Why is it such a big issue to move him up a year group, or to move to a more competative league? Surely the kid should be honoured by that rather than complaining and staying in a group where his talents aren't appreciated, his parents to boot.

He has every right to complain. A performer who shows exceptional talent should be awarded for their skills, not punished because of it.

I just find it kind of funny that sports discourage competition these days, all in the name of making a few kids feel good about themselves. When I was playing baseball, I wanted to go against the best competition I could find as it made me a better player. This is complete bullshit.

Reading this story I agree with ya'll that he should have been put into a different league, but do it AFTER the season.

I mean, heck, if he stuck with a team and then they all of a sudden want to move him, thats completely bullshit. Its like other sports, if its an under 18 league and you're 17 at the start, they let you play and finish regardless if you turn 18 after the first day or the last day of the league.

All this could result in doing is discouraging the kid. I mean hell, whats next? Taking a kid whos at say...Gateway Community College (thanks google) and kicking him out because he's too smart and tell him to go to Yale because he's making the other kids feel dumb?

Unfortunately the western world is on a downward spiral of mollycoddling children these days. It only makes sense that they would want to make the less talented kids feel better about themselves. I do have to agree that a little competition goes a long way, rather than stagnating kids in similar ability groups, but this kid is pitching at 40mph for christ's sake. He should appreciate the competition of moving up a league. Admittedly to do so in the middle of a season is harsh...

I love how everyone is essentially channeling Rand here but to explicitly mention her name is some kind of internet faux pas.

They may be agreeing with her ideas for the moment but that doesn't mean it's suddenly okay to bring her up by name.

You know, because she's an annoying cunt.

Kind of like how even Republicans are loathe to bring up Ann Coulter in conversation.

He's 9! The poor thing is being told he's not allowed to be good, he has to be second, this reminds me of the movie The Incredibles, where the son comes in close 2nd so not to showboat his amazing ability. You know I don't think anyone ever told the major league players as kids they couldn't play normal baseball with their friends and others their age...

You know this will make a great story for when the kid does hit the majors too "Jericho Scott, Banned in his Youth, Now the Best Pitcher of All Time."
And then start with a nice first line of "The jealous league admins of 2008........"