From Rec to Cal Ripken-need advice

The only thing I would take issue with you on is about whether or not its the coach's responsibility to try kids out for positions.

At the very beginning of the season, the most important thing a coach can do is evaluate his players and try to determine where each will be most effective. Until you start talking about the pros, that evaluation will be constantly changing during the season and the coach needs to be aware of the changes in his players.

Without a set way for a player to prove his worth, there isn't any hope and they know it. If there isn't hope of breaking in, how many kids do you know who will continue to put out 100% trying to do it?

As for the parent who said you can't expect LL coaches to develop players, I'd say that fellow was a fool! That's exactly what youth coaches are supposed to do!

A parent spending time and money improving their child doesn't mean that child will get the opportunity to prove what he can do. all it means is that if they do get a chance, they will be better prepared to perform.