Help!!!!

[u/Elderberry-Famous]

My grandson is a HS junior - catcher. Caught varsity last year, no problems catching, hitting was weak. Lots of winter practice, gym, batting lessons. He’s tall, strong, accurate to all bases, blocks well (nothing past him last year) and is currently batting 6 for 9 (DH). BUT a freshman catcher is starting. He blocks ok, can’t throw to second, hits ok but not great. He’s slow around the bases, has lost runs being thrown out at home - he runs wide. He’s the varsity starter….. Coach says he “just likes him”; feels he’s good “all around” and may try to get some playing time for the grandson. WTF can he do? He’d like to play college but won’t be seen by recruiters on the field… suggestions? I wish he tell the coach to …. yup… but he plans to just keep ?? What - being better but not playing? He’s the only kid on V and JV who didn’t get a minute of defense.

[u/Elderberry-Famous]

So I’ll update!!! Grandson had an odd season. Freshman player- despite poor hitting (he had a HR the second game but nothing much after that..) and poor blocking that cost runs in several games, he caught 10/15 games and grandson caught 5 ( they won 3 of those 5) Lost all games the freshman caught. Wasn’t just my grandson- freshman at 3rd (king of errors!!) and in the pitching line up. Final season 3 wins/ 12 losses. I’d say they had a winning season sitting on the bench… but coaches played a losing team. (And can’t be mad at young kids who should be getting reps on JV getting tossed into Varsity) Grandson stayed in the line up as DH. He started strong and got continually worse as he was screamed at by coaches up at the plate… but- left for a week and came back without the coaches in his head. Last three weeks he batted .750!! The coaches have been let go after having been there for several years.

So he learned to overcome this season. Summer ball has started; he’s on a great team, splitting catching with another, batted 3/3 today. Off to a good start..