I just read this article about a 9 year old boy(see picture to left) in Connecticut who was barred from an 8-10 year old baseball league because he was too good. He has a 40 mph fastball and is accurate and has not hit anyone. They won 8 games in a row, then they were told Jericho (the 9 year old) could not pitch because he was too fast. So he played second base the next game but then showed up to pitch for the game after that. The opposing team walked off the field and forfeited the game. The mother then had a conniption and is meeting with a lawyer. Do we (as Americans) honestly have to answer to everything with an opportunity to sue? The league suggested for him to either; play a different position or move to a more advanced league. The team he was on is being disbanded (because the coach resigned, yeah, I know, drama!) and then the players will be redistributed to other teams in the league. At least those parents who want can get their $50 sign up fee back.I think his talent is too good to waste. If he enjoys playing then why not move him to a more advanced league? Or if he is not as gifted in other positions why not have him play that and then let him practice pitching in practices to help the team become better batters? Or he could train out of the 'developmental' league in pitching but train to improve other skills in that (the developmental 8-10 yr olds) league. I think there are other options for this scenario than the one that is being played out. Also... what is this doing to the boy?
What do you think?
