Three club SS's on a HS team, where should the HS Coach play them ?

First it sounds like it doesn't really matter -- interchangeable parts.  But I would put the 2017 at 2b.  I would put SS One at SS since was there last year and doesn't pitch.  I would put SS two in center field.  I would tell the coaches that ask that SS two is a great team first guy and you should offer him.  

Gov,

It's hard enough for a HS ball player to make it to college ball, much less D-1 college ball.  And the funnel gets even smaller if you want to be a D-1 SS.  You know the adage, when one looks at the starting defensive nine of any D-1 lineup, "they were all short-stops in HS, even the 1st baseman."  And the reason that is the case, is they were all the best "athlete" on the team (usually).  But come college, they get moved to CF, RF, 1st, etc.

So, I really don't see any point in trying to make sense of how the coach is managing his personnel, even if one of them is your son.  Sounds like he is clearly, one of the top athletes on the team, and may well be the best athlete.  That will not change whether he is at SS or CF, or 3rd.  "Go with the pitch."  I'm sure it will work out in the long run.  The armchair psychologist in me is keying in on the concern you may have about how college coaches will react when they find out he isn't playing SS on his HS team?  I understand if college coaches may ask why he's not playing SS on his HS team, but I really don't see how that would turn them off of a player.  They trust their eyes and their own gut, not a kid's HS coach.

Son had interest from a D-1 hoops coach.  I was quick to tell the coach, "Seriously?  You know he has never started a HS basketball game in his life?  He has always been the #6 man?"  Coach never flinched, did not care.  He knew what he saw, and he was very interested.  That's all that matters.

Yep, my 2018 stuck at 3B... Irony is my son, "number TWO" is the summer club SS facing the top competition and the other 2018 "number ONE" is the 2B on the same club team. In the summer my 2018 rarely pitches, if ever, coaches don't want him leaving SS.  

Still frustrating... and yes, it bothers me more than him!  Probably because I'm thinking about optics & positioning, in the event a college coach shows up at a HS game.

Well, Gov, the way you spelled it out, it's pretty simple but considering you are the Dad, some degree of bias is in play, whether we choose to admit or not.  You've always been pretty sharp and level headed, so I'm sure the picture isn't too far off.  But there could be other things in the equation as well.  I don't think where a kid hits in the lineup or how he hits or how many stolen bases, or how much power or really even size, etc., should factor in to who plays short.  Some of the "other" things might include who makes all the routine plays, who's better at dribblers, quicker transfer, more accurate throws, runs the defense better, better chemistry with 2b, and on and on.  Also, with two good SS's, it may come down to who can actually play 3b better.  The decision should be the combination that gives the HS team the best chance to win.  Sometimes, that isn't always putting the best player in the position.  The give and take may result in him being more valuable to the team overall if he is manning another position.

I think the important thing to remember is that most exposure is not going to come from the HS scene, it will likely be with that summer team.  Also, as someone mentioned, when he hits college, he may get moved around so this versatility could pay off in a big way to earn PT then.

cabbagedad posted:

Well, Gov, the way you spelled it out, it's pretty simple but considering you are the Dad, some degree of bias is in play, whether we choose to admit or not.  You've always been pretty sharp and level headed, so I'm sure the picture isn't too far off.  But there could be other things in the equation as well.  I don't think where a kid hits in the lineup or how he hits or how many stolen bases, or how much power or really even size, etc., should factor in to who plays short.  Some of the "other" things might include who makes all the routine plays, who's better at dribblers, quicker transfer, more accurate throws, runs the defense better, better chemistry with 2b, and on and on.  Also, with two good SS's, it may come down to who can actually play 3b better.  The decision should be the combination that gives the HS team the best chance to win.  Sometimes, that isn't always putting the best player in the position.  The give and take may result in him being more valuable to the team overall if he is manning another position.

I think the important thing to remember is that most exposure is not going to come from the HS scene, it will likely be with that summer team.  Also, as someone mentioned, when he hits college, he may get moved around so this versatility could pay off in a big way to earn PT then.

