Little League

[Dirtbag]

So sign ups are done, he got assigned to the "Maroon" team...I thought there would be like an actual team name, but I guess not?

I picked up a Rawlins glove, not sure the model but it was $80 and seemed to be the mid-range price and he liked the way it fit, broke it in with the oil and ball in glove under the mattress thing...we have been playing catch almost everyday.

I need to know what are going to be the absolute necessities to start? Besides the obvious like Gloves, Cleats, Balls, etc....

I was taught at a young age that if you want to be a major leaguer you need to dress like one. First day of any of my teams we go over dress codes. Baseball Pants, Baseball socks, Shirts tucked in, and the biggest pet peave of mine MAKE SURE HE IS WEARING A BASEBALL BELT!. Nothing kills me more than a kid wearing baseball pants with no belt. For moms sake, always buy them in pairs so she doesnt have to wash his baseball stuff daily.

Glove, cleats, helmet, and bat. As is said above he needs to swing a few bats to see what he likes before you go purchasing one.

As for all the training items, BHC VIC above got duped into buying a lot of crap he doesnt need haha.

A bunch of wiffle balls for backyard hitting and before game hitting Sure! A tee and a popup net Sure! A bounceback net for home when you arent around SURE!

 

[BHC Vic]

I was taught at a young age that if you want to be a major leaguer you need to dress like one. First day of any of my teams we go over dress codes. Baseball Pants, Baseball socks, Shirts tucked in, and the biggest pet peave of mine MAKE SURE HE IS WEARING A BASEBALL BELT!. Nothing kills me more than a kid wearing baseball pants with no belt. For moms sake, always buy them in pairs so she doesnt have to wash his baseball stuff daily.

Glove, cleats, helmet, and bat. As is said above he needs to swing a few bats to see what he likes before you go purchasing one.

As for all the training items, BHC VIC above got duped into buying a lot of crap he doesnt need haha.

A bunch of wiffle balls for backyard hitting and before game hitting Sure! A tee and a popup net Sure! A bounceback net for home when you arent around SURE!

All I’ll say is everything I have I use and use daily. I have a practice every night and games Saturday. I honestly wish parents would spend more time and money on their kids and not just count on coach but it is what it is

 

[BHC Vic]

And being coaching coordinator I get to watch all the unprepared coaches fumble through practices while kids lose interest and really don’t learn anything just standing around

 

[Badchoices03]

Just got home from picking up most the stuff he needed, just need pants, belt, socks, etc

I think I’m gonna need to get an AC Tech job to afford all this….

 

[BHC Vic]

I promise all the smiles and fun make it worth every penny. We just played. We won 15-4. My teams did amazing I’m so proud of them. After we went up 10-0 I slowed them down. I’m so proud of the sportsmanship they showed out there.

 

[Dirtbag]

And being coaching coordinator I get to watch all the unprepared coaches fumble through practices while kids lose interest and really don’t learn anything just standing around

practice plans!

 

[Mandelon]

The movie The Bad New Bears is on Youtube for free with a few commercials. I just watched it. I remember my grandma taking me in 1976. It was still damn funny. Especially now with the unapproved language. Recommended reading. LOL

 

[Badchoices03]

So practice started a few weeks ago, plus we have been playing catch and/or swinging the bat every day that hes not at practice....first game is on Tuesday next week....my son has taken a real liking to baseball, thats all he wants to talk about now, watches games on TV everyday...this is a kid that up until 3 months ago had ZERO interest in it....have had a few conversations with the coach who has been coaching for over 12 years on this league in the same division and he says my son has picked up the game up very well and that he has kids that are on their 3rd or 4th season that havent picked up the stuff he has...I have also learned a lot and am looking forward to see how things progress...

 

[Englewood]

So practice started a few weeks ago, plus we have been playing catch and/or swinging the bat every day that hes not at practice....first game is on Tuesday next week....my son has taken a real liking to baseball, thats all he wants to talk about now, watches games on TV everyday...this is a kid that up until 3 months ago had ZERO interest in it....have had a few conversations with the coach who has been coaching for over 12 years on this league in the same division and he says my son has picked up the game up very well and that he has kids that are on their 3rd or 4th season that havent picked up the stuff he has...I have also learned a lot and am looking forward to see how things progress...

It's amazing the progress a kid can make just by playing catch and hitting off of a tee.

