Tough Decision

Welcome.  Three questions:

- was this freshman, JV, or V team?  were any freshmen pulled up to JV or V?

- did he play other positions this year?

- can he hit?

- No JV at his school so it was Varsity

- He’s versatile and can play anywhere.  Got a few innings at 2B, but kind of part of the problem.  He spent all of his practice fielding time behind the plate.  

- He can hit, but didn’t make the most of his limited opportunities, 0 for 9 in his 9 AB’s on the season.  

So let me get this straight and highlight some points that YOU mention...

#1. Your kid was injured just before the season and "required arm surgery and substantial rehab". This shouldn't require much more thought.

#2. "He is young freshman and a late bloomer". Trust me I understand the statement, but you are using it as an excuse. No successful athlete ever does this, because if they do they won't be successful.

#3. "The other catcher is also very good, but passes the eye test much better.  That I get.  The challenge is more political."  You just contradicted your own statement/thought process??? and really make no sense. The coach seems to playing his better option at catcher.

#4. "They also end every game with conversations with the coach and frequently socialize with the head coach outside of games or practices."  This line of thought is very, very subjective. All I really hear is more and more excuses. Maybe they are good friends, so what. The vast majority of the time it has nothing to do with your kid's playing time. 

#5. "I’m a fair evaluator of my sons talents and weaknesses." I had to slide this one into the conversation. Very, very few parents can honestly evaluate their own kid. That is just a simple truth whether you want to believe it or not.

#6. "I did have a brief conversation with the coach about what he feels would help my son be a more valuable member of the team and his intentions are pretty clear." NO, NO, NO..... This statement doesn't pass the smell test. This is a conversation for which the player needs to have with the coach. This is done in a private manner, and can go along way in building the relationship between the coach and player. Once a parent steps into this role the whole vibe changes.

#7.  "Transferringwill eliminate some valuable academic opportunities."  this is probably the most important thing you wrote and the exact reason I would keep my child in a program. It is pretty safe to say that your kid will likely not make a living playing baseball, and his education will set him up for the future.

My recommendation is to step-back and allow your kid to grow as a person and start learning how to handle situations as they arise. He is the one that needs to build a relationship with the coach. It starts first by showing up, hustling, and being a team-player. None of which require any talent. I could probably pick out a few more things if I took more time, but I just wanted to give you the opportunity to maybe see the issue from a different angle. Bottom-line is that if your kid can catch, but the HS team needs him to play LF, then he plays LF. Ultimately any decent college recruiter/scout understands this. They are not stupid. They can see talent when talent is there.

The frustration can be used as fuel to take his skills to the next level and develop some maturity that most teens lack. There is no safe space from politics, the best cure is to improve and leave no doubt who the best player is on the team, that is as close as being bulletproof on a team. Be supportive on whatever direction he goes, there will be more pitfalls in this journey.

We are in a similar situation after freshman year.  Where we live is affiliated with another school in which my kid would be able to make varsity next year for sure (smaller school), and won a state championship at their classification.  My son is being developed as a catcher, but the catching coach's son is also in his grade.  No chance to catch ahead of him, and most of his playing time this year is at F3.  So, we work on developing his skills at other positions, and take every chance to improve as a F2 even still.  Also, work on hitting the snot out of the ball.  I make sure my kid worries about being the best he can be, making sure he leaves it all on the field.  As far as where he plays, etc., life isn't always fair, but hard work is its own reward.

BTW, the catching coach I referred to (know him quite well) didn't start catching much until his senior year in HS, replacing the injured starting catcher.   During a game, a recruiting coach saw him, and it lead to him getting a small scholarship to a D1 midmajor University as a bullpen catcher.  He ended up working his way on the field and caught quite a few games (again, a couple of injuries ahead of him occurred).  So, things sometimes still work out.

I'd work on being a good overall baseball player vs. a good catcher, and things should work out.  That is the problem of focusing on only one position.  If you transfer to another school and take another catcher's spot, then you may be in the same situation as some of the other parents here (read "Awful HS situation").

I would say stick with the better academic situation based on the details you provided. Have your son talk to the coach and find out if there is a chance for him to play IF next year instead of being a backup catcher. He can work on catching during his own time and during the summer.

Unless your son is a stud, he needs to play other positions and hit the ball. It is extremely hard to be a successful catcher at the next level. That's not to say that he can't attend catching camps over his time at HS to perfect his skills. And spend time in the cage. You just have no clue how difficult catching is in college. You have to be versatile to catch a coaches interest.

Yes, HS sports are political. Your son is a freshman. Get better as a player.  Nothing is going to guarantee if you change schools that he will even catch.

Join a good summer and fall travel team where he will be able to play different positions.

