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Little Jericho's fastball has parents trembling
Disbanding team is no solution for 9-year-old's zingers

 
By John Rohde | Published: August 28, 2008    Comment on this article Leave a comment

The opposing pitcher is 9 years old, and he's throwing so hard it's scaring the parents.

Through the chain-link backstop, you spot your own 9-year-old standing in the on-deck circle. Your child is nervous and looking for parental guidance before stepping to the plate.

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The L.J.N.H. Juvenile League of New Haven, Conn., disqualified Jericho Scott and his team, The Will Power Fitness, because very few of the other teams' players could get a hit off of Scott. Associated press
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At this point, there are several things a parent could say:

"Choke up on the bat.”

"Step back in the box.”

"Shorten your swing.”

"Just think contact.”

"Quick hands. Quick bat.”

"Close your eyes and swing.”

"Bunt.”

Any of these would suffice much better than, "Pack up your gear and get in the car.”

Such was the stance taken in the Youth Baseball League of New Haven, Conn., when a team was about to face fireballer Jericho Scott.

The league has since barred Scott from pitching.

His 8-0 team has been disbanded.

The incident has gained nationwide attention. In a Hartford Courant online poll, 80 percent of voters are siding with Scott.

Scott, who turned 10 on Wednesday, literally is playing out of his league. He is facing some players who never played before this season.

Scott belongs in a higher-division league for ages 10-12, but his parents have insisted he remain in the league for ages 8-10.

Playing in the 8-10 co-ed league gives Scott a chance to play with his friends.

It also gives him a chance to dominate, which might be what his parents want more than what Scott wants himself.

Scott's fastball tops out around 40 mph, which isn't overwhelmingly fast at that age.

Nine-year-olds in the Oklahoma City area have the option of playing machine-pitch ball.

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Related Topics: Culture and Lifestyle, Family, Parenting



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