 

[Badchoices03]

Just an update for those that were interested....we are about half way through the fall season now and my sons team is 6-1-1...my son made it to starting 2nd base and has not been pulled from that spot for any kind of rotations, has played there from game 1 and has never rode the bench....hes made some great stops and got kids out on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd....so I am happy there....

Batting, is a whole other story...kid can hit ok on soft practice throws, can hit ok at the batting cage, hits good off a tee....but can't hit for the life of him during a game...not sure what it is, he doesn't swing at wild pitches like other kids do, he probably has the most walks on his team because he waits for the perfect pitch...but even when the perfect pitch comes, he misses...so we got a lot of work to do there...

Having fun learning this together!

 

[Englewood]

Just an update for those that were interested....we are about half way through the fall season now and my sons team is 6-1-1...my son made it to starting 2nd base and has not been pulled from that spot for any kind of rotations, has played there from game 1 and has never rode the bench....hes made some great stops and got kids out on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd....so I am happy there....

Batting, is a whole other story...kid can hit ok on soft practice throws, can hit ok at the batting cage, hits good off a tee....but can't hit for the life of him during a game...not sure what it is, he doesn't swing at wild pitches like other kids do, he probably has the most walks on his team because he waits for the perfect pitch...but even when the perfect pitch comes, he misses...so we got a lot of work to do there...

Having fun learning this together!

Hitting a baseball is the hardest thing in sports.

Make sure he understands that a successful at bat isn’t always a hit. You could hit a missle right to someone and it’s an out. A foot either direction and it’s a double. Gauge success on quality at bats and hard contact. Moving a runner over, sacrificing a runner, having a 6+ pitch AB, a walk, are all beneficial for the team.

Keep doing what you’re doing. Be patient with him, and he will improve. A bucket a day keeps the strikeouts away. It takes thousands and thousands of swings to get progress.

Make sure he has the mentality of “yes yes yes” on every pitch. If it’s not his pitch he can pull off, trying to decide and be picky during that 46’-60’ is tough.

Make it a fun environment. When he gets off the field tell him how much fun you had watching him play and got get him something from the snack bar. I’ve made many mistakes along the journey but this is the advice I could’ve used.

 

[tostark]

I see whiffle balls have been suggested but I always had luck with ping pong balls. Smaller so more focus. Enjoy it while u can. Some great years coaching when son was young

 

[Englewood]

I see whiffle balls have been suggested but I always had luck with ping pong balls. Smaller so more focus. Enjoy it while u can. Some great years coaching when son was young

Great advice. I love these. It will make a regular ball feel like a beach ball.

 

[Englewood]

Follow this guy:

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This is my sons infield coach. He puts out tons of free content and and consults for major league teams. Just got offered the fielding coach job for a MLB team.

 

[BHC Vic]

Great advice. I love these. It will make a regular ball feel like a beach ball.

View attachment 1291425

I mentioned it in an earlier post. I have a few hit sticks. Different weights and lengths. I use small colored balls. I throw 2 at a time and call out a color. They hit the color I call.

 

[BHC Vic]

Getting reps batting cages in corona is a new facility. Pretty nice we’ve been a few times now.

 

[Hammer]

Just an update for those that were interested....we are about half way through the fall season now and my sons team is 6-1-1...my son made it to starting 2nd base and has not been pulled from that spot for any kind of rotations, has played there from game 1 and has never rode the bench....hes made some great stops and got kids out on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd....so I am happy there....

Batting, is a whole other story...kid can hit ok on soft practice throws, can hit ok at the batting cage, hits good off a tee....but can't hit for the life of him during a game...not sure what it is, he doesn't swing at wild pitches like other kids do, he probably has the most walks on his team because he waits for the perfect pitch...but even when the perfect pitch comes, he misses...so we got a lot of work to do there...

Having fun learning this together!

I wish I had the same luck, my kid is getting less and less interested. Won't hustle, doesn't matter what I do or say. Almost like he doesn't care..... Oh well.....

REPS...... REPS and more REPS.... Its also a mindset, maybe he feels nervous in game situations?

Awesome to hear he's doing well!

 

[Badchoices03]

I wish I had the same luck, my kid is getting less and less interested. Won't hustle, doesn't matter what I do or say. Almost like he doesn't care..... Oh well.....

REPS...... REPS and more REPS.... Its also a mindset, maybe he feels nervous in game situations?

Awesome to hear he's doing well!

