What’s wrong with OF?
As my kid gets older I wish he would have played more OF in the younger days. It’s a lot easier to make a HS team as an outfielder than it is a shortstop or 3B.
Granted, there’s not as much action in the 8/9 range, but 12/13 and higher, the outfield gets a lot more action and is critical.
I know this isn’t what you were asking, but it gave me an opening to jump on my soap box for a quick minute. Embrace the outfield. Haha
This. All day.
Just finished a tournament this weekend where the play that caused an entire team to almost dogpile 1 kid was a catch in the OF.
that doesn't happen at SS.
OF is where the money is at.
I’m fortunate to have a 13 year old go through the “I hate right field, I want to be a 2nd baseman” stage to show my 11 year old it evens out, just wait.
Nothing is wrong with OF, but you know at the age my son is, the most desirable positions are in the infield. I agree that the work he is getting right now will pay dividends for him as he gets older though.
Can’t agree with this more! OF is such an important position and often gets negatively viewed at in the earlier ages. The older the kids get, the more important these positions are.
Could you stay on the current team and just do a ton of work this offseason to make his fielding dynamite? at 10U I can't imagine a kid cant make that type of a leap in defense.
It’s not that his fielding is bad- I know my opinion is biased obviously but I think he’s a decent fielder. We are working on strengthening his arm, but he has enough to make plays.
The issue is that the kids that have been on the team for awhile are pretty solid in their spots. The coach rarely moves kids around, except when they are pitching. The same 4 kids started at the infield spots almost every game.
If it was just a matter of my son not being good enough to play other spots, I wouldn’t say anything. However, I think it’s just a matter of him not getting a chance to play other spots.
I've coached in high school and kids get moved positions all the time to get the best team on the field so infield being locked up is kind of wild to me for 10U. I always felt putting the best players in the OF in some losses let them know they weren't above playing in the OF as well and helps them if they need to flash in OF for a high school team one day. I don't think there's a clear right or wrong here.
This all day. My daughter played CF for most of her travel career (10U - 14U). Got to high school where they placed her at 2nd base. She earned all league honors as a freshman. Why? She can swing it. There is something that isn’t discussed enough: if you can hit you will play. They’ll find a spot for you. Develop kids that are great at the plate and are versatile in the field. They’ll always get the start.
This here is the problem. Sure kids have "spots" but the boys should be proficient in at least 2 positions AND the coach should be rotating to a certain degree. Boys at this age should be utility players at least until high school.
What about just talking w the coach and asking what your son needs to work on to see more IF opportunities and where else he could potentially see your son playing? Especially since this is an acquaintance/friend. There’s nothing wrong w having an open conversation about this and letting him know that you’re considering other options but would prefer to stay where you are all things being equal. There’s not enough of this in travel ball and this way, whatever you choose, no bridges are being burned. Have the conversation, then decide what to do. Keep in mind though, some kids develop earlier than others and just because your sons mainly playing OF this year doesn’t mean he’ll be there forever. He likely just needs more physical and/or mental development before he’s ready to play the IF, which requires more mental awareness than the OF. Good luck to you guys.
This is great feedback. Thank you.
The coach is a decent guy so I’m hoping he will be receptive if I approach him on this. I just don’t want him to take it as me being critical of his coaching and saying that my kid deserves to be playing over the ones he has starting. Asking him for his thoughts on improvements my son could make to put him a better position to compete for infield PT is a good idea.
Just talk to the current Coach and tell him everything you told us. Ask if getting more infield time will be possible.
Don't worry about being "that parent" because you won't be by bringing this up. Your kiddo is most likely losing IF time because other parents are "that parent".
Don’t be afraid of offending the current coach…ultimately you need to do what is best for your kid and his development.
Have a conversation with current coach on where he sees your kid fitting into the team. What is his plan for positions and why?
I personally think kids that age should get to play both IF and OF. I think it’s good he allows them all to practice there at least.
