The curse of the "Big Kid"

Give it until he is at least 16 to figure out his projectability.  

 

My son didn't start losing his baby fat until football took it off of him this year at 15. 

Take a deep breath and try to  and enjoy him being 15.

You have no control over this, so stop beating your brains out over what size your son will end up 5-6 (or more) years from now.

 

Your kid's problem is not his eventual height (my kid is only 5'9 for crying out loud).. it is his weight.  No kid at any age should be overweight.  Get him to eat lean proteins and nutrient-rich dark vegetables.  No soda, no non-100% fruit juices.  Get him outdoors working out and that means some type of cardio program suitable for his age.

 

Don't think 1B/3B smasher.  These spots are very limited.  Your son needs to get in playing shape, go to plyometric training for core strength, and get into agility training. 

 

 

His weight is more of a concern to me. He plays competitive basketball probably 40-50 games a year and 80+ baseball games. Middle of basketball season and doesn't lose any weight. He drives my wife crazy if he isn't doing something. We don't keep pop in the houseand limited sweets. We might get pizza once every two weeks.The kid just eats. I try watching him but I can't every second.   

Just a little perspective from not being too far removed from where you are.  Dad of a 2017 Freshman...he is a young 9th grader, still 14, and won't turn 15 until mid April.  Jr. was always the "big" kid and a little overweight, wasn't too quick to move towards anything but the fridge... eats like a horse.  While size Is not the ultimate trait that determines talent, it is an advantage when it comes to the almighty "projection" of a ball player.  

 

Jr. always hit well, and deep....arm was just barely above average..... We took the approach Bum has suggested, which was to limit his diet to lean protein, and limited anything that was high in fat....still let him eat all he wanted, just changed what his options were.  We also started an intense cardio, and plyometric workout routine.  I'm not sure if it would have happened due to maturation / puberty anyway, or if his change had anything to do with the change we made, however he transformed from the big (chubby) kid, to currently he is 6'1" / 180 lbs., with little body fat (still 14 year old). 

 

He went from from being a LHP throwing 68-70 MPH as a 13 year old, to recently being clocked sitting 78, and hitting 81 at a showcase. He also runs a 7.6 / 60. As a Freshman that hasn't yet been in a HS game, I have had several D1 coaches inquire whether he (we) would commit verbally.....not interested yet.  

 

Point is I think, he was lucky to, as you put it - continue to grow until he broke the "threshold", however I truly believe he has garnered the early interest more likely due to his abilities...I know the size, and LHP doesn't hurt, but understand this:  he busts his butt more than anyone I know to learn his passion, and can do things on the mound (and in the field), that his much older peers can't .  Without the work, and commitment , he'd just be the big kid, or worse - the kid that used to be big, but everyone caught up.

 

Good luck!

BFS, that is just awesome!  I knew it, and Rusty did too, when analyzed your kid's video.  He is something special -- really special -- and he's doing all the right things.  If your kid isn't drafted out of h.s. I'll be amazed.  Enjoy the ride.

Thanks Bum....your advice a while back was vey much appreciated....Jr. still has much to look forward to as his body gains additional strength , and refining his mechanics....just started long toss, which he has never done before, been working in some med ball slams, and weighted balls.  Just gotta keep healthy, but it's nice to know if he keeps healthy, he will have a fun ride.  Thanks for your kind words.

 

hueys dad:  don't want to hijack your post, so just focus on working on conditioning, and skills development....don't focus right now on him being a corner player only, look at catching, pitching, and maybe LF.  Not too soon to do med ball slams (core), or plyo work...it will transform his body.

We've had the size debate ad nauseum on this site. While bigger players may get a quicker and longer look, by the time scouting is done its about talent. Don't worry whether your kid is getting by on size. Get him quality instruction. Focus on mechanics. Then he'll be getting by on talent. Then size, if it's still there will be a plus.

hueysdad, a pizza every two weeks tells me something.  That's two days worth of fat.  I've haven't eaten a slice of pizza in two years.  If you have a taste for pizza and processed foods I guarantee you your son is eating tremendous amount of carbs which is putting on the weight.  Add in some mac-n-cheese, burgers, some footlongs from subway, some pasta for lunch, all of this is the enemy of mankind.

 

Like Back Foot says, let him eat but limit his choices.  No processed foods, wraps (not bread) for sandwiches, and here's a big tip:  If you can't kill it, catch it, or grow it, don't eat it!

P.S., cook only with Olive or Canola oil, and deep-fried is deep-sixed.

Huey ... When I got out of the hospital earlier this year I had to eat the way Bum described. Even eating full meals three times a day I lost weight. I didn't need to lose weight. Nor do I have the metabolism of a kid anymore. It was just eating healthy.

 

Note: The doctor eventually told me to cheat and eat ice cream so I wouldn't lose more weight. I love my doctor.

Curse of the big kid, small kid, slow kid, skinny kid, fat kid, small fast ball kid, fill in the blank kid. 

