New poster, long-time viewer...as my kids grow up, are kids better served to start and play every day play for a weaker team or play occasionally for a stronger team? What about HS?
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Welcome to the HSBBW, bbknut!
You will receive a variety of opinions on this one, and I am just a baseball dad with no skins on the wall, so take it for what it is worth.
I believe that the quality of the team from t-ball to about 13U is irrelevant. If the coach makes the game fun and has enough knowledge to give the kids a good fundemental understanding of the game, they will want to play year after year, but they need to be on the field most of the time. These kids are still pre-pubescent and much will change physically and emotionally over the next few years.
Once the reach HS, if they want to maximize their ability, and perhaps play after HS, they should probably get a on quality select HS age team. Playing against top competition will show the player where he is relative to the top players and hopefully get him noticed for possible future baseball endeavors.
Good luck!
You will receive a variety of opinions on this one, and I am just a baseball dad with no skins on the wall, so take it for what it is worth.
I believe that the quality of the team from t-ball to about 13U is irrelevant. If the coach makes the game fun and has enough knowledge to give the kids a good fundemental understanding of the game, they will want to play year after year, but they need to be on the field most of the time. These kids are still pre-pubescent and much will change physically and emotionally over the next few years.
Once the reach HS, if they want to maximize their ability, and perhaps play after HS, they should probably get a on quality select HS age team. Playing against top competition will show the player where he is relative to the top players and hopefully get him noticed for possible future baseball endeavors.
Good luck!
Play at the highest level where they can get good (not necessarily 100%) playing time.
My son played for a weaker high school team freshman and sophomore years. (Private high school -- started at shortstop from Day 1.) For junior year, he transferred to a large public school with a very strong program. Very little PT -- sat most of the time behind seniors. (7 seniors got college baseball scholarships.) Believe it or not, he got way better through this process. Much better training, much better competition that drove him and brought out the best in him. For him, it was much more beneficial to play occasionally for the stronger team.
I agree with Tychco with the exception that IMO if your player enjoys the game and loves to play then look for a select team for him to play on at 12. Before that let him play with his friends from the area you are in, as long as the coach/s teach proper fundamentals. Enjoy the ride, don't push, but a little nudging my be required 
quote:Believe it or not, he got way better through this process. Much better training, much better competition that drove him and brought out the best in him.
Absolutely true. Many times we have discussed playing up and this is the same idea. You challenge yourself and if you are a ball player you will rise or fall to the level you are playing. I have seen many guys play below their level and lose interest.
Thanks guys. A little twist...what if locked into a HS with a sub-par team? Focus on select/travel ball, or move and do both?
bbknut, I sent you a PM.
As a high school coach, I would like to pose this question to the parents on the board.
If your son was a sophomore, would you rather have him play JV, start every game, hit 1-4 hole...or, be a back up on the varsity with limited playing opportunities?
He would start out as a back up, but, he could work his way into the starting line-up, but that obviously could not be guaranteed. His junior year, I expect him to be a starter on the varsity. We just happen to be deep at his position this year.
If your son was a sophomore, would you rather have him play JV, start every game, hit 1-4 hole...or, be a back up on the varsity with limited playing opportunities?
He would start out as a back up, but, he could work his way into the starting line-up, but that obviously could not be guaranteed. His junior year, I expect him to be a starter on the varsity. We just happen to be deep at his position this year.
Play on JV. Your limited on how much you can get better by just watching game action. Yes, you can improve on the mental side but you need some live AB's to improve skills learned in practice.
Funneldrill,
SmartSon was in this position as a freshman. He went through the fall working with the varsity team as a sort of extended tryout. We were new to the district, so no one had any idea about his ability level. The coach and I had a long talk before all of this started. I told him that if he didn't think SmartSon could play on a conisitent basis, I would rather he be on JV and get the playing time needed and possibly get to come up some with the varsity for the experience. Our situation was not so much due to the team being deep ahead of him as it was to no one knowing us. When all was said and done, he ended up being the starter on the varisty his freshman year, and now heads into his senior year with 3 good years of experience. It has definately worked out for us.
