QuestionQUESTION: The team that I am coaching is 14 boys ranging from ages 9 to 12. My problem is the lineup/batting order. We have six inning games. Every boy must play an entire six inning game and then the next two games they are only allowed to play 3 innings. They must also play at least 2 infield and 1 outfield. We have to use our 9 year olds to pitch the first two innings (we have 3 boys that we can use) and we have to use our 10 & 11 (3 good ones) yearolds to pitch the last four innings. My other problem is that we only have two possible catchers. How am I ever going to create a lineup that follows these rules! Please help we have games coming up soon and a math teacher could not even figure this one out!
ANSWER: Hi Taunya,
wow. I hope these restrictions are not written in granite. What if player are on vacation, ill, etc?
I had a 16 player roster and I found it a nightmare. It was either that or 5 players would not play any ball that summer. I held a team meeting with the parents and told them that I would rotate the players fairly and ensured them that every player would have an equal chance to play throughout the summer. I think it worked but it was very demanding on myself and my assistant coaches.
You'll have to chart this out - do you have excel? This will take some planning, so send me an email and I'll try to work something out with you.
You'll have to set up a working chart and print a copy to the entire team. You'll have some parents upset but remind them that it's fair for all.
Suggestion: if you get to the playoffs or you have special tournaments you want to attend, have a caveat that states you can change these restrictions.
I arranged the roster for the playoffs such that every player got to play BUY my roster was down to only 11 players per game. I rotated the players into the playoff games and they all got a chance to contribute. We made it all the way to regional finals - and we won! The last game had every player there but only 11 playing.
I did get some heat at first from the parents - but as the team progressed thru the playoffs, the parents saw that I was fair and ALL the players were excited and glad. BUT it requires alot of planning. You have your work cut out.
Regards,
JohnMc
[email protected]
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The league has decided to change a couple of things since my initial question. Now the catcher is considered an outfield position so that makes it easier. Also we do not have to play the nine year olds in the infield if we think that there is a safety issue. I talked to the parents about maybe their kid not playing as much as the older ones and everyone seems fine with that for now. After all, the older kids are going to be participating in the playoff games. I am still stuck with a couple of kids that are not so great and I am not sure what position to play them. Should I do 3rd base with a good backup person in left or a good 1st base and a not so good player in right? This is so hard to try to win games and pacify the parents. I realize that is is not all about winning but the kids sure do love playing when they are.
AnswerHi Taunya,
always remember the old baseball adage: strength down the middle. That's your catcher, pitcher, short-stop and/or 2nd baseman and center fielder.
Players who are just starting out can rotate between the other positions but the above key positions can be occupied by the more experienced ones. Mind you, if you see potential in the younger players, you should give them a taste of 2nd base or pitching.
For me, the player I trusted the most was my catcher. He or she was the one who touched the ball the most. The catcher always sees what's going on and I worked with them on key defensive plays.
If you want to appease the parents, make sure you always take care of the weaker players. If you can, design some practice sessions just for them. If you can spend an extra 15 minutes longer with them during practice, this will help tremendously. Of all your players, these are the ones that need more help.
Talk to your better players and sometimes have them team up with the weaker ones. Take the better players aside and ask them if they can help the team with some 'extra' attention for these players. Your job is to build up the teams spirit and morale. Give your kids some chances to build responsibility and you'll have done your job well. Most times, the parents will see this too.
I know what you're going thru and many coaches can sympathize. Keep your team together by rotating weaker players in and out of crucial positions (down the center) as they progress in their training. Give them a chance to rise to the occasion.
I had 4 players who never played the game before. I asked them what positions they wanted to play and then practiced with them in those key positions. Every once in awhile, I would put them into the game for an inning or two in that position. They need to have the experience. Keep this in mind when you set your roster.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
NB: it's good that your parents are flexible.
