Posted by: () on Thu Feb 28 11:42:58 2002

If your son is hitting .400 in the 7th & 8th grade, I really don't see how he can be kept off the team. If it ever came to it, you could present the case to the administrator or school board, citing the coach's "record" of meager accomplishments, and that he ought be judging results (hits), not means (mechanics). Start a file of research now, if you think you might need to make your case. Now, if your boy pops up 3 times a game, but hits one out each game - that is not going to cut it with any coach, and you don't have a case. If he is making hard contact, the ball will carry out or be good for hard singles. I don't think you should be teaching a 12 year old to swing for the fences.
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> Pro sports is full of successful athletes with unorthodox styles (see Bode Miller), they just have to prove more to their coaches. They must be better than the rest, not just average, because the coach will always think "if I could just get this kid to swing right, he'd be a star". You need to show that your style needs none of his "improvements".

Let's see. Three pop ups and a dinger for every four at bats. Hmmm. I think I would take him in a heartbeat while at the same time trying to work on the pop ups. Still a pretty good slg %. As to dealing with this coach, are there any other school options? I hear the best exposure is in summer ball and showcases anyway.

Mark H.