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Positions

K Konsole10+ posts
My son made his MS varsity team this year as a 7th grader (grades 6-8). He made JV last year trying out at SS (has been his position since age 7). Last year, 1 Day before the opening game, his coach tells him he is moving him to 3rd. My son was a little upset but took the move and played well. I wasn't sure why the coach did this - I didn't bring it up - I told my son to play where the coach puts you.

This year, 100+ plus kids show up for tryouts - It was pretty clear day one who made the varsity team (my kid being one of them).It was a fairly loosely run tryout that took 3 days - each day lasting a little over an hour. The varsity team had been pretty much relegated to sitting on the bench or shagging fly balls. No ground balls for inf.. or BP for the matter.


My kid comes home today and tells me the varsity coach (different from the JV, obviously) is putting him at 3rd? his reasoning - "how can he put me at 3rd without even seeing me play ANY position?. Hmmm, I thought that was a fair question. I told tell him to schedule a time during the day (not during practice) to talk to the coach and find out what the coach feels he should work on. I asked him if he felt he got beat out by the other kid - he said "no,.. it would have been ok but we didn't do any fielding at all" Looks like the coach based playing positions this year on where they played last year. Then I thought about the other kids who might be having this same conversation with their dads. Some very good kids were cut, some kids were selected who are not as strong. None in my opinion were given a chance to show the coach what they could actually do.

He has been told by several coaches that MIF is his best position, he played well last year at 3rd but is a better SS. He would love to play in college but feels he will get "labeled" a 3rd baseman moving into HS. I told him nothing wrong with playing 3rd but I understand where he is coming from. He is looking at HS and wants to just be given a chance to earn the spot - his fear is his position in MS will carrying over to HS - and that it's not his strongest position.
Last edited {1}
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F 3FingeredGlove1,000+ posts
Konsole,
Your post has more than one theme. First I'll respond to the question "how can they put my kid at 3rd base without even having seen him or the other varsity players in tryouts?" Well, rhetorically speaking, how did the coach know which kids to select as varsity players, since the chosen kids didn't do anything at tryouts? The answer of course is that the coach has already seen them play or is taking the counsel of others who have seen them play. The players' performance during the previous entire season is far more indicative of their ability than anything that can be gleaned from 3 hours of tryouts. If you are willing, as you seem to be, to accept the wisdom of the coach in selecting your son for varsity, you should also be willing to accept the coach's choice of position for your son.

"Why are they going to play him at 3rd when his best position is SS?" The most likely reason is that they judge that the team will be stronger with your son at 3rd rather than SS. Their thinking may be that the kid who is going to play SS is a little bit afraid of the ball, or that your son has the quickness of mind and body to field bunts well, or perhaps the other kid is simply the better SS. It isn't relevant to the team if your son is somewhat stronger at SS than 3rd.

"But he wants to play SS and is disappointed!" Probably 10 other kids on the team also want to be the starting varsity SS. Be glad he made varsity. Be glad he'll get to play. Be glad he gets to play 3rd instead of 2nd.

"He just wants a chance to earn the SS position." Every practice and game he plays, he'll be getting a chance to show his ability. If, as the season progresses, he emerges as the superior infielder, the coaches will decide that the team will be better off with him at short, and he'll get moved there.

Finally, please don't worry about being "labeled." If he really has the attributes necessary to play short, and is better than all the other kids, he'll get to play short in high school. Even if he played left field in middle school.
Last edited by 3FingeredGlove
K Konsole10+ posts
Glove, Thanks for the response. We are very happy that he made varsity. I guess I'm just somewhat aggravated that there was no real effort in selecting the team/positions based on the tryouts. The kids who were selected for varsity were the obvious choices and I don't have any issue with that. It was almost a no brainer for the coach. My issue is that they just want to stay with the status quo..

Again, This also goes for the kids who did not make the team last year.. Many have worked hard and improved over the year - most got no real chance to make an impression.
K Konsole10+ posts
Hmm.. Never upset once?? Hard to believe.

How do you know that my son doesn't work his tail off? (he does) How do you know that I never told him to work hard to be the best (I have).

