Baseball's Stages of Development

Stage 1
Tee Ball -Coach Pitch - Kid Pitch - Minor/Majors
Stage 2
Pony League - High School - American Legion - Scout Ball
Stage 3
Connie Mack - Jr. College - NAIA - NCAA
Stage 4
Independent Ball - Minor Leagues - Major Leagues

In Baseball, as in life, there are many stages of development. Maturity in either one takes time, patience, guidance and support. Just as adults understand that stages of maturity are not always reached at the same time, so youth coaches should also understand that skill development follows a similar pattern. Yet - put a 10 year old, in a uniform, on the field and keep score, it is unbelievable how both coaches and adults will react. It ranges from bragging to cursing, especially at the club level.

The ‘Big Picture” in baseball, as in life, should be viewed as following a natural progression based on the interest and drive of the individual athlete. Some players will progress early and struggle later, once others catch up maturity wise. While some will start out slow, struggle and then, (if they stay with it and are not run off) bloom into a tough, skilled athlete. However, patience, guidance and support, are needed in both scenarios along the way.

As parents, coaches and adult role models, the best example one can give any young person is the freedom to progress at their own rate. Remember, the shoe that fits one person, pinches another. There is no recipe for development that suits all cases. So relax and enjoy the game. There will be plenty of time for development along the way.