Let a kid be a kid - Part II
I couldn’t have asked for a better (worse actually) follow up to my last entry. Nine-year-old Jericho Scott (pictured above) was recently told by the Youth Baseball League of New Haven, Connecticut that he is too good to pitch in the league (full story here). The eight league team, with approximately 100 players has decided that Jericho throws the ball too fast for the rest of the league.
This story hits home (for me), as New Haven isn’t far away. Connecticut is a small state. My own state is kicking kids out of little league because they are too good! What the hell is going on? What kind of message are we sending our kids? Let’s all play nicey nice, but let’s not try to be good at anything. Should we all get together in a group hug and start playing with foam baseballs instead?
Pure Nonsense
The league’s attorney Peter Noble had the following to say regarding Scott’s pitching ability:
“There are a lot of beginners. This is not a high-powered league. This is a developmental league whose main purpose is to promote the sport… Facing that kind of speed is frightening for beginning players…”
How is kicking a 9 year old boy out of the league promoting the sport? As for the comment about beginners, Jericho is only 9 years old! It isn’t as if he’s been playing baseball for 10 years. He is just as young as everyone else, and he’s never even beaned another player while pitching. It seems like the league has enacted a ban-him-just-in-case law.
And for those who are not familiar with New Haven, it is a rough city with gang violence and more than its share of drug activity. Cities such as New Haven need more kids on the baseball field! We can’t turn kids away because they are too good.
The parents who made this decision should be ashamed of themselves. After all, it isn’t as if the 9 and 10 year olds had a meeting and decided to ban Jericho from the league. It is obvious that the parents got together and made this decision. What message is a parent sending his or her own kids? They can play sports, but they should never face an opponent who might be better? Should we pretend that everything in life is fair and even? Should we pretend that there are no challenges in the world? Is that the message we want to send our kids? Is that going to help little Johnny become a better person?
When I played little league, there wasn’t a 9 and 10 year old league. We played with the 12 year olds. At 9 years old, a 12 year old is an imposing monster on the mound. That was part of the fun. There was nothing better than a base hit against a pitcher who was a few grades above you in school. That is what we called bragging rights! Sure, we all had moments of nervousness when an older pitcher threw some high heat, but that was just part of the fun!
No one was kicked out of the league for being too good. We busted our ass for playing time. No one wanted to sit on the bench. Playing baseball wasn’t about being fair. It was about working hard to earn more time on the field. Working hard to become a better player. Working hard to give your team a better chance at winning. These are lessons that carry over into the real world.
Sooner or later your kids will figure out that life isn’t all fun and games. I’m not suggesting that we throw our children to the wolves, but little league baseball shouldn’t be confused with a rabid pack of wolves. Let kids be kids!
Ross
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When I played basketball and volleyball as a kid, those who were “too good” were allowed to move up an age bracket. This made sense to me (and still does), because then those who couldn’t compete with him didn’t have to and, more importantly, the kid who is better can move on to bigger challenges and continue improving his game, which I always understood to be the reasoning behind it.
This attitude of “if somebody is better than my kid that’s unfair and life must be fair so I will throw a grown up tantrum” is something I’ve seen before, however, and it makes me sad. Good on you for calling them out on it.
Wow, that’s ridiculous. Let’s all just beat down those who display any natural talent, and make everyone mediocre so that nobody’s feelings are hurt. Sure that kind of crap lets some parents say to their kids “See, you are just as good as everybody else”, but that means having to tell other kids “Well, you can only be as good as everybody else. Being better is bad.”
Kids raised in this kind of conformist mindset will have a rude awakening when they reach college or the workplace (I.E. the “real world”)…
why doesnt a coach just suggest playing with older kids would be better for his development? I dont understand why the league feels the need to ban a 9 yr old at all, however good he is.
It is bang on to say that this type of thing will damage kids further down the road. theres gonna be a lot of parents wondering where they went wrong with their kids in a few years.
Alex - Your points are valid. Unfortunately in this case, he wasn’t banned so that he could face a greater (more rewarding) challenge. That is the real problem. It was never about him. It was about everyone else.
