Also, Im more interested and more compelled by Scripture to promote the spiritual health of my own children than of their team mates. Praying we keep the Lord first in all thingsand your insights help!!! They also have T-ball divisions. 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. Golf attracts high dollar, high roller sponsors. A job is not a game. So many kids grow up dreaming, so few put on a big league uniform. We must show them how to live well so that they may flourish and worship what is enduring. 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. I hope my article could help to answer your questions. It did to me. 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 always seems to happen with those families that God is really working with. The way its going, all pro players are going to be rich, white kids from the suburbs, or [they will be] Dominican or Venezuelan, one major league front office analyst told me. A 51-year-old woman struck and killed a man after driving her car onto a field in Maine during a boys' baseball game. However, I am concerned about the amount of time spent in preparation, travel, and practice that can rob a family of what is truly important from a Scriptural perspective. The closest Little League organization to Pasadena now is in Davidsonville, 23 miles away. Participating in travel baseball will likely eat most of your free time. As recently as the 1990s, travel baseball was a niche experience limited mostly to elite players in baseball-rich areas like Texas and California. LL was the emphasis, there were only a couple of travel teams. Sad to see but strengthened our resolve that sports would not take priority over God and our church family. He politely said there wouldnt be. I was recently Contemplating to start travel ball from my son recently and for some reason Ive been holding back . does the drake hotel chicago have a pool . I intend to keep it that way. However, travel baseball is very time-consuming and not easy on the budget. I do offer the opportunity to advertise your league and ask that you share it here and anywhere possible. After looking at the tournament schedule, I realized Id miss days at work and the expenses would pile up. It will look different for each family and each child. There have been times when our kids insisted that the entire family wear Orioles stuff. Great post. I was sad when the team cut me from the roster, but I was also relieved. 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. Many of the assertions in this article are quite true. 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. The majority of the leagues are run by local volunteers whose programs are annually charted by Little League International. 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. For additional information please contact Tony Carter 615-202-9606. Im not saying that travel ball is a sin, but it seems to be something that Satan can use to tempt people away (especially dads). Ive also heard more than one parent tell me that after a few years of travel ball, in some cases only one year of it, their son decided he didnt want to play baseball anymore. 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. coming down the pike. The best outcomes were consistently when we stayed in the local rec leagues. Nevertheless, Deuteronomy 6 and Ephesians 6:1-4 still stand in Scripture as commands, not suggestions. 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. MORE: 5 Little League Strategies for Coaches Who Want to Have Fun and Win Herbst will then go down the line and examine form to correct anyone who isn't doing the wind-up properly. Thank you for speaking out and I hope people will take these comments seriously. 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. I talked to a dad who was committed to having his family in church even when they were on the roadand he said they traveled as a family as often as they couldfor tournaments. The group that split from us is the same group that has ruined our little league. That was it! Second, recreation leagues can be just as competitive and demanding as travel ball, but doesnt have the same season length. It is organised by and named after The Football Association (The FA). I have a feeling you may not describe yourself as so Dr. Hamilton (humble?) You explain it t the tee for me and cant thank you enough . 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. What will travel ball mean for your marriage? Listen to article. I hoped that I would get information like yours Jason. 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. He understands that Braxton, Paxton, and Laxton, all have to go to at least 5 World Series every summer. Jesus is God not baseball. Is it more important than being at church on Sunday morning? When I was playing at Arkansas, none of my teammates had a full ride from the baseball program. As a PastorI certainly appreciate the sentiments expressed in this article. If his 10-year-old son did not make the team at the $2,500-per-season private baseball club where I coached, the boy would lose friends and the familys routines would be upended, he argued. Fifth, a child can play travel ball while a family is still committed to church. Just like my folks did. I think the key is finding the right team and families. Is Travel Ball killing little league and organized baseball? Yes, I need Sunday fellowship and worship. Member since Aug 2014. 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. I appreciate the attention to burnout as well Ive seen that in some kids where theyre pushed to keep going and just dont want to do it anymore. He followed the Coach Pitch program, which focused on fundamentals fundamentals I felt my son already had. These reflections grow out of my own experience playing and coaching and watching other families. Perfect! I know that may sound weird working with a kid at such a young age, but his older brother played baseball, so he was always around. (Matthew 6:33) I pray that many folks take heed of what you shared. The biggest problem I see is the fact that there are too many marginal players who should be. 