Child's baseball vent!

[Mickey's Minion]

From your By Laws:

15. All players will be required to play three full games during the season. If a coach fails to play all players three full games, the Board will review his coaching status prior to the next season. In addition, all players who show up in uniform must play a minimum of six (6) consecutive outs on defense and have one (1) official at bat in each game based on a regulation six (6) or seven (7) inning game according to age division. If the game ends at the end of four (4) innings due to rain out or the ten (10) run rule, the players that did not get in this game must play twelve (12) consecutive outs and have two (2) official at bats in the next game. A coach found in violation of this rule will be suspended for two (2) consecutive games. A repeat violation will result in a one (1) calendar year suspension from coaching in SCBL. If it is the last game of the season, and a player does not make an appearance or have an official at bat, the game will be forfeited (if it is a full game). If it happens to be a rain shortened game or a shortened game for any other reason, there will be no penalty.

However, since this was a practice scrimmage, league rules probably do not apply

 

[TexasErin]

Mickey's Minion, I guess you're right that I really didn't know what I was signing DS up for. I didn't realize that there are different kind of leagues......

I think we may try something next year called, "UPWARDS basketball." But I'll research it before I do.

I did get hold of the coach and told him my feelings. He told me that one of the assistant coaches was kind of upset with him today because his son didn't get to play today. I told him that I would explain to DS that he may not get to play at all during the play-offs next week and see what he wants to do. The coach told me that he understands either way- and can't guarantee me that DS will play, but he would try to let DS bat at least a couple of times, but no guarantees. DS and I are going to have a talk about it before bed this evening so that we can each make an informed decision.

The coach did tell me that he was sorry.....

If DS for some reason has a change of heart and decides to play next year, then we will definitely try to get a different coach, because I still don't like the way he treats the kids. But if doesn't want to play baseball ever again, that's okay, too.

 

[momof1princess]

Mickey's Minion, I guess you're right that I really didn't know what I was signing DS up for. I didn't realize that there are different kind of leagues......

I think we may try something next year called, "UPWARDS basketball." But I'll research it before I do.

I did get hold of the coach and told him my feelings. He told me that one of the assistant coaches was kind of upset with him today because his son didn't get to play today. I told him that I would explain to DS that he may not get to play at all during the play-offs next week and see what he wants to do. The coach told me that he understands either way- and can't guarantee me that DS will play, but he would try to let DS bat at least a couple of times, but no guarantees. DS and I are going to have a talk about it before bed this evening so that we can each make an informed decision.

The coach did tell me that he was sorry.....

If DS for some reason has a change of heart and decides to play next year, then we will definitely try to get a different coach, because I still don't like the way he treats the kids. But if doesn't want to play baseball ever again, that's okay, too.

i'm sorry your baseball experience was less than it could have been, OP. i just wanted to say, Upward Basketball is WONDERFUL! DD12 played last season, for the first time, and LOVED it! even though she wasn't a very good player, she learned a LOT, including fundamentals and teamwork-and she even scored twice! friends of ours directed the program for their church, and the husband was DD's coach-he ended up asking DH (they're lifelong friends, and DH played varsity in high school) for help, and DH ended up as assistant coach, lol. both DD and DH had a great time!

 

[Aneille]

I see that you have come to a resolution of some sort but I need to ask due to the other posters questions about whether this is a rec. league or a competive team.

Did your son try-out for this team? Or did the coach ask for him to play on this team?

I have never heard of a super competitive team that you did not have to try-out for OR a coach hand picked.

My feelings are if your son just needed to sign up for it, then he should get at least 1 at bat per game at that age and some time in the field. And although I research my daughters teams to no

 

[luvsJack]

Make sure that your impression of the coach yelling at the kids is the same thing your son thought without his hearing your opinion.

The best baseball coach ds ever had ( and he had this coach from age 5 until 12) did yell a lot but ds always said that he yelled "to them not at them" and that he was always teaching them something not just yelling to be yelling. A lot of coaches raise their voices but that doesn't necessarily mean they are berating the kids or being mean. Coach T was loud; you could hear him all over the ball park and a lot of parents said "my son will NEVER play for him" but when they realized how much the kids learned from that coach and how much they won, those same parents thought much different.