In those cases where younger athletes are allowed to advance, is often a case of being “picked” for the higher level team (similarly to being picked for an all star team). It is a privilege and a choice for the youngster to make, rather than a ban from one league.
Ross
Why don’t we give all the parents a ribbon or trophy and tell them to shut the f*ck up, sit the f*ck down, and enjoy the game like their children should be doing.
You are daggone right those kids would be scared! Heck, when I was in little league we had a monster pitcher that scared everyone too, and I doubt he threw close to 40 mph! So what? I was scared, stepped up to the plate, and got struck out everytime I faced him. But I stepped up to the plate and took my swings. Learning to deal with fear and failure is part of life too, and there is NO way my Mom or Dad would have even dreamed of saying that kid should have been banned. If I was too scared, then I shouldn’t play, and I don’t “deserve” to get a hit just becaused I played.
Right on Ross. I grew up with a vacant lot behind my house in a town where football is king. We would play tackle football in that lot from sun-up to sun-down. And guess what? Nobody wore pads and we didn’t have age groups, but that’s how you got better and how you got tough. You learned who you could run over and who you had to juke and jive. Those times in the lot, while never the safest, are some of the best memories I have, and lessons I learned carried over into not only my playing career but my life and are a huge part of how I handle problems and everyday life.
Anybody have an address for the league that is banning him so we can flood their office with complaints about how they are treating him? Or for the family so we can show our support?
I looked at the article and found the truth, it happened to my kid, they tried to cheat his team out of the playoff game because the “stacked” league never expected them to win, they had a team that was “supposed” to win, but my kid’s team won anyhow, Ha! Imagine grown men acting this way, and using their kids like that. look at this quote from the article:
“Jericho’s coach and parents say the boy is being unfairly targeted because he turned down an invitation to join the defending league champion, which is sponsored by an employer of one of the league’s administrators.
Jericho instead joined a team sponsored by Will Power Fitness. The team was 8-0 and on its way to the playoffs when Jericho was banned from pitching.”
The fact that they got the other parents rallying behind it with a mock argument (the kid doesn’t belong on the mound) that they bought hook, line, and sinker is sad, and speaks to your point. Too bad the parents can’t think for themselves, and too bad there is even dirty politics in kids sports.
Anyhow Ross, I suppose there might be a few Red Sox scouts out there who got wind of this story!
Wow! this whole country is about taking what you want and building yourself to be what ever you want or to become the best and there kicking a kid out for be too good? That my friend is what I call “Bull Crap”.
Here is another good blog from today along the theme you have been covering. (This is not my site and if posting a link is frowned upon, I apologize, please delete)
http://rosisexton.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/better-to-be-safe/
What is America coming too?! It used to be the best man for the job. Now they are telling people and children “Don’t work so hard at being the best you might hurt someones feelings.” What the hell, man? Life is rough, it can jump up and kick you in the testicles when you lest expect it and other times it can just be a real B*tch.
My advice to any kid that gets hit by the ball “Cry if a little if you must, pick yourself up, take your base, and drive on.”
Pathetic.
I played baseball as a 9-11 year old and got ZERO hits (and spent a lot of time in the outfield so I couldn’t screw things up too often).
At 12 I had 4 hits in our first game and became a decent player. I also received a league trophy for “most improved.”
Talk about a feeling of accomplishment and learning how not giving up can lead to success!
I’m grinning just thinking about it and I’m 35 now. The joy I felt/feel is ONLY because of 3 years of pain.
Today a kid like me would be in a league where nobody really loses, everyone gets a trophy and they lob underhanded to kids that can’t hit.
Would I have gotten hits in that league? Probably.
Would I have learned anything about life?
Absolutely not.
That is NOT sport.
This is just another example of the wussification of America. If we never present our children with challenges how do we expect them ever to really compete. These parents should be ashamed for banning a child simply because he is better than the other kids. I strongly doubt he just woke up one day and started trowing 40 mph pitches. Like every thing in life, he had to practice and put in the work. The real losers in this whole thing are the kids who are being denied the chance to put in the hard work required to beat this kid.
