The case of the hi-jacked thread

[adad]

I know that you have coached highly competitive teams. When a competitive softball team is in a "necessary win" situation you pitch your ace. Sometimes the ace at the beginning of the season is not the ace at the end. We both know highly competitive teams play to win. I want my kid on the best team she can make so that she will be pushed. The decision a role pitcher's parents have to make is do you want your kid pitching(in what ever capacity is warranted) on one of the best teams or be an ace on a mediocre team.

I talked to a coach from north al this morning and we discussed the fact that it is really getting hard to find affective pitching. Hitting ability is improving every year by leaps and bounds from 10u-national team. Serious hitters work daily on technique and/or strength. The science of hitting (fastpitch) has drastically improved in the last few years. To become a good pitcher on a competitive travel team I think it takes more than just paying your money(genetics and God given talent are a good place to start).

[Riptide '99]

I agree.

My first point I made was that Chris and the Octane are a class team, and anyone making that team would be on a very competetive team with excellent coaches.

My 2nd point to all of this was that, as a coach, I would never tell a parent that their DD would pitch X amount, before she tried out. Even after try-outs, I would never tell them that she will pitch X amount of time, because, as was stated earlier, pitchers evolve as the season progresses. Your ace in March may not be your ace in May. They will be told that they will be looked at in practice.
All mound time would be earned in practice and in games. Our particular team uses our pitchers in batting practice. The pitchers are being evaluated then, just like a game. Pitches are called for them and they execute. May not be the best way, but it is OUR way.