This Nose 2 Nose debate generated expected results plus a few surprises. Most replies were from coaches (over 80%), weighted towards those coaching 12 and under versus those coaching 13 and up.

No surprise: younger-team coaches want smaller teams (expecting enthusiasm and multi-position players) where older-team coaches want bigger teams (for specialization and absentees).

However, some assignment ideas did cause surprise - as few as 3 pitchers? or only 3 trained for outfield or 4 for infield (no spares)? a team with no multi-position players? a team with no assigned spots?

To be fair, some of these results are interpreted - taking posted results and calculating both the bench strength (team size - 9) and the number of players able to handle multiple spots (total assigned - team size).

First the tabulated results, then a few of the many, many comments received (nearly half the voters had something to say!)

Significant young/old splits are highlighted in red.

Team Size	Common	Highest	Lowest	Average	12 + under	13 + older
Total Team	12	18	11	13.0	12.2	14.4
Pitchers	5	7	0	4.5	4.3	4.9
Catchers	2	4	0	2.3	2.3	2.3
Infield	6	9	0	5.8	5.7	5.9
Outfield	4	8	0	4.3	4.4	4.2
Utility/Spares	1	11	0	1.5	1.7	1.4
Calculated Results from above submissions...
Bench Strength	3	9	2	4.0	3.2	5.4
Minimum Multi	7	12	0	6.4	7.5	5.5

Over the years I have had teams with as many as 18 players and as few as 10. 12 seems to be best (to) develop all players and still cover injuries and missed games.
- Robert W. Michael

7 to 8 year olds can't pitch more than 2 innings so we go through pitchers quickly. Catchers are better, but still need to be replaced during the game. I like to move infielders and outfielders around so everyone gets a taste of both. 14 players allows me to do this.
- Joe Loyer

While I'm going to let every kid have a chance to pitch, I feel there are 6 kids who could take the mound against any batter. 4 who could play catcher, 2 sets of infielders and they have all played in the outfield.
- Leroy Mann

My emphasis is on player development and not 'win at all costs.' Too many players, I don't have time to give individual attention during the year. Plus it's easier to get playing time for 13 during each game. [5 regulars plus 4-player 'platoons' that alternate starting.] I also stress multiple positions during practices and games for the experience - (to) enable each player to find a position he/she enjoys and will want to continue playing in higher levels.
- Gary Owens

We have no fixed makeup, we picked the best atheletes/players who try out [select 12 of 35]. At age 12, I can take a player and teach him/her to be effective at most positions. We developed our pitchers from those kids that made the team.
- Darrell Standish

Pitching is the first requirement. In many cases pitchers can be used as utility players or outfielders. The infield (middle) should be solid and remain consistent throughout. The corners can be rotated if needed. Catchers are always a premium.
- 'Church' Churchfield

You can never have enough pitching [6]. I want to be strong up the middle, so 3 each for catcher, shortstop, second, centre field.
- Mike Hopkins

Every one gets to play in each game. We try to have the 6 best capable of playing all infield positions. Too many in the dugout usually creates a game but it's not baseball.
- Tom Lockler