Posted by: Jim (jwelborn@lexcominc.net) on Thu Sep 22 20:19:01 2005

> I am an assistant coach for a Pee-Wee team this Fall. We have 10 kids and all of them vary in batting experience. Out of the first 4 games we have the following:
>
> 1) 2 Kids batting .750 or higher
> 2) 2 Kids batting .420 - .550
> 3) 2 Kids batting .200 - .300
> 4) 4 Kids batting .000
>
> I am currently sorting the top 6 at the top part of the order with the higher batting AVG kids batting in the 4 and 5 position. My concern is that when we hit the last half of the team it is a quick inning. Is there a good rule of thumb positioning these batters. I really do not want to put the good kids towards the bottom since I will not have a chance to RBI the kids and not have as many ABs.
>
> Mark




Mark,

I have been involved in coaching youth baseball and high school softball for a number of years. Your problem is very typical of the Pee Wee age group. Batting order strategy is very important. Always keep in mind that batters toward the top often get one more AB during the course of the game than batters toward the bottom. With that said, my thoughts on the issue are as follows.

#1. Should be one of your fastest runners. On base percentage here is more important than batting average. Should be a smart and aggressive base runner who gives you the option to steal (if it’s allowed in your league).

#2. Good batting average, good bunter, smart and aggressive. At the Pee Wee level creating a good bunter may be difficult. I don’t know why more bunting is not done in youth baseball. The two spot is the ideal position for bunting to advance the runner.

#3&4. Best batting averages, good slugging percentage.

#5. Good batting average (.300).

#6. The best of your weaker batters (.200).

#7&8. The absolute weakest batters (.000). This would be the place to sub. Maybe they can learn to bunt. Your Pee Wee opponents probably can’t defend against it very effectively. It may help your kids in developing eye-hand coordination and improve their sense of timing and confidence.

#9. A good spot for one of the weak hitters who has the best on base percentage. Its often helpful to have someone here who may be able to get on base to set up the top of the order for the next trip through.

I understand your reluctance in grouping your weak hitters. Yes, you may end up writing off an entire inning, but that may be better than mixing them among the good hitters and leaving the good hitters stranded.

Keep in mind also that batting averages only begin to become statistically reliable after you have exceeded 25 or so At Bats (not plate appearances).

Coaching Pee Wee baseball is certainly a fun challenge and hopefully your dilemma is also being experienced by your opponents.