This kid is getting short changed by the league. It’s definitely unfair to even dream of banning him just because he’s too good to be pitching. I hope it’s not setting a new precedent for certain leagues. So much for telling your kids no matter how good you are there is always someone better than you out there so keep working at it. If it wasn’t for the challenges of sport there would be no feeling of reward at the end of the line.
I agree that this a terrible mistake and stinks of politics. The fact that it was okay to play for the sponsors team, and even when he chose a different team the league allowed him to play all season. That is until his team reached the playoffs and the possibilty of playing the sponsors team. You think maybe that had something to do with it? The article says that a team even forfeited and walked off the field when they found out he was pitching. What message does that send the kids? “Hey guys when things get hard or life seems unfair, it’s okay to quit.” However, like all things unfair, that is life. It’s unfortunate that a nine year old has to learn that life is pollitical, and some times in life when you are better than everyone else, those people will try to tear you down so they feel better about thier own short comings. Hopefully, he has good parents that will sit him down explain this to him and he will take this opportunity to work hard to get even better. The league should be ashamed. However, I’m sure they’re to caught up in thier own agenda’s, trying to live life through thier kids, to see the lessons they are teaching these kids.
Ross,
I think, no I just vomited from disgust. I am speechless. The stupidity speaks for itself and how can you change such stupidity. Part of this is because everyone is so sue crazy. This goes back to your first post with the world needs to lighten up. I am going to rant about this all day now.
I played Little League as a child. I was TERRIBLE! But my team mates were very supportive of me and encouraged me to always “give it a shot”. Those were my only good memories of Little League, the camraderie and team work. But most of the time I was fumbling, striking out, and riding the pine! HA!
This is silly not letting a kid play because he might outshine the other players. It’s this feminization of America that will be it’s undoing. I bet that the people behind these shenanigans are all bored soccer moms, “professional parents”, these overbearing, overprotective, and jsut plain crazy moms who think that their little Joey is just so special!
Ugh. There you have it folks. The p*ssification of America’s males, in it’s truest form.
Wow, there’s nothing to add to what’s already been said other than that these people are a disgrace to humanity.
I don’t remember my youth baseball league having its own attorney!? This league must have known about the heat they would be getting for doing this, and they brought in the big guns…
That’s just ridiculous..
I remember when i played hockey as a young teenager and i’d get put in the penalty box for “hitting too hard”
To clarify, the child’s parents were asked to move the child up to a more competitive (read: older) league. They refused. Child’s parents (read: parents) were then asked to leave less competitive (read: younger) league. To summarize, none of this happens if the child’s parents had agreed to move him up when everyone recognized it was not beneficial for him (he wasn’t being challenged at all) or for the other kids (they were developmentally behind and weren’t even close to his developmental level — not his age level). Development occurs at different ages for different kids. Age can be a very poor indicator of maturity, development, performance, etc. In a sports context, the best indicator is performance thereby placing kids at the appropriate level to provide the most effective competition for them to progress (all-star teams, traveling teams, etc.). It would be seen as absurd and insensitive if a developmentally delayed child was forced to compete in a league where all the children were the same age chronologically but years ahead of him developmentally. Placing him in a league where he is able to participate fully (i.e., a coach is pitching him to him) is much more appropriate and effective in allowing him to continuing to develop. Yet, we are furious when a developmentally advanced child is asked to participate with children at his developmental level rather than his age level. Geez…
and Ross, I am disappointed. When ranting, review the facts of the case before verbally or in print attacking children, their parents, and families. And feel free to phrase your “ranting” in a way that promotes change a behavior (your goal) rather than simplistic intolerance of a decision that you did not agree with this. Thanks.
Philip - Perhaps you cannot see the bigger problem (ie. read between the lines).
As mentioned before, here is a quote from the attorney:
“Facing that kind of speed is frightening for beginning players.”
