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See the original image at news.yahoo.com —

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

news.yahoo.com — 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 anymore

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  • 7FluidAH, on 08/25/2008, -6/+430Thank god we're punishing people for talent and hard work. Let's not allow excellence to get out of hand, okay?
    • B1663r, on 08/26/2008, -18/+39Yes because little league is all about athleticism and not everybody having fun, you know throwing the ball around and hitting it;)
      • brentinkc, on 08/26/2008, -29/+9Life is not fun. Life is competition. Get used to it or get left behind.
      • B1663r, on 08/26/2008, -6/+14Baseball is not life;)
      • ahollywoodtale, on 08/26/2008, -7/+12everyone says it's all about "having fun" but seriously if you really believe that then you haven't been to a little league game lately or any sport for youngsters. It's really not. Parents are insane when it comes to there kids looking good on the field.
        So instead of rewarded a talented kid, the banning him from playing? There are better ways to handle it. Letting the parents decide is letting the politics get in the way of the sport.
      • B1663r, on 08/26/2008, -4/+11ahollywoodtale,

        You are mistaken. I am a soccer coach. Yes there are a few parents that take the kidssports waaayyyy to far. But for the overwhelming majority of parents there it is all about the kids having fun, and their kids are out of the league the moment they stop having fun.
      • WoollyMittens, on 08/26/2008, -4/+2B1663r, you are implying that this kid is not allowed to throw a ball around and hit it, because little league is about throwing a ball around and hitting it.
      • FTLJohnson, on 08/26/2008, -4/+4http://www.finallyequal.com/

        Not spam, it's a movie preview... eerily appropriate timing, as this should be coming out soon.
      • Drahkar, on 08/26/2008, -5/+20@ B1163r -

        You are such a hypocrite. You claim its OK because they are making sure the game is fun. But what about this kid? The purpose of this league is, and I quote 'a developmental league whose main purpose is to promote the sport'. So how the hell can you claim you are promoting the sport or helping people develop their skill when someone of exceptional talent comes along and you effectively ban him from the game?

        That's a direct comparison to how the US currently treats its research and science sector and while we are starting to lag behind everyone else in the world. Nobody wants to use the best people because it will shake up the foundation the people at the top are so comfortable in.

        So lets not try and play the administration for the league off as noble good Samaritans. As the article pointed out '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.'. With that looming int he background I feel safe in saying that 'The joy of the game for the kids' probably had nothing to do with this boy being singled out.
      • zxe420, on 08/26/2008, -11/+3@drahkar
        little league baseball is not national research and science.

        in little league, the goal is to develop the fundamentals of play, develop good sports habits, and promote fun and enjoyment. the league in this case is making some obvious mistakes, but please don't reduce the article to "OMG they're griefing him cuz he's too good. that screws the world". i've benched my best players because they miss practice. i've played my best outfielder at second. i've made poor pitchers pitch and good pitchers play outfield.

        and if I had a kid, particularly a pitcher, that absolutely dominated the other team, I would advise his parents to move him up a level. because he wouldn't see much playing time on my team.
    • bratterscain, on 08/26/2008, -23/+4You seem to imply this is unusual. Some people have a talent for killing others, but is it socially acceptable, for the most part? Being a soldier perhaps, but maybe not a hit man. Point being, just because it's a talent doesn't mean you should be surprised that some talents are subdued or punished by society. What talents are socially acceptable can depend on a ***** of variables and sometimes those views are based from ***** brains.
      • pronouncable, on 08/26/2008, -2/+4Flawless logic!
      • WoollyMittens, on 08/26/2008, -1/+7Yes, and pitching baseballs is a deadly act of assassination?
      • bratterscain, on 08/26/2008, -2/+1pronouncable, yeah, but there's always two sides to an argument. Just because what I say is true doesn't mean it's exactly right according to another view. It just means it's true with how I and a few others might see it.
      • LeonFlux, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1@WoollyMittens: Haven't you seen Randy Johnson before??
        http://www.metatube.com/play/7837/Randy-Johnson-hi ...
      • BIim, on 08/26/2008, -0/+0Am I missing something here? Like maybe a /sarcasm tag?
      • DubYaSee, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1Put the glue down. That's right... put the glue down. Sniffing glue is bad for you.
    • omnigamer, on 08/26/2008, -10/+11Was anyone else reminded of Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut while reading this story?

      This article and 7Fluid's comment really reminded me of that dystopian society.
      • FTLJohnson, on 08/26/2008, -4/+2Nope... not me... I didn't post a link to the movie titled 2081 above either...
        and that movie isn't based on that story either...

        (awaits the bury brigade)
      • Clusterfrak, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2Yeah my first thought.
      • iwin2000, on 08/26/2008, -1/+1who?
    • ImOscar, on 08/26/2008, -3/+43He should be rewarded by being put in a league at his skill level. I can see where the league is coming from on this. It's a co-ed beginners league, it should be fun.
      • mryar, on 08/26/2008, -2/+2Good point. At the same time from someone that got dominated at baseball by his peers, moving to a different tier might not be the best thing for him. I know if I had to play in the little league minors, i woulda quit (even though i sucked). It was more fun to play with my peers even though i wasn't at the same skill level.
    • smotpoker, on 08/26/2008, -9/+8In pee-wee league I was like 4th in the lineup at the beginning of the season. After nearly getting beaned my 3rd or 4th time at bat, I got too scared to even swing because I thought if I did I wouldn't be able to dodge the ball if necessary.

