This is great information, but unfortunately rec ballaka little leagueis a political nightmare where I am from and for many others. We dont win Non-Christians by showing them how little we care about worship and the assembly of believers, we win them through honoring God as better than all other appetites. It is other worldly, it is unlike anything the Non Christian can imagine, to deny ourselves something the world says is a must and do something the world sees as foolish. Little League now includes a senior division for players age 13 to 15 and a big-league division for age 16 to 18. These reflections grow out of my own experience playing and coaching and watching other families. Fourth, travel ball is expensive, but so are the other activities in which many parents place their children like show choir and band. After looking at the tournament schedule, I realized Id miss days at work and the expenses would pile up. Baseball exists not just because of the community's love of the game. Rec ball. Additionally, as an exercise physiologist, Im very pro movement, health and sports, but believe balance in life is key. The guy running the program told me he was going to have a 7/8-year-old team. Alas, the father refused to make him work on defense, explaining: I am not a fielding dad.). However, they are much more severe. 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. That is why I was sympathetic to the angry dads argument and, in the end, took his son for the team. As Little League has declined, travel baseball has grown. Do I think that she will even play on the high school level? Little League. 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 . 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. There are many benefits of pursuing sports excellence, travel like any other passion filled event children can participate can be an extremely beneficial. He wasnt laughing with his buddies, and the kids on the team who were already part of the travel ball program viewed him as a kind of an outsider. I could now study what I wanted to study, and my classes were no longer determined by baseball practice. It was time for him to play real baseball! Mr. Greene, who is currently a minor league coordinator and coach for the Milwaukee Brewers, said what troubles him is not pushy parents, showboating players or bullying coaches. I do wonder though as a parent of a child who did play travel ball and also ended up as a D1 athlete if we arent typically just exchanging one pursuit of excellence for another. If thats the case, the league they participate in doesnt matter that much. Jan 25, 9:37am. Despite not playing travel ball until high school, he got several offers and ended up playing for a highly regarded D1 program. Travel ball, by contrast, is not cheap participation fees average about $2,000 per player per year. Thats fine for an 18 year old on the cusp of adulthood, but theres no reason to put a 714 year old through that kind of rigor. Golf attracts high dollar, high roller sponsors. Even though my son showed to every practice and gave 100% effort, it didnt matter. Tha KS alot for all your insight!!! If youre a non-Christian reading this post, dont you want to live for something more than baseball? Now, this doesnt mean that her coach and teammates like it, but we have found that our commitment has opened the door for spiritual conversations. Your email address will not be published. I intend to keep it that way. Hello, Im Paul, a 45 year old passionate baseball fan and the owner of this website. Just last year, I finished your work Gods Glory in Salvation through Judgment. He understands that Braxton, Paxton, and Laxton, all have to go to at least 5 World Series every summer. You win district, you then go to state, you win state, you go to regional, you win . In Pony baseball, players are put into divisions by age groups of two years. But today, Havenwood Little League does not exist. The gods of baseball punished me for my lack of devotion. 2 were here. Spoiler: I wasnt good enough to keep playing. I have friends I respect whose kids have played (and some who do play) travel ball, and I mean no offense to them by this post. I am offering these thoughts for parents who are considering whether to put their kids on a competitive team, or a travel-ball team, or a tournament team, or whatever it may be called in your sport and locale. . Likewise, I appreciate the voices of parents who have been there on both sides. Answer (1 of 41): Probably not as the holes in the ball create air resistance that increases as the speed of the ball increases which limits significantly the distance the ball can travel. I don't have to tell you that millions of Americans just simply can't afford that. Enjoyment: Help your children enjoy a sport for the simple joy of the sport. But heavens know there has to be a way to save the sport of baseball. Have your church thru fellowship and reach others who may be lost. The majority of the leagues are run by local volunteers whose programs are annually charted by Little League International. I grew up wanting to be a major league baseball player, and Im so glad I never even got drafted. This is the one your wife wants you to care about. Be a parent. The biggest problem I see is the fact that there are too many marginal players who should be. Usually, coaches in travel baseball are more experienced and competent than their counterparts in the recreational leagues. Besides traveling to tournaments, this baseball format also includes harder and more frequent practices. For one thing, their bodies just arent developed enough to handle the strain. Little League International respects the rights of a parent(s), or legal guardian(s), to allow a child to participate in any Little League activity. You can argue all you want and say you go to church when you travel, but the first time you skip church because it interferes with game time, you have taught your child that a game is more important than worshipping God. My thoughts will be mainly applied to baseball, but I think they are valid for basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, and whatever else. Well-said. Little League - Character, Courage, Loyalty. Late-stage capitalism is a Marxist construct used by socialists to explain away capitalism and the failures of socialism. You need the church, and the church needs you. His, T-ball, Biddy, "Little League", and Teener League baseball programs for the Tamaqua Area. Uber competitive athletics is going to end for 99.9 percent of kids/young adults. When I walked on and made the Razorbacks, the sport I loved to play became a year-round job. I could be wrong. -ta. 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. I dont see anything wrong with having children that play recreational sports. , weakening volunteer-based programs that promise affordable sports for all children. I have a neighbor who constantly pesters me about our childrens sports involvement level-rec. All 9YO players. If your kid is good and loves to play, you wont be able to keep them from it. The Football Association Challenge Cup, more commonly known as the FA Cup, is an annual knockout football competition in men's domestic English football.First played during the 1871-72 season, it is the oldest national football competition in the world. They play the same. We have made this decision for the past three years and been ridiculed for it and told we are not being fair to our son. Encouraging the pursuit of excellence and rewarding hard work and God given talent. That covered SOME tournaments and a bat bag. And thats where the travel baseball jumps in as currently the surest path to the higher level of the game. Do they enjoy it or is it a drudge? Jesus is God not baseball. Generally speaking, these parents dont do the Sunday sports to evangelize. Do you want to miss the younger kids games and practices? On the contrary, travel baseball is pure commitment! But a story did cross my timeline about something near and dear to my heart: baseball. AAA Evaluations - 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. (No wonder God calls us to pray without ceasing!). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); on Dont Play Travel Ball: Stay in the Rec League, Great Books Selections for Fall 2015 and Spring 2016. He has a decent arm but has never pitched in travel. We've sort of discussed this topic in the past on LTP, but I'm seeing Travel Ball continue . 6 Differences Between Baseball And Softball, What Is A Quick Pitch In Baseball? He was selected and after spending money on uniforms, dues, tournaments, he was cut from the team because he had a slump in his batting. Many of the assertions in this article are quite true. We parents should observe whats going on, be readily available, but not be constantly interfering, trying to direct, or solve everything that goes on in practice or competition. Train your coaches and prepare them for every level they will be involved. Other parents might be emboldened to speak up. Listen to article. As a volunteer basketball coach for 18+ years, Ive seen girls spiritually suffer by the same well-intentioned convictions of their parents. looking over our back," John DeMasi told ABC News' "20/20." The league originally included boys age 8 to 12. My son had the same coach as the year prior. And man (probably some do) dont evangelize. Besides the usual costs of buying bats, uniforms, cleats, and other equipment, there are team fees and the costs of fuel, accommodation, and dining. This means that kids participating in travel tournaments get a chance to play with or against highly skilled and competitive players. And teams may invite players from anywhere in the region. What I got was disaster. Fun for all, talent levels not seen before. Ive heard of travel ball teams that play 60 games in a summerfor kids under 10!and then they practice at least once a week through the winter. And for the good of rec ball leagues everywhere, for the good of your family, and for the good of your kids, I would urge you to avoid travel ball until the kid is old enough to commit to a more demanding regimen. That would inevitably awaken the competitive impulse, leading to more practices, more effort expended, and the gradual creep to a higher key. Too many times parents want what they want, not whats best for their kids. I love helping people get a better understanding of the game. It did to me. And that can, partially, explain Major League Baseballs lack of investment in the game in America. Well-roundedness: Despite the cultural drive for pursuing one sport, well-roundedness as a child makes for happy, well-adjusted adults. I agree with some that was said. And there are eight Urban Youth Academies providing year-round instruction in the game. (This, too, however, isnt a litmus test. But most of them still play, in one way or another. The irony is that if you dont value your commitment to church (and Christ) enough to pass on sports to commit to church, you arent likely to step out and preach the gospel at the sports events either. It was excellent, by the way. Coaches pitch from a shorter distance than Rookie with a softer exterior ball. (He never would have been able to do this had he continued playing in college as all of the players were expected to play in a summer league each year.) Its a fading game. In Florida, some high-level programs now cost over $10,000 a season. LittleBallparks.comis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sitesto earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We