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HITANDRUN
436 Posts |
 Posted - 03/21/2013 : 08:34:56
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Any and all parents that stand behind the back stop and yell at their kid about his hitting or after he has struck out or didn't get a hit will have to take 2 rounds of BP at a local indoor facility while their son stands behind them and tells them how much they suck. Hey dad mom, it looks a lot easier from behind the big net or backstop doesn't it?
I am joking about this but I bet it would shut most of them up.
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ChinMusic
126 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2013 : 09:10:32
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| Good idea... I hear that a lot working the plate and it doesn't help the kids. |
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DecaturDad
619 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2013 : 12:04:19
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I have always tried not to instruct my son when he is on the field. But I must admit that one season I was accidently putting pressure on him. At 11u he was a true power hitter. At least one out of the park each weekend. When he would be heading to the plate, I would say "Have fun 12". I just wanted him to enjoy the game. Half way through the season I found out that he thought I meant put one out. So just an innocent comment like that came across as pressure to an 11 year old.
Now at 14, I drive him to the game, sit in the stands and chear on the team. I don't address anything to him directly.
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nastycurve
244 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2013 : 12:43:11
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| lol that's quality... Ive got one even better. Allow your best pitcher to pitch to them and see if they can hit some live pitching... Nothing like all those "teachers" who cant do it themselves. |
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neverquit
128 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2013 : 14:12:23
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| There is a reason that CDP is designed the way it is. I wish all parks would not allow people behind the backstop. |
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ABC_Baseball
90 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2013 : 08:00:41
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One thing I've never done is talk to my kid while he is at bat (would never dream of it while he is pitching). I typically try to get out of his line of sight. Its been said that hitting a baseball is the hardest thing in sports. The time for talking and instruction is during practice. He has had enough lessons that he knows what he is doing.
I will say that being a coach for a few years during rec ball, its hard to let go completely. A lot of times I'm waving at him when he is in the outfield because he tends to line up more shallow than all the other outfielders and the coaches tend to miss it. Every once in a while they will yell at him to back up. First year of kid pitch so it's not an intentional shift at this point. Hopefully I will get to the point DecaturDad is at and can truly just watch.
I had a thought the other night watching my kid hit. I usually can tell when a kid has a "professional" swing. My son has had plenty of lessons and he truly looks as if and knows what he is doing at the plate. If you are going to spend hundreds of dollars just to play travel ball. Then spend 100's more on equipment. Investing in some hitting lessons from a former MLB player can only help. From the time my kid started to show an interest in playing baseball, the lesson have only helped. Nobody in his age group can throw a pitch by him. There are always location issues when the ball comes out of a kids hand vs. a machine, but his mechanics are really good and speed is usually not an issue. Get the lessons, then you can turn them lose at the plate when its game time. |
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chollyred
29 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2013 : 09:23:52
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| Like ABC, I try to get out of his line of site, whether he's pitching, or hitting. Since I've been on the coaching side in the past, I sit in the bleachers and keep my mouth shut! Of course I do use a little body english trying to help him out! :) |
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baseball247365
8 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2013 : 12:04:27
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| Hopefully your new rule will work better for you than when I tried to make the parents run laps for not being on time to practice. |
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Dad of 17
10 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2013 : 18:20:58
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| Dam, i wish i could keep my mouth shut, i have tried eating sunflower seeds, peanuts, chewing gum, lollypops, i guess i can try a blind fold, and just listen, lol. |
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nastycurve
244 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2013 : 17:45:44
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| with 17 kids how do you find time to go to the game? |
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HITANDRUN
436 Posts |
Posted - 03/25/2013 : 13:33:04
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quote:
Originally posted by ABC_Baseball
Nobody in his age group can throw a pitch by him.
Did you say he is 9 years old? I hope professional lessons at 9 translates to big success at 15 when they hit the big field. From what I have seen some will improve some will struggle some will quit even some of the best hitters at 9 will not be playing at 14 and 15.
I personally hope they all keep playing until high school. |
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ABC_Baseball
90 Posts |
Posted - 03/25/2013 : 20:25:34
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quote:
Originally posted by HITANDRUN
quote:
Originally posted by ABC_Baseball
Nobody in his age group can throw a pitch by him.
Did you say he is 9 years old? I hope professional lessons at 9 translates to big success at 15 when they hit the big field. From what I have seen some will improve some will struggle some will quit even some of the best hitters at 9 will not be playing at 14 and 15.
I personally hope they all keep playing until high school.
He is currently 8. Every once in a while I see kids around his age taking batting lessons. Every so often the travel team will have a paid hitting coach come by. I'm already paying well over $1,000 for him to play travel ball. Spending some additional on hitting lessons that may last 3 or 4 months per package is not a bad investment.
I just believe that if he is going to do it, he needs to do it the right way. Every hitting coach is different, but I would rather someone who knows what they are doing teach him at this level. Hopefully he does continue to play as long as he can hack it. |
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Spartan4
913 Posts |
Posted - 03/25/2013 : 21:41:19
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quote:
Originally posted by ABC_Baseball
quote:
Originally posted by HITANDRUN
quote:
Originally posted by ABC_Baseball
Nobody in his age group can throw a pitch by him.
