9 year old pitcher BANNED for being TOO GOOD!!??

[RACER X]

9-year-old boy told he's too good to pitch
Associated Press

9-Year-Old Banned From Youth League NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Nine-year-old Jericho Scott is a good baseball player -- too good, it turns out.

The right-hander has a fastball that tops out at about 40 mph. He throws so hard that the Youth Baseball League of New Haven told his coach that the boy could not pitch any more. When Jericho took the mound anyway last week, the opposing team forfeited the game, packed its gear and left, his coach said.

Officials for the three-year-old league, which has eight teams and about 100 players, said they will disband Jericho's team, redistributing its players among other squads, and offered to refund $50 sign-up fees to anyone who asks for it. They say Jericho's coach, Wilfred Vidro, has resigned.

But Vidro says he didn't quit and the team refuses to disband. Players and parents held a protest at the league's field on Saturday urging the league to let Jericho pitch.

"He's never hurt any one," Vidro said. "He's on target all the time. How can you punish a kid for being too good?"

The controversy bothers Jericho, who says he misses pitching.

"I feel sad," he said. "I feel like it's all my fault nobody could play."

Officials with the Youth Baseball League of New Haven say they will disband Jericho Scott's team because his coach won't stop him from pitching.

Jericho's coach and parents say the boy is being unfairly targeted because he turned down an invitation to join the defending league champion, which is sponsored by an employer of one of the league's administrators.

Jericho instead joined a team sponsored by Will Power Fitness. The team was 8-0 and on its way to the playoffs when Jericho was banned from pitching.

"I think it's discouraging when you're telling a 9-year-old you're too good at something," said his mother, Nicole Scott. "The whole objective in life is to find something you're good at and stick with it. I'd rather he spend all his time on the baseball field than idolizing someone standing on the street corner."

League attorney Peter Noble says the only factor in banning Jericho from the mound is his pitches are just too fast.

"He is a very skilled player, a very hard thrower," Noble said. "There are a lot of beginners. This is not a high-powered league. This is a developmental league whose main purpose is to promote the sport."

Noble acknowledged that Jericho had not beaned any batters in the co-ed league of 8- to 10-year-olds, but say parents expressed safety concerns.

"Facing that kind of speed" is frightening for beginning players, Noble said.

League officials say they first told Vidro that the boy could not pitch after a game on Aug. 13. Jericho played second base the next game on Aug. 16. But when he took the mound Wednesday, the other team walked off and a forfeit was called.

League officials say Jericho's mother became irate, threatening them and vowing to get the league shut down.

"I have never seen behavior of a parent like the behavior Jericho's mother exhibited Wednesday night," Noble said.

Scott denies threatening any one, but said she did call the police.

League officials suggested that Jericho play other positions, or pitch against older players or in a different league.

Local attorney John Williams was planning to meet with Jericho's parents Monday to discuss legal options.

"You don't have to be learned in the law to know in your heart that it's wrong," he said. "Now you have to be punished because you excel at something?"


Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

[JRxGRUBZx]

yeha i read that ..

[ScooterTrash]

awesome, if they (future coaches etc) dont let him throw his arm out, he's gonna bank big later.

[HoustonGixxer]

i saw this on the yahoo section this morning!!>! wtf is up with that. What if there kid was too good? would they still say the same thing.

[NoFear]

they dont want the other kids to get hurt my a stray pitch some 9yr could get messed up with a 40mph ball

[sbfuller]

they said he could pitch in an older league... so go do that. bragging rights for him.

[hotcknstrips]

same thing that happens in schools...they lower the standars so the dumbasses will shine...what a pile of chit this is. in other words...if someone is not as good (read=mediocre) let's kick the person with the most talen so the not so good player/student whatever doesn't get his feelings hurt.

/RANT

[CaJuNsOuLjA]

Yeah this is some bullshyt. Everyone can't be winner's and everyone can't be the best and we handicap our kids into thinking that by some of the things we do in sports. It's bogus! Why should this little guy be barred from playing ball amongst his peers. He happens to have been blessed with a great talent (or has a great genetic advantage for you scientists out there) so why punish him for it. It is not as if he is cheating. Let the guy play and get the Nancy Pelosi's out of the damn stands.

[sbfuller]

or just put him against the older kids. let him get better quicker by playing against people that actually can hit him.

