Travel baseball may be making people a lot of money but, in the long run, it may be killing the golden goose. Christians are Christians because we worship what is true. As more and more kids get involved in travel ball, the best players are taken out of the rec league. Heading back to Little League! Second, recreation leagues can be just as competitive and demanding as travel ball, but doesnt have the same season length. Kids may start playing in the Little League from as young as age 4. The guy running the program told me he was going to have a 7/8-year-old team. Having coached both my sons in travel an rec ball, and being on the board of our local rec league, serving as president for several years. No more! We havent broken the bank, we attend church on Wednesdays is we know we will be traveling too far to attend on Sunday (otherwise we go on Sundays), and the kids are all great friends. It is no wonder so many of our children leave the church when they go to college. does the drake hotel chicago have a pool . Don't cause the rec league to dry up. No formula exists, but here are a few ideas to think about: Variety: Encourage your children to play a different sport each season until their upper teens. Additionally, they will probably have fewer injuries and enjoy the competition more. 12527 posts. Also limiting the distance is striking a ball generates force in proportion to the speed at which the ball i. Enjoyment: Help your children enjoy a sport for the simple joy of the sport. Kids need to see that Jesus and his church are more important to their parents even than baseball. They open/close each practice and game with prayer and are not overwhelming us with lots of games. The team brings the kids together and provides a common ground upon which they can build lasting friendships. And thats where the travel baseball jumps in as currently the surest path to the higher level of the game. General Little League to Travel Ball and Back Again February 7, 2017 I started my son in the Little League Tee Ball program when he was four. We have had a sub par experience, and I have that guilt every Sunday that we are at a tournament instead of honoring God in His house. As more and more kids get involved in travel ball, the best players are taken out of the rec league. He followed the Coach Pitch program, which focused on fundamentals fundamentals I felt my son already had. Your marriage matters a lot more than some sport your kid plays. Because COVID, This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. The Reno Mustangs Travel Ball organization provides an opportunity to our Northern Nevada/Truckee/Tahoe youth athletes to play . Looking for a deeper, more forceful argument, the dad added: This team is our community.. Ryan E. I think this is a good post and is great advice. Dont let one child be turned away because they cant afford registration or equipment. ). My son loves basketball but I have noticed the small number of high school players that are playing in high school now especially in our town. . The result: In the United States, baseball is becoming a mostly white country-club sport for upper-class families to consume, like a snorkeling vacation or a round of golf. If I show my kids church is optional but reach the other parents, Ive failed. If the ultimate goal is for the kid to get to the pros, then joining a travel baseball program is definitely a better choice. Our daughter played travel softball for 9 years. You can start posting after you click here to register.Click the word the "register" to proceed. The nature of sport is that participants will learn in the course of their play, practice, games or meets, all about discipline, perseverance, punctuality, teamwork, goal-setting, how to handle disagreements, disappointment and failure, as well as success and recognition. And there are eight Urban Youth Academies. You win district, you then go to state, you win state, you go to regional, you win . Teams are 9U - 14U. And something that we will continue to do playing baseball, watching baseball, playing catch, playing wiffle ball, etc. In the US, the program involves kids ages 4-16 and is organized into the following divisions: For a lot of kids, Little League is the first time they meet with the organized baseball. Encouraging the pursuit of excellence and rewarding hard work and God given talent. I had played non-stop from the summer before my freshman year, through fall ball, winter weights, the spring season, then summer ball before it started all over in my sophomore year. Unfortunately with all the sacrifices Ive made that relocation doesnt seem likely but as usual, Ill pray about it. Not one. Being part of a team, no matter how long its for, isnt permanent, so as nice as it is to identify with activities that we love, we dont want them to define us or our kids. By living our life for Christ the other 6 days. From a father of 3 boys I can confirm this to be absolute truth. Just like my folks did. What guides me is Paul in 1Cor9:22-23 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. While you make some great points, let me provide an alternate perspective, even if I appear at present to be the lone dissenting voice. My daughter is involved in a local homeschool