game speed travel baseball

Travel Baseball: The Ultimate Guide for Parents and Players

Table of Contents

What is travel baseball, what to look for in a travel baseball team, travel baseball vs. little league, travel baseball pros and cons , criticisms and controversy, is travel baseball worth it.

For many families, the transition from Little League to travel baseball comes with stress, anxiety and questions about what to look for in a team and what to expect from the experience — not to mention the question of whether making the switch from a more laid-back rec ball program to a more competitive (and expensive) travel club is the right decision in the first place.

In this post, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about getting started with youth travel baseball. We’ll help you answer the questions above and determine whether travel baseball is a good fit for your son or daughter. 

If you have a softball player in the family, you may also want to check out our article “ What to Look For in a Travel Softball Team ,” which covers some of the same information from a softball perspective and dives deep into my personal experience as an elite-level amateur player and college recruiting prospect.

Table of Contents :

• How to Choose a Travel Baseball Team
• Travel Baseball Pros and Cons
• Is Travel Baseball Worth It?  

First, it’s important to understand what a travel baseball team is and how travel baseball is organized. 

There are tens of thousands of travel baseball teams around the country, and their popularity has exploded over the past two decades. As recently as the 1990s, travel baseball was a niche experience limited mostly to elite players in baseball-rich areas like Texas and California. 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. 

Whereas Little League is the dominant organization when it comes to recreational youth baseball, there are multiple organizations throughout the country that host hundreds of travel tournaments each year. Some of the biggest and most popular are USSSA (United States Speciality Sports Association), AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), Triple Crown Sports , and Perfect Game . Travel baseball teams often participate in tournaments organized by more than one of those organizations. 

A team can be started by anyone. Many are formed by parents, but many others are formed by high school and former college coaches. Depending on their organizational goals, some programs have just one team that participates in one age bracket (such as 10 and under), while some are run like businesses and have teams that compete in every age group. 

Some huge organizations, such as California Baseball Academy (CBA), even have multiple teams within the same age group, located in multiple cities. CBA has teams not only in California, but also in Nevada, Texas, Utah and the southeast. High-level programs like that are often known for attracting top talent, for training recruits into elite players, and for feeding those players into nearby colleges and universities. 

Travel Baseball Competition Structure

Virtually all travel baseball games are played on weekends in a tournament format. Those tournaments can theoretically be held anywhere, but are frequently held at multi-field facilities in easily-accessible travel hubs. For example, many Florida tournaments are held in Orlando because it’s in the relative center of the state, it has plenty of hotel rooms, and it’s home to many great baseball facilities. The farther you live away from such a hub, the more you should expect to travel. 

Most tournaments begin with pool play, meaning that teams are guaranteed a number of games before heading into single elimination. A team can expect to play anywhere from three to eight games over the course of a two-day or three-day tournament, depending on how they perform.

There is no set number of tournaments a team must participate in. Each team decides which tournaments to enter on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration factors such as age level, skill level, and cost. In general, two tournaments per month can be seen as about average, although higher-level teams may play more frequently. 

Most organizations run regional and national championships, which are invite-only. For example, USSSA hosts “qualifier” tournaments, where the winner of the championship game (and sometimes the runner up) can earn a bid to the USSSA national tournament.

Additionally, beginning at age 14, some teams start participating in “college exposure tournaments,” where college scouts come from across the country to watch and evaluate prospects. These tournaments are typically more expensive than regular tournaments, and are often farther away.

How to Join a Travel Baseball Team

If you’ve decided to join a travel baseball team and aren’t sure where to find one, there are a number of resources available. 

It may go without saying, but word-of-mouth can be a valuable first reference point. If you’re thinking about switching to travel baseball, chances are that you already know someone in your area who has made the jump. If so, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about the team and their experience. It’s a big commitment — both in terms of time and finances — so it’s important to make sure you find the right club for your son or daughter.

In addition to word of mouth, many organizations offer a list of active teams on their website. For example, USSSA has a tool that lets you filter teams by age level, skill level, and location . There are also many state-based forums and Facebook groups where coaches post their team’s tryouts (and positions needed). As an example, here are Facebook groups for travel baseball teams in Florida and Michigan ⁠— you can find similar groups for every state. 