[hotcknstrips]

or just put him against the older kids. let him get better quicker by playing against people that actually can hit him.

that's a FAIL sir

[sbfuller]

that's a FAIL sir

why? let him doninate is his age group where he feels that he won't have to practice? i personally liked playing older people and winning. I was nationally ranked in raquetball when i was younger. there was only about 10 people my age all throughout texas that could compete with me.... placed 5th in state and 14th in the US... I would play 16 and 18 year old's to even get some good practice. I loved playing the cocky 20 year old with the gf's watching though... they hated being beat by a 12 year old

[CaJuNsOuLjA]

or just put him against the older kids. let him get better quicker by playing against people that actually can hit him.

True...it'll only make him better...

[dbuck]

or just put him against the older kids. let him get better quicker by playing against people that actually can hit him.

+1....it's 9 yo little league, not high school or college.

If the AVERAGE player is well below his skill level, what fun is it for him or his other teammates? At age 9 I wanted to play ball, not be scared by a 40 mph fastball that no one can hit. Think your kid is that good and the league recognizes it? Ask them to move him up? Fkn sports these days. What happened to having fun and playing with your friends??? Everything is about competition these days, even with 9 yo's.:-/

[hotcknstrips]

you all guys FAIL :rofl:


while you make a point, rules are there for a reason....but I have never heard of a rule for letting someone go for beign too good.

[MadseasoN]

It's not that he's "too good". If the kid is 9 and he's pitching 40mph then it's not safe to let him play with the average players in a rec league. The average 9 year old can't react fast enough to a 40mph ball thrown at his head.

Let the kid play up a division or put him on a select team. If it were my kid, I'd want him playing with some actual competition instead of striking out every batter. That's not real baseball. That's pitching practice.

[sbfuller]

It's not that he's "too good". If the kid is 9 and he's pitching 40mph then it's not safe to let him play with the average players in a rec league. The average 9 year old can't react fast enough to a 40mph ball thrown at his head.

Let the kid play up a division or put him on a select team. If it were my kid, I'd want him playing with some actual competition instead of striking out every batter. That's not real baseball. That's pitching practice.

exactly!! :thumb:

[Rick H.I.C.]

Socialism at it's best. (gay voice) Let's give all of them a trophies and a sucker! weee...
All they should do is bump him up or limit him as a relief pitcher. What ***s.:angry7:

[CaJuNsOuLjA]

Socialism at it's best. (gay voice) Let's give all of them a trophies and a sucker! weee...
All they should do is bump him up or limit him as a relief pitcher. What ***s.:angry7:

That's what I was thinkin' :keke: Fcuking people wanna promote the (false) notion that everyone can be a winner....BOGUS! :angry7:

[Rick H.I.C.]

It's not that he's "too good". If the kid is 9 and he's pitching 40mph then it's not safe to let him play with the average players in a rec league. The average 9 year old can't react fast enough to a 40mph ball thrown at his head.

Let the kid play up a division or put him on a select team. If it were my kid, I'd want him playing with some actual competition instead of striking out every batter. That's not real baseball. That's pitching practice.

yah see told ya. :eekspin::rofl:

[sbfuller]

a 9 year old pitcher striking out all of his 9 year old peers... ok he's good. a 9 year old pitcher stricking out all the 12 year olds... now that is something. if you keep him pitching against 9 year olds that are too easy for him then he'll deveolop bad habits... that is why my parents wouldn't let me play against anybody that wouldn't give me a challege... so that left me playing people usually about twice my age. it wasn't so the other 12 year olds wouldn't feel bad... it was so i could get better. take it as a learning experience

[Cherub]

This has everything to do with this "Jericho's coach and parents say the boy is being unfairly targeted because he turned down an invitation to join the defending league champion, which is sponsored by an employer of one of the league's administrators." and little to do with the kids 40mph pitch

[Skid]

So, by some of the peoples logic, we should ban Ty from the CMRA because he is too fast??? We know he is almost always going to win. Hell, I guess I should just tear up my CMRA license now.

Come on. As long as the kid is within the rules and ist cheating, let him play. These kids are going to have to learn to have fun even in defeat. I know I have fun every time I am on the grid with Ty, even though I know I'll never catch him.

