HS Ball

When DD was in MS, I had no problem that the coach played the 8th graders over the 7th graders. At that time, there was an obvious difference in the level of play. I felt that DD would benefit watching, learning and supporting her team.

Having played TB at a higher level these last 2 years, I truly feel that the playing field is leveled. I am not going to say that DD is better, but I will say she is right on par with her team mates. It would be nice to see the playing time evenly dispersed. For her, every day is different. Sometimes, it is bench only, others it will be pinch running, sometimes she gets maybe 2-3 innings.

I can honestly say that as far as hustle, there is only 1 starter who truly goes above and beyond. DD looks up to her and wants to be that type of player. I get the feeling that some spots are just set in stone due to seniority. I appreciate the loyalty, but would like DD to be able to prove herself. It is an accomplishment to make Varsity, but she is the type of kid to want to EARN that.

The good thing about Varsity is that stats are published, so I know I’m not drinking the Kool Aid. With her few at bats- DD is one of the top batting avg and obp. 2 weeks ago, she hit an otf HR and sat the entire next game.

Regardless of why, I will not complain or talk to the coach. I keep encouraging DD and as I said earlier, has a better outlook on it than I. She truly tries to be a team player and does not have that diva attitude you often find. I just feel bad because it doesn’t help the “freshie” earn respect from the seasoned players, sitting the bench.


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I've coached in and around my community for years. Since the current HS girls were 5 yrs old on my coach pitch teams. So there is a degree of familiarity with them and I may be biased when selecting V vs JV
However, attitude and effort play a HUGE role. At the end of the day it boils down to team needs. It won't make sense to have 3 2B on V and leave none on JV. So if we gotta field 2 teams, we do what we have to do that the JV is still competitive.

Why choose a freshman for varsity, if they are given very few opportunities to prove themselves? And even when they do rise to the occasion, little, if any changes are made?

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Softball is a team sport. Players have to do things that benefit the team and not the individual. In TB, players more or less play the same amount. In HS and college, they don't.

But, possible reasons:

1) A coach has to have a few players on the bench in case of an injury to the starter at the beginning of the game.

2) In a close game, you can burn through pinch runners quickly.

3) The level of JV may be such that there is no real competition for the kid.

4) The practice at the varsity level may be far superior to what she would get on JV.

5) The coach could have thought the kid would develop, but she hasn't. The problem often is simply a lack of mental maturity and discipline.

Is double-rostering allowed in your area? I know the public schools around here will double-roster JV players and pull them up for some varsity games while allowing them to still play JV as well.

Vertigo said:

Is double-rostering allowed in your area? I know the public schools around here will double-roster JV players and pull them up for some varsity games while allowing them to still play JV as well.

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Since she is not lettered yet, technically she could play on a JV/Freshman roster. I don’t think that would bode over well with the coach and both teams play at the same time.


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