Another good option is FieldLevel.com , which (like the USSSA site) allows you to filter teams by state and level. While not every team is listed on that website, it does include over 4,000 clubs.

Here are eight things to think about when evaluating teams. These factors will make a big difference when it comes to your overall experience, so take the time to think about them, and don’t be afraid to ask questions of parents and coaches.

1. Coaching  

A coaching staff can make or break a team. How coaches manage players, keep the game fun, instill the fundamentals, and focus on development — not only as athletes, but as young men and women — is extremely important. 

Some travel baseball teams have parents or grandparents serving as the head coach. While that can be fine, it’s important to make sure those coaches don’t make keeping their own child on the field a priority. Before committing to a team, spend some time researching it by watching a practice and talking to current and/or former players and parents. 

What’s the coaching style? Do they have high expectations but still encourage and love their players? Or, on the other hand, are they screaming at players when they make a mistake? 

Additionally, are players treated equitably, or do some get preferential treatment based on their relationship to the coach or their financial contribution to the team?

Ideally, your child will be a part of that team and organization for consecutive years, rather than bouncing from team to team. As such, determining whether the coaching staff is a good fit is a crucial first step.

2. Cost  

For many parents, this is the most terrifying aspect of travel baseball.

Just how much of a toll is this going to take on your bank account? The specific answer varies, but the typical range of cost for participating in travel baseball is between $500 and $2,500 per year. 

That said, you can end up spending a lot more than that. Back in 2011, CBS News reported that one Georgia family paid $4,000 per year for their 9-year-old son’s travel team. You can imagine that older players in elite programs that travel all over the country can spend even more over the course of a season.

Typically, the more intensely focused a program is on developing its players for college baseball, the more money the program is going to cost. On the other hand, teams that are playing more for the fun of it — those looking for just a little more structure and competition than offered by Little League — won’t put as much of a dent in your wallet.

There are a number of specific factors that go into how much it costs to be on a team:

• Where you live . If you live in a baseball hub, like Texas or California, you won’t have to travel as far to get to tournaments. Many teams from rural areas regularly drive across multiple states (or sometimes even fly) to tournaments. As such, where you live will likely be the single biggest variable in your overall travel baseball cost.
• Whether you have to buy your own equipment . Some teams are sponsored by equipment companies like Easton and Rawlings and have their bats, gloves and cleats provided either for free or at a reduced cost. Obviously, this can be a huge savings. Also, keep in mind that (unfortunately) equipment is often viewed as a status symbol in travel baseball. If your child joins a team where every other player has multiple bats and position-specific gloves, he or she is going to press you for similar gear.
• Whether you have to rent facilities . Some teams practice exclusively at public fields. Others have little or no access to such facilities and have to rent fields and/or indoor space (especially for winter workouts). This can have a huge impact on the overall cost of participation.
• Whether or not coaches are paid . Some teams — typically the more competitive ones — pay their coaches small stipends and/or cover their cost of travel. On one hand, this tends to lead to better coaching. On the other hand, families are the ones who will ultimately foot that bill.
• How competitive the team is . Higher-level tournaments typically have higher fees. Lower-level tournaments, operated on a more sub-regional basis, are usually much less expensive to enter. If cost is a concern, make sure you know what types of tournaments the team usually enters over the course of the season. 

3. Location  

As stated earlier, location is a key factor in deciding which travel team to play for. If you’re fortunate enough to live in California, Florida or Texas, you’re going to have a lot of opportunities to play with and against high-level competition right in your backyard. 

But outside of those states, it’s a little bit tougher, and you have to decide how committed you are to playing at the highest possible level. 

For example, if you live in a medium-sized town outside of a major baseball hub, chances are you have at least a couple of travel ball options. However, the odds are that those options are not the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to coaching and competitiveness. In order to play for the absolute “best” team possible, you might have to commute from your mid-sized town to the nearest major city. 

So you’ll be faced with the following choice: play on a lower level team that’s closer to home, or drive a hundred miles or more for twice-weekly practices? It may sound crazy, but many families do just that. 

Why would they commit so much time and money to their son or daughter’s athletic pursuits? It comes down to goals. Better teams often provide better coaching and more opportunities for exposure to college and professional scouts. 