BTW, even if they moved the kid up once he makes a fool of some 11yr old, they will probably ban him and claim he is too young and if hit by a fast ball could be hurt.

[Rick H.I.C.]

Anybody test this kid for steroids yet? hmm ? well? :rofl:

[sbfuller]

So, by some of the peoples logic, we should ban Ty from the CMRA because he is too fast??? We know he is almost always going to win. Hell, I guess I should just tear up my CMRA license now.

Come on. As long as the kid is within the rules and ist cheating, let him play. These kids are going to have to learn to have fun even in defeat. I know I have fun every time I am on the grid with Ty, even though I know I'll never catch him.

BTW, even if they moved the kid up once he makes a fool of some 11yr old, they will probably ban him and claim he is too young and if hit by a fast ball could be hurt.

honestly, if i was doninating in one lower arena but there was one higher up... I'd go for the one higher up. sure Rossi could dominate in the lower levels... but what fun is that if you're not winning in the highest level? yeah winning CMRA... congrats... but there are still WAYYYY to many people that are faster and better that could drop down to CMRA and dominate, but they choose to push themselves and compete on an even higher level

[dbuck]

This has everything to do with this "Jericho's coach and parents say the boy is being unfairly targeted because he turned down an invitation to join the defending league champion, which is sponsored by an employer of one of the league's administrators." and little to do with the kids 40mph pitch

WHICH takes me back to my original post....what happened to when kid's played ball for fun for themselves and not for their parents?:shrug::-/

I'll support my kid good or bad when the day comes, I just want him/her having fun in things they enjoy....

as for Skid's comment...this is a recreational league, not the little league world series. apples vs. oranges.

[Skid]

as for Skid's comment...this is a recreational league, not the little league world series. apples vs. oranges.

How does it differ from the CMRA? It is the very bottom step of road racing for our region. Not one step down from Moto GP like you imply.

[hotcknstrips]

So, by some of the peoples logic, we should ban Ty from the CMRA because he is too fast??? We know he is almost always going to win. Hell, I guess I should just tear up my CMRA license now.

Come on. As long as the kid is within the rules and ist cheating, let him play. These kids are going to have to learn to have fun even in defeat. I know I have fun every time I am on the grid with Ty, even though I know I'll never catch him.

BTW, even if they moved the kid up once he makes a fool of some 11yr old, they will probably ban him and claim he is too young and if hit by a fast ball could be hurt.

Finally, some real logic here :thumb:

[dbuck]

How does it differ from the CMRA? It is the very bottom step of road racing for our region. Not one step down from Moto GP like you imply.

CMRA is a racing league....not a rec league.:thumb:

If you're looking for fun, try a trackday....If you're looking for competition, join the CMRA. If you dominate the CMRA, then so be it b/c it's a league with winnings and prize money.

and we're talking about kids having fun....:thumb:

and once again, if it's politics b/c the kid refused an invite elsewhere...that's just as dumb.....politics in kid's sports, makes me sick.

[sbfuller]

How does it differ from the CMRA? It is the very bottom step of road racing for our region. Not one step down from Moto GP like you imply.

so once you dominate one class you should just stay there? i don't get it.


by god i'm the fastest in the novice group... NOBODY can keep up!!! GO ME!!!

[MadseasoN]

So, by some of the peoples logic, we should ban Ty from the CMRA because he is too fast??? We know he is almost always going to win. Hell, I guess I should just tear up my CMRA license now.

Come on. As long as the kid is within the rules and ist cheating, let him play. These kids are going to have to learn to have fun even in defeat. I know I have fun every time I am on the grid with Ty, even though I know I'll never catch him.

BTW, even if they moved the kid up once he makes a fool of some 11yr old, they will probably ban him and claim he is too young and if hit by a fast ball could be hurt.

Yes, but what if Ty was on your endurance team and you never got to ride because he was on the bike the whole time? Would winning the race really be that great?

Again, it's not about the kid being 'too good'. There are other things to consider. What about his team mates? If the kid strikes out every batter will the infielders get any action? What good is it doing them to stand in the field for 4-5 innings and never see a ball? The object of little league sports is to learn the game, not only to win. Are they going to learn the game this way? What about the batters? How can a kid learn baserunning if he strikes out every at-bat? And finally, what kid wants a 1st place trophy that he did nothing to earn?

