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What happened to "show me you can do it in practice before you play in the game"? Seriously, if in practice he can't do it, even with an opportunity, why should he play infiled in the games?

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Oh, this kid doesn't come to practice. And the fucking kid's old man gave me yap which totally pissed me off. Plus, it's not like the kid's dad ever practices with him.

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I preempted this with a beginning of the season letter to the parents that stated my position on playing time, showing up for practice, bad behavior by parents, etc.
This kid and his dad violate 2 of my 'rules' for getting to play. If this kid were on my team the decision would not be whether the kid plays infield v outfield it would be whether he gets to play at all v bench until they (father and son) realign with the team rules.
They seem to have forgotten that baseball is a TEAM sport.

P.S. I don't go so hard on kids whose dad doesn't practice with them bet practice/games. There are lots of valid reasons this father/son (or mom/son) practice doesn't happen. However, I often suggest to these parents that they try to set up play dates with other kids on the team so that the kids can drill together as a substitute for dad/son or mom/son. Most of the kids on my team go to the same school and attend the same after school day care so I've also talked to the daycare people about letting the boys drill together during their outdoor play time.

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This has only happened to me once a few years ago when I was the 'dugout dad' during an allstar game (i.e. the kids were from several regular season teams). The guy got right into my face and was yelling at the top of his lungs about how I was abusing his kids (I told them to stop climbing the fence, running around the dugout, and watch the game).

When he was done I calmly told him that on our team we taught the boys that sportsmanship included speaking respectfully to the coach, assistants and officials. Then I left the ballpark.

Now I'd be afraid that someone might shoot or knife me.

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I agree but if a kid finds a way to take 200 grounders between Tuesday's practice and Thursday's game he has a better chance at making a play than someone who missed Tuesday's practice, is bored playing outfield and just WANTS to play infield.

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It wasn't yap, but just like "He wants to play, can't you just let him?"

I have had other coaches ask me "Is PJ ok with playing third? Or would he rather catch?" and I say "Coach -- play him where you think he will best help the team."

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OK, now this guy "demanded" his kid pitch. Kid isn't bad but the guy I kept in was hot in a very close game.

:confused:

I got a little short with him :mad: and regret not sending a letter at the beginning of the year.

What's the best way to handle?

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You'll play the players where they play the best and help the team the most. Kid hasn't pitched yet, and hasn't done it in practice at all, so you can't throw him into a game.

If you want to throw the old man a bone, have the kid pitch some during a practice to see how he does. When it's obvious he can't do it (assuming it is), then you can say you gave him a shot but right now he doesn't seem ready to pitch. Maybe if he throws a lot with dad in the offseason he'll be ready next year. (Ideally dad comes to that practice to see his kid pitch not well).

Or put him in in a rout.

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Bottom line is that the coach/manager, not the parent or kid, is in charge of the team. You decide when and which position. Tell the dad that if he wants to talk about his kid's playing time/positions then the time to do it is during practice, not during or after a game.
Then tell him that sportsmanship includes showing respect to the kids, coaches, and officials. That includes speaking in a level voice and when/where it is appropriate. You're trying to 'model' that behavior for the kids and expect him to also.
If he's too much trouble, invite him to change his son to a new team.

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The kid has pitched in practice and in a game and has done fine though he isn't a seasoned pitcher -- for that age anyway. My reason for not pitching him is that he was basically holding us in the game behind the plate, and the guy who was pitching was our best guy who was looking like Josh Becket during last year's playoff run.

The need to go with what was hot -- as well as the importance of a catcher who can block the plate -- was obviously lost on dude.

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Seems like a pretty good explanation. "Your kid's a good catcher, and he's helping the team the most there. But I'll ask him if he wants to pitch some more, and if there's a chance to get him to pitch some more I'll try to get him in there. No promises though."

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We're the only show in town.

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Ya, what he said.

fun flying with kids
 

• It should not surprise you that making a c.1 year-old boy watch the in-flight TV system for six hours of a Sydney-to-Los Angeles flight would lead to emotional problems (viz, crying, screaming, kicking) for the following six hours. It seemed to surprise the parents of the c.1 year-old boy sitting next to us, however.

from Crooked Timber

Sydney to LA with a one-year-old? Just shoot me.

fun flying with kids
 

I have a friend who just flew here with a 10mo old and a 3yo from France - alone. And survived. I don't even think she drugged the kids, but I would have seriously considered it.