 

Overcoming "disabilities" is all about the "big hearted kid(s)", we all know them and they are playing college ball all around the United States. Here's to all the big hearted kids!!!!  

Plant based diet is the way to go if you want to reach your bodys equilibrium. 

Read the story of Rip Esselsyn the author of Engine No.2 Diet book.  

 

http://engine2diet.com/

 

 

I can see that the size thing has gone on forever and will continue . That is why I brought it up . My son at this point of his life is the opposite of the I can't wait til he fills out/grows worries. I have seen him carry his team for a couple of years. Like I said before I worry if it his size or skill level . I never really played baseball one year of minor b baseball and alot with my friends having fun as a kid. My dad didn't really have an intrest with sports . He was more of an outdoorsmen. I really just got into it because my son loves baseball and the Tigers decided not to suck after 20 years.Thank god for the internet . That has been my savior teaching my son.I have athletic abilties unfortunately my plan of being 6 10 didn't turn out. As for his diet I don't shop in the frozen section and I hate going out to eat. I'm not say we aren't eating some good home cooking . Unfortunately I have a six year old  daughter that looks like a string bean. At some point he is going to have to address his eating habbits. It really is a wonderful ride though even with the speed bumps.

hueysdad...  what age group did your son play this past year?  What size field did he play on this year, and for the previous couple of years?

 

 

I will start again to talk about his diet.Although it is a touchy subject I think that will be the route to get the biggest chance of improvement. At some point he is going to have to take responsibility to maintain his weight.Again this is something I don't have alot of experience with my weight has stayed stable sinse I was in my late 20's.Thank you for the help. I really do apreciate it .

NYdad My son played 12u on 50 70 . We live in Michigan . I would say that my son has dominated in his age group.It just happens that with my work schedule and the great people we know  that he hasn't played up .It is at the major level and we have got to play in super nits,Disney ,and traveled thru the Northeast.I do wish I could put him on the BIG field with a BBCOR before now, Unfortunetly there aren't as many options with teams as other places in th U.S.

There is no "diet".  Forget about dieting.  There's only eating right and moving your body.  This is something you do for life.  Good luck, huey.

No diet just a change in direction.
Listen as one tiger fan to another....your player has years ahead of him.
Have fun and don't worry. Be happy.

 

That's fine.  He'll get on the big (60/90) field now.  There will probably be some growing pains, but that is okay.  Everyone has to learn how to transition to the larger field.  

 

My guy is a 14u this year and a freshman in HS, so he's one year ahead of your son.

 

 

I hear you Bum . I used the word dieting but, you are right it is a life style. I give my son plenty of healthy food choices. I personally don't feel comfortable in my skin above a certain weight . He has an amazing drive to be the best . Hopefully I can steer him in the right direction. His plan B is to live in my basement if he doesn't make it as a pro HA!!!

Jeesh now you are talking pro and he is 13.
Am I missing something?

That is his 13 year old mindset not mine. I see you didn't notice the HA. This is his dream . When I was his age I thought I'd be in the NBA. I don't think I should be having the odds are against you kid discussion yet.Hopefully he just enjoys the ride as long as he makes it last.

 

If its his dream why are you so worried. They all wanna be ball players. Relax dad you got 4-5 years.

My thought is that most of the people who post here have sons that dominated their competition at that age and with those field dimensions.  They have been through what we are now in the middle of and are willing to share their time and knowledge to our benefit.  Their insight to our situations and scenarios is absolutely amazing.  Heed to their offerings, give your son the best support that you possibly can, tell him that you love to watch him play and then kick back and do so!  All the best ~

I'm not living through my son. But what father doesn't want their child to obtain their dream.I'm not saying that all kids want to play as much as their dads want them too.Unfortunately, I got a call from one of my sons teammates saying that his son was done playing baseball and wanted to focus on basketball. His father was my sons coaches from 9-11. I could hear a lttle of the pain it caused him . I can say I felt bad for him . 

You don't know pain.
Just enjoy it because you will never know when it will end.
When my son was 13 we never thought of anything but enjoying the next game.
I am speaking from experience and from the heart.

Thanks CatsPop . I'm sure you are right that most of the posters kids dominated at that age . That is one reason I posted something. I have very little experience in baseball at all . I do like sharing what i've learned with other parents though. I'm sure there is a big difference on the big field.I am a person who wants to learn , Any information or insight is much appreciated.That is why I like this site so much . There is so much knowledge that is shared.

TPM . I do enjoy every game . It is one of my greatest joys in life . Not because I wanted to be a major leager . I can honestly say I never thought about being a professional baseball player.I just love watching my son play,when I see a smile on his face or a grimace . I know something happened . At this point in his life (I'm embarrassed to say he knows more about baseball than I do ).I do love when my kids surpass me at anything. 

Not all of us had sons that dominated at 13.  I felt my son was a pretty good player at 13, but in no way did he dominate.  He was a relief pitcher and reserve outfielder.  But oh my, that changed by h.s. 