league. I was glad he played Tee Ball, and I looked forward to the following year when I assumed there would be some kid pitching. I had my schedule back. He was so upset. They sound the same. We enjoyed Upward for what it was and knew that it wasnt hugely competitive (for the most part). (on which more below). Its apparent that wegenerally speakingspend more time encouraging our children to pursue athletic excellence than we do in developing a Biblical Worldview in them. Even though my son showed to every practice and gave 100% effort, it didnt matter. League will play at Municipal Park or Thompson Park. Today, that role has been mainly overtaken by travel baseball which has become the basis for young players looking to build a baseball career. He looked great in his fancy uniform and matching cleats, but that didnt matter. After my first year of it in college, I found that what had been so fun because I had the opportunity to look forward to it in the off season, or even on days between practice or games, began to feel like a dreaded obligation that consumed a significant portion of every day. Rec ball. They need to run and jump and exercise other muscles than the ones required by baseball. I had to pay a sign-up fee of $750. Bud Norris, who pitches for the Houston Astros, played in Novato North LL, from Tee Ball through seniors. I enjoyed your article and the discussion following it. But it is, quite literally, passed down from generation to generation. My son tried out. When people refer to travel baseball, they typically mean a team of higher-level athletes who play in competitive tournaments and probably work out at their own facility. I grew up wanting to be a major league baseball player, and Im so glad I never even got drafted. Part. 2021 featured all American teams. We still put prior commitments first and the coach understands that we cant make all games/practices as a result. For years, the Little League has been the stepping stone for kids between the fun youth play and the more serious high-school and collegiate baseball leagues. I left registration, and pulled him from the Little League program. Do the social aspects improve their values and stimulate great discussions at home, or lead them away from family?). However, travel baseball is very time-consuming and not easy on the budget. And given the number of kids playing and the number of available spots, even a partial baseball scholarship is terribly unlikely. Our eldest, now six, is in her second year of playing though she has moved over to softball. But, the worst part of it all was that my son was clearly not having the same amount of fun he had in Little League last year. If youre exalting baseball over all these other things, areyou serving a false god, an idol, that is going to use you and then throw you away? Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a 96-mile (154-kilometre) border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, the North Sea to the northeast and east, and the Irish Sea to . He said he had seen it happen. Listen to article. Check out: The Nehemiah Institute (nehemiahinstitute.com) Sad to see but strengthened our resolve that sports would not take priority over God and our church family. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I want your son to love baseball, to have the opportunity to be a kid, and to play the game as a kid. (Also, the boy could really hit. Let kids be kids. Today, participation is seen by many as a near necessity for talented players to develop their skills and hone their game against the best competition they can find. As a result, many children don't get the opportunity to play and develop their skills,. Many of the families on our team actually make it a family affair. I do not feel we will ever look back on our decision to say no to travel ball. In 2002, Havenwood Little League merged with Riviera Beach Little League and two other local baseball programs in Pasadena and became the Pasadena Baseball Club. Its only about winning and not developing. Little League baseball is a program organized by a non-profit organization based in Pennsylvania and it features local youth baseball competitions all over the world. 12YO & 11YO players who are trying out for the National League. The Charter Committee also reserves the right to suspend or revoke the local Little Leagues charter for such violations. Are those stewardship issues as well? I look at another coach who is seeded number one in the league and am very glad my kid isnt with him as I can only imagine the sort of character theyd be building. Maybe my son will get a chance to play as long as he continues to love the game. We have commodified the play of millions of children into. Just like you, he burned out after two years and transferred so he could pursue his other passions and, more importantly, gain much-needed work experience which benefited him tremendously when he graduated from college and was looking for a job. He understands that Braxton, Paxton, and Laxton, all have to go to at least 5 World Series every summer. Any player or team that does so may be declared ineligible for further participation in Little League for that year, by action of the Tournament Committee or Charter Committee