Expert: John Priest - 3/24/2009

Question
My son is 12, he's in the 7th grade and a pitcher for his Middle School, 6th,7th & 8th grade. They play on a 60-90 field, and follow high school rules.
He recently tried out for our town league and was placed on a 11-12 year old team. On this league he will be pitching on a 46-60 field. How much effect will this have on his play. He has been playing on 50-70 and 60-90 field for 2.5 years and plays about 60 games per year. He is now playing on 2 seperate teams, league and middle school. He will pick up a 3rd team in June, games and practice will overlap for about a month. He has been playing with lead offs and 3rd strike drop rules, however now on the 46-60 field these rules are not allowed.  The competition on the league is not at his level, some 10 year olds are playing up to make enough teams. I guess my question/concern is, how much is his game going to be off should he play in the town league at 46-60. Is it  hurt going to play at this level or should I just let him be a Star without the pressure. I know he will learn nothing. He has invested alot of time, workout and practice. I'm concerned he may start to question his talents.Please give me all the advice you can. Thanks So Much.

Answer
Diana,
If your son plays on the 40-60 field this year it will be the last.  He will never play on this field again and the rest of the games he will play for the rest of his playing career will be on a 60-90 field.  If he is ready for the 60-90 field and can compete with the other players, you should let him.  If the only reason for your son to play on the smaller field is because he will be a star, its not a good reason.  This will boost your sons confidence, but for what?  He will never see this field again.  My suggestion would be to play on the 60-90 foot field as soon as possible as long as he can compete.  Early on he may struggle but this will improve.  If he plays on the bigger field this year he will have 2 years of practice prior to high school on the same size field with the same rules.
Playing on both teams may effect him or it may not.  Some players can't adjust to the field dimensions for each game but some can, its up to your sons ability.  You and your son should look to the future and get ready for the high school years.  The high school years is where it counts.

Let me know if I can help with anything else.
John Priest