Son has become afraid

Question
My son is 9yrs old.I have coached his little team for three years,this being the first year that us coaches didn't pitch to them,they now face other nine and ten year olds.Things were going well for him intill the third game when he was hit by a pitch in the back.About two innings later,while fielding a ball at second base,he got hit in the face,luckly not causing any injury.He insisted on remaing in the field to end the inning.He then sat out the last few innings.Next game,no lasting effect.The following game,he looked very uncomfotable at bat,moved away when the pitch came.Next abat,he said he wasn't feeling well enough to bat.Next game,alittle less nervous and having fun again.However,this past game when it was his time to bat,he came to me saying he couldn't do it and I had to remove him from the game...He says he still loves the game and wants to play the next game.As a parent first,you dont want to see your kid scared.Is there any way we can help him overcome a fear that always seems to reoccur just when he seems to be happy playing again?

Answer
Give him confidence in being able to get out of the way.Teach him to roll out of the way of the pitch.You roll out of the way by turning the left knee and shoulder toward the catcher  almost as if you are walking directly behind.This will make getting hit a glanceing blow as you will be moving the same direction as the pitch and lessing the blow.Go and use tennis balls or wiffle balls in teaching him this.