This ^ is exactly what is wrong with our society today. Let’s not get carried away. We are talking about 40 mph. This isn’t a Nolan Ryan fastball. When I grew up, we faced 12 year old all star pitchers. There was ONE little league team. If you were 9 years old, you batted against 12 year old all star pitchers. That was part of the developmental process. It was tough, but we had to deal with it. That is how you learn to survive in this harsh world of ours. Unfortunately, in today’s world, we’ve sissified just about everything, including little league baseball.
No 9 year old should be told that he must move on. Do you really think the problem was that he was “too good” for his own good? Do you really believe that ALL of the other parents and league officials put his development first and foremost, ahead of their own children? Was he their first priority? Give me a break. This was never about Jericho. The OTHER parents and officials made this decision with the OTHER kids in mind. Jericho and his own parents did not want to leave the league. I don’t blame him. It is where all of his friends play. He is only 9 years old. He is just a kid. He has the right to continue to play with his friends and classmates.
And before we get too carried away, let’s not forget that the media has sensationalized his fastball. I’ve coached little league baseball. 40 mph is a good arm for a 9 year old, but let’s not get carried away. As mentioned above, anyone in their 30’s or older (perhaps even those in their 20’s) batted against 12 year olds as 9 year old little leaguers. The 12 year olds threw MUCH harder than 40 mph. We all went through it. It isn’t that big of a deal, and no I’m not insensitive to the kids, but we don’t need to baby them either.
Perhaps the real concern (per the league officials and other parents) was that their little boys would strike out. Perhaps they want to shelter their OWN children from any challenges in the world. What kind of lesson does that teach? When the going gets tough, let’s remove the problem so everyone else can succeed? Should we fool the kids and pretend that everyone in this world is a winner? Should we hand out first place medals to everyone, just to be fair?
Give me a break. The kid throws 40 mph. Big deal. Anyone who has any involvement in little league baseball knows that 40 mph isn’t the end of the world. 10 or 20 years ago, this wouldn’t have even been discussed in the dugout. In today’s world, it is all over the national media.
If I had a kid in this league, I would want Jericho to pitch. I’d want my kid to face the challenge. Win or lose, he would learn from the challenge. I wouldn’t shelter my child from someone who might be better than him. I’d want him to accept the challenge and do his best.
Lastly, regardless of what you or anyone else wants (for Jericho), the decision to move up is Jericho’s to make. No one can force a 9 year old to leave the league. That IS the problem, and that IS what I said originally.
Ross
Ross - You owned Philip, but you still missed the best part of the ESPN article. Look at this paragraph,
“Jericho played second base the next game on Aug. 16. But when he took the mound Wednesday, the other team walked off and a forfeit was called.”
To Philip, what lessons did the other team’s players learn by forfeiting after Jericho took the mound? Was their refusal to play their way of bettering Jericho’s little league career?
Should we teach our children to quit when faced against a formidable obstacle or opponent? Why not encourage the children to stand up and face the obstacle? How can you argue this point, which is essentially the message behind Ross’s entire entry.
I’m shocked that anyone would stand up and support the league’s action. There are so many problems within this problem. As Ross said, it’s time to read between the lines.
Take off the blinders. There is more to this story than Jericho’s pitching career.
