Hi Joe,
My son has played for Little League for the past several years and as a parent, I will be the first to tell you that he is not the best player, but his heart is in it and he always tries his best.He has never given up or wanted to stop playing. For several years, because he is not one of the better players, the league itself has held him back so as they say he would get more play time. They tried doing this again last year, keeping him on a team of 9-10 year olds when he had turned 12, I actually would not allow that and when they started to say something about his safety, I replied with something like what about the safety of the children that he will be playing with him.. that my son was ok with being held back,(but not again) but to continue to do this to a child really does something to them.
My son is not only a tall boy, he is also husky so to speak. So of course this year rolls around, and I ask as I always do if he wanted to play. We signed him up and when doing so, I ask which team he would be on.. meaning which age group. I was told that my son could try out for both the 11-12 year olds and the 13-14 year olds and then we could make a decision among myself and the coaches as where he would do best. My son also let them know that he was ok playing with the 11-12 year olds since he had actually only played with that age group for one year.. Well teams were chosen(he was placed on the 11-12) and practice begins and tonite I get a phone call from the league explaining that my son could not play for the team he was chosen for because of his age, but if he wanted to he could play for the older group, however there are already like 15 boys on the team.. which basically, my son would get no play time and sit on the bench, because in my opinion through the last few years of experience.. little league is no longer about the children playing sports, it is about winning...I just explained this to my son, and he is in his bedroom crying....he knows he is no Brooks Robinson or Cal Ripkin, but he loves to play and be with his friends...as he said to me, before going to his bedroom..Mom, why are they just telling me this now, I like my coaches and the team that I am on, if I move up..all I will do is sit on the bench because you know that is what will happen..as he walked away from me..he said I do not want to play...
What happened to the days when parents and children joined to let the kids have fun, learn a sport, be part of a team whether they win or lose...and did not discriminate because they had some players that weren't that good at the sport.? What happened to letting the kids be kids and have fun?
My Heart Breaks to See Him Cry
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
54 comments:
People are SO MEAN. Omg. It's awful enough kids have to get it from other kids. But adults too? Come on now. I swear some of us never leave high school.
You can report this situation to the Little League national organization, they will not be happy to hear about this, i believe the website is www.littleleague.org or u can google it, also there is a area representative for little leagues in the area, i would also report this to them. The powers to be in Williamsport will not be happy to hear about this situation, because they still follow by Little League standards and it is for the kids.
Maybe in a nice way there saying "Your son is no good in Baseball pick something else." Not trying to be mean but this is a team sport that starts to get competitive at this age. Are you going to moan when he doesn’t make the high school team!! Will you write SBY NEWS about all his problems? Give me a break. Coach Pitch and T Ball are for all kids. At about the pre-teen level the kids that don’t excel drop out. Fact of life!! Not everyone is good at everything. The Tom Brown League is non competitive. I suggest you have him try out for that or get used to sitting on the bench. Even some Pros sit the bench more than they play. You can't get mad at little league for this or that he will sit the bench.
I know with Lacrosse SLC here in Salisbury, everyone gets to play and playing times is quite fair. It's a recreation league and that is for learning and having fun.
I love seeing the kids out their playing.. some are quite good, others not so or have just started learning.
Coach Berkman runs clinics every year for cheap at Crown exposing the kids to Lacrosse... and it really pays off
There are club teams that do have the better kids and are competitive, but rec. leagues are about fun and learning
I am proud of the SLC league and hope the Little League can learn from us
that's unbelievable! i played girls softball for 10 years thru wicomico county & never experienced or witnessed anything like that. as a mom to a 3 year old little boy who loves to play sports already, i certainly hope this does not happen to him & i certainly hope i do not witness anything like that.
i'm so sorry for you son's pain. i can't imagine what's going on in his head right now. stay strong & don't give up the fight. children should not be treated that way.
Let me just explain a couple things here to the a-holes trying to pass off insulting remarks. Your comments will be rejected. Go back to your own Blog and show everyone just how nasty you can be but you'll not get away with it here.
as for anonymous 9:27, you're an Idiot as well. You can't tell me that even when YOU were a child that some people were scarred by such actions by coaches. In Delmar, we have coaches that play ALL of the kids, period.
