Little League question

[biittner77]

Here's something I've never seen in 6 years coaching Little league. Last inning, bases loaded, tying run at the plate. The opposing pitcher can't find the plate. The kid who's supposed to bat is hiding behind the dugout. I yell over from 3rd base and they tell me he won't bat.

 

I went over to talk to him I said- as nicely as I can "We need you to bat now. The worst thing that can happen, you strike out. I promise no one will get mad."

 

He justs shakes his head, crying

 

"if you don't bat you're automatically out and you'll be letting everyone down"

 

starts crying even more

 

So the umpire calls him out and we lose the game.

 

Needless to say the rest of the kids were really pissed and it was all I could do to get them to stop letting him have it verbally.

 

So if this kid shows up at the next game, what should I do?

[Tracer Bullet]

Here's something I've never seen in 6 years coaching Little league. Last inning, bases loaded, tying run at the plate. The opposing pitcher can't find the plate. The kid who's supposed to bat is hiding behind the dugout. I yell over from 3rd base and they tell me he won't bat.

 

I went over to talk to him I said- as nicely as I can "We need you to bat now. The worst thing that can happen, you strike out. I promise no one will get mad."

 

He justs shakes his head, crying

 

"if you don't bat you're automatically out and you'll be letting everyone down"

 

starts crying even more

 

So the umpire calls him out and we lose the game.

 

Needless to say the rest of the kids were really pissed and it was all I could do to get them to stop letting him have it verbally.

 

So if this kid shows up at the next game, what should I do?

 

How old is this kid? If he shows up to the next game, I'd let him play, but I wouldn't force him to apologize (he's probably already humiliated). I'm sure the games are important to many of the kids (some more than others), but it is just a game and it is Little League. It sure sounds like there's more going on than just normal fear of being hit by a pitch. Does he really want to be there or are his parents forcing him to play? I'd talk to him privately and tell him if he wants to play, he has to bat when it's his turn. If he won't agree to do that, you can't play him. But I'd handle it as privately as possible. My gut tells me he's getting a lot of crap from his classmates for this already and probably isn't a real popular kid.

 

And not to criticize, but I don't think I would have laid a guilt trip on a young kid ("you're letting everyone down"). If he's already crying and terrified to hit, he's not going to respond positively to a threat.

[biittner77]

Maybe, but I couldn't think of anything else. I was trying to give him a choice and under the circumstances I did the best I could.

 

The rest of the kids got along with him OK before this. I don't believe his mother forced him to play as it seems like a pretty big inconvenience for her to get him to games.

 

He is a little afraid of the ball but he had already batted once in the game. By then it was a different pitcher that wasn't throwing as hard as the first one.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

how old is this kid?

[Little Slide Rooter]

I seem to recall a similar situation between Dusty Baker and Jose Macias.

[biittner77]

how old is this kid?

 

he's 9

[jersey cubs fan]

how old is this kid?

 

he's 9

 

Does he have any option years left?

[Ding Dong Johnson]

how old is this kid?

 

he's 9

then punch him in the forehead. seriously, at 9 you shouldn't expect an apology from him and you should also make sure the other kids don't give him more crap. I don't even keep track of the score at my son's games because to me it's more important at that age that he's improving his play and solidifying fundamentals than anything else.

[javy knows my name]

I seem to recall a similar situation between Dusty Baker and Jose Macias.

http://www.encircling.us/photoplog/file.php?n=1648&w=l

[Tracer Bullet]

how old is this kid?

 

he's 9

then punch him in the forehead. seriously, at 9 you shouldn't expect an apology from him and you should also make sure the other kids don't give him more crap. I don't even keep track of the score at my son's games because to me it's more important at that age that he's improving his play and solidifying fundamentals than anything else.

 

Or having a little fun.

[Tracer Bullet]

Maybe, but I couldn't think of anything else. I was trying to give him a choice and under the circumstances I did the best I could.

