Another example of the pussification of this country

srsly though wrote:

I'm so confused.

What did he do wrong? Threw too hard?

Is the league run by a bunch of race walkers?

Some lawyer-type probably thought it would be unacceptable if the kid threw a wild pitch, hit a batter who screamed bloody murder, and who's parents would immediately sue.

Maybe the strong armed kid should have agreed to throw some fat, slow pitches so that everyone could have fun, and score a lot of runs.

I've got to take some issue with the people who think the only solution to this problem is to move the kid up to a league of older players. I agree that it should have been and continued to be suggested to Jericho and his mother, but if he doesn't want to he should in no way be required to. First of all, this kid is 9, and the chances of him becoming a baseball superstar are slim to none. As others have stated here before me, 40mph is actually not particularly fast for a kid who is about to turn ten years old; he would likely be a sub-par player in any older competitive league.

Secondly, this kid seems to want to play baseball with his friends. Move him to an older team and you are robbing him of that privilege. It seems at this point that Jericho would view it was being penalized if he were moved up, because he would be separated from his buddies. That is the wrong message to send a child.

I was moved up to a competitive league of 12-13 year olds when I was 10 and played with kids 2 years older until high school ball intervened. I also remained a member of my less competitive neighborhood team that included most of my elementary and middle school friends. I can see without hesitation that although the competitive league aided my development as a baseball player, it was playing with my friends that I have my most fond memories of. My first season with the older kids was incredibly awkward form me, as I was a ten year old listening to kids talk about girlfriends and shaving and shit. Instead of being able to identify and joke with teammates, I listened silently, and only when the conversations turned to baseball or basketball (a rarity) could I chime in.

It makes competitive sense for Jericho to be moved up, but I can completely understand if he would rather play with his friends. He's 9 or 10, he's got many more years to play in intense leagues. And remember, the best player at age 10 is rarely the best at age 18.

DangLawyers wrote:

Some lawyer-type probably thought it would be unacceptable if the kid threw a wild pitch, hit a batter who screamed bloody murder, and who's parents would immediately sue.

I thought a lawyer would love this...a chance to sue and get a cut of the judgement.

At first I came out on the side, of this sounded like weenie ball from the parenst , kids etc.

When you look deeper , this is like a Fall ball developmental league probably comprised of 8-10 year olds.

This is NOT some high level travel ball thing, this kid throws moderately hard at 40 MPH if that. There were/are plenty of ten year olds in LL All Star Tournies that I have seen that routinely threw 50-53 MPH.

This competition is way below his level apparently, the parents are weenies, BUT this kid should be playing up. He has thrown 5 no hit, no run games,,not sure how that is developing anyone but him at this point.

If he was THAT good, I would want my kid playing up.