I'm sorry that you seem to have a problem with my concern for some of the other kids who did not get chances. Many have been my son's friends for years and I look at them as my own. That's just me.

btw, other pos my son has played - P/C/SS/OF/2nd - he was not upset. Kids were given chances and the right players got the spots. What more would a kid want?
Last edited by Konsole
K Konsole10+ posts
I'm receptive. Just a little taken back when you gave me your son's entire resume and said he never was upset at any decision a coach made. Is that even humanely possible? I took this as an insult to my son. What would you do?

My main point for the post was to point out the lack of effort given by the coaches. Thats all. No agenda, nothing between the lines.

No hard feelings.
M Metropop10+ posts
Konsole,
Fungo speaks the truth and has obviously has a little more experience managing a kids expectations it sounds like.
His post had a definite edge to it, but he didn't say that your kid isn't a hard worker, he was just saying that right now, you have an opportunity to teach a life lesson that involves the game of baseball. Its the old contempt breeds contempt saying. If your son is upset about not playing his position of choice, that's human nature at 13-14 yrs of age, but if you re-emphasize to him and agree with him that he is getting a raw deal, I don't see any benefit.
bballmanbballman10,000+ posts
My son is 14 and playing on a travel team. He has pretty much always played SS, other than one year (the coach recruited a kid and promised him SS, boy way that a mistake). Next year he goes to HS.

I have requested to his current coach that he get some time in the outfield this year so he has plenty of experience whereever the team needs him next year. He has played 3rd, SS, 2nd, OF and pitched, but primarily been SS & Pitch over his years of playing.

I don't really care where he plays and I don't think he does either, as long as he is playing. I have always tried to teach him that you play where the team needs you. If you want to play a particular position, you go out and earn it. He has never complained where in the field he plays, or if it is his turn to sit out a few innings or for a game. Not my style and now it is not his style. Baseball is a team sport and you play where your team needs you.

Maybe your son is a better SS than the one there now, but maybe he is a better 3rd baseman than anyone else they have to put there and the combination the coach has come up with works better than switching them around. I say be happy you made the team and play where the coach needs you.
Last edited by bballman
TRhitTRhit10,000+ posts
I say accept what it for what it is--he is on the team--that is the goal isnt it?--now he has to earn a spot in the starting nine doesn't he?

He is just a 7th grader so he has a long way to go---possibly by HS he may have given up the game--quite possibly if you keep going like you are as a parent

As posted above by his playing third he is making the team stronger since they do not have a third sacker as talented as he is


Time to sit back, chill and enjoy
RJMRJMHSBaseballWeb member since 2007
Wow! Complaining over a starting position. There are two positions on the team. One inside the lines and the other is on the bench.

My son came into middle school as a shortstop. When the third baseman pitched he was moved to third. The coach figured the team was hurt more by bunts dropped in front of a weak third baseman and balls not cut off before making the shortstop hole. The typical middle school hitter will hurt the defense more on the small game than crushing the ball past the infield. Now as a high school freshman on JV he's back at short.

Last year my son volunteered to play right in a travel game he would have otherwise sat out. He played so well he became an outfielder half the time. He preferred infield. But playing outfield well helped the team. Once again he's back at short in high school.

Your son won't forget how to play short. You can work with him away from the team on doubleplay flips, relays and throws from the hole.

Kids don't get typecast into roles before high school. Before high school my son has played every position. He was even moved from short to catcher for LL all-stars.
Last edited by RJM
K Konsole10+ posts
Fungo, You don't need to validate anything. I just took offense to my son being insulted. And responded.

Thats all..


TRhit. Tell me "how I am going" as a parent? I posted my son did not get his "desired" spot and was upset (who in life hasn't?) NOT because he was beat out, but because there were no chances to even win the spot. If someone is better, so be it. He has played behind other kids in the past and handled it fine. He wasn't upset because he felt he got a "fair shot" to win the spot but the other kid was better.

I did not discuss playing time or position with his coach. Look at my post - the question I asked him were "do you think you were beaten out" and told him "play where the coach puts you" That's it!
Last edited by Konsole
K Konsole10+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by RJM:
Wow! Complaining over a starting position.


Has nothing to do with starting position or playing time. Like I said in an early post, "my son has played - P/C/SS/OF/2nd - he was not upset. Kids were given chances and the right players got the spots. What more would a kid want?"