Personally I don't want to pay $200 for my kid to play just to watch some kid strike out batters for 2 hours. I've coached LL baseball for the past 5 years and I've seen these prodigy kids before. In later years the others will 'catch up' to him and hopefully he won't feel let down when they do. Better yet, hopefully Mommy and Daddy won't pu55y out and start suing everyone over it.

[dbuck]

by god i'm the fastest in the novice group... NOBODY can keep up!!!

:keke:

[Skid]

honestly, if i was doninating in one lower arena but there was one higher up... I'd go for the one higher up. sure Rossi could dominate in the lower levels... but what fun is that if you're not winning in the highest level? yeah winning CMRA... congrats... but there are still WAYYYY to many people that are faster and better that could drop down to CMRA and dominate, but they choose to push themselves and compete on an even higher level

I would too. If I ever came close to dominating the Novice ranks, I would move up to expert. But where does it stop. What right would we the members of the CMRA have to ban someone for being to fast just so we could make ourselves feel better?

In little league, do pitchers have to bat? If so, how is it going to be fair to him to hit fast balls coming from 11-13yo's.

[dbuck]

Yes, but what if Ty was on your endurance team and you never got to ride because he was on the bike the whole time? Would winning the race really be that great?

Again, it's not about the kid being 'too good'. There are other things to consider. What about his team mates? If the kid strikes out every batter will the infielders get any action? What good is it doing them to stand in the field for 4-5 innings and never see a ball? The object of little league sports is to learn the game, not only to win. Are they going to learn the game this way? What about the batters? How can a kid learn baserunning if he strikes out every at-bat? And finally, what kid wants a 1st place trophy that he did nothing to earn?

Personally I don't want to pay $200 for my kid to play just to watch some kid strike out batters for 2 hours. I've coached LL baseball for the past 5 years and I've seen these prodigy kids before. In later years the others will 'catch up' to him and hopefully he won't feel let down when they do. Better yet, hopefully Mommy and Daddy won't pu55y out and start suing everyone over it.

couldn't have said it better myself:thumb:

[MadseasoN]

...politics in kid's sports, makes me sick.

F^cking A right, brother!!!!

+1 Million on that one!!!

[Skid]

Yes, but what if Ty was on your endurance team and you never got to ride because he was on the bike the whole time? Would winning the race really be that great?

Again, it's not about the kid being 'too good'. There are other things to consider. What about his team mates? If the kid strikes out every batter will the infielders get any action? What good is it doing them to stand in the field for 4-5 innings and never see a ball? The object of little league sports is to learn the game, not only to win. Are they going to learn the game this way? What about the batters? How can a kid learn baserunning if he strikes out every at-bat? And finally, what kid wants a 1st place trophy that he did nothing to earn?

Personally I don't want to pay $200 for my kid to play just to watch some kid strike out batters for 2 hours. I've coached LL baseball for the past 5 years and I've seen these prodigy kids before. In later years the others will 'catch up' to him and hopefully he won't feel let down when they do. Better yet, hopefully Mommy and Daddy won't pu55y out and start suing everyone over it.

There are rules put in place so that no one person can run the whole endurace race by themselves. If it is truly about all the kids being able to play why doesn't the leage limit the time each pitcher can pitch in a game. There are other ways around this other than throwing the kid to the 11-13 yo wolves. :keke:

[sbfuller]

I would too. If I ever came close to dominating the Novice ranks, I would move up to expert. But where does it stop. What right would we the members of the CMRA have to ban someone for being to fast just so we could make ourselves feel better?

In little league, do pitchers have to bat? If so, how is it going to be fair to him to hit fast balls coming from 11-13yo's.

if you win too much, you should me made to move up. in our volleyball league, if you win the chamionship 3 seasons in a row you have to move up. If you get last place, you can move back down.

[dbuck]

F^cking A right, brother!!!!

+1 Million on that one!!!

I spent 5 years working in Park District environments teaching kids the fundamentals of baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, etc. Those kids had a blast... I understand how parents and coaches alike can forget the reason they are there, but in all honesty we had this situation come up. We had a 6th grade boy who towered at 6' (a good 1' over most the others, if not more) and we asked his parents if they minded him being moved up to the 8th grade level. He still dominated, just not as much as before. Anyhow, if you want your kid to be "better", then enroll him/her on a travelling club where skill levels are better and being too good won't be a problem.:thumb:

[Candie]

I can see both sides! So it should be the child or the parents decision! It is no different than moving a child up who is really smart! If a child is not challenged then what can he learn from the experience?

