multiple position player

Based on my experience last year I would say play as many as you can. It is easier to start that way.

Joyee2,
Yes and no. Having been there with my son being a multiple position player all through high school and through college I suggest your son at least “narrow down” his choices. A player’s body type and his “tools” will dictate where he will eventually play. Your son is probably more suited for one or two positions rather than all positions. For instance, the arm strength needed to catch or pitch would be wasted at second base. The foot speed of an outfielder isn’t needed at catching, pitching, or first base.
It’s kind of a catch 22. The more reps he gets at a particular position will improve his ability to play that position but being able to play more than one position could afford him more opportunities.
I would still suggest he focus on two positions. He should have a primary position and a secondary position...but....No matter what position he selects he should always work on his hitting. Having given you all this advice may be for naught because the needs of the team and the decisions of the coaches will ultimately dictate where your son plays.
Best of luck,
Fungo

It is great to play multiple positions. It gives you more of a chance to play and at the college level to make the team especially as a walk on. as far as what position the coach will have the most say in that .

Craig Biggio...All-star at catcher, 2nd, and center field. The more you know, the more opportunities to play. If you can play where there is a need and not just one spot you really help your chances. Also, if you can hit...there will always be a need!

as a high school coach over the years ive seen an awful lot of high school players not succeed to their potential because they didnt have a position. people played them everywhere while they were growing up because they were the best athlete but at the high school level they couldnt play anywhere. i agree with fungo you need to narrow it down.theres not a problem with a catcher having a secondary position but when you start working at more than 2 the odds are against you getting the time and reps you need to be successful. i think one of the biggest benefits a youth coach can make to the high school program is correctly identify a kids position and play him there. i'd leave it to the coach if he wants to make a position change and then trust that decision..

Thanks for the advice.He's only been a catcher for about 2 years.In travel ball you play alot of games in a weekend, he learned to catch so we'd have a back up catcher.Then he caught on to it and became the main catcher,but in the 2nd game of the day he'd play out field or his old position of 2nd/3rd base.He's gotten tall and skinny lately,he's fast(not typical for a catcher).I just thought"show them what you can do and let them decide where they want you.Because ultimately the high school coach will put you where he wants you to play.Defense has always been his best asset so now we're working on hitting and speed and strength to make him a better player.thanks very much for the imput.

i agree show them what you can do and let the coach decide where he needs you. sometimes it becomes what they need. i know i have moved kids before because of neccessity. too may infielders, and not enough outfielders etc.

In our tryout process, we ask players to list 3 positions to tryout for. Naturally, we reserve the right to move them after they make the team into a position that helps the team. Being able to play more than one position is extremely valuable. However, you do have to remember that jack of all trades & master of none can hurt at times.