Both of my sons had a football coach that yelled constantly during the games, but the kids LOVED him and he got results. The boys learned to play and they won.

I had to learn early on not to give my opinion of a game, a team, or a coach until I let my child tell me their opinion because sometimes what I was seeing and hearing from the stands was not what was actually happening in the dug out.

You need to choose what is best for your own child and what sport is best for his temperament and that he truly enjoys. If he is not extremely competitive this baseball league may not be the best choice for him.

Sounds like Upward Basketball may be a good choice. We have Upward Basketball and Cheerleading here but the only thing I know about it is that it is very expensive.

 

[TexasErin]

Momof1princess- I'm glad to hear that Upwards Basketball was a great experience. It sounds like that is just the kind of experience that DS could use.

Anielle- It was a flier that DS brought home from school. They also did the t-ball that DS played last year, but it was a completely different experience. And I really liked that coach. DS had to go through a draft, but it was because his old t-ball coach was not going to coach at the time, although he did get talked into it later.

LuvsJack- The yelling that I've been offended by has been mean yelling. At one practice, I heard him yell at his son to keep his eyes on the "damn ball." Its been other things to other players, like, "That was a stupid choice. What's wrong with you? You better not do that again EVER." I can understand things like yelling at a kid to throw the ball because some of them have a tendency to hold on to the ball during games since they're not sure who to throw it to. But some of the yelling crosses the line- in my opinion- but maybe DS sees it differently.

 

[ICF]

School is out for the summer. One knows they have an 8 o'clock game and plans for it, either with a nap or sleeping late that day or the next.

summer or not, you dont have 7 year olds start a game at 8pm. Most 7 year olds are in bed by 8 or 9...not playing baseball.

Our little league doesnt even start any game (even the 11-12 year olds) that late. Most games start by 7 or so at the latest.

 

[momof1princess]

Momof1princess- I'm glad to hear that Upwards Basketball was a great experience. It sounds like that is just the kind of experience that DS could use.

Anielle- It was a flier that DS brought home from school. They also did the t-ball that DS played last year, but it was a completely different experience. And I really liked that coach. DS had to go through a draft, but it was because his old t-ball coach was not going to coach at the time, although he did get talked into it later.

LuvsJack- The yelling that I've been offended by has been mean yelling. At one practice, I heard him yell at his son to keep his eyes on the "damn ball." Its been other things to other players, like, "That was a stupid choice. What's wrong with you? You better not do that again EVER." I can understand things like yelling at a kid to throw the ball because some of them have a tendency to hold on to the ball during games since they're not sure who to throw it to. But some of the yelling crosses the line- in my opinion- but maybe DS sees it differently.

OP, i'm sorry, i should have mentioned, in Upward, EVERYONE plays. sure, the best players may score the most points, but players are rotated in and out throughout the game, depending on team size. our teams were small, with only an extra player or two on each team (one team had NO extras), so our players got to play longer. DD is 12, and there were fewer older players. in the younger groups, there were more players, so they switched out more frequently. there was no charge to watch the games, referees and concessions were volunteer, and there was an awards banquet a week or so after the last games. we also did team and individual photos, which were very reasonably priced-less than $20 for the package. i believe upward also does soccer, so that might be an option also.

 

[DawnCt1]

summer or not, you dont have 7 year olds start a game at 8pm. Most 7 year olds are in bed by 8 or 9...not playing baseball.

Our little league doesnt even start any game (even the 11-12 year olds) that late. Most games start by 7 or so at the latest.

Most Little League fields do not have night lights and it is dark by 9 pm. A seven year old staying up past 8 or 9 o'clock in the summer is more typical than not....unless you are telling me that they should all be back in bed in their Disney hotels while on vacation and soundly asleep by nine pm.