[Skid]

I can see both sides! So it should be the child or the parents decision! It is no different than moving a child up who is really smart! If a child is not challenged then what can he learn from the experience?

That is true. If he wants to move up that would change everything. I just don't think it is right to force a move on the kid.

Nobody has still answered my question though. In little league is the pitcher required to hit? If he is and his hitting isn't as good as his pitching he will be at a major disadvantage.

[MadseasoN]

There are rules put in place so that no one person can run the whole endurace race by themselves. If it is truly about all the kids being able to play why doesn't the leage limit the time each pitcher can pitch in a game. There are other ways around this other than throwing the kid to the 11-13 yo wolves.

In the leagues that I've coached in, a pitcher can only pitch 5 innings in two games. Most games only lasted 3 innings. I'm not sure about the rules where this kid is from.

Again, I think the decision about this kid is based on safety. I wouldn't stick a 9 year old in a 40mph batting cage let alone in the box with a pitcher on the mound. If the kid is that great then move him to a select team. He doesn't belong in a recreational league. To reiterate what some other posters said, why would he want to play rec anyway? I'll tell you why ... the PARENTS. Parents usually f^ck up sports for kids and that's exactly what's happening here.

PS - If you win a championship in TMGP or if most people think you should be Expert ... they force you to move to Expert. So some rules are similar.

[dbuck]

Nobody has still answered my question though. In little league is the pitcher required to hit? If he is and his hitting isn't as good as his pitching he will be at a major disadvantage.

Yes they are required (at least when I ump'd) and so, how is it a 9 yr old is suppose to hit this kids 40 mph fastball when the AVERAGE kid his age is pitching 30 mph??? Also, pitchers in little league are restricted on how many innings and how frequently they can pitch. This is done to protect the childs safety (throwing out an arm for example) and letting the other kids have a turn and having FUN.:thumb:

[Faylaricia]

I can see both sides!

Same here.

The thing that baffles me is the extremes to which they go. I mean, forfeiting a game? Throwing him out of the league? I am sure they are more political correct ways of dealing with this without making the kids feel horrible about it. Sometimes parents really just need to chill and calm down.

[MadseasoN]

Nobody has still answered my question though. In little league is the pitcher required to hit? If he is and his hitting isn't as good as his pitching he will be at a major disadvantage.

I've only coached up to 10U, but in our leagues everyone is on the batting lineup and everyone bats.

[Skid]

Yes, but everyone is focusing only on one aspect of this kids skills, his pitching. Can this kid catch? Can he play outfield well? Speaking of safety, if he is playing a base with the bigger kids, what happens when he gets run down by somebody twice his size? Now they have taken the presumed safety of others and possibly thrown him in harms way. That doesn't make sense to me. In my eyes, there is way more to look at than just his pitching.

[Candie]

If it is that he just wants to play in the same league as his peers then have him play a different postion! That way he can still play with his friends! But honestly a 40 mph fastballat 9 years old is dangerous! So offer him a different postion or let the child decide to move up!

[dbuck]

Yes, but everyone is focusing only on one aspect of this kids skills, his pitching. Can this kid catch? Can he play outfield well? Speaking of safety, if he is playing a base with the bigger kids, what happens when he gets run down by somebody twice his size? Now they have taken the presumed safety of others and possibly thrown him in harms way. That doesn't make sense to me. In my eyes, there is way more to look at than just his pitching.

not enough info given to us to play your game Gavin:keke:

[Skid]

PS - If you win a championship in TMGP or if most people think you should be Expert ... they force you to move to Expert. So some rules are similar.


That is fine, but you are still in the same org. I can barely afford the CMRA. Even if I was good enough to go pro (hahahah, that's funny) I would never be able to afford it. Moving from Novice to Expert with in the same org isn't going to cost any more $$$$. Moving from the CMRA to AMA would cost a ton of $$$$$$$$.

Neither one of these is a concern for the Little League.

[Faylaricia]

The little league has championships, don't they? And they apparently have coaches. That is pretty heavy duty in my mind already.

