners on base when they come up, but you only control that in the first inning - after that it just depends on who made the last out.

GENTLEMEN.....80-100 games...150 games...12 u kids...that's a game every 3rd or 4th day? You must be kidding me? I read another post...15-20 tournaments. I can promise you, you will have burnt out, tired, and soon to be injured players as they grow older.

Competition is one thing, but playing that much leads to problems. When they step to the next level, 60'6", 90', alot of the overuse they had at 46', and 60' will begin to show itself.

If you play that many games when do you teach the game? Fundamentals? Pitching? If you say you practice another 2-3 day a week, then I know you are loosing it.

Teaching & Learning baseball is long gone..many youth teams can get the best 12-15 kids around and win games, the problem is you emphasize winning and rankings instead of fundamentals and teaching....It WILL catch up to them soon.

Too many coaches, too much EGO....what a shame.

I admit it was too much. But I will disagree on the burning out. The kids loved it and the parents did too. We played 2 games on Friday night, 2 to 3 on Saturday and 1 to 2 on Sunday. We practiced 1 to 2 nights a week not being mandatory. Again, it was too much but I again will disagree with burning out. I pitched 10 players and caught 8.

Starzz,

Again I agree with almost everything you say. Don't know about the burn-out issue though. Hasn't happened to my son.

Jeff Connell,

I agree with you too. But, as a parent I burn out by the end of the season. I get tired of the other parents, politics and expense. Kinda have other things that need to be done. Glad to be able to 'turn him over' to the high school coaches next year.