Hit.

Hit hit hit hit hit.

If your son can hit, he will play.  It forces the coach put him somewhere on the field, or DH.  Be versatile.

Going 0-9 doesn't help his case.

Keep working him hard....catch on the summer teams and like others have said if he hits he'll play somewhere. Keep working out get bigger and stronger.  You never know what's going to happen...other kid moves, gets hurt, in trouble etc.

@ReluctantO'sFan dropped some tough love but I think it's important they did.  You're faced with a tough situation for any number of reasons, but if you really want to make the best choice, you'll need to face some tough truths.  I'm not sure "excuses" is the best descriptor.  Maybe.  For the purpose of moving forward, I think it's smarter to call them "challenges."

Before I go any further, I'd be 100% done communicating with the coach.  Reluctant is right.  This is not your job and never will be.  Hopefully it's just happened once and the instance can now begin drying out over time and never occur again.  This is big boy baseball now.  Frankly, the concept of players approaching coaches should have been process that began at age 8 or 9 and was locked down by 12 at the latest.  Regardless, put it behind you.  It is SO not a tool in your kit.

If your kid truly wants to play post-high school, then he needs development and meaningful playing time for the next 3 years.  I'd advise focusing 100% on working the problems and not working the blame or what contributed/s to the problems.

No, do not forego playing high school baseball.  Your son should be able to play both high school and some form of travel ball if you can afford it.  It very well could be the case that his spot on the high school team for the next 3 years doesn't yield a ton of pay dirt for him.  So you then must ensure he gets his elsewhere.  From travel ball, fall ball, lessons, camps, clinics, the gym, the garage, literally anything he can get his hands on outside of his high school team so long as you can afford it.

Catching can be his goal, but understand that goals are something more about working towards them than they are about attaining them.  Catching can be his carrot, but while he's chasing it, he needs to be on the field in some position and at the plate.

Transfer?  I'm not a fan of it, but if you do, it needs to be as close to a guarantee as you can find.  Like I'd want everything short of signed contract saying he'll be the new team's catcher if he transfers.  You'll need to go find a place where exactly what your kid has to offer, is needed.  Without that, stay put and commit to the grind knowing the goal may never be attained.  And to be clear, your son DOES have a legit opportunity to play catcher at his current school.  Does he have a fair opportunity?  Doesn't sound like it.  Seeking fair is chasing a ghost.

My son is smaller and it's undeniably an issue despite measurables and stats that are as good or better than most of his peers.  Fair would dictate he gets just as much as 6'2" kids with equal performances.  But that's nowhere near the case.  We just went through the recruiting gauntlet and we learned that my son needs to smoke the numbers of the 6'2" kid to end up with equal opportunities.  It is what it is.  My son doesn't spend time lamenting his size.  He never brings it up.  He grinds relentlessly with his head down.  After a 3 hour team practice yesterday, he went to the batting cages to hit more and then to the gym to lift.  But that wasn't just yesterday.  It's what he does 7 days a week.  He's hell bent on making his own "fair."  If your son can't find himself in a very similar place, there's an argument to made that he's not cut out for the next level.

One last thing.  When your son goes to the coach, here's the angle I always advise my son to take.  Don't ask "what can I do get more innings behind the plate?"  Ask "can you please help me put a plan together to help me improve my chances of getting more opportunities to get behind the plate?"  Something along those lines.  Don't ask for you WANT.  Ask what you can do to earn the OPPORTUNITY to get what you want.  It might be subtle, but I think it's important.  I think it needs to be clear you're not looking for a hand out.  You're simply looking for the path.  Once you know what the path is, the rest is up to you to deliver on.

Adapt or die.  I agree with others, your son needs to leverage his versatility because it is not going to happen behind the plate unless something unforeseen happens  Find another position.  Focus on it, and hitting.  You'll find the lineup.

So, your story brought back some memories.   So, as a kid I excelled (and loved) two sports....baseball and tennis.  I was a decent catcher, and I thought long and hard about which high school sport I was going to try out for in the Spring.   There was this guy (also a catcher!) in my freshman class who was a "foot taller" and clearly 50 lbs more than I weighed and could hit the snot out of the baseball.  This was my fork in the road as they say.  As a freshman he would be  hitting home runs.   He would be the high school catcher (all state 3 years) for 4 years and get a D1 baseball scholarship.  I believe he was also drafted out of college. Also, I was modestly ranked 12-14 year old tennis player  in New England at the time.  My high school was starting a tennis team my freshman year, and we had a lot of really good players from the area whom I knew real well and had played doubles with in area tournaments.   I knew I could make the team and be among the top three players on the tennis team, so this is the direction I went.   My high school tennis team won the state my sophomore year.  I guess you could look at my decision as a flight or fight decision, but looking back I look at it as "reality check" and "informed pivot".  I think your son can do the same on the baseball team but he has to willing to give up the catching duties to find something new.   