      By the end of the season I was last in the lineup, my entire team hated me and the coach told me I should just quit, so I gave up my favourite sport... the only popular sport I was ever any good at. That was when I was 11 and after that I only played one more time, five years later (Luckily, I wasn't petrified by then)

      My points:
      -Isn't it a bit more dangerous for someone above average to play with those who are average or below since if he messed up the batters are less likely to be able to dodge and more likely to get hurt?
      -Can't they put this kid in a more advanced league or isn't there one?
      -Sports aren't all about competition they are also about fun. When someone is too good, there really is no competition and the fun is lost for the participants anyway. However fanatical some parents/coaches act, it isn't good for the kids to lose the spirit of the game and forget why they're doing something. Doing ***** just to do it, appease your parents or prove superiority is not healthy.
      • Oracle95, on 08/26/2008, -2/+10Whatever happened to the motto "Do your best?"

        The new motto these days is "Lower your expectations". Set goals that no one can take from you, shoot below the curve.
      • elveis, on 08/26/2008, -2/+8puss
      • Wartz, on 08/26/2008, -2/+8Good job, you contributed to the pussification of America.
      • JKAL, on 08/26/2008, -1/+4@smotpoker
        or you can look at this from another angle. (speaking from experience here)
        when kids/players have an opponent that is a few levels above, it can make people try just that little bit harder and they are better for it.
      • smotpoker, on 08/26/2008, -2/+1@Oracle95

        It is unlikely you can do your true best against a much superior opponent, that is why different divisions exist. That is why they have different weight divisions in boxing and the like. Besides, how can this pitcher really learn to do his best if he is playing against inferior opponents?

        @elveis

        Many 11 year olds are

        @Wartz

        By relaying an anecdote, expressing an opinion that anecdote lead me to believe or following the advice of my coach? For the record, stagefright and pressure were also factors, I believe, since I still did OK at practice. I did not cry when I got hit in the head with the ball nor did I run to mommy when the coach said it (unlike most little spoiled brats do right and left these days)... she did know about what he said until years later. I consistently froze at bat for around 10 games before I quit at the coaches request; would you have made it that long?

        Regardless, your perspective is very flawed. I have suffered great hardship through my life not for popularity, egotism or material gain but for pure self-respect and/or principle - and I have yet to give up at anything that was important unless it required that I give up something I consider more important

        @JKAL

        That is true to a point but when it is pretty much a given that you will lose peers and rolemodels start blaming you whether you tried or not, it is just too easy to for younger kids to become disheartened with whatever they're doing or resent those peers/role models.

        I think that typically for the competitive streak to influence you to try much harder there has to be something important at stake or some sort of personal grudge between competitors. That "something" should not be love/respect from parents and teammates.
      • ahollywoodtale, on 08/27/2008, -0/+1I've played as well and I've been hit and hurt badly. No one every told me I "wouldn't" be injured in playing a sport. Yes I would be scared at times when I saw an out of control pitcher. But I choose to play and those times I was hit didn't out way the joy of actually playing the game.
        This kids has never hit a batter, he has control - there was no accident involved to have this kid be banned like this. If people are scared of there kids getting hurt they shouldn't let them play any sport. Cause it's more "little Timmy" might trip running to a base and brake his wrist. That's just a risk that goes along with it.

    • zxe420, on 08/26/2008, -7/+5obviously you're not a coach.

      it's not all about winning.
      sometimes you want the kids - even the 'other team' to have fun
      • Chonoon, on 08/26/2008, -1/+0Yes, and it is obviously fun to lose.
    • OstrakonX, on 08/26/2008, -10/+23I was a little league ump for a while.

      Kids like this are the ***** devil, and they ruin the game for everyone. They ruin the game for the other team because 9yr olds can barely hit off of a tee, let alone 40mph heat. Not to mention the coaches will violate pitching guidelines designed to not let situations like this happen and let the kid play the whole game every game. (And if you call them out on it, the hypercompetitive bastards will either feign ignorance or throw a fit. Even if you throw the rule at them, the next ump will likely let them get away with it.)

      They ruin the game for their teammates because there's no challenge when you know the other team can never score. Not to mention the kid everyone's talking about is never you. It doesn't matter that you hit a triple: that kid just threw his third straight no-hitter.

      Don't give me this "punishment for talent and hard work" *****. It's not "hard work" for kids like this: it's hitting pubery way too early. And in the few instances where a 9yr old actually wills this kind of pitching ability into existence, 9 out of 10 times it's because his parents are pushing him way too hard in an endeavor that he should not be focusing on.

      I'd rather punish one kid then punish the rest of the whole ***** league.
      • nfury8ing, on 08/26/2008, -7/+8I haven't seen anywhere in your ***** rant that shows that the kid is at fault in any way.

        Why punish someone who hasn't done anything wrong? Let him play, restrict his amount of game pitching(let him pitch in practice all he wants), and stick him in the outfield where an arm like that would be of great benefit.

        But then again, this kid must be so evil for enjoying the game and actually being good at it. There are ways of avoiding unfairness in the "play for fun since we all suck and no one will force us to actually have any skill at what we do, which frustrates the kids who play to win to no end" league.
      • Clusterfrak, on 08/26/2008, -1/+5Evil?? the only evil I see is your attitude towards him. Like nfury8ing said let him pitch all he wants in practice and put him outfield for the games. Although if they're losing why not bring him to the mound. As some one once said "If it doesn't matter if you win or lose than why bother to keep score?".
      • meromasta, on 08/26/2008, -1/+10You know they should just promote him to a more competitive league. Let him play with older kids who can hit that 40mph heater.

        Not only will everyone be happy but this kid will develop much better with competition. Don't blame the kid for being good. He's a phenom. Phenoms need to be nurtured to their potential. playing him in a uncompetitive league isn't helping him either.
      • mryar, on 08/26/2008, -2/+3How is it punishing anyone by letting him do his thing? Yes, kids are going to go to the plate and strike out almost every time against him. That's life. It'll teach the kids that there's always someone better than them out there and they need to improve to stay competitive.