What’s the team’s mission? Is the focus on fun, player development, college exposure, or a mix of all there? Teams can have many different goals and missions, and there’s no right or wrong approach.

However, it is possible that a team’s mission does not align with your values and goals, and you need to think about this before committing, as a compatibility mismatch can lead to coach-parent and coach-player tension. 

5. Organization

Consider the reputation of the organization you’re evaluating. When you join a team, you and your son or daughter will essentially be endorsing everything the program stands for. If they’re known for dirty play or being disrespectful to the game, you’ll be associated with that. 

And believe it or not, the baseball world is a small and surprisingly tight-knit community. College coaches tend to know which programs produce bad apples — and they avoid them. In fact, many college coaches will completely write off an entire organization that has a reputation for not playing the game the right way or for having disrespectful players.

6. Playing Time

There’s an important balance between getting enough playing time and being challenged. Before committing, ask the coaching staff what kind of playing time your child can expect — including at what position. 

If there are two returning shortstops, he or she most likely won’t be playing there and might have to learn another position. That’s not a bad thing: college coaches want players that are versatile, and many players change positions as they get older and their bodies develop. 

Still, it’s helpful to know what to expect ahead of time. Getting game reps is important from a development perspective, but also just from a fun perspective: no kid wants to consistently travel to a tournament only to sit on the bench for most of the weekend. 

7. Skill Level

Be realistic about your child’s skill level, and pay attention to the level of competition around him or her at tryouts (i.e., the skill levels of the other players). If your kid has the fight and desire to compete for a spot (like they’ll have to do if they make it to college ball), then putting them on a team where they’ll be challenged is the best option. 

But if he or she is there to have fun and make friends, with no burning desire to be constantly improving, then choosing a travel team that’s more low-key will be the better call.

8. What You’re Giving Up

Travel baseball tournaments are on weekends, and players often have to sacrifice certain things that are part of a normal childhood. 

Is your son or daughter willing to miss out on things like birthdays, sleepovers and school dances, because most of their time is spent doing homework, traveling to and from games and practices, practicing on their own (possibly including private lessons), and spending nearly every summer weekend at the ballpark?

And are they willing to sacrifice the material things that matter to kids — things like clothes, video games, new smartphones, etc. — because so much money is being spent on baseball? 

As I wrote in THV’s guide to travel softball , my family made major sacrifices to support my athletic pursuits. 

For some, their love of the game is so great that giving up these things is a no-brainer. For others, they may regret missing out on these social activities. And that’s perfectly fine! Just be honest with each other and talk about the true costs of travel baseball — because it’s not just the sticker price.

There are some important similarities and differences between competitive travel baseball and recreational baseball. Both can teach many valuable life skills, such as work ethic, good sportsmanship, teamwork and bouncing back from failure. But they are very different when it comes to time commitment and competitiveness.

The Little League schedule usually runs from the late spring through early summer, with teams practicing twice per week and playing two games per week. The total number of games per season varies, but it usually ranges from 10 to 20. It’s a local program, which means travel is either limited or non-existent. In general, Little League coaches are parents.

Little League can be a great place for kids as young as 4-years-old to start playing the game. They’ll learn the rules and the absolute basics of hitting, pitching and fielding in a fun an easy-going environment (except for the occasional parent that takes their coaching position overboard). 

Overall, Little League fits the classic stereotype of youth baseball: kids having fun playing the greatest game in the world, without much pressure or focus on player development. 

Back in the day, Little League would feed into middle school and high school programs, which carried the bulk of the weight when it came to getting payers ready for college and the pros. But today, the reality is that it’s almost impossible to get the coaching and skill development you need by participating only Little league or other rec ball programs. 

That’s especially true when it comes to the gap between “Majors” Little League (12-and-under) and high school. Few middle schools still have baseball programs, and those programs that do exist tend not to be very good. Likewise, while Little League offers both a Junior division (12-14) and a Senior division (14-16), those leagues tend to pale in comparison to the coaching and competition offered by travel ball. 

So, if your son or daughter is serious about playing baseball at a high level, it’s especially important to focus on the transition to travel ball at around the age of 11 or 12.

There are positives and negatives when it comes to travel baseball. Here are a few of each.

