politics

"Possibly even in baseball" ??????????
Oh wow! I think without a doubt Politics play into the sport big-time. BUT, there comes a point, I'd say the college level, where politics are put aside because the coaches HAVE to win.
Unfortunately, it is all too prevalent at the younger ages, Little League, Pony, and even High School Ball.
Just my 2 Cents.

There is no doubt that politics exists in baseball - as it does in all aspects of our lives.

There is also no doubt that politics takes the rap even when it is not in play.

Combine those two basic issues and it is no doubt folks are confused and seriously frustrated by the concept of politics.

When you focus on the issue of politics it is way too easy for your mental game to get distracted. Better to just tune it out and go on with your game. Be the best player you can be. That is something you DO have control over.

In my opinion, they do play a good part. My son is currently on a Varsity team. A pretty good catcher, this past season a guy was brought in to play that position, I wouldnt mind if I thought the other player was better than my son, but this player actually lives in Mexico along with possibly 2 other players on the team, somehow he got around the residency verication required to go to school in the U.S. I haven't said anything, my son wanted to earn the position, but the catchers family is good friends with the head coach. I still haven't decided to say anything before next season, It is very hard for me to sit in the stands with other parents asking us why this guy is playing ahead of my son. It is starting to affect my sons confidence as a player.

As I see it and have experienced it: there is in fact politics in baseball, starting in t-ball! BUT I also believe that parents blame EVERYTHING on 'politics' because it is easier than to face the fact that maybe their son is NOT the best player on the team. Talk to any parent of a son who is not a starter---and more often than not, the word politics will come in to the conversation. How many times have you heard a parent say "well my boy sits because there is a better player on the field in his position"?

Johnnie,
Never say Never.
I have a friend whose son plays on a decent JC team. Ask just about any player on the team and you'll hear this boy is not playing only because the Coach's NEPHEW is on the team, and plays the same position. In my opinion, this diminishes the coach's credibility hugely.

AParent is right on. Politics is everywhere. It’s human nature. I'm not suggesting you ignore politics, I thnk you should try to understand politics. Bottom line it all comes down to the simple fact that we are in charge of our lives and we must take the responsibility for our success or failure. If you spend one hour trying to figure out why another player of lesser talent is at shortstop, that’s one hour wasted that could have been used taking ground balls or batting practice. Success is wanted by all . . . . . but only comes to those that earn it.
Best of luck,
Fungo

Listen to Fungo's advice.

Use that hour to practice more and get better.
Thats the most important thing in most cases.

Then use another hour (take it away from your sleep time) to try to figure out the politics. If you determine money is involved in the politics - you lose - and you better be quick on your feet and do something about it.

If you dont - odds are - you will be in deep doo-doo.

mrandmrs--
I don't think i said "never"