      • Infra6x, on 08/26/2008, -3/+2Do you realize these are 9-year olds we are talking about? Children do not understand that they need to do "better," when repeated attempts at something are met with failure, they adopt a policy of hopelessness and give up. That is the natural reponse of any human to something they fail over and over.

        The spirit of perserverance you are referring to is an attribute obtained by confidence in one's self, which these kids can not develop as long as they lose every time they try.

        I'm all for teaching kids that sometime you lose, and that life is not a carnival ride of fun, but you have to know when something is overwhelming to a child and draw the line. This kid is obviously playing at a higher skill level than everyone else, so put him with his peers in that regard.
      • jserio, on 08/26/2008, -1/+2When I was young, we had tee-ball, minors and majors. Don't these exist anymore? Throw the kid in the majors and let him grow. I agree though that if he is throwing no-hitters the morale of both teams probably suffers. No one likes to just stand around.
      • p3dr4m, on 08/26/2008, -2/+1In conclusion this kid is evil, he is bringing the other team's confidence down, and he needs to be in a more competitive league. OK GUYS
      • OstrakonX, on 08/26/2008, -1/+1@those saying "put him in a higher league":

        Fantastic solution. Except that when that happens, the kid quits because all of a sudden he's not the superstar anymore.
    • grneye53, on 08/26/2008, -3/+1that was perfect !
    • Oracle95, on 08/26/2008, -2/+6It's funny how you never read about some kid with a great bat being banned from a league. Let's face it, a hard hitter is more dangerous to an infield than a hard pitcher is to a batter. (A line drive off an aluminum bat has much more speed and many leagues still don't mandate a face mask on the infield.)
    • twoboxen, on 08/26/2008, -3/+5NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND! Let's keep everyone on an even playing field, please.
    • tas08, on 08/26/2008, -1/+4Heaven forbid the other team gets shut out and feels bad. That's part of life, someone is always better than you.
    • se1zure, on 08/26/2008, -3/+1why has no one mentioned the issue of safety? It is completely unsafe to put 9 year olds in front of a baseball traveling that fast. Especially since the pitcher probably isn't as accurate as he should be.
      • JustinCase18, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2So let's put him in a 14 under league and see if his fielding skills can keep up with a batter that can hit his heat. All the articles that I've read on this one said the kid has control (I'm betting he only has a fastball at this age which further means he's not ready for an older league.)
      • ahollywoodtale, on 08/27/2008, -0/+2There has been mention of safety.
        You won't die or get nothing more then a ugly bruise by getting hit with a fast pitch. Plus, you have a helmet for a reason. Safety is always a concern in sports. It's not like there lining this kids up so this kid as beam them with the baseball. Also it says in the article that he's never hit a kid. > "He is a very skilled player, a very hard thrower" meaning he doesn't seem to have poor aim.

        I agree JustinCase18, they should have moved up a little and not broke up the team and banned him from playing. I know they do that in some other states. They don't make a kid feel like everything is his fault for being good. > "I feel sad," he said. "I feel like it's all my fault nobody could play". It's just heartless.
    • samoan27, on 08/26/2008, -1/+2Just like 'The Incredibles'
    • govsucks, on 08/26/2008, -3/+1Isn't that what a progressive tax system is all about.

      We must abolish the cult of the individual comrades.
    • Hexoddz, on 08/26/2008, -1/+2We wouldn't want any children "left behind" now would we...?
    • bulletmoy, on 08/26/2008, -2/+0It reminds me of getting banned from counterstrike for hacking when in fact your just having a lucky streak.
    • rdrr, on 08/26/2008, -1/+1Ummmm didn't anyone read the article? "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."

      People at this kids level should be playing in traveling league, not a developmental leagues. Yes he is great, and yes he should continue to develop his skill, but not at the cost of kids who cannot play at the same level.
      • ahollywoodtale, on 08/27/2008, -0/+1Yes, they should have put him somewhere else. But this is a kid who thinks he's to blame for his talents. Just feel the league could have handled it a little better, not banning him.
        In other states having a kid (from age 8-12) that could a throw 40+mph fast pitch has never been banned, but actually have been rewarded and complimented. His parents should defiantly look into a traveling team.
    • sndream, on 08/27/2008, -0/+1Nice to see some affirmative action at work. You can't have this kid holding the less gifted down.
  • alecsputnik, on 08/25/2008, -7/+146i hate people that succeed at what they try to do! go play some video games kid!
    • jvnane, on 08/26/2008, -8/+2are you joking? if hes so good at pitching he should pursue that not go play video games
      • chicagodj, on 08/26/2008, -0/+12whoosh...

        ya hear that? yeah that's the joke flying WAY over your head.
    • caramba420, on 08/26/2008, -1/+1Where's Kurt Vonnegut when you need him?
    • Truth3, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2This is the REAL solution, they did it for me when I played little league too: You move the kid up to another age group to play kids with his skill level! I was playing kids two years older than me, it makes you a better player when you play better competition.
      • billizm, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2EXACTLY. I don't know what the big deal is, anyway. Its like getting bumped up a grade if you're smarter than everyone in your 1st grade class.
  • ironeus, on 08/25/2008, -2/+44A little more speed and we have a real-life Rookie of the Year.
    • Truth3, on 08/26/2008, -0/+9He better be careful how he pitches, he might need Tommy John surgery by 15.
      • fugularity, on 08/26/2008, -0/+4Actually, with his future development in mind, he might just wanna opt to get the TJ surgery right now, get it out of the way!
  • knottriel, on 08/26/2008, -8/+178A much more detailed article from CNN/Sports Illustrated is here:

    http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb ...

    It sounds like some pathetic small town politics when you get to the part, "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."

    I can't believe they're screwing over a kid for being too good because of petty politics.