It's definitely a struggle between him and I, I think he feels like because I didnt play baseball, that I dont know how to teach him...I watch Youtube videos and get an idea of what to practice on....I never try to teach him something that I am not sure how it works...its a work in progress, but he really wants to play spring ball next year, so I have told him its going to take a big commitment from him to get him up to speed between now and then...we are most likely going to get a private coach after this fall season is over...

 

[Hammer]

It's definitely a struggle between him and I, I think he feels like because I didnt play baseball, that I dont know how to teach him...I watch Youtube videos and get an idea of what to practice on....I never try to teach him something that I am not sure how it works...its a work in progress, but he really wants to play spring ball next year, so I have told him its going to take a big commitment from him to get him up to speed between now and then...we are most likely going to get a private coach after this fall season is over...

There’s a big difference between spring and fall. Get the private coach If he’s that into it. we had a private hitting coach and he liked him and doing it. But he didn’t care to practice or get better at home like the coach asked. So after 5-6 sessions I stopped. If he wasn’t going to put in reps at home(I wasn’t going to make him) the hitting coach was pointless. He’d have to start over every session because he didn’t practice at home. Practice makes perfect as they say.

My biggest challenge with my son is he doesn’t have a competitive bone in his body. The rub is he “likes” playing baseball.

He doesn’t comprehend the difference between having fun and being competitive/winning, they can be the same. The whole point of playing baseball is to WIN the game. He won’t play in high school. One, he doesn’t like physical effort, and two he doesn’t know how to be competitive and beat someone at something. He doesn’t care about the out come. If a ball is out of his reach, he’ll just let it go… the drive isn’t there but then he still wants to play baseball? I don’t get it. He’s made great friends and is great at the plate. At the same time, if he feels like trying he will, but it’s not very often….

He’s got one more year left in pony baseball and he can hang it up. I decided I’m done coaching his teams after this fall season. It’s a lot of time and effort on my part. I love being involved and coaching. But I’m not committing to the sport if he’s not. Kinda bummed, because we don’t have a ton in common outside of me coaching him and sports. We are just different people. He can take or leave the desert and the lake.

He has two younger siblings that need attention too. I haven’t worked with them at all. My daughter has a chance to be a stud softball player I think. The littlest guy starts t-ball in spring.

Sorry for the rant on your thread!

Looking forward to your kid developing into the game he’s falling in love with!

 

[stephenkatsea]

So my 12yo has been asking about playing baseball for a while, he only played one season of tball when he was little and I’ve never played in my life.

This week we signed him up for the fall season and we will see how it goes.

That being said, went to Dicks today to look around cause he will need everything, and I’m honestly lost. Gloves, cleats, bats…don’t even know where to start

Any advice would be appreciated

I say congrats to your son for speaking up and getting out there trying. It’s almost certain his friends have been playing for years. This may not be easy. Maybe this is something he’s been wanting to do for a long time. I wish him all the best. BTW - seeing your parents in the stands at the games means everything.

 

[rmarion]

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www.instagram.com

 

[Badchoices03]

There’s a big difference between spring and fall. Get the private coach If he’s that into it. we had a private hitting coach and he liked him and doing it. But he didn’t care to practice or get better at home like the coach asked. So after 5-6 sessions I stopped. If he wasn’t going to put in reps at home(I wasn’t going to make him) the hitting coach was pointless. He’d have to start over every session because he didn’t practice at home. Practice makes perfect as they say.

My biggest challenge with my son is he doesn’t have a competitive bone in his body. The rub is he “likes” playing baseball.

He doesn’t comprehend the difference between having fun and being competitive/winning, they can be the same. The whole point of playing baseball is to WIN the game. He won’t play in high school. One, he doesn’t like physical effort, and two he doesn’t know how to be competitive and beat someone at something. He doesn’t care about the out come. If a ball is out of his reach, he’ll just let it go… the drive isn’t there but then he still wants to play baseball? I don’t get it. He’s made great friends and is great at the plate. At the same time, if he feels like trying he will, but it’s not very often….

He’s got one more year left in pony baseball and he can hang it up. I decided I’m done coaching his teams after this fall season. It’s a lot of time and effort on my part. I love being involved and coaching. But I’m not committing to the sport if he’s not. Kinda bummed, because we don’t have a ton in common outside of me coaching him and sports. We are just different people. He can take or leave the desert and the lake.

