I have 4 sons, one in college (baseball days over), one ready to go to college next year on a baseball scholarship (as a pitcher), one a freshman in high school, and one who is 11. All have played or still do play baseball.
It drives my 04 pitcher-son CRAZY that his hitting days are almost over (isn't that typical of a pitcher?? ). So realizing that if your son is lucky enough to move on past high school baseball, he will likely either be a position player or a pitcher. And assume that a top flight pitcher will often get the bigger $$, but will only play every 4 or 5 games and not hit anymore.
What would you rather have your son turn out to be? Why?
No, you don't get to say "either," just have some fun dreaming here.
Posts: 3675 | Location: California | Registered: June 22, 2003
If we are dreaming about the potential to earn college scholarships or be drafted, pitching is the way to go. If we are talking about getting more playing time and us being able to enjoy that, then obviously position play is the ticket. Ultimately as our kids advance the decision usually lies with the coaching staffs, not our kids, and certainly not us.
Posts: 1062 | Location: Michigan | Registered: December 27, 2002
We definitely miss seeing him at the plate, and yes, the wait between starts can be difficult for some parents, BUT when those starts come around and he's on the mound......well, there just isn't anything better!
Posts: 1691 | Location: Northern California | Registered: December 26, 2002
Pitcher, That is probably where his talents are. He's got a good arm and he's mentally tough on the mound. On the other hand his hitting falls and rises with his confidence and he tends to try too hard in clutch situations at the plate.
Posts: 4703 | Location: Southern CA, USA | Registered: January 02, 2003
A former centerfielder for the Red Sox once addressed this issue by asking my son, "kid, what would you rather be...a pitcher or an athlete?" No confusion after that...
Posts: 58 | Location: midlakes | Registered: November 13, 2003
Great topic, we had to decide this very thing. The Pirates wanted my son as a pitcher and the Rockies and others as a short stop out of high school. His college currently would like him to do both. We decided on being a position player and so far so good. I say we, because it is the responsibility, as a parent, to know the game and your son well enough to help with the decision. Of course, it is the young man’s decision. It is a tough call and very few are lucky and good enough to have options. If you are in this position, both are good and if the player is over 6’1” throwing from the left side 88- 90-MPH then there is no discussion. If your son is right handed and is under 6’1” and can not throw 88-90 at say age 16 then he needs to hit, field and run. Keep in mind that the pros need a lot of pitchers because a lot of pitchers get heart and there is a high attrition rate.
Looks like the real question for my soph son is "which position?" Guess it's a nice thing to worry about, but the varsity coaches have had him at 3B, SS, and C in the 2 days of tryouts, so far. With Jr and Sr at all 3 of those positions, it could be a way of becoming a "super sub" ala Joe McEwing and getting PT.
I Timothy 4:8
Posts: 3565 | Location: Lynchburg, VA | Registered: January 15, 2003
Our oldest son was a utility player. Therefore he was always somewhere on the field. It also helped that he was a power hitter. He graduated from high school and "retired" from baseball. Our youngest son (8th grade this year) is a catcher. Last summer he thought he wanted to be a pitcher. He either pitched or played shortstop. The final game of the season his coach put him in at catcher. He did a wonderful job. He came off the field with a huge grin. His first words were, "Man, that felt good to be behind the plate again. All I want to do is catch." My vote is position player.
"Every member of our baseball team at West Point became a general; this proves the value of team sports." --General Omar Bradley
Posts: 92 | Location: Oklahoma | Registered: February 28, 2003
). So realizing that if your son is lucky enough to move on past high school baseball, he will likely either be a position player or a pitcher. And assume that a top flight pitcher will often get the bigger $$, but will only play every 4 or 5 games and not hit anymore.