I play recreational soccer on the weekends, it is a league and we have no coaches and anyone can play. If you are damn good, you are damn good. If your team keeps winning because you are as good as a world cup player, then the team keeps winning. If the team hits the top of Division 1, it stays there. It is all for fun and nobody really fusses about players that should be Pro but aren't for whatever reasons.

I'd hate to see this possible future baseball star miss out on an opportunity just because parents feel they have to play politics and be stupid. Maybe they can just use softballs when he is pitching. :keke:

CMRA is a racing league....not a rec league.:thumb:

If you're looking for fun, try a trackday....If you're looking for competition, join the CMRA. If you dominate the CMRA, then so be it b/c it's a league with winnings and prize money.

and we're talking about kids having fun....:thumb:

and once again, if it's politics b/c the kid refused an invite elsewhere...that's just as dumb.....politics in kid's sports, makes me sick.

[dbuck]

The little league has championships, don't they? And they apparently have coaches. That is pretty heavy duty in my mind already.

I play recreational soccer on the weekends, it is a league and we have no coaches and anyone can play. If you are damn good, you are damn good. If your team keeps winning because you are as good as a world cup player, then the team keeps winning. If the team hits the top of Division 1, it stays there. It is all for fun and nobody really fusses about players that should be Pro but aren't for whatever reasons.

I'd hate to see this possible future baseball star miss out on an opportunity just because parents feel they have to play politics and be stupid. Maybe they can just use softballs when he is pitching. :keke:

I would assume adult league, not kids....either way, politics in kids recreational sports is stupidity....dumb that the other team forfeited, dumb that the parents got upset, dumb that someone on the administration board felt "ignored", etc. Politics in kids sports is stupid. end of conversation for me, plus it's 5 and my 9 hours are in for the day.:keke:

[MadseasoN]

The little league has championships, don't they? And they apparently have coaches. That is pretty heavy duty in my mind already.

I play recreational soccer on the weekends, it is a league and we have no coaches and anyone can play. If you are damn good, you are damn good. If your team keeps winning because you are as good as a world cup player, then the team keeps winning. If the team hits the top of Division 1, it stays there. It is all for fun and nobody really fusses about players that should be Pro but aren't for whatever reasons.

I'd hate to see this possible future baseball star miss out on an opportunity just because parents feel they have to play politics and be stupid. Maybe they can just use softballs when he is pitching. :keke:

Yes but these are kids.

Here are the different levels for kids' sports:
YMCA - Economical ($60 for baseball) Good for introduction to a sport. Loose on the rules, no real competition, some age groups don't keep score. Usually no umpires/refs.

Fair & Fun/Positive (or something like that). They don't keep score, all the kids play all the positions, etc. Nobody wins/looses and everybody get's happy talk.

Rec ball is about learning the game, learning techniques, and having fun. A little more pricey ($200 for Spring Season) You have rules, you have multiple coaches/teachers, you need winners and you need losers, you keep score. You have end of season tournaments. Umpires are at each game.

Select teams are about competing and is for advanced players. (I know parents who buy their kids $400 bats and $250 gloves). Parents pay big money for uniforms, the teams pretty much keep the same rosters year after year, they pay for their tournaments, travel to games, etc. These kids can play!

[Daily Triumph]

+1....it's 9 yo little league, not high school or college.

If the AVERAGE player is well below his skill level, what fun is it for him or his other teammates? At age 9 I wanted to play ball, not be scared by a 40 mph fastball that no one can hit. Think your kid is that good and the league recognizes it? Ask them to move him up? Fkn sports these days. What happened to having fun and playing with your friends??? Everything is about competition these days, even with 9 yo's.:-/

I didnt read all of the posts but this one stood out the most

(I played ball since I was 4 up til I was 20)

anyways, we would see pitches about that speed and noone would complain, either you hit the ball or strikeout, theres no crying in baseball. I played 1 league up as well when I was a kid cause I developed skills a lot faster and just like Brett's parents they wanted to give me a challenge not beat up on peers with lesser talents (of course my parents gave me a choice between staying and moving up). I say move the little guy up to a level where kids can actually sniff his stuff and then hell have to develop more pitches instead of just chucking missiles which in turn will make him a better player in the long run (and possibly land him some $$$$$ later in life)

[BadApple]

this is just pathetic!