I wrote complaint to GYGSA board after game 6. A week went by with no response from board and we played double header for games 7 and 8. I had basically given up hope that Reese would improve. Kassidy was still being positioned in outfield but on game 8 she made 2 great plays actually tracking down base runners for outs on TWO occasions all the way from the left field position. Was a rare defensive spark that she executed on and also had put herself into position to have chance to make 2 other outs but just missed them. Clutch performance considering that I saw that GYGSA President was sat behind home plate watching our game the entire time. He also approached me after the game to chat about my complaint.
After the doubleheader we went to GYBA fields for boys games and Reese approached me saying Kassidy made some really great plays today and if she continued to play like that he would "consider" getting her more infield time. 😂 The way that he still used word "consider" after she showed out was just another little stab to me and I just smiled and tried to disengage with interaction. But I felt necessary to share my real thoughts later on that evening with a message below.
From: Jeremiah
Hey coach, Jeremiah(Kassidys dad) here.
Wanted to let you know that Kassidy has a baseball practice conflict tomorrow afternoon so she will not be able to make it. Thank you for sharing the recognition of her play today and mentioning trying to work her into some infield time but that’s not really good enough.
This is her 3rd year playing, 2nd year of coach pitch. I simply think that your skills assessment of her is far off. I’m fully aware of her early struggles but I’ve witnessed her abilities the last 3 years in multiple sports. She’s consistently one of top 3 players on every team but definitely never lower tier of any team. There’s simply too much pure athletic ability there. She’s fast and strong on the situational awareness and reaction aspect. Multiple times getting double plays least year. I think the confusing part is that you gave out position assignment sheets before 1st game and listed pitcher, back up 1st base and outfield in that order. Her poor play in the 1st game seemed to have made you totally change your skills assessment of her for rest of the season. I think that your response to Meredith’s inquiry was a demeaning and inaccurate.
Tell me your honest assessment of how our infield has played this year?
Perfect?
Great?
Good?
None of the above-but getting better?
So for you to say Kassidy needed to play perfectly in the outfield for an opportunity to play infield again, when the rest of the infield hasn’t even been good is just disrespectful.
Maybe re-read “Meredith’s response” to your response. You may actually find a lot of words that actually came from me (Kassidys dad and former boys baseball coach). I thought that you would at least put more thought and consideration into how you utilize her the next game but you failed to do so. I saw that lexi’s dad had a conversation with you before this last game and when it was out of reach you did have the decency to shuffle positions. That’s a step in the right direction and is where we differ from a youth coach ethics perspective.
There are other parents feeling the same way as me and Lexi’s dad. Also, for full transparency, I have written a complaint to the GYGSA board regarding our experience this year. The thing is, I’m not even that guy and I never thought I’d ever be in this situation.
I just want to share my thoughts and be transparent about us taking up an opportunity with another team. As her parent I have to ensure that she gets quality reps/opportunities. We felt it was necessary to maneuver towards what’s best for her growth and development.
I hope you understand where I’m coming from as a parent and at the end of the day, as a youth sports head coach, I just want you to do better.
We will see you Monday.
From: Coach Reese
If you start skipping practice don’t expect more playing time. Also very immature to miss a chance when the team needs you to play infield for a bathroom run. As a coach I think you understand. If Kassidy is not enjoying this season then I am sorry for that. We run practice to develop all girls. I also rely heavily on my assistant coaches on assessment and positions. If you decide to leave the team then I respect your decision.
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