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About Dennis Girardi
Expertise
I can answer all questions reguarding little league baseball and instruction. I can help on pitching, coaching, batting order, batting instruction, fielding and strategies.

Experience
I have managed and coached baseball for over 30 years. I have also been a comissioner of a ten year old league, for 3 years. I took care of the whole league from scheduling the umpires, to running the draft, to purchasing the trophies.

Organizations
SAA Baseball (Schaumburg Athletic Association)

Education/Credentials
I attended many umpire and instructional clinics.

Awards and Honors
Many first place finishes.

You are here: Experts > Recreation/Outdoors > Sports/Recreation for Kids > Baseball Instruction > Special Draft in Little League Baseball

Baseball Instruction - Special Draft in Little League Baseball

Expert: Dennis Girardi - 11/2/2009

Question
Dennis,
Due to a shortage of players we cut one of our teams in the Major League Division. After the cut, we now have four teams in the division. The team we cut has eight players available for the supplemental draft. Sounds easy; eight players, four teams, two players each starting with the team in last place the previous year. Two rounds of draft, two players per team. The problem is the father of one of the boys who is eligible for the draft was elected to be the manager of one of the teams. He has the first and fifth pick in the draft. My question is since his son is by far the best player in the draft, should he be the first pick. The Little League manual really gives no direction on the supplemental draft. Some people on our Board of Directors feel he should be able to skip his son and take the next player in the draft and then get his son in the second round. Please give me your opinion on this matter. Sorry for the long question.

Answer
Hey Mark,

This is a definite YES, and a no brainer for me to answer. If you don't do this you will have an unbalanced league. My guess is the new manager knows this and that may be part of the reason he decided to take a team to manage.
Also, as you get new players signing up late, wait for a few days before you place them on a team. Then have all of them meet you at the field with their mitt and play catch with them and let him pitch a little to you. Get a feel for the player before you assign him to a team.. Do NOT put the player on the next team available or again, you may put a ringer on an already strong team.. This way you won't put a great player on an already great team..or an already weak player on a weak team.. This will help you balance.
Good Luck.. Look out for the kids.. A balanced league is so much more fun..
Keep me posted..
Dennis

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