Great Question.
by KLav18 (2019-07-27 14:44:51)

In reply to: Question for you  posted by ndgotrobbedin97

Post Reply Return to Jake's Field

Short answer...specializing in any sport prior to HS is usually the wrong path.
Parents feel that their son will be left behind, or lack development...so I get why it happens.

Like most things, it’s a pretty deep issue.

What’s best for the kid vs. what’s best for the baseball player?

I need to be at my desk computer to answer this.. I will soon. I hate typing on a phone.
What is Real vs. What is Right
Reality is, kids that play more baseball are usually better at baseball than the kids that don’t.
If the HS is really loaded with talent, the really good athlete will lose to the really good baseball player.
Think about it this way...
Why is the DR good at baseball? Brazil - Soccer, Canada - hockey, etc...
It’s not because those kids are playing a different sport in the off season. Is that healthy for the kid as a human being? Debatable.
Everyone will point to the exceptions... Mike Trout played 3 sports in HS!!!!
That works for a kid like Mike Trout in a town in NJ.

I will write more, but if I had to give a general template... Private instruction and skill development is nothing more than a money grab for kids under 13.
By 13-14, most kids will show where their talent and interests are.
That would be a good time to “get serious”... around the 8th grade.

Replies: