As some know, FNYB and Cal Ripken have recently merged into a single FNYB. This merger was touted as a means to created a bigger and better league for OUR KIDS. Now, in my 13 years with FNYB as a player, coach and parent, I have never known them to ignore child safety. However, this year they have decided to change our Rookie(Micro) division of SEVEN and EIGHT year olds into a 100% kid pitch division. Keep in mind that the jump from the (FNYB)PeeWee division already brings a larger playing field, longer baselines, the ability to steal and other progressive changes. Not to mention the seven year olds who were 6 last year playing tee ball in Cal Ripken! The Rookie division is still considered instructional, yet our board has somehow forgotten that and decided a change to 100% kid pitch in the name of competition, was more important than our kids safety and well-being…
Tommy John: Advice for Kids & Preventing Sports Injury
Please check out the article above and draw your own conclusion but I personally believe that seven and eight year olds are still too early in their development, both physically and in the game of baseball, to pitch full time. I do realize that there are kids that exceed the standard but they are the exception, not the rule. Question is, since when do we change the rules for the benefit of some and completely forget about the majority? That said, I will end my rant but I do ask you to please sign this petition and make sure FNYB doesn’t forget what really matters, our kids and their safety.
Updates
February 20, 2018
I have requested a formal meeting with the FNYB board to present the medical literature regarding development and injury prevention in young athletes. We are currently drafting a proposal for a hybrid pitching model that maintains safety standards while allowing for player advancement. Expect a report on their response to the request for an open forum by the end of the week.
February 20, 2018
The current volume of signatures is sufficient to formally request a sit-down with the board of directors. I am drafting a letter detailing the player safety data and will present our case for reinstating instructional pitching rules during the next executive meeting.
12 Comments
I feel the pitching should be gradual, as my son has played baseball for 3 years now starting with tball and 2 years in peewee. Now we move up and its 100% Kid pitch where is the learning curve? My sons experience pitching in null. This has yet to be learned as a skill let alone perfected where he can pitch to anotger child without harm.
For the safety of my son and all the players within the league I urge you to reconsider your position in pitching. Shouldn’t we care MORE about the child having fun, learning by gradual instruction than being forced to pitch at this age? I will consider pulling out of FNYB and getting a full refund!
Who wants to watch these kids walk each other all day. They are way too young for pitching, they can barely get the ball to first base.
These kids have many years ahead of tem to pitch. At this age it's learning fundamentals and having FUN! Not winning & losing.
Agreed, kids should be given the chance to learn to pitch and not obligated. Let's reduce the chance of injury to both the pitcher and batter.
tut: http://afcmarseille.com http://afcmarseille.com
For the safety of the kids
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As some know, FNYB and Cal Ripken have recently merged into a single FNYB. This merger was touted as a means to created a bigger and better league for OUR KIDS. Now, in my 13 years with FNYB as a player, coach and parent, I have never known them to ignore child safety. However, this year they have decided to change our Rookie(Micro) division of SEVEN and EIGHT year olds into a 100% kid pitch division. Keep in mind that the jump from the (FNYB)PeeWee division already brings a larger playing field, longer baselines, the ability to steal and other progressive changes. Not to mention the seven year olds who were 6 last year playing tee ball in Cal Ripken! The Rookie division is still considered instructional, yet our board has somehow forgotten that and decided a change to 100% kid pitch in the name of competition, was more important than our kids safety and well-being…
Tommy John: Advice for Kids & Preventing Sports Injury
Please check out the article above and draw your own conclusion but I personally believe that seven and eight year olds are still too early in their development, both physically and in the game of baseball, to pitch full time. I do realize that there are kids that exceed the standard but they are the exception, not the rule. Question is, since when do we change the rules for the benefit of some and completely forget about the majority? That said, I will end my rant but I do ask you to please sign this petition and make sure FNYB doesn’t forget what really matters, our kids and their safety.
Updates
February 20, 2018
I have requested a formal meeting with the FNYB board to present the medical literature regarding development and injury prevention in young athletes. We are currently drafting a proposal for a hybrid pitching model that maintains safety standards while allowing for player advancement. Expect a report on their response to the request for an open forum by the end of the week.
February 20, 2018
The current volume of signatures is sufficient to formally request a sit-down with the board of directors. I am drafting a letter detailing the player safety data and will present our case for reinstating instructional pitching rules during the next executive meeting.
12 Comments
My dad was a semi-pro pitcher in his youth and suffered from chronic shoulder pain in his later years as a direct result. Starting children at pitching before they've really even learned to play the game well -- and before their bodies are physically ready -- borders on abuse.
I feel the pitching should be gradual, as my son has played baseball for 3 years now starting with tball and 2 years in peewee. Now we move up and its 100% Kid pitch where is the learning curve? My sons experience pitching in null. This has yet to be learned as a skill let alone perfected where he can pitch to anotger child without harm.
For the safety of my son and all the players within the league I urge you to reconsider your position in pitching. Shouldn’t we care MORE about the child having fun, learning by gradual instruction than being forced to pitch at this age? I will consider pulling out of FNYB and getting a full refund!
Who wants to watch these kids walk each other all day. They are way too young for pitching, they can barely get the ball to first base.
These kids have many years ahead of tem to pitch. At this age it's learning fundamentals and having FUN! Not winning & losing.
Agreed, kids should be given the chance to learn to pitch and not obligated. Let's reduce the chance of injury to both the pitcher and batter.
tut: http://afcmarseille.com http://afcmarseille.com
For the safety of the kids
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My dad was a semi-pro pitcher in his youth and suffered from chronic shoulder pain in his later years as a direct result. Starting children at pitching before they've really even learned to play the game well -- and before their bodies are physically ready -- borders on abuse.