• Better competition : Players are more serious about the game and more driven to improve. This higher level of competition will help push your son or daughter to improve their own skills.
• Better coaching : Travel baseball coaches tend to be better qualified, more knowledgeable, and better-connected. At the highest levels of travel ball, teams often employ former professional coaches.
• More exposure : Aside from high school baseball, travel ball is the primary means of exposure to college coaches and pro scouts. Plus, travel teams often attend showcase tournaments and camps.
• More games played : Travel teams play significantly more games per year than rec ball teams.
• Facilitates travel : Sometimes seen as an ancillary benefit, the travel itself can be a valuable and eye-opening experience for players. Many kids don’t have an opportunity to travel out of their own area or state, and travel baseball can provide that. 
• Encourages character development : Because travel teams are more serious, there’s a greater emphasis put on things like being on time, demonstrating maximum effort, and having a good attitude.  
• Cost : Travel baseball is expensive — sometimes absurdly so. Families often spend around $2,500 per year, but the costs can be even higher. 
• Time commitment : Even a moderately competitive travel team can consume an entire summer’s worth of weekends. 
• Ultra-competitive : On most travel teams, there’s a balance between player development and winning. What you won’t often find is an “everybody plays” approach. For the most part, the best players will play the most, which makes for a highly-competitive environment. 
• Tougher workouts : This can be a pro or a con, depending on the player’s perspective and goals. Tougher workouts can lead to better outcomes, but they can also be mentally and physically taxing if the player isn’t fully invested.
• Lack of diversity : Because travel baseball is expensive, it has often been criticized for a lack of socioeconomic and racial diversity. 

Travel baseball provides many benefits and can be a valuable opportunity for players who are serious about the game and committed to playing at the highest possible level. However, it’s not without its share of criticism and controversy. 

In an essay titled “ Left Out ,” MLB superstar Andrew McCutchen wrote about how kids like him, who grow up in low-income families, are often excluded from travel baseball and thus systematically disadvantaged when it comes to development and exposure: 

“When you’re a kid from a low-income family who has talent, how do you get recognized? Now, you have to pay thousands of dollars for the chance to be noticed in showcase tournaments in big cities. My parents loved me, but they had to work hard to put food on the table, and there wasn’t much left over. They didn’t have the option of skipping a shift to take me to a tournament over the weekend. […] That’s the challenge for families today. It’s not about the $100 bat. It’s about the $100-a-night motel room and the $30 gas money and the $300 tournament fee. 

[…] If you’re a poor kid with raw ability, it’s not enough.”

McCutchen was lucky: an AAU coach “discovered” him at the age of 13 and covered his travel ball expenses. But most kids from similar situations aren’t so fortunate. 

Why is this important for you, the parent of a child thinking about joining a travel team? 

On one hand, it’s important to be aware of how the systems we participate in affect our society. But on a much more specific level, you should know that your child will be entering a largely homogenous environment.

On top of that, kids from lower-income families can often feel out of place in travel ball — especially if they don’t come to the ballpark with the latest, top-quality gear like their teammates. This social dynamic can have a powerful impact on your child’s experience. 

Additionally, travel baseball means that both your family and your child will be spending less time within your own community.

There’s been a lot written in recent years about how travel baseball may be contributing to the erosion of communities , because it pulls families out of local baseball programs that once served as important civic institutions.

This is evidenced by the sharply declining participation in Little League. In the organization’s Southeast Region (a hotbed for a travel baseball), the number of Little League players has plunged by nearly 50% since 2007 . 

So we’ve come to the biggest question: Is travel ball worth it?

If you want to improve your skills and have the best chance to play in college or the pros, travel baseball is the way to go. But remember: there is a range of cost and time commitment within travel baseball. Your son or daughter doesn’t necessarily have to opt for the most expensive travel team in order to be sufficiently challenged (and later on, to get noticed by college coaches). 

Your goal in evaluating teams should be to find the right balance of: 

• Financial commitment 
• Time commitment
• Intangible sacrifices (school events, community involvement, etc.) 
• Baseball goals

After reading this article, you should have a very solid understanding of what Little League and travel baseball have in common, their differences, and what you should be looking for in a club. 

