Child is afraid of being hit by a pitch

Question
My child has moved up to minor leauge from machine pitch and he is afraid
of being hit by a pitch at the plate. He was a 800+BA hitter last year 56-60 at
the plate. Now is is striking out alot and tells me he is afraid. How can I
correct this?

Answer
Hi Baretta,

I understand and this is a perfectly normal behaviour.  You have to show him you understand and continue to encourage him.  

Here's what I did to help my son overcome this fear:  

I used tennis balls in the batting practices I had with him - just the two of us.  We would switch positions so he could be the pitcher (the other side of the coin).

I bought my son his own helmet, elbow and shin gaurd and ensured him that this will protect him most of the time.  

I played dodge ball (using tennis balls) to help him focus on the ball and to learn to move out of harms way.  Dodge ball gives them confidence and improves their reflexes.

I taught him to always watch the ball and that the best way to avoid being hit is to hit the ball.

We selected a bat that was just right for him.  It helped his confidence as he became familiar with his own bat.  It was one less uncertainty.

I explained that everyone feels this way when they first start baseball.  Its normal and not to be ashamed.  Most Major league players remember this fear too.  Just ask!

As he becomes more confident, he'll get over his fear.  Meanwhile, you could practice with him at home using tennis balls, nerf or even wiffle balls.  Make a game of it.    

Continue to encourage him.

Yours in baseball,

JohnMc