Before I rant, let me just get in a little "Let's go Mets!!" because that is one bit of baseball that is not making me stressed! I love my team in good years and bad, but it is so easy to love them this year!

Little league is a different story altogether.

C is 8yrs old. Last year he played in the 8yr old div. making the cut by about 8 days. This year they changed the dates so he misses the cut by 3 months.

During the season he played 9s. No problem. In fact, he wound up playing up with the 10-11s as a sub for a better part of the year. But now? It's AllStar season around here and it's crazy and stressful. People who had until now had an "it's all for fun" attitude, seem to be trying to hand pick a team to win! win! win! This means trying to recruit older kids (10s) that, because of the new dates, could play 9s a second year.

C is being made to feel like he should be grateful if they allow him a spot. He could easily make this team but they don't seem to want to take him because he is allowed to play with 8s.

We don't necessarily want to see him playing down but I don't want him to feel like it was some kind of gift if they let him play.

His buddies are mainly 9s.

It just sucks. We have been going back and forth with this for weeks and evaluations start today. I think even if 9s say yes--unless it is clear that they want him and aren't just "allowing" him to play--we will put him with the "A" team of 8s. Some of his friends will be there. Not many, but some.

And then??? The topper. C subbed for his buddy's team in the playoffs. Two other 9s also subbed. They had been playing 10-11s this year but were nine years old. His buddy's team--with the subs--tromped the other team.

Last night, almost a week later, and the night before the next playoff game, the other coach called to tell the boys they had to forfeit for using players from 10-11 even though they were nine years old.

Lots of fighting, disappointed kids, and now it seems the other coach is willing to "compromise and settle for a tie for second." Compromise? You came in third!! You were eliminated. Suck it up and take it like a man. What are you teaching these guys? Whine and you win?

And as a result there will be no more playoff games. The other team gets first by default.

What a load of crap.

I don't remember any of this politics bullshit last year. I want C to play and have a good time. I don't want him to feel like the worst kid on the team or a "baby" that they are letting play and I don't want him playing on a team that he can run circles around.

These men need to grow up and let the kids play ball.