pitchers

My DD would be considered #5 on her team, but could go be a #1 or #2 for a lot of other teams in the area if she wanted. I like her better as a primary catcher on her current team, though.

A lot of players or their parents will choose the marquee name even if it means less playing time. They'll do it at 12u and 14u, because they feel that improves the player's chances of making it to a premier team for 16/18u. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support this way of thinking, just as there are so many incoming college players going to top D1 programs from the top 18u gold programs and fewer coming from the smaller, less known travel organizations.

Coach Tucc has 14u, so if a player is seriously thinking about making a college roster in a few years, it makes sense that they're going to seek the bigger name brands, even if they aren't going to pitch and even if Coach Tucc really knows the game and teaches it well.

JAD said:

I don't want to hijack this thread, but I have always wondered why parent would pay for their kids to play on an "elite gold" exposure team after they have signed their LOI. I would think these teams would constantly "morph" with new players looking for exposure while kids who have signed drop out.

Click to expand...

So that they can, as batters, face the toughest pitchers in the country, and prepare to confidently face them in college. Elite means you strive to successfully compete against the best, individually and as a team.

coachtucc said:

Seems there is never enough pitching so I ask this question:
Would you rather:
a) Be the 4th or 5th pitcher on a Elite team and get no pitching time
b) Be the 3rd or 4th pitcher on A team and get some time
c) Be the 2nd or 3rd pitcher on a B team and get guaranteed pitching time

Click to expand...

I believe we all would "rather" be #1-2 on an A/elite team, but you have to start somewhere. You don't just decide one day to be that #1-2 and POOF it happens.

I understand your question is "where would you like to be in the order", but I think almost every pitcher has been at different pitching slots or at least different "levels" at some point in their career.

What I see around here :
7-9 years old, all are considered A/B/C/D pitchers at the rec level. There really is no 1/2/3/4 even though one or two might be more effective.

About 10 the more effective move away from rec into travel. They usually start off on a B team as a 3-4 pitcher to adjust to the higher level of play.

11-12 the lights usually turn on. Either they move up in the pitching slot to 1-2 in B, or they make the next move as a 2-4 pitcher in A.

13-14-( younger )15 I consider the drop out era. Teen years and all that comes with it. Most pitchers ( who stay ) must find a compatible team for there level of pitching and one who offers enough circle time.

15-18 are the exposure years. If you're looking at playing at the next level you gotta have the circle time and experience. Being 4-5 on a great team will do little to help YOU BE SEEN and KNOWN.

My opinion is being greater than #4 on any team is not worthy UNLESS UNLESS UNLESS, you are working your rear off to step up the ladder.

Not pitching is frustrating, at least to the parents. My dd has been #1 on every team she played for in the past 3 years. This year on Varsity there are 2 girls getting all of the circle time. Not because they are better then my dd but because they are good enough. My dd is an excellent fielder. I understand the team is stronger with her in the field with one of these girls pitching then they are with her pitching and one of the other pitchers in the field, plus the other pitchers are doing a find job. But boy is it frustrating.

Not complaining just saying, its frustrating for a pitcher to not pitch. On travel you should find the level where you will pitch the most.

Momo'sDad said:

My DD would be considered #5 on her team, but could go be a #1 or #2 for a lot of other teams in the area if she wanted. I like her better as a primary catcher on her current team, though.

A lot of players or their parents will choose the marquee name even if it means less playing time. They'll do it at 12u and 14u, because they feel that improves the player's chances of making it to a premier team for 16/18u. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support this way of thinking, just as there are so many incoming college players going to top D1 programs from the top 18u gold programs and fewer coming from the smaller, less known travel organizations.

Coach Tucc has 14u, so if a player is seriously thinking about making a college roster in a few years, it makes sense that they're going to seek the bigger name brands, even if they aren't going to pitch and even if Coach Tucc really knows the game and teaches it well.

Click to expand...

Thank you for our input..I appreciate it and I mean that. I have over 10yrs experience coaching which doesn't mean I know it all but I do know a lot.

coachtucc said:

Asking a coach of a 14U team (I do not have a daughter) who always has to beg for pitchers and are told that they are on a higher level travel team and they are the 3rd to 5th pitcher on a team. Now if they really don't want to pitch, fine. But if they do, then that's what my original question is.

Click to expand...

So since DD is freshman and just moved up= she is an almost 14U- I can tell you what would have sold us- and this was based directly on her PC's advice, it was to find a place where she could pitch-as #2 or #3 at least- on a team that carried 3P max, otherwise pitching time would go down.

Make sure parents know your schedule, that they know kids are well coached (given), that you are fair, and supportive of your pitchers- and that they will get time unless they are being knocked around. Don't be afraid to try-out a newbie - DD 1st year 14U struggled, but coach hung in there with her, she came back after working hard in the winter, and really gave them a good year this past year- so maybe taking a chance on a new -hard working pitcher is a good thought as well.

MandM said:

So since DD is freshman and just moved up= she is an almost 14U- I can tell you what would have sold us- and this was based directly on her PC's advice, it was to find a place where she could pitch-as #2 or #3 at least- on a team that carried 3P max, otherwise pitching time would go down.

Make sure parents know your schedule, that they know kids are well coached (given), that you are fair, and supportive of your pitchers- and that they will get time unless they are being knocked around. Don't be afraid to try-out a newbie - DD 1st year 14U struggled, but coach hung in there with her, she came back after working hard in the winter, and really gave them a good year this past year- so maybe taking a chance on a new -hard working pitcher is a good thought as well.

Click to expand...

Thank you for your comment and I sincerely mean that...When I advertise for pitchers, I always say I only have 1 to 2 pitchers and pitching time is guaranteed

coachtucc said:

When I advertise for pitchers, I always say I only have 1 to 2 pitchers and pitching time is guaranteed

Click to expand...

Wish I had a dollar for every time Ive seen an add with those exact words.

GOINGDEEP said:

Wish I had a dollar for every time Ive seen an add with those exact words.

Click to expand...

lol..but I do only have 1 to 2 pitchers! I am sure u have seen that but anyone who says that and doesn't follow through shouldn't be coaching.

coachtucc said:

lol..but I do only have 1 to 2 pitchers! I am sure u have seen that but anyone who says that and doesn't follow through shouldn't be coaching.

Click to expand...

Hope you knew I was joking with you, but yes I've seen 100 adds with that.

Had a coach from MS one time call and ask if DD would play for him one weekend. He was crying "man I don't have ANY pitchers", so we said sure. Got down there and he had 4 other pitchers we knew from other teams. Lucky I knew the guy, and he was a "friend", or we would have left. Turned out to be a pretty fun weekend too.