Roster batting

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May 8, 2017
7
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New to this forum, and tried to search for this topic so apologies if posted already (I'm sure it's been discussed ad nauseam) but I have a dilemma that maybe some coaches can help me out with. Second year 12U team in Nebraska, 11 girls on roster. 6 can really play, 2 are passable, three are much further behind. team has been together since 8U, and some really good friendships on the team, as its a very small town team. Two of the three that are way behind others are almost full year younger than many girls, and physically have not developed like the other girls - nature hasn't taken its course. We have been competitive at times, but overall a B team just over .500, due to our limitations at the bottom of our lineup. Debating whether to roster bat any more. Obvious problems will arise with parents, including two sets of parents that we are good friends with. But girls that can play are getting very frustrated losing games we could win. Worried about losing the drive of the girls who have worked their tails off in order to placate the girls that are far behind as well.

My thought is to stop batting 11 in bracket play, and rotate the three girls through as needed. Not sure how to approach, or if this is a terrible idea. Any coaches that have had to do this with a well established team, I'd love to hear thoughts, as I have gone back and forth several times. Help???


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Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
If I can bat entire lineup I am doing it.

I am always looking long-term, the more at bats I can get the weaker hitters the better they will be in a month or next year.

Other parents can complain all they want, they know it going in and is not going to change.
 

ArmyStrong

Going broke on softball
Sep 14, 2014
87
8
Pacific NW
If I can bat entire lineup I am doing it.

I am always looking long-term, the more at bats I can get the weaker hitters the better they will be in a month or next year.

Other parents can complain all they want, they know it going in and is not going to change.

Absolutely. Our team is similar to the OP's team in that we've been together for a while and are from a small area. The girls will get better. Some faster than others. During the off-season, the bottom of our lineup worked their butts off and now are hitting in the 3, 5 and 6 positions. Now we are excited to bat lineup. Keep in mind, our coach did have a frank conversation with these players at the end of last year in terms of what they needed to work on and how almost every player on the team is getting work in outside of practice.....
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
In our area there are a lot of choices, we lose and pickup players every year.

Some people you talk to think we are the worst organization in the history of softball, others think we are the best ever. Obviously we are somewhere in between.

I do not care anymore if someone leaves for greener grass. Unless there is an Issue, they are welcomed back if we have a spot.
 
Feb 7, 2013
3,188
48
Pool play, you bat round robin. Bracket play, you bat best 9 or DP/Flex. Everyone comments about how its not fair to the 10th and 11th batter but it's likely these players are not putting in the same level of effort and commitment to the game as the starters are. Why "punish" the starters with less at bats and the ability to go far into the tournament to get the weakest batters some reps?

As a second year 12U travel ball team, you want the players to be competing for playing time. If you wanted it to be equitable and fair, then stay in rec league...
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
In bracket play I would bat the best nine hitters. You can always pinch hit or rotate those last spots in the lineup accordingly.

The more games your team plays the better your players will be. If you are hitting 11 and going home early no one is benefiting.
 
May 8, 2017
7
0
As long as DD is batting 2nd, I agree 100%.

Ha, she does indeed bat second...

GameChanger is helpful, hard data to justify decisions. And the disparity we are talking about is significant, the difference between girls hitting .400-.600 at the top and .100 (or less) at the bottom. It's early in the season, however, and I don't think any decision is appropriate until at least 4-5 tournaments have been played, to give everyone a fair chance to prove themselves.

I guess my reasoning is that giving the team a chance to go further in bracket gives every girl more at bats with another game. But it's tough. The issue has been raised to the parents as a possibility in the offseason, just to make sure if we do it everyone is aware what is happening.




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Jun 27, 2011
5,089
0
North Carolina
But girls that can play are getting very frustrated losing games we could win. Worried about losing the drive of the girls who have worked their tails off in order to placate the girls that are far behind as well.

How are the players expressing their frustration? Are they acting frustrated toward those weaker players, or just being competitive and not liking to lose in general?

In 4 years of coaching 10U and 12U (a few years ago now), I always batted the roster, and I don't think the thought ever crossed any player's mind that the team might do better if we batted only 9.

Another issue to consider is whether it's fair to make a major philosophical change in the team's direction in mid-season. Those bottom 3 players signed up for a certain type of team, and now the rules are going to change.
 
May 8, 2017
7
0
How are the players expressing their frustration? Are they acting frustrated toward those weaker players, or just being competitive and not liking to lose in general?

In 4 years of coaching 10U and 12U (a few years ago now), I always batted the roster, and I don't think the thought ever crossed any player's mind that the team might do better if we batted only 9.

Another issue to consider is whether it's fair to make a major philosophical change in the team's direction in mid-season. Those bottom 3 players signed up for a certain type of team, and now the rules are going to change.

Good questions. The girls are displaying more frustration towards the other girls, but it's mostly because of their competitiveness. They aren't dumb, they know the difference between ending a game with tying runners on and 10-11 coming up vs. the top of the order.

The parents were advised pre season this was an option that may be considered, because I don't believe that it's fair not to have that conversation and spring it on them.

As I said, I go back and forth daily on the issue. I hate to take away opportunities from those girls that would sit, but know that they actually get more at bats (or same amount) by winning those games we are losing. Parents are concerned because they don't want to have to explain to their girl why they aren't batting, which I am sympathetic to, but school ball is fast approaching. Appreciate all the thoughts and advice, keep em coming.


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