There are teams that excell and play in a different league. If your kids and coaches can't understand that ALL parents paid the same amount of money for their children to play in a "TEAM SPORT" then they shold be removed from sports all together.
I'll bet you voted for Obama too.
So....you complain that they don't follow their own rules when they were holding your son back due to his skill. NOW, they're abiding by their own rules, and moving him up to where he should be age-wise and you're complaining he won't get any play time. Get out their and take some bp and fielding practice with your son, or expect him to sit the bench for most of the game.
That being said, it's unfortunate that he's being moved to a team of 15. When I was playing (9-10 years ago) at East Wicomico, the higher age groups did not have enough to field very many teams so their weren't very many options and it was either play on one big team against other teams in the area, or pull players from the younger divisions to complete two teams. The situation itself sucks, but if you want your son to have more playing time, get out there and play with the kid, maybe with enough practice he'll improve enough to become a starter.
DJ
Joe,
Your response seems encourage an "equal opportunity" premise at all costs. That is very "Obamaesque," excuse me for my use of a malapropism, but I'm sure you don't know what that word means anyway. Little League has age limits for a reason, because of liability issues. You simply cannot have children playing out of there age group. Can you imagine a "husky" kid two years older than the other kids barreling into 2nd base, ultimately causing injury to one of the fielders? Little League can, and that's why they prevent it. As a parent, I most surely would be upset if my child were hurt by a another who should not be on the same playing field.
There have been age limits for years. I have never heard of such accommodations that this mother speaks of. I sympathize with the mother's plight, however these are simply the rules.
9:10 am=Sounds to me like nothing will ever change in that sporting event. My younger son was playing in the Fruitland league. He wasnt the best,however he made every practice and was playing third base all spring.Then lo/behold a team let go of some players and immediately the coach grabbed one kid and replaced my son on third base and my son gave all he had and the season was windingdown. My son he didnt want to play anymore do to him sitting out the rest of the games. I supported him 100%. Then came the playoffs and the coach had the never to call him and try to get him back.My son said noo. I told the coach go back to the team u got the replacxement and ask them because he was friends of my sons coach and not to bother us anymore.Nothing has changed in the local games.
anonymous 10:00, sorry but YOU are the one who sounds Obamaesque.
Save the world, no one should get hurt. I know, why not special health care for all children too.
As I stated earlier. Each parent paid the same amount of money and they deserve the same amount of playing time.
I would contact littleleague.org
and let them know of your situation. This is not fair to the kids. Yes, it might be a competitive sport but come on! No coach should make a child sit the bench just because they aren't as good as the others. Kids won't get better if they don't practice and aren't given the chance to learn the sports they play. It only takes that ONE coach to make that child feel like they can move mountains!
I was a Little League Manager for many years and have never heard of holding a kid back. Don't doubt it dosesn't happen but Little League has strict age requirements. Truly I have never heard of this before.
Let me add this as well. Not everyone is a professional player or extremely gifted.
If you look at any baseball team in the pros, there's always less than a hand full of great players on one given team.
So just how did the other players get on the team? Dedication!
This child has proven to show up for practice and participate, even though he knows he's not the best player on the team.
Competition isn't always about the best player. There are many professional baseball teams who have spent most of their existance as a losing team. Are you suggesting they stop playing because they're not the best? Or perhaps if they keep trying they'll get better. Hey, I know. Perhaps if they got rid of those Coaches that only play the best players, (for the moment) and never gave the other players their opportunity, things would be better all around. These are kids trying to excersize and play in a "team" structured sport. In my household, this child would be a world champion just for showing up for practice every day.
Sorry Joe. Had kids that played in Delmar. In T-Ball and coach pitch they all get to play. At the higher ages when it is more competitive the best play. Everyone gets scarred for something as a kid, if it's not sitting on the bench it's the other kids making fun and getting mad at the kid who is not helping the team. We grow up and get over it because that is life. This kid is older and the parent should support him but not complain when they don't get their way. Find something else for him to do with his friends. And like I said, join the Tom Brown League that is non competitive or take him to Diamond Dreams for some lessons. Some people sit around all year then sign the kids up for ball and expect them to play as much as the kids who train year round. This is not a knock on the parent or the kid. I feel for the parent. My kid is super athletic but has problems getting good grades. Oh I guess thats the schools fault. They want to put him in a class with younger kids to help him get better grades. Better call the school and complain he can't be with younger kids. Just pass him because of no child left behind. Same situation
This boy will face many more trying times than this.
