Expert: Martin Hoover - 5/12/2009

Question
Hello,

I am odds with some members of the league my son plays in, and I am the manager of my son's team.  My son is 10 and plays in a league level of 9 & 10 yr olds, and currently the league allows stealing of home.  I did some research and discovered that nearly all the leagues in our area don't allow stealing of home at this age.  I was wondering your thoughts on the subject, and wondered if you think it is "age appropriate" to have 9 & 10 yr olds stealing home, with the possible danger involved of having 4 kids all coming to one spot on the field at once (home plate), and possible collision/injuries that could occur.  Thank you in advance for your reply. :)

Best,
Concerned coach/parent

Answer
Craig,

Having been a coach, umpire and now league official, I have seen no solid evidence that collisions happen more frequently at home than anywhere else on the ballfield.  If the players are coached correctly, that mass trainwreck you mentioned will not happen.  9 and 10 year olds should be taught about stealing or advancing on home plate to prepare them for advancement through baseball, and to make sure that they can do so properly so they do not injury themselves.

Now granted, this is just my opinion.

I hope this has helped.  Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover