Youth Baseball Questions?

[Todd-ty729]

I have a 9 year old (Shot Glass) that has never participated in organized stick and ball sports due to asthma and also due to the fact that he loves him some Nintendo and is very independent.

Wife and I have finally decided we are going to force him to play baseball whether he likes it or not. At least we are going to let him decide if he likes it after he does it for a still to be determined amount of time.

We live in Southern Denton County/Flower Mound area and want to know who we could talk to about getting him in a league that is for beginners. Alot of the kids his age have been playing for several years and most of the better players are probably in select leagues at this point but I want him to get a little playing time and not be a bench warmer.

I played in the YMCA leagues growing up and then Middle and High School sports.

Any ideers?

[big_smith]

There is bound to be a Little League, or Cal Ripken league in your area. Just a bit of advice-get out in the yard and work with him yourself. No way is a LL coach going to spend 3hrs a week with a team he is on and turn him into a ball player. If he has not already played, then he is going to be behind, and will need more home assistance. It's not much fun being the only kid who can't play on the team.

[Tmag]

Have you played ball with him in the yard? Has he played a pick up game or with others at school during PE? Please do not force him against his will! It could be a bad situation if he does not like the sport. Here's my reason.

Parents did this with a young man who ended up on my team at 10-11 years old. Having never played in his life, it didn' take us long to know he was scared. We used a tennis ball to help him get accustomed to the game and he did well until the first time he had to bat in a real game. He was mortified! He would not get in the batter's box and I had to go out and talk him into it. He just knew the pitcher was goona hit him with a wild pitch. I told him it was the best pitcher in the league and no way was he gonna get hit. He got in the box and "what was I thinking" the pitcher hit him with the first pitch. I had to put a pinch runner in for him. His next at bat we couldn't find him, he was hiding under the equipment bag in the corner. As he cried and begged me not to send him into the game my heart sank. His parents came over and started in on him, not good. He kept saying "I told you I didn't want to play ball." Mom is still yelling at him to get on the field. I asked him what he wanted to play. He said soccer. Mom says, "soccers for sissies." Still don't know how I kept my cool with his Mom but I suggested she let him play a sport he would enjoy instead of forcing him to play ball. She took him home and he played soccer after that.

[308 Dave]

I imagine the YMCA would be a good place to start, but I would begin working with him now. Play catch, take him to the batting cages and talk about the object and rules of the game. Also, you could look into getting some one on one coaching at local athletic facilities if you are so inclined. Finally, watch some MLB on TV with him.

Have fun and good luck.

[ifishdad]

Play in the yard alot catch,throw, use a tennis ball and no glove at first then add a glove after he starts getting hang of it before you add a real baseball. One miss and plunk in the old kisser makes them mighty jumpy good luck
I got a 8yr old doesnt care too hoots about anything but huntin and fishin

[Todd-ty729]

I was being a little sarcastic on the "forcing him" part. I have witnessed the overzealous parents and they make me sick.

We just started playing catch in the yard this week to see if he would enjoy it and he seems to be taking to it very well. If we find a team for him we will do as much as possible to get him caught up to the others.

He has lots of practice throwing stuff at his older brother. If they used game controllers instead of baseballs I would be talking to an agent!

I want him to experience something besides sitting on his rear at home aside from the many hunting related activities we do together. Baseball is not as physically taxing as soccer or football as far as his stamina goes and the asthma issue. It is getting much better as he gets older.

If he gets on a team I would probably volunteer to help coach. I did with my older son many years ago until motocross racing took over our lives. The big brother seemed to have alot of talent as a kid and I somewhat regret not figuring out a way for him to do both. Now he is in High School and there is no way he would have a chance at playing now.

Ideally I would like him to be able to play in a beginner league of some type but would be happy with anything at this point. Just not sure if there is a beginner type league for 9 year olds anymore.

[Raleigh]

As others have said play catch alot and get him into a YMCA. He will learn the basics there and you can still work with him without alot of pressure. If you start him off in LL you will quickly learn they are in it to win it and your son could suffer.

If he likes the game get him and has athletic talent get him a swing coach. Every coach at that age loves a kid that can hit.

[Tmag]

I had beginners every year I coached. They catch on pretty quick if they like the game. Work with him daily ty and he'll do good.

[Tex]

Most organization go strictly by age not ability so you may have a hard time finding a group of true beginners. If he likes video games get a Baseball video game and play with him. You will be surprised how much he can pick up on the rules and stratagy. And as others have said work with him on your own. Good luck.

[cooker2]

I know a guy who gives hitting lessons in HEB area. PM me if your interested and I will you his number. He was an TCU ball player and played for the Kc Royals minor league team. Might be a little drive. He might at least be able to help you find out about some starter teams

[Vinny]

There are a few attributes that you can't teach such as good eyes, quick feet and fast hands that are soft and strong. Maybe he has these. With some consistent training he will take off like a rocket. Must say that of all the youth sports, baseball requires the most training.

[Billy Bad Bass]

In addition to what you are doing at home you may want to look at some additional instruction. Many baseball academys that field select teams also offer lessons. Visit any in your area and see if you can find some 1 on 1 coaching that works for your schedule and budget. With the right coach and consistent training plus a little desire and aptitude you and your son will figure out fairly quickly if he likes it. If he doesn't enjoy it you may want to explore other options. But if he really takes to it, hang on and enjoy the ride. It will be a great experience.

[TexasRed]

I would suggest the YMCA. They are usually a little less competitive and more for beginners. The real test will be what kind of coach he gets. I've coached youth sports for about 15 years and there are all kinds out there on all levels. Hopefully, he will get hooked up with a "Real Coach" that is interested in all the kids and doesn't just play "Daddy ball". You will be the person that really makes a difference. You MUST get out in the yard and play catch with him... a lot! Have him hit off a tee as well. This is the most overlooked of all batting practices because it's boring but even Big Leaguers use a tee regularly. Remember... Step, Throw, Follow Through. Your son will let you know if he loves it or not. My only suggestion if he hates it would be to finish out the season. Anybody can quit. It takes (builds) character to stick it out. Let us know how it goes and feel free to PM me if you like. In years past, I've given pitching, as well as throwing lessons to kids 12 and under.

BTW, learning to catch grounders without a glove first is EXCELLENT!

[Geezy Rider]

You asked where you could find a league? Try the local chamber of commerce. They should be able to point you in the right direction. Be aware that in many locals that the season has already started.