I think it is wrong to tell him he can play and then retract that statement. Little League has always been about winning so this is no surprise to me. I remember many years ago(15 or so) when my best friend was the last pick. It is not supposed to be know when the kids are picked but it got out and he found out about it and obviously felt horrible. Although these actions are disgusting, it has been happening for longer than you think. I feel bad for the guy, but I bet anything he would excel in another sport.
On a side note.
Do you think it is fair for a parent to tell their kid they are a great player when in reality they are sub-par? this creates expectations that cannot be met.
Remember when High School comes around the corner, there are cuts, and better off to know your true value rather than too high of expectations.
Please dont get me wrong, I do not condone these actions one bit and if it were my child I would feel the same way, but reality is a biotch.
Unfortunately, I have discovered that favoritism is a major problem with little league sports these days, especially in this area among the coaches of the "Good Old Boys" network. Some (not all) coaches are under the impression that if their children are on their roster that they have the justified right to play them at the "glorified" positions, such as starting pitcher or 1st baseman, as well as placing them in a prime spot in the batting order even when their child is an inferior player to others on the team. Meanwhile they ALWAYS play the ENTIRE game, EVERY game while other kids discouragingly warm the bench most of the game, EVERY game. Then at the end of the season, the "Good Old Boys" huddle together over a few beers at the local saloon to ensure that their kids make the All-Star team even when other kids are more deserving.
When I played little league years ago, we all had FUN...first & foremost playing the GAME & coaches were less biased thus the playing time was divided fair and equally among each player on the team.
I totally agree with this post. That is the exact reason why I quit coaching in the Delmar Little League. When you go to these draft meetings, it is like you are sitting in a PRO draft. Coaches negotiating players, trading players, etc. It is ridiculous and the politics play a huge part in all of this BS. I have never seen anything like it in my life. These are kids that just want to play and learn the game. So instead of letting them play ball and do something healthy, we would rather them get involved in other things that is not healthy.
By the way these were not teen kids. They were kids coming up out of tee ball.
Get a grip coaches!
I'll tell you what COACHES. Here's a deal for you.
How about YOU and I play a race to 7 in 9-Ball and if you win I'll support YOU. If I win, these kids get even playing time on the field.
Pool is a competitive sport as well, one in which I played on a Professional level and can and will certainly beat your a$$es without any doubt in my mind. In fact, ask ANYONE who has ever seen me play and I can assure you that they will tell you that YOU cannot beat me.
You see Coaches, I have a very special gift from God when it comes to a pool cue and a pool table. However, that gift has NEVER stopped me from playing a game of pool with ANY ONE! I enjoy and love the sport and I will relax and be somewhat competitive while playing friends but never turn it completely on until I'm back in there with the Pro's. My friends have fun. Some times they even win a few games.
Never forget where you can from Coaches, never.
Joe...All I can say is "Amen" to your response to 9:27. You took the words right out of my mouth..so thank you. Winning is not supposed to be the only important factor in playing sports. I really feel bad for this child. It's such a shame that some coaches get so wrapped up in the game that all they really care about is picking the certain children they feel will win them the game. I deal with this same issue on my daughter's soccer team. Unfortunately some coaches will never see the other side and will continue to bench the kids that they feel aren't "a good fit" but will take their parents money and make them pay the same dues as the children who get to play the entire games. It's extremely frustrating. They put the children's self esteem down so much by treating them this way. Sometimes I don't know how the coaches who are guilty of this can put their head down on the pillow at night.
