Concerned About 9-Year-Old's Limited Position Development in Youth Baseball

Question
hi,my grandson plays select ball,he is 9 yrs old w/same team and coach for two yrs.i am concerned because it seems he has been relagated to utility player. he has no position to call his own.at practice during week he works at 1st or 3rd but when game time comes he is put in to catch or outfield. i feel like he has not been given chance to learn any one position. i know every team needs a utility player but other players on team are advancing in position skills because they are practicing and playing their position. should i be concerned at this young age?

Answer
Hey Gerald,

Yes, you should be concerned.  Your grandson is much too young to be labeled an "utility player." You need to talk to the coach. Since you know him quite well, you should let him know your concerns.  Do you feel he is as good as the other players he is competing with?  See which position your grandson would prefer to play before you meet with the coach.  Your grandson may have other ideas.
Dennis