At What Point Do You Approach the Coach?

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Apr 18, 2015
54
6
I have 9YO, first year 10U pitcher who has been working hard for the last year, pitched 10U Rec last summer, some good outings and some had control problems. She was picked up by a travel team and they started fall ball, I have seen 5 of the 7 girls on the team who take lessons pitch, other than the #1, I believe that my DD is as good if not better then the rest. The problem is that all of the girls go to the same team pitching coach(HE type) except my DD. The HC only pitches those that the pitching coach says is ready, won't even give my DD an opportunity. As a coach myself for my older daughter, I don't want to be that dad who bothers the HC about playing time and positions, so do I:

Ride fall ball out since the season is short and approach him in the spring or say something now?
 
Aug 19, 2015
1,118
113
Atlanta, GA
Tough call. I think that you could gently approach the subject now by emailing HC to say, "Hey, I've noticed that all the pitchers other than DD see ____ for pitching lessons. I'm wondering whether the fact that DD sees someone else is a factor in determining whether she gets to pitch in games." Make it non-confrontational and more like an "I'm just curious" type thing. Even consider saying, "If we need to make a move in terms of pitching lessons, I'd prefer to do it now vs. waiting until winter/spring." Then, the ball's in his court. If it's true that she'll never get to pitch unless she sees this other coach, then he'll really have to tell you so.
 
Apr 17, 2012
806
18
Wi
Next time you have practice get there early and have a pitching practice with your dd. Maybe he'll get there to see her pitch first hand or maybe it's a "subtle" reminder that hey my dd wants to pitch too. 2 birds with one stone pitching practice for your dd and a way of reminding him she wants to pitch w/out talking directly with him. He'll probably speak to you about it.
 
Oct 31, 2014
35
0
Kansas City
Nothing wrong with asking questions. I see too many people not be able to have just normal adult conversations when it comes to competitive sports (both coaches and parents). I would ask what he see's my daughters strengths and needed areas of improvement. Also asking if he plans on getting her in some games (maybe starting with pool). I know that coaches can say whatever they want, but at some level when dealing with a new team there has to be a plan. If he isn't pitching your girl, and doesn't intend to, I'd ride out the fall at least, then amicably move on.
 
Aug 26, 2011
1,285
0
Houston, Texas
Wait wait what? 7 pitchers on a 10u team? Did I read that right? Sorry, but that is crazy to me. And was your dd recruited as a pitcher? Did coach verbally tell you/your dd that he wants her as a pitcher on his team? If yes, then I would approach HC cautiously...just ask what DD needs to do to earn mound time. Unfortunately, if there are 7 pitchers, then mound time is a very minute fraction of what she needs as as young pitcher. I think you can be the judge on how he answers...and if your dd truly wants to grow as a pitcher (being her primary position), then she needs to find a team that will give her mound time. Period.

good luck.
 
Oct 2, 2012
242
18
on the Field
Ding Ding Ding Ding.....we have a winner! 7 Pitchers is too many. There is no way that situation is good for anybody. Had that happen to us once. Joined a team after the head coach told us there was 1 other pitcher, a couple in lessons, but they had never really pitched in games. We practiced with them and picked up in a tourn and everything looked great. My DD pitched the championship game and we won. We joined the next week then spent the entire Fall season in a 6 pitcher rotation. We couldn't quit the team fast enough at the end of the fall. He lost his 2 best pitchers after that fall because of that crazy rotation. He has struggled for pitching since. I say all this to say......find you a team with 3 pitchers and keep practicing! Good Luck!
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
I've showed up at practice at my usual time, early, as the coach and had a father and daughter there from my team pitching. She was my #3 or #4 and honestly she still needed a lot of work but she was working and they even listened as I gave them a few pointers, they were in between coaches having ditched the HE coach the rest of the league was using. It did not really change my opinion but I did probably give her a couple extra innings here and there probably because I knew she was trying so hard.

At 9yo I would say keep practicing, if she has any kind of control it should not be that hard to get circle time UNLESS there are 7 pitchers on the team :(. But along with what the others said I always appreciated it when a parent would have an actual real grown up conversation with me about their kid, granted it was the exception. Just remember to always start out with how or what does DD need to do to get better, what do you see as her strengths and weaknesses. NEVER start with my DD is better than Suzy and here is why.
 

JJS

Jan 9, 2015
276
0
No need to ask questions. Just leave. If your DD wants to be a pitcher then she is on the wrong team.
 
Feb 7, 2013
3,188
48
Don't do anything via e-mail. Ask the coach in-person what your DD needs to do to get circle time and have her work her butt off that she is so good the coach has to pitch her. If she still gets no pitching time, you look for another team. Pitchers need to pitch in games to get better, especially at 10U. In general, fall ball is developmental and I don't have a problem weighing your options after fall. BTW, the good thing about having a DD that pitches is that they are always in high-demand. I would join a team at that age that had 3 maximum pitchers.
 

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