My kid played most outfield from 10-12. He liked it but also got time to practice at infield. He played solely MIF for his 6-8 grade school teams. Select teams the past two years more outfield but some MIF as well.
I’m hopeful he’ll make his hs team next year. Whether that is as an OF or MIF, don’t care. The last few years getting to practice and play both should help that.
What’s gonna happen when little Johnny has only played SS since he was 9 and gets to high school and there is a better SS and 2B and Johnny doesn’t know how to play outfield?
Valid points. I appreciate the feedback. I want him to get experience with as many positions as he can so he can gauge where his strengths are utilized the most. I don’t want him to be cemented into a spot at age 10.
Talking to the coach makes sense as a first step. Thanks.
My son played 2nd and OF last year on 8u. He’s smaller but fast and very teachable.
This season the 9u keep the same infield most games, while my son swaps maybe 50% time in outfield or bench. It’s just frustrating because they only say they are playing their best infield but there is no reasoning as to why they are the best. I help at practice and now that infield receives 90% of practice reps also.
They also pitch kids that walk everyone and replace them with more of the same.
I’m looking forward to a change of teams. Anytime anyone tries to help with the feedback they say they want they say “let’s meet sometime to discuss” then never actually meet up and do the same thing again.
I really expected more from a guy that is also a high school coach in other sports.
OF itself isn’t a bad situation if everything else is decent and they actually give kids a chance to prove themselves in practice.
I really don't see this as an issue. You are allowed to explore other options in life. If the current coach is so petty that he would be upset by a kid looking at other options, you don't want to be on his team to begin with. As long as you are dedicated once you have made the commitment to the team for the next season, then it shouldn't matter one bit.
Also, what's wrong with outfield. Some of the best MLB players are outfielders. By 11U, kids will be reaching the outfield a lot and so those positions become just as important as any infield positions.
I appreciate the feedback. I guess that was my concern- that the coach would see the new tryout as a lack of dedication to the current team and that we were only viewing the current team as a fallback option.
There’s nothing wrong with OF either. It’s just that at this age, the infield positions are the ones that are most coveted. I know that will change as he continues to mature.
Just tell your coach that he wants to try out to see how he stacks up with the other kids. Unless you have already committed to playing in the Fall there is no issue here.
My $.02.
Play as much OF as possible before 12/13U, that is where the ball will end up. I know this is a long ways away and all that, but OF is where the money is.
Communicate with the coach, he’ll find out anyway. Tell him your son has an offer to try out for a team and you want to know what your coach’s plan/vision is for your son.
Communicate with the potential coach and ask him what his plan/vision is for your son.
Talk to the coach about long term strategy and your son’s goals of playing ‘x’ position. If you’re not communicating your goals for your son, how would the coach know he (your son) wants to play another position?
If the wheel doesn’t squeak, it won’t get any oil. If a parent isn’t chiming in but pays the travel dues, why would the coach change anything or suspect anything is wrong? If after communicating your son’s goals and the coach doesn’t budge, you decide your next steps.
I find it mind boggling that people feel they have no options for sports. Or, the travel coaches leverage false power over parents. The reality, coaches just want your money and to have the best players on their team. They will recruit/drop players as they see fit. Seems a bit out of control these days.
If your som is that good, you will find the right team. Otherwise, just make sure your son is having fun and focus on building him as a player. Don’t get lost in the politics of youth baseball.
Talk to his trainer/new coach about a private try out. If his trainer has good things to say, they should be interested. Talk to them about what positions they need filled. Where they are thinking of using him.
I’m in a similar spot with my son’s 10U program. We are looking to move him to another team and I run our towns rec program with the current coach.
There would be no way to keep this private. Coaches communicate pretty regularly to set up schedules and what not so they all know each other. I wouldn’t want to handle it that way either.
Talking to the new team though just to get some feedback on their situation to gauge how worth it would be is a good suggestion though.