 

The rest of the kids got along with him OK before this. I don't believe his mother forced him to play as it seems like a pretty big inconvenience for her to get him to games.

 

He is a little afraid of the ball but he had already batted once in the game. By then it was a different pitcher that wasn't throwing as hard as the first one.

 

Maybe? He's 9. I'm sure you did the best you could and that's a tough situation. But if I heard you say that to my kid, I'd be really pissed. At 9, the game should be about having fun.

[biittner77]

seriously, at 9 you shouldn't expect an apology from him and you should also make sure the other kids don't give him more crap. I don't even keep track of the score at my son's games because to me it's more important at that age that he's improving his play and solidifying fundamentals than anything else.

 

Yeah, I get that. We have a league where we don't keep score and if I had to it over again I'd put him in that league.

 

I agree that this league is about instruction and I don't really care all that much about winning or losing. At the same time though, he has to understand that he can't just do whatever he wants without it affecting other people.

[OleMissCub]

My sophomore year in high school we had an identical situation in the state playoffs, except that this pitcher was very accurate and was GOING to throw strikes right down the middle to insure he didn't walk in the tying run. Our coach pulled the batter over before the AB and told him what was up and basically told him to swing away because the pitches are likely going to be fastballs right over the heart of the plate. Well the batter, who was a senior, never lifted the bat off his shoulder...1 strike, 2 strike, 3 strike, season over.

 

After the game the coach called him a "gutless coward" in the locker room.

[biittner77]

Maybe? He's 9. I'm sure you did the best you could and that's a tough situation. But if I heard you say that to my kid, I'd be really pissed. At 9, the game should be about having fun.

 

If you were there I'd expect you to handle it and I'd be OK with whatever you decided. If he's not having fun than maybe he should try a different sport. Up until last night he seemed like he was enjoying being part of the team.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Maybe, but I couldn't think of anything else. I was trying to give him a choice and under the circumstances I did the best I could.

 

The rest of the kids got along with him OK before this. I don't believe his mother forced him to play as it seems like a pretty big inconvenience for her to get him to games.

 

He is a little afraid of the ball but he had already batted once in the game. By then it was a different pitcher that wasn't throwing as hard as the first one.

 

Maybe? He's 9. I'm sure you did the best you could and that's a tough situation. But if I heard you say that to my kid, I'd be really pissed. At 9, the game should be about having fun.

 

I can understand the logic. There's a decent chance one of the reasons he's afraid to go up there is that he doesn't want to fail and lose the game for the team. Pointing out what happens if he doesn't go up there might give him the perspective to step in the box.

[SouthSideRyan]

My sophomore year in high school we had an identical situation in the state playoffs, except that this pitcher was very accurate and was GOING to throw strikes right down the middle to insure he didn't walk in the tying run. Our coach pulled the batter over before the AB and told him what was up and basically told him to swing away because the pitches are likely going to be fastballs right over the heart of the plate. Well the batter, who was a senior, never lifted the bat off his shoulder...1 strike, 2 strike, 3 strike, season over.

 

After the game the coach called him a "gutless coward" in the locker room.

 

High school coaches are fun people.

[Tracer Bullet]

Maybe, but I couldn't think of anything else. I was trying to give him a choice and under the circumstances I did the best I could.

 

The rest of the kids got along with him OK before this. I don't believe his mother forced him to play as it seems like a pretty big inconvenience for her to get him to games.

 

He is a little afraid of the ball but he had already batted once in the game. By then it was a different pitcher that wasn't throwing as hard as the first one.

 

Maybe? He's 9. I'm sure you did the best you could and that's a tough situation. But if I heard you say that to my kid, I'd be really pissed. At 9, the game should be about having fun.

 

I can understand the logic. There's a decent chance one of the reasons he's afraid to go up there is that he doesn't want to fail and lose the game for the team. Pointing out what happens if he doesn't go up there might give him the perspective to step in the box.