When I was younger and played Little League - I went to practice with A GLOVE. The coaches had bats and you hoped one was long enough for you. My kids play ball year round now for travelteams, we take professional hitting and pitching lessons. Its more competitive, every parent is looking for that edge for their child whether it be private conditioning, $300 bats, or whatever. I dont even want them to play LL anymore but alot of their friends do so i let them play. I agree LL needs to be fun and that is why I am not cut out to coach LL ( once you play travelball its hard to make that disconnect back to LL) - im too competitive and LL needs to be about teaching kids the game and giving everyone a chance. But the fact of the matter is different kids have different skills and some are better than others - that is just a fact of life.
bottom line - your kid probably shouldve played at his level all along instead of worrying about playing time - he would get a few innings and this way he would see what it takes to play at the level and strive to get there.
anonymous 10:48, you're right. However, allow me to add the following.
When I was 5 years old I was already beating all of my Father's friends on a Pool Table. I had a special gift and every one knew it.
That being said, we ALL know when we see someone out there with that special gift and these are the people who excell and move on to be great competitors. They don't stay in little league, (so to speak). Once they're recognized, they're pulled and brought to special teams and leagues. This is done in many different sports.
I personally went on to play Professional Pool. I also went on to open up the first Up Scale Billiards Rooms. If ANY of you do NOT believe a word I'm saying, you're welcome to contact Bruce Hunter from Bruce's Billiards and he can fill you in on what he knows about my background.
This is why I challenge ALL coaches to sit back, stop and think for a few minutes about where they're headed with coaching.
There is no "I" in Team, right Coach??????????????
9:27 must be one of those coaches that plays to win, for himself, not the kids.
Little League rules state that every child MUST play 2 innings. Little League in this area has never been about the kids, it's always been about the coaches and some of the coaches shouldn't even be around kids, they are just that abusive. When the Optimist had their league every kid played, with a roster of 17 and 18 kids, they still played. Donnie Fitzgerald and Galen Hammond are two of the coaches that come to mind that were strict but fair coaches. There was a time that kids had to go to tryouts for Little League and some that were quite good were never chosen so they played Optimist League. At least they played. Tom Brown had just started his pitching machine league at the Salvation Army. Kids from Optimist League went over and played there also. I distinctly remember Tom Brown asking a couple of the boys why they weren't playing Little League. The reply was "we're not good enough". How is that for leaving an impression on kids that were actually quite good. Good enough for a Professional baseball player to recognize it but not good enough for the likes of Little League coaches. What it all boiled down to was who was friends with the coaches.
Back then it only cost $5 a year for the kids to play ball. Now it's $75 for each kid to register to play Little League. Did the league give this woman her money back? I'll bet not.
Little League is not and will never be about the kids, it's all about the coaches win/loss record. Kids actually look up to these men. They should be ashamed of themselves.
I'm not trying to be mean, but that's the reality of it. That's about the age I stopped playing baseball. I was in it for the fun too, and when it stopped being about the fun and more about the winning--I quit. No heartbreak for me cause I accepted that's the way it is. If I wanted to have fun I could play it in a field with some friends, which is more fun anyway.
It sounds like he has had enough special treatment. They didn't say the kid couldn't play at all. I mean seriously it sound like it's about time for him to give up on this sport anyway.
11:07 - Sir, I hear what you are saying and agree that SOME coaches play to win for themselves but you can not put every little league coach in that classification. You are dead wrong to even suggest it. I know many coaches that are in it for the kids and that will never change.
9:27 your an a-hole. I am so glad that you have been told where to stick it. This child LOVES the sport and has already shown the meaning of sportsmanship by playing down a level. He was willing to take the insult again for the LOVE of the sport and now he is being stripped of any dignity that he had. That is abuse. We all have something in life that hurts us but to be this slapped down in a Community Sport is unforgiving. I think this young man will be a hero now because his experience and this blog will open many eyes and I know it will not end here.
Who ever called this father needs to be stripped of his coaching duites and made to clean the field & potty's after each game.
Maybe its just all part of life, no-ones is the same as anyone else. When I played I was a good player, some of the guys that werent sure have out done me in plenty of things later in life. Happiness & Pain are part of growing up and the things we learn from them prepare us for our Life. Life isnt fair sometimes thats for sure, what are ya gonna do. The best you can.
