Saturday it couldn’t have been nicer outside and a perfect chance to get the boys on a field for the first time this season. Our team is made up of mostly 13/14 year-olds who’ve been at this baseball thing for awhile. They pretty much have it down at this point, pre-practice warm ups, throwing drills, outfield and infield – I’m starting to think the coaches are pretty much there to call 911 just in case someone gets hurt. That’s a bit of a generalization of course, but it’s a joy to have watched the majority of them grow over the years from timid young boys to accomplished and talented young men who know how to “own” a baseball field.
We’re looking forward to a great season and if Saturday’s practice is any indication, a great season it’ll be. This year, we’re back to AA ball, but playing in open tournaments again this year, with expectation that we’ll again be bumped to AAA if things go well. Our messages to the boys – play like and prepare for AAA.
For most of our kids, this is a transitional season; the last of what has been their preseason (k-8). Next season, the boys will be in high school, their grades and their baseball will count from that point forward. Their parents and coaches who’ve taught, mentored, directed and disciplined them will hand them over to the world, where everything they do will follow them from this point forward. Where ultimately their success and failures are their own.
I saw a hint of that this past Saturday on the field and believe these boys are prepared for what awaits them. They’re beginning to take ownership, whether they realize it or not, and you’re staring to see hints of leadership in them. So many folks have played a role in their lives up to now, the boys come from various paths, and it’s all coming together. It’s a testament to all of you who’ve been there along the way, but as these days pass, it’s becoming more about them and their future than us and the past. They are after all, growing up.
Mike, thanks for your question – that age feels just like yesterday to me. We too played at Parks and Rec and spent many an evening at Riverside. In fact, it was one day, after a game that one of the coaches asked us what we were doing there and proceeded to explain the spark he saw in our sons eye while on the ball field. It was at that point we stared asking question, much like you are today.
So, I guess I have a couple questions in response to your question. First, how interested in baseball is your son? Think about that one and ask questions. Sometimes our kids give us answers they think we want to hear instead of the real answer. Secondly, what is your family willing to invest in both dollars and time?
Some feel 8 is too early to get very serious about baseball, personal thoughts aside, this is about the age where a lot of kids (parents) start getting more serious and begin thinking about high school. If your son is focused on baseball, willing to work at it and the family is willing to support him; I’d point you to BC Baseball. Check out their website and give them a call, quickly – I believe they’re still looking for kids in this age group and may know of any teams looking for kids. At this age, kids are learning to pitch (fairly short distances) and the Starpath program has some of the best coaches around. It can be expensive and takes time, but that’s probably true of most things worthwhile.
If BC Baseball seems like too much – I’d look into the American Legion program. It’s been a few years since I was in touch with anyone in that program, but seem to recall they started at 8 or 9. This option is cheaper and closer to home, over by the fairgrounds (assuming you’re from Jefferson City). It used to be a pretty good program, but for clarity sake, there’s a world of difference in the level of play (skills) developed between these two options.
For American Legion, keep checking the paper for announcements – they should have tryouts sometime in March. For BC Baseball – call them and don’t wait – many teams have already been formed and are practicing.
Hope this provides some options to look into. If you run into additional question, feel free to drop another comment or use the contact page. Best of luck to you and your family.
Question.
I have an 8 year old who played coach-pitch last year and if he stays with Parks and Rec will play with a pitching machine this year. I think that is a step back, but don’t know where else to go. Are there other leagues to get him into? Any thoughts/suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks,
Mike