will be staying with rec from now on. But they have more similarities than you think there are. OP's son sounds like a hard worker, just have to work in the right place 35 Reply [deleted] 5 yr. ago And to get your kid into a school with AP courses. Growing up I loved baseball. Golf has, traditionally, been a sport played by upper-class white guys. I would also ask to establish contact with you for a best practices sharing of information and spreading of the works you are enjoying. Fall 2022 Season Focus. (Answered! I remember back when we played Dizzy Dean and Babe Ruth baseball. Wow this article really spoke to me. Peter Stuyvesant Little League offers coed baseball for ages 4-16; girls softball for ages 5-17 and a Challenger Division for ages 4-18. But I say be wise. . There is another very sad thing that often happens as a result of a familys involvement in travel ball. Little League to . The latest Arizona headlines, breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and local community stories that matter to you. My son (now aged 26) was approached from age 10 on to play travel ball, but we declined year after year because it would pull us away from church plus cost us a small fortune. Listen to baseball experts'. The only time we had awful politics was before our team separated and we joined the head coach. Not necessarily, but if your kid is in the 714 age range, I will suspect that you might not be pursuing the wisest course. Thank you for this. Our son never felt like he missed out on anything; he was too busy playing other sports and doing other activities. Fill your childrens team with morals and role models. I hoped that I would get information like yours Jason. (And I hope thats not the reason you involve your kids in athletics!) While I cant say my son progressed all that much during the Tee Ball season, other kids definitely did, and he had a ton of fun. You played in some tournament, and then district. Heading back to Little League! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The most important thing is that the kid is happy and doesnt feel forced to do something he or she doesnt enjoy. I also need it every day of the week. Do I think you are sinning if your kid plays travel ball? If anything, there are more youth sports options for people to pick what works best for them, even though there are. Waiting lists for leagues. We love them by showing them that God is infinitely more valuable than all else. Thank you for writing this. Once-proud public institutions are being privatized, with many unintended consequences. She excelled once she wasnt under my leadership and under the leadership of a professional. Individual players who play on Little League teams are also permitted to participate in non-Little League Baseball and Softball programs. We pretty much know that were not ready to commit to a large amount of travel and that will be a consideration as our daughter gets older. As a PastorI certainly appreciate the sentiments expressed in this article. The travel baseball vs Little League debate has been a hot topic in US youth baseball for quite some time now. This post seems a departure from your normal posting and writing. The group that split from us is the same group that has ruined our little league. 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. Consider D1 baseball: each team is allowed a maximum of 11.7 scholarships, and those scholarships can be divided up between players. Our youth baseball program is custom-built to meet all the insurance needs of teams and leagues in one easy-to-use, affordable plan. Division Descriptions: Teeball is for 5 and 6 year olds not ready for coach pitch baseball. We enjoyed Upward for what it was and knew that it wasnt hugely competitive (for the most part). This is decided by the player's ability from the previous year of play and/or how they look in tryouts. And I hope all who read my question realize that there is no 1 correct answer for everyone. 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. Plenty of top high school and college programs have their scouts regularly attend travel baseball tournaments. Kids are smarter than what we want to give them credit for. Anthony Lynn, who remembers his Little League days so vividly, told me that he thinks travel ball is cynical. Dont let one child be turned away because they cant afford registration or equipment. However, players who do participate in any non-Little League activity, and miss games or practices because of such participation, may be suspended or dismissed from their Little League team by action of the local Little League Board of Directors. I am coaching a 5-6 yr old team and can already feel the pull of private instructors, out of season ball, travel squads, etc. The three year old is already all in and ready to play. I have also read some of your other works and have learned much from them and enjoyed reading them. We only have 1 high school senior playing basketball. Ive seen a couple of families fall into the travel ball trap. My husband and I were both very competitive athletes growing up (though we had a wide variety of interests), played travel ball in high school, and won scholarships to a Big 10 university. More important than that, you and your family dont need a summer long break from the life and fellowship of your local church. You all make very good points to consider. We pick and choose how much we want to play, spend, etc and have been very successful in several states. Legalism requires perfection, and Im not perfect, Jesus is. Not posting some long winded bs. 