Coaches,
Given an 8th Grader with JV pitching talent but likely Freshman fielding and hitting skills... where do you place him and why ?
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Can he go up to JV on the days he is scheduled to pitch?
For the sake of discussion, let's assume that isn't an option.
I'm with Pastime and wonder if he could be pulled up but since that isn't an option I guess we need to go another route.
I would try and project this kid - is he going to be a fielder or a pitcher once he gets to the varsity or collegiate level. If you can determine that then put him there. Hate to limit a kid early but overall you will be putting him in a position to be successful later on.
I would try and project this kid - is he going to be a fielder or a pitcher once he gets to the varsity or collegiate level. If you can determine that then put him there. Hate to limit a kid early but overall you will be putting him in a position to be successful later on.
With the way your first comment comse across. i think you have already made that decision (projection). You think he is better suited for the program on the bump. I would go ahead and say it is better to leave him down. The kid is an 8th grader. It is better to let him to have success on the mound and still develop in the field. Than, having the kid succeed on the mound but get discouraged form lack of abs or have little to no success on JV.
Pastime,
I was looking at this situation as an outsider, no say in what the team does. Thanks for your opinion, I too lean with leaving him down.
I was looking at this situation as an outsider, no say in what the team does. Thanks for your opinion, I too lean with leaving him down.
I look at the overall future of the kid 1st, program 2nd. Not sure everyone would agree with me, as competition suggests doing whatever you need to in order to win, but I try to envision every young kid in my program as my son....and so I operate with each young man as I would if he were my son.
Sounds like staying down is his best option. If he's good enough to pitch up, I'm guessing he's talented enough that he'll be a factor in the program long-term in more ways than just on the hill.
Sounds like staying down is his best option. If he's good enough to pitch up, I'm guessing he's talented enough that he'll be a factor in the program long-term in more ways than just on the hill.
What happens when he's pitching on JV and the hitter rips one back at his freshmen fielding skills? In 8th grade does it really matter how far up he plays? Next year will be about his talent level next year. Anything below varsity is just development.
quote:What happens when he's pitching on JV and the hitter rips one back at his freshmen fielding skills?
Same thing that happens to the Sr, comebackers have no grade preference. The "likely fielding & hitting skills" are more due to size, he is a 5'7" 120 lb LHP, not reflexes. Not many 1B at that height in JV
we have 8th graders in our school too. if at all possible leave him with the 8th grade team. let him be successful at his grade level and dont take away a chance for his teammates on the 8th grade team to be successful. success breeds success.
jv wins dont matter. if he will make a big impact on the number of varsity wins you get - then you have to think about it. ive not seen many 8th graders that will do that.
jv wins dont matter. if he will make a big impact on the number of varsity wins you get - then you have to think about it. ive not seen many 8th graders that will do that.
quote:Originally posted by raiderbb:
if at all possible leave him with the 8th grade team. let him be successful at his grade level and dont take away a chance for his teammates on the 8th grade team to be successful. success breeds success.
jv wins dont matter. if he will make a big impact on the number of varsity wins you get - then you have to think about it. ive not seen many 8th graders that will do that.
Took the words right out of my mouth. 100% agree