 

Explaining the consequences and trying to guilt him into going to bat are 2 different things. Kid's 9 and crying behind the dugout. I don't think the chances are good that the guilt trip is going to get him to say "you know what? I can hit!"

[jersey cubs fan]

Maybe, but I couldn't think of anything else. I was trying to give him a choice and under the circumstances I did the best I could.

 

The rest of the kids got along with him OK before this. I don't believe his mother forced him to play as it seems like a pretty big inconvenience for her to get him to games.

 

He is a little afraid of the ball but he had already batted once in the game. By then it was a different pitcher that wasn't throwing as hard as the first one.

 

Maybe? He's 9. I'm sure you did the best you could and that's a tough situation. But if I heard you say that to my kid, I'd be really pissed. At 9, the game should be about having fun.

 

I can understand the logic. There's a decent chance one of the reasons he's afraid to go up there is that he doesn't want to fail and lose the game for the team. Pointing out what happens if he doesn't go up there might give him the perspective to step in the box.

 

Explaining the consequences and trying to guilt him into going to bat are 2 different things. Kid's 9 and crying behind the dugout. I don't think the chances are good that the guilt trip is going to get him to say "you know what? I can hit!"

 

Okay Dr. Ease up, the guy was in a tough spot and tried to get the kid to go up there. Any parent that would get pissed at a coach for saying that shouldn't have their kid playing in organized sports.

[Tracer Bullet]

seriously, at 9 you shouldn't expect an apology from him and you should also make sure the other kids don't give him more crap. I don't even keep track of the score at my son's games because to me it's more important at that age that he's improving his play and solidifying fundamentals than anything else.

 

Yeah, I get that. We have a league where we don't keep score and if I had to it over again I'd put him in that league.

 

I agree that this league is about instruction and I don't really care all that much about winning or losing. At the same time though, he has to understand that he can't just do whatever he wants without it affecting other people.

 

Since he's 9, I'd talk to the parent to get some insight. Otherwise, I think you privately tell him at the next game that if he wants to play, he has to go to bat when it's his turn. If this happens again, I'd talk to the parent and tell them you can't have a player that refuses to bat as it's unfair to the other kids. Seems like that's the best way to get the issue resolved with least humiliation for the kid.

[biittner77]

My sophomore year in high school we had an identical situation in the state playoffs, except that this pitcher was very accurate and was GOING to throw strikes right down the middle to insure he didn't walk in the tying run. Our coach pulled the batter over before the AB and told him what was up and basically told him to swing away because the pitches are likely going to be fastballs right over the heart of the plate. Well the batter, who was a senior, never lifted the bat off his shoulder...1 strike, 2 strike, 3 strike, season over.

 

After the game the coach called him a "gutless coward" in the locker room.

 

I wouldn't say that was identical at all. If he had tried and failed I would have been glad that he tried. I think the other kids would have been supportive too. They were mad that he wouldn't even try.

[jersey cubs fan]

My sophomore year in high school we had an identical situation in the state playoffs, except that this pitcher was very accurate and was GOING to throw strikes right down the middle to insure he didn't walk in the tying run. Our coach pulled the batter over before the AB and told him what was up and basically told him to swing away because the pitches are likely going to be fastballs right over the heart of the plate. Well the batter, who was a senior, never lifted the bat off his shoulder...1 strike, 2 strike, 3 strike, season over.

 

After the game the coach called him a "gutless coward" in the locker room.

 

I wouldn't say that was identical at all. If he had tried and failed I would have been glad that he tried. I think the other kids would have been supportive too. They were mad that he wouldn't even try.

 

I think he's insinuating that not swinging equals not trying.

[Tracer Bullet]

Maybe, but I couldn't think of anything else. I was trying to give him a choice and under the circumstances I did the best I could.

 

The rest of the kids got along with him OK before this. I don't believe his mother forced him to play as it seems like a pretty big inconvenience for her to get him to games.