Good point you make Cabbage.  Son says that about his 3B play as well and he thinks the coaches think that as well... really never thought about the versatility factor, but that's an excellent point.

thanks

(these two boys are clone athletes, one just a bit bigger, and very similar defensive skills, and played together since they were 8, pretty competitive)

cabbagedad posted:

Well, Gov, the way you spelled it out, it's pretty simple but considering you are the Dad, some degree of bias is in play, whether we choose to admit or not.  You've always been pretty sharp and level headed, so I'm sure the picture isn't too far off.  But there could be other things in the equation as well.  I don't think where a kid hits in the lineup or how he hits or how many stolen bases, or how much power or really even size, etc., should factor in to who plays short.  Some of the "other" things might include who makes all the routine plays, who's better at dribblers, quicker transfer, more accurate throws, runs the defense better, better chemistry with 2b, and on and on.  Also, with two good SS's, it may come down to who can actually play 3b better.  The decision should be the combination that gives the HS team the best chance to win.  Sometimes, that isn't always putting the best player in the position.  The give and take may result in him being more valuable to the team overall if he is manning another position.

I think the important thing to remember is that most exposure is not going to come from the HS scene, it will likely be with that summer team.  Also, as someone mentioned, when he hits college, he may get moved around so this versatility could pay off in a big way to earn PT then.

I really wish some coaches would figure that out.  Sometimes you put your #2 in so you fill a hole with your #1 and that makes you a better team.  

Whatever makes the team better.  If the SS with the weaker arm can't play 3B, the Senior is already at 2B, he is too short to play 1B, where else are you gonna play him? Outfield maybe?

it is a good problem to have from a coach's standpoint.  I would try to make sure they both get chances to play SS though throughout the season

The coach should play each kid wherever he feels optimizes the team's ability to compete. My son played on a team with three travel centerfielders all aspiring to play college ball. 

Somehow there seemed to be a place for all three in the outfield. Given they ran sub seven 60's not a lot of balls dropped in the outfield. 

The big concern was three fast players with center fielder mentalities. Here were some close calls. 

This is a luxury problem. SS can play anywhere. Best glove goes to SS other 2 anywhere. Look at a NCAA D1 incoming recruiting class and you'll see the following:

RHP

LHP

RHP

RHP

LHP

RHP

SS

OF

SS

SS

RHP

SS

Gov, it sounds like coach has a hole at 3B, and your kid is filling it. Also, since he is pitching 3B means less strain on his arm. 3B may not be the most glorious position, but it's what is best for the team.  The HS coach only has so many people in the HS to pull from, at least he's got your boy on the field :- )

Appreciate the comments....this was an exercise in clarity and acceptance for me.  I've been childishly resenting the other 2018 at SS getting all the optics and with fewer plays at 3B more so....  It's amazing how we preach team first to our kids, but our perceptions get cloudy when it's a toss up between your own son and another.  Son had aggressive conversations with two big conference academic D1's the past weekend, and they both were wanting to come out and see him play this week, and the thought that my son was at 3B vs his club SS was disturbing.  Fortunate or not, the weather was terrible with game cancellations, and they'll have to see him in June when his club team plays at a national event.

Reality:

• the best glove-arm is at 3B
• the second best glove-arm is at SS
• the second best glove-arm isn't very good at 3B
• the best glove-arm is the teams best 3B

Conclusion:  Dad sucks it up and realizes his son at 3B is best for the team.  Coach agreed to give 3B son reps at SS, perhaps in non-conference games (hopefully coach keeps word).  At least son maximizes the club team when he's at SS, when it counts with recruiting.

Thanks again.

My son was an all state SS and also our #1 pitcher his senior year....hit .478 with 4 HR's and 3 K's that season.....but he likely wasn't going to play SS at a D1.  His best option was going to be 3B because of his 90mph arm.  Ended up being a PO  (for now...we'll talk about that later lol) but could just as easily be playing 3B, RF or LF.  He played 3B a lot at 16U thru 18U and was very good at it....but also could hold his own in the OF.....and I really think he still could.  I wouldn't worry about it...chances are your son will be seen by a lot more coaches in the summer anyway.  I would think that if you know a college coach is coming and wants to see your son at SS that your HS coach would let him move over to SS. 