 

[ICF]

Most Little League fields do not have night lights and it is dark by 9 pm. A seven year old staying up past 8 or 9 o'clock in the summer is more typical than not....unless you are telling me that they should all be back in bed in their Disney hotels while on vacation and soundly asleep by nine pm.

not sure what a little league game has to do with a disney vacation bedtime.....especially since as the OP stated, the game in question was while school was still in session, which makes it even more unacceptable. BTW, it's light here until past 9 and our little league fields all have lights....not that they would be needed until 9:30 or so most nights in late May or early June.

As to bedtime for a 7 year old, typical is a relative term and one that is hard to quantify....I'd say that the average 7 year is not out running around at 9pm, even in summer. Does it happen on occasion, sure...but I would say it is not typical.

 

[DawnCt1]

not sure what a little league game has to do with a disney vacation bedtime.....especially since as the OP stated, the game in question was while school was still in session, which makes it even more unacceptable. BTW, it's light here until past 9 and our little league fields all have lights....not that they would be needed until 9:30 or so most nights in late May or early June.

As to bedtime for a 7 year old, typical is a relative term and one that is hard to quantify....I'd say that the average 7 year is not out running around at 9pm, even in summer. Does it happen on occasion, sure...but I would say it is not typical.

From the sounds of the OP, it was a tournament, out of the ordinary, an exception, not typical or usual. I can't imagine telling my 7 year old that he couldn't participate in a tournament which, I would assume, is not a usual event because it was past his bed time. Staying up past a bed time on a rare occasion, is not unreasonable.
When one signs their child up for a competitive sport on a competitive team, one has to be prepared for competition. There are ways to prepare; continue having him play on a recreational team, sign him up for baseball clinics in addition to the practice sessions, visit the batting cages, practice in the yard. Kids who feel competent love to play. No one likes to lose, and despite what the adults do, most kids keep score.

 

[tvguy]

I just looked at their website, and those people take their little league baseball really serious!

This is not a Little League program. From the website it appears to be some local organization, and as someone else posted, it appears the coach violated their minimum play rules.

You really have two choices:
1)Approach the coach (or board of directors )about the rules violation on minimum play.
2) Move your son to a Little League program, there is one in your area, here is the link to their website http://www.rcwll.org/ where minimum play is strictly enforced.

 

[Aristomommy]

summer or not, you dont have 7 year olds start a game at 8pm. Most 7 year olds are in bed by 8 or 9...not playing baseball.

Our little league doesnt even start any game (even the 11-12 year olds) that late. Most games start by 7 or so at the latest.

DS5 has t-ball games at 815pm all the time. This is for 4-5 year olds because our town only has one t-ball field. They accomodate for working parents by having games from 615-815.

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

Kids having to play a certain amount of innings, usually involves the regular season games. For tournaments it is different. They play to win so they play the best players. They do not have to put in other kids. We have all been there when our kid sits the bench, you feel bad for your kid. I understand that he is 7, but that is part of the game. You need to let him sit there in uniform with the others cheering the team on. That is part of being a team player. By leaving early, it may appear to the coach and other parents that you and your son are not supportive. I am 38 and have been around baseball since I was born. You learn to pinpoint which parents are in it for the team and which are not. There is a baseball clique and it is always good to be part of it. I wish that you and your son didn't have to feel this way, especially at 7, but it is like this for a lot of sports. I hope that he finds one that he really likes and gets a lot of playing time.

Can I ask why he was wearing him helmet the whole time? Don't they only put on their helmet if they are on deck and at bat?

 

[Aneille]

Add me to the list that think a regular season start time of 8pm for a 7 year old is late.

I believe its too late because the games could last 2 hours unless there is a time limit to the game. An 8pm game ends near 10 pm even with a 1hr 45 min time limit.Your kid could be hitting his bed around 11pm depending on your travel and how long it takes him to shower or relax before bed.

Around here our U10 travel softball team games start at 6pm and then end around 8pm. They have a time limit of 1 hour 45 minutes. No inning can start after that time. "No inning to start after 7:45pm (or 1:45 if game starts later than 6pm)"

The boys play in a U8 travel league and there games start at 5:45pm.

