10U too early for TB?

[jonriv]

According to her coach- none on the softball team has ever reached the final too before.- All have gone through the course-it's required

[Sam]

Jonriv,

The comment was about an 11 year old, not a 19 yr old college freshman.

[jonriv]

Jonriv,

The comment was about an 11 year old, not a 19 yr old college freshman.

Yes - but the college freshman developed that skill-set playing TB

[Chris61]

Sam obviously has an agenda. Maybe his DD couldn't cut it, I don't know, but I for one am tired of his rantings.

[jonriv]

Sam obviously has an agenda. Maybe his DD couldn't cut it, I don't know, but I for one am tired of his rantings.

Sam always makes some good points and he means well. I certainly would not question anyone's DD's ability to "cut it"-that's out of line. Sam is very zealous in his warnings of over-use, but IMO he sometimes goes too far.

[Chris61]

Sam obviously has an agenda. Maybe his DD couldn't cut it, I don't know, but I for one am tired of his rantings.

Sam always makes some good points and he means well. I certainly would not question anyone's DD's ability to "cut it"-that's out of line. Sam is very zealous in his warnings of over-use, but IMO he sometimes goes too far.

ZEALOUS?? Really? I couldn't tell.

[Sam]

Sam obviously has an agenda. Maybe his DD couldn't cut it, I don't know, but I for one am tired of his rantings.

If you don't like it, don't read it. I know of what I speak. My DD started playing TB at 9 and played over 120 games per year, pitching over 35 games per year until she was a 2nd yr 14U player. She complained of pain in her shoulder and we took her to orthopaedic doctors who suggested physical therapy that didn't work and finally settled on shoulder surgery. She now, at 21 has trouble washing her own hair. I caused her physical problems. ME.

I am trying to let those of you who know relatively nothing about the dangers of overuse that it is likely to happen to your kid, too, if you allow it.

As far as cutting it or not, I guess we'll never know. I think she was a pretty good player and could have played in college. She was asked to play at Cal Baptist by Mike Smith, even after her injuries and she could no longer pitch.

I've coached 8u through 23U and currently coach HS ball. I saw the aches and pains ALL of my college players had after their relatively short seasons. There are lots of college pitchers who can't throw like they used to at 14U and can't throw more than one game per day. Too painful.

Ignore me if you wish, but you do so at your DD's peril.

[jonriv]

Sam- never stop your warnings

I may not agree with you on all points, but you obviously speak from experience and offer a warning that all TB parents should pay attention to. Many on HB like to paint a rosy(unrealistic) picture of what TB, college recruiting etc... are all about without considering or mentioning any downsides- in fact attacking anyone that may bring any legitimate concerns as "destroying the dream" I think TB is an incredible thing and I am forever thankful to what it has meant to my daughter and all the good times our family have had doing it. We are very blessed that it help get her into a better college than her grades alone would have and have helped shape her into the wonderful young lady she has become. I also believe that it is the duty of the more experienced members of HB to share the potential pitfalls and problems that we have all seen along the way. The culmination of everyone's separate and joint experiences is a very powerful tool. What's great about HB is we can take a little bit from everyone's experiences and in some way make them our own.


You may not agree with Sam, but you should always listen to him.

[ontheblack]

I dont have Sam's experience, but I have seen kids, particularly pitchers and catchers who started early in TB, tear apart their shoulders and elbows from overuse and be done by 2nd year 14s.

It is BS to say that if your kid doesnt play TB in 10s then she wont make a good team at 12s. I have seen lots of kids come into their own at 2nd year 12s. And I have seen just as many 9 year old 'studs' have the world catch up and even surpass them by 12 and 13.

TB is a marathon, not a sprint. If your kid has the ability, playing another year in rec wont kill their career, even though there are those parents who would put their middle schoolers in "showcases" if given the chance.

[softballermama]

@ SAM

You seem like a very angry person. If the anger comes from your DD having the terrible shoulder issues she currently has, then let me say that I am sorry she is having to deal with all of that. I can only imagine as a parent what that must feel like having to see your DD suffer like that.

I was not ever claiming to be an expert by any means. I was just sharing my thoughts and opinions in regards to my admitted little experiences with my DD thus far. It is sites like this that can really teach the newbies like me. However harsh and mean-spirited your approach, I did manage to hear your underlying message. I strangely thank you for the advice.