Remember, this is your child’s choice to. Help them see the pros and cons of each option. And although we stated it earlier, we cannot stress this enough: you cannot dictate your son or daughter’s commitment to the game of baseball. It’s up to them. So, support them in whatever capacity they want to participate. If you do, they’ll never regret or forget the amazing experiences, friends, and lessons learned playing this great game.

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Alexa Peterson

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How Fast Does A Baseball Travel? (Fastest Pitch On Record!)

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There are so many different things to learn about the national pastime, and some of the most fascinating aspects of the game are the mechanics of what’s happening on the field. Have you ever wondered, for example, “How fast does a baseball travel?”

The average velocity of a baseball after it has been struck by the bat is around 87mph for MLB players, although many can achieve an exit velocity of 90 mph or more. When it comes to pitching speeds, the velocity of a fastball is between 50 and 60 mph for the average person, but more than 90 mph for an MLB pitcher.

Read ahead to find out more about the speeds at which a baseball travels during a game, as well as some fascinating statistics on the fastest pitchers and hitters of all time.

How Fast Do Different Baseball Pitches Travel?

There are many different ways that a baseball travels during a game, and some of them are significantly faster than others. If it’s simply being passed between fielders the ball can be moving at a very leisurely pace, but pitching is often about generating a lot of speed.

There are different kinds of pitches, however, and they’re not all designed to be moving at top speed.

• Fastball: Many fastballs, like the typical four-seam fastball, are thrown as fast and as hard as the pitcher can possibly manage, while still maintaining accuracy and control.
• Breaking Balls: These balls move in the air – typically sideways or downwards – so they are a little slower. Breaking balls are intended to confuse the batter rather than overpower them with speed.
• Changeups: This is where the speed of the ball gets really interesting. A changeup should look like one type of pitch but then arrive at the plate differently, often appearing to be a fastball but actually moving slower to confuse the batter’s timing.

With all of that in mind, it’s easy to understand why pitching speeds vary so greatly between pitches.

What Speed Do Fastballs Travel at?

So, if fastballs are the ones that generate the most speed, how fast are they actually moving? Well, it all depends on the pitcher.

If the average person were to pitch their best fastball, it wouldn’t necessarily be moving too quickly through the air. Most amateur players below the age of 10 average a pitching velocity of between 40 and 50 mph, which increases to around 50-80 mph for players between 10 and 18, and adults might start throwing at 80 mph and above.

In general, though, most people can throw a fastball at around 50-60 mph.

For professionals, things are a little different. The average fastball in the MLB has gone up from 90.9 mph in 2008 to 94.9 mph last season, and that is just an average!  There are many fastballs on record that were moving at more than 100 mph before they reached the plate.

What Is The Fastest Pitch On Record?

So, how fast can a baseball really move when the best of the best are pitching it? Well, there are some truly remarkable pitch speeds on the books.

According to Major League Baseball, the fastest recorded pitch of all time was thrown by left-handed relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman at Petco Park on September 25, 2010. He threw a fastball that was clocked at 105.1 mph, according to PITCHf/x.

Although this might still be the number to beat, there are a lot of pitchers that are getting surprisingly close every year. In the 2022 season alone, 13 players threw a fastball at 102 mph or more.

How Are Baseball Pitches Measured?

So, how do we know the kind of speed that these pitches are traveling at? Well, there are a few different methods that have been used in the past, but PITCHf/x has now become the standard.

PITCHf/x is a system designed by Sportsvision which debuted in the 2006 postseason, and it is now installed at all MLB stadiums. It doesn’t just measure the speed of a pitch, but the trajectory as well.

It essentially works by using three mounted cameras to keep track of the ball’s speed and precision, and it has an accuracy of better than one mile per hour and one inch.

At individual stadiums and across different television networks, some other technologies are used to register the speed of a pitch, and they don’t always match up. In 2011, for example, Ardolis Chapman seemed to beat his own record with a 106 mph pitch, according to the stadium ray gun, but the PITCHf/x reading actually came out at just 102.4 mph.

How Fast Does A Baseball Move After It’s Been Hit?

Although pitching is definitely one of the most exciting areas where the ball is moving at speed, it’s far from the only one. In fact, the ball often achieves even more speed after it’s been hit.

