Professional baseball made big changes this year in an attempt to regain its popularity, speeding up play with rules that keep pitchers and hitters from dawdling. We asked Twin Cities coaches by email: Are changes needed in high school baseball? Here are some of our questions and their answers:
How do you view the state of high school baseball in Minnesota?
"My opinion is baseball is still very strong in Minnesota. There is no shortage of outstanding players. We have a very robust program at St. Francis, with 60-70 kids coming out annually in a school with about 500 boys 9-12. I will admit that our numbers are better than most of our competitors in the Mississippi 8. Many times we are left searching for JV games to get our players a more competitive and productive experience." — Luke Scardigli, St. Francis
"I would say baseball in the east metro is as strong as ever and our games are fun to watch. You have some of the best programs, players and coaches in the state. It is fast and it is played with a great deal of energy and intensity. That is the way the game is supposed to be played." — Kevin McDermott, Woodbury
"High school baseball right now is still healthy, in my opinion. At Andover, we had our largest registration numbers programwide in the last six years. The biggest issue I see with Minnesota high school baseball is schedule and facilities. While softball has domeball as an option, baseball is not as lucky. We're relegated to indoor practice on gym floors, indoor cages, or other indoor facilities in which you have to shrink your field." — Pete Andersen, Andover
What are some of the issues you see affecting high school baseball?
"With less multisport athletes and more sports for youth being introduced … there are less athletes to go around in high school sports. The result is some sports and programs have witnessed declining numbers. At the same time, with specialization, talent levels have increased. In the spring, we are flooded with boys sports offerings: Tennis, golf, lacrosse, track, baseball and now club volleyball. In addition, summer soccer and basketball programs are well underway by springtime. There's a lot to pick from." —Troy Urdahl, St. Anthony coach and director of athletics and activities
"Specialization: Kids are choosing one sport and sticking with it year-round. Hockey players and basketball players have been doing this, but now more and more I see baseball players that only do baseball year-round. It's tough for a player who plays multiple sports to keep up with a player who is training that much, and so I think I'm seeing more kids either all in or they don't play." — Ryan Tohm, Champlin Park