He has two younger siblings that need attention too. I haven’t worked with them at all. My daughter has a chance to be a stud softball player I think. The littlest guy starts t-ball in spring.

Sorry for the rant on your thread!

Looking forward to your kid developing into the game he’s falling in love with!

That is what is really surprising to me with him, he is an excellent golfer but never really had interest in practicing unless I told him to, he would go weeks without swinging a club, but so far with baseball he wants to practice as much as we can, and if I can’t, he will go outside and just swing the bat or throw the ball against the wall.
We will see how it goes, I have told him that we will go at as long as he is putting in work.

 

[Badchoices03]

I say congrats to your son for speaking up and getting out there trying. It’s almost certain his friends have been playing for years. This may not be easy. Maybe this is something he’s been wanting to do for a long time. I wish him all the best. BTW - seeing your parents in the stands at the games means everything.

Every kid on his team has been playing either since t ball or at least a few years under their belt, he’s the only kid that has never played before, that is why I was very happy that he got a starting position, there are about 3 other kids that that rotate from the bench to right field.

I have been to every practice and every game, mom has been to every game.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Every kid on his team has been playing either since t ball or at least a few years under their belt, he’s the only kid that has never played before, that is why I was very happy that he got a starting position, there are about 3 other kids that that rotate from the bench to right field.

I have been to every practice and every game, mom has been to every game.

Outstanding! And again, congrats to your son. Team sports teach our kids so much. A lot more than just baseball. The same is true with school band. You quickly learn you may be in competition with some, but they’re your team mates and you rely on them. And visa versa. A very valuable life lesson. Most of all, Enjoy. These years pass far too quickly.

 

[Badchoices03]

So in his last game, it was coming down to the last inning on a close game, we have 3 regular pitchers that they kind of rotate through, one was hurt and couldnt pitch but was playing 3rd base, another one wasnt there, so we only had one pitcher who was getting close to his pitch count...coach asked if anyone else on the team wanted to give it shot, being that it was a close game, no one wanted that pressure, but guess who raised his hand and said he would try...my boy...the kid who had never played prior wanted to pitch the final inning of a close game...I know its fall ball and its a little looser, but I was still super nervous when they took him to the bullpen area and were literally giving him pitching lessons...he went to the mound, threw about 6 warm up throws, which surprisingly were not that bad...he got a full count on the first batter and ended up walking him, and I thought oh no here it goes....second batter he struck out....third batter got basehit mostly on an error at short...forth batter hit directly to my son who caught it and then threw the runner out on first who couldnt make it back to base in time...his team is now 9-1-1...it was a proud dad moment, again, I know its fall ball and not the same....but was cool anyway..

 

[4Waters]

So in his last game, it was coming down to the last inning on a close game, we have 3 regular pitchers that they kind of rotate through, one was hurt and couldnt pitch but was playing 3rd base, another one wasnt there, so we only had one pitcher who was getting close to his pitch count...coach asked if anyone else on the team wanted to give it shot, being that it was a close game, no one wanted that pressure, but guess who raised his hand and said he would try...my boy...the kid who had never played prior wanted to pitch the final inning of a close game...I know its fall ball and its a little looser, but I was still super nervous when they took him to the bullpen area and were literally giving him pitching lessons...he went to the mound, threw about 6 warm up throws, which surprisingly were not that bad...he got a full count on the first batter and ended up walking him, and I thought oh no here it goes....second batter he struck out....third batter got basehit mostly on an error at short...forth batter hit directly to my son who caught it and then threw the runner out on first who couldnt make it back to base in time...his team is now 9-1-1...it was a proud dad moment, again, I know its fall ball and not the same....but was cool anyway..

View attachment 1295604

Kickass!! Good job stepping up to the plate for the team

 

[BHC Vic]

So in his last game, it was coming down to the last inning on a close game, we have 3 regular pitchers that they kind of rotate through, one was hurt and couldnt pitch but was playing 3rd base, another one wasnt there, so we only had one pitcher who was getting close to his pitch count...coach asked if anyone else on the team wanted to give it shot, being that it was a close game, no one wanted that pressure, but guess who raised his hand and said he would try...my boy...the kid who had never played prior wanted to pitch the final inning of a close game...I know its fall ball and its a little looser, but I was still super nervous when they took him to the bullpen area and were literally giving him pitching lessons...he went to the mound, threw about 6 warm up throws, which surprisingly were not that bad...he got a full count on the first batter and ended up walking him, and I thought oh no here it goes....second batter he struck out....third batter got basehit mostly on an error at short...forth batter hit directly to my son who caught it and then threw the runner out on first who couldnt make it back to base in time...his team is now 9-1-1...it was a proud dad moment, again, I know its fall ball and not the same....but was cool anyway..

