To try and keep a small lead or not get blown out can make the kids work harder and want to compete ever more. I believe stats should be kept for both the upper division and the inner city players. Stats are a major part of the baseball heritage and always will be. It is an area in which players are able to set their goals and work towards achieving. It not only helps motivate the players to compete against themselves and attain their goals, but also gives the players a means in which to compare and compete against their peers.
Coaches decide the playing time of players.
One of my biggest pet peeves as a coach is when a player of mine or a parent comes up to me and says that they should be playing more and at another position. On the traveling teams, I would first play my better players and try to win the game, but once a in control, by either team, I would then make sure that everyone got a chance to play. Moreover, I would also make sure that all players have started at least a couple of games during the year. In the inner city, the coaches would also be in charge of playing time, but more emphasis would be placed on equal playing time for everyone. I believe it is important for players at a young age to learn to play as many positions as possible.