Franklin All-Star snub is perfect example of what's wrong with Little League

This happens all the time in all aspects of these young children's lives. It was the most surprising thing that happened to me as a parent. Many, many parents are not about the kids, they are about their kids. If your kid can be used to further the goals they have for their kid then great, but if you get in their way..........................look out. It's sad. I never expected that as a parent. By about 3rd grade I knew what it was all about. It's not just baseball....it's the Christmas pageant and who gets to play point guard on the basketball team. It's who gets the lead in the play and who gets to be on the school newspaper.....it just goes on and on.
Mommy brings the teacher snacks and helps with reading to the kids and in exchange....surprise...surprise....her child gets to be the starting quarterback for the year end all school football game on carnival day. It never ends. It's pathetic.

I really do not understand why the process of choosing kids for an All Star Team would not be based on stats. How can these managers get away with sticking their kids on the team over a kid who clearly deserved a spot? If this boy beat out all of their boys pitching -- how come their boys are on that team?

You think these managers would be ashamed to show their faces around town after treating this boy the way they did. If they are not -- THEY SHOULD BE! They are not helping their kids out in life by handing successes over to them.

Kudos to this father for speaking out and exposing these guys! Good for you young man for standing your ground and boycotting against this organization!

My husband was a Franklin Little League coach for three years. When it came time to pick the All-Stars, he did NOT pick his son; he knew he was not the best on the team. The other coaches were appalled. ALL of THEIR sons were choosen regardless of their abilities. Many boys who were better players were not chosen because their dad was not their coach. I feel very bad for Devin. Good for him for taking a stand!

My kids are just starting in Franklin Little League and stories like this scare me. Why can't it be about the kids? However, I'm not sure quitting is the answer. My opinion is he should have finished the commitment he made to his teammates no matter how difficult. I know, easy for me to say, but teaching kids to quit when things don't go their way, even when they were clearly wronged, isn't a good lesson either. What a terrible situation, I wish Devin and his family good luck and fortune.

Little League should be about the kids. I think it was a tough call letting him leave the team, or forcing him to stay. He's good enough to carry a team through first place with no losses, but not good enough to be on the all stars?

Should the lesson be that you let people walk all over you or that you take a stand for yourself?

I don't think it was a matter of things not going his way. Things did go his way all season - he was undefeated. What happened was a group of adults took away what he earned through hard work--- and handed it over to their sons. The only winners here are the sons of the managers -- without even having to earn it.

Devin had the right to take a stand for himself in this situation. That is the only way change comes about.

Kevin Fischer should be ashamed of himself. I realize this is a blog and not credible jouralism but to write something like this and hurt the reputations of the Franklin Little League Managers without checking facts is just plain wrong. Carl Baehr DOES have an axe to grind with FLL, and there could very well be a reason his son was ommitted from the team (ask Carl what he yelled out from the dugout after his son was accidentally hit with a pitch- it was enough to almost make the Rockies forfeit the game). Ask him why he refused to allow the the League president to explain the All-star selection rules to him and insulting him- pounding the last nail into the possibility of Devin making the team. Ask him why he almost had Devin quit FLL last year because that manager didn't pitch Devin enough in his dad's "humble" opinion. This is simply a case of a dad living vicariously through his son. I call it the Johnny Superstar syndrome. We've all seen it.
But to publish stats (incorrect ones by the way) and to say the team is 0-4 without Devin (untrue) without trying to verify anything is just plain wrong.
Devin is a good kid and probably deserved some All-star consideration (remember pitching is only one component of a complete baseball player). Carl should be looking in the mirror for the real reason he didn't make it and stop blaming everyone else.

What a great vehicle to converse on a topic that has been around for the ages...youth sports/activities and parenting. It is gut wrenching at times to watch your child face adversity and this will not be the last time for Devin, it is how one parents at a time like this that will help a child learn to handle things with honor and grace to become a better person.

This is most definitely about dad. Had Devin's dad said, "I am so sorry Devin, what do you want to do... become a better ballplayer because of this or stay angry and quit?" I think Devin would have chosen to prevail instead of giving in to adversity.

