Reliever/Closer for high school?

My son went through the same thing. The coach wanted him in the field most of the time. The logic made no sense to me. A fielder may impact up to five plays per game. A pitcher impacts every at bat. It didn't bother my son since the team had pitching depth, he preferred a future in the field and they won two conference titles. He got his innings on his travel team until his coach and he came to an agreement his future was as a position player.

If your son is possibly looking at playing beyond High School, look at it as a blessing in disguise.  Most of us realize that the vast majority of High School games don't get scouted, so it's highly unlikely it will hurt his chances at moving on, however it will likely greatly reduce wear and tear on his arm.

My son went thru this as well... was one of team's top two P's his soph and junior year but the team developed enough pitching that he was more valuable to the team as a position player his senior year so he pitched very little.  The difference between three or four good pitching options was less than the difference defensively when he was or was not in the field.

He ended up making the college team as a position player but an injury now threatens his ability to swing a bat when the surgeries and rehab are done so now he is being converted back to P.

Be open to the team needs and life's strange sense of humor.  No doubt your son will have his "day in the sun" on the bump in the summer.

Our HS HC also likes to toy with the idea of a "strong closer" role.  I am back and forth as I see most strong starting P's in our league going the distance.  That said, most games that are fairly well played seem to require between 90-120 pitches and we are on the safe side with our young players' arms.  So, we usually need someone to come in and finish games.

High school doesn't really matter that much to me, my son's experience in HS was starting pitcher, an either first base or DH when not on the mound.  HC said this was the way to get the most out of him. 

Fast forward to college, 1st year coach D2 turned him into closer.  Had a great freshmen season.  Son wanted more mound time. 

Summer between 1st and 2nd year got recruited to JUCO with great baseball program and a offer he couldn't resist.  HC was making him starter as well.  Son jumped on it and transfered.

Second year, coach at JUCO changed plans after spending time and seeing him more.  He was made into the fireman, (came in in bad situations) and closer.  Has had great sucess, has the most appearances an has been in the top ten in ERA for D1 JUCO's.  He currently has 22 teams that contact him on a daily basis, he loves the attention. 

Bottom line for us the coaches have really known what they are doing and not only whats best for the team but the player as well.  JUCO HC is also speaking with these schools to assist us, (son and family) as the best fit for him baseball and school.

My advice for what its worth is sometimes you have to leave it to the guys that do this everyday.