Interesting LL Article

Little League's problem is twofold. It is losing the marginal players to other sports or activities(i.e. soccer, lacrosse, skateboarding, computers) and it is losing the advanced players to travel ball. But, I see LL's dilemma. If it caters to the advanced player it will speed the loss of marginal players and if it caters to the marginal player it will speed the loss of advanced players. Allstars was designed to be the compromise but it is proving insufficient for the advanced player largely due to the cramped field size and no lead rules. I believe LL should not give up on the marginal players and cater solely to the advanced players. Too many marginal players might blossom into real players and vice versa. But even putting the "development" issue aside. Even marginal players deserve a chance to play organized baseball. Moreover, it is good for the long-term health of the sport to expose as many kids as possible to organized baseball and LL does the best job of this of any organization. My suggestion is for LL to change the rules for tournament play to increase the field size for the Majors so that speed is rewarded and outfield play is meaningful and so that 150 lb 12 year olds don't dominate. If LL tournament rules more closely tracked AAU rules I think it would help keep some of the better kids playing LL longer while also providing a venue for the kids who love the game but have not yet or will not develop advanced skills.