I would like to thank all those that have actually responded to this post. I did not do this to be glorified for defending my child, I wanted to see if others have also experienced this. Let's get something straight, first, I am a single parent and can not afford diamond dreams or any extras to help him out. I work a full and part time job along with taking evening classes at the college. I am very involved with my son on all levels as much as I humanly can do. He has had some very caring coaches that have helped him over the years and my son has become friends with some of their children as well. I have always said that since birth he is growing into his body. He is one that usually does not complain and knows there are hard knocks in life, but bottom line.. it was ok with the league to want to hold him back in 9-10 age group when he was already 12, but not do that this year...to hold him back in the 11-12 when he is 13..what are we teaching our children? Thanks Joe for your comments as well, by the way, my son loves to play pool!
My Heart Breaks to See Him Cry
Well, we'll have to do something about his game of pool. I have a billiard room in my home and would be more than happy to show him how to enjoy the game at another level. You know how to contact me. Joe
on the bright side the kids learning a valuable lesson early on.......lifes not always fair...there will always be someone stronger smarter faster better looking and ultimately richer
You have the boy in the wrong physical sport. My boys did not excel in baseball either. They did get to play some minimum time but soon got bored watching the grass grow.
When Fall comes, enroll the boy in Soccer. It's a totally different kind of skill but everybody participates as a team. There is little opportunity for people to stare at individual performance because all the kids move together.
Hey mom, I agree with 9:27 but he could have used a little more tack in telling you. Big Mouth 9:27. Ball of all kinds has become a competative sport especially at his age level. County girls softball can be brutal. Work with him during the off season too. Most kids pick up their gloves in March and put them down in July never to used again until the next March. If you son loves the sport encourage him to practice more. If you are unable to work with him find a mentor, someone who has played the game and will work with him. Ball is like dancing, you don't get good at it unless you practice.
Very true 12:10, but children should not have to learn that life is not fair from unfair & selfish adults, especially coaches whom they look up to and are supposed to respect.
Until one walks in those shoes of being physically larger than your age group, no one can understand the hurt that is involved with this. Having experienced that when I was a kid and being rejected for cheerleading, flower girls, and all the fun things young people enjoy when chosen, I truly feel for this young man. I would suggest that his Mom attempt to encourage something that can make him feel good about himself and throw herself into helping him through this difficult situation. Kids can be cruel and it appears that adults have no consideration for this young man's feelings either.
I understand that you want your son to play as much as possible; HOWEVER, the rules of Little League WILL NOT allow a child to play down, but the leagues have been known to bend the rules for special exceptions. I am a Little League coach myself and I take great pride in making my players better so that they may all get as equal playing time as possible. By opening day, my goals is to have no players that I wouldn't put up to bat in a clutch situation. It takes time and effort on my behalf but the reward is great, my players all have confidence in each other, we have a successful season and hopefully we win some games. Little League is all about learning and that is what I try to teach my players. Unfortunately, there are some coaches out there that think winning is everything-I feel bad for their players.
Per Little League rules, each player must get one at bat and 6 defensive outs per a game. Failure for the coach to do so will result in a warning. On the second occurence the coach may face removal from the program as determined by the board of directors.
If league decides to play a player down that league could face penalties that may restrict it from playing in the Little League All-Star tournament. By playing your son down, the League risked throwing away it's chances to play in the post season tournament.
Here's my suggestion to you. If you want your son to play-first off register him on time. The registration deadline was nearly 2 weeks ago so if you're just now signing him up then you are a little late-you can't be disappointed if your son does not maximize his playing time due to your negligence. Second, I assume that if there are already 15 players on the teams that you have signed up for Fruitland or West Salisbury Little league. That being the case, the league should have tried to form an additional team so as to maximize playing time for all players. Third, get your son the help he needs. Sign him up for a clinic or simply play some catch in the backyard. Good players aren't just born. Yeah, some have more athletic ability than others, but all good players need to practice. Learning simple mechanics puts players in a better position. Get out there with him an play. And just because you may be a mom doesn't mean you can't help. My mom taught me how to play ball and I played all the way through college!
YOU have to help him keep his head up. If baseball is something he truly wants to be involved in then make baseball a big part of his life. I tell all my kids to prioritize their lives to be better-the order I tell them is Family first, school second, baseball third, girl/boyfriends fourth and everything else last. My kids that try the hardest always play first.