Gov posted:

Appreciate the comments....this was an exercise in clarity and acceptance for me.  I've been childishly resenting the other 2018 at SS getting all the optics and with fewer plays at 3B more so....  It's amazing how we preach team first to our kids, but our perceptions get cloudy when it's a toss up between your own son and another.  Son had aggressive conversations with two big conference academic D1's the past weekend, and they both were wanting to come out and see him play this week, and the thought that my son was at 3B vs his club SS was disturbing.  Fortunate or not, the weather was terrible with game cancellations, and they'll have to see him in June when his club team plays at a national event.

Reality:

• the best glove-arm is at 3B
• the second best glove-arm is at SS
• the second best glove-arm isn't very good at 3B
• the best glove-arm is the teams best 3B

Conclusion:  Dad sucks it up and realizes his son at 3B is best for the team.  Coach agreed to give 3B son reps at SS, perhaps in non-conference games (hopefully coach keeps word).  At least son maximizes the club team when he's at SS, when it counts with recruiting.

Thanks again.

Heck at least you have that.  The kid who plays 3B for us is there because they like his "body style." 

Buckeye 2015 posted:

My son was an all state SS and also our #1 pitcher his senior year....hit .478 with 4 HR's and 3 K's that season.....but he likely wasn't going to play SS at a D1.  His best option was going to be 3B because of his 90mph arm.  Ended up being a PO  (for now...we'll talk about that later lol) but could just as easily be playing 3B, RF or LF.  He played 3B a lot at 16U thru 18U and was very good at it....but also could hold his own in the OF.....and I really think he still could.  I wouldn't worry about it...chances are your son will be seen by a lot more coaches in the summer anyway.  I would think that if you know a college coach is coming and wants to see your son at SS that your HS coach would let him move over to SS. 

Buck, that's the conversation my son will have in the next few days, and I think that will reinforce, that the coach told him he wouldn't pigeonhole him at 3B, and he'll get his reps at SS.  But to clarify, son is 90 across IF not on mound.  He's 84-86 on mound with effective secondary pitches, the HS coaches were actually looking at him being SP this year and we squashed that...  His defense is strong, you want him on the field, and he doesn't really project as a P in college, maybe as quality secondary guy, but in college he'll likely have less say about where he should be.  Trying to protect the arm so he can pursue his dream of playing in college and whatever...

It looks like you've come around with a lot of very thoughtful comments, so I'll keep it short and add one thing:

If you think about the five tools, how would you prioritize hit, arm, power, run, field at each position? If your son ranks higher on run/hit, maybe he ends up in CF to make the most impact. If he ranks higher on power/arm, then maybe 3B is the right spot. I wouldn't be too concerned about the question "why isn't he playing SS" - he's playing where his tools contribute best to the team vs other kid's tools (in the HS coach's evaluation).

Ultimately, if your son is a great athlete with solid fundamentals (sounds like this is the case), then it doesn't matter where he is on the field. They will keep finding the right spot for him as he moves up.

Source: I was a high school SS that ended up at 3B in college.

Which parents wrote the biggest check to the program?

OK I am half kidding with that since I have no actual proof at our HS, only suspicions.  Since my son is 6'0" and built thick (ripped not fat) he gets pushed to the corner in HS, even though has the best glove, arm, and takes the best routes to get to the ball and thus makes more plays, speed is equal with the other SS.  He will be a corner in college so I swallow a lot of what I actually think is going on and just watch him play.  I totally understand but keep telling yourself HS play doesn't really matter and the college coaches will see him in the summer.

Matt Reiland posted:

It looks like you've come around with a lot of very thoughtful comments, so I'll keep it short and add one thing:

If you think about the five tools, how would you prioritize hit, arm, power, run, field at each position? If your son ranks higher on run/hit, maybe he ends up in CF to make the most impact. If he ranks higher on power/arm, then maybe 3B is the right spot. I wouldn't be too concerned about the question "why isn't he playing SS" - he's playing where his tools contribute best to the team vs other kid's tools (in the HS coach's evaluation).

