quote:
Originally posted by Clemson896:
I would caution against limiting what positions your son is willing to play. Depending on the makeup of the HS team, something other than OF may get him in the lineup. My son was a corner infielder (primarily 1st) until his freshman year in HS. His willingness to move to the OF created early opportunities to play up and the coaches a chance to get his bat into the lineup.
This is very sound advice, and comes from someone who obviously has experience with a like situation.
No disrespect intended _at all_, but how would anyone (even you as the parent who knows your kid best) really know how your son projects at the college level when he is 14? Granted, there are a very few who do project... but for most kids that age, as parents and coaches we hope they have a LOT of physical maturing to do, before even looking at the mental makeup and skill development factors.
Your son may indeed be a college/pro OF someday...but that is 4 years off. I would take it as a compliment that your son would be considered as someone who the school coach would like to develop into a front-line C. He wouldn't talk that way if he didn't think your son could 1) handle a transition physically, and 2) help the varsity team very soon!
Another thing to consider... do you really feel that a few months of working as a C on the school team will significantly hinder his development as a ballplayer and an athlete in the OF? This isn't a cut and dry, yes or no question all the time. For some, the answer could be "yes", for others it could be "no."
My thought is that a well-rounded ballplayer who can play multiple positions at a high level will get more looks from colleges than one that is only college-ready at one. When you go to the showcase, look at how many OFs work out, and then look at how many C's work out at the same showcase. There are significantly fewer C's than there are any other position players. Even if your son is considered a better OF, the fact that he could also contribute somewhere down the line as a college-level C is huge.
Also, this could be a great challenge for your son. Certainly there is a possibility he may not like it, or may not be very good at it...at which point, your son and the coach will realize it isn't a good move. On the flip side, your son's interest in the game may actually increase, he gets to learn a really significant position on the field (I wasn't a C, but I'm tipping my hat to the guys who are), and he may fall in love with it.
Lastly, while we all want is best for our kids as parents, and as coaches we want our players to succeed and be placed in the best position that allows that for the good of the player and the team... this opportunity, if taken advantage of, may allow your son to really develop some leadership as a younger player on a HS varsity team. It also shows a willingness to be a team player. Character development is what I'm talking about here. While summer ball is very important (that is what I coach, after all), one of the first contacts a college coach is going to make is typically with the HS coach. The college coach may want him to play a different position...but nevertheless, he'll ask about the young man's character, his ability to be coached, work with teammates, etc.
It's a balance... but being flexible for the benefit of the team at the direction of the head coach, learning a new skill set, while maintaining your skills at your primary position can be done...and you have time on your side with a 9th grader.
One of the best athletes on my 17U team is going to catch roughly half the games this coming spring for his high school team. I'm getting him some work back there this fall with my club team. This player was an all-state 2B as a sophomore. I have absolutely zero concerns about any of this hindering his continued development as a middle infielder; a thought shared by his dad...and we have had a lot of discussion on the issue.