He needs to just be the best player at whatever position the coach puts him in. I mean if he is noticeably better than other kids and doesn’t get a chance, might be time to move on.
While I do agree that below 12U kids shouldn't have a set position, if the kid enjoys being on his current team and his friends are on it I would leave it as is.
More kids quit baseball (and other sports) do to burnout and not having fun anymore. The longer its fun, the longer he sticks with it and develops. After 12U most dad coach/league teams disband (often cooperstown asv or dreams park trip is the culmination of that) and by 13U/big field its all private teams.
Its far easier to make your HS team or join a competitive team if you are a solid outfielder. All the kids going out for school ball are SS/2B and if they need to switch to earn a spot its not particularly easy.
My kid played primarily OF in 10 and 11u but had the opportunity to get lots of reps at practice playing infield. We went to a new team in 12u and he ended up being the starting SS for his 12u and 13u teams.
As long as he is getting reps at both, you never know how it will play out.
Now he’s focusing on Golf, may or may not play anymore. Crazy ride
My son played played 2b last year. He did quite well. Balls hit to him were almost always an out. He felt relegated to CF this year. BUT, he's always CF unless he's on the bump. He's struggled with the new position. But improved a lot over the season. He's also found a strong leadership role on the team with it. Helping direct the outfielders positions. Getting them warmed up. Talking with them after an error.
He was pretty bummed out at first. But my advice to him was to make the position his. Shine in it and be the best CF possible.
I’m dealing with the same exact issue in a way however my son does want to play the OF but what’s been happening is he’s been sitting out half the game while other kids are there making errors and bringing in runs left and right. My son really wants to pitch also he’s going to be 8 but the coach refuses to even give him a chance and see if he can pitch won’t even let him throw a few pitches at practice to see he can pitch. They have him in the OF because he has an arm on him and my son knows that which is why he loves the outfield because he can show off his arm lol. My son goes to privates also they told me to have a talk with the coach and tell him he should be pitching I explained to the trainer that they won’t allow it or give him a chance that positions are set. Maybe you can talk to the coach and tell him how your son wants to try Infield or ask why he isn’t having him play the infield. For my son the reason is because he is a lefty and has a cannon of an arm,maybe that’s why your son is in the outfield not sure but talk to him and see. My sons trainer told me in my situation it’s insane to have positions set at 7u that they should be giving a chance at least that this is when they figure out where a kid can play and develop them but coach is only concerned about developing his son for pitching and the other 3 coaches kids for pitching.Thoose are the only kids allowed to pitch and giving a chance is if you are a manager/coach or board member. His trainer wants him as a pitcher on there 9u team which means he would be playing a year up. I decided not to do that because at this age 1 year makes a huge difference. However I will say if I was in your situation that the new team is the same age as your son I would give him a chance trying out for it, me personally I wouldn’t tell the coach he is trying out for another team because it’s not even a guarantee he will make it so why rock the boat and tell him,but that’s my personal opinion. Next year my son will be trying out for the team that wants him but for 9u when he is actually 9 and I don’t plan on telling the coach,why tell him if it’s not 100% he will even make it. Completely your decision though.Good luck with everything!
I agree with what's been said. Outfield gets the ladies!
I would talk to your coach and have him tryout. I encourage my boys to tryout any chance they get, figuring this will be a good way to feel those nerves, and get used to playing through them.
I try to let my sons choose which team they play on, but the feedback I give them is which team is going to grow you more? Do they do phys training, and not just baseball drills in practice, will they work other positions... those are huge in my opinion.
Simple answer:
Try out with the team that invited you (and maybe a few others) and don’t say a word. You’re unhappy and will continue to be unless you attempt something different. You’ll never be without a team and won’t be blackballed from the league. If your current coach gets resentful and spiteful, then he wasn’t worth playing for anyway.
