9 year olds trying out for major leagues

I was in the same boast when my son was 9. He was good enough to play with 12's, but our league wouldn't even allow him to play with the 10's (we split majors into 10-11 and 11-12). It was a completely wasted year for him. He allowed only 3 hits all season and struck out well over 100 players in 16 league games plus playoffs. The following year, they let him play 12's and he lead the league in batting average and was an All-Star. That being said, I can sympathasize with your plight.

However, it was probably a good thing in the long run. 9 year olds and 12 year olds are VERY different in terms of maturity levels. Forget about aboility for a minute and picture your little 9 sitting on the bench with a 5'9" 140 lb. 12 y/o who's talking about girls, the new MTV video, and the Barenaked Ladies concert his mother is letting him go to next week. Your son would be lost. I've got 12's this year who's language would make a sailor blush. For social reasons alone, I would recommend your son stay down. My son adapted pretty well at 10 with the 12's, but that was in part due to the fact his 12 y/o brother was on the team.

Now, let's address the talent aspect. Assuming your son is a fantastic 9 y/o player, he will most likely be a very average to weak player playing in majors. The fact that the 12's are just bigger and stronger gives them a decided advantage even if their ability level is not up to par with your son's. I assume he pitches, probably plays SS, and maybe catches. A 9 pitching to 12's will get killed no matter who he is, assuming his coach even gives him the opportunity. A 9 y/o catcher will have a hard time throwing out any baserunners 3 years older, and he'll have the same problem at SS. Not to mention, there will be 12 y/o studs already playing those spots. So, at best, you're looking at a little time at 2B, but more than likely relegated to the OF for a year. He's better off pitching in every game and developing his skills early than missing a year on the mound.

I know it's tough to hear and we as parents like to have our kids play up, but in 99 out of 100 cases, it's better for them to play at age at that level. If your son is the 1 in 100 that could do it, then you're getting the shaft. Just enjoy your son's year as "the man".

When players get older, the maturity aspect is not as great a factor in my opinion, so encourage him to play up when he's better able to handle it socially. I know this sounds like I'm a play at age only kind of guy, but nothing could be further from the truth. It's just 9 y/o is a tough age to play with 12's at.