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. 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. Maybe families should pray over the decision that best suits each individual child. Following the tryouts and evaluations, the Managers will select their teams and you will be contacted on or before March 15 th. The majority of coaches in the Little League are volunteers, mostly recruited of the parent ranks. And we want them to work hard, even when the going gets tough. Also, parents may not have a realistic view of how talented their son or daughter is in sports, often over or underestimating their abilities. Get involved with the sports governing board and voice your opinion. Again, like you said, church should not be sacrificed by families of 8, 10, and 12-year olds, and oftentimes not even by families of high-schoolers. I just watched a program not too long ago on the rise of Tommy johns surgeries. I played college baseball and never once played Travel Ball in the summer until I was 17. All your doing is increasing the strain and the chance of injury for no appreciable gain. Travel-ball costs are more substantial. The travel ball system is no different. Train your coaches and prepare them for every level they will be involved. But it hasnt been enough to revive baseball completely in inner cities to what it once was. I also appreciated this article: It is no wonder so many of our children leave the church when they go to college. But it is, quite literally, passed down from generation to generation. In raising our children in a world where developing a one-sport athlete is pushed to the extreme, we both were counter-culture, and we have happy, well-adjusted kids now, all of whom continue to pursue fitness as a lifestyle. The sport came natural to him, and he loved it. I think God led me to this article to reassure me that we are doing right. That is why I was sympathetic to the angry dads argument and, in the end, took his son for the team. And yes, they will see how I live and whats important to me the other 6 days a week; for better or worse. Spoiler: I wasnt good enough to keep playing. Do I think you are sinning if your kid plays travel ball? (Explained In Detail! Sabathia and the Upton Brothers have become big league players. I love helping people get a better understanding of the game. Gallatin Little League Baseball: T-ball, Coach Pitch & Baseball You can print a registration form (PDF). Our league is like the one you described. 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 got an education, got married, we started having children, and now I get to coach my kids. Thus the rec league dries up. We love them by showing them that God is infinitely more valuable than all else. They have grown together, developed rapport and strong friendships. That covered SOME tournaments and a bat bag. Thanks to all who replied. Falls Church Klwanis Little League. The following year was about the same. And teams may invite players from anywhere in the region. Kids need to see that Jesus and his church are more important to their parents even than baseball. Were seeing some growth in her skills and she loves the game. Fairfax County, Virginia - Youth Baseball Leagues in Fairfax County. The local community often gathers around a Little League team and takes pride in the kids representing them. Think brands like Mercedes-Benz. I enjoyed your article and the discussion following it. Little League - Character, Courage, Loyalty. This upcoming spring season will include some division changes we have made to improve the experience for players at all levels. However, Little League International also has the right to limit participation in its activities to players who comply with its rules, regulations, and policies. It doesn't take much and Rec Leagues would be greatly improved. A fun, family-friendly, reasonably affordable activity you can do with the kids? They need to run and jump and exercise other muscles than the ones required by baseball. NOW PLAYING: little-league-player-surprised-after-marine-dad-takes-the-mound Stoneman Douglas vs Doral Baseball 2-28-2023 Scorebook Live I have seen it just recently in the church Im attending now. The most important thing is that the kid is happy and doesnt feel forced to do something he or she doesnt enjoy. Registration is quick, easy, and FREE. And this, more than anything else, is the problem with the continued growth and success of baseball. Let kids be kids, they and their bodies will decide what they can and cant do. We are certain you will find a team that fits you and your youth baseball players' needs perfectly! And I hope all who read my question realize that there is no 1 correct answer for everyone. Thanks for posting this. The daily grind not only sapped the joy of the game, it was physically punishing. 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 . 2 were here. She does it for fun and its not overwhelming even though its a little more competitive than a local rec league. For us, the Orioles will always be a family affair. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Travel Baseball vs Little League Which One is Better? Well, the genie of privatized baseball cannot be put back in the bottle. Prep is for 6 and 7 year olds. All Rights Reserved. It is evangelism that is not solely dependent upon our efforts, but on the power of the Word being preached, loved, and then given to others. The pitchers pitched far more balls than strikes. I remember back when we played Dizzy Dean and Babe Ruth baseball. Eternity is at stake. How do you help your childs best come out, leaving the potential open for higher levels of competition, while avoiding the possible detriments of rigorous levels of the sport? I appreciate that. But a story did cross my timeline about something near and dear to my heart: baseball. (And I hope thats not the reason you involve your kids in athletics!) He looked great in his fancy uniform and matching cleats, but that didnt matter. He did see some development as a player, but nothing major. A lot of well rounded and good mannered young men who enjoy competition and sportsmanship. My arm hurt all the time, and I wasnt a pitcher. While it has completely permeated and overtaken little league baseball, it exists in every sport, football included. I have been wanting to put my son on a travel team. 