View attachment 1295604

That’s awesome dude I’m stoked for you. Honestly your son will remember that his whole life.

 

[BHC Vic]

Same thing, I know it’s fall ball but we are still undefeated and my sons had made so much progress it’s insane. He got the game ball Saturday. Looking to make a select team after the toys for tots tournament.

 

[HBCraig]

It's definitely a struggle between him and I, I think he feels like because I didnt play baseball, that I dont know how to teach him...I watch Youtube videos and get an idea of what to practice on....I never try to teach him something that I am not sure how it works...its a work in progress, but he really wants to play spring ball next year, so I have told him its going to take a big commitment from him to get him up to speed between now and then...we are most likely going to get a private coach after this fall season is over...

Follow these guys on IG for some coaching
Infield vitamins
Coach Steinman
Propel hitting
Infielders only

 

[Badchoices03]

So just an update on this journey of ours...my sons team finished out the fall ball season with a record of 11-1-1....as I mentioned above, my boy struggled in the box...all season he got one hit, but it was on an error...on the plus side the coach said he had the most on bases as anyone on the team because he wouldn't swing at junk and got walked alot lol...he played 2nd base all season....

During the off season, I got him a hitting coach, he spent a bunch of time at the cages with 1on1 training...it wasn't cheap, but I think its helped

We are part way into spring season, and his new team is 4-0 so far...my son is ALL IN on baseball...he has the Rawlins HOH glove, Marucci CatX and Easton ADV bats, he also just got a Marucci wood bat just cause he said he likes the sound of a wood bat...Bruce Bolt batting gloves, etc....all stuff that he wanted for his Bday and Christmas which are a few weeks apart...he has gotten 2 solid hits, which I know isnt great considering they are 4 games in...but hes hitting the ball...in the last game he had 4 at bats, with one hit, no strike outs, no walks....this season he is on a team where most the kids are playing travel ball and are very skilled, so he didn't get that 2nd base position he wanted, but he did get a starting center field position....

We are loving it, and watching his progress is awesome...I can see how people end up with so much gear...lol

 

[4Waters]

So just an update on this journey of ours...my sons team finished out the fall ball season with a record of 11-1-1....as I mentioned above, my boy struggled in the box...all season he got one hit, but it was on an error...on the plus side the coach said he had the most on bases as anyone on the team because he wouldn't swing at junk and got walked alot lol...he played 2nd base all season....

During the off season, I got him a hitting coach, he spent a bunch of time at the cages with 1on1 training...it wasn't cheap, but I think its helped

We are part way into spring season, and his new team is 4-0 so far...my son is ALL IN on baseball...he has the Rawlins HOH glove, Marucci CatX and Easton ADV bats, he also just got a Marucci wood bat just cause he said he likes the sound of a wood bat...Bruce Bolt batting gloves, etc....all stuff that he wanted for his Bday and Christmas which are a few weeks apart...he has gotten 2 solid hits, which I know isnt great considering they are 4 games in...but hes hitting the ball...in the last game he had 4 at bats, with one hit, no strike outs, no walks....this season he is on a team where most the kids are playing travel ball and are very skilled, so he didn't get that 2nd base position he wanted, but he did get a starting center field position....

We are loving it, and watching his progress is awesome...I can see how people end up with so much gear...lol

Awesome to here, a good coach can make all the positive difference. A bad coach can do the same but negative and that I what my son dealt with in football, he now has a way better head coach and the assistant coaches are in the same league as the head coach.

 

[Englewood]

So just an update on this journey of ours...my sons team finished out the fall ball season with a record of 11-1-1....as I mentioned above, my boy struggled in the box...all season he got one hit, but it was on an error...on the plus side the coach said he had the most on bases as anyone on the team because he wouldn't swing at junk and got walked alot lol...he played 2nd base all season....