Now, if he was not going to get to play much on the varsity that first year, I would have much rather seen him on JV getting consitent playing time. The only way to improve (at least in my humble opinion) is by actual game time played. Yes, working in practice with the older more experienced players is great, but there is still something special about that "game time" experience that cannot be gained anywhere else!
SmartSon was in this position as a freshman. He went through the fall working with the varsity team as a sort of extended tryout. We were new to the district, so no one had any idea about his ability level. The coach and I had a long talk before all of this started. I told him that if he didn't think SmartSon could play on a conisitent basis, I would rather he be on JV and get the playing time needed and possibly get to come up some with the varsity for the experience. Our situation was not so much due to the team being deep ahead of him as it was to no one knowing us. When all was said and done, he ended up being the starter on the varisty his freshman year, and now heads into his senior year with 3 good years of experience. It has definately worked out for us.
Now, if he was not going to get to play much on the varsity that first year, I would have much rather seen him on JV getting consitent playing time. The only way to improve (at least in my humble opinion) is by actual game time played. Yes, working in practice with the older more experienced players is great, but there is still something special about that "game time" experience that cannot be gained anywhere else!
My son has been on both sides of the fence.
He NEVER got better by watching other kids play.
He NEVER got better by watching other kids play.
if you're not playing you're not getting any better. I believe you play at the highest level possible where you'll also receive the most playing time possible.
I agree with you Smartdad.
The coach in me tells them that they should play. So playing on JV instead of sitting on varsity is what is best for them and their development.
I just wanted to get some perspective from parents.
Thanks
The coach in me tells them that they should play. So playing on JV instead of sitting on varsity is what is best for them and their development.
I just wanted to get some perspective from parents.
Thanks
Might I add as well that too much pine-riding can quickly kill a kid's desire to be there... and doesn't do a whole lot for ole Mom's attitude, either!
I say play at the highest level you can without lots of bench time.
I say play at the highest level you can without lots of bench time.
Funnell,
I had two freshmen in 2001 that both merited being on the varsity. However 1 was a catcher and the other was a pitcher and outfielder. I had a senior catcher that was real good so I left that freshman on the JV but moved the pitcher/OF to the varsity. Once he was there he played every inning. If he was gonna be there he was gonna get all the PT I could soak in to him. Both are playing for UT now.
2 stories 2 different routes ~ both successful.
I had two freshmen in 2001 that both merited being on the varsity. However 1 was a catcher and the other was a pitcher and outfielder. I had a senior catcher that was real good so I left that freshman on the JV but moved the pitcher/OF to the varsity. Once he was there he played every inning. If he was gonna be there he was gonna get all the PT I could soak in to him. Both are playing for UT now.
2 stories 2 different routes ~ both successful.
infield, you have a PM
quote:Might I add as well that too much pine-riding can quickly kill a kid's desire to be there
On the other hand, it can fuel the fire. I remember once this spring when my son was sent in for 2 or 3 innings but didn't see any action. After the game, he almost growled at us, "I wanted a ball to come to me SO BAD!!!!!"
bbknut, back atcha!
A true player will always find a way onto the field in the end.
I truly believe in select ball, especially if your son is a pitcher, that being the fourth if fifth guy won't hurt. Obviously this is way different than position players.
I played JV my freshman year, then went right into starting as a soph (SS). It took me a while to get... acquainted with what it took to win. I think all coaches should encourage their JV guys to stay for the varsity game because there will inevitably be a few that will start the next year on varsity. Knowing what to expect can help tons. Plus it's good to support the team. That way they play, and they learn.
I truly believe in select ball, especially if your son is a pitcher, that being the fourth if fifth guy won't hurt. Obviously this is way different than position players.
I played JV my freshman year, then went right into starting as a soph (SS). It took me a while to get... acquainted with what it took to win. I think all coaches should encourage their JV guys to stay for the varsity game because there will inevitably be a few that will start the next year on varsity. Knowing what to expect can help tons. Plus it's good to support the team. That way they play, and they learn.
After having 2 sons go through this for the past 8 years, here is my opinion on the 2 subjects for what its worth:
1. I would suggest that your son mixes up playing with multiple teams so he can: 1. See what he needs to do to play on the highest level ( DBAT / Wildcats / ...) and 2. Play for a team where he is one of the main guys, playing with friends and just has fun, hopefully getting some good coaching at the same time. Baseball has to be fun, if it becomes a job, a lot of good athletes end up giving it up during or after High School.
