Lets ask the question the other way it might be easier.

I'm having a frustrating season with a group of 14 year olds. I think the end is near for several.

So you know your done when....

- You're more interested in girls than extra batting practice or getting in a bullpen.

- You're fishing for curves more than fishing for bass.

The end is near if the fourteen year old looks like this on the mound.

You are done whe you look in the mirror and ask yourself why you continue to play.

- When you sell the $300 bat Dad bought you to buy a stereo for your car
- When you can't pitch because of the blisters from texting your girlfriend
- When you hope the Coach sits you so you can call your friends on your cell phone

quote:

- You're more interested in girls than extra batting practice or getting in a bullpen.

Pretty much...

when in you mind, you cover second fast enough, and you argue with the coach that says you didn't 4 or 5 times, and still walk off shaking your head.

Like the coach is not on your side, and wants to make you better... your done.

14 YO players are not pre-teen.

They do qualify as Pre-High School though,

So I'll change it To pre High school, these are 13 and 14 year old I'm talking about, what sends them home, or keeps them from going to the next level.

quote:

Originally posted by cball:
14 YO players are not pre-teen.

Where did the pre-teen reference come from? This is the "Pre-High School" section. There are many 14's that will be in the 8th grade next year.


Interesting topic, though.

quote:

Originally posted by showme:
Lets ask the question the other way it might be easier.

I'm having a frustrating season with a group of 14 year olds. I think the end is near for several.

So you know your done when....

I think I umpired your team last night!!...Not really but I had a team with a more than a few 14 year olds that the end of the baseball road has come....

some observations from last night...

I show up at the field 15 mins early...visiting team not taking infield ....
The dugout was alive with chatter...none of it about the game...
No hustle to get to position.....as the ball is pitched no one is set...
Pitcher gives up 2 homers in the first....walks off the mound and the field without being taken out...
Player laughs at his own error...
Head coach MIA until the 3rd inning...


I felt sorry for the remaining 5 or so players who were clearly there giving it 100%....

Hey, show me, I figured out what team you are, and we have played you a couple times.

We have the same problem. Our team looked great this winter in the cages, and good in preseason practices, but as the season went on, it looks like about half my team has reached their limit of how far they will go in the sport. You can tell by their skill for sure, but the attitude of not seeming to care anymore is the thing that really bothers me. I really had to lay into my team Saturday for their lack of effort warming up.

I think it should be better next year here, with SLABA getting better and the boys reaching Legion ball age.

Ok...

maybe it's the age, some of it might be not realizing how steep the hill is next year. The leap from batting the lineup and free rotation, to bat nine.

I think it's a natural process. Some stand out...some go home.

What makes them stay and what make them leave/

Very interesting topic. Showme - I am going to ask southpaw who is 13 why he still plays when he wakes up. This has been a tough season, but he never complains about practice, bull pen sessions or workouts and even asks his dad to take him to the park to hit between practices. Southpaw and his buddies are even talking about their team next season. So I am definitely curious how he'll answer.

I've found this age group to be very uninspiring at times and full of heart at other times. I haven't been able to get a good read on the group of 13's/14's that comprise that team that my son plays on. So far I've written it off on the change in testosterone levels and the effects of trying to deal with it all. However, it's evident that some just don't seem to care much, if at all.

That is the truth..."So far I've written it off on the change in testosterone levels" it's like dealing with 14, that are in some staged of there steroid shots... a minefield of emotions.

So beware, special, unexpected, things, at anytime can happen, at this age, and be prepared to deal with it gently, if possible, for this too will change, like the next day...

Southpaw said that he plays "Because I enjoy it!!" He did say that it does take more work now than it used to. More mound time, more time in the cage. But that is the part he likes.


At least it was not because "That's where my friends are.".

quote:

I've found this age group to be very uninspiring at times and full of heart at other times.

What you get at this age depends on the level your playing and the players emotional commitment to becoming high school baseball players. I selected a team of kids where eleven of the thirteen players favorite sport was baseball. I had targeted twenty of the top LL all-stars from the district and got thirteen of them. Guess which two are the only ones not playing in high school. It was a very high energy, spirited, motivated team. It was fun to coach.

quote:

I had targeted twenty of the top

I think this is most of the reason...they all say there committed, saying and doing, seem to be the other factor that time tells.

Another point or observation at this age, field, and speed of the game, it's much harder for team to improve, and or increase abilities, than earlier years.... and or... you absolutely cannot hide someone.

I am glad, so to speak, that other coaches at this level have the same problems. We had a two hour practice last night and about 50 minutes was dealing with the mental side, all sitting around the mound talking about focus, commitment, handling the failures, etc. I asked who was trying out for thier high school team, and everyone raised their hand. I bet half of my 10 players try out next year.

I love coaching, and this has been our most successful year. We should get first in our league, but it has been the most frustrating year at the same time.

Most players are somewhat "uninspired" in July, even the pros. That's when the heat, grind, etc. really sets in, especially if they've been playing a lot. As they mature, kids were learn how to deal with it better. I wouldn't take it as a sign that they're ready to hang up the cleats, though. Many kids will "perk up" after a break.

As to when you know a kid's done...when they stop playing.