Little League to Middle School to High School

Aguyyouknow,

I guess I'm too much old school, I don't think the 13-14 year old age is a step backwards (IMO)...in keeping the game "real" I think the 13-14 year olds should move up to the "Big" filed since that is where real baseball is played....so many things change than just the bases, field size and pitching distance....coaching strategies, angles, base running, choice of plays made, where you position your players etc all change as well...this is now real baseball. I compare this to the "Little League World Series" where 12 year old (some really 13) pitchers are blowing fastball (equivilant 90 mph) past the hitters...I don't see where this is doing much for the players.

Most 13 year olds do struggle at first but seem to adjust pretty quickly. I know from a pitching stand point since the speed was not there at first we really worked hard with our pitchers hitting thier spots and not putting the ball over the middle of the plate.

Maybe it's just me to see the natural progression to be on the "Big" field in Middle School to have you ready for your first year in High School...IMO.

 

only been doing it this way for like 50 years now i think

 

Litle league to middle school

I agree that the jump from little league to middle school is the hardest for all baseball players. One way that can help is to do what is basically blasphemy in the eyes of little league. That would be to move the bases and the mound back to what the 12/u AAu major division uses. The dimensions are 50/70. This would make the transitions to middle school in charlotte which uses the 60/90 fields. 13 and 14 year olds playing 54/80 becomes a pitch and catch game if you have a stud on the hill. Kids who have been taught the game the right way as far as fundamentals do adjust to 60/90 without any problems.

 

little league to regulation size fields

I agree with Pirates, this is the biggest jump. They should move the bases back in Little League, especially from the age of eleven. Now some of the purist of Little League, Cal Ripken will go against what I am advocating. At this point, with the choices of USSSA, AAU, tournament ball is taking a lot of the kids from these leagues. Guys, it is not Rocket Science, change is inevitable. Take a look at the better Tournament teams ages 12,13 in USSSA, AAU, most of these kids are successful at the middle, and high school level. I have seen it with my own eyes in the community where I live. The sooner they make the adjustment the better off they will be. Honestly, I don't like 54/80 for thirteen and above. In my opinion the kids are better off making the adjustment to 60/90. I have heard all the arguments for smaller bases/pitching mounds at the 13/14.
What I have seen is there is not much that further of an adjustment at 60/90. So if they are going to be playing 60/90 in high school, would it not be better to give them as much time on the regulation size field to make the progression and adjustments.
Just some observations over the years that I have noticed is that the amount of kids lost when they do go bigger fields. This is where the advocates for the smaller bases/ pitching mounds come from.They are not lost due to the size of the field but due how the game has changed from the smaller field. A stud on 46/60 has a harder time hiding time on a big field hiding their flaws. This is where hard work and God given talent comes together to help that athlete grow and develop.

 

I agree with Pirates and DCL,,,,,, and they brought up points that I now remember about my own sons moving up to the larger 60/90 ft.fields. And like DCL mentioned, many kids drop out of baseball around age 13, but it isn't because they can't run 90 feet,,,,,,, its because they were the studs in little league on a small field and they no longer dominate the game, so it wasn't as much fun,,,,,, or honestly, remember too that many 13 year olds simply find other interests (ie girls, other sports, unfortunately bad habits).

I also agree with DCL in that part of the reason I wanted my boys to grasp the larger field early was because I felt the sooner the better. And in my case, I think it worked. My boys were more used to playing on a larger field than many of their friends who didn't have the same opportunity playing AAU ball. It definitely helped them when it came to playing school ball.

 

Track Record

DBacks,
Can't argue with your track record or your logic. All have brought up things that made me think. That's what is so great about the board. The mention of the "big field" needs like backing up bases, etc. is right on. As for the pitching, I can't see a strike out fest from 54 feet? And lord knows I wasn't talking about the silly 46/60 of Little League. They've been left behind and all those who have participated in AAU/USSSA know it full well. 50/70 at 12U is a good distance. If you guys are convinced that the "big move" all at once is the only way to go I guess I'll have to take your word for it. Years ago I played Pony League 54/75 for my 13/14 years and it was very competitive. Good pitching and a game that was similar to High School at 60/90. Then when I went to Legion Ball and played 90 feet at 15 I don't even remember an adjustment at all. The big point made was that kids fall out no matter what. Some have the drive for it and most don't.

 

I remember that first year i coached 13 year olds .I had players that in LL hit a routine single and easily get to second..
Then get a hit on the big field and i noticed they made that first 90' ok but they hit a wall after rounding first and that next 90' seemed like it was slow motion..

 

Aguyyouknow,

I'm not knocking any of your opinions and agree they make a lot of sense....

I remember back in the AAU/USSSA days our players were ready to move on the big field....we got our butts kicked regularlly by some of the teams with the big 11 and 12 year olds...the bigger field was the equalizer, the ball over the centerfield fence became a routine fly ball and the pitchers didn't dominate the game anymore...I think everyone started enyoying the game more and had more fun.

I agree that the age group (13-14) are going to start to fall out of the game no matter what...I think it's more of the other interest and the talent level than because of the size of the fields.

Good topic and good points.....it's what makes the Board the Best!!!