HC
Perhaps I wasn’t clear, regardless I am disappointed both by the apparent unawareness of developmental appropriateness (I will always want my child to be challenged at every step, if it is too easy I am moving him up, if he is failing without progress I will move him down) and by the lack of understanding in the most effective ways to increase development. I am going to assume that the readers of this blog are at the high end of athletic development/capability. Through years of practice and hard work these skills and abilities have been honed and developed through challenging yourself. Playing 9-yr-olds versus 12 year olds is effective for a very small (very very small) percentage of kids. Yes, all 9 yr. olds I am sure would learn the lesson that older kids are better than they are, a few (a few) may learn how it feels to succeed against this challenge. However, the vast majority (e.g., greater than 90% if we assume that the top 10% of developing kids are able to play at a level 2-3 years above their chronological age, although research would suggest this number is closer to 5%), will only experience frequent failure and lack of skill development. For example, I am teaching you French and to do so I put a French dictionary in front of you and ask you to write a 1,000 word paper in one hour on circuit training you wouldn’t even try. It’s absurd for me to expect you to be able to do it. Yes, you could sift through the dictionary trying to see words you recognized (bonjour) and over time you might be able to put a sentence together. This is a very poor way for you to learn French or better put to enhance language development. On the other hand, if I were to provide 3 basic French sentences and 10 vocabulary words and asked you to memorize them in an hour before moving on I would be providing you with the necessary challenge commensurate to your developmental level. Someone who has already learned some French or has well-developed capacity for language (yes, that capacity does very much exist), I am going to ask for much more. I view gross and fine motor skill development as the same. It is inappropriate for both kids the one that is developmentally ahead (ready to play with the 12 yr. olds to be challenged according to his developmental level) and the kid who is holding a bat for the first time. Neither is being trained effectively! We are doing both a disservice. This is the key issue. I am a poor coach, parent, and/or caretaker if I do not have provide the most effective learning environment for my child. I am not going to give a child who speaks fairly fluent French basic vocab to memorize (it’s absurd), I am not going to give a kid who struggles with English Les Mis in French to read (again, absurd). For some reason, because this is gross motor skill rather than a cognitive skill we treat it differently when the principles are identical. Again, ineffective is the key word here is as well. If the goal is skill development then right and wrong is irrelevant, rather the most effective method for all children to increase their gross motor abilities within a team context is all that matters. Attaching values to the argument is idiosyncratic and arrogant (your individual beliefs are for some reason more important than someone else’s). What should I care if you think my child is being “wussified.” I am concerned with increasing my child’s capability utilizing the most effective means. If anything, not using the most effective mechanism to help our children is at best doing them a disservice. Not challenging a child is just ineffective (ineffective not necessarily, inherently bad) as expecting them to perform at level far above their developmental capabilities. Perhaps I am wrong, although I have a mountain of physiology and sports psychology studies ready for anyone to review. Also, “reading between the lines” to me means someone is attaching their personal values and perceptions into a situation in which they are incapable of actually understanding the situation (as they are not actually a part of it). And please, if someone who disagrees with me is then able to “own” me, then I would recommend that they actually graduate from high school and act like an adult (from a developmental perspective not necessarily a chronological one).
HC – No need for the “own” comment. This is an open and informal blog. We can disagree, but there is no ownership here, and never will be.
Philip – I applaud your conviction (yes, I read what you had to say, so I hope you take the time to read my full response), but I do not agree with your analogy. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I am guessing that you do not have hands on experience as a coach. I make this statement based on the simple fact that Jericho Scott’s abilities have been grossly exaggerated by the media. Anyone involved in coaching can see this from a mile away. I coached little league (and previously minor league, which is a step below little league) while finishing my Master’s degree. It was a fun gig and the kids all had a blast. It was good old fashioned baseball without the politics. My comments come from my own direct, personal experience.
To summarize the discussion:
1. League parents (of other children) did not make this decision in the interest of Jericho Scott. The decision had nothing to do with fostering his development. Everyone but his own parents wanted him out of the league for their own interests. Where do we draw the line with asking a child to leave the league? Are their guidelines in place? Once another team or player begins to excel, should we ask them to leave? Most rationale adults will answer “no” to this final question, but that is exactly what happened in this case.
2. The media has grossly sensationalized the abilities of this 9 year old. A 40 mph fastball is not reason to run and protect our kids. It really isn’t that hard of a fastball. Head over to your local high school baseball team and ask to throw a few balls under the radar. You’ll see exactly what I am talking about.
3. How can anyone justify the fact that another team walked off the field after he took the mound? What lessons did these children learn? What message did the coaches send their 9 and 10 year olds by boycotting the game against a fellow 9 year old? How does this foster personal development? Who has improved or positively developed from the boycott?
