Middle School Ball question

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Just wondering how others are setting up games. We have compiled two club teams from our middle school consisting of a 7th grade team and an 8th grade team. Both teams have games scheduled with schools in our general area, which a few of the opposing schools have one team consisting of 7th & 8th graders on one team. When our president scheduled with these schools, it was presented to these combo teams that when they played our 8th grade team they could use any pitcher, no matter if she was in 7th or 8th. However, when our 7th grade team played them, they would have to throw a 7th grade pitcher considering they would be playing a legitimate 7th grade team. Basically stating that a 7th grade pitcher could play up, but an 8th grader could not play down. We all figured this was fair enough, it would force coaches to develop pitching in the younger class all the while not allowing a coach to lean on an ace 8th grader while playing a 7th grade team. I'm told that a "gentlemens agreement" was implemented to assure this would be the case and games were then scheduled.


So, here we are two games in (7th grade team) and you know it, both games were against "combination teams". Our coach reminded each of the two teams that we were a 7th grade team and we expect to be seeing a 7th grade pitcher right? Nope, they claim they knew nothing about it and both threw their ace 8th grader all 7 innings even after stating that all they really wanted was to get their pitchers a little work and would honor the verbal agreement as the game developed. Never happened, both games were very competitive and I'm sure that is why we never seen a 7th grader take the mound. We lost both, but they were fun games that went back and forth until "the big inning" happened late in both.

Is anyone else dealing with this, or are there any true guidlines for club ball regarding pitching limitations by grade? My opinion is that it will only help our girls to face an older more seasoned pitcher.

I'm not trying to take anything away from those 7th graders who can hang with the best 8th graders on the mound. I know that does exist, but I assure you that was not the case in either of these games. Both teams were forced into staying with their #1 to stay in the game, influencing the outcome and my opinion of "a gentlemens agreement". Some of us parents were talking and don't want our girls to get down due to 2 losses against bigger, faster, stronger pitching than they were expecting to face.

Any opinions or experiences are welcomed and would be appreciated!

 

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If whoever your playing isn't going to abide by the "agreement" there really isn't much you can do I guess. But as parents you can spin it for the ladies in the effect of thinking it this way:

1- The experience of playing up

2- Each game work on at least one thing they want to accomplish- # of hits, bunts, walks, 1 less error, anything

3- let them know heck two years from now, some of them may be playing against girls 3 years older than them...

4- For those playing summer ball- they will be one step ahead in seeing better pitching

Spin it positive as Parents can help things get worse if it festers....

 

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I agree. Don't sweat the small stuff. Playing competitive games against good competition is what it is about. In the long run they'll be better off.

 

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Don't sweat it ! I seen the last few innings of your game. Your team handled that pitcher just fine. Like you stated the "big inning" is where it lies. Instilling confidence in your defese against the bigger stronger hitters is where you'll find gold. As you keep playing that will come. You know that playing the better competition is where its at. After games like that, a get together with players and parents at the end of the game explaining how proud you are of them and the way they hung with that team and the goals they accomplished will go along way with players and parents. Keep it up. We are on the right track with the program!!

I seen your pitcher take a shot on the mound. How is she??

 

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Geez! The fact that your team basically scared the other team into not putting in a different pitcher..... That says a lot right there. You must have a tough group of 7th graders. Good for them!! Sounds to me like you don't need any "Gentlemen's Agreement"! If you face them again later in the season, you may have the upper hand. Good luck to you and your team.

 

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Wow, I appreciate all of the kind words! I am on the same page with all of you. We did express to the girls that this will only make them better and they are a good bunch of girls. It really didn't become an issue until one of my DD's wanted to talk to me last night after the game, asking why coach didn't hold them to it. I explained to her that the pitching we saw didn't lose the game for us as we made our share of errors and mistakes on the base paths and she knows that. She is concerened that the team will get down due to not winning. We told them that the respect their getting is far greater considering how they are competing as opposed to blowing out a team with mediocre pitching. We all know that winning isn't everything when your building, but it will raise moral and confidence. Just hope that that they find happy median at some point.

I do appreciate all of the support from you guys and we'll keep plugging away!

 

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sorry go2, pitcher doing fine. She is a tough one, talked to her and her dad last night, pretty good bruise just above her knee.

Shortly after that shot there, were a couple more up the middle. I was happy to see that she didn't seem affected or spooked.

Thanks for asking

 

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Wow, I appreciate all of the kind words! I am on the same page with all of you. We did express to the girls that this will only make them better and they are a good bunch of girls. It really didn't become an issue until one of my DD's wanted to talk to me last night after the game, asking why coach didn't hold them to it. I explained to her that the pitching we saw didn't lose the game for us as we made our share of errors and mistakes on the base paths and she knows that. She is concerened that the team will get down due to not winning. We told them that the respect their getting is far greater considering how they are competing as opposed to blowing out a team with mediocre pitching. We all know that winning isn't everything when your building, but it will raise moral and confidence. Just hope that that they find happy median at some point.

I do appreciate all of the support from you guys and we'll keep plugging away!

I have a feeling you'll win your share of games this year. But next year it will be their turn to dominate!! :yahoo:

 

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I have a feeling you'll win your share of games this year. But next year it will be their turn to dominate!! :yahoo:

Thanks Sad!