Ultimately, if your son is a great athlete with solid fundamentals (sounds like this is the case), then it doesn't matter where he is on the field. They will keep finding the right spot for him as he moves up.

Source: I was a high school SS that ended up at 3B in college.

Thanks Matt, I'd say his tool strength is:  field/arm...  Over the off season he added a lot of strength so he could pick up a lot more power over the next year, but for now he's a solid hitter that times up advanced pitching really well.  

He has more of an MIF build at 5'10 & 174lb.  It was laughable over the fall showcase circuit with a few coaches commenting he's projectable.  That term has never been used with him, but now I'm seeing it.  Over the course of him filling out over the last year I can see his frame supporting another 20lbs, which could bring some power into play.  Of which, it could give him more versatility for a college team.  Being a SS/3B/2B guy is solid and if he can get his speed below 6.9 over the next two years he could bring more flexibility by being able to play OF.  

Kind of proves, keep on honing your skills, keep on getting stronger and faster.

Gov posted:

Buckeye 2015 posted:

My son was an all state SS and also our #1 pitcher his senior year....hit .478 with 4 HR's and 3 K's that season.....but he likely wasn't going to play SS at a D1.  His best option was going to be 3B because of his 90mph arm.  Ended up being a PO  (for now...we'll talk about that later lol) but could just as easily be playing 3B, RF or LF.  He played 3B a lot at 16U thru 18U and was very good at it....but also could hold his own in the OF.....and I really think he still could.  I wouldn't worry about it...chances are your son will be seen by a lot more coaches in the summer anyway.  I would think that if you know a college coach is coming and wants to see your son at SS that your HS coach would let him move over to SS. 

Buck, that's the conversation my son will have in the next few days, and I think that will reinforce, that the coach told him he wouldn't pigeonhole him at 3B, and he'll get his reps at SS.  But to clarify, son is 90 across IF not on mound.  He's 84-86 on mound with effective secondary pitches, the HS coaches were actually looking at him being SP this year and we squashed that...  His defense is strong, you want him on the field, and he doesn't really project as a P in college, maybe as quality secondary guy, but in college he'll likely have less say about where he should be.  Trying to protect the arm so he can pursue his dream of playing in college and whatever...

To give you an idea with regard to SS in HS vs college.....my son's freshman class in college had 6 guys....4 of them were All-State shortstops in HS......half way thru their sophomore year, those 4 guys have played a total of about 4 games at SS.  They are all playing, but they are playing positions where they needed someone....not necessarily the spot they thought (or wanted) to be playing.  They need the best 9 bats/gloves on the field....the positions are kind of interchangeable at that level because everyone was a HS star.....lol

Buckeye 2015 posted:

Gov posted:

Buckeye 2015 posted:

My son was an all state SS and also our #1 pitcher his senior year....hit .478 with 4 HR's and 3 K's that season.....but he likely wasn't going to play SS at a D1.  His best option was going to be 3B because of his 90mph arm.  Ended up being a PO  (for now...we'll talk about that later lol) but could just as easily be playing 3B, RF or LF.  He played 3B a lot at 16U thru 18U and was very good at it....but also could hold his own in the OF.....and I really think he still could.  I wouldn't worry about it...chances are your son will be seen by a lot more coaches in the summer anyway.  I would think that if you know a college coach is coming and wants to see your son at SS that your HS coach would let him move over to SS. 

Buck, that's the conversation my son will have in the next few days, and I think that will reinforce, that the coach told him he wouldn't pigeonhole him at 3B, and he'll get his reps at SS.  But to clarify, son is 90 across IF not on mound.  He's 84-86 on mound with effective secondary pitches, the HS coaches were actually looking at him being SP this year and we squashed that...  His defense is strong, you want him on the field, and he doesn't really project as a P in college, maybe as quality secondary guy, but in college he'll likely have less say about where he should be.  Trying to protect the arm so he can pursue his dream of playing in college and whatever...