JMO.  Good luck!

Man, seems like some schools don't have anyone decent to put back there and then other schools have too many. One local HS has 4 catchers I'd have no problem playing if I were a coach. One junior, one sophomore, two freshman. It is rumored both freshman are planning to transfer to the same school, which has a very good 2023 catcher.

you say your son is a late bloomer. what's his upside?  are you and mom big and son has a good chance to grow into a monster body?  or, is he a late developer and looking at 5'8" as his ceiling?  I'll give you two anecdotes that can, hopefully, give you some hope

my 2023's good friend is also a catcher and a late developer.  his brother grew between soph and jr years and became a 6'1" beast.  his dad did, too.  friend grew a lot during covid (5"+) but his man strength is not fully there yet. Their HS class is pretty rich with catchers but, mechanically, he's the best one.  he's on JV this year and another 2023 is starting on varsity (and another one didn't make grades).  next year, he has a tough row to how, with the incumbent being the same year, but, if he makes the strength gains i think he will, he'll stand out and blow everyone's minds. he'll be bigger, stronger and better than the current catcher. this should give some hope to late bloomers everywhere.  take care of what you can take care of now so you can take advantage when the pendulum swings the other way.

the other case is another classmate of theirs. he made varsity as a freshman last year when there were two senior catchers.  he didn't catch. at all.  he's a P/3b and is currently a big cog on the varsity team.  once the season ends, though, he goes back to his travel team (coached by one of the best catching coaches in the area) and becomes the primary catcher.  he's pretty good and is actually getting recruited by a couple of mid major d1s as a catcher.  his "goal" is to commit as a catcher without ever having caught for his school, lol.  it can be done but, as others have said, you gotta hit. work on you catching game when you can but make sure you get on the field during HS and make the most of your opportunities.

also, go with the best academic situation you have available.  period.

You said to feel free to be ruthless but I hope my feedback doesn’t come across that way.   A couple of your statements below stood out to me:

“The challenge is more political. “

This is a red herring.  You are seeing a situation that helps you reconcile in your mind that your son lost the job.  The actual challenge is what you stated here:

“Spent the first part recovering from an injury that required arm surgery and substantial rehab...... He is young freshman and a late bloomer.  0 for 9 in his 9 AB’s on the season.  The other catcher is also very good, but passes the eye test much better.”

None of the other stuff you are seeing matters.  The parents being close to the coach or your perception of their cooking the scorebook to make junior look better.  You said yourself the kid is good and he is physical.  So the coach’s two options at catcher apparently boil down to a late bloomer coming off an injury who went 0’fer at the plate and a kid who looks the part and can play the position.  Who would you put behind the plate in a varsity game if you were the coach?  Where would you invest for the future?  Catcher is a premium position and not one where kids get a turn in hopes that they might grow into it.  

“I was under the impression that both boys would be given time to develop as catchers and that didn’t happen.  I did have a brief conversation with the coach about what he feels would help my son be a more valuable member of the team and his intentions are pretty clear.”

Who gave you this impression that they would be given equal time?  Was that just your own expectation going in?  It’s sounds like the coach was honest with you when you talked to him about it and you didn’t like what you heard.  His plan is the only one that will matter.

I think you are correct that your son won’t likely play catcher here but I think you are blinded to the actual reasons.  It’s a shame the school doesn’t have a JV team where he could get some time to develop as JV is the place for that, not Varsity.  If you do transfer, I would suggest choosing a school with multiple levels of play to insure your son gets playing time on the field.  No one gets better watching from the dugout.

My son was a catcher entering HS. He played C and 1B as a freshman. Sophomore year he started varsity at 1B and never played C in HS again. I had no doubt that he was a better C than the various guys who started the position for the next 3 years. He played C on his summer team and got plenty of opportunities to show (until a knee injury ended his catching after junior year). He club coach used to laugh and shake his head at the HS coach not using him at C (big arm).
You didn’t mention how your son is feeling about this, but I don’t think this is a difficult decision. He played some varsity as a freshman coming off a significant injury. He’s in a great academic situation. He hasn’t fully developed physically yet. Many, many good players find themselves blocked by a better player at their primary position.
Mentally, he should approach it like the other catcher is Yadier Molina. Forget the politics, forget the favoritism, and just prepare for his next opportunity. Embrace getting better at other positions. But most importantly, he has to hit the ball hard. No disrespect, but “0-9” means nothing. Can he square up high school pitching, and does he hit the ball hard? That’s the goal, and that's far and away the most important thing he can do.

