He was the second or third best hitter on the team and had earned the 2-spot. If, as coaches, we're too concerned with the peanut gallery, we're not making the tough decisions we're to be entrusted with. Reward excellence and reward effort. Finally, let some of the other coaches have a hand in the process. Believe me, this is a big, big kid favorite, and the star-studded caps will become the headware of choice.
Coaches sometimes get more involved in the game than their kids.
Or you hear of a new teaching method or clinic or post or book or video . Figure out what satisfies you, stick with it, refine it, and enjoy it. I like good-head players who can absorb these plays and perform them in a pinch. For one season I had a very talented boy who possessed all the physical tools but no interest in teamwork. I just let him cover 1B on all plays, as he'd end up doing that anyway.