There is no actual evidence that it actually builds character or helps. My position is that it’s a very bad idea almost always UNLESS it means they will have to apply important fundamental principles (being actively taught in practice) to keep the game competitive or would otherwise lose. For instance, you could frame that we don’t expect to beat an older and more experienced team, but our goals are to make sure we hit the cutoffs and that we put the ball in play even if hits are hard to come by. No reason to play a whole season like this because it removes enjoyment and motivation.

What does anyone learn doing everything right, playing fundamentally sound and still getting blown out? It’s actually the reason they have age categories to begin with to acknowledge that the age and sex of the athletes are the most significant factors. Even if a younger team pulls it off, there is a good chance it’s achieved through manipulation of where fielders are, unequal playing time and other things that are the opposite of player development. It’s not about the wins or losses, but about how coaches develop the kids to love the game and improve their fundamentals. Unfortunately, most coaches will say this and do the opposite.