    Er, I can believe it, but I'm completely disgusted by it.
    • sivart84, on 08/26/2008, -2/+14'Much more detailed'? These two articles are identical...
      • OGKHAX, on 08/26/2008, -6/+1uh, no?
      • Karmavs, on 08/26/2008, -1/+1@OGKHAX — uh, word for word?
      • bstew22, on 08/26/2008, -1/+1Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
      • bookishbebe, on 08/26/2008, -1/+1They are both written by the associated press. They are identical.
    • Smiley09, on 08/26/2008, -1/+6Wow, how is that not a parallel to The Mighty Ducks?
      This Boy = Adam Banks
      Defending Champions = Hawks
      Will Power Fitness = Ducks, after they get equipment from a Ducksworth sponsorship
      He can't play because he is too good = He can play because of zoning rules, plus he is good and we need him

      (This didn't make sense because it's a reply)
      • akshay626, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2A movie about this kid will be out in a few years too... count on it
      • Jeffler, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1Don't forget Bombay being fired because Banks' dad and Coach Riley were buddies with Ducksworth
      • HookmasterCH47, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1Is the catcher a fat jewish kid that is absolutely hilarious?
    • zeblith, on 08/26/2008, -8/+2It's not quite that, though. Politics may play a role, but there was an element of free will that screwed 'em.

      Yes, the kid not being allowed to pitch because his fastball is insane for somebody his age may be unfair(but at the same time reasonable. Hell, I wouldn't go up against him.), but when they banned him and HE TOOK THE MOUND ANYWAY, whether of his own will or the pressure of his parents, coach, or teammates, they made his grave and buried him in it. The league made a ruling, somebody went against it, it's hard to argue his side now, rather than back when they were still arguably on the good side of league officials and still playing by the rules.
      • fugularity, on 08/26/2008, -0/+7So he was just supposed to up and quit and happily join the rest of his team in disbanding?
    • TheNepenthe, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1Well also, that article did say the league officials suggested he play with "older players or in a different league."
      • thestereofield, on 08/26/2008, -4/+1yeah, it's not like this kid doesn't have any other options to play. his parents are obviously trying to stick it to this corporate-sponsored team they didn't want him to join. it's these crazy over-involved parents that ruin youth sports
      • bookishbebe, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2I'd wonder if they would actually let him play on a team for which he was not within the appropriate age limit. It seems like there should be teams based on skill level and not just age.
  • eric0213, on 08/26/2008, -21/+24Feel free to voice your opinion to the board members with your thoughts.
    http://whll.vicid.com/contacts.php
    The Boys Vice President's email is available on their website below.

    "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."

    At least they adhere to what they say on their website http://www.westhavenlittleleague.com/

    The Little League Pledge
    I trust in God.
    I love my country
    and will respect its laws.
    I will play fair and strive to win,
    But win or lose
    I will always do my best

    Parents' Code of Ethics
    I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouraging youth sports by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics
    I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports event.
    I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
    I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
    I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.

    Coaches' Code of Conduct
    I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for the children, and not for adults.
    I will demand that my players treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
    I will teach my players that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that no one will ever feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
    I will praise my players for competing fairly and trying hard, and make them feel like a winner every time.
    I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my players over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.
    • eric0213, on 08/26/2008, -4/+21Lesson 84: Don't put an RSS feed on your website if you're hypocritical.
      http://i33.tinypic.com/2z9cdft.jpg
      • m0neybags, on 08/26/2008, -1/+6That's not the league from the article.
    • faithforever, on 08/26/2008, -0/+12That is the wrong contact information. The league in question is the Youth Baseball League of New Haven, not the West Haven Little League.
    • ATLien74, on 08/26/2008, -1/+5One question. What the ***** does God have to do with Little League Baseball?
      • analogkid01, on 08/26/2008, -0/+5This is 'Merica, son. If Jeebus came back today, he'd play shortstop, gawddammit!
    • jserio, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1Anyone else find the web site useless? All of the links work but there's no content on any of the pages.
    • JEDIscott, on 08/26/2008, -0/+0yeah, wrong league info. The league this kid plays in is not affiliated with Little League. As faithforever said, it's the Youth Baseball League of New Haven and is only an 8 (7 now?) team league
  • Jiggyjaimz, on 08/26/2008, -14/+6These parents sound like a bunch of pansies who suck at life and surely sucked at every sport they ever played. They were terrible athletes and it turns out their kids are too. They should not have been allowed to procreate.
  • Koushiro, on 08/26/2008, -28/+6Who cares about some nine year old who plays baseball? How is this on the front page of digg?

    More seriously though, if he's ruining the fun for all the other children he should be out by the unspoken rules of gaming. If this is another one of those "sketchy parents abusing their children" type stories then the title should say something about that.
    • Jennefah, on 08/26/2008, -0/+3You need to look at the bigger picture. What if this were a school band or a classroom and an incredibly talented child were forced to suppress their talent to ensure the equivalent of an "equal playing field". Hell, it's already happening when you consider that the exams I had to sit when I was 16 were piss easy compared to the exams my parents sat when they were 16.

      I'm not saying "no child left behind" is a bad idea... but it should be carried out in a way that benefits the children who struggle without suppressing those who excel.
  • dengzhi, on 08/26/2008, -24/+4who cares? baseball is boring. baseball is dead.
    • 9bpm9, on 08/26/2008, -1/+4And breaking attendance records every year.
      • B1663r, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1We had an amazing minor leage team and were sold out at every game until the Tigers stole all our good players. ***** Tigers.
    • SnowflakePillow, on 08/26/2008, -3/+2I, for one, welcome our new Starcraft-playing overlords.
    • MoJoe88, on 08/26/2008, -2/+1It appears to be very much alive and still an incredible game from where I sit... You must live in Kansas City?

