Playing first base, my son. See, he beat your son out for first and you thought your son was the best, you know big and strong, 6'2", 220 lbs., could hit the ball a country mile. But then, at that open tryout, there were what 5 or 6 kids your son's size. Oh wow, they can all hit, especially my son. AND, he played great D. Sorry, I guess you'll have to play for the B team.
Starting at 2nd base, my son. You thought your son was the best second baseman. He won All-League. My son was not chosen as the starting shortstop but he is better than your son at second base. Go to the B team.
Starting at third, my son. Your son was the best fielding third baseman in the league, remember? Batted .300. Sorry, but my son is bigger and stronger. Sure, he makes some errors, but ahh, that power. Remember, if you can hit, they'll find a place for you to play. Sorry, my son plays 3rd base, go to the B team.
You get the point. No matter how good you are, there is always someone better.
Thank God for the B team.
What am I am saying here?
In not so subtle ways, you always hear people expressing how much better their son is than the next. Johnny's not that good at shortstop, he makes a lot of errors. Coach only starts him there because it is the only postion he plays. And my son can also play the outfield, so Johnny got the job over him.
Spending time around baseball parents has allowed me to gain some insight into the mean spiritedness surrounding youth baseball. This is where I have been able to get my ideas and state them in a purposely negative manner that you all seem to gravitate towards. So those of you posters out there who think so highly of your 12 to 15 yr. old, you are in for a BIG surprise, especially Coach Dads. As your kid moves up the ranks, it truly becomes survival of the fittest.
Original Post