To give you an idea with regard to SS in HS vs college.....my son's freshman class in college had 6 guys....4 of them were All-State shortstops in HS......half way thru their sophomore year, those 4 guys have played a total of about 4 games at SS.  They are all playing, but they are playing positions where they needed someone....not necessarily the spot they thought (or wanted) to be playing.  They need the best 9 bats/gloves on the field....the positions are kind of interchangeable at that level because everyone was a HS star.....lol

Yep, I get it.  But frustrating when in HS you're pigeonholed at 3B, and the player knows the colleges are recruiting as many SS's as they can.  If you're a 3B with no power, you're not getting looked at on a HS field.  Thank god(?) for club ball and my son's tournaments schedule:  Music City, Nashville and the PG WWBA where there will be (supposedly) lots of college coaches (few of his targeted schools have said they'll be there to watch him)

When I grade a SS for our International competition. It is important to understand that the opposing coach will instruct his players to hit to our weak link in the infield. The pitchers "best friend" is the double play.

1. Which SS has "soft hands" and does NOT back hand ball in front of him.

2. Which SS has the best range to his left and to his right? where are the 2b and 3b playing, how deep? Is the 1b playing "off" the bag? Does the coach shift the infield defense, pitch by pitch?

3. Which SS can be the strong arm for cut off from the OF {like Cal Ripken].

4. Who has the 6th tool and can be the Captain of the infield.

5. What type of infield practice "range work" or direct ground balls?

Bob

Gov posted:

 At least son maximizes the club team when he's at SS, when it counts with recruiting.

My 2018 is a pitcher and 3B. Our shortstop has been SS since he was a freshman (also a 2018) and is amazing. Makes great plays, good hitter. Both he and my son are getting some D1 looks. But SS commented to my son that "It's a lot easier for you, people need a lot of pitchers. I'm one of a million SS, and none of us are going to play SS in college."

I honestly wonder if it matters where he plays. Just that he plays a lot and always to the best of his ability, and always giving the impression that he's just happy to be on the field, wherever he is.

JMO.

Gov posted:

Buckeye 2015 posted:

Gov posted:

Buckeye 2015 posted:

My son was an all state SS and also our #1 pitcher his senior year....hit .478 with 4 HR's and 3 K's that season.....but he likely wasn't going to play SS at a D1.  His best option was going to be 3B because of his 90mph arm.  Ended up being a PO  (for now...we'll talk about that later lol) but could just as easily be playing 3B, RF or LF.  He played 3B a lot at 16U thru 18U and was very good at it....but also could hold his own in the OF.....and I really think he still could.  I wouldn't worry about it...chances are your son will be seen by a lot more coaches in the summer anyway.  I would think that if you know a college coach is coming and wants to see your son at SS that your HS coach would let him move over to SS. 

Buck, that's the conversation my son will have in the next few days, and I think that will reinforce, that the coach told him he wouldn't pigeonhole him at 3B, and he'll get his reps at SS.  But to clarify, son is 90 across IF not on mound.  He's 84-86 on mound with effective secondary pitches, the HS coaches were actually looking at him being SP this year and we squashed that...  His defense is strong, you want him on the field, and he doesn't really project as a P in college, maybe as quality secondary guy, but in college he'll likely have less say about where he should be.  Trying to protect the arm so he can pursue his dream of playing in college and whatever...

To give you an idea with regard to SS in HS vs college.....my son's freshman class in college had 6 guys....4 of them were All-State shortstops in HS......half way thru their sophomore year, those 4 guys have played a total of about 4 games at SS.  They are all playing, but they are playing positions where they needed someone....not necessarily the spot they thought (or wanted) to be playing.  They need the best 9 bats/gloves on the field....the positions are kind of interchangeable at that level because everyone was a HS star.....lol

Yep, I get it.  But frustrating when in HS you're pigeonholed at 3B, and the player knows the colleges are recruiting as many SS's as they can.  If you're a 3B with no power, you're not getting looked at on a HS field.  Thank god(?) for club ball and my son's tournaments schedule:  Music City, Nashville and the PG WWBA where there will be (supposedly) lots of college coaches (few of his targeted schools have said they'll be there to watch him)

I wouldn't worry too much about HS.  Your summer schedule will put him in front of more coaches than you'll be able to count.  There will be plenty of opportunities for him to show what he can do.  Not one coach ever came to see my son play in HS.  He played on a top summer team that played a great schedule...the coaches knew they'd see him in the summer against top competition so watching him play HS wasn't a priority.