May Devon's dad learn something about parenting with honor and grace.

Even if all the facts do not add up in this one situation the fact that parents constantly take the plum positions for their own children, even when not deserved, at the expense of other children whose parents can't be as active as them because of work or other reasons really is the crux of the matter here.
It's not just Little League, it's everything the parents get involved in. New parents should know that's how it works. It's quite sad that it does work that way but that's the truth. I think these parents think it's some kind of compensation for the time they "volunteer". I look at it like they are buying their kids benefits in exchange for their time. The bottom line is a lot of deserving kids get pushed out by these hoggish parents.

Interesting that my credibility be questioned by an individual who refuses to give his/her name/affiliation.

But this isn’t about me. And it’s not about what Carl Baehr did or didn’t do or if he’s a jerk or not. We’re not talking about Father of the Year here. This is about Devin Baehr’s accomplishments on the field.

The arguments made by “outraged” all point fingers at the father. This almost proves the point the Baehr’s are making. If Devin Baehr was denied being an All-Star because some folks were upset at his dad, now that’s something to be outraged about. If that’s the case, that they took their animosity against the father and used that as motivation to punish the son, that’s outrageous.

Nothing “outraged” wrote makes any case at all why Devin shouldn’t be an All-Star, “Outraged” wrote that Devin, “probably deserved some All-star consideration.” I would submit he not only should have been considered, but should have received that honor.

And what stats are incorrect? Did Devin not pitch 36 strikeouts? Did he not commit 3 walks? Did he lose a game?

As a fan who has watched Devin pitch, those stats mentioned above are extremely accurate. Devin is one of the best pitchers I've seen in his age bracket. To dispute his stats must be a desperate attempt to save face.

To blame his father for FFL's lack of fairness in the selection process is another attempt to save face. How sad. I have met Mr. Baehr over the years, and he does not strike me as a man who needs to live through his children. All star selection should be based on the kids performance not what the parents said or did not say.

I am sure that the kids on the Rockies miss Devin on the team. I know I do as a fan of the Rockies.

Well, coming from his father, I'm not sure if we could firmly believe in any of his "reported" stats.

I have been involved in FFL & happen to know this family. I have seen the stats & my son's team played against the Rockies, with Devin pitching. The stats are accurate as far as I can tell unless someone changed them recently. Devin is a talented player in his age group and would have made a great addition to the all star team.

I personally think Carl is a nice guy. I can't imagine him having to live through his kids - he seems pretty successful all on his own. The description of the meeting and what happened during a game and what Carl may or may not have said always has two sides.

People disagree with Devin not staying with the Rockies despite the unfairness of the situation. Some people think it is right to teach their kids to suck it up and take whatever comes their way in life. Some people want to teach their kids to take a stand for the right thing so changes can be made. With change the next kid who comes along may not have to endure what Devin did by people who should know better.

Obviously the voting method for the all star team needs to be changed. There is not one manager in the league who does not have their kid on that all star team. What are they teaching their kids?

In some leagues the kids and managers vote for 3 players. Then they hold playoffs & the best kids make the team. Not every manager has a kid on the all star team. How about a change in the voting system here?

I am so sorry to hear that a young man who has done all the hard work and more to prove himself on the field would be excluded from a team that has been such a big part of his life. It is such a slap in the face when he should be getting a pat on the back for his effort and talent. I only hope he gets to prove himself on a team that will truly appreciate him and reap the rewards of having him on their team. Don't give up Devin!!! Go get em!