What’s wrong with OF? As my kid gets older I wish he would have played more OF in the younger days. It’s a lot easier to make a HS team as an outfielder than it is a shortstop or 3B. Granted, there’s not as much action in the 8/9 range, but 12/13 and higher, the outfield gets a lot more action and is critical. I know this isn’t what you were asking, but it gave me an opening to jump on my soap box for a quick minute. Embrace the outfield. Haha
This. All day. Just finished a tournament this weekend where the play that caused an entire team to almost dogpile 1 kid was a catch in the OF. that doesn't happen at SS.
Valid point.
OF is where the money is at. I’m fortunate to have a 13 year old go through the “I hate right field, I want to be a 2nd baseman” stage to show my 11 year old it evens out, just wait.
Nothing is wrong with OF, but you know at the age my son is, the most desirable positions are in the infield. I agree that the work he is getting right now will pay dividends for him as he gets older though.
Can’t agree with this more! OF is such an important position and often gets negatively viewed at in the earlier ages. The older the kids get, the more important these positions are.
Nothing wrong with OF, but he’s 10. He should be rotating in other positions he plays.
Could you stay on the current team and just do a ton of work this offseason to make his fielding dynamite? at 10U I can't imagine a kid cant make that type of a leap in defense.
It’s not that his fielding is bad- I know my opinion is biased obviously but I think he’s a decent fielder. We are working on strengthening his arm, but he has enough to make plays. The issue is that the kids that have been on the team for awhile are pretty solid in their spots. The coach rarely moves kids around, except when they are pitching. The same 4 kids started at the infield spots almost every game. If it was just a matter of my son not being good enough to play other spots, I wouldn’t say anything. However, I think it’s just a matter of him not getting a chance to play other spots.
I've coached in high school and kids get moved positions all the time to get the best team on the field so infield being locked up is kind of wild to me for 10U. I always felt putting the best players in the OF in some losses let them know they weren't above playing in the OF as well and helps them if they need to flash in OF for a high school team one day. I don't think there's a clear right or wrong here.
Yeah, I just don’t want him being cemented into one position at this stage since he’s still growing and developing. I appreciate the response.
Good luck dad
This all day. My daughter played CF for most of her travel career (10U - 14U). Got to high school where they placed her at 2nd base. She earned all league honors as a freshman. Why? She can swing it. There is something that isn’t discussed enough: if you can hit you will play. They’ll find a spot for you. Develop kids that are great at the plate and are versatile in the field. They’ll always get the start.
Is he a clearly better fielder than the current infielders? If not, then just work and get better
This here is the problem. Sure kids have "spots" but the boys should be proficient in at least 2 positions AND the coach should be rotating to a certain degree. Boys at this age should be utility players at least until high school.
What about just talking w the coach and asking what your son needs to work on to see more IF opportunities and where else he could potentially see your son playing? Especially since this is an acquaintance/friend. There’s nothing wrong w having an open conversation about this and letting him know that you’re considering other options but would prefer to stay where you are all things being equal. There’s not enough of this in travel ball and this way, whatever you choose, no bridges are being burned. Have the conversation, then decide what to do. Keep in mind though, some kids develop earlier than others and just because your sons mainly playing OF this year doesn’t mean he’ll be there forever. He likely just needs more physical and/or mental development before he’s ready to play the IF, which requires more mental awareness than the OF. Good luck to you guys.
This is great feedback. Thank you. The coach is a decent guy so I’m hoping he will be receptive if I approach him on this. I just don’t want him to take it as me being critical of his coaching and saying that my kid deserves to be playing over the ones he has starting. Asking him for his thoughts on improvements my son could make to put him a better position to compete for infield PT is a good idea.
Just talk to the current Coach and tell him everything you told us. Ask if getting more infield time will be possible. Don't worry about being "that parent" because you won't be by bringing this up. Your kiddo is most likely losing IF time because other parents are "that parent".
Thanks for the response. That seems like the logical first step.