4. No 9 year old should be forced to leave the league without his (and his parents) consent. His parents deserved the respect of being involved in the discussion. Jericho should have been given the right (ie. a privilege) to advance if he so desired. The league made a poor decision in its handling of this case. If they had simply asked Jericho if would like the “privilege” of being “selected” by the older team, he would have likely jumped at the opportunity. A few simple changes in word choice would have given Jericho the impression that he had an opportunity (ie. a positive situation). The fact that the league did not approach Jericho with such enthusiasm once again shows that this decision was never about Jericho. And once again, the league’s poor handling of the situation is one of my real problems with this case, and is largely what caused me to write about this topic initially.
5. This is an informal blog. I state my opinion on my blog, and I will continue to do so. That’s it. Nothing more and nothing else.
Ross
#4 from Ross’s entry directly above solidifies without question that the league made a poor decision. Furthermore, the Sports Illustrated article hinted that the league’s decision may be politically backed, as the young boy turned down an invitation to join the defending league champion, which is sponsored by an employer of one of the league’s administrators. Maybe his abilities would have been accepted if he were to play for the league’s sponsor. Quarreling over speculation is futile though. No one knows the true reason, but I do feel that the league’s handling was piss poor, considering that they were dealing with a 9 year old boy.
I don’t care how good his arm is, he is still a 9 year old with emotions. He should not have been forced into a decision. If the league put his interests at the forefront, they would have communicated the option to advance in a much more positive manner. I find it difficult to believe that anyone can defend the course of action taken by the league.
Children must be communicated to as children. Focus on rewards and positive outcomes, rather than forcing decisions. Forcing a child into such a decision would raise the eyebrows of any childhood psychologist.
Hans
PS To the mods, please keep email anonymous
as this no doubt could go on indefinitely, I promise this is my last response. I appreciate the dialogue.
I do agree with #3; this situation never should have occurred. When a situation reaches such a critical mass, all parties involved must absorb at least some of the blame (league administrators, coaches of both teams, and parents). That is embarrassing for both teams (and frustrating for parents who may have taken off work to watch their children play).
As for #1, two things. First, the statement: Everyone but his own parents wanted him out of the league for their own interests. What are the parent’s interests? Unless parents gain directly some unforeseen benefit (parents really want a trophy for their mantel) by moving the child up, I assume it was done in the interests of all the other children? I have a hard time condemning parents looking out for their children especially when the alternative is the development of 1 child compared to the development of at least 17 other children (8 on his team probably didn’t get much experience fielding
. Second, the statement: Are their guidelines in place? There were guidelines in place, parents did not follow, league did not respond effectively leading to #3.
As far as #2 goes, I went back to my physics textbooks and did some rough calculations. I calculated meters per second, velocity, force, area, and pressure all assuming approximately 40 mph (58.67 fps). Assuming the force per area (MPa) required to break an average bone is 170 MPa, a 40 mph pitch carries with it 200.295 MPa, more than enough to break an adult bone on contact. Also, given the “developmental” league (e.g., kids are not well-developed, reaction times are slower, inexperienced, etc.), we can reasonably assume they are more likely to be hit by a pitch as a function of their lack of experience/reaction time. To summarize, sure a 40 mph isn’t mindblowingly fast, the force it carries should be taken into account (e.g., if someone chucks a 40 mph at me, I’m moving). Arguing to a parent and/or medical care professional that 40 mph isn’t a big deal isn’t a great argument. If it can break an average bone, it can do significant damage to sensitive growth plates, neurological functioning (read subdural hemotoma), dental (realigning a jaw with accompanying orthodontic work is expensive).
I will state strongly that I disagree with #4. If the parents are unhappy, disagree with league, or think that the league is unfair, they have every right to leave the league. As a private organization, the league’s purpose is whatever purpose they want it to be (developmental, competition, no score, self-esteem development, tiring kids out so they sleep better at night, whatever). We may reasonably assume the purpose here was to encourage the enjoyment of baseball in a safe and constructive atmosphere (although the whole league sponsor, defending league champion stuff does not lend credence their argument). If parent’s don’t like a league’s decision, they may leave the league. This shouldn’t be the natural conclusion (e.g., if a league ignores its players and parents then the league probably won’t exist very long.). The league should choose to move/place children while working with the parents (this is most effective when it works directly with the parents, but this is not necessary).