I believe some parents really believe that if their child is one of the best "pitchers" "basketball players" "hockey players" etc. that this child no matter what age, could be 5 to 35 should be an all star without a vote or regardless of the vote.
The managers of the all stars might look at placing the "best" all star team on the field and if Devin is not one of the "best team guys" then he wont and shouldn't be selected. All Star's at age 12 is all about getting to the "World Series" and you need a good "team" to even have a chance. Some players are not selected because they are not good for the "team".
Look at the 1980 Olympic hockey team, the coach did not select the best players in college he selected what he felt was the best "team". They went on to win the gold. I am sure there were many parents and maybe even Mr. Fischer who were up in arms that some of the "best" players were left off of that team.
If I were coaching this all star team I would not want Devin because he is a quitter and not a team player. He said it himself he "quit" the Rockies, he gave up on his team. The players on his team didn't give up on him, they didnt vote against him or make the decision to keep him off the all star team. Why would Devin quit on his team? Well, look to dad.....Dad has taught the values here and has stood by his son's decision to quit on his team. No all star team needs a quitter and a dad who would make threats during games if his son is not played they way he wants it is a detriment to any team. Franklin should field the best "team" for their 12 year old all stars, not the best players. Little League is about raising superior citizens and not superior athletes...

I think the point of this entire discussion is being missed. It seemed to start out about how unfair it is that managers vote their kids in on an all star team over other players who may deserve some of those spots.

I see a lot of people on here going after the father. Do any of you know this man? To attack someone on a personal level when you don't know him is pretty low. Do you know he's a meddler, or a bad apple or a jerk? Then one blog goes after his son saying he has a bad attitude, etc. Do you know for a fact this 12 year old has a bad attitude and that's why he didn't get picked? If not, you really should hold back from verbally attacking a child, especially one you do not know.

Yes, this boy quit the team. He seemed to quit the team after a lot of wrong doing was done. Maybe his dad let him quit to protect him from adults who may hold a vendetta against him because his dad bothered to question the system in place.

A lot of people are content with always keeping things the same - good or bad. You come around and start questioning those in charge - and you are going to make enemies. Those in charge tend to run things to their liking. That is what seems to be going on right here.

The question here is:
Should voting for the all star teams in Franklin be changed? I would have to say do to all the controversy - yes. Make it fair. If every manager's son is on the all star team, something is definitely wrong with this system. That is undeniable.

The unfair process has nothing to do with these people personally. They just happened to be the ones to publicly ask about it, so of course they will be the ones publicly attacked for it. If Devin was indeed the best pitcher in the league & a nice kid as stated in the start of this blog - then he should be on that team over kids who were not as talented as him. How can that even be denied?

"the point"

I believe you are trying to make your point of view the only relevant opinion on the blog.

The reality is, to me, if you want to make serious changes to the FLL organization you dont do it by trying to ruin the organization and the hard working volunteers who get the job done every season. You dont let your son quit on his team, you dont pass out negative fliers at the complex. You dont whine to a blog host to help fight your cause.

I believe you should get the parents of FLL involved with your cause and in September ask for them to vote you in as President and ask some of them to run for board member positions, so you can make the changes that you so desprately want to see.

The way this family is doing it, is only hurting the entire organization and really the crying is only comming from a handful of parents from the 900 plus players. The proof will be in September. Are you going to stand up and lead? Is Devin's father going to stand up and lead? Or, is this going to be a few parents who rather try to destroy something instead of building it???? I hope you put your names on the election papers and stand up to make a difference where it really counts and that is at the FLL board meetings and that is where your voice and vote will make all the difference in the world. I am not in FLL, but this is what people do all over in our cities, they whine, complain and pick fights in favor of taking the leadership role.
Show your children how to make the changes properly if you really care.

Thanks to everyone who posted in support of Devin and I. Those of you that posted against what we did, I respect your opinion. What is not acceptable are the lies told on the Charlie Sykes radio show! Such as:

1) I did not shake Brian Tubbs hand at the meeting

2) I swore at Brian Tubbs at the meeting

3) I swore in front of my son at the meeting

I have witnesses that saw and heard the meeting.

I feel sorry for people who lack honesty and courage. What an awful way to exist!

final score

I'm trying to make my point of view the only relavent option on the blog? What does that even mean?

From what I know - Carl has volunteered in the organization over the past 6 or 7 years.

How is passing out fliers with information a negative way to get your point across? How is having a blog discussion started on a topic not a good way to get a point across? These are methods of bringing a situation to the attention of a large number of people. I'm sure this family does not know every single family in the organization.

Drawing attention to a problem that needs change is not whining. It is drawng attention.

