versitility verses specialization

IMO the more positions a kid can play the more options he gives his coach which benefits the team as well as increase his own playing time.

"On two legs, Mickey Mantle would have been the greatest ballplayer who ever lived." - Nellie Fox

varsatiity will get him in the lineup faster!!

His bat will get him in the lineup faster.

He's still young and IMO doesn't need to specialize yet.

However, I have seen a number of guys "suffer" from versatility, either because the players who own a position or the players who have a bat but have some limitations (ie 'Joe can hit but he can't move, let's stick him on 1st to keep his bat in the lineup') get placed first. Then the versatile player gets stuck in the most important hole, which may not be best for him. Or, he may be taken up to varsity to be utility, playing sporadically...while guys on JV are groomed to take over positions. Much depends on the quality of the team around him as well as his own strengths.

For the above reasons (having experienced some of the downside of versatility on his AAU team), when my son got to hs he decided he was presenting himself as a catcher only. His role was clear, coach knew what he had, and he had the opportunity to develop his skills at his position rather than be jack of all trades, master of etc. As it happened, he still played a little OF (as a rest), even pitched a few innings when the team needed it, but he owned a position.

---------------------------------
From 'Nice Guys Finish Last' by Leo Durocher:

Baseball lives at the center of a never-flagging whirl of irreconcilable opinions.

I agree with Orlando. Eventually a player needs to “own” a position, but at the same time I say stay versatile if you can. My son is a versatile player. His primary position is catcher but he pitches, plays third, first base, and is the designated hitter at times. In one game last year, as a freshman in college, he played three different positions. I DO think versatility opens doors but at the same time it has to hinder a player’s growth in his “best” area. Work on hitting, and arm strength. In my opinion those are the two most important tools. If a player can hit and/or throw he can go far. Eventually your son’s best talent will emerge. Pitch/Catch is a tough combination but can be done.

Fungo

Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.