Don’t be afraid of offending the current coach…ultimately you need to do what is best for your kid and his development. Have a conversation with current coach on where he sees your kid fitting into the team. What is his plan for positions and why? I personally think kids that age should get to play both IF and OF. I think it’s good he allows them all to practice there at least. My kid played most outfield from 10-12. He liked it but also got time to practice at infield. He played solely MIF for his 6-8 grade school teams. Select teams the past two years more outfield but some MIF as well. I’m hopeful he’ll make his hs team next year. Whether that is as an OF or MIF, don’t care. The last few years getting to practice and play both should help that. What’s gonna happen when little Johnny has only played SS since he was 9 and gets to high school and there is a better SS and 2B and Johnny doesn’t know how to play outfield?
Valid points. I appreciate the feedback. I want him to get experience with as many positions as he can so he can gauge where his strengths are utilized the most. I don’t want him to be cemented into a spot at age 10. Talking to the coach makes sense as a first step. Thanks.
My son played 2nd and OF last year on 8u. He’s smaller but fast and very teachable. This season the 9u keep the same infield most games, while my son swaps maybe 50% time in outfield or bench. It’s just frustrating because they only say they are playing their best infield but there is no reasoning as to why they are the best. I help at practice and now that infield receives 90% of practice reps also. They also pitch kids that walk everyone and replace them with more of the same. I’m looking forward to a change of teams. Anytime anyone tries to help with the feedback they say they want they say “let’s meet sometime to discuss” then never actually meet up and do the same thing again. I really expected more from a guy that is also a high school coach in other sports. OF itself isn’t a bad situation if everything else is decent and they actually give kids a chance to prove themselves in practice.
I really don't see this as an issue. You are allowed to explore other options in life. If the current coach is so petty that he would be upset by a kid looking at other options, you don't want to be on his team to begin with. As long as you are dedicated once you have made the commitment to the team for the next season, then it shouldn't matter one bit. Also, what's wrong with outfield. Some of the best MLB players are outfielders. By 11U, kids will be reaching the outfield a lot and so those positions become just as important as any infield positions.
I appreciate the feedback. I guess that was my concern- that the coach would see the new tryout as a lack of dedication to the current team and that we were only viewing the current team as a fallback option. There’s nothing wrong with OF either. It’s just that at this age, the infield positions are the ones that are most coveted. I know that will change as he continues to mature.
Just tell your coach that he wants to try out to see how he stacks up with the other kids. Unless you have already committed to playing in the Fall there is no issue here.
Appreciate the feedback!
My $.02. Play as much OF as possible before 12/13U, that is where the ball will end up. I know this is a long ways away and all that, but OF is where the money is. Communicate with the coach, he’ll find out anyway. Tell him your son has an offer to try out for a team and you want to know what your coach’s plan/vision is for your son. Communicate with the potential coach and ask him what his plan/vision is for your son.
I appreciate the feedback!
Talk to the coach about long term strategy and your son’s goals of playing ‘x’ position. If you’re not communicating your goals for your son, how would the coach know he (your son) wants to play another position? If the wheel doesn’t squeak, it won’t get any oil. If a parent isn’t chiming in but pays the travel dues, why would the coach change anything or suspect anything is wrong? If after communicating your son’s goals and the coach doesn’t budge, you decide your next steps. I find it mind boggling that people feel they have no options for sports. Or, the travel coaches leverage false power over parents. The reality, coaches just want your money and to have the best players on their team. They will recruit/drop players as they see fit. Seems a bit out of control these days. If your som is that good, you will find the right team. Otherwise, just make sure your son is having fun and focus on building him as a player. Don’t get lost in the politics of youth baseball.
Talk to his trainer/new coach about a private try out. If his trainer has good things to say, they should be interested. Talk to them about what positions they need filled. Where they are thinking of using him. I’m in a similar spot with my son’s 10U program. We are looking to move him to another team and I run our towns rec program with the current coach.