in Williamsport. If youre a non-Christian reading this post, dont you want to live for something more than baseball? ), What is the Easiest Position in Baseball? Awards. As a mom of a 10 year old girl who has played both travel and rec softball we have seen first hand the pros and cons of both. And yes, they will see how I live and whats important to me the other 6 days a week; for better or worse. I submit that even with all the excitement of the game, and the money and fame that come with it, the life of a professional athlete is not one to be envied. A knock-down, drag-out battle royale between more than a dozen parents and coaches at a kids' Little League game could result in criminal charges against some of . Praying we keep the Lord first in all thingsand your insights help!!! But today, Havenwood Little League does not exist. Voddie Bauchams Family Driven Faith. The statistics reported concerning the abandonment of the Christian Faith by christian young people before their sophomore year in college is overwhelming. Well, the genie of privatized baseball cannot be put back in the bottle. I was told pitching machines are good because they pitch a consistent ball, and help with hand-eye coordination. The focus of the Little league is mainly on kids developing baseball fundamentals and having fun without too much competitive pressure. Since 2015, it has been known as The Emirates FA Cup after its . They also have T-ball divisions. Give MVP, Player of the game, most improved player of the game.. General Pitching Topics. The Broadneck, Brooklyn Park, Glen Burnie, Harundale, Havenwood, Lake Shore, and Marley Little Leagues are all no longer associated with Little League. Waiting lists for leagues. The closest Little League organization to Pasadena now is in Davidsonville, 23 miles away. Always keep in mind why you have this child involved in sport. Dont get me wrong there are alot of rec leagues that are great but if you live in the middle of no where lile wr do that was out only option to make her the best that she could be and to teach her to challenge herself and not settle for just good enough. Here at Select Baseball Teams, we have worked hard to comprise one of the most comprehensive lists of Alabama travel baseball teams looking for players. But if you don't make it into your dream team, the loss is much heavier on people's pockets as well as their minds. I understand that now I may be bringing up an exception to the norm. Additionally, every local Little League program in the United States with a team that travels 150 miles or more per one round trip to a section, state, and region level tournament receives a reimbursement from Little League Baseball of $1 per mile for one round trip to each tournament site, to help offset travel expenses. So, teaching them the core baseball concepts is more important than competing. No. Operating Policies and Position Statements, Little League - Character, Courage, Loyalty. Golf has, traditionally, been a sport played by upper-class white guys. However, the main reason weve stuck with travel is the consistency that it offers. As a volunteer basketball coach for 18+ years, Ive seen girls spiritually suffer by the same well-intentioned convictions of their parents. They would have to drive to another suburb for ball games. That is why I was sympathetic to the angry dads argument and, in the end, took his son for the team. All Rights Reserved. Its a Jesuit-based publication with a political slant that does not agree with mine. Little League - Character, Courage, Loyalty. Baseball cant raise the dead, but Jesus will do just that when he returns to make this world into the new heavens and new earth. Those two sports may not seem very similar. Anthony Lynn, who remembers his Little League days so vividly, told me that he thinks travel ball is cynical. Wow this article really spoke to me. It was something that we passed on to them. What I got was disaster. Build this league and you will have travel on the decline. but could it be said that youre in the big leagues of your profession? They work the young players harder, but the result is better player development. Enfield Little League is happy to continue with the Enfield Warriors travel program. The group that split from us is the same group that has ruined our little league. And I hope all who read my question realize that there is no 1 correct answer for everyone. Mid-way through the season, I asked the coach if there would be an opportunity for some kid pitching. Educate them. Its only my observation of course but many areas in life are dog eat dog competitive, as it were. While rec ball was enjoyable, the ever changing pool of players, coaches and parents made for inconsistent experiences for my daughter, some good and some bad. You may be betting on the kid getting a scholarship. Providing evidence of insurance to field owners and tournament organizers can consume a team manager's life and drain the budget without the right insurance program. , weakening volunteer-based programs that promise affordable sports for all children. Kids are smarter than what we want to give them credit for. While many are still from the south, many are from upper-middle to upper-class backgrounds, with their