During the off season, I got him a hitting coach, he spent a bunch of time at the cages with 1on1 training...it wasn't cheap, but I think its helped

We are part way into spring season, and his new team is 4-0 so far...my son is ALL IN on baseball...he has the Rawlins HOH glove, Marucci CatX and Easton ADV bats, he also just got a Marucci wood bat just cause he said he likes the sound of a wood bat...Bruce Bolt batting gloves, etc....all stuff that he wanted for his Bday and Christmas which are a few weeks apart...he has gotten 2 solid hits, which I know isnt great considering they are 4 games in...but hes hitting the ball...in the last game he had 4 at bats, with one hit, no strike outs, no walks....this season he is on a team where most the kids are playing travel ball and are very skilled, so he didn't get that 2nd base position he wanted, but he did get a starting center field position....

We are loving it, and watching his progress is awesome...I can see how people end up with so much gear...lol

As he gets older, OF becomes a very valuable position and not a hiding spot for bad players like people believe. Don’t get caught up on position. CF is often the most athletic player. The more versatile and athletic he can be on the field, the more opportunities he will have as he gets older.

Follow this guy for infield advice.

This is my son’s infield coach and he is on another level.

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[Badchoices03]

As he gets older, OF becomes a very valuable position and not a hiding spot for bad players like people believe. Don’t get caught up on position. CF is often the most athletic player. The more versatile and athletic he can be on the field, the more opportunities he will have as he gets older.

Follow this guy for infield advice.

This is my son’s infield coach and he is on another level.

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I am not caught up, for him just starting to play baseball at 12yo, not even a year ago now....I am just glad he got a starting position on the field and seldom if ever rides the bench...there are 4 other players on his team that have been playing longer then him that get shuffled in and and out of right or left field every inning...my son though, he really wanted 2nd base...

 

[BHC Vic]

That’s awesome! My oldest boy is getting his feet with with travel ball so doing little league and travel he’s literally on a field 6 days a week and sometimes 7 if he tags along with me on Sunday. We went undefeated in fall and are undefeated this spring. Unfortunately I’m not making very many friends in little league and Sunday was basically told it would probably be better if I just took my team to travel where there’s more competition. Some parents are too much I’ve had my boys together for 4 seasons so they play well together and we’ve really developed their game. I have 14 boys on my team and 7 core players that I’ve had together. 5 of the 7 play travel with my done and parents from other teams are really bothered by it. It’s kind of a bummer because my boys really just love playing baseball

 

[Badchoices03]

That’s awesome! My oldest boy is getting his feet with with travel ball so doing little league and travel he’s literally on a field 6 days a week and sometimes 7 if he tags along with me on Sunday. We went undefeated in fall and are undefeated this spring. Unfortunately I’m not making very many friends in little league and Sunday was basically told it would probably be better if I just took my team to travel where there’s more competition. Some parents are too much I’ve had my boys together for 4 seasons so they play well together and we’ve really developed their game. I have 14 boys on my team and 7 core players that I’ve had together. 5 of the 7 play travel with my done and parents from other teams are really bothered by it. It’s kind of a bummer because my boys really just love playing baseball View attachment 1354184

Right on!...most the kids on my sons fall team moved up to junior league team and he is in the 50/70 league...he is still really good friends with his old team and the coaches love him for his hustle so they let him practice with them as well....so his current team practices Mondays and Thursdays, his old team practices Tuesday and Fridays....Wednesdays we usually either hit the batting cage and/or he will have a private practice...games are mostly on Saturday....so we too are at the field almost everyday...

 

[Englewood]

That’s awesome! My oldest boy is getting his feet with with travel ball so doing little league and travel he’s literally on a field 6 days a week and sometimes 7 if he tags along with me on Sunday. We went undefeated in fall and are undefeated this spring. Unfortunately I’m not making very many friends in little league and Sunday was basically told it would probably be better if I just took my team to travel where there’s more competition. Some parents are too much I’ve had my boys together for 4 seasons so they play well together and we’ve really developed their game. I have 14 boys on my team and 7 core players that I’ve had together. 5 of the 7 play travel with my done and parents from other teams are really bothered by it. It’s kind of a bummer because my boys really just love playing baseball View attachment 1354184

I had something similar happen. My son played til 9u when parents started bitching about every little thing.

There is a reason little league is barely hanging on. Many leagues will fold soon as they no longer have league boundaries starting next year.

 

[K-DOG]

I had something similar happen. My son played til 9u when parents started bitching about every little thing.

There is a reason little league is barely hanging on. Many leagues will fold soon as they no longer have league boundaries starting next year.