Second, we know nothing of the “enthusiasm” exhibited by the other coaches and league officials in presenting the alternatives to the child. Any conclusions or arguments derived from such guessing is inappropriate and unfounded. I do agree, however, that the presentation of the opportunity should have been (and was) a great accomplishment by the child.
I also agree that the reasonable alternative was to have him play a different position (2nd base). This worked to everyone’s favor — he was challenged in another position and other kids probably actually hit the ball to him. If he wanted to pitch the opportunity was available in a different league. Again, the choice is the league’s NOT the parents as to which league is most appropriate for him (outside of any possible discriminatory practices as put forth by race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, or national origin, of course).
Again, I appreciate dialogue. I must also admit I am avid sports enthusiast as well as developmental neuropsychologist who enjoys looking at both sides of a discussion (or at least presenting the other side).
Philip,
I appreciate the response, and considering that it is your last, I hope you will at least read mine as well.
I do agree that the situation should have never occurred. As I said, there were better ways to present the option for moving up to another level. By simply presenting the level adjustment as a reward, Jericho would have likely jumped at the opportunity and enjoyed the “bragging rights” that would have accompanied it.
As for your argument against number 2, once again, I’ve been involved at the ground level in little league. In my few years of coaching, we had pitchers who were throwing right around the level of Jericho. It is not as uncommon as you may believe. 30 to 40 mph is actually very reasonable for this age. In our little league, almost all of the pitchers would have been banned if they couldn’t surpass these speeds.
The average reader however doesn’t know this, as they haven’t been there in the dugout. It all falls back to the sensationalism by the media. Perhaps the initial reporter never played baseball. His or her initial (uninformed) stance has now snowballed, leaving everyone with a Nolan Ryan perception.
No one is suggesting that a fastball doesn’t carry with it some risk. It comes with the territory. That’s baseball… But the decision to oust Jericho was never about that 40 mph mark. If that were the case, it would mean that all prospective players should have radar run against their fastballs. For example, what about another player who throws 35 mph, which converts to 51.33 fps? Should that too be considered excessive? Where do we draw the line? We cannot rid our children of risk. These young boys were not batting against Roger Clemens. It just so happened that one pitcher was slightly better than the others. Little league is little league. There are countless 9 and 10 year olds throughout the country who throw just as hard (some harder) than Jericho.
Baseball has been around in the USA for well over 100 years. Kids from prior generations did just fine without the need to remove a player who may have been a little bit better than the others. This situation would have never happened years ago. It wouldn’t even have been discussed. I can still remember as a 9 year old playing for the Sons of Italy. I was beaned by one of the best pitchers in the league, who happened to be 12 years old. It didn’t feel good, but I shook it off and took first base with pride.
I am not suggesting that our kids should be hit with baseballs, but Jericho is said to have exceptional control, and has never hit anyone. The entire story has league politics written all over it, which is a damn shame. Jericho is good, so what? Let the kid play if he wants to play. He is only 9 years old and isn’t anywhere as dangerous a pitcher as the media would like everyone to believe. If he is dangerous, so are thousands of other little league players throughout the country.
Little league baseball is a fun sport for kids to enjoy, and that includes Jericho Scott. We must encourage our children to work hard and excel, particularly when they come from neighborhoods such as his (I know New Haven very well, as I live in the same small state). We need more kids playing baseball. We don’t need to be forcing kids from the league.
Sport involves risk, as does life, which is one of the reasons why kids should be encouraged to play. Our kids need to learn this, and should welcome the challenge to face Jericho. No team should have ever walked off the field because of his presence. That alone sends a terrible message to the kids who were forced to boycott.
I’ve wasted enough time on this topic, so I suppose we must agree to disagree.
Ross
Nice discussion between the boys. Now it is my turn. I am a football and baseball mom, with lipstick of course
My three boys all went through little league, as well as pee wee football. They had bumps and bruises every week. Football was much rougher than baseball. The pee wee league is serious business around here. These kids played like the super bowl was on the line. The bumps and the bruises helped mold my boys into the men that they are today.