When the ball first leaves the bat (the exit velocity) is the point at which it is traveling the fastest, then it will slow down as it moves through the air.

The average exit velocity for MLB players is 87 mph, but heavy hitters will regularly achieve 90 mph or more.

What Are The Fastest Baseball Speeds In History?

When you want to find the highest speed that a baseball has ever moved, you need to look at the heavy hits.

Many of the hardest-hit homers in baseball belong to two players: Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. Let’s take a look at the fastest exit velocities to date, according to Statcast.

• Giancarlo Stanton, August 9, 2018: 121.7 mph
• Giancarlo Stanton, July 25, 2020: 121.3 mph
• Aaron Judge, June 10, 2017: 121.1 mph
• Giancarlo Stanton, June 11, 2022: 119.8 mph
• Manny Machado, August 20, 2021: 119.6 mph

Summary: How Fast Does A Baseball Travel?

So, how fast does a baseball travel? Well, it depends on whether it’s being pitched or hit, and it depends on who’s doing the pitching and hitting.

The average fastball in MLB is around 94.9 mph, whereas the average exit velocity for a hit in MLB is about 87 mph.

When it comes to the records, though, the heavy hits are where you see the biggest speeds. The fastest recorded pitch in baseball is 105.1 mph, whereas the fastest exit velocity on record is 121.7 mph.

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Travel Baseball Uncovered: A Guide For Parents And Players

Let’s talk about baseball—travel baseball, to be exact.

For many, moving from the Little League to travel baseball feels like catching a curveball. After all, it’s more than just a pace change; it’s about trading Saturday afternoon matches on a grassy field for serious club competitions that come with a higher price tag.

You might be thinking, “Is this the right play for my little slugger?” or “How do I even go about choosing a team?”

Well, here’s our chance at bat. We’ll walk you through everything youth travel baseball has to offer, including answering these questions and more.

Table of Contents

What is Travel Baseball [Explained]

Travel baseball is just what it sounds like. It’s when youth teams have to travel in order to have their games and tournaments. This is usually the next step after traditional recreational or Little League. 

Since the level of competition is much higher, it can help them develop their skills.

But preparation comes at a cost—literally. And all that time on the road can take up your schedule very quickly. But despite all that extra work, they’ll get an exciting adventure out of it. Now, they’ll face off against teams from different cities, states, and sometimes even countries.

The love for Travel Baseball is Growing Fast.

In recent years, travel baseball gained an exponential amount of popularity and saw thousands of teams pop up across the country. 

Before the 90s, it was a relatively niche experience only limited to players nestled in regions like Texas and California.

Nowadays, participation is considered necessary for young players wanting to sharpen their skills and go up against some really tough competition.

Instead of focusing on the local leagues like recreational youth baseball does, travel ball operates under various organizations, hosting hundreds of tournaments each year. 

Some big names include USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association), AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), Triple Crown Sports , and Perfect Game . 

The ambitious goal for any team is to face off against as many different teams as possible to gain experience and test their skills.

Everyone can create a travel baseball team. It doesn’t matter if you’re a parent, high school teacher, or someone who coaches college kids.

The highlight of the season is the travel baseball tournament. Bringing together talented teams from different parts of the world to compete. 

This lets players show their skills to a bigger audience, including scouts and college coaches. These tournaments are organized by many institutions and happen locally, regionally, or even nationally.

There’s nothing cooler than the USSSA World Series, though. Every year, it’s hosted by the United States Specialty Sports Association. 

You’ll find talent from all over America coming here to fight for that top spot. But another epic tournament is the Triple Crown Summer Nationals, where they hold it at Myrtle Beach 

in South Carolina. It attracts teams from everywhere and is known for great competition and vacation vibes.

A unique little competition is held in Cooperstown, New York, known as the Cooperstown Dreams Park Tournament. 

Cooperstown, known as baseball’s birthplace, offers a unique week-long stay in baseball-style barracks. You can visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

These intense and challenging tournaments bring out some of the most talented players young kids have to offer. It’s also a great way to boost your young player’s confidence in playing on those big stages!

Different Levels Of Travel Teams And Their Requirements

It’s not just one level fit all for travel baseball teams. They’re organized into various levels based on skill, experience, and commitment from players. 