I see 2 sides to this. Some coaches only want the win. There are other coaches that are taken advantage of. We used to coach ours sons team years ago. It was about having fun and teaching them to play. There are several parents that look at their child playing ball as just a babysitter. Many of them would drop off their kid and never attend a practice or a game. The only way any child will get better at a sport is with practice. So grab a glove and get out there in the yard and throw a few balls around with the kids :)
Jack Hersberger and Ralph Donalds were my coaches, they were great. I quess little League has changed over the decades. Befor I had a wife and kids, those were the best days of my life.
Joe, when he gets hone, I will show him this and am sure he will want me to contact you...Thanks
Anonymous 1:25pm
In the 13-14 age group, West Salisbury has five junior teams this year.
This is what I would do , I would find something else that my son is interested in , maybe fishing , or biking or whatever and do these things with him at first. Play ball with him , find a boys club that plays ball , take him to the shooting range , buy him a BB gun , but most of all support him him , it is obvious that he will be a winner at everything for trying.
Kids who play travel ball should NOT play Little League! It is not fair those kids who want to play for the fun of it and not the competive end. We are taking the fun out of sports for children.
I experienced the same thing in Fruitland. My son wasn't as good as some others at the age of 6 and sat the bench. At this age everyone should be playing. I was so upset and mad when my son was crying after the game because others teased him about not playing. After going to the coach and explaining this I was told that the kids wanted to win so he was putting in the best. Because of this unfortunate situation my son never wanted to play baseball again. Shame on Fruitland and all the others who have gotten political about baseball and forgotten it's about having fun, learning the sport and trying to become a better player.
RULES SOMETIMES JUST AREN'T FAIR!!!
Just to let everyone know - Little League RULES are the hold back in this situation. When children reach the age of 13 they are NO LONGER UNDER THE DIVISION OF LITTLE LEAGUE. They are now considered in the division of Majors and are not allowed to play with children ages 9 to 12. This is very unfortunate situation that can not be changed unless Little League International changes their rules. The League was trying to do the right thing so he would have a good experience however it's the rules that tied their hands.
All Little League Organizations are restricted at the age of 13. However while kids are 9 to 12 they can play at different levels - only restriction is All Stars.
I agree all players should get play time and most coaches do give all players play time however with 16 on a team - play time is limited - it's not fair any way you look at it.
Not only is it hard on the kid but it's also hard on the League in this situation - just finding parents willing to coach is hard enough these days and then give them a team of 16 - 13 & 14 year old boys - the coaches don't come back the next year. Just if 4 or 5 more kids were willing to play and another parent willing to coach then two teams could be formed and everyone would get play time. Our leagues in this area are limited by our parents that are willing to volunteer.
Just ask Obama to fix the problem the Chicago gangster has taken good
care of us so far, maybe the Government can get full control of little league also you will never have to worry again, Gee thank God for Obama
3:05...Judging from your comment, you MUST be one of the many who have been posting that weed should be legalized.
Wasn't this the same community who rallied behind West Salisbury when they went to the Little League World Series a few years ago? Wanting to win didn't seem to be such a bad thing then.... Its an unfortunate situation but the truth is that the child can not play down an age group, period. Its sad to say, but somewhere out there a 9 year old was probably hurt by an 11 year old playing down a division and it became a legal issue. If you make an exception for one over-age child, you have to make it for all, and it simply can't happen.
And Joe, your suggestion to settle a dispute with a little league coach over a game of pool would be like me challenging you to a round of golf to see who is a better blogger. Its irrelevant and silly.
Rob S
What a shame. Keep fighting for him. No kid deserves that kind of treatment. I agree you should make the national organization aware of this. So many mean spirited people commenting. There is no justification for this.
