Expert: Dennis Girardi - 4/17/2007

Question
Hi! My son plays on a Junior League Baseball Team in Hesperia, California. He is a great ball player, however, he is on the bench for more innings than he plays. He doesn't even get to bat usually more than once per game. He cracks the ball every time he's up to bat,and plays second base with great enthusiasium. Is it fair that some of the players bat every time their team is up and never get benched or is my son being singled out?
Before i get truly upset I thought I'd find out the rules. I feel he is being treated unfairly. What can I do?
Sincerely,
Kori Hornbuckle

Answer
To Kori,

It is normal for you to be a little upset.  I am assuming that when you
say
"Junior League," that you mean a league where everyone makes the team
regardless of talent, rather than a traveling team where you pay a huge
amount of money and have to MAKE the team.

If the team that your son plays on, is one where everyone makes the
team,
then yes, you have a right to question why your son is not playing a
fair
amount of time.  He should be playing at least three innings a game and
batting once or twice.  This kind of league is mostly for instruction.

Now if your son plays on a traveling team, the rights for your son
change.
Now the priority is winning first, instruction second.  If this is the
case,
I would approach one of the coaches first, and see what your son lacks.  
If
he plays second base, then he probably does not have a strong arm.  
This
could prevent him from playing catcher, 3rd base, shortstop, right and
center field, and pitcher.  But trust me.  If he can hit the coach will
find
a spot for your son.
Write back and let me know what happens...