It has to do with coaches running a poor tryout.
IB Innocent Bystander500+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Konsole:
This year, 100+ plus kids show up for tryouts - It was pretty clear day one who made the varsity team (my kid being one of them).
Some very good kids were cut


You would be surprised how many dads out there would disagree with the statement about it being pretty clear who was going to make the team. I would bet a few thought their kids were better than your son and got cut.
I see too many kids who feel like failures if they aren't playing shortstop. They'll mope and get an attitude if they're asked to play another position. There are nine positions to fill, only one is called SS. If everyone plays SS who's gonna play RF, who is on 3rd? Who is NOT on 3rd, who is on 1rst. Both of my sons played right field and I was SO proud, boy do they have guns! I love seeing kids trying to run on their arms! (can you say dead ducks)
Good luck this yr! Enjoy the game that so many would love to be playing.
Last edited by Innocent Bystander
B batdad2510+ posts
fungo,
I will be short and too the point without all of the fluff that goes into some of these posts. I don't like to hear myself speak let alone read some of my droning post.

nothing personal but you did come off a little harsh with your post. Well, not harsh but bringing up that fact that your son went through what he did and then stating " and never complained" was an obvious - albeit - unfair shot as his kid. Nice accomplishments by your son, although I did not see the point.

I went through the thread and I have to agree with the original poster. He made reference to his kid but for the most part, it was about a inferior tryout. He brought up that point in several of his posts quite a few times.

Why do you have a problem with his post? He just tired to point out that his son's MS tryouts were less then stellar. You and some others assumed since he was a newbie (as I am) that he was "another parent" who "apparently" needed guidance. I think he was just looking for some input on whether or not some have experienced these types of tryouts and not how to raise his kid. I think that would be inappropriate to assume,..no?

He used his kid as an example and you judged him. You used your kid as an example and he judged you... but you were the one who balked.
Last edited by batdad25
FungoFungoHighly Regarded and Beloved Old Timer
I appreciate the heads up batdad25 and I agree the “fluff” gets in way of the truth. The truth is ---- “the truth hurts” and I understand that. The truth could be that I was harsh and wrongly criticized a young player of complaining about his coach and his position change and I should change ----- or ----- the truth could be that indeed he is complaining about his coach and his position change and he should change. The examples I used from my experiences were very descriptive and obviously pushed some buttons. If they rubbed someone wrong I have no problem retracting and removing them in order to perpetuate a positive “feel good atmosphere” surrounding this post and the HSBBW. In my eyes the kids are much more important than the game.
Fungo
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
Originally posted by Innocent Bystander:
quote:
Originally posted by Konsole:
This year, 100+ plus kids show up for tryouts - It was pretty clear day one who made the varsity team (my kid being one of them).
Some very good kids were cut


You would be surprised how many dads out there would disagree with the statement about it being pretty clear who was going to make the team. I would bet a few thought their kids were better than your son and got cut.
I see too many kids who feel like failures if they aren't playing shortstop. They'll mope and get an attitude if they're asked to play another position. There are nine positions to fill, only one is called SS. If everyone plays SS who's gonna play RF, who is on 3rd? Who is NOT on 3rd, who is on 1rst. Both of my sons played right field and I was SO proud, boy do they have guns! I love seeing kids trying to run on their arms! (can you say dead ducks)
Good luck this yr! Enjoy the game that so many would love to be playing.

Excellent post IB.

My son was always a middle infielder and sometimes played third. He was always a fine shortstop and played second when the travel coach's son also played shorstop Smile He attended the biggest school in Ohio with over 4,000 kids in grades 9-12. 120 kids tried out for the freshman team. On opening day for the freshman team, there was my son - the starting centerfielder! Ten people approached me that day and asked if I was upset. I said, are you kidding! I am just happy/thrilled he is getting to PLAY! The following year for JV's he was the 3rd baseman. His Jr. and Sr. years on varsity he was the shortstop. He has been the starting SS for 3 years now on a top 20 D1 college team. Before he became the starter, he played second and third base thus versatility has been a blessing for him.

Never let a coach's decision de-rail you from your goal. If he wants to be a college middle infielder, he can try out for as many colleges as you like at that position. If he goes to a showcase or college camp, they'll give him a shot to show what he can do at short or 2b. The top programs look for mid 80's throwers at that position with soft hands. They also will expect him to run below 7.0 sec (and preferrably better for a mif) in the 60. Developing his arm strength, his speed, his ability to catch the ball, and ability to hit has nothing to do with that coach's decision on where to play him. The only thing that will ever hold your son back is his ability and his desire to devlop that ability.
IB Innocent Bystander500+ posts
The truth is, it's hard to let go of our kids and let them find their place. I want the world and the team to revolve around my kids, I want them to be special and they are! It just takes a little time to get used to the fact that maybe they are better suited to another position or sport than what I had planned. I need to do a better job of encouraging and supporting as well as being honest with myself and him. It's hard for me to admit that maybe the coach is right.
And if he is wrong hopefully somebody else will notice and give him a chance to do what he should be doing. This is a really tough time for moms and dads, I've seen so many struggle with these issues myself included.
PS Very good info and advice CD, did not see your post until after I went to post this. Smile
Last edited by Innocent Bystander
2Bmom2Bmom1,000+ posts
Wow, very nice posts by CD and IB. Mine, too, was SS/P until HS baseball. On his first JV team (7th grade - small K12 school), they started him at LF! I was thrilled. He was too - finally on the big field with the big guys. We went out and bought a relatively inexpensive outfielder's glove ($150 Big Grin) to get him through the season. Weekend practice and summer teams, it was back to the middle infield. Now, (edit - 1st year was at DH) second year at varsity, he's a perfect fit and very happy at 2B, using his 11 1/4 to do what he loves in the MIF. The SS is awesome, and they have fabulous chemistry. If you're on D, 6-4-3, 4-6-3, 5-4-3, 3-6-4, whatever. It's beautiful regardless of who's at 6, 4, 5 or 3. Or 7,8,9,1,2. It takes nine. Enjoy, cheer, encourage, support, have fun!
Last edited by 2Bmom
F 3FingeredGlove1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Fungo:
If they rubbed someone wrong I have no problem retracting and removing them in order to perpetuate a positive “feel good atmosphere” surrounding this post and the HSBBW. Fungo


Looks like you did delete you earlier posts.

I wish you had left them in place.

In my view your posts were very good. I realize the posts irritated the OP, but he's upset already. The audience here is much larger than just the OP, and what you wrote about your son's experiences in being asked to play -- and playing-- a variety of positions is very valuable. It directly shows that a player isn't thrown off the tracks to baseball success when he is asked to play a position other than his favorite. Many of us who have younger players, and way less experience, can really benefit from that perspective.

Finally, my advice to you is to trust your own instincts regarding what you post. Your track record is excellent!
sgvbaseballsgvbaseball100+ posts
Adversity can be the best tool for learning. Parents must allow players to work through the situation. I am a firm believer that talent will rise to the top. If you don't feel you son is playing the right position at a young age no one says it can not change. On my 18U roster I have 7 infielders(if you toss in the 17U players 6 more) that have D1 scholarships to big names schools and two of them are Aflac All Americans. These guys has no problem moving position to help the team or even sitting on the bench . On my 16U team I have 6 shortstops that start on the varsity team. Some will never play short with us. What I am trying to say is make sure your son is confident in his ability and be ready when his time comes. The more positions you can play the more attractive you are to a college.

Michael Young of the Rangers is a perfect example. He played CF in HS even though he wanted to play short. He took ground balls just in case. He went to Santa Barbara as a CF. The starting SS got hurt and Young was ready. I guess you could say the rest is history.
redsox8191redsox8191500+ posts
Again I thank God for blessing me with a lefty!! We never worry about playing SS, 3B or 2B. It is just a question of there being a kid too big to play the outfield who then blocks him out of 1st base so he has learned to become a very good outfielder over the years. It is either 1b, the outfield and the mound for a lefty..much less stress..lol!!!
D Doughnutman1,000+ posts
SGV,
quote:
Michael Young of the Rangers is a perfect example. He played CF in HS even though he wanted to play short. He took ground balls just in case. He went to Santa Barbara as a CF. The starting SS got hurt and Young was ready. I guess you could say the rest is history.


Looking at that through a parents eyes, you could also say that is an example of a HS coach who had know clue where his players should play.
Wink

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