Position Change

Just want to get an opion on a subject that has recently developed with a young player that is avery good friend of my sons as well as a teamate,the young man is a very talented baseball player for a freshman in high school, he has played various positions throught-out his career to date and is currently playing the OF. Some background on this kid is as follows; started out as SS in LL, then moved to C for TB (out of need), Played C, 3b, SS in middle school, And now currently plays OF on TB team 18U level. The young man is a flyer, lots of speed in family, has matured ahead of others his age and has very strong arm as well, at 15 he is well above the average talent, can hit for avg. now, will develope power soon. The issue is this, the young man could start as C on High School Varisity team, his arm srtenght is far superior to the other choices and is as good at all other skills catching. My feeling is that if he gets put behind the plate now he will never get away from it in HS and the wear and tear it will take on his knees will have an adverse effect on his true strenght, his speed, my feeling is he needs to play OF now to learn how to read flyballs and to work on his OF skills. He will be able to take advantage of his speed and arm srtenght in the OF and prepare himself for his future in the game. I do understand that this comes off as selfish on the side of the player if he does not play C, and that could be as big an issue as his future in the game, as we are in a small town where things like that will label him as selfish and not a team player. My feelings are that HS ball does not mean as much as the summer ball, but he would be putting himself at more risk at C than anywhere else, and for what, our HS team won 5 games last year. So when does a kid decide on what position to play in regards to his future, even if it is selfish. I've shared my opion now whats yours.

 

I'm going to give my opinion based on what you posted. First, he needs to play whatever position the team needs him. You're right, fo him to think he should play a different position based on what is best for him is selfish.

Summer time is the place to allow him to explore other positions to see where he best fits. I know you are concerned that he would be pidgeonhold on catching, but that's not true. If he is as good an athlete as you have suggested, there is always a team that needs an athlete no matter the position.

Having said that, if he is looking long term, maybe he should think about this. There will be over a 100 talented position players available in his graduating class, but there will only be a handful (at most) of outstanding catchers. If he is athletic, works very hard at this position and displays leadership skills, his opportunity to go to the next level will be increased because of the lack of quality players at this position. It's by far the hardest position for college recruiters to fill.

He's only 15. He has a few years to continue his development physically and mentally. I wouldn't be concerned about a position yet. Recruiters generally aren't recruiting a player during the HS season. They are following him during the summer and fall. Let him play the position his school needs him to..that's more important (and to his teammates.)

As far as injuries are concerned, you know an injury can occur at any position. It's been my experience (outside of nicks from foul balls and such) that catchers are the least injured player. They tend to be tough and protected.

Good luck and keep us informed. If he is as good as you say, I'm sure we will be reading about him on TBR

 

When the does the kid decide

he doesn't the coach does. The more versatile a player is the more valuable he is. The more he can bring to the table the more chances he has to get on the field somewhere. The only thing that matters is where does he help the team the most. If the kid can play he will play. As far as the future how do you ever know what that is? Wear and tear (the hs season is 24 games) that is not wear and tear. It might be on a 50 year old man but not on a hs aged kid.

The only thing that matters is your working at getting better and your having the opportunity to play. Where you play is not the issue.

 

You couldn't have 2 better guys than the 2 above reply to your post. I also had to learn this.

In HS ball you play where the team needs you. It may not be your best position, or where you think your son's best position is, but it is all about where the team needs you and what the coach decides. In HS ball nothing is more important than the team and it's goals. There are other venues or circumstances when you play for yourself, ie... combines, showcases and such.

 

I will have to agree.

 

Thanks for the opion guys, I appreciate the response. The main thing for me is to get this kid on the right track as soon as possible, I have a DD and was very grateful for the oppurtinity to get her into the softball showcase venues this past summer and feel that it was the best thing that could have ever happend to her and her softball future. We are from a small town in western NC and would have never gotten the expouseur that one summer on this tourney trail has given her.I feel given the same sitituation again I would start even earlier with my son and his teammate, he is like one of our own. He does have a bright future in the game and I want to give him the best advice possible, my opion on the matter is just that, an opion. There are far more experienced people than I to give advice on this topic, and I feel that the responses are very valuable in trying to make the best decision possible.I would also ask about the summer programs availble for baseball in that we have played USSSA for some time and had success at our age group, I think that this player is ready for the next lavel and would like to get him some oppurtunites in the showcase venues, any suggestions on teams or areas that would be in line with my imformation on this player.

 

Just keep in mind. It takes work. What is good today is great tomorrow with more work. HS is a step. College is a bigger one. What is great in HS is OK in college. You have to standout. He seem to have some great tools. What one college may not need is the need for another. Work though the HS stuff. I think that many college coaches look for those players that are able to do other things. More bang for their dollar.

 

There is no need to rush

to get exposure. The most important thing he needs to do is be ready for his first HS season coming up. He needs to have his focus on being the best player he can be and help his HS program win some games. Once he establishes himself as a legit HS player he can set his sights on what he needs to do in the summer and fall.

He needs to be working on the things that will make him a better player right now. That is where his focus should be. First of all he has not had one varsity hs ab. He has not made one play in hs yet. Let him settle into HS and HS baseball. If he can play and he wants it there will more than enough time to worry about this other stuff.

The guys playing legit showcase baseball have already established themselves as the top players in HS. The others need to do that first. I coach some young guys in the fall right now. I tell them we are not playing to be seen. We are playing to get better and get the experience. If you develop into a player by hard work and dedication then you will not have to worry about being seen. If you dont it will not matter how many times you are seen.

 

It would be nice for him to attend one of your workouts. That will give him an idea of where he is at this point.

 

Remember this...

in High School as a freshman and sophmore the player needs to play for the seniors and the team. Learn the system and and try to build a winning program. The scouts are not there to see the younger players but they will notice them. And they will notice the good and the bad..
As freshman and Soph's play hard and hustle and things will work out.
If you are a bit of a primodonna the coach might notice that also. Play hard for the Seniors.. that is what you will expect when your time comes..