Confused by an 11 yr old

Question
My son (11 yrs old) has had a lot of success playing baseball for several years.  This Spring he has had a 180 degree turn on wanting baseball in his future. He is currently on a select team with an intense coach.  He is the lead off hitter, short stop and consistent play maker on the field. (He is good.) He says that the game is too slow for him and is not having any fun.  Do I go with the obvious answer and let him pick another sport to play in Fall and Spring?  This will be a real shock to his teammates and coach.  He is a quiet boy and does a decent job of hiding his displeasure.

Answer
Hey Susan,

I don't know if it's so obvious.  My guess, by your letter, is that the intense coach may be the problem and is taking the fun out of the game for your son.

Are the practices more intense than last year?  
When you lose, does the coach feel that it's the end of the world?  
Does he punish kids for making errors on the field or striking out at the plate?  
Does the coach practice so much, that your son has no time for anything else that he enjoys?

If the answers to any of these questions is yes, than the problem may be with the coach..
When you say "Select Team," do you mean All-Star type players?  Maybe your son just wants to play baseball, and not all the "Must Win at ALL Cost" attitude that goes with being on an elite team.. I think maybe your son doesn't eat and sleep baseball like some kids do.  Maybe he just wants to play with his friends for fun..

(Sit down with him and ask him these questions, or maybe show him this response from me and see what he says.)

If you feel that I have hit on something, then don't let your son quit..  Does he have other options on where he can play?  Would he be happier playing on a house team, playing less games?  Let me know how it goes.  I am very interested on your son's situation.  I would like you to let me know what happens.  This way I will know how good my advice to you was.
Thanks and good luck... PLEASE write back to me soon.
Dennis