Did anyone watch that Southwest final between the team from Texas and the team from Louisiana? La. hit a game tieing homerun in bottom of the 6th with 2 outs, then they gave one up in the top of the 7th when it was apparent that another inning was not going to be started until the next day (LL rules prohibit a new inning from being started after 11 PM). So they went to bat in the bottom of the 7th needing a run to extend the game to the next day and two to end it. The 8 hole hitter took one out to dead center to start the inning, then a kid drew a walk, advanced on a slow roller to the shortstop, and to third on a single to left. Texas drew the infield in and got a ground ball to the shortstop that held up the runner. After working the count to 2-2, a curve in the dirt got away from the catcher and they scored the winning run. All this after being down 6-3. Quite a game, and its only the first they've shown I believe.

 

And for anyone planning on watching, if you see this Louisiana team, watch this Ken Fotenot kid. About 6' ft 150 at 12 years old. Looks like a man amongst boys out there. 2 HR's, including one that tied the game in the 6th, and made a backhanded play in the SS/3rd hole, turn and throw from one foot (if that) and got him...

And for anyone planning on watching, if you see this Louisiana team, watch this Ken Fotenot kid. About 6' ft 150 at 12 years old. Looks like a man amongst boys out there. 2 HR's, including one that tied the game in the 6th, and made a backhanded play in the SS/3rd hole, turn and throw from one foot (if that) and got him...

 

 

Wonder if he is any kin to Mike Fotenot of the Cubs, and former LSU grad????

I also love watching the LLWS. My only gripe is the short dimensions for the age group.

 

Absolutely love watching these talented kids and their love for the game!!

 

I do have to say, however, there are a few LL rules that I would love to see changed. I don't see the need to prohibit lead offs. I know the concern is that it would become a knothole "walk-becomes-a-triple" game, but these 12-13 year olds are just so talented, I don't see that happening. I think it's important for pitchers that age to begin to learn to pitch from the stretch. Additionally, dropped third strikes should played like real baseball. And lastly, I very much believe the distances need to be expanded from 60' to 65' or 70' on the bases and from 46' to 50' on the mound. Even hard hit ground balls are close plays at 1B due to the short distances. 60' base distance is very, very short. And 46' pitching distance is simply too close for kids this age and quality.

 

Again, however, I just love watching and really appreciate the quality of play by these kids. But I do think LL needs to make a few changes to keep up with the times and increasing quality of play by kids this age. Heck, if nothing else, use wood bats if you want to keep the game "pure."

 

Great minds think alike.

Wonder if he is any kin to Mike Fotenot of the Cubs, and former LSU grad????

 

Hmm... Never thought of it... It's certainly possible, even if not likely, but I'd have thought they would have mentioned it. I know that the La. team's pitcher's Dad was a minor leaguer for a short time in the 90's because everytime they showed the kid on camera they mentioned it.

 

However, maybe this Fotenot kid just didn't put that bit of information on his info sheet...

Absolutely love watching these talented kids and their love for the game!!

 

I do have to say, however, there are a few LL rules that I would love to see changed. I don't see the need to prohibit lead offs. I know the concern is that it would become a knothole "walk-becomes-a-triple" game, but these 12-13 year olds are just so talented, I don't see that happening. I think it's important for pitchers that age to begin to learn to pitch from the stretch. Additionally, dropped third strikes should played like real baseball. And lastly, I very much believe the distances need to be expanded from 60' to 65' or 70' on the bases and from 46' to 50' on the mound. Even hard hit ground balls are close plays at 1B due to the short distances. 60' base distance is very, very short. And 46' pitching distance is simply too close for kids this age and quality.

 

Again, however, I just love watching and really appreciate the quality of play by these kids. But I do think LL needs to make a few changes to keep up with the times and increasing quality of play by kids this age. Heck, if nothing else, use wood bats if you want to keep the game "pure."

 

 

:thumb:Great post...I agree with it all.

Wood bats can get expensive.

I also love watching the LLWS. My only gripe is the short dimensions for the age group.

 

Exactly...a pop up is home run....The dimensions are really ridiculous for that age.. I know my 10yr old plays from 48' and 70'.....

After the one kid threw 5 straight curveballs, I turned it off......

Wood bats can get expensive.

 

So can $250 aluminum bats . . . .

 

Guarantee you that if LL would make this switch, they would be able to come up with a contract with a major wood bat manufacturer and get them on the cheap. I'm not saying that I necessarily want them to switch, but the fence distances are simply too short for the aluminum bats on the market these days. My younger brother has a good 10U SWOL team - not great, mind you, just very good. At one tournament they played at this year at a 200-ft. fence park, he had six different boys hit HR's. These LL teams are the best players from their respective leagues - and 2-3 years older - and use the same distance.

After the one kid threw 5 straight curveballs, I turned it off......

 

It has always amazed me the number of curveballs I see coaches allowing kids in this tournament to throw. And most of them have darn nice curveballs, which tells me that they've probably been throwing them for a while. The thing I just don't understand is that, for the most part, curveballs at that age are effective because of the change of speed, not the breaking of the pitch. The same result can be accomplished teaching a quality changeup and, as an added bonus, it doesn't risk hurting the young boy's arm.

After the one kid threw 5 straight curveballs, I turned it off......

 

I agree on 12 year olds not throwing breaking pitches. I coached youth baseball for quite a few years (at all levels) and imo all a 12year old needs to have is a fastball change up and most of all location on his pitches....moving the ball in and out, up and down in the zone, etc.. there will be plenty of time for throwing the breaking stuff.

Kids will be kids and they want to throw curve balls, Not only the coaches but imo the parents need to not allow this. Some parents promote it and not realizing how that is hurting an undeveloped arm.

It has always amazed me the number of curveballs I see coaches allowing kids in this tournament to throw. And most of them have darn nice curveballs, which tells me that they've probably been throwing them for a while. The thing I just don't understand is that, for the most part, curveballs at that age are effective because of the change of speed, not the breaking of the pitch. The same result can be accomplished teaching a quality changeup and, as an added bonus, it doesn't risk hurting the young boy's arm.

 

:thumb: I agree with all. Fastball, change up and location of the pitches.

I agree with almost every posted so far. I think the dimensions are way too small. From the fences to the base path to the pitchers mound. I also cringed when I saw the Texas pitcher throw curve after curve. All they need is the heat and a changeup, no need to ruin a kids arm at age 12. I saw a special on HBO's Real Sports, and Dr. K from the Reds was being interviewed about the number of young teens needing T. John surgery. He said that some parent come to him and they are not even injured, but they've been told that TJohn make the arm stronger. That is sick.

Wonder if he is any kin to Mike Fotenot of the Cubs, and former LSU grad????

 

I said the same thing--but if he is, I wonder how Mike missed out on that height?

I always enjoy watching the LLWS.