Pitcher vs. Position Player

It's not generally the player, that makes that decision. As long as he can compete with both aspects, then most coaches would utilize him. However, "arm care" will become paramount, if that is his future.

Arm care is most definitely our prime concern.

I have just heard instances of folks lamenting their future major leaguer may have to make a choice.

I assume its because they believe its the only way the player can truly put the work in and get the looks they need...likely other reasons as well.

I just want to ensure mine has a myriad of options as long as possible if he is able to keep his heart in what he is doing, works hard and the results are helping the team.

Until my son was signed by an American League Team, he did not have to make a choice between position player, pitching and/or hitting, and it was our understanding he was not going to have to do that at the college level either, however, that isn't always the case. Let them play all the positions they can until they absolutely have to choose. That will give them more flexibility at college and not limit them to certain positions and/or pitching until absolutely necessary and then it's a money talks and BS walks scenario and sobeit! Just my take on it and I've been there.

quote:

Originally posted by #15'sMom:
Until my son was signed by an American League Team, he did not have to make a choice between position player, pitching and/or hitting, and it was our understanding he was not going to have to do that at the college level either, however, that isn't always the case. Let them play all the positions they can until they absolutely have to choose. That will give them more flexibility at college and not limit them to certain positions and/or pitching until absolutely necessary and then it's a money talks and BS walks scenario and sobeit! Just my take on it and I've been there.

It isn't always as black and white as this. Fwiw, your kid can hit at a higher level than most trying to do both and he is actually in the minority regarding this discussion.

It always depends on the athlete. If you have a kid hitting the opposite that he throws you can really mess his lead elbow up on a swing if he is pitching consistently during the seasons. Also depends on his position. Outfielders who pitch can have several minutes without throwing a ball, then they get a chance to stretch one out and all the sudden they overdue it and tweak something. Basically if he is a serious pitcher who has potential to pitch consistent for the team then he needs to be aware in competition to stay loose. Example, I played with John Lackey at UTA and he didn't pitch at all in high school and pitched very limited innings our freshman year. It wasn't till his sophomore year he put the bat down and focused on pitching. He was a great athlete though. Hope that helps monkeyboy.

quote:

Originally posted by RLB:

quote:

Originally posted by #15'sMom:
Until my son was signed by an American League Team, he did not have to make a choice between position player, pitching and/or hitting, and it was our understanding he was not going to have to do that at the college level either, however, that isn't always the case. Let them play all the positions they can until they absolutely have to choose. That will give them more flexibility at college and not limit them to certain positions and/or pitching until absolutely necessary and then it's a money talks and BS walks scenario and sobeit! Just my take on it and I've been there.

It isn't always as black and white as this. Fwiw, your kid can hit at a higher level than most trying to do both and he is actually in the minority regarding this discussion.

Gotcha...you may be right; however, he's the only thing I have to base it on but I do believe that you have to be careful in allowing coaches, etc. limit your kid for their ultimate purposes or goals, not his. Then again, I'm not your ordinary mom and most likely in the minority as well as far as that goes. Kelly Crosby has good comments also. I think it does depend on the athlete and doing what's best for them.

Just an observation.
At the HS level, most really good position players also pitch and vise versa.
Heck, what kid wants to just pitch throughout his HS career? Being able to swing the bat and contribute on the offensive side would seem a must.