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Problem Child

StyleMismatchStyleMismatch100+ posts
Youth team, 13/14 year olds.

At the initial team meeting I had the players fill out a short survey, one item was to list three positions they'd like to play (with a strongly worded cautionary note that we were making no guarantees about positions, in the end it would be what's good for the team). During the first two weeks of practice we worked purely on skills, nothing specific to any position. At the end of that time I consulted with all the coaches and we were all in agreement as to where each player's abilities would help the team. After that we started practicing the kids in their primary positions.

One kid (lefty with good speed) we decided would play primarily outfield (and he had listed outfield as one of his three choices). At a practice last week he got very upset and declared he didn't want to play outfield anymore. During team sprints he just walked instead of running. I had a few words with him, explained that with his great speed that he could be an outstanding outfielder, and that when he gets to high school his coach will more than likely welcome with open arms a fast kid who can play outfield.

During a game this weekend I got pretty much the same attitude out of him, and he declared he hated this team. Needless to say he rode the bench the rest of the game. (He didn't help his position by missing a steal sign TWICE and then getting doubled off to kill a rally.) I spoke to his father, who seemed supportive of our position.

I'd much prefer to spend my time planning practices, teaching kids how to run bases, field, etc. I really really dislike this aspect of coaching. I'd bet others have dealt with similar situations, and wonder if there are any success stories with turning a kid around. I get the feeling there are some issues at home (possibly a divorce and step-parent). I have also noticed that his glove is old and in really horrible condition - I'm thinking of picking up a decent used glove and giving it to him as a peace offering and incentive to improve his attitude.

Thoughts or ideas?
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L larrythompson500+ posts
Coach,

Congratulations on your attempts to figure out a way to make this situation better! Sounds to me like you better have another plan though. From what you have described, I don't know if you are going to be able to get through to him. After a while, you are going to need to ask yourself "do I continue to focus on one, or do I turn my attentions to the other 13?"

It sounds like the parents are level headed. Maybe the young fellow doesn't really want to play baseball, but can't tell his parents? You and his parents are the adults, and you all should put your heads together to get this straightened out immediately. I can't see any positive outcome to this situation if it continues to be a distraction for the remainder of the season.
H hsballcoach100+ posts
I commend you for really working to reach this kid. It sounds like he has a lot going on and could use some positive aspects in his life. You never mentioned the other areas he would like to play. Are these filled with players better at that position than him? Maybe one of the first baseman would prefer to play outfield. I would talk to him and explain that you would like to see him play a position in which he can get the most playing time and contribute the most. Sounds like he needs encouragement as opposed to tough love in this case. I think you have a good idea with the glove. Good luck.
StyleMismatchStyleMismatch100+ posts
quote:
You never mentioned the other areas he would like to play. Are these filled with players better at that position than him? Maybe one of the first baseman would prefer to play outfield.


He also listed 3B and 1B as choices. (I can't recall ever having seen a lefty third baseman beyond T-Ball). As for 1B, there are three other kids who want to play there, all of them better at it than this kid. I don't mind putting him there from time to time if we're winning big or losing big, but I'm sure not going to do it until he shows an attitude adjustment as I feel I'd be rewarding a kid for bad behavior.

quote:
Good luck.


Thanks, I'll need it.
Last edited by StyleMismatch
quillgirlquillgirl100+ posts
Put him on warning. Call him and his parent(s) in for a private meeting to tell them his attitude is becoming detrimental to the team and cannot/will not be tolerated. Say you expect to see a drastic change in participation, respect, and attitude or the boy will be cut from the roster. Give them a clear date for that to happen. Then the ball is in the boy's court. Be prepared to follow through.
B Bee>1,000+ posts
quote:
by quillgirl: Put him on warning .. Say you expect to see a drastic change in participation, respect, and attitude
agree - sadly if his previous coaches had instilled that respect & team concept you would not be adressing it now


ps - ya say the father seemed supportive - - but also in case you're unaware there are parents in youth baseball who consider it the most serious insult to generations of both sides of their family tree if their kid played OF
Last edited by Bee>
O Orlando1,000+ posts
I had a similiar problem, though not the extreme of attitude in a slightly younger team. I took the prior season's book and charted chances by position; CF & RF matched the SS opportunites to field the ball and contribute to the game. LF outstripped 3rd base. It went a long way to proving to both the players and the parents that OF positions are exceedingly important, as too many parents regard IF as the glamour spots and aren't savvy enough to recognize that an OF mistake means extra bases and runs.
shortstopmomshortstopmom1,000+ posts
quote:
Put him on warning. Call him and his parent(s) in for a private meeting to tell them his attitude is becoming detrimental to the team and cannot/will not be tolerated. Say you expect to see a drastic change in participation, respect, and attitude or the boy will be cut from the roster. Give them a clear date for that to happen. Then the ball is in the boy's court. Be prepared to follow through.


I agree,...stick to that clear cut date ( earlier the better) and then if no significant improvement,...cut him. Keep it fair, but simple!
Better he learns now,..or he might not make it later! HS grow up time is right around the corner for this age group.

Hows that for no soft mommie mush????! ha!
Last edited by shortstopmom
C Cleanuphitter10+ posts
Explain to the kid that he's on a baseball team and everyone has to play a role on team and Outfield is the role you have for him to play. It sound mean but he also needs to know that someone else is willing to play that same role(Outfield) without complants.

Baseball is a team sport and sitting on the bench with a smile /positive additude is just as important as playing 3b,1b or outfield.
Glove ManGlove Man1,000+ posts
Work him out at third during a practice, keep hitting everything to his far laft so he has to reach for it, when he gets ready to make the throw to first he'll realize he's always out of position and off balance. He'll quickly realize he doesn't belong at third base.

If he doesn't realize he'll get more playing time in the outfield, either sit him or cut him.
W Will1,000+ posts
quote:
Forcing a kid to play a position he does not want to play can kill the team chemistry


as an old schooler you play where you are told to play. It always amazes me. the coach asks a kid to play 3rd or outfield or wherever. Do you think he puts the kid where he thinks he will mess up? contrary to what some may think it is a TEAM game.
catcher09catcher091,000+ posts
I know one kid who is a fantastic athelete with a poor attitude now playing HS ball. In hindsight the best thing that probably could have happened to him earlier on was to be cut or benched. This kid, Im sorry to say has family issues you wouldnt believe but letting him play on because of that is and will hurt him. IMHO.
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
StyleMismatch,

Not very impressed by this kid, but am really impressed with how much you care! I would have run out of patience the first time he said something about it. It’s obvious this boy has some problems (walking rather than running) I admire you for trying to help him. Most people would tell him to hit the road and so would I.

Those kids willing to do anything to get into the game… They are worth their weight in gold to a team and a coach! I think you find out who your real “players” are when you run out of catchers and ask for volunteers.

Best of luck

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