Saw this in a our school.   SS was All State SS, 2B was All-State 3B was Freshman All-American and the JV SS was a Soph. that got a DIV I scholarship before he played an inning of varsity baseball and HIS backup on the JV was a freshman that ended up at Florida. 

It might not be a big surprise the two JV kids eventually transferred but the team won the State and was rated in the top 30 nationally in a number of polls and defeated a Top 10 team on its way to the title.  If they could have kept the younger kids together it might have been quite a dynasty.

As good as a lot of SS are, many can't turn the DP from 2B as well as others. So many times the better SS ends up at 2B to help the team.

Gov,

First of all it sounds like you have a couple of son's with wonderful talent! Congratulations.    I can only speak to one experience of our son but hope it might provide a bit of ressurance.

In HS, he was a shortstop...for the most part. As a sophomore he started at short on JV. However, in the 2nd to last game before playoffs (and their arch-rival) the varsity 3B broke his thumb.  Ours was called up to play 3B against the arch-rival in a very intense game and into the playoffs.  He then started at short through graduation.

At the Stanford Camp, ours was a late registrant. When he showed up and the players were told to take their positions, about 15 went to short.  3 went to 2B. So ours joined them at 2B to get more reps.  The good part was he got far more reps and AB's.  If there was any downside, it turned out the college coach who recruited him "assumed" 2B was his position.  When our son arrived for Fall ball and he saw the strength of his arm, he was very surprisingly pleased to find he recruited his shortstop for the next 4 year. 

The saga, however, does not end there.  During our son's junior year, his college coach worked so hard to get him a spot in the Cape, but just could not.  The end result was our son was a very late add to the Newport Gulls roster (they were thrilled as our son was an NECBL All-Start the prior year with a different team.)  When our son showed up in Newport for practice #1, 7 guys went to shortstop. Our son started to run there, saw no one at 3B and veered that direction.  The HC suggested to him he looked a bit "rusty" at the position!  The veer to 3B turned out fine, though, as our son made the mid-year and post season All Star teams, played every game at 3B and finished second in the league in hits and hitting.

But, it does not end there either. Drafted as a shortstop, he showed up to find a 5th rounder at short and an 8th rounder at 2nd. For his first season, to get innings and AB's our son played 2nd, short and 3rd.

In his second season in the MWL, he finally earned some playing time by hitting nearly .500 in the month of May (after sitting the first 10 or so games of the season.) Guess who then started 100 games the rest of the season at 3B and before a career ending injury was told he was being groomed as an everyday player but a utility player at the next levels (which would have included the outfield also.)

From that experience, the message I would convey to you is versatility and being able to play multiple positions is a very, very good thing for very good players as they move beyond HS, which it certainly sounds like should happen in your family! Players who are versatile and can hit have many opportunities after HS, in my view.

Son played SS/P for Summer HS team.  2b for HS team.  And, as college (D3) Frosh has started games at 3b, SS, DH and RF.  (For RF, Coach loaned him an outfielders glove.)

Gov,

Your son's high school has a nice problem.  I wouldn't read too much into it.  It is high school baseball, and your son's coach see things differently than you and others (I'm sure).   For 6 years I coached/managed a very successful youth travel team with some very good friends of mine.   One was a Varsity high school head coach and we've had discussions about certain kids and where to best play them and bat them.   Lots of times we agreed and sometimes we didn't.  One position that we disagreed on was SS.  We had a kid with a sure glove but only an above average arm.  I liked his foot work, hands and gritty attitude.  He always charged the ball, took time away from the runner thereby making up for his lack of MPH across the diamond.   My coach liked the stronger more athletic type at shortstop that didn't have the same glove skills.  I had the final say at the time so I had my guy playing short.  Fast forward a couple years later when they reached 13 and 14 years old, my friend was now the Head Coach.  He had his guy in their because that is who he wanted.  it was a matter of comfort and the style of baseball we each liked to coach.  Both went on to make their respective high school teams and play shortstop. 