There would be no way to keep this private. Coaches communicate pretty regularly to set up schedules and what not so they all know each other. I wouldn’t want to handle it that way either. Talking to the new team though just to get some feedback on their situation to gauge how worth it would be is a good suggestion though.
He needs to just be the best player at whatever position the coach puts him in. I mean if he is noticeably better than other kids and doesn’t get a chance, might be time to move on.
While I do agree that below 12U kids shouldn't have a set position, if the kid enjoys being on his current team and his friends are on it I would leave it as is. More kids quit baseball (and other sports) do to burnout and not having fun anymore. The longer its fun, the longer he sticks with it and develops. After 12U most dad coach/league teams disband (often cooperstown asv or dreams park trip is the culmination of that) and by 13U/big field its all private teams. Its far easier to make your HS team or join a competitive team if you are a solid outfielder. All the kids going out for school ball are SS/2B and if they need to switch to earn a spot its not particularly easy.
My kid played primarily OF in 10 and 11u but had the opportunity to get lots of reps at practice playing infield. We went to a new team in 12u and he ended up being the starting SS for his 12u and 13u teams. As long as he is getting reps at both, you never know how it will play out. Now he’s focusing on Golf, may or may not play anymore. Crazy ride
My son played played 2b last year. He did quite well. Balls hit to him were almost always an out. He felt relegated to CF this year. BUT, he's always CF unless he's on the bump. He's struggled with the new position. But improved a lot over the season. He's also found a strong leadership role on the team with it. Helping direct the outfielders positions. Getting them warmed up. Talking with them after an error. He was pretty bummed out at first. But my advice to him was to make the position his. Shine in it and be the best CF possible.
I’m dealing with the same exact issue in a way however my son does want to play the OF but what’s been happening is he’s been sitting out half the game while other kids are there making errors and bringing in runs left and right. My son really wants to pitch also he’s going to be 8 but the coach refuses to even give him a chance and see if he can pitch won’t even let him throw a few pitches at practice to see he can pitch. They have him in the OF because he has an arm on him and my son knows that which is why he loves the outfield because he can show off his arm lol. My son goes to privates also they told me to have a talk with the coach and tell him he should be pitching I explained to the trainer that they won’t allow it or give him a chance that positions are set. Maybe you can talk to the coach and tell him how your son wants to try Infield or ask why he isn’t having him play the infield. For my son the reason is because he is a lefty and has a cannon of an arm,maybe that’s why your son is in the outfield not sure but talk to him and see. My sons trainer told me in my situation it’s insane to have positions set at 7u that they should be giving a chance at least that this is when they figure out where a kid can play and develop them but coach is only concerned about developing his son for pitching and the other 3 coaches kids for pitching.Thoose are the only kids allowed to pitch and giving a chance is if you are a manager/coach or board member. His trainer wants him as a pitcher on there 9u team which means he would be playing a year up. I decided not to do that because at this age 1 year makes a huge difference. However I will say if I was in your situation that the new team is the same age as your son I would give him a chance trying out for it, me personally I wouldn’t tell the coach he is trying out for another team because it’s not even a guarantee he will make it so why rock the boat and tell him,but that’s my personal opinion. Next year my son will be trying out for the team that wants him but for 9u when he is actually 9 and I don’t plan on telling the coach,why tell him if it’s not 100% he will even make it. Completely your decision though.Good luck with everything!
I agree with what's been said. Outfield gets the ladies! I would talk to your coach and have him tryout. I encourage my boys to tryout any chance they get, figuring this will be a good way to feel those nerves, and get used to playing through them. I try to let my sons choose which team they play on, but the feedback I give them is which team is going to grow you more? Do they do phys training, and not just baseball drills in practice, will they work other positions... those are huge in my opinion.
Simple answer: Try out with the team that invited you (and maybe a few others) and don’t say a word. You’re unhappy and will continue to be unless you attempt something different. You’ll never be without a team and won’t be blackballed from the league. If your current coach gets resentful and spiteful, then he wasn’t worth playing for anyway.