I see more whining and excuses than constructive observation and thinking in your post.  Even if you are correct welcome to Life Isn’t Always Fair 101. You should know this as an adult. At some point your son has to learn it. Almost everyone goes through this optional life class. It how you deal with it that matters. First, do not whine to other parents. They don’t want to hear it. If someone agrees with you they’re either your buddy or they believe their kid is getting screwed as well and want to whine in return. There a good chance the word will spread and get back to the coach. Your accusations will cook your kid.

I tend to roll my eyes when I see “my kid is getting screwed” comments in person or posted on the board. It does happen. But it’s more likely to be sour grapes and poor perspective on behalf of the parent.

One of my favorite “my kid got screwed” stories goes back to high school. A soph went 0-8 with six whiffs and four misplayed balls or errors that went to the outfield fence in the first four games. When he was pulled from the lineup the father  griped to anyone who would listen. Not many parents wanted to listen other than the couple who also felt their kid was getting screwed. You might say eight at bats is a small sample. But the kid looked grossly overmatched in all eight at bats. There’s no excuse for outfield misplays. The game was too damn fast for the kid. He ended up on JV. Junior year was similar. We had to listen to “my kid got screwed” again. After sitting the bench a few games the kid quit baseball. I thought the coach grossly overrated the kid for two years.

On the other hand a friend of mine never started in high school on JV or varsity at catcher while a less talented kid who went to the same church as the coach started.. My friend started over this kid in Legion (what we had then) and went on to college ball. He also played some first and third for the high school teams.

Before all your excuses let’s start with reality. If your son is in the same class and is stuck behind this kid he better learn another position. If he hits he will play.

I kept the book, ran the website and wrote the first draft of the game article for the coach. I heard all the same accusations. None of it was true. I quit the “volunteer” job. No one wanted it the following year. A great website went to hell. I had the board updated by 9pm after games. Stats were no longer available along with all the college recruiting and other articles I posted.

I talked with coaches at the field before and after games. Parents thought I was paving the way for my son. The coaches talked to me because I played college ball and was coaching a high end travel team at the time. The coaches approached me. What they did ask that I told them I wouldn’t answer was about a kid I coached in travel I didn’t invite back the following season. There were also discussions about interested local college programs that had made contact with the coach about my son. The point is you have no idea about what’s being said in discussions.

Getting into the comparisons no way in hell are you likely to make an objective evaluation about your son’s abilities. It doesn’t come off you’re objective in your post.

Here’s a little reality about the other kid passing the eye test. Kids who look like they should be at a position have to prove they can’t play the position. Kids who don’t look like they fill the part have to prove they can play the position. Your son has failed in each of his opportunities. I don’t want to hear there haven’t been many opportunities, Each one is a chance to look good and earn another. My son became a college starter one at bat and one pinch run at a time before the coach decided to start him mid season. It’s important to maintain being mentally and physically ready to take advantage. You complained one opportunity was during a mercy game. It’s still an opportunity.  If the team stunk chances are so was the pitching. Your son didn’t hit two line drives, did he?

If your son doesn’t play high school ball it’s likely to come up in conversation with a college,coach. What is that coach going to think when he hears your son cut and run because he didn’t get to play his favorite position. Most college players aren’t at their high school position.

Aside from your perspective you’ve already made one HUGE mistake. You went to the coach about your son’s playing time. It’s your son’s job. He’s an adult in training. He needs to be one here and talk to the coach, not you. Stay away from the coach unless it’s about injury or he approaches you.

Your son can still be a catcher. High school is typically twenty something games. Travel teams play 50-80. If he can catch half the travel games it will still be more catching than high school. Most, if not all of college recruiting comes from summer travel teams. In the meantime your son should be part of the team and compete for a position. He should ask the coach other than working on his catching what other position would he be best suited for. If you hit, you play.

Here's another story of two catchers.

One's my son; one's a very close friend of his who happens to also play catcher. They've always attended the same schools.

Kid #2 was always the starter; my kid sat. Both kids work hard, but my kid developed into the #1 option at catcher. Kid #2 shares time and plays infield when not catching (usually 3rd).

Kid #2 just committed to a mid-major D1 - a really good spot for him. He didn't transfer; he stayed and competed and now he'll play four more years at a place he'll love.

Lots of paths to the altar. Flexibility is the key.

@OskiSD posted:

Here's another story of two catchers.

One's my son; one's a very close friend of his who happens to also play catcher. They've always attended the same schools.

Kid #2 was always the starter; my kid sat. Both kids work hard, but my kid developed into the #1 option at catcher. Kid #2 shares time and plays infield when not catching (usually 3rd).