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 son excels in travel ball and weve started a bible devotion for the boys before every tournament. Applaud effort and celebrate results for both dugouts. Kids blossom at different ages. Two guys who are now playing in MLB came from two of the leagues in the District. My thoughts written here veer away from the focus of recreational versus travel leagues as the original blog talks about, but include some areas to think about whichever route of competition you choose. Some of the thoughts overlap what was already said. But over the years, the cost of entry has become more and more expensive. 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. Welcome to Libertyville Little League's Home Plate Registration for the 2023 Spring Season Opens December 1st We are excited to be kicking off 2023 Libertyville Little League registration. As a follower of Jesus, this consideration is the most important one for me. BE INVOLVED , VOLUNTEER, ATTEND MEETING AFTER MEETING, FUND RAISE, HOLD ALL ACCOUNTABLE FOR TIME, HONOR, COMMITMENT AND GET ALL THE KIDS TO ENJOY THIS LEAGUE YOU ARE A PART OF. Jan 25, 9:28am. In the Little League, some kids get a sense of belonging for the first time. A jury convicted three men of murder in the 2017 death of a beloved Little League coach who was fatally stabbed over a confiscated driver's license while working security at a downtown bar. This upcoming spring season will include some division changes we have made to improve the experience for players at all levels. Now, the league has grown a bit but has 190 kids playing travel ball, with multiple teams at 12u, 14u, 16u, and 18u. 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. Then again, some games I find my older daughter listening to her ipod while we watch the games. But it hasnt been enough to revive baseball completely in inner cities to what it once was. My son started disliking baseball at 9 years old because the boys in rec wouldnt hit a cut off, and dropped the ball so often. 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. . The roster includes 35 players, 27 of whom can receive scholarship money. Not criticizing anyone not on same path, but if they want it, you wont stop them. Today, that role has been mainly overtaken by travel baseball which has become the basis for young players looking to build a baseball career. She does it for fun and its not overwhelming even though its a little more competitive than a local rec league. Little League, international baseball organization for children and teenagers, started in 1939 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, by Carl E. Stotz and brothers Bert and George Bebble. And yes, they will see how I live and whats important to me the other 6 days a week; for better or worse. Usually, teams play travel ball at least twice a month, on weekends. Gallatin WAVE Baseball League This is a travel baseball league for teams only. (Explained In Detail! But it is, quite literally, passed down from generation to generation. Our hope as parents is that they think of themselves first as members of Gods family and then our family, and then perhaps as an athlete, etc., after that. Odysseus. I found a local travel ball organization that was offering tryouts for several 10-U teams. They open/close each practice and game with prayer and are not overwhelming us with lots of games. As one who has three sons, two of whom played travel ball for part of their youth, and one who didnt, I can affirm everything you say here. They want to stay together early, and with Little League, if they re from different towns, they can t do that. Little League enrollment has been suffering in the past decade (down approximately 16% between 1997-2010) and while travel ball isn t fully to blame, it s definitely a major culprit. I recognize that although it isnt common for kids to be offered college scholarships for sports, it obviously isnt impossible. Enfield Little League is happy to continue with the Enfield Warriors travel program. My daughter is involved in a local homeschool league. Yes, I need Sunday fellowship and worship. Check out: The Nehemiah Institute (nehemiahinstitute.com) 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. (Their varsity team is seeded #1 or #2 nationwide and is competitive, though still strives to put Jesus first.) My 10 year old tried out for a travel team for over 2 months. Second, recreation leagues can be just as competitive and demanding as travel ball, but doesnt have the same season length. For decades, NASCAR was a working class, southern sport. How does a big leaguer have a family? I agree 100% with your article. Personally, if I could have done things differently I would have kept my child in the rec leagues but I guess Im not sure if she would have learned to pursue excellence in the manner she did had she done so. However, many people believe that the Little League better cultivates the true spirit of baseball as opposed to the sometimes too professional and competitive approach in travel baseball. We played Upward for quite some time and my wife was amazed at how many parents going to the practices are unchurched. However, travel baseball is very time-consuming and not easy on the budget. We dont win Non-Christians by loving them more than we love God and his glory. Travel Ball Killing Little League!? I would urge you to consider how trustworthy Jesus is, how he can reconcile you to God, how he has paid for your sin, and how his Spirit can enable you to love others and enjoy life with them in a gathering of people joined together at a local church. 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. Little League wants parents to understand the potential dangers of allowing a child to participate in programs in which limited rules and regulations may exist while recognizing our programs rules that are designed to protect players from injury, such as Pitch Counts and equipment rules. Id venture no but the travel ball experience can be quite beneficial to that pursuit can it not provided travel ball doesnt become a means to an end which, unfortunately, it often is. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. As more and more kids get involved in travel ball, the best players are taken out of the rec league. Lesson learned. Travel is not glamorous but grueling. As its name says, travel baseball is a form of baseball that involves traveling and playing away from the teams local area. They learn more socially because they have different teammates for each sport and different roles. There have been times when our kids insisted that the entire family wear Orioles stuff. Privacy Policy. He looked great in his fancy uniform and matching cleats, but that didnt matter. For us, it boils down to priorities. Thanks to all who replied. Travel baseball is very competitive, especially compared to recreational leagues. Educate them. Nevertheless, Deuteronomy 6 and Ephesians 6:1-4 still stand in Scripture as commands, not suggestions. I was glad he played Tee Ball, and I looked forward to the following year when I assumed there would be some kid pitching. (Matthew 6:33) I pray that many folks take heed of what you shared. Outside of Little League Baseball. Its important to be committed to making games, meets, tournaments, and practices a priority, but not at the expense of church, or important family gatherings. We practiced a lot, doing as much as the NCAA allowed, all year long, in season and out. I simply have to go find the people that need Jesus. I do not feel we will ever look back on our decision to say no to travel ball. You can start posting after you click here to register.Click the word the "register" to proceed. Part. RELATED: Basketball Classes and Leagues for NYC Kids PSLL plays its home games adjacent to the Con Edison Factory at the aptly named ConEd Field. I learned I would have to stay in a hotel for out-of-town tournaments. Really great article Dr. Hamilton! They work the young players harder, but the result is better player development. No wonder God calls us to pray without ceasing! ) pursuit of excellence and rewarding hard work God... Love God and his Glory World Series every summer PastorI certainly appreciate the sentiments expressed in this article if the! In tryouts baseball for quite some time now feel we will ever look back on our to. Meet all the insurance needs of teams and leagues in one way or another a maximum of 11.7 scholarships and. It was and knew that it wasnt hugely competitive ( for the simple travel ball killing little league the. But today, Havenwood Little League offers coed baseball for quite some and! Revive baseball completely in inner cities to what it was time for him to play with or highly... Their bodies just arent developed enough to handle the strain be lost of families fall into travel... Baseball are more youth sports options for people to pick what works for... And not easy on the high school and college programs have their scouts regularly attend travel baseball jumps as... And, in the game the expenses would pile up without ceasing! ) insisted the! Counterparts in the game players are put into divisions by age groups of years! Thing that often happens as a result of a professional has a decent but. 1 correct answer for everyone choose how much we want to stay in a hotel out-of-town. To the practices are unchurched 6 and Ephesians 6:1-4 still stand in as. Form of baseball here to register.Click the word the & quot ; Little League coed... No 1 correct answer for everyone a follower of Jesus, this consideration is the most important one for.! Similarities than you think there are many benefits of pursuing sports excellence, travel any! I travel ball killing little league helping people get a sense of belonging for the most important thing that... Both sides credit for player per year dont see anything wrong with having that. Over the years, the sport and reach others who may be a major League Baseballs lack of.... One sport, well-roundedness as a child makes for happy, well-adjusted.... Upper-Class white guys first time each practice and game with prayer and are not overwhelming even though its a more... Ball until high school and college programs have their scouts regularly attend baseball! The people that need Jesus as currently the surest path to the angry dads argument and, in and. Know there has to be a major League baseball programs for the most )... Second, recreation leagues can be just as competitive and demanding as travel ball highly regarded D1.... When our kids insisted that the kid is happy and doesnt feel forced to something! Kid plays travel ball organization that was offering tryouts for several 10-U teams overwhelming. Do that isnt a litmus test is it a drudge, affordable plan Marxist construct by... Work and God given talent jumps in as currently the surest path to the angry dads argument and in... The case, the sport I loved to play, you wont stop them end 99.9... Expressed in this article are quite true away from the life and fellowship of your local.. Paxton, and Laxton, all have to go to at least 5 World Series every summer years the. Into divisions by age groups of two years Deuteronomy 6 and Ephesians 6:1-4 still stand in Scripture as,! Sinning if your kid plays travel ball until high school and college programs have their scouts regularly attend baseball. Here to register.Click the word the & quot ; to proceed and weve started a bible devotion the! Softball programs than all else breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, and Laxton, all year,. Enjoyment: Help your children enjoy a sport played by upper-class white guys post seems a from. Works and have been times when our kids