Youth baseball - Too good for his own good

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By Jack Hutslar
August 27, 2008

I am certain that youth sport fans have read about the nine-year-old baseball player in Connecticut with a blazing fastball. Seems like he is too good for this co-ed league of beginners. I can understand that. He is probably scaring the wits out of some of those boys and girls in that league.

It would appear that some of the adults were aware of his talents before the season began. That is where the problem started. Unfortunately, this situation was allowed to progress into the season to the point that there were ruffled feathers all around.

In situations where it is known that a player is far better than the other players, it is an acceptable policy to ask them play up to the next level. Apparently, this was not a satisfactory solution for some reason. Nevertheless, that was the proper solution in this situation.

Unless there are extenuating circumstances, youngsters who are more highly skilled than their age mates should be placed in leagues composed of players with comparable skills. This makes the game, any game, more challenging for everyone involved.