Kid #2 just committed to a mid-major D1 - a really good spot for him. He didn't transfer; he stayed and competed and now he'll play four more years at a place he'll love.

Lots of paths to the altar. Flexibility is the key.

BTW Kid #2's school is considered a better baseball program than my kid's committed school.

@RJM is spinning gold above.  Honest, but spot on.  I'd spend some time really thinking deeply about all that is being said here.  A lot of it is tough, but there is no time for anything but a thick skin.  Run TO it, not from it.  I promise you'll be organizing his HS grad party in what will feel like a few months.  My kid's party is Sunday.

A couple things.  For most of us, we were the ones in the backyard playing catch and everything else with our kids since age 4 or whatever.  Our evaluation/assessment of our kids isn't necessary wrong so much as it's unrealistically comprehensive.  I promise you, I've seen my son's absolute best.  I was there each time he pushed the ceiling higher and/or broke through it.  That's what comes when you log that much interaction and observation.  But no coach your kid ever plays for, will get that much 1x1 time with him.  So your kid is really only as good as he shows everyone BUT you.

Along those lines, I don't think it can be overstated how important it is to deliver whenever the opportunity comes up. Especially if playing college ball is the goal.  It's been my experience that the best players don't have "off" days in the sense most would consider "off."  To be clear, I am not just talking about elite phenom type players.  The best players prepare (mentally and physically) to a point where even if they have a bad outing, it's not bad.  Just not good FOR THEM.  Kids get so very few good chances where the right person is watching at the right time.  If you're not able to show an accurate representation of yourself - even on an "off" day - EVERY time the right person is watching, then I'd argue you didn't prepare well enough.  I often apply this concept to kids attending showcases.  If you go to one and beforehand can't tell me what you're measurables will be at a minimum, you didn't prepare.  My son initially went into showcases with hope as his "strategy."  Once I was able to get his head in the right space, there were no more "off" days when it came to showcases.

Senior catcher had an injury. My 2022 started first 5 games of the season at catcher.  Every game moved up in the batting order. Batted in the 5 spot. He was immediately pulled when the senior catcher came back.  In my very biased opinion, 2022 was better than the senior.  Senior catcher ended up batting 9th.

2022 secondary position is third base, played by the senior catcher's twin brother. 2022 played third when the twin brother pitched. The coach is known for always playing his seniors.

After sitting the bench for a week and a half with a few pinch hitting opportunities, 2022 asked the coach what he needed to do to work his way back in the lineup.  Coach tried him in right field.  2022 is servicable in right field with a very strong arm.

First game in right, he hits a grand slam. He plays right field and bats 4th the rest of the season.  He continued to rake and was responsible for most of the RBI's in the playoff run. He hates outfield. Not enough action. He didn't complain and did his best.

No position on the bench is better than any position on the field.

First let me thank everyone for your input.  While I may not agree with everyone, I absolutely respect you opinion.  To clarify, I wasn’t asking for agreement on our situation.  Believe it or not, bias exists in the real world.  I also don’t expect anything to be given to my son.  I expect him to earn it.  The only way that happens is to be given the opportunity to compete. That opportunity does not exist in his current situation.  That’s fine.  Life isn’t fair.  There is more than one way to skin a cat.  As far a putting in work goes, also not an issue.  While many kids his age are spending hours on end paying video games or chasing girls, that’s not his priority.  He’s putting in 10-15 hours a week into his passion with high level instruction and trainers.  Only mentioned his size, because he’s not blessed with the early growth that so many kids his age have been.  The path of least resistance is the big, strong kid.  He will be fine in time and is growing like a weed now and putting on much needed weight.  

For those of you that stuck it out and it ended well, I honestly couldn’t be happier for you.  It’s fantastic!  However, just like any profession, there are great ones and those that just got by.  The surgeon that graduated last in his class is still a surgeon, but that doesn’t mean I’m real excited about going under the knife with that guy.  I’m also not real excited about entrusting my sons playing future to a guy who’s senior catcher transferred out along with two others that would have been sure fire team captains, starters and 3-5 hitters.  

I get where many went with the question I asked.  “This is the typical helicopter parent where little Timmy is the next Derek Jeter, and is boo hooing because Timmy didn’t get his way.”  Not the case.  Just curious if any did it another way and how it worked out.  

Lastly, the conversation I had with the coach was to ask that he be allowed to “potentially” be late to games that he wasn’t going to play in so he could complete his physical therapy after missing several appointments and still having to pay for them out of pocket.  I also asked if he’s going to spend all of his practices behind the plate, but play other positions on occasion to please let me know so I can make sure he gets some work in to help his team.  