What matters with college coaches are tools not where you play in high school, travel or Legion baseball.  It is almost irrelevant and I think it sets the players back because of their inflexible mindset.  Have an open mind and go with it now and in the future.  I can almost guarantee you that if your son is being recruited as a college SS he'll get an opportunity to win that position as a college freshmen, but he will be at a serious disadvantage to upper classmen possibly without even knowing it.  The best he can hope for is to learn another position and get some at-bats.  If he can hit, he'll get a chance to win that SS position in the future.  That has been my experience watching these things over the years.....just my two cents.

The varied perspectives and experiences are  appreciated.  It's helped me see the bigger picture,  calm the heck down, and look forward to the next game.  I'm sure my emotional IQ was in the gutter... onward & upward.  Thanks again for all the comments

David, I just got to this thread, and all I would've contributed earlier would've been this: Breathe, man.  Just breathe.  Also, I'm sending you a PM.

smokeminside posted:

David, I just got to this thread, and all I would've contributed earlier would've been this: Breathe, man.  Just breathe.  Also, I'm sending you a PM.

Lol... I've been de-wrapped from baseball axle - 

We have similar issues with congestion at each position.  33 kids on roster, 11 Seniors, 20 Juniors, 2 Sophomores.  My youngest is a Junior (late summer birthday) and 1st backup @ SS, 3b, & 2b.  He starts on travel at SS, 3b, and P. I've told him to keep pressing, good things will come.  Coach has already discussed his hitting as very good and thinks he has a great swing and lots of potential.  My son is one of the things that occurred that makes a coaches decision making harder, he grew almost 5 inches last year (now almost 6" 2"), great glove, decent arm, 8 game plate appearances (OB% = 1000), and hitting the ball very well.  Every time he has been in a game, he's made one or two outstanding defensive plays. I'm glad he has made the inroads with the coaches. It would be nice to see him on the field more often, but happy for his opportunity so far.  I am surprised that since he pitched for JV and travel that the coach did not consider him as a Pitcher (his last outing was against a good hitting top Richmond team over the summer at a Maryland tournament.  Came in losing 8-0, two outs bases loaded in the 3rd (out of 3rd with ground out).  Finished the game with 35 pitches, 4 SO, 1 W, 1 un-earned run. Lost 9-3.

He's playing with most of his friends and having a great time.

The only thing that matters is what the HS coach thinks and does.

Very frustrating for me, very happy for my son.

Enjoying reading this thread as it is a tale I can relate. Son knew he wanted to play D1 and in a certain conference, but was concerned about not having a "set" position. Was versatile , played 6 positions in HS (all but P/C/1b). Summer team historically had a "hole" at third base, so son (slender/speedy) played there for a few years. Also was back up third baseman soph year HS and starting 3B as a junior. Wasn't until senior year that he played SS, and that was only after the junior's errors were hard to overcome. I always thought he should have been SS in HS because of his glove and the "chances" perspective (SS vs third). 

The hardest part for him was knowing when to let a ball get through to SS because of his footspeed.  He thought throw over mound (even if from an initial dive) was better than a backhand for SS.  Both HS and summer coach told him to "get all he reach." Played CF almost his entire last year of Summer ball before college. He would go to some showcases w/ IF and OF mitts, though would always say his "instincts" were that of a middle infielder.

I got a laugh once when I was sitting behind two scouts during HS playoff game. Both were clocking son HTF and commented they had him fastest in state, then shook their heads about the position he was playing. One says to the other, "why isn't he playing second base, that's where (X-College Coach) will play him.  Fast forward....he's starting 2nd baseman in college. 

Gov, sometimes things take a while to sort out, and most the most important thing  is that your son has a regular spot in line-up and is hitting & contributing.