Bum ... A friend of mine didn't make LL all stars. He became a solid high school catcher. He didn't pitch until his senior year of high school. He then went on to pitch in the SEC followed by six years in the majors. He was on the mound for a pennant winning save and went on to pitch in a World Series. After he saved the AL clincher he jokingly told me he now knew what I felt like being on the mound for the LL state tournament clincher. We both saw his comment as the playful dig it was intended to be.

That's a great story, RJM.  I'm 55 years old but there's nothing like the formulative years, 12, 13, 14..all the perceived slights were so magnified then.  We still remember them.  They hurt even more when it's happening to our sons.

 

I hope each and every father or mother of a kid this age learns from this and realizes we can't predict what a 13 y.o. will do in five years when it comes to baseball.  It's a mysterious game filled with so many twists and turns.  Don't take accomplishments at that age so serious.  Just learn and improve and work harder than anyone else and good things can happen.

Hueysdad, I have coached a whole lot of kids in both baseball and football. I have seen plenty of big kids, early bloomers, and also those normal sized but freakishly athletic kids that dominated early and were passed by later by kids that didn't have the same advantages and out of necessity to compete worked their butts off. From you post I assume this is what your worried about. Well I have also had plenty early dominators that kept dominating.

The main thing I notice with both was simply their attitude. The ones that got passed by just coasted along allowing their gifts to keep them ahead of the curve. Then of coarse when the other kids caught up in size, maturity, and athletic ability they were passed. Now the kids that didn't get passed by had a different attitude. They never compaired themselves to others. They just tried to be better than they were. They pushed themselves to improve regardless of how much they dominate their personal competition.

This is what I stress to all my early developing students. Just work on improving yourself. For example, If you have a hole in your swing fix it. Doesn't matter if you hit 900. Fix the swing anyway. For those that have listened things have worked out fine. Anyway good luck.

Your right Bum . There are many things that are magnified at that age . I can still remember  a guy commenting that he could see my heart beating through my chest. I don't know if I was ever over 160 in highschool. That is one of the reasons I brought up the size discussion . My son has brought up on numerous  times comments about his size. That is one reason why he is young for his grade. I always tell him that if he wants to succeed at his goal he needs to work harder than everyone else. Everyone has a chip on their shoulder . It just depends how big it is.

 

Tell your son my son is living proof that a small kid can do good in this game.  Your son is not small, so relax.  The great player Ichiro Suzuki once said "People confuse size with power."

I have seen kids who are "Big" and when they are  11 and 12. They are successful because they are bigger and stronger . They can get away with things on the smaller field but when they move up  their lack of baseball skills are exposed. the smaller kids with those skills catch up. That kid that was 5 10 in little league and was an all star does not make the high school team. the reason is talent. Now be 5 10 and 11 years old with some talent that is another story.

Unless we are talking football size to a certain point (I haven't seen any midgets play college ball yet) is irrelevant in baseball.  

Just a word of caution; your kid may not grow a lot more. One of my son's buddies is case in point. At 11 & 12 years old (& 13 to some point) kid towered over teammates and opponents, could hit further and pitch faster than most any his age. He was amazing to watch & we were glad he was on our team rather than having to face him. He was huge and although he didn't "look athletic" he was the fastest kid on our team. Opposing coaches recruited him; I even ran into a coach we played against at 12U (from out of the area) asking about him at a 15U tournament this fall asking for his contact information. At 12 years old he would occasionally go with my son to his pitching/hitting lessons. Instructor would always let kids hit if he had the spare time. I watched in awe as he ripped it in the cages. At a lesson a couple of weeks later instructor asked how the kid was doing. Started a conversation with me talking about how amazing the kid was. Instructor agreed but made comment I didn't understand at the time which was he needed to get some help or he was going to be "exposed" when he got to high school. I asked him to elaborate; he explained although the specifics went in one ear and out the other (I thought he was wrong). Fast forward to 15 years old; kid has grown one half of an inch and lost 30 lbs. Really struggled last year although his power is truly awesome. As far as pitching; rarely used last year. Legitimate 70 mph at 12 years old and just hit 75 at 15. He's now taking hitting lessons from an excellent instructor (not the same as my sons) & I truly believe this kid is going to be an excellent power hitter. Guess what I'm trying to say is size & athletic ability made this kid stand out when he was younger. He matured much quicker than other kids his age and now they've caught up and some have surpassed him. It's easy to overlook flaws from younger kids who throw harder and hit harder than most at a younger age. Problem is when the other kids catch up physically it's no longer an advantage. If your kids got potential and you are like most of us parents (who really need to let someone else coach them by 12 or 13 years old); find a good instructor. Make sure he's fundamentally sound and not relying on size alone!      

Good post, billy19.  Your last comment "Make sure he's fundamentally sound and not relying on size alone!" is key.  People confuse this with the advantage of eventual size.  If you're 5'7 at 13 and 5'9 at 17 what is the difference between that and 4'11" at 13 and 5'9 at 17?  Nothing!  The key is which kid worked on their game?