Every little league has them. The All-Stars. Some tall and over powering, some short with good hand eye coordination and some who are flat out just great. Most of these kids play other sports too. This helps them stay strong and grow up learning how to control their bodies.
Over the years, I have worked with many players that fit this mold. But there is a pattern which I have seen that is hard to watch. These kids get to the 12 year old age and they are beasts. Nobody can touch them on the mound. Nobody can get them out at the plate. They are the man!! They feel great about themselves and have everybody in their lives pumping them up. That kid’s ego is so big by the time his 12 year old All-Star season is over, he thinks he will play pro ball no matter what.
Well….guess what’s coming next season? The big field. From my perspective, it can be quite amusing to watch. I can’t wait for my kids to go through that transition. The game slows down so much to the point where the kid who threw the hardest in little league now has a hump in his fastball and seems to be throwing batting practice every time he is on the mound. The kid who hit 200 ft. bombs, now keeps popping out to the outfielders and the kid who was so fast on the little field, he could beat out any hit, now takes forever to get to first base.
Like I said earlier, you see these studs every year. Unfortunately these kids just aren’t prepared. These kids need someone to give them some guidance as to what to expect at that next level. A parent, a coach or an instructor needs to inform them as to what it is going to be like and how they can prepare. Once they are informed and if they still decide not to work at it, well, they will have no one to blame but themselves.
Most kids don’t start training until just before their tryouts. When they were on the small field, it’s pretty easy to get away with. Now though, with the big field coming, if this is how they approach it, they are doomed.
This, to me is one of the most important points in a youth baseball players life. If they don’t put in the time and hard work, their talent will fade away. The end of the Little League Legend.
Founder of Baseball Dudes. Blessed with three beautiful children and an amazing wife. Baseball is my life, after my family, and I love sharing what I have learned from it. Thanks for taking the time to view what we offer here at Baseball Dudes.