      -a St. Louis Cardinals fan
    • mlwarrior, on 08/26/2008, -3/+2You're a coward.
    • caseycoold, on 08/27/2008, -0/+1Watching it boring, playing is ok.
      But it is far from dead. Go anywhere needs a yankees/redsocks game (at your own risk). It's murder up here...
  • 9bpm9, on 08/26/2008, -10/+31I was really hoping this was from The Onion.
  • TimLL32, on 08/26/2008, -2/+121That kid pretty much has bragging rights for life.
    • vanetta, on 08/26/2008, -0/+10Hell, Back in '82, I used to be able to throw a pigskin a quarter mile
  • RMoore08, on 08/26/2008, -8/+30Let the kid pitch. Its not his fault hes good.
    • siszam, on 08/26/2008, -5/+10Let him pitch on a team that matches his skill level.
      • thestereofield, on 08/26/2008, -3/+3exactly. diggers don't know ***** about sports
      • 1timeuser, on 08/26/2008, -1/+4What the hell is this "sports"?
      • RobotBuddha, on 08/26/2008, -0/+3If the nature of sports is allowing yourself to be dragged down to avoid hurting people's feelings, I can imagine why we're not flocking to learn more about this fun activity.
      • Tyrghast, on 08/26/2008, -0/+3No, let him pitch on a team with his friends. This is little league, you're supposed to have fun.
      • xienze, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1@RobotBuddha:

        So are you in favor of NFL vs. college exhibition games?

        It's not about "dragging yourself down to avoid hurting feelings", it's about making the game playable and enjoyable. The game is no fun for the opposing team, since every game is just going to be a no-hitter, and there's certainly no challenge for the pitcher since he can pretty much throw strikes on command. Jeez, these kids are nine, they're still developing the coordination necessary to hit a *slow* ball, forget about a 40MPH one. This kid is clearly way beyond their talent level and needs to move up, for the sake of other plays and for his own personal development.
      • Fhwqhgads, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1"The game is no fun for the opposing team, since every game is just going to be a no-hitter, and there's certainly no challenge for the pitcher since he can pretty much throw strikes on command."

        Well that's just too damn bad. Kids need to eventually learn that there are people better than them who they cannot compete with. Life's a bitch. Get use to it.
    • warispeace21, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2Well crap, at least let him finish the season! They were 8-0, let them win the league title before you break them up.
    • Truth3, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2This is the REAL solution, they did it for me when I played little league too: You move the kid up to another age group to play kids with his skill level! I was playing kids two years older than me, it makes you a better player when you play better competition.
    • sportsfan06, on 09/01/2008, -0/+0Your right he's nine right either let him play with his age or bump him up a leauge.
  • MoJoe88, on 08/26/2008, -3/+92"No son, try throwing it slower and maybe in the dirt every once in awhile. Maybe then you'll make the team"
    • Medicamusic, on 10/28/2008, -1/+21I tried that all through little league... didnt work.
  • rukeypoo, on 08/26/2008, -5/+18funky butt lovin?
  • Truth3, on 08/26/2008, -14/+8I remember playing little league and this kid on the other team threw a REALLY fast fastball. Everyone on our team were scared to go up to the plate, in fear that he would hit us. Well, I remember clearly the day another kid on my team got hit in his head by that kid. I was scared ***** to go up to bat after that. I'm sure little leaguers don't want Jericho Scott to pitch for that reason (although he hasn't hit anyone according to the article); unless he's on your team. Then all you have to worry about is practice :O
    • ahollywoodtale, on 08/26/2008, -2/+10I've played sports a lot growing up. I've been hit by pitches and gotten scraps and bruises. I've been hit with a bat that was thrown. It's a sport, you get hurt sometimes. You get dirty. Yeah it's painful and it sucks sometimes - but it's never stopped me from playing, and I wouldn't ask someone who was good to ever stop playing. Confidence would have probably made you less "scared *****". My coach took us to the batting cages, told us to practice - cause we enjoyed playing we were never scared ***** of a kid who could pitch fast.
    • Wartz, on 08/26/2008, -0/+5Maybe you should have got some balls and improved your hitting instead of wimping out.
  • sinaura, on 08/26/2008, -6/+45This kid will probably grow up to become a baseball phenom, make millions, and sleep with more women then his entire little league counterparts combined. The jealous parents of the other kids are just trying to get their licks in before it happens. It must be demoralizing to see a kid like that, then to look at your own child and realize your dream of retiring off your kid's baseball fortune is just that, a dream.

    /sigh
    • thestereofield, on 08/26/2008, -4/+3it's not that he's all THAT amazing. just that he's playing with a bunch of beginners when there are separate leagues for kids of his ability
    • poptoppyramid, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2If he really did turn into a phenom, which he probably wont, than the over protective parents are robbing their children of being able to tell their children that they once got stuck out by that guy... or God forbid, got a hit.
    • PoorCollegeGuy, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1No. What'll happen is this: He'll have Tommy-John's surgery by the time he's in high school and he'll never be able to throw harder than 60 mph.

      That is, if he doesn't get taken care of properly while he's young.
  • whiteknives, on 08/26/2008, -2/+5http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/harrison.html
  • koldmilk, on 08/26/2008, -18/+5it's a little league team it's suppose to be fun... the kid can wait till he's older to play more competitively.
    • Thundercat1971, on 08/26/2008, -0/+4fun for everyone except for kids who can actually play the game huh?
  • titaniumten, on 08/26/2008, -7/+2Dear Peter Noble,

    ***** YOU,

    Sincerely,

    Any athlete who doesn't walk off the field.
    • Medicamusic, on 10/28/2008, -1/+3Because those kids will definitely see this.
  • Eslamicolt3, on 08/26/2008, -3/+39Dash: But Dad always said our powers were nothing to be ashamed of, our powers made us special.
    Helen: Everyone's special, Dash.
    Dash: [muttering] Which is another way of saying no one is.
  • patbon, on 08/26/2008, -2/+21That boy's got the devil in him
  • BoSuu, on 08/26/2008, -7/+61I feel bad for the kid, but I honestly understand the leagues though process on the issue.