This 9 year old child should not be shunned, nor should fellow players avoid him. The other teams should jump at the opportunity to face a fast yet accurate pitcher. What better way to prepare for the next level? In another year or so, they would all be moving on to the 10+ year old league, where they will be throwing much harder than even the best 9 year old.
And let’s not forget that youngsters try out for little league. These are not complete beginners. First there is a t-ball league, then minor league, and then tryouts for little league. The players who are not ready for little league stay in the minor league, where the coaches pitch the ball.
Let the boys play.
Mom L.
“In our little league, almost all of the pitchers would have been banned if they couldn’t surpass these speeds.”
You can ban a pitcher for pitching to slow but not too fast? According to the argument it is the principle of “banning” for athletic ability that is inappropriate. Jericho’s banning is simply an example of the principle being argued. Meaning Jericho is only an example of the principle that banning due to ability is wrong. However, the author states in their rebuttal that they would ban for physical ability (albeit in the other direction). Either the author has drawn up a straw man in defense of his “banning” argument or he supports children on one end of the continuum (the athletic kids). I doubt either of these are true, but the author would be helped by critically thinking through his discussion before posting.
Also, the author contends that “Kids from prior generations did just fine without the need to remove a player who may have been a little bit better than the others.” This is an absolutely unprovable contention. In fact, one could even argue that if sports are used as a teaching tools of teamwork, motivation, persistence, etc. in the past, then one could certainly argue that the economic and political decisions that have occurred in the past 3 days (Lehman, AIG, Fannie May, Freddie Mac) were being run by individuals that adhered to this set of principles. If this is the case then these principles are associated with the exact opposite outcome that we are seeking. This conclusion sounds absurd and make no mistake it very much is absurd, as is any argument based on “It was better way back when” or “in the old days we never acted like this” is.
“Sport involves risk, as does life, which is one of the reasons why kids should be encouraged to play.”
This argument taken to its logical conclusion leads directly to arguing that if anything is involved in life then we should expose kids to it in another form. Crime, violence, death, etc. Again, critical reasoning here allows for the discussion to go in a completely different direction than the author intends (Fighting involves confrontation, as does life, so kids should do it). Further, there is absolutely no evidence provided that shows that the conclusion is true (participating in activities with risk for injury increases success in life which includes risk for injury or failure.) In fact, I would believe that the opposite is more likely to be true (participating in activities involving greater levels of risk is associated with more negative life outcomes - dropping out of high school, drug use, prison). However, this is an empirical question (i.e. one only research can answer).
I believe that in the court of public opinion, we are wise to recognize sound argument based on research or critical reasoning. One must analyze the logical conclusion of an argument and the inherent values imbedded within before responding.
If only everyone else in the world thought this way
That is a value statement…
The continuous debate is actually somewhat comical. We are talking about LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL!!! This isn’t the economy! It’s good old fashioned baseball. Nothing else! This isn’t a world wide lesson in economic theory or language. We are talking about LITTLE LEAGUE baseball for a bunch of 9 year olds!
Let the kids play, just how we played when we were kids (meaning those who actually played baseball).
This entire story and the debate that has followed is typical of our world today. I wouldn’t expect anything less in today’s era (unfortunately).
Ross
America is getting soft. I’m 57 years old and grew up in what seems to be a different world. Pigs would have flown before this happened in my day. In other parts of the world, kids have real problems like the childhood labor in India or the Ugandan rebels who have 9 year olds fighting in wars. Facing a pitcher who is better than you isn’t a problem. Swing the damn bat and deal with it.
-bz-
We live in a sick world because there is no end to depth of insanity. This is an abomination that we cannot afford to allow. Adults are imposing their weakness on children and destroying inside and out.
Ross hit the nail on the head. Children love challenges. They understand the logic (for want of a better word) innately, intuitively. The bigger the challenge, the better.
For your information, as I write, I’m wondering whether what I’m saying is worthy to be posted here, let alone significant. A big thanks to the ‘education’ I was given.