We didn’t pick his school for the baseball program, we picked it for the academics.  Many of you are absolutely correct, my son will likely not get an opportunity to catch for his current HS team and if he really wants  compete for the position, he’ll likely have to transfer.  Really just that simple.  I do find it interesting how many of you took the path of some science teacher that may or may not have played independent ball somewhere play baseball god with our kids without question.

Please forgive me if I come off as defensive, not my intent.  Just addressing some of the assumptions.  Love the group and the success stories.  Good to know others have gone through it and found a way.  Thanks again for the input.  It is appreciated and helpful.  

  sorry that you are disappointed but some of what you posted makes no sense.

You live in a state that is loaded with talent. Your son will have to compete better to be on the field and behind the dish here in Florida.

Definitely, you need to get him into one of the better travel programs if he is not.

He does play travel ball and has since he was 10.  He’s played on “National Champion” teams and has more plastic trophies than I care to remember.  He’s played all over the state and will continue to do so with his “Elite” travel program this summer.  Guest playing this weekend and will have his first PG of the season next weekend.  The assumption is that he’s not good enough and that couldn’t be farther from the truth.  The question was never about playing time.  The question was about anyone that was in a similar situation with high school and the path they took.  

I should also state that I didn’t and wouldn’t speak to other parents about the situation.  I bring it up here, because it’s relevant and anonymous.  The only conversation I had with the coach during the season outside of basic pleasantries, was the one I mentioned.  I know the rules about talking to coaches.  I would like nothing better than to have zero interaction with them.  

In fall ball before the start their freshman year, both catchers split time behind the plate for their team.  Both catchers also received custom, monogrammed gear from fundraising for the season.  Both catchers also spent 100% of fielding time behind the plate in practice.  If your intention is to platoon your backup catcher, it might be a good idea to have them take a few ground balls in practice.  Just a thought.  

I’m lost at the confusion.  

No idea where his school is, but every fall ball program I’ve seen in FL is basically rec with some good players sprinkled in. Kids get equal playing time and there are no cuts. Most of the time the top players don’t even play because they are in a tournament or showcase. So I can see where both C’s would get equal time. The coaches also get the opportunity to see game situations and who performs better. You mentioned 0-9 during the season. How did he hit in the fall?

Your son might have to sit another season or even two until he is able to clearly show he is the better catcher (and hitter).

What was the record of the team?

Let’s just say they weren’t exactly making a run at a state title.  

It doesn’t really matter at this point.  I got what I was looking for.  The few people that stayed on topic were helpful.  We’ll have a decision to make come next season.  The coaches priority is to win ball games.  He made it clear in his actions that he has no intention to develop two freshmen catchers for whatever reason.  At best it’s short sighted.  At worst it’s blatant disregard for the baseball development of a 14 year old kid.  Plenty of garbage time in games for reps over the course of a 25 game season.  The split was 125 to 6.  That’s pretty much all you need to know.  

Here's what you have said:

- you picked the school for academic reasons, if he transfers he will lose some valuable academic opportunities

- he is not the best catcher at his current school

Why would you think he would be the best catcher at another school?  Would there be no "politics" there?

Players get injured all the time.  Could be the other catcher - in which case your son will get a shot, since he's practiced at catcher.  Could be your son (who has already been injured once) - in which case, you will have downgraded academics for nothing.

Your son needs to ask his coach, at the end of the year, for an evaluation.  It's awkward for a freshman, but he needs to do it - and pay attention to what the coach says.

I hear your frustration with "development" - my son was DHed for his freshman year, it took him a few weeks that summer to get back in the groove of hitting.  Another freshman got at-bats and did poorly (below .200), but was kept in the lineup - presumably the coach thought he would eventually come around.  He was injured most of junior and senior year and never really did come around.  So, maybe coach was wrong, but he had a plan.

Varsity is not for development anyway, it's for winning.  You yourself said that above, as though it was a bad thing.

Good luck with your son's summer season.

TerribleBPthrower son is a catcher in Florida, he also pitches. No need to be nasty to him. He might be able to share information that might be helpful for your son.

Why are you so angry? You admitted that the school wasn't chosen for the baseball program.   Your son had surgery and was still rehabbing, maybe it would have been better to just not play?

You state that your son has plenty of options out of school so why does 25 HS games mean so much? No player, these days is going to make it to the next level playing HS baseball unless they play at a premium prep or HS.

Learn to play another position to get at bats, because if you don't hit, you don't play.  That's the bottom line for any position player.

Sounds like the OP's mind was already made up and only wanted opinions that supported his own.

@Nick0977 posted:

Let’s just say they weren’t exactly making a run at a state title.  

