I have been affiliated with baseball for many, many years and have seen the damage as a result of 'politics' and 'gaming the system', especially at the youth level. Why can't we remind ourselves that little league baseball was made for kids. Grown-ups only screw it up. There are numerous examples that occur on a daily basis. Winning and losing is more important to coaches and parents than the children. Coaches often play their child or friends' children in certain positions (e.g., pitcher) and are much more tolerant of their mistakes than those of other kids. Selection of an "all-star" team which excludes some kids with excellent statistics and playing abilities in favor of some kids whose parents knew the coaches, were relatives, etc. It seems to be all about "who you know". On of my personal favorites is the Little League Board member and coach of a team having "special privileges" on dates, times, playing field locations and having an imbalance on homes versus away schedules. When does it stop? For what purpose does it serve? It only serves to give Little League baseball and organized youth sports a black eye and a caustic reputation. No wonder certain parents and their talented children flee from the game and seek refuge with less team-oriented sports like running or tennis. At least they have greater control of their destiny.
It seems to be human nature that we, as parents, just cannot help ourselves. In my opinion, true reform will only happen when a League makes changes at the Board level. This is where it starts and where it must be modified.
The local league Board of Directors, elected from and by the adult members of the league, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the league within the rules, regulations and policies of Little League. This board is not suppose to have the authority to alter, suspend or change any of the rules, regulations or policies of Little League. However, wide latitude is given to this board in many areas of operation so that the "local needs" (whatever that means) of the community may be met. I would like to see a Board composed of independent membership that have no ties to the league. Only in this manner will decisions be made without consideration to a Board member's child and the affect it will have on their playing time or future.
What are some other ways this can be stopped?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
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I'm very confused about "recreational Little League." My son is 11, and has played every year since he was 7. Every year but 1, he plays one inning a game and 1 at bat. He learns practically nothing during the season because he doesn't get any playtime. The politics of this sport kills everything we want him to learn from it.
ReplyDeleteHe will probably quit after this year because it's the same thing every year. He hasn't had a good coach yet. Every coach that we have encountered only coaches, so their son can have the position he wants. My son practices at home almost every day. He doesn't get to play, then nobody sees what he can do. He does great at fielding, but not so great at hitting. He always hits good in practice, but gets nervous at the plate. He lacks confidence at the plate, because he gets treated poorly by the coaches and his teammates.
All I wanted was for my son to learn the sport, and get some exercise. We haven't even came close to that, with sitting in the dugout the whole season. It's a shame that these coaches could do so much in a young boys life, yet they choose to take a more selfish route.
If your son is not getting the innings at a recreational Little League Level, then the blame goes to the League and coaches. They are required to give every ball player a minimum number of innings and playing positions.
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