I have read all these comments and many bring up some good points, However, rules are rules and thanks to Anon 1:25 for bringing up the one at bat and six out rule, also Anon 2:59 for the mention of LLI sanctioning 12-year-olds and under. What no one has said is this; when you move up to the 13-14 age group you also move from a 60-foot diamond to a 90-foot diamond. It is a proven fact that a pitched ball repels off an aluminum bat harder and faster than a wooden bat. For insurance purposes, no player over 12 years should bat on the smaller diamond since the average player does not have the reaction time to field a hard shot cleanly. The boys mom even says that he is taller and huskier than the younger boys (read stronger). My suggestion is this; while there are age and weight restrictions in Pop Warner Football, I am not sure about the Salvation Army league. I also recall some leagues associated with the Crown Sports complex. This would be a good age,regarding his height and weight, to get this young man into a developmental program with a personal goal of playing high school football. As far as I know most high-school programs are "no-cut" (as long as you don't miss practice) so there is no embarrassment of not making the team. You never know, maybe this young man has physical talents that show up far away from a baseball diamond.
Joe all you do is berate anyone who says something against what you say...why don't you take the time and look at someone else's point of view besides your own. I understand the mother is upset because her son is upset, I would be too. But the fact is there is a safety issue. Why do you think at salvation army they move the larger kids up to a different age group in football????? Because someone can get hurt. There is nothing said about this because it is a contact sport but someone can just as easily get hurt in baseball. I personally have seen my younger brother get crushed against a wall by a very large child while playing indoor soccer. Let me tell you it was not pretty. The other fact is that 11 and 12 it is competitive. That is the age group that is nationally broadcast at the little league world series. You probably didn't know this because you are too busy self promoting your pool skills like an arrogant jerk. Maybe this child should try a different sport like football. I'm sure he would have a great time and make good friends playing football. Honestly I used to like your site but now it just seems like you are out trying to prove the world wrong. By the way if you try to pull the stupid line that I voted for Obama...I didn't I voted for McCain...I don't even have any clue why politics entered this conversation.
Sounds like the football coaches at Parkside. They must run in the same circle.
You know, its sad that parents only use their children as a pawn to win, or be the best. I played softball when I was younger, and while I was not very good at it, everyone got a fair chance to play. It was never about winning or losing, in fact in the league I played in, we did not keep score. It's about teaching your kids to have fun and work at something they like, regardless of if they are the all star or not. It's about letting your kid persue their dream so to speak. Personally, I think that all children should be given a fair chance to play.. Mom, maybe your voice is a voice that has not yet been heard, and that this is a problem not only here in Salisbury, but all over the country. What exactly is that going to teach our kids growing up? That only the best of the best can shine? I think that you do need to persue it to the next level. I understand your son is hurt, devistated even.. But look at it this way, maybe its a GOOD thing that he is not exposed to shallow parents who only want to win, and don't care who they hurt, even a young boy who just wants to participate in something he is passionate about.
Again thanks for the comments. My son has always been allowed to do any sport that he wants, so to keep him active and not playing video games all the time. He has expressed an interest in football and that is our next step. I have already been in contact with the coaches to see where we should start and what he should be doing. Just to let some of you a$$es know what kind of kid this is, he went today and hung out and practiced with the high school kids and coach..his very first sprint he fell backwords and banged his head pretty bad on the asphalt...he got up, shook it off and continued until the end...the same as he has done with baseball and any other sport...He just wants to be involved and be a part of a sports team.We have both learned a hard lesson here, but it will not stop us from moving on.
You know what the deal is people???
My son did not inherit my athletic prowess!!! LOL
But you know what!? He inherited my intelligence and that's MUCH more IMPORTANT than being more athletic...MUCH MORE!!!
The "bottom line" is that it is my responsibility, as his father, to ALWAYS teach & inspire him to possess CHARACTER & INTEGRITY, while living life "humbly" and being respectful (if others are as well...if not though, I won't get into that on here) towards others.
I will never understand why the kids don't play an equal amount of time -- they all PAID the same to be on the team!
Imagine paying for your round of golf and being told you could only play three holes because you were a lousy golfer.
Another thing I don't understand is how they think the kids will improve if they aren't given playing time.
After sitting on the bench game after game one season, my son brought in his uniform to the coach and said he was leaving the team. The coach said, "So you aren't going to play baseball anymore." My son replied, "No, I am going to play baseball; not playing baseball is what I do on your team. I'm going home where I actually get to play."
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