Stuck in the outfield

[ms244]

We had a scrimmage game last night and only 2 pitchers showed up so they put my DD in the circle to start the game. She thought that she would pitch half the game but instead pitched all 8 innings. She threw hard and strong the entire time. The coach after the game said that he was impressed in how she did for pitching for the entire game.

My DD tried to talk to the coach about the playing time situation but he was in a hurry to head home as it was getting rather cold (in the middle 40's) at the end of the game. He said that he would schedule time to talk to her before next practice on Wednesday.

When she tried out for the team she specified pitching and 2nd base and limited outfield. That obviously hasn't happened and that is why SHE is disappointed. Like I stated before, I don't care where she plays. This is about her being happy, not my ego.

As far as the compassion comment, I too have respect and compassion for the vets coming home from war but I also respect posters here that post questions about softball and how to help their DD in a difficult situation. If you feel that you being negative is a way to be positive, more power to you. I posted a comment on a concern that I have about my DD, I don't consider it being "a disgruntled parent", but a concerned parent trying to help their DD.

 

[CycloneSoftball22]

I would say the best way to help her at this point is to tell her to take the opportunity that she has been given and make the most of it. This may open a door that ends up being much more beneficial to her as her softball career develops.

 

[Atlantabell]

We had a scrimmage game last night and only 2 pitchers showed up so they put my DD in the circle to start the game. She thought that she would pitch half the game but instead pitched all 8 innings. She threw hard and strong the entire time. The coach after the game said that he was impressed in how she did for pitching for the entire game.

My DD tried to talk to the coach about the playing time situation but he was in a hurry to head home as it was getting rather cold (in the middle 40's) at the end of the game. He said that he would schedule time to talk to her before next practice on Wednesday.

When she tried out for the team she specified pitching and 2nd base and limited outfield. That obviously hasn't happened and that is why SHE is disappointed. Like I stated before, I don't care where she plays. This is about her being happy, not my ego.

As far as the compassion comment, I too have respect and compassion for the vets coming home from war but I also respect posters here that post questions about softball and how to help their DD in a difficult situation. If you feel that you being negative is a way to be positive, more power to you. I posted a comment on a concern that I have about my DD, I don't consider it being "a disgruntled parent", but a concerned parent trying to help their DD.

How am I being negative? Didn't say what you wanted, huh? Again, I am trying to give you some perspective. It is SOFTBALL and something that is something parents need to take a step back from and see the big pictures. Trust me, I am a parent and a coach and I know that.

If the coach PROMISED 2nd base and pitching and it is not happening, have your daughter talk to him. If it doesn't get better, then leave. I am sure there are teams that would love a pitcher/2b. You say your daughter specified the positions SHE wanted to play. There is a difference.

Look over many of the posts I have placed on this board. Many of them are to posters who ask questions and I give positive, reasonable responses. You didn't like what I said to you, so be it. I never called you a disgruntled parent, apparently someone else did. I wasn't disrespectful to you. Period.

 

[Mutinebullfrog]

Our team just moved up to 12U this fall. I have one girl that wants to play 3B, but she is my best OF. She's been my best OF since 8U. After our Friday night game her father very nicely asked if she could get some time at 3B. I said I'll try but I need her in the OF. The next morning Her father came to me and said he spoke to his DD and everything is fine, she's cool with the OF. I told her that playing the OF is not a punishment, "I need you out there". The next game she made not one but two great plays in LF. Both saved the game for us. I pulled her to the side and told her "that's why you are in the OF".

As far as 2B goes, I disagree that it's the last position on the field. I feel it's more important the 3B and 1B because 2B has as much responsibility as SS. Cut offs, covering 2B on force outs, covering 1B on bunts and if you have a hard throwing pitch a ton of ball get hit to that side. 2B and SS are thinking potions. 1B and 3B are reaction positions.

One thing I would agree with is that you should make the most of every opportunity you get. I have another girl that away plays the OF. Great kid, great parents, never say a word. I could keep the kid on the bench all weekend and they wouldn't say boo (I don't do that). One day I was short at 3B and told her she had to play there. She did great and is now see's more time at 3B. The moral is sometime as coaches we don't see everyone's talent so I don't mind if a parent comes to me (never during a practice or game) and nicely says "my DD has played a little 2B if you need her there she's ready".

 

[quincy]

Both DD’s 12U Teams last year had quite a few players who could not throw the ball from the left side of the field to 1st base. 2nd becomes a popular position trying to get them some infield time.

2nd is our “dumping” ground but I am sure it changes as the players get better.

Sure we have some players I thought would be great at 2nd but we would have needed to give up a position on the left side of the field or a OF position.

 

[Atlantabell]

I agree so much on second base. There are so many plays and coverages that depend on a quick thinking and smart second baseman.

Again, as I ask my players, "Which position would you play without?" I guarantee second base is not the one. Really, once they think about it, they can't think of one.

 

[Perfect Circle]

...respect posters here that post questions about softball and how to help their DD in a difficult situation.

I'm surprised you haven't found my comments helpful, and positively realistic. You are only responding to the negative stuff.

Let me give another try at getting the lofty thankz... Before though let me say again that this forum needs a like button, and I'll add a dislike button. The Dislike would give us the jump on facebook... The like button would cut the discord in half, that would save broadband. The thankz are most of the time irrelevant to what I think it was intended for, comments on point with collaborating info, be it in any milt-media form... for further study. Thankz are the only instant response, for the times when you just don't have the time to elaborate.

ms244 You posted in the wrong page... If you would have posted in the pitching section, you might have found more support form just about all Pitching Coaches. Now we have every position coming under fire... Yet the truth comes thru as always...full rides to college are mostly granted to pitcher/catchers... nothing new. It could have nothing to do with your DD's pitching, but just her per-motion, and style. Post a video of her pitching, and watch what happens then. Where is your PC in all this ???.... that might be whats causing the problem.

 

[CoogansBluff]

My DD is a pitcher/2nd basemen. She tried out for her current team as such and was offered a position.

To get to the heart of the matter, I think readers need to understand what you mean when you say that your daughter tried out as a P/2B. ... What was communicated to the coach at tryouts?

In most cases, I would second-guess a coach who promises a new player would play pitcher and second base all the time. Or even most of the time. Why as a parent or player would you expect that? In fact, why would a parent or player really want such a promise? I think it's fine to look for a team that gives you the best opportunity to play certain positions, but only an opportunity. Otherwise, you're saying, "I want to play 2B. I think I'm good at 2B. But if a better 2B comes along, I still expect to play there because I tried out as a 2B and the better 2B did not. I expect my coach to honor the fact that he recruited me as a 2B even though the team is better off with me somewhere else.''

 

[glf0845]

It has been my experience that if two players are near equal at a position the one who can play another position will be moved. That is why you must have another position because there is always some one better. Or, can only play only one position. Not fair sometimes but there you go.

 

[Lozza]

How am I being negative? Didn't say what you wanted, huh? Again, I am trying to give you some perspective. It is SOFTBALL and something that is something parents need to take a step back from and see the big pictures. Trust me, I am a parent and a coach and I know that.

No, it's the fact that we're here discussing softball and you've bought a situation into the discussion that has nothing to do with it.

People come on this board to discuss SOFTBALL. Yes, in the wider picture it's largely irrelevant but that doesn't mean people don't have issues that need to be fixed. We could apply that scenario to EVERY question posted on this forum. 'Oh your daughter is not pitching well enough. Well there are soldiers dying right now, who cares?'

Don't want to discuss softball, don't post here. But people have a right to come in and ask for help regarding softball.