    A 9 year old kid with a 40 mph pitch is some scary ***** for the 9 year old up to bat. It's not fun for the rest of the kids in the league either. It's a crappy situation for all involved I am sure, but if the kid is that good I would think he would be able to play in a league with some older kids? I know most leagues have age groups as a general rule of thumb and kids that excel beyond their years are moved up without much fuss.
    • SwK386, on 08/26/2008, -5/+4Actually yes and no... My son plays PeeWee Football... He's only 10 however he's the height and weight of most 12 yr olds... in football this is a cause for concern since it is a full contact sport and their are rules specifically about size/weight for the safety of the other players... however in baseball there are no such rules...

      this is just another example of people being told its not just ok to be mediocre is necessary... and people wonder why in the united states is not a world leader in Science and Technology any more, or why it takes NASA a billion dollars just to launch the shuttle and we're still stuck in LEO
    • JDizzle614, on 08/26/2008, -0/+340mph is scary? When I was in Little League at 9, the batting cage we practiced in was 35mph; it was the slowest available at the facility. It was faster than most 10 year old pitchers we faced, but I don't think it was scary.
      • thisguy457, on 08/26/2008, -0/+5It's the distance from mound to plate. In the batting cages it's a longer distance. The reason this causes a big difference is if you pitch at 40mph, the ball goes from the mound to the plate so fast you don't have much time to react. While, in the cages, with a longer distance, that same 40mph ball would take longer to get across the plate, giving the batter more time to react.

        There is some conversions that you'll notice during the little league world series where they say "oh, that's like a major league pitcher throwing 110mph" - that just means the ball is in the air for that amount of time, not that it's going equivalently fast.
      • z0mb13, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2batting cages don't throw wild pitches at your face on accident
      • jserio, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1Was 35 the "slow pitch" speed? Does slow pitch still exist at batting cages?
  • Mononuclear, on 08/26/2008, -7/+27Why doesn't the kid play with older kids at the same skill level as him? This is like the article about the girl not allowed to play basketball because she was like a foot and a half taller than everyone else.

    This isn't the Olympics or even High School. Kids play sports to have fun. When you have one kid that destroys any competition the game is no longer fun and basically ruins it for anyone else.

    This kid has every right to play and have fun too but not at the cost of everyone else. Is it worth it to let the one kid play with his age group while 50 others kids lose all interest in baseball?
    • TripcodeMel, on 08/26/2008, -14/+2WAAHHHH WAAHHHH WON'T SOMEONE THINK OF THE CHILDREN BAWWWWW
    • fuzed, on 08/26/2008, -0/+5Well said. The kid obviously shouldn't be playing with other nine year olds. Surely the league has other age groups that this kid would be better suited to play with.
  • dsanonline, on 08/26/2008, -4/+13This is sad to see and I personally don't agree with it. None the less, I can see the dangers and reasoning behind it.

    On the bright side, the kid can expect a glorious baseball future ahead considering the publicity this kid is getting... you all know this kid is going to be groomed in baseball and sign with a top major-league baseball team in the future.

    Kid, I envy you.
    • Wartz, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1most of the time kids like that turn out to be busts. (danny almonte anyone?)
    • BIim, on 08/26/2008, -0/+0Except he's not allowed to play...
  • z0mb13, on 08/26/2008, -7/+9Punishing him and his whole team was a ***** move, but he should find a league that is comparable to his skill level. Most of these kids are just starting to play the game, and 40 MPH when you're 9 years old is absolutely NUTS. This could have been handled better.
  • rbk303, on 08/26/2008, -10/+5That's right, protege! Either dumb it down for the rest of us, or we're not going to play with you anymore. Ok? Friggin' show off...
  • Meocross, on 08/26/2008, -6/+1i im disgusted of this outcome, so you must wreck the kids dream because he obviously has talent? if he is so powerful then let him play on a team that can handle that power, sign him unto a teenage baseball league and up.
  • NSResponder, on 08/26/2008, -5/+9This is the lamest thing I've read in months, and in the midst of an election season, that's saying something.

    -jcr
  • sirbeta, on 08/26/2008, -5/+15Absolutely sickening. I understand the safety concerns the parents have but that's all part of the game. If they're afraid their kid is going to be hit by a pitch, he shouldn't be playing in the first place. Even slower pitches can pack a punch. There shouldn't be some sort of skill cap that gets you in trouble if you pass it. The whole object of the position is to strike the opponent out, not softly pitch him a ball he can hit. I hope this kid doesn't grow up thinking he needs to dumb himself down a notch out of fear he'll get in trouble for being good at something.
  • faithforever, on 08/26/2008, -3/+20What's not being included in these shock value articles is that this little boy is in a co-ed youth league for beginning players age 8-10. He's free to go play Little League if he wants to, instead of playing in a league much below his ability.

    It's a little different when you realize he's also pitching to 8 year old girls with 40 mph fastballs.
    • Oracle95, on 08/26/2008, -3/+5Not really, in the select league for softball, the 9 year olds can reach 45 mph and the pitching rubber is closer to the plate than in baseball. The part that I find amazing is that he hasn't hit any batters!

      My daughters always saw a pitcher like that as a challenge to show that all of their hitting lessons were paying off. You don't become a better player by playing against weaker players or hitting off of a tee. I don't know if there is a "select" baseball league for this kid to pitch in, but these other players should be looking at the opportunity rather than hiding from it.
    • PoorCollegeGuy, on 08/26/2008, -1/+3Most little leagues have that kind of program built-in, as a sort of feeder to the older Little League divisions.

