LL vs. Pony

To say that Little League is the lowest form of youth baseball only shows the lack of understanding of the originization. Cathers are not backstops, unless of course the Manager makes them that. Having managed the Major Division, 9-12yrs, and also having Managed a Major All Star Team I can say first hand that the team reflects the ability of the Manager and Coaches to train and motivate the players. There is stealing, lower division it is accomplished when the ball is pitched and reaches the plate. The catcher can throw out the runner at second or third and pick the runner at first. Managing in the Junior/Senior Division for four years and having four first place teams, four All Star Teams and a District Championship qualifies me to dispute the authors contention that Little League players are not ready for High School. Our Varsity Coach in involved with our league and teaches drills and plays to both players and coaches so they are ready to enter into his program. Our High School has made Play Offs for several years and had several players taken in the Major League Draft. The major complaint I get is from parents returning to Little League after a stint in Pony/Tournment participation. Little League has manditory play for all players, no professional bench warmers. My last concern is what happend to the 60 some players left over after the try out and only 18 were selected. Little League says all will play, no execptions. The sucess of failure of the team depends on how well the coaching staff works with the players and developes them into a team. All forms of youth baseball have their good and bad points, but to slam Little League is not the example of the type of manager I would want any of my players around.