The no league boundaries will only apply to 4-7 year olds as they can start in any league and continue to play there as they get older. Older kids must stay in their geographical league. My son will be league age 8 next season so he is just missing out on this. I would have transferred to one of 2 other leagues by us because they are ran much better and have better fields.

 

[SPFRONTMAN]

So my 12yo has been asking about playing baseball for a while, he only played one season of tball when he was little and I’ve never played in my life.

This week we signed him up for the fall season and we will see how it goes.

That being said, went to Dicks today to look around cause he will need everything, and I’m honestly lost. Gloves, cleats, bats…don’t even know where to start

Any advice would be appreciated

So this actually is his first year of playing? Well, being 12 this will be his last year in little league. 13 years old they go to Colt, Baby Ruth or Pony league. When they jump up to those leagues, the bases get a lot longer and the kids nowadays that keep playing are pretty good. You lose a lot of little leaguers who quit playing after 12 years old. Just buy him the basics stuff and don't spend a lot of money. A good bat now days go of upwards of $400.00. My granddaughters fast pitch softball bat was $375.00 on sale. Rawlings Pro preferred or heart of the Hide glove $475.00. Took my nephew down to Charlie Rose in San Diego, told him any glove you want. He made Varsity at his high school. He picked a Wilson A2000 11-1/2" infield glove. Asked him if he was sure because sometimes he splits with 2nd base and 3rd. I wanted him to get the 11-3/4", but he liked the 11-1/2". That was $500.00!

 

[Badchoices03]

So this actually is his first year of playing? Well, being 12 this will be his last year in little league. 13 years old they go to Colt, Baby Ruth or Pony league. When they jump up to those leagues, the bases get a lot longer and the kids nowadays that keep playing are pretty good. You lose a lot of little leaguers who quit playing after 12 years old. Just buy him the basics stuff and don't spend a lot of money. A good bat now days go of upwards of $400.00. My granddaughters fast pitch softball bat was $375.00 on sale. Rawlings Pro preferred or heart of the Hide glove $475.00. Took my nephew down to Charlie Rose in San Diego, told him any glove you want. He made Varsity at his high school. He picked a Wilson A2000 11-1/2" infield glove. Asked him if he was sure because sometimes he splits with 2nd base and 3rd. I wanted him to get the 11-3/4", but he liked the 11-1/2". That was $500.00!

Yes first year playing, never even owned a bat or glove prior to a month before fall ball started last year…currently he’s in the 50/70 intermediate league, which he will age out of after this season, then he will be in the junior league which is a 60/90 league, and he will be able to play that for next season…then he will age out of little league..hoping to make up a lot of time between now and then

 

[TPC]

I remember opening day they announced that over 10.000 kids to date had participated in our locations fields since before WW2.
"We are proud to have had one go onto the Majors, Don Drysdale."

I was no math student, but it was then I realized the odds.

 

[BHC Vic]

This is my core group of boys, such awesome kids I honestly love this part of my life getting to be there coach. Im exhausted but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Last week I had to drive from San Diego to Vegas Wed night. 6 hour drive. Thursday the boys had a game at 7pm I promised them I would be at. I drove from Vegas to Norco and got there right at game time. We won and Friday morning I drove back to Vegas. Finished class and drove back home Friday night. I’m traveling a lot for work right now but if there’s any chance I can be at the game I will be there. There’s a couple games I’ll be out of state for so nothing I can do there.

 

[Badchoices03]

Update…my sons coach has been doing some pitch training with him, said he may use him at some point, coach has told us that he has amazing accuracy but lacks in velocity…well we show up to todays game and coach has him starting at pitcher…my son was excited, I was nervous…he did great, he was up 10-2 all the way to bottom of 5th, where they got a little rally going on him to bring it to 10-6…coach pulled him and had our best pitcher close it..we ended the game 14-6 and our record is now 9-0…I’m really digging this journey 7 months ago baseball wasn’t even on our radar..

 

[Badchoices03]

Well this journey continues....sons team ended the season with an undefeated record (one tie) 12-0-1...and they are off the the Tournament of Champions which start next week...but today as we are headed out to school, this was in our yard, he had no idea he made All-Stars, and he was so stoked...

 

[Badchoices03]

Well the regular season has come to an end, sons team went undefeated through the season and through the championship tournament UNTIL the last game when the championship was on the line, they lost 7-6 in a game they battled back and forth into extra innings…it was a hard loss for everyone, but it happens…on to All Stars now…