Kids playing up/Batting ability

Question
QUESTION: Hi
When my son Mathew was 5, he played T-Ball in a very non-competitive league--the coaches did some pitching to him at the end of the season and said he hit 8 out of 10 and recommended he play Coach Pitch early.  We moved to a very competitive league where Matt had to try out and be approved by a Board of Directors.  They felt he was not at all afraid of the ball and made the Coach Pitch league with the 7-8 year olds.  Matt's dob is 7/7/01, so he is 6.
He seems to be holding his own, he has been at bat so far this season 24 times with zero strike-outs--he has hit a couple of line drives and a couple of pop flys,gotten out on first a few times, and hit a few home runs-- but he seems to be hitting line drives.He has a batting average of 777, behind a few 8 year olds. He plays catcher, outfield, and sometimes 2nd or third base.  He loves it, he loves  tackle football also.  His batting coach said he is light years ahead, and his team is in second place.  My question to you is what do you recommend as far as letting children play up and is it to early for a camp?  What other sports might we let him try?---he is going to be 6"5-6"7 according to his growth chart. He just loves to play and we want him to progress, but not put any pressure on him.  Do you have any statistics on how pass-through's do, and is hitting a baseball really one of the hardest things in sports?  Thanks for your time!  Melody (Matt's Mom)

ANSWER: Hey Melody,
Sounds like you have quite the little guy.. There only good that can come out of playing up with higher aged kids, providing he is playing regularly. Sitting on the bench more often then taking his turn does him no good.  If he is a regular player, than by all means go for it.. Camp is would be a good thing and I would suggest it.. but do your home work when choosing..
I'm sorry, I have no statistics about playing up. The easiest way to make it to the Major Leagues is as a catcher, so if he likes to catch, he should pursue it. Be sure he plays travel ball when he is of age.. This is important.. Do your homework on picking a team with the right coach too.
Good Luck.. Dennis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the feedback--he likes every position he has played, which includes catcher--but he is giong to be 6"5-6-7" wouldn't it be hard on the knees for such a tall person to play catcher?  Right now, they are using him all the time, in the outfield, so it is a good thing. We will check into the travel ball if he is still playing--thanks for the suggestion.  Is hitting a baseball really one of the hardest things in sports?  Thanks, we do think he is quite the little guy--he is also a math ace--he says math, baseball and Cloe (girl in his first grade class) equal happiness....along with Mom's home cooking.  Melody

Answer
Hey Melody,

Ask a basketball player and he'll tell you shooting and dribbling are the toughest thing.. Ask a golfer and they'll tell you putting is at the top of the list.. It depends on who you ask..
If your son runs faster than most kids, than maybe outfield is good for him.. It doesn't hurt to play more than one position..
Speed in the outfield and a strong catcher is always good to have on a team.. Versatility too..
Dennis