How is changing an unfair voting process going to ruin the organization? That's a rediculous remark. Making the process fair for all players is going to make the league better - not ruin it.

I have had kids go through Franklin little league and year after year after year I had heard parents complain about kids who did or did not make the all star team. What I did not hear is anyone coming forth to actually try to bring attention or change to the problem.

Bringing the topic up to a large number of people is leading.

And as for Devin quitting the team - that can be viewed two ways. You can view it as he quit. Or you can view it as he is a boy trying to make a stand to bring about change. If he didn't quit the team would so many people be as interested in his story? His boycott worked - it brought attention to the situation.

final score

I'm trying to make my point of view the only relavent option on the blog? What does that even mean?

From what I know - Carl has volunteered in the organization over the past 6 or 7 years.

How is passing out fliers with information a negative way to get your point across? How is having a blog discussion started on a topic not a good way to get a point across? These are methods of bringing a situation to the attention of a large number of people. I'm sure this family does not know every single family in the organization.

Drawing attention to a problem that needs change is not whining. It is drawng attention.

How is changing an unfair voting process going to ruin the organization? That's a rediculous remark. Making the process fair for all players is going to make the league better - not ruin it.

I have had kids go through Franklin little league and year after year after year I had heard parents complain about kids who did or did not make the all star team. What I did not hear is anyone coming forth to actually try to bring attention or change to the problem.

Bringing the topic up to a large number of people is leading.

And as for Devin quitting the team - that can be viewed two ways. You can view it as he quit. Or you can view it as he is a boy trying to make a stand to bring about change. If he didn't quit the team would so many people be as interested in his story? His boycott worked - it brought attention to the situation.

I have seen the unfairness that goes on when picking allstars. Managers always pick their own kids even though many aren't the best and because many of the managers form a click there is a lot of nepotism. Some managers can also blackball well deserved kids to make their own kids allstars. Unfortunately many potentially good players never get a chance because of the unfairness and jealousy. One suggestion could be that that after every game the team should choose the most valuable player. Whoever gets the most wins at the end of the season should be the allstar .

Kevin, your reporting days are over and your blog is much better when you are not posing as a reporter covering a story. For you to take a side in this is really ridiculous. And, if you are going to blog and get called out for your one-sidedness, show a little class by not fighting back so emotionally. Swing by the Little League fields any weeknight and you'll see great stuff in action - kids having fun, parents enjoying themselves - it's not the sinister organization you (and some others) paint it to be. This group has given so much to the community that it doesn't deserve to be ripped apart and torn down. Go after the "real" issues, not something like this that really has no traction.

just a mom

You have completely missed the point and turned the subject around into something it is not.

Your comments about Kevin Fischer are ridiculous. It's a blog - everyone is entitled to state their opinion, even if it is one you may not agree with. Most blogs begin with a topic of discussion -- call that reporting if you want.

No one said Franklin Little League didn't have kids and parents enjoying themselves. What this blog is about is the unfair voting process for the all star team. No one said it was a sinister organization or that it isn't good for the community. The entire point is that having parent managers vote for the all star team is not fair. That process needs to change. An outside source needs to do the voting so that it is fair for all the kids in this wonderful organization. The kids who deserve spots get them and the ones who do not, don't. Period.

Having a wonderful organization in your community that is not operating in a fair manner is a "real" issue. Considering all the responses, the fact that it ended up on talk radio and that you took the time to not only read it, but post a response -- shows it was a topic people were interested in.

To all those who posted that Devin did not deserve to be an all star, maybe you all know better than Mr. Hughes (the Franklin High School Baseball coach). He has over 700 wins - what are your credentials?

Mr. Hughes said that in his opinion Devin was definitely one of the best players in the league and he did not understand how Devin would not be on an all star team. He said the dispute comes in when defining what an all star is. Apparently in the Franklin Little League the definition of an all star is being a manager's son.

What is the dispute now? Are you going to attack his dad again? Call the police? Call Devin a quitter? Say the boy has a bad attitude (even though it was stated he was a nice kid)? Blah, blah, blah. Time to make a change to the all star selection process? An outside source needs to do the voting, this is obvious, for most people.

