How I would make the game better...

[fpitchdad]

Grilled hot dogs, not the boiled ones, and dont skimp on the brand.

And limit 2 hot dogs per person per day so other's can enjoy them as well.

 

[MD 20/20]

This has always been my biggest gripe especially with younger ages. Allow the manager the OPTION to bat their roster. Nothing needs to be matched by the other team, but I always wanted to bat my order when we were young. I knew it was to my detriment but they were not going to get better by watching their teammates before they could get in. If the opposing manager bats 9 and me, 11, that's OK by me, but why not give me the option? Before we get the replies, Flexing is not the same as playing with free substitution.

 

[HITTER23]

And limit 2 hot dogs per person per day so other's can enjoy them as well.

 

[lewam3]

Chris, no worries. I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to revive the pregame hotdog tradition with your new girls--just got to get ole tightwad brownsfan to cough up the $1.50 lol. Thats approximately 28-30 a weekend...

 

[brownsfan]

Chris, no worries. I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to revive the pregame hotdog tradition with your new girls--just got to get ole tightwad brownsfan to cough up the $1.50 lol. Thats approximately 28-30 a weekend...

Really? I mean really? You had to go there? But you're right, I am a tightwad....LOL

 

[Converse Kid]

No baseball fields and a regulation or standard length for fence.

 

[HITTER23]

Chris, no worries. I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to revive the pregame hotdog tradition with your new girls--just got to get ole tightwad brownsfan to cough up the $1.50 lol. Thats approximately 28-30 a weekend...

Watch how they start flowing my way when it effects playing time lol.

 

[Fairman]

1. Keep the 11" ball for 12U. Their hands are just to small and they learn bad mechanics trying to heave that shot-put.
2. Move the mound back to 45' and eliminate all the pitching rules except for starting in contact with the rubber and the back step. Go right ahead and crow hop and replant all you want.
3. Go to wood bat or wood bat equivalent standards like baseball is heading toward.
4. Metal spikes in college but not in high school or 18U and younger travel ball.
5. Move the batters boxes away from the plate 4" so the batters can't set up over the plate and then pull the actual strike zone back.

 

[WalkOffHR]

Max innings per tournament/weekend for pitchers except for championship game.

 

[FastBat]

Get rid of the infield fly rule. If the players are smart enough to make a double/triple play, let them!

1. Keep the 11" ball for 12U. Their hands are just to small and they learn bad mechanics trying to heave that shot-put.

What's the percentage of pitcher's that have a hard time adjusting from 10u to 12u? I'm not trying to be difficult, but I just haven't seen a problem. Is that unusual?

 

[The Dude]

Allow games to play out if they aren't a blowout situation. Lengthen time limits, even if it means playing less games per tourney. Once you get to Nationals, games go the distance, or at least 5 to 6 innings. Ohio girls need to understand what it takes to play in games that aren't over after the top of the third inning. Especially at the younger age groups.

 

[Fairman]

Fastbat
There is no way to answer your question with true facts as to the percentage of pitcher's having a hard time adjusting.

I am certain that ALL of these 12U players will have an easier time catching an 11" ball and then throwing it. The ball will also travel a bit better and maybe you'd get some hits to the outfield. Why do tell little girls to use the same 12" ball that 23 year-olds use in college or the pros. It makes no sense. Sure there are a few girls that have grown early and can handle the larger ball by 12 but at 10 their hands (and gloves) are much to small, their arms are weaker, and the bats are tiny.

Why shouldn't the ball be smaller to match the players?

 

[FastBat]

I am certain that ALL of these 12U players will have an easier time catching an 11" ball and then throwing it. The ball will also travel a bit better and maybe you'd get some hits to the outfield. Why do tell little girls to use the same 12" ball that 23 year-olds use in college or the pros. It makes no sense. Sure there are a few girls that have grown early and can handle the larger ball by 12 but at 10 their hands (and gloves) are much to small, their arms are weaker, and the bats are tiny.

Those are valid points.

I honestly don't have much experience watching kids transfer from 10U to 12U. But, in my experience, 100% of the kids I know had a relatively seamless transition. In the next few years, I plan to pay very close attention to this, that is for sure!