It doesn’t really matter at this point.  I got what I was looking for.  The few people that stayed on topic were helpful.  We’ll have a decision to make come next season.  The coaches priority is to win ball games.  He made it clear in his actions that he has no intention to develop two freshmen catchers for whatever reason.  At best it’s short sighted. At worst it’s blatant disregard for the baseball development of a 14 year old kid.  Plenty of garbage time in games for reps over the course of a 25 game season.  The split was 125 to 6.  That’s pretty much all you need to know.  

Faulty thinking if you thought Varsity was the place for development.  Coaches bring up young players for a specific need and because they think they have the skills.    Even if a coach is developing players, most of that "development" is in practice.  Basically, a player on a varsity team should be ready to play today.   There may be some further development, but it will be the responsibility of the player to push this - probably on his own time.  JV is the place for development - I realize the school didn't have a JV team and that really is a shame.  Varsity is "the Show".

You mention your son was recovering from surgery and was not able to play for a significant period of time.  Did you really expect the coach to "make up" for the time your son was unable to play?   His job is to win games with the players he has.

TPM has been right on the money.

Most of us here have been through challenges.  When my son made Varsity his sophomore year, he beat out the returning senior for catcher.   Played most games at that position.  Senior was gracious about it since it was plainly evident he was not as good as my son.  Even on Senior night, he didn't play until the last inning or so (it was critical district game and the team was in a three way race for the district title).

Next season with another good catcher coming up, son was moved to 3B.  I wasn't happy with it, but it was something he did at the request of the coach and son was a team player.  Next season moved to 1B - again because that's where the coach needed him.  Kind of a blessing in disguise as my son hit better when he wasn't behind the plate.

If two players are vying for one spot and are "equal" in talent and skills, the deciding factor may come down to hitting.  If one can consistently get hits (and not just bloopers, but hard hit balls) and the other doesn't, it doesn't take much thinking to know which way the coach is going to go.  And it all starts in practice.  And, yes, going 0-9 isn't going to help his cause.  When the opportunity presents itself, a player has to be ready to perform - you just don't always know when that will be.

Good luck in whatever you and your son decide.

@Nick0977 posted:

He does play travel ball and has since he was 10.  He’s played on “National Champion” teams and has more plastic trophies than I care to remember.  He’s played all over the state and will continue to do so with his “Elite” travel program this summer.  Guest playing this weekend and will have his first PG of the season next weekend.  The assumption is that he’s not good enough and that couldn’t be farther from the truth.  The question was never about playing time.  The question was about anyone that was in a similar situation with high school and the path they took.  

I should also state that I didn’t and wouldn’t speak to other parents about the situation.  I bring it up here, because it’s relevant and anonymous.  The only conversation I had with the coach during the season outside of basic pleasantries, was the one I mentioned.  I know the rules about talking to coaches.  I would like nothing better than to have zero interaction with them.  

In fall ball before the start their freshman year, both catchers split time behind the plate for their team.  Both catchers also received custom, monogrammed gear from fundraising for the season.  Both catchers also spent 100% of fielding time behind the plate in practice.  If your intention is to platoon your backup catcher, it might be a good idea to have them take a few ground balls in practice.  Just a thought.  

I’m lost at the confusion.  

Some parents here can't see the situation from your point of view because they had (or claim to have had) kids who either just fought through everything, or dominated from the start because they were so naturally gifted. They assume anyone who didn't must themselves be at fault and is imagining any bias.

On the other hand, parents can see bias where there is none. When your description started out that your kid both was coming off injury and went 0 for 9 when he did play, it's hard to think that bias/favoritism is why he catch. Could it be part of it? Sure. But we only can go by the evidence presented.

Catcher is a unique position in that you can get blocked. At our high school the year before we entered, there were 2 catchers in the same class year. One started, one barely caught. Both are great young men today.

Catcher A went D1, had a coaching change, and came back a little closer to home at a D2 and is doing great by all accounts and we see his highlights on Twitter all the time.

Catcher B went JC, tore his non throwing labrum and missed his whole first season. After season number 2 he was on fire and gets drafted in the later rounds. Elects to go D1 and is now a Semifinalist  for NCAA Buster Posey catcher of the year. Sure glad he never gave up as a high school freshman!

@stranded1 posted:

Some parents here can't see the situation from your point of view because they had (or claim to have had) kids who either just fought through everything, or dominated from the start because they were so naturally gifted. They assume anyone who didn't must themselves be at fault and is imagining any bias.

I don't necessarily agree with the above but you make a good point.

Baseball is a game of failure. All players, even the most gifted, struggle.  It's not exclusive to just one type of player. IMO, the most successful players are those that fight through adversity.

The problem these days is that too many parents make excuses and place blame on others, either the other parents on the team or the coach.  As soon as it doesn't work out the way as planned, its lets make a switch where he will play because he is better than those who got more at bats, more mound time, etc. 

