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Apr 26, 2015
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I've written other threads about moving on...DD decided to start looking. She has gone to several tryouts and we have gotten the same answer from every one.

DD has caught since 10s. She is small, quick and lefty. She has a great arm and is very smart behind the plate. During Sparkler week she had so many people compliment her on her skils behind the plate. (It was a little crazy) Umps loved her. When not catching she is in OF. She is fast and she can track a ball. She can throw from CF home no problem.

So...every tryout she has gone to she has been offered OF. Every coach has commented on how she is a good catcher but they can't get over her speed and ability to track a ball in the OF. She tried out for her "reach" team and same thing. HC said he knows how good she is behind the plate because he has watched her since 10s but she is doing a disservice to herself by not playing outfield.

3 teams now and same answer from each one.
So the question is ... do we continue to look or turn her into an OFer?
She loves the variety and would be satisfied to catch some games but there doesn't seem to be that opportunity - except on the team she has been on. He wants her as his primary catcher.
 
Last edited:
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
DD hates 2nd base, she always gets stuck at 2nd base because she is good at it.

You never can have enough catchers, see what the team has. Bet she can snike her way in there.

Might be a lot of work on her part for minimal playing time though.
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
113
Sounds like two things going on.

1. She is fast and can judge balls in the OF coaches know the higher levels you go up the more important outfielders become.

2. In the back of their mind they are saying to themselves lefties don't catch.

If she still really wants to catch just ask the coach if she will get any time behind the plate as #2 catcher, maybe even with the #2 or #3 pitcher, then if the coach says no you have a decision to make; but if every team says she has a spot on the team as a OF but not as a catcher what are her options...OF or don't play or just keep looking until you find a team that needs a catcher.
 
May 17, 2012
2,804
113
As you get old there aren't that many real "catchers" so I would resist if possible. You need to be a catcher that can play outfield when needed (and not an OF that can catch when needed).

You want to be one of two catchers on a team. Not one of three (or more).
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Different perspective, for some reason pitching DD has been attached to C. It has happened a few times. DD pitches, she catches.

Might take a little work but maybe try to attach herself to P. Give me a call if you want to practice or you need someone to catch in your pitching leasson.
 
Apr 26, 2015
704
43
Different perspective, for some reason pitching DD has been attached to C. It has happened a few times. DD pitches, she catches.

Might take a little work but maybe try to attach herself to P. Give me a call if you want to practice or you need someone to catch in your pitching leasson.

Lol! DD took pitching lessons for a year. Decided to give it up when she had to choose between soccer and pitching, because as you know - pitching is like playing another sport! I wonder if that is what has made her a good catcher - she knows what a pitcher likes in a catcher. I will say - my shins and ankles are happy she decided to catch! Although I do wonder sometimes how things would be different if she had continued to pitch...hmmm...
 

Strike2

Allergic to BS
Nov 14, 2014
2,044
113
I looked at your other posts, so I have a sense of what's got you thinking of leaving.

Every team has issues. The longer you're there, the more obvious they become. Sometimes, they resolve themselves with the typical player movement seen at the end of a season. If you're going to move, you need to determine whether it's really necessary, and whether you'll ultimately be happier. It looks like your DD likes playing catcher, and that's important to both of you. Hoping that something will work out when coaches and situations are telling you different isn't a plan for success. If the current team is functional, and the kid is getting what she wants there despite those issues, I think the answer is pretty obvious. Your last sentence says it all.
 
Apr 26, 2015
704
43
What does she want to do?

She loves catching. But she loves OF too. She just loves to play!
She cannot make up her mind. The team we are considering is her "reach" team - the one she has always wanted to play for but never thought it could become a reality. Her current team has gone thru alot of ups and downs. The AC passed away in Jan unexpectedly and when he died something in the team died. The AC who filled in didn't like DD because she always (and obviously) outplayed his daughter in every position they played. The new AC for this coming year is great. Lots of energy and so positive and he knows his stuff. There is another parent who will be another AC and she is awesome as well. HC believes in DD no doubt. But if he doesn't pick up some stronger players the team will just stagnate.

HC has told me of 3 girls who are "committed" who are great players. And he did decide to pick up another good pitcher (which is where most of our struggles were) But I keep hearing the existing girls are looking...the other coach needs an answer today. I have already held him off once.
 
Aug 19, 2015
1,118
113
Atlanta, GA
Sounds like the bottom line is if she wants her primary position to be catcher, she needs to stay put. If she's willing to transform toward OF as her primary and C as her secondary, I'd say take the offer from her "reach" team.
 

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