appropriate support systems. Its not a coincidence that two of the most iconic golfers of the last thirty years, John Daly and Tiger Woods, were nothing like their peers in their own ways. Some of the thoughts overlap what was already said. NASCAR started as bootleggers in the 1940s and 1950s trying to see who had the fastest car. Is the travel ball opportunity your 714 year old kid has more important than Friday nights and Saturday mornings at home with the family? Hopefully it will make us parents pray, think, and analyze the motives behind our kids activities. . I never felt that way until I got to college, but looking at the demands of travel ball, I totally understand how the kid feels. We have commodified the play of millions of children intoa $19.2 billion business, weakening volunteer-based programs that promise affordable sports for all children. Dont get me wrong: I love competition. It is simply not necessary for the younger kids. I also need it every day of the week. Do I think that she will even play on the high school level? But we have had a great experience with travel ball and have been able to balance our commitments to both Christ, his church, and our family. The goal of this program is to provide additional playing opportunity for those baseball and softball players interested. I remember back when we played Dizzy Dean and Babe Ruth baseball. As of now, we do believe that we are pursing the wisest course. Its not for every child or family, but we have enjoyed allowing our child to play travel ball, at least today. Christian Smiths Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers The demographics of NASCAR drivers has changed dramatically. It is called Daddy Ball but it is perpetrated by way more than daddies. I could rest. My concerns in the post are directed not at adults pursuing excellence in their callings but at parents of kids in the 714 age range . Christians need to be gathering with the same group of people every week to worship the risen Lord Jesus, to hear his word, and to fellowship with each other. Thank you for speaking out and I hope people will take these comments seriously. Covering Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, the valley . The Fall baseball/softball season includes league play at all division levels. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The daily grind not only sapped the joy of the game, it was physically punishing. . I got an education, got married, we started having children, and now I get to coach my kids. The percentages are outrageous. (Explained In Detail! It is a trend mirrored by our schools, hospitals and military. Jan 25, 9:16am. I appreciate that. Get involved with the sports governing board and voice your opinion. On the off-chance that your kid is a freak athlete with the arm strength, foot speed, power, stamina, and character, who gets all the right breaks at just the right time, chances are hell rise up through the ranks of rec ball rather than being groomed on the travel ball circuit. -ta. A lot of well rounded and good mannered young men who enjoy competition and sportsmanship. I agree with some that was said. Besides the usual costs of buying bats, uniforms, cleats, and other equipment, there are team fees and the costs of fuel, accommodation, and dining. It was excellent, by the way. The Little League has dominated youth baseball for years, but today its unable to provide the satisfying level of coaching and skill development. I was impressed when we showed up that the Varsity girls took a little time to welcome her and get her situated before the coaches were ready. Once-proud public institutions are being privatized, with many unintended consequences. It has been somewhat successful in some respects in that some of its alumni like Carl Crawford, C.C. "We spent days, months, years . I have seen it just recently in the church Im attending now. This mentally effects the kids also with so much pressure to do well. When comparing travel baseball vs Little League, each of the two has its own advantages and drawbacks. Our youth baseball program is custom-built to meet all the insurance needs of teams and leagues in one easy-to-use, affordable plan. I am confident that there are better ways to steward those thousands of dollars. A lot of travel baseball programs have their own training facilities where players have excellent conditions to develop their skills. If you forego travel for these right reasons then you should challenge yourself and those in the league to make it the utopia described here (I believe it should be). Uniforms, equipment, and any assets belonging to the local Little League (including uniforms bearing the required Little League shoulder patch), cannot be used for non-Little League activities, or in any game or tournament not specifically approved by Little League International. , Havenwood Little league - Character, Courage, Loyalty do playing baseball, playing wiffle ball the! ; register & quot ; we spent days, months, years t get the opportunity our! That youre in the bottle excellence than we do believe that we will ever look back on our to... Do i think that she will even play on the budget competition and.! 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