I feel that when in a private school situation, because parents pay, they think that they have a right to bitch and moan.

Just wait until your player goes to college.

JMO

@Nick0977 posted:

Let’s just say they weren’t exactly making a run at a state title.  

It doesn’t really matter at this point.  I got what I was looking for.  The few people that stayed on topic were helpful.  We’ll have a decision to make come next season.  The coaches priority is to win ball games.  He made it clear in his actions that he has no intention to develop two freshmen catchers for whatever reason.  At best it’s short sighted.  At worst it’s blatant disregard for the baseball development of a 14 year old kid.  Plenty of garbage time in games for reps over the course of a 25 game season.  The split was 125 to 6.  That’s pretty much all you need to know.  

The coach’s priority is to win ball games.

What a horrible coach. I can’t imagine any player wanting to play for this misguided coach!

I can see a huge flaw in your thinking. You believe it’s the coach’s responsibility to develop your son. A typical high school baseball season has two to two and a half hour practices three times a week.

Maybe you’re not aware of this. The best players develop away from the game. They practice more away from the team than with the team. They arrive prepared to win a position.

What catching drills are there your son and you can’t develop on your own? Don’t know the catching position? Get. A video, learn from it and work with your son. In eighth grade my son would want to practice with me after middle school games. Because he played a fall sport and travel fall ball we practiced baseball after his fall sport practices.

Does your son have the passion or the preference to play? I only see preference. Everyone prefers to play. Then they make excuses when they don’t. There may be some bias in the coach. But I see excuses more than anything else.

The other catcher may be better. But there is nothing stopping your son from getting the coach in the thinking mode of, “I have to play this kid somewhere.” Nothing, except his passion for the game.

My son got temporarily screwed in another high school sport. It was definitely bias and politics. Rather than make excuses he decided he wasn’t going to allow it to happen. He worked through the issue. He told me to get over it. If I discussed the situation with anyone he would get pissed at me.

When my son graduated from high school and college I looked back and thought how perfect was the experience. It netted out that way. What I’m reminded of by complaining posters/parents on this site is the adversity he fought through to make it seem perfect.

You don’t lose when you get knocked down. You lose when you choose not to get up.

I feel that when in a private school situation, because parents pay, they think that they have a right to bitch and moan.

I watched a million dollar donor ruin a USA Today Top 25 program paving the way for his mediocre son to play. Until this dad did his thing the school had more college baseball prospects than positions on the field.

Just curious ... Paper newspapers aren’t relevant anymore. There are better second options to the local paper available online than USA Today. Does USA Today Top 25 even exist or relevant anymore?

To add to RJM's post, if you aren't playing to win, why are you playing?

If a player really wants to be a starter, they better be finding ways (lessons, etc) to improve their skills before they show up for tryouts and practices.

Give reasons the coach should put you in the line up.

The record of the team is very relevant IMO. If they are 5-20 I could see your argument. But if they are a 10+ win team I would side with having a starter and sticking with him.

@RJM So clearly you just read the last post and run with it.  Lots of trolling here.  Given you are the #2 poster on here I’m sure your one of the best.  I’ll bite so we can go in circles for a few days.  Never made excuses.  Also would never leave the development in the hands of a high school coach.  I’m aware of high school practices as he attended them all season.  Development occurs in more ways than practice and training.  You can train till you’re blue in the face, but live game reps are always going to be necessary.  My son has hitting,  fielding, catching and strength and conditioning coaches.  All are professionals and would be considered some of the best in our area.  He’s caught pens for college and MLB players.  Spends 10-15 hours a week on his craft outside of team practices.  Has played high level travel ball for the last 4 years, all of this is redundant because scrolling is hard.  My son is truly blessed to have those opportunities and doesn’t take them for granted.  Don’t assume you know who I am or what I know.  This all started with a simple question about doing things differently and has grown into people questioning my integrity and the abilities of my son.  Not really helpful or constructive.  If you would like to post your resume and why you’re an authority on the subject matter I’d be very interested in reading it.  While some high school coaches are great mentors and people.  Some are just teachers, picking up a few extra bucks doing I/O for few hours a week.  High school baseball is no longer a necessity for the player looking to play at the next level.  In the last couple of days I’ve experienced a lot of the same garbage mentality that is the true problem.  “I am high school baseball coach, hear me roar, but you damn sure better never question me because I am all knowing and above reproach.” I asked for opinions and ruthless and that is exactly what I received. I have no problems with conflicting views or opinions as long as they are helpful, but trolling is a complete waste of everyone’s time.  All the best.  I think we’ll take the far less obnoxious door number two.  Thank you.