      9 years old is also too young for those upper divisions. In the 11-12 age groups, for example, the youngest kids that are allowed to play up are still at least 10. The kid would get rocked, and probably doesn't have the fielding skills to keep himself safe on the mound.
    • JustinCase18, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2Boy, Faith, if I was a girl, I'd be offended by your comment. At that age, I don't think there is an advantage of boys hitting better than girls. I'll bet if Jericho was a girl throwing that kind of heat, there wouldn't be any pussies running away from her ability.
  • Antixian, on 08/26/2008, -2/+15god forbid some other little ***** actually steps up and hits those fastballs.
  • rheaume, on 08/26/2008, -14/+4Because he can bean somebody in the ***** head, is that clear enough for you?
    • yoda133113, on 08/26/2008, -3/+6That's why they wear helmets
    • SwK386, on 08/26/2008, -2/+7obviously you didnt read the article... which clearly stated he has control to go with the 40mph fast ball... and as for getting beaned in the head... thats what the helmets are for...
    • Oracle95, on 08/26/2008, -2/+4Spoken like an idiot who's spent too much time in the batting cages without his helmet.
    • PoorCollegeGuy, on 08/26/2008, -0/+4Um.

      I've been hit in the head with a 90 MPH fastball while wearing a helmet.

      Didn't even hurt.
    • CaptainNoPants, on 08/26/2008, -1/+2lol

      BASEBALL HELMETS

      is that clear enough for you?
      • rheaume, on 08/26/2008, -1/+1Yeah, just imagine telling that to your son as he steps up to the plate against somebody much better than him. Are you the type that would throw him in the boxing ring with an adult too? The gloves are padded LOL AHAHA
  • se7endaytheory7, on 08/26/2008, -3/+6When this kid gets older he's gonna get more ass than a toilet seat.
  • NecroDigg, on 08/26/2008, -2/+23Well obviously he should be playing with older kids. It sounds like he's way out of the league of his peers to the point where it's pointless playing because he will win every time. (And scare the ***** out of them with his fast ball).
  • duggdowncatisad, on 08/26/2008, -6/+14In other news, the International Olympic Committee has told Michael Phelps that he can't swim in the 2012 Olympics because he won too many medals in Beijing.
  • Crystallio, on 08/26/2008, -0/+12Despite whatever small-time politicking is involved, he'd probably be better off playing in an older age division anyhow as he'd get a chance to throw against better players.
  • ahollywoodtale, on 08/26/2008, -5/+6If I were the other coaches, I'd take my kid to the batting cages.
    And If I were the kids on the other team - I would enjoy going up against his pitches. Teach me to play harder and if got a hit off him, I would feel like I earned it since they all consider him "to good" for his age. I'd rather challenge myself then let prideful parents decide who should and shouldn't play on the field in a little league.

    If your kid sucks, teach him to be a better sport when leaving the field with the idea that he tried his best. Not that it's impossible and the problem should be removed.
    But I'm neither coach nor the another teams - sadly this kid can't play cause he's good. I hope he take it as a compliment and is proud of the people trying to stick up for him.
    • colincornaby, on 08/26/2008, -1/+2"If I were the other coaches, I'd take my kid to the batting cages. "

      It's a casual co-ed league for 8 year olds. Isn't that a little overkill?
      • ahollywoodtale, on 08/27/2008, -0/+1Well, I guess people could look at it that way, sure. When I played on the casual co-ed teams had fun when they took our team to the batting cages. It built confidence.
  • fxu1989, on 08/26/2008, -10/+3WOULD SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • neilk85, on 08/26/2008, -3/+20I gotta say that even tho I was disgusted by this at first, it was the right call for the boy and for the rest of the league since HE SHOULD BE PLAYING IN A MORE ADVANCED LEAGUE.

    If you read the more detailed SI article it said that he was offered the chance to play as part of the more advance Little League System rather than the beginning league for 8-10 year olds. He should take the opportunity to actually put himself to the test with comparable competition rather than playing down to less skilled players.

    Not only would that benefit the beginners league since they'll have promoted a more advanced player to a better league making it possible for newcomers to learn the game (rather than get mowed down) but more importantly it will allow him to actually hone his skills and strive to improve.

    I played USTA Juniors tennis for 8 years and this sort of thing happens all the time where a kid get rediculously good and dominates everyone in his age group. But instead of just letting him sit there and mindlessly mow everyone else down they move him up to a higher age or skill group so he can face tougher challengers and become a better player.....and the player and his parents welcome this rather than bitching just so the kid can stay where he is.
    • SwK386, on 08/26/2008, -0/+3Actually if you read the same article... this just looks like serious parental politics... he was invited to join the league defending champions... and when he didnt and his team looked like they were going to sweep them, then he was sidelined...
    • Huckleberry, on 08/26/2008, -0/+4Not sure what article you are reading because they are the same, it is from the AP... but they do not mention another league, just another team in the same league that he was offered to play for. So if there was another league I would happen to agree with your statement but we have no way of knowing if that is the case.

