What do you think? About This Page:

[lukeandbrookesmom]

Just saw this - what an interesting story -

FOX Sports on MSN - More Sports - Parents sending kids wrong message about adversity

[Diz]

Unbelievable! What a lesson for the kids to learn! Don't like what is being thrown at you? Give up. Don't face it. Walk away. Please!
This is the reason for safety equipment. 8-0. Never injured another player.
Let them play!

[Artzkathy]

How very sad for those kids! I would have to agree with the sports writer on this one - what are we teaching our kids? It would be different if we didn't have so many safety precautions in place like the helmet with the facemask. I sure sounds like this kid not only has an incredible fastball, but awesome control as well, considering he hadn't even hit anyone. I do think it's teaching kids that if something's too hard, then just don't do it or give up. Maybe it's cause I come from a time when everyone didn't get a "participation" trophy, you had to work hard, compete and earn it. I definitely don't want to see things where parents go off the deep end and things get vicious - good sportsmanship is most definitely more important than winning, but come on, let the kids COMPETE!!!

Kathy

[cmhand30]

I agree with the writer.

Why penalize the pitcher b/c he has a gifted arm? Is it in the rule book?
This kid will go places if he keeps throwing a ball like that.

[Colexis Mom]

It's big news down here I think it's unbelieveable that they won't let him play I think there's more going on behind the scenes that we don't know about, but it's certainly not teaching kids the right thing

[disney_duke]

He should be able to play. For all we know, he could be the next Randy Johnson or Roger Clemens or ____ (enter another big name pitcher here!). Sad, very sad.

[3girlsmom]

Let the kid play, and stop teaching kids its OK to throw a big fit if things don't go your way. Life throws all kinds of things at you, and you need to learn to cope!!!

[jimmymac]

That is pathetic. Let the kid pitch

[cherylf]

I think it's a shame that this little boy is being punished for being too good at something. It does send the wrong message. Basically we're telling our kids that we'll reward mediocrity and punish excellence.

[lukeandbrookesmom]

Well said Cheryl!

[think*tink]

I had the same problem last year with middle school softball. My DD was 13 and has pitched since she was 9. Her fast ball is around 56 mph. This is underhand. She has a wicked change-up too. (proud mama) The coach benched her because no one on the team would/could catch her. So she sat the bench and didn't play any other positions. After three games of this we just pulled her off the team. The opposing teams were thrilled. She was very disappointed. Now that she is in high school this year they can't wait. Go figure.

[lauren-roxy]

I think he should be allowed to pitch.