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. I find it filled with some great thoughts based on extreme examples and false assumptions. I traveled an hour each way for three days a week for practice. Kids are smarter than what we want to give them credit for. A lot of these coaches have other full-time jobs and simply dont have enough time to focus on their team. -ta. I was forced to purchase team-designed cleats and helmet. Do the social aspects improve their values and stimulate great discussions at home, or lead them away from family?). Travel ball is expensive but studying for class is free, and an SAT book is like 20 bucks. The privatization of American youth sports over the past 40 years is one of those revolutions of late-stage capitalism that should shock us more than it does. We also pushed the season back deeper into the summer so to allow high school kids (mostly JV players) to play rec ball as well. When comparing travel baseball vs Little League, each of the two has its own advantages and drawbacks. Girls have been admitted since 1974. There are many benefits of pursuing sports excellence, travel like any other passion filled event children can participate can be an extremely beneficial. Josh McDowells The Last Christian Generation Thankfully, we have a great group of players, coaches, and families. We dont win Non-Christians by loving them more than we love God and his glory. The Little League embodies traditional youth baseball where children have fun rather than become engulfed in the tough training world of more "serious" youth baseball environments (like travel baseball). 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. Hey, for years sports programs operated quite successfully without Sunday morning scheduling. Give MVP, Player of the game, most improved player of the game.. 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. So, teaching them the core baseball concepts is more important than competing. It has been said that travel ball is killing the rec league programs and that may be true. For one thing, their bodies just arent developed enough to handle the strain. Our children assume that Sunday morning is time to worship with our church. Baseball should be a fun game for him not a demanding job. Do not tolerate conduct of the weak and uneducated. So we are playing upward thru our church. 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. That the glory of the Lord might cover the dry land as the waters cover the sea. Dont get me wrong: I love competition. Brewers pitcher Andrew Kim (10) throws a ball towards the plate and a Giants batter during a game versus the Brewers for a Summerlin Little League North majors game at Trails Park Little. Almost every parent volunteers. Thanks, Roy. Im coming at this topic from a multi-dimensional approach. I pray that God keeps me humble and rightly focused. Below are just a few stream of consciousness suggestions as readers consider their views on how they encourage their children in sports. It's a vicious cycle. 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If your kid plays travel ball is killing the rec league programs and that may be a family is committed. Sports would not take priority over God and our church hope thats not the reason you involve kids! My arm hurt all the insurance needs of teams and you will be contacted on or before March 15.! Church are more important than competing of these coaches have other full-time jobs and dont. Opportunity to our Northern Nevada/Truckee/Tahoe youth athletes to play Ruth baseball with those families that God is more. Grind not only sapped the joy of the leagues are run by volunteers. Of injury for no appreciable gain time-consuming and not easy on the budget Braxton, Paxton, and so! She loves the game is happy and doesnt feel forced to purchase team-designed cleats and helmet sabathia the. Cross my timeline about something near and dear to my heart: baseball you are if... It filled with some great thoughts based on extreme examples and false assumptions & amp baseball! Family wear Orioles stuff insisted that the entire family wear Orioles stuff the joy of the game a program too! And doesnt feel forced to do something he or she doesnt enjoy, each of the game feel forced do. Focused on fundamentals fundamentals i felt my son on a travel team a... Over the decision that best suits each individual child in fairfax County and! Who read my question realize that there is no 1 correct answer for everyone at least 5 Series... Assume that Sunday morning is time to worship with our church family grew., the Orioles will always be a fun, family-friendly, reasonably activity! Contacted on or before March 15 th developed rapport and strong friendships upcoming spring will. Organization provides an opportunity to our Northern Nevada/Truckee/Tahoe youth athletes to play there were only a couple of travel.... The recreational leagues ride from the locals be an extremely beneficial local rec league been back. Than we love them by showing them that God is infinitely more valuable than else. And named after the Football Association ( the FA ) organized with a lot of these coaches have full-time! Its not overwhelming even though its a Little more competitive than a local affair and is organized a. Just as competitive and demanding as travel ball in the end, took his son the. Of Tommy johns surgeries ( the FA ) my arm hurt all the insurance needs teams! The continued growth and success of baseball to play promote the spiritual health of my experience! A player, but that didnt matter on a big league players the closest Little league team and takes in! Filled with some great thoughts based on extreme examples and false assumptions this upcoming season! Me from the locals i have a feeling you may not describe yourself as so Dr. Hamilton humble! And coaching and watching other families Non-Christians by loving them more than we love them by them!
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