 

He is a little afraid of the ball but he had already batted once in the game. By then it was a different pitcher that wasn't throwing as hard as the first one.

 

Maybe? He's 9. I'm sure you did the best you could and that's a tough situation. But if I heard you say that to my kid, I'd be really pissed. At 9, the game should be about having fun.

 

I can understand the logic. There's a decent chance one of the reasons he's afraid to go up there is that he doesn't want to fail and lose the game for the team. Pointing out what happens if he doesn't go up there might give him the perspective to step in the box.

 

Explaining the consequences and trying to guilt him into going to bat are 2 different things. Kid's 9 and crying behind the dugout. I don't think the chances are good that the guilt trip is going to get him to say "you know what? I can hit!"

 

Okay Dr. Ease up, the guy was in a tough spot and tried to get the kid to go up there. Any parent that would get pissed at a coach for saying that shouldn't have their kid playing in organized sports.

 

Dr Ease up?

 

He asked for opinions on handling the situation and I suggested one. I'm not trying to call him out - I stated he was in a tough spot - I'm just suggesting that going forward, using guilt might not be the most effective method.

 

I'm not sure where you get off telling people how they should react to a little league coach's treatment of their child. If a parent doesn't think their 9-year-old is treated the way they want them to, the kids shouldn't be involved in sports? Give me a break.

[jersey cubs fan]

Dr Ease up?

 

He asked for opinions on handling the situation and I suggested one. I'm not trying to call him out - I stated he was in a tough spot - I'm just suggesting that going forward, using guilt might not be the most effective method.

 

I'm not sure where you get off telling people how they should react to a little league coach's treatment of their child. If a parent doesn't think their 9-year-old is treated the way they want them to, the kids shouldn't be involved in sports? Give me a break.

 

 

Ok Dr.

 

 

Ease up.

 

not "dr. ease up".

 

I'm referring to this specific situation and you claiming you'd be pissed if he said what he said to your kid. If it was something where he was out of line or mistreating a kid, absolutely a parent should be pissed. But your overly dramatic reaction to his story is silly.

[Tracer Bullet]

Dr Ease up?

 

He asked for opinions on handling the situation and I suggested one. I'm not trying to call him out - I stated he was in a tough spot - I'm just suggesting that going forward, using guilt might not be the most effective method.

 

I'm not sure where you get off telling people how they should react to a little league coach's treatment of their child. If a parent doesn't think their 9-year-old is treated the way they want them to, the kids shouldn't be involved in sports? Give me a break.

 

 

Ok Dr.

 

 

Ease up.

 

not "dr. ease up".

 

I'm referring to this specific situation and you claiming you'd be pissed if he said what he said to your kid. If it was something where he was out of line or mistreating a kid, absolutely a parent should be pissed. But your overly dramatic reaction to his story is silly.

 

So now I'm a doctor? I guess I still don't get it, but whatever.

 

I don't think being pissed if someone guilt trips your 9-year-old is a "silly, overly dramatic reaction." I think that's a pretty bad lesson to teach a 9-year-old. So yes, I'd be a little pissed. But I think you're overstating my reaction. I probably wouldn't say anything to the coach, though I'd probably talk about it with my kid. But it would upset me. I'm a parent of a young child and I'm constantly amazed at what he picks up, so I'm sensitive to the lessons he's learning from others (whether they know he's learning from them or not). I'm surprised you wouldn't be upset if someone did that to your kid.

[The Voice of Reason]

Drop it. The kids are nine, have probably (or should have) forgot about it by now and it's friggin Little league for crisakes. These days, Little League is nothing more than a glorified recreational league.

 

If the nine year old kids and their parents are that serious about baseball, they should join a travel team, pay $2K a year, play 60 - 80 games and be coached by Knute Rockne wannabes who are living vicariously through their kids.

 

The fourth greatest lie - "It's all about the kids."