Hi i really feel for Devin, my daughter was not picked this year due to going on vacation with her grandparents, on her dads side, he past away 3 years ago and the coach felt she would have missed practice and a game, my nephew was picked and she was heartbroken, coaches only care about them and unfortunately they have lost all there games so far i feel bad for these kids there is so much nepotism in this league i am pulling her out next year, the coach is lucky her father was not alive because he would have really been put on the local news about this, ALL STARS ALL KIDS ARE ALL STARS !!!!!!!!

I have coached youth sports for over 20 years and thought I had seen and heard everything. This story made me cry as I read it to my son. I know there is always more to a story then what we hear but what shocked me the most is Devin has been denied an oppertunity of a life time. ( To play in the Little League World Series ) I know what the Dad is going through if you speak up against the wrong doings you are prosecuted. The league president must know something is wrong as he went to the police to protect himself. When did freedom of speech become a crime ? I just want to tell Devin not think that the people in charge in Franklin are mean or dishonest, their not alone this happens in every league, every sport or childrens event in every city. Parents as a whole should never coach their own children. I look back when I played baseball with five to twenty kids a day in a park, all day, no adults, standard rules, no scoreboards, no all star teams, no arguments, no police, no video games, no sportscenter, no cry baby overpaid superstars, just a bunch of kids playing a game.
This was one of the best articles I have ever read and I could go on about this topic endlessly. Maybe I will write a book.
I will leave you with this quote from a 19 year old young man who passed away, who told me after I was complaining to him about a bad umpired game. He told me " Your not curing Cancer here, it is just one moment in the big game of life."

We have similar circumstances in our town. The managers/coaches and their friends pre-arrange who is going to be on the All-Stars and then just agree to it at the meeting. More than likely the managers & coaches have already been decided before the "vote". This doesn't always mean it's a winning team. But their kids get to say they played All Stars.

To "outraged" & "just a mom" - you're obviously connected and are very biased.
I'm sure there are some decent coaches out there in Franklin. They see this awful behavior by adults, but remain quiet.

Handing out flyers to inform others. There's a breaking point. The frustration is enough to make you crazy. A parent can talk to the board about what's going on until you are blue in the face. I don't see how the police could be called for handing out flyers - what about freedom of speech?

Most other parents will not get involved in something like this. They fear retaliation and don't want their children to be targeted by coaches or other families. Also, All Stars is a big commitment. Plenty of people don't want to make the commitment & don't care who's on All Stars anyway.

Hard to explain to a child all the politics. They just want to play baseball. It's unbelievable how much power these select individuals hold. Wondering if Little League International would step up in circumstances like this - check out the allegations, pull the charter...

Devin's dad - I feel for ya! Please update if you get anywhere.

I finally listened to the entire Charlie Sykes radio show. I had previously turned off his show when Dave Bartel's letter was read. I couldn't stomach the slanderous lies he was spreading about me.Why Dave would attack someone he has never met and who has been a coach or manager in FLL for 6 years is beyond me. Maybe because he couldn't handle the truth! Sometimes it's a bitter pill to swallow.

Devin's fielding and hitting were attacked. Devin played shortstop when he wasn't beating every team in the league on the mound. Pete B. said he was hitting 200? What the hell is he talking about. If he was hitting that bad why did he have him batting second?

The Rockies finished the second half 2-4. The 4 losses were the teams Devin beat in the first round.Here's an example of what an All Star can do, take an average team to first place!

I'm not bragging this true. Maybe he's not that good maybe he just got lucky every game. Wait, whats that a PIG flying !

You know I was really feeling sorry for Devin being left off this years All Star "TEAM" till reading Mr. Baer's final blog.
"Devin" beat all those teams in the 1st half, but the "team" lost those games in the 2nd half. Hmmmmmmmm, sounds like a "team" player to me!!!
I thought we win as a team and lose as a team.
Maybe the selection process did get it right!!!

Wow! That makes sense! NOT!

It would only make sense to sensible people!!!