    • hokie47, on 08/26/2008, -1/+1I can't tell you how many times I got my ass kicked by some 12 or 14 year old tennis player when I played in the 16-18 age bracket. It was like some cruel joke that every first round I would play some kid that was ranked #1 in Russia or some other country. Florida junior USTA is not for amateures.
    • BIim, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1Banning him from playing in the middle of the season? The team is 8-0, so I doubt there were many games left. If the league didn't want him to play any more, they should wait until next year to tell him to move up a league.
    • JustinCase18, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1Most leagues don't let you jump from one league to another in mid-season. It's designed to keep teams from recruiting and ruining a weaker team by taking its only talent. Once the season is over, he'll probably move on anyway, but it's obvious there's more politics here than meets the eye. He's probably "no hit" the defending league's championship team and that just isn't allowed.
      • Huckleberry, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1I think you may have hit the real reason there... as with all these stories there are always things they dont report about in the news, it is really sad that a 9 year old can get caught up in someone else's politics...
  • Seaton, on 08/26/2008, -6/+14HOW DO I REEEECH THEEEEEEZ KEEEEEEEEDZZZ?!?!?!?!?!
  • WoollyMittens, on 08/26/2008, -7/+6Let's punish talented people for being "elitist" instead of mediocre like the rest.
  • metalgel, on 08/26/2008, -2/+4I love it when you call me Big Pop-pa. Throw your hands in the air, if youse a true player
  • Soave, on 08/26/2008, -4/+4I think it's understandable. I mean, the other kids' parents have to pay for Little League, and they're not gonna want their kids having terrible games because of this kid. It's bad for people on the opposing team as well as people on his team, who won't get any action in the field.
  • Angirus, on 08/26/2008, -4/+4This is a common problem with children's sports. There are sometimes kids that physically mature earlier than others, and it's not a "level playing field" when they compete together. People here are saying that this 9 year old will be some great baseball player when he grows up, but that's not necessarily or even likely to be true. He simply started physically maturing a couple years before the other kids and by the time they are all 18 it will have evened out. Kids sports are divided into age groups for the very purpose of trying to put kids of similar skill levels together, but sometimes age isn't the best determinant.
    • deepbl, on 08/26/2008, -4/+7Welcome to life - it's never a level playing field. They best get used to it now.

    • user12345, on 08/26/2008, -0/+0Dugg.

      in sports science, it is pretty accepted that late bloomers are generally the best adult athletes.
  • Aurabolt, on 08/26/2008, -2/+3Is that... Harrison Bergeron?
  • blacklilyninja, on 08/26/2008, -1/+4the boy should be put where he can do what he likes. in a higher level of skill league. The parents need to take responsibility and find him a sponsor to get him there. Or pay for it themselves. I heard Chico's Bail Bonds was sponsoring youth baseball.
    • tomega, on 08/26/2008, -0/+0But... but what about other kids who want to be in a higher level league?
  • JFetch, on 08/26/2008, -3/+5I deal with this all the time since I work in youth sports. What should happen is the parents of the kid need to put him in a competitive league where he can get better. You don't get better playing kids that suck. Kids that suck also must have the opportunity to play. That's why that league is a developmental league. It's one mad team vs every other kid in the league. Of course you ban the kid from pitching. He was given the option of playing a different position but his mom is a bitch and just cares about her baby's winning streak.
    • tomega, on 08/26/2008, -1/+0Winning streak? Man, you are definetly in wrong place. There are plenty of "sports" where you can be ok even if you are looser. Like, um, ball dances?
    • jstrahn, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2Who is to say the kid had other options for "competitive" leagues. When I played Little League, it was damn competitive and there were always a couple of kids that were basically men at 11 years old. They were way bigger than everyone else and always pitched because they threw hard.

      Did anyone protest? No because all the other kids had to get better to compete and parents weren't pansies back then like they are now worried that their precious kids might get a scraped knee. Kids are coddled these days and it is sickening.
  • cuoops, on 08/26/2008, -0/+32Move him up to older kids league. Problem solved......
    • TnTBass, on 08/26/2008, -0/+3Agreed. I don't see why the kid would be opposed to it either, because it has to be somewhat boring to constantly slaughter the opposing team. Sure, it would be fun the first couple times, but it would get boring eventually.

      Let him play against players of his own skill level.
    • BadenBall, on 08/26/2008, -0/+0you think this would be a no brainer, instead of treating a child with a fragile psyche like a pariah.
    • JustinCase18, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1Within reason, some team insurance policies don't extend beyond a certain age. This keeps 9 years olds from getting creamed by a line drive by a 13 year old who outweighs him by 50 - 100 pounds and has been taking batting lessons the past 8 years.
    • DevinKev, on 08/27/2008, -0/+0When? Our league rules prohibit changing teams or league until the seasons over. That prevents one team from destroying the others because it has a bigger sponsor or a better record. At the end of the season you have All-Stars and then the next year you have an all year draft. At this age, he's probably just starting out and his parents didn't know his ability compared to the other kids his age. This just sounds like the defending championship team playing politics to keep its record unblemished.

      I coach girls softball and the worst thing you can do is take a 9 year old and put her on a 12 or 14 under team. She might be able to PLAY with that age, but the discussions in the dugout (ranging from PG-13 to almost X-rated exploits) are beyond the emotional ability of a younger player. Believe me, a 13 year old team mate will ream his ass and belittle him to death the first time he makes an error and he won't have a teammate (classmate) anywhere for emotional support.
  • copypastry, on 08/26/2008, -2/+4It would appear that they would sooner have a belly-itcher.
  • nosamesame, on 08/26/2008, -13/+5Welcome to Obamas America.
    • deepbl, on 08/26/2008, -2/+4Yep.. these kids with their iPods, their electronic disco music, and their 40 MPH fastballs. When I was playing in little league, kids were throwing 80 MPH and chewing tobacco.
      • 1timeuser, on 08/26/2008, -0/+6When I was a boy paraplegics used to throw 80 mph and juggle knives at the same time! Naked.
      • IpecacNeat, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1When I was a boy, if we didn't throw 80 mph, we were made to dip citrus skoal and take a shot of Jack D. When we won games, we would go out for pizza, but weren't allowed to blow on the slices.
    • CaptainNoPants, on 08/26/2008, -0/+2a mind bogglingly braindead comment from nosamesame
      • nosamesame, on 08/26/2008, -0/+1Except for the fact that LIBERALS are the ones who took away the honor of Valedictorian and introduced "EVERYONE WINS" sports to schools and after school programs.
  • TheMachine1, on 08/26/2008, -1/+9"When Jericho took the mound anyway last week, the opposing team forfeited the game, packed its gear and left, his coach said."

    That sounds like something you would see in a movie about a misfits baseball team.
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