My older son always played with his friends on his select team and although they were always competitive, he was never pushed to really work hard to get to the next level. He found a comfort zone and played well enough to start for his high school team and have some success in college. But, I believe he could have had greater success if he had to push himself a little harder to make the cut. Although I think he would say he had more fun playing with his friends during his select years than just about anyone who played select baseball.
My younger son played for one of the better select teams when he was 14. He was forced to sit the bench for the first time in his life and he did not like it. He came home one day and told us that they may be better players on the team but no one was going to out work him from that point on. The next summer he went from their #7 or 8 pitcher to their #1. That work ethic has carried over to this day and next year he has an opportunity to pitch at a D-1 University.
2. As for playing for the JV or sitting the bench on varsity. I strongly suggest that the player get the chance to play on JV, have some success and be brought up to varsity when they are ready to play. I also strongly suggest that the coach and player discuss the situation during the year so he understands what is expected of him. That communication goes along way for the player to understand what is expected of him so he keeps a positive attitude.
1. I would suggest that your son mixes up playing with multiple teams so he can: 1. See what he needs to do to play on the highest level ( DBAT / Wildcats / ...) and 2. Play for a team where he is one of the main guys, playing with friends and just has fun, hopefully getting some good coaching at the same time. Baseball has to be fun, if it becomes a job, a lot of good athletes end up giving it up during or after High School.
My older son always played with his friends on his select team and although they were always competitive, he was never pushed to really work hard to get to the next level. He found a comfort zone and played well enough to start for his high school team and have some success in college. But, I believe he could have had greater success if he had to push himself a little harder to make the cut. Although I think he would say he had more fun playing with his friends during his select years than just about anyone who played select baseball.
My younger son played for one of the better select teams when he was 14. He was forced to sit the bench for the first time in his life and he did not like it. He came home one day and told us that they may be better players on the team but no one was going to out work him from that point on. The next summer he went from their #7 or 8 pitcher to their #1. That work ethic has carried over to this day and next year he has an opportunity to pitch at a D-1 University.
2. As for playing for the JV or sitting the bench on varsity. I strongly suggest that the player get the chance to play on JV, have some success and be brought up to varsity when they are ready to play. I also strongly suggest that the coach and player discuss the situation during the year so he understands what is expected of him. That communication goes along way for the player to understand what is expected of him so he keeps a positive attitude.
quote:On the other hand, it can fuel the fire.
I have seen more players who play on a poor team lose interest and not get the skills to play at a higher level. A real BB player will fight to get better and win a spot if it is worth fighting for.
In many cases the guys who get to play without fighting are the 1st to drop by the way side.
I can remember my son lamenting that this one guy was so good and idolized him. I told him that he would be there long after that guy had dropped out. I continually remind him about that statement which came true quicker than I thought. BB is a rough road and the fun is the journey. Wins loses are all forgot but enjoy the journey and strive to be the best you can. It would be very boring if you were perfect every time you went out on the field.
Well, there certainly are many opinions on this subject. Thanks all.
Personally I would have been dissappointed if my son didn't want to play at the highest level even if he had to sit abit and improve to get PT. I constantly monitored his desire and even asked him every year if he still wanted to play elite ball.
Playing on multiple teams is a great idea and my son played on up to 4 teams except the year befoer he went to college. He got to see he could fit in with any team and that came in handy when he arrived on campus in his freshman year. He even tried out for Team Ontario and made the team. He knew one guy at the final tryout but he had to go out and show his stuff in front of people he never met before. He had to be pushed to do that but I explained that he had to do it if he was serious.
Playing on multiple teams is a great idea and my son played on up to 4 teams except the year befoer he went to college. He got to see he could fit in with any team and that came in handy when he arrived on campus in his freshman year. He even tried out for Team Ontario and made the team. He knew one guy at the final tryout but he had to go out and show his stuff in front of people he never met before. He had to be pushed to do that but I explained that he had to do it if he was serious.