Did you say he is 9 years old? I hope professional lessons at 9 translates to big success at 15 when they hit the big field. From what I have seen some will improve some will struggle some will quit even some of the best hitters at 9 will not be playing at 14 and 15.
I personally hope they all keep playing until high school.
He is currently 8. Every once in a while I see kids around his age taking batting lessons. Every so often the travel team will have a paid hitting coach come by. I'm already paying well over $1,000 for him to play travel ball. Spending some additional on hitting lessons that may last 3 or 4 months per package is not a bad investment.
I just believe that if he is going to do it, he needs to do it the right way. Every hitting coach is different, but I would rather someone who knows what they are doing teach him at this level. Hopefully he does continue to play as long as he can hack it.
Keep doing it....for every stud at 9 who can't play on the big field are 2-3 kids who can that were also studs at 9. |
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brdymakr
53 Posts |
Posted - 03/26/2013 : 16:40:43
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quote:
Originally posted by HITANDRUN
Any and all parents that stand behind the back stop and yell at their kid about his hitting or after he has struck out or didn't get a hit will have to take 2 rounds of BP at a local indoor facility while their son stands behind them and tells them how much they suck. Hey dad mom, it looks a lot easier from behind the big net or backstop doesn't it?
I am joking about this but I bet it would shut most of them up.
Not a bad idea, but as a parent who played organized ball at the highest levels for 20 years, I'd be happy to take that challenge on as long as the Coaches are too. I pitch, you hit...even trade right? I'm all for letting Coaches coach, but let's not "label" all parents of talented kids as "can't play" types. Some of us can...just saying |
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HITANDRUN
436 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2013 : 13:04:28
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quote:
Originally posted by brdymakr
quote:
Originally posted by HITANDRUN
Any and all parents that stand behind the back stop and yell at their kid about his hitting or after he has struck out or didn't get a hit will have to take 2 rounds of BP at a local indoor facility while their son stands behind them and tells them how much they suck. Hey dad mom, it looks a lot easier from behind the big net or backstop doesn't it?
I am joking about this but I bet it would shut most of them up.
Not a bad idea, but as a parent who played organized ball at the highest levels for 20 years, I'd be happy to take that challenge on as long as the Coaches are too. I pitch, you hit...even trade right? I'm all for letting Coaches coach, but let's not "label" all parents of talented kids as "can't play" types. Some of us can...just saying
This brings me to my next point. Most parents who played College baseball or higher are not the ones sitting behind the backstop yelling. They played, they did their time they let their kid go, they know what it takes to hit an 80 plus MPH FB and then make adjustments to hit a Changeup or Curveball or god forbid a slider.
Having played 20 years at the highest levels I can almost guarantee you don't say much when your son is hitting or do you? If so what things do you say and why? |
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sharkattack
40 Posts |
Posted - 03/27/2013 : 13:21:49
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| Another related pet peeve is the parents that say nothing about team defense unless their son is on the mound. When he's on the bump it's "come on, help your pitcher out" or "lets go defense, make a play" when errors are made. Everyone understands you want your son to have the best chance to succeed but be consistent with all the kids. |
Edited by - sharkattack on 03/27/2013 13:27:58 |
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brdymakr
53 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2013 : 08:01:10
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quote:
Originally posted by HITANDRUN
quote:
Originally posted by brdymakr
quote:
Originally posted by HITANDRUN
Any and all parents that stand behind the back stop and yell at their kid about his hitting or after he has struck out or didn't get a hit will have to take 2 rounds of BP at a local indoor facility while their son stands behind them and tells them how much they suck. Hey dad mom, it looks a lot easier from behind the big net or backstop doesn't it?
I am joking about this but I bet it would shut most of them up.
Not a bad idea, but as a parent who played organized ball at the highest levels for 20 years, I'd be happy to take that challenge on as long as the Coaches are too. I pitch, you hit...even trade right? I'm all for letting Coaches coach, but let's not "label" all parents of talented kids as "can't play" types. Some of us can...just saying
This brings me to my next point. Most parents who played College baseball or higher are not the ones sitting behind the backstop yelling. They played, they did their time they let their kid go, they know what it takes to hit an 80 plus MPH FB and then make adjustments to hit a Changeup or Curveball or god forbid a slider.
Having played 20 years at the highest levels I can almost guarantee you don't say much when your son is hitting or do you? If so what things do you say and why?
