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biged
198 Posts |
 Posted - 09/25/2009 : 07:35:56
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| At what age do parents and players accept the "pitcher only" role? How do coaches sell this to players and parents? |
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Alter-Ego
802 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 10:18:36
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It mostly happens where a player is a 2 way player (pitcher and position player) in HS but chooses to play for a higher level team in the summer. The summer team already has position players but need more pitching depth. For visibility to scouts, a player may choose to take this option because they are getting their position reps on the HS team.
There are other kids that just love to pitch and don't really like the other parts of the game. They don't feel comfortable batting and lack the athleticism to be a strong position player.
To me, a player needs to really buy into wanting to be a pitcher only to go down that path until later in life. I know that may happen in HS because you don't have control over whether the HS coach considers you a position player or not. If that were the case, I would be looking for a summer team where I could be a 2 way player. Kind of reverse of the above scenario. |
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loveforthegame25
448 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 10:47:44
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| In my opinion it all depends on the kid. Mike Mussina was a Pitcher SS until he got to college. If the kid is good enough (not a jab if he isnt) then he will play multiple positions up until it gets to a point where he chooses one or the circumstances take shape. ie he gets on a team where he is not better than all the position players but is a very good pitcher. There are some kids you see at a tryout, yes he is a pitcher only. Some you see Pitch Catch SS whatever. It depends on the individual. Now financially should they pay as much as the rest of the team............. thats a whole nuther topic. |
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Shut Out
512 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 10:57:41
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| When their drafted or signed to a scholarship. I say keep working on all aspects of your game. You never know when your ability to offer a coach more options will pay off. How many players have we seen drafted as postion players but later turned into a pitcher or visa/versa. |
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oldmanmj
191 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 11:22:42
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| Kids, 9-15 should be learning and playing as many different positions as possible. At the ages of 15-18, coaches begin to look at players that specialize. Some players may only have developed the skills to play only one position. At the Varsity level in High School you rarely see all of the players pitch and play. There are a couple for every team, but the majority just play or pitch. Do not let a coach tell you that your son is a pitcher only, especially if he is under 14. They should also bat for themselves until they get much older. How old is your son? |
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bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 12:52:43
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I think by the time HS comes around it is time for some kids to be pitchers only. Not all. There are some that can continue to play both ways. It also depends on the team. Some teams a kid can be both, on some teams he will be a pitcher only. Sometimes if a kid wants to play on a very high level summer team, he may be a pitcher only. He may be able to get on a team that is competitive, but not as good and play both ways. As far as HS, depends on the school. Some programs do not have the players to keep a good athlete out of the lineup, so the kid may play both ways. Other schools have tons of talent, so a kid may need to make a decision, or may be told he will be a pitcher only.
Could happen before HS age, but most pre-hs travel teams will try to get most kids in the game at other positions. Before HS, and really before Jr. year of HS, you just don't know what a kid will turn into, so I wouldn't want to pidgeon-hole anyone as pitcher only yet. Kids grow and change or stay the same until that time. Small kids will become big, big kids will stay the same and others will overtake them, so pre-hs, you should continue to look both ways. |
Edited by - bballman on 09/25/2009 17:15:59 |
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AA17Dad
211 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 13:25:59
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| Thats a tuff one and comes down to the individual and the situation. |
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AllStar
762 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 13:47:01
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I would say it depends on how badly the player/family want to be on the team that is telling them pitcher-only. If the team he plays on is the top priority, then any age they are willing to accept it is OK, though maybe a little short-sighted.
On the other hand, if they want the player to play "every" day and they want him to be versatile, then there should be travel teams that would take him to pitch and play an everyday position at any age level.
If you have to sell it, I guess you better really be able to make him a considerably better pitcher than any other coach. Or at least convince them that you can. Is Leo Mazzone on your coaching staff?
And convince them that playing another position in addition to pitcher will hinder his effort to play at the "next level".
If you have to sell it too hard, it's probably not in the kid's best interest.
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Edited by - AllStar on 09/25/2009 17:15:59 |
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Phattso
143 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 16:49:51
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quote:
Originally posted by biged
At what age do parents and players accept the "pitcher only" role? How do coaches sell this to players and parents?
I would say high school. I think you will see it some @ 13/14, but more so in high school. You will start to notice a pitcher may not be the best athlete, but they have the build and arm of a pitcher. At high school they are mature enough to understand they aren't the best athlete, but that their biggest attribute is getting hitters out.
I see 11 year olds now that should just be pitchers only, but the rosters are too small to do that. And I don't think too many parents will buy into their kid playing limited innings at that age just to pitch. |
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lottapop
257 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 21:37:08
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| If your son is 14 or younger and coach only wants to use him as a pitcher....find another team b/c the coach doesn't think he is where he needs to be to play other positions. IMO...a coach handicaps a kid when he uses him as a pitcher only. Find him/her a team where they can gain some reps at different positions. |
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whits23
596 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2009 : 22:36:11
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| when they hit 85mph on the gun |
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Infinity
33 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2009 : 01:00:45
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| Simple answer......when your kid can't hit effectively but can still pitch effectively or vice versus. Most recent example is Rick Ankiel.... |
Edited by - Infinity on 09/26/2009 09:04:33 |
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Topic |
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Pitcher Only