AristoMommy - I think an 8:15 time in the summer for tee-ball is fine. I don't think the games are as long. Our tee-ball games always lasted a little over an hour. It would be better at 7 but if you only have 1 field, you do what you can do.

 

[Aneille]

The other thing I don't understand is the level of play of this league. He did not try out for this team. He was drafted. Was he drafted to the top team? If not then its way overboard not play the kids.

Around here they use the draft to even out the teams for rec./house leagues. They have try-outs for the travel, tournament and competitve teams.

And then you can go to select teams to try out.

The levels would be:
Town rec.(spring/fall ball) - drafted
Town travel (summer ball) - town only try-out
Select Teams - try-out not limited to just to certain towns.

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

well if people want to make a change, they need to get on the board of the organization they are in and get involved.

 

[DawnCt1]

Add me to the list that think a regular season start time of 8pm for a 7 year old is late.

I believe its too late because the games could last 2 hours unless there is a time limit to the game. An 8pm game ends near 10 pm even with a 1hr 45 min time limit.Your kid could be hitting his bed around 11pm depending on your travel and how long it takes him to shower or relax before bed.

Around here our U10 travel softball team games start at 6pm and then end around 8pm. They have a time limit of 1 hour 45 minutes. No inning can start after that time. "No inning to start after 7:45pm (or 1:45 if game starts later than 6pm)"

The boys play in a U8 travel league and there games start at 5:45pm.

AristoMommy - I think an 8:15 time in the summer for tee-ball is fine. I don't think the games are as long. Our tee-ball games always lasted a little over an hour. It would be better at 7 but if you only have 1 field, you do what you can do.

For parents in that camp, by all means do not sign your child up for a team which may have late games and is competitive. By leaving early, skipping late games, not keeping your child on the bench cheering on the team, you are sending a message that the league and the team exist for the pleasure of your child. Wait until he is older, can stay up later, is able to tolerate the boredom of not playing as much as he would like, and is willing to work hard to sharpen his skills.

 

[Aneille]

For parents in that camp, by all means do not sign your child up for a team which may have late games and is competitive. By leaving early, skipping late games, not keeping your child on the bench cheering on the team, you are sending a message that the league and the team exist for the pleasure of your child. Wait until he is older, can stay up later, is able to tolerate the boredom of not playing as much as he would like, and is willing to work hard to sharpen his skills.

Dawn I agree with you. But I can still hold the opinion that an 8 pm game is too late for a 7 year old for regular season games.

But in my area, U8 competitive do not have regular season games at 8 pm so I don't have to worry about it. Lucky me! So others in my area must feel the same way as I do. That going to bed at 11 pm two times a week may be too much for a 1st grader. A tournament game is an exception. The schedules are different due the nature of the game/tournament.

I know commitment all to well. We take our sports seriously. I think a 5:50 am game for hockey (which we have plenty of) are too much for my kids yet we still go to those games. Just like if she had an 8 pm game we still went to those too.(sometimes on the same day) You sign up, you go. She played 4 softball games this weekend. Wasn't fun since it was our vacation but she still went. When we agreed to play, we agreed to the tournaments.

And according to the OP this was not a super competitive team. He signed up. He didn't try-out. They just put is name on a list and drafted him. To me it sounds like an over-zealous coach, which is a whole other issue.

 

[ICF]

For parents in that camp, by all means do not sign your child up for a team which may have late games and is competitive. By leaving early, skipping late games, not keeping your child on the bench cheering on the team, you are sending a message that the league and the team exist for the pleasure of your child. Wait until he is older, can stay up later, is able to tolerate the boredom of not playing as much as he would like, and is willing to work hard to sharpen his skills.

Thankfully, I live in a town with enough fields (7 or 8 for the different ages to use) and common sense that nobody starts that late unless perhaps it's the babe ruth kids (13-15).

Our t-ball (i.e. 4-5 year olds) plays once a week on Saturday mornings at 8am. They also practice once a week on a week night.