re: Travel ball anecdote

Been a youth baseball coach for 25 years. Started in Dixie Youth been in 'travel' ball since 2009. I went back to Dixie Youth last season now that my son is playing HS baseball since the time commitment is less and I can coach around his game schedule. I also have a fall ball program for 9th/10th graders to prepare them for HS tryouts.

My son and I left Dixie in 2009 and it was a great decision! He got to play baseball in several states, made friends all over the southern US and he remains great friends with teammates, some he played with for 6 seasons!! He learned the game and competed at a high level! We'd do it all over again if given the chance!

Travel can be a real positive or a real negative experience it all depends how the parents and coaches approach it! Kids of all talent levels compete in 'travel' ball now its not an elite only system although it does have elite systems within its structure. With Dixie we only get 6 practices (2 a week) and then games start. Its hard to prepare a team for anything in 6 practices!!

As far as parents go, you have terds in both 'travel' and 'rec' ball! At least the travel ball parent will make sure they get their kids to practice! I had 13 on my roster last season and most practices had only 8-10 kids there, NEVER had a full roster at any of the 6 practices!!

Watching Fresh/JV highschool games most of your travel ball kids are advanced in knowledge of the game and quicker to make the right decision on the field. By the time they reach varisty alot of that evens out!
Travel or Rec, your childs baseball experience will depend on how you approach it!! Either way enjoy it, its comes and goes so fast!!!