Ripken Fan posted:

 

The hardest part for him was knowing when to let a ball get through to SS because of his footspeed.  He thought throw over mound (even if from an initial dive) was better than a backhand for SS.  Both HS and summer coach told him to "get all he reach."

Had someone else told him not to take everything he could reach?   There's no reason for a 3rd baseman not to take all he can get.  The throw is shorter and the ball is going to be closer to first base and in most cases, if a ground ball is hit slow enough that the 3B can make a play to his left, it would be an awfully tough play for the SS anyway, unless he has a cannon for an arm.   My son was an All State SS in HS but played some 3rd the last two years of travel ball because they had 3 SS's on the team.  He was likely to be a 2B or 3B in college anyway.  He was a phenomenal 3B.....I think due to the fact that he was basically a SS that only had to cover to the left in most cases.....and any ball hit foul was almost an automatic out due to his range.

He's a D1 PO now.  After a year of watching foul balls (1B, 3B and C) get dropped...costing him outs or worse...he finally went to the coach and said "If I can get it, I'm taking it".....the coach had no issue with it.  Don't see too many college pitchers calling off the 1B on pop ups or foul balls, but it's gotten to be the norm when he's on the mound.  His 10+ years of SS come in handy quite a bit.....lol   Should have seen the look on opposing coach's face a couple weeks ago when they tried to squeeze with my son on the mound....perfect bunt down first base line.  Son fielded it, spun and threw the guy out at home by 5 feet.  They didn't try that again

Ripken Fan posted:

Enjoying reading this thread as it is a tale I can relate. Son knew he wanted to play D1 and in a certain conference, but was concerned about not having a "set" position. Was versatile , played 6 positions in HS (all but P/C/1b). Summer team historically had a "hole" at third base, so son (slender/speedy) played there for a few years. Also was back up third baseman soph year HS and starting 3B as a junior. Wasn't until senior year that he played SS, and that was only after the junior's errors were hard to overcome. I always thought he should have been SS in HS because of his glove and the "chances" perspective (SS vs third). 

The hardest part for him was knowing when to let a ball get through to SS because of his footspeed.  He thought throw over mound (even if from an initial dive) was better than a backhand for SS.  Both HS and summer coach told him to "get all he reach." Played CF almost his entire last year of Summer ball before college. He would go to some showcases w/ IF and OF mitts, though would always say his "instincts" were that of a middle infielder.

I got a laugh once when I was sitting behind two scouts during HS playoff game. Both were clocking son HTF and commented they had him fastest in state, then shook their heads about the position he was playing. One says to the other, "why isn't he playing second base, that's where (X-College Coach) will play him.  Fast forward....he's starting 2nd baseman in college. 

Gov, sometimes things take a while to sort out, and most the most important thing  is that your son has a regular spot in line-up and is hitting & contributing.

Rip, speedy Gonzales in the house!  How's he doing?

Things will work out. I believe good coaches know what they are for and can generally spot it. Like picking a good piece of fruit from anywhere it grows on the tree.  Ironically my 2015 then 5'10' 170lb 6.6 60 arm low 80's has always played OF since little league. At Stanford camp a few summers ago, D1 IVY coach asked him why he wasn't a SS. Answer was I never coached him, some other dad's son always played SS.   

colleges are all recruiting pitchers and SS is interesting to me.   So far with middle school travel ball and parents coacing my son the tall kid  (6'2 going into freshman year)  has been relegated to 3b and 1b even though he is one of the better fielders on the team if not the best.   Perhaps we will see if high school coaches are still in old school thinking or not.  luckily he does pitch though and that might likely be his future.  

I look back on my baseball experience and wonder what all the fuss was about being shortstop.

shorter: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

SS are suppose to be the most athletic and versatile kids on the team...i.e. they really could play anywhere, so they are recruited to play everywhere.

Not everyone who is athletic can be a shortstop.  Once you see a true shortstop, who can get to a blip over 2B and shallow center and behind third in foul territory...etc.... well it's clear not every SS was created equal.