Maybe It's Me ?
- Thread starter YoungBuck
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Earlier in her career, DD often played as a pickup for other teams. Typically those teams reached out to us and asked her to play. She would typically bat someplace in the middle of the lineup (3 to 6). One team in particular automatically batted her 9th every time. We never questioned it, but the coach volunteered some information. He flat out told us that if he batted DD any higher in the lineup, some of the parents of his regular players would complain about it. So to avoid the drama, he always batted pickups at the end. She never tried out for this particular team and was only playing for extra reps, so she really didn't care. Not saying I agree with that philosophy, but I am sure others do that.
The team DD is currently playing on started as a "pickup" situation as well. They were short a pitcher for a tournament and asked DD to fill in. She batted 5th all weekend and pitched more than anyone else on the roster including the two other pitchers that were there. At the end of the tournament, both coaches pulled her aside and asked if she would be interested in joining the team. So unknowingly on our part, she was actually trying out for the team that weekend. She just completed her second season with that group and has enjoyed every minute of it.
The team DD is currently playing on started as a "pickup" situation as well. They were short a pitcher for a tournament and asked DD to fill in. She batted 5th all weekend and pitched more than anyone else on the roster including the two other pitchers that were there. At the end of the tournament, both coaches pulled her aside and asked if she would be interested in joining the team. So unknowingly on our part, she was actually trying out for the team that weekend. She just completed her second season with that group and has enjoyed every minute of it.
- Jul 14, 2017
- 181
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Personally, I think you are reading way too much into this. It is common for pick up players and brand new members of an established team to bat towards the end of the line up. They are not just looking at your dd's hitting ability, but also how she AND her parents handle being at the bottom of the order.
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By the way, I have never seen a not so good quest player. They are always good.
Stay away from DD's spot, she can have that other player's spot though.
Stay away from DD's spot, she can have that other player's spot though.
- Feb 7, 2014
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Nope ! Caught five games... won a nine team tournament. Pretty sure her fate was determined before she stepped on the field.
Well sorry it didn't go so well. As far as batting order never read to much into it. Depending on the team and skill sets. I tend to group my rabbits and hitters 1,2 spots the 6 and the 9. Usually with a fairly fast girl in the nine don't want to clog bases up heading to the top of my order. It also nice when nine hits hard tends to start a nice rally.
- Feb 15, 2016
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If they had her catch five games she is obviously a somewhat solid player defensively. If her fate was truly determined before she stepped on the field, then there is nothing she could have done. If she had been on fire at the plate (hit .650 for the tourney) do you think that could have changed things? If she is good enough and is actively looking she will find a team. Every tryout, individual workout, or guest playing experience is an opportunity to learn something. You both learned something. It IS common for established teams to put guest players and/or new players at the bottom of the order. For new players, they usually have to earn their way to hitting higher in the order. She has to learn that batting 9th is not a punishment. As players get older and get on better teams there is no more "fair" involved in the process. When a player gets an opportunity to show what they can do, they either capitalize on that opportunity or don't. A bad weekend at the plate can end their chances with that specific team. It happens all the time. There are other teams out there. Take a good critical look at what she can do to improve at the plate and help her work on that so the next time she has the opportunity she doesn't "tank". My DD's spent plenty of time in the 7-9 slots on various teams and also tried out and didn't make several teams. Heck, when DD1 was a 1st year 14U I didn't think she was going to make a team. She had 4-5 terrible tryouts. Then she went to an individual workout with a team we did not think she would make and played like a superstar and ended up having a great experience on that team. Best of luck to you and your DD!
- Sep 29, 2014
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Honestly you just have to make the best of it. A lot of pitchers will let up a little on the 7-9 hitter thinking they are easy outs and not wanting to walk them so I would just tell her to go in there and do her best.
Sounds like she was good defensively or at least better than what they already had, unfortunately most coaches will take a drop off defensively anywhere in the field to get a better hitter in the line up, its the nature of the beast.
Sounds like she was good defensively or at least better than what they already had, unfortunately most coaches will take a drop off defensively anywhere in the field to get a better hitter in the line up, its the nature of the beast.
Agreed. I have always preferred to use a hitter with some speed and good OBP in the last spot. A few times, it's been a former #1 or #2 who is struggling a little. The reduced "pressure" of a low spot in the lineup can sometimes be helpful for finding their groove again.
