Loyalty to ...

Sounds like they think your son has a better chance to make the team.

I'm not sure I'd want to make any pacts like that. Does your son want to work hard and make that elite team on his merits? If so, then he should go for it and not be saddled with having to turn it down because his friend's PARENTS have come up with some cockamamie scheme.

Just heard a situation like that. Twins and one made the team and wouldn't sign unless they took his brother. One who made it was in the minors for a couple years. They cut both.
I though it was graet that one would feel that way. They did find a team that took both of them.

If the boys came up with this pact I would call it a true measure of friendship. But if this is a parents decision then what will that parent do when the boys reach the high school or college level?
Tell the coach no thanks, I won't play unless Johnny makes the team. If your son can make that Elite team let him play, he earned it. Just my opinion

Interesting question. The decision made could reinforce loyalty or it could reinforce being spoiled or the perception of such. If the boys are real young or if it was their own idea it seems just fine to me. Otherwise with it being a parents idea it does risk looking just a bit fishy even if the motivation is good. On one hand friends want to be loyal and together. On the other friends don't want to hold friends back. That being said, if one boy does make the team and the other doesn't, it should not put into question anyone's loyalty unless there really isn't any loyalty to begin with.

Maybe pose the question to your boy. Hey son, if you make the team and neighbor johnny doesn't, do you think you'll still want to play for that team. You may be surprised at his answer.

I first asked him if friend made the team and he didn't then followed up with him making the team, either way he wanted the player to play. Sometimes I am sure all our well meaning adult thoughts and gestures just get in our kids way and complicate things. I'll suggest friends parents try the same.

No way would I let this happen !!!!1

Loyality,
to Whom?
And were does it end?
The only Loyality you owe is to your Son.
There were players that the boys played with early on that are not there, should you be Loyal to them to.

My idea of Loyality would have to come down to who did I make a commitment with first. And then Honer that commitment. When I finished that Obligation then it would be time to Resign are move on.
As the boys get older they may very well both become good ball players.
But maybe not at the same pace. Leave your options open.
Play were you feel your Son has the best chance to get better.
By playing the toughest compitition.
Don't get me wrong, I would want to share the moments with
as many parents and players that could make it to the next level. It just doesn't always work that way.

There's no easy way to do it. Without causing hurt feelings against somebody, some where in the process.
Its not personel its just Happens. The EH

Personally, unless the boys came up with this without any prompting from the parents, at all; I would stay far away from the agreement. The parents sound like they are worried about "feel good" stuff rather than playing baseball. Remember that baseball is supposed to be FUN at all ages, but especially at the younger ages and your son will likely have fun as long as he's playing. If he makes the team it won't really matter who he's playing with.

Another thing to consider is that if your son makes the high school team, he's already beaten long odds. The overwhelming majority of kids he plays little league or even younger level travel ball with, will not be playing baseball by the time they are high school juniors. Of my son's senior class, there are only 7 kids still playing baseball, of the dozens and dozens from his class that played LL majors or even USSSA travel ball and other stuff like that. Chances are that even if the boys make this travel team, they won't both still be playing by the time varsity ball rolls around. Worry about the development, success and FUN for your son, and let them take care of their own. My opinion.

And what if they both actually DID make the team, but the friend, being a lesser talent, ended up riding the pine for most of the season? Would the parents try to suggest to you that your son threaten a sit-down strike unless the coach played the friend more?

Bad idea under any circumstances.

Good luck to the coach in a situation like this.

quote:

No way would I let this happen !!!!1

TRhit

Ditto!

thats a terrible idea. tell the parents you want your son to play at this level if he makes the team. also tell them, if there kid makes the team, you hope they allow him the opportunity to play even if your kid gets cut.

Thanks to all who replied... all is well that ends well. Both boys were selected for the team and will play @ CDP 6/17 thru 6/23.

Excellent news. And have a great time at CDP, it's a wonderful experience.