DH

This is not about play time. I guess, I could get a couple of track stars that cannot hit, field a ball and they do not even need to love the game. Just run. I will over look those palyers thacame to tryouts and worked hard all summer to sit the wood. Not right in my view. Just think about all those kids that start playing at 5,6,7. What do we teach them? Catch the ball, throw the ball and HIT THE BALL!!!! Rememeber your first and last one????

 

Very clear here.

 

We

have always filled out a line up before the game with the intention of giving every guy in uniform a specific role that game.

9- starters and a DH = 10
DR for the pitcher = 11
DR for the catcher = 12
#2 arm , ready to come in if needed = 13
Bull Pen catcher = 14
Designated PH (ls) = 16
Designated PH (rs) = 17
Utility Posistion Player = 18

Every player in uniform knows what his role is for that game when the line up card is filled out. Everyone knows that each role is very important. Everyone knows that their role can change from game to game depending on their performance and their work ethic.

There are no "bench players". Everyone is in the line up every night. If they dont have a role they dont belong on the team.

 

What you are hoping your doing is getting them prepared for their turn.

I'm going to tell you something that has changed. In my years growing up there was a thing called "paying dues" and waiting your turn. A junior or senior rarely had to be overly concerned about a "rookie" taking his job. They've been in the system and worked hard, now it's their turn; despite some hotshot the coach brought in (college, fellas).

I understand the philosophy of playing your best players and I agree with it. But....I'm trying to say it used not to be that way.

 

I give up

 

Developing a program vs a starting line up??

Coach 27, I agree with your approach wholeheartedly. Coaches that work to include as many players as possible are building a program where players feel they can contribute and want to excel. I'm not talking about just lets make Johnny feel good so we don't hurt his feelings. But if a player works hard in practice and isn't cracking the starting lineup finding a role for them, a way to contribute builds a cohesive team and program. Feeding kids a crumb to show you as a coach acknowledge their effort and hard work is key to keeping that kid interested and working to improve. That #11, 12, 13, 14, 15,etc. players should one day be ready to be one of your top 9. And keeping them around to develope into those roles is an important part of the process.

I'm amazed at how many times I see teams get a big lead (I'm talking 9 runs or more) and no substituting, or very limited at best happens. In my opinion this is the perfect situation to throw a bone to those hard working #11 - #18 players on the roster. That is if you don't have some memorable event taking place - I mean a perfect game, or No-hitter against a respectable team. And, I added respectable team there on purpose, coaches who pursue those accomplishments against the weak sisters of a league are mis-guided in my opinion. I believe the rules still allow you to re-enter a starter should momentum start to swing so why not throw a bone to those other role players.

Just my opinion for what it's worth or less

 

I see what everyone is saying. But I mean at the MLB level. Where players need-not be developed anymore. They already have the tools and knowlege to be there or they wouldn't be there anymore. So what I'm saying is I agree in HS to get another kid some time. I agree with everyone trying to be worked into the game in HS. But I despise the rule at the ML level. Like I said earlier it bits the NL in the @** everytime. Becuase they have two (net) bad hitters in th lineup vs 0 bad hitters (again net) in the AL Lineup.

Translation on (net)= 2 bad hitters = 2 bad hitters. 1 good 1 bad= 0 bad hitters.

 

Coach 27, do your kids really consider being a designated runner as having an important part on the team? I realize that it can be very important, but do the players themselves realize it and feel good about playing that role? Also, bringing arm #2 often means exchanging your SS and your starting pitcher so that would hardly count as an extra participant. I just felt like being the negative guy today.

 

Nothing wrong with being the negative guy. I understand what your saying. But a #2 arm is always in your coaches head off the bench. In most cases, you want your #2 pitcher on the bench if at all possible to preserve the legs and the arm, and the brain. But most of the time you do end up making a position switch. And to me being the DR is one of the funnest positions on a HS team you do not start on anyways. Your on the field, you get to get dirty, and you don't have to go through agonizing pain or pressure situations when your exhausted from school. I did quite alot of DR in HS ball. Wasn't by choice, but hey if I was in the game and the guy beside me wasn't, I wasn't complaining.

 

Wow.....what a great attitude!!!!