Pitchers & other positions

My oldest DD pitched and was a great outfielder. We spent most of our time practicing pitching and neglected the hitting. DD was taken in and out of the lineup as she got older due to hitting or lack there of. Youngest DD is always on the field because she can hit. If your DD wants to play in every game make sure she can swing the bat. About ten years ago a coach told me teams will always play a bat.

She was a power hitter in 8u. We'll see how she does in real fastpitch.

Just keeper her playing, keep working & never think she doesn't need it.

My DD is 2nd year 12u. There are 2 girls who were the best players on her team when they were 8u who are now the worst players on the team. Everyone else has developed and they haven't changed. Same situation with a girl that is a year older. When she was 9, everyone thought she was going to Alabama. Now, she can't find a team.

Around here at least, the pitchers who can hit usually play 1B when they are not pitching. One of the top level 16u orgs around here rotate their pitchers. The game after you start, you play 1B. You sit the game before your next start. My DD tried out for their 12u team this year and that is the coach's plan for his pitchers at 12u. He doesn't want his pitchers playing 3B, the 'hot corner'. His pitchers might play some outfield.

Even if your DD stays a pitcher, I suggest to always keep her as a good hitter. If she can hit, she'll stay in the lineup.

A little update. It's looking like she's probably going to play first when she's not pitching, at least for now. She isn't complaining, at least not to me, but I think she's a little bummed not getting SS. But the girl they're putting there is a bit more solid on her fundamentals so it makes sense.

She's looking like one of the top hitters though so hopefully being in the top of the lineup will be a nice consolation. And I think it'll be great motivation for her to work hard on her fielding.