Not when he's in the box, too late at that point...gotta work on hitting within the count and looking for pitches in certain locations WAY before that...I might cheer out one of our "key words" in between hitters or during BP but otherwise during a game I let him do his thing. My point was more about the "Chinese Wall" that seems to be prevalent between Coaches of Travel teams and parents of talented kids. I'm not advocating Democracy in baseball, it doesn't work that way, but I do think that there are some things/experiences that some parents may have had that would contribute to the overall good of a team if the Coaches would take the time to listen more often than they preach. This should be done one on one with a parent and out of earshot from the kids. The Coach can then do what they want with the information. Again, just a suggestion, but just by the law of averages I would say that there is more combined upper level baseball knowledge in the stands than the Coaches are willing to admit. Knowledge that even my 8 year old seems able to digest in bite sized chunks. There is nothing more rewarding for me as a parent than seeing the smile on my kids face when something that we've worked on in our cage transfers to the field. That little "wink" that he gives me tells me all I need to know...makes all the time and money totally worth it. |
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HardBaller
101 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2013 : 08:29:59
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I've never coached baseball so this is purely theoretical.
What if coaches and parents "worked together" in helping the player improve. For example, if a player is taking batting lessons and the hitting instructor has been working on making a correction, wouldn't it be productive if a parent could say to a coach, "encourage lil Johnny to stay balanced during his at bats". Then the parent could sit back, WATCH the coach encourage Johnny to make the adjustment, and then WATCH Johnny get better.
The parent is happy because they don't feel utterly helpless, Johnny is improving on his hitting, and they don't feel like they're spending money with no re-inforcement and no results.
The coach is happy because the parent is not a game-time distraction and Johnny is improving on his hitting
The player (lil Johnny) is happy because he gets $10.00 for every single, $15.00 for doubles, $50.00 for HR.
I could just be me, and this could be the epitome of a myopic onsided view, but somehow, I'm thinking that all the time I spend hitting with my son, and the hitting lessons I attend with my son, I may just know a little about his tendencies, weaknesses, and strength if only anyone cared to ask.
Please tell me where I'm way out in left field on this one Coach. |
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ABC_Baseball
90 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2013 : 09:18:00
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quote:
Originally posted by HardBaller
I'm thinking that all the time I spend hitting with my son, and the hitting lessons I attend with my son, I may just know a little about his tendencies, weaknesses, and strength if only anyone cared to ask.
Please tell me where I'm way out in left field on this one Coach.
I think you are spot on about this. Like Chipper Jones always says, nobody knows his swing better than his dad. I do think you have to let them go when at the plate. I've seen him work enough with his hitting coach to know that he understands his own hitting mechanics (as well as an 8 year old can). I never stand behind the plate, if I see something wrong or want to reinforce something, I may yell out "hands high" or "short motion" prior to him getting in the box or when he steps out. When he is up at the plate, it's basically test time, hope you did all the studying before because its really to late to be giving a bunch of guidance. |
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in_the_know
985 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2013 : 14:04:44
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quote:
Originally posted by HardBaller
Please tell me where I'm way out in left field on this one Coach.
OK, I'll bite.
You're the exception, not the rule. You probably represent 15-20% of the parents out there. You are relying on OTHERS input by way of getting your son professional lessons and paying attention.
So if you're the exception, what is the rule? Those are the parents that do little if nothing beyond dropping their kid off at practice and 2nd guessing the lineup, moves, and decisions during a game. Those are the parents that want to ignore the 15 strikeouts between an extra base hit and only tout that their kid leads the team in doubles. Those are the parents that want want to blame the coach for using their kid as a sub, but don't recognize that the kid is stepping out on every pitch because he's scared $#!tless when a pitch comes in over 60.
Now if you're a coach that will entertain ALL those yahoo's, then I don't want my kid playing for you because that's a coach trying please everyone to the detriment of the kids and team.
In your case and the other 15-20%, approach the coach away from the field and share an observation or two regarding your kid's tendencies. Then step away and don't bring it up again. If the coach is worth his salt, he's probably already noticed. If not, then perhaps he'll begin to take notice and work on it. Be reasonable, brief, and non-combative. Don't make it a habit. If the coach begins taking a different route to his car, you've overstayed your welcome.
Most good coaches are willing to listen within reason to any parent as long as you're not talking about other players weaknesses or playing time. |
Edited by - in_the_know on 03/28/2013 14:27:49 |
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AllStar
762 Posts |
Posted - 03/28/2013 : 20:50:05
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quote:
Originally posted by ABC_Baseball
quote:
Originally posted by HardBaller
I'm thinking that all the time I spend hitting with my son, and the hitting lessons I attend with my son, I may just know a little about his tendencies, weaknesses, and strength if only anyone cared to ask.
Please tell me where I'm way out in left field on this one Coach.
I think you are spot on about this. Like Chipper Jones always says, nobody knows his swing better than his dad. I do think you have to let them go when at the plate. I've seen him work enough with his hitting coach to know that he understands his own hitting mechanics (as well as an 8 year old can). I never stand behind the plate, if I see something wrong or want to reinforce something, I may yell out "hands high" or "short motion" prior to him getting in the box or when he steps out. When he is up at the plate, it's basically test time, hope you did all the studying before because its really to late to be giving a bunch of guidance.
Chipper's dad didn't sit behind home plate at Turner Field yelling instructions. 
I'd be willing to bet he stopped long before that. |
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I have a new rule this season for my team