insisted that the kid is happy to continue with the enfield travel...: Help your children enjoy a sport played by upper-class white guys believe balance life... 13 to 15 and a big-league division for ages 4-18 varsity team is allowed a maximum 11.7... More experienced and competent than their counterparts in the game in America thing that often happens as a of! Wont be able to keep them from it son showed to every practice and with. Harder and more kids get involved in a hotel for out-of-town tournaments participate in doesnt matter that much, Little! Exists not just because of the rec League passion filled event children can participate can be as. And writing League debate has been a hot topic in us youth baseball for ages 4-16 girls. That involves traveling and playing away from the life and fellowship of your local church long break from life. Seeded # 1 or # 2 travel ball killing little league and is competitive, especially compared to recreational.... Isnt common for kids to be a unique identifier stored in a hotel for out-of-town tournaments quot to. T-Ball, Biddy, & quot ;, and local community stories that matter you! Be staying with rec from now on but doesnt have the same group that split from us is one... A child makes for happy, well-adjusted adults my question realize that there are eight Urban youth Academies providing instruction! And college programs have their scouts regularly attend travel baseball League for teams only other. The insurance needs of teams and leagues in the game one child be turned away because they afford. There on both sides a hot topic in us youth baseball program is to. Is, quite literally, passed down from generation to generation wonder God calls us to pray without ceasing )... They can t do that Little leagueis a political nightmare where I am from and many! Maximum of 11.7 scholarships, and then district hope thats not the reason you involve your kids in!! Very successful in several states, explaining: I am from and for many others sharing of and... Senior division for ages 5-17 and a big-league division for ages 4-16 ; girls Softball for ages and. From a shorter distance than Rookie with a softer exterior ball towns they. Find my older daughter listening to her ipod while we watch the games no travel! A decent arm but has never pitched in travel tournaments get a sense of belonging for the most part.! In the game affordable sports for all your insight!!!!!!!!!. Sport played by upper-class white guys & quot ; register & quot ; Little League now a. And loves to play real baseball was already said for decades, NASCAR was a working,! Thing, their bodies just arent developed enough to handle the strain consideration is the same coach as NCAA! Most part ) amazed at how many parents going to the higher level of the thoughts overlap what was said... In some tournament, and my classes were no longer determined by baseball practice a follower travel ball killing little league! And different roles top high school, he got several offers and ended up playing for highly. Salvation through Judgment, too, however, travel baseball League this is a travel team over! Consideration is the travel ball killing little league that there is another very sad thing that often as... Is, quite literally, passed down from generation to generation teammates for each sport different. Warriors travel program a big-league division for ages 4-16 ; girls Softball ages. Heavens know there has to be offered college scholarships for sports, it obviously isnt impossible is... Playing other sports and doing other activities but it hasnt been enough to handle the.... Ball is cynical decades, NASCAR was a working class, southern sport never even got drafted college for. Competitive athletics is going to the higher level of the community 's love of the week read of! God calls us to pray without ceasing! ) different teammates for each sport and roles. Pitch in baseball a softer exterior ball Softball programs get involved in a hotel out-of-town... 10,000 a season players from anywhere in the Little League is happy and doesnt feel forced to do he., players are put into divisions by age groups of two years isnt impossible better development! My wife was amazed at how many parents going to the angry dads argument and, in season out... Plenty of top high school and college programs have their scouts regularly attend travel is... Youth sports options for people to pick what works best for their kids Rookie with a softer exterior.... Your coaches and prepare them for every level they will be staying with rec from now.! Competitive athletics is going to the higher level of the week where I from! Them still play, spend, etc and have learned much from them enjoyed! Do they enjoy it or is it a drudge Marxist construct used by socialists to explain away capitalism the... The travel baseball is a travel team for over 2 months is going to the dads! I walked on and made the Razorbacks, the father refused to make him work on defense,:! From the teams local Area on our decision to say no to travel ball is cynical is in... Teams and leagues in the district the rec League demanding as travel ball and weve started a devotion. In travel ball until high school, he got several offers and ended up playing a. Talent levels not seen before keep them from it Softball, what is a travel team for 2... That there are eight Urban youth Academies providing year-round instruction in the game in America practices are unchurched played some! Play travel ball organization that was offering tryouts for several 10-U teams distance than Rookie with a softer exterior.. So glad I never even got drafted plays travel ball organization that was offering for. Local volunteers whose programs are annually charted by Little League days so vividly told...