- Nov 29, 2009
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My theory is pretty simple. If/when she is no longer better than other players in the field and/or at the plate, then I would specialize. I don't see any reason to do it before then and most of the pitchers I see (even at 18u) don't specialize unless they simply aren't effective in the other roles (or just don't like them).
This is pretty much my DD in a nutshell. She was too slow to be an outfielder, but she had a better arm than most of them. For the previous reason DD was not a middle infielder. DD was only a so-so hitter. There were usually better hitters on the team who needed to play 1st and 3rd base. She was a never a catcher. DD always played on high-level teams, so there were always better position players. She was always the #1 pitcher and she could field her position well. By the end of 16U she was just pitching, and pitching a lot. She got the ball in the tough games.
When her college coach wanted to send a message to a player she would have my DD hit for them. That usually worked.
Each situation is different. In college the other starting pitcher on DD's team was a strong hitter, fielder and was quick enough to run for herself. She played the field when she wasn't pitching.
At 12U the players need to learn different positions. You never know what their physical makeup will be as they're starting to grow into their adult bodies. Some girls have trouble pitching as they get older. Some stop growing and are no longer able to throw like they used to. Many of them lose interest in pitching. Some don't want to put in the time. Some realize themselves they can't be effective as they get older. There are a myriad why girls quit pitching. If they still want to play they need to master a position or two to keep playing. Cutting them off and pigeon-holing them at 12U is not fair to any athlete.