Imagine putting someone who only knows how to throw with moderate force into a contest against someone who does it with full force.

The team you choose for yourself should align with your skill level, how much free time you have, and your developmental needs as a player. Here’s an overview of different levels:

1. Local Travel Teams : For beginners starting their journey through travel baseball. The games they play are mostly local or within a close driving distance. Practices only happen a few times a week, and games during the weekend.

2. Regional Travel Teams : For players with more experience and higher skill levels. They go on trips for games and tournaments that will require overnight stays at places. Commitment level is higher, with practices being more frequent along with a longer season.

3. Showcase Travel Teams : The big leagues of young kid baseball players. These teams are made up of highly skilled people who are very serious about baseball. They have college scouts and recruiters present their games. This includes going to different states for showcase tournaments. 

You’ll need to be extremely committed to even think about trying out for this team, and their practices are rigorous and frequent, lasting all year round!

Benefits of Playing in a Travel Baseball Team 

A lot of benefits come from playing travel baseball. 

The biggest one? It can help players get to their goals. It’s not just about playing a game, especially when you want to make it big. It’s actually an experience that provides lifelong skills that can be applied everywhere else.

Competition in recreational leagues is nothing compared to this. It’s way higher. This allows players to grow new and old skills at a faster rate. 

There’s also an intense training schedule that demands discipline, resilience, and focus. These qualities go beyond just sports.

Participating in high-profile tournaments also gets the attention of other coaches and scouts. Which makes it easier for them to open doors for scholarships and professional contracts.

Traveling away from home just for games might seem like a drag, but it builds responsibility and maturity. It is a demanding journey for sure, but very rewarding.

Did MLB Players Play Travel Baseball?

Definitely! A lot of Major League Baseball (MLB) players used travel baseball as their starting point, too. It gives them all the exposure they need, honing skills at such a young age along with fierce competition.

Take Bryce Harper , for example. He’s one of the biggest names in MLB today. His journey started back when he was a child playing for the Southern Nevada Bulldogs 14U travel team. The opportunity came up where he could go against older players who were more experienced than him. This experience helped shape his professional career.

Albert Pujols also played travel baseball when he was younger on his team called Fort Osage Indians Travel Team before sailing into the Hall of Fame.

Clayton Kershaw ? Yeah, him too! Another name you hear often in MLB didn’t start there either — he played for the Dallas Tigers Travel Team where he developed early on gaining crucial skills and discipline that are instrumental in his success today.

How to Find a Travel Baseball Team in Your Region? 

If you’re a young baseball player who wants to take their skills to the next level, then joining a travel team is a great opportunity. If you are a parent and want to make your child the next MLB star, then travel baseball teams are a great place to start with. 

These teams play across the country and allow players to show their talents against top-tier competition. But how do you find one of these teams? 

Here’s a guide on how you can join a travel baseball team in the USA.

Check your local youth baseball organization.

Your first step should be checking with your local youth baseball organization. Chances are they have travel teams that play in leagues and tournaments outside of the regular season. If they don’t, then it’s likely they know someone who does.

Drop by showcases and camps.

In-person events like showcases and camps are great places to meet coaches and scouts from travel baseball teams. They’re designed specifically so players can showcase their skills and get noticed by recruiters.

The internet holds many answers, including finding a travel baseball team. Websites like USSSA Baseball, Perfect Game USA, and Travel Ball Select list lots of travel baseball teams based on state, age group, and skill level — all at a click away.

Talk to other parents and players.

If you want first-hand experience, then talk to other parents or players who have been through this process before. They can give useful insight into which teams are reputable, well-run, and competitive.

For example, if you live in Texas, then one option could be the Texas Bombers Baseball Club — an organization that has multiple teams at different age levels and is known for developing young talent. You can learn more about them by visiting their website or attending one of their tryouts.

How to Find the Perfect Travel Baseball Team? 

Identify the skill level and commitment of the player.

First thing first, you need to figure out how committed your child is to the sport and their skill level.  If he is naturally gifted athlete then you should help him to follow his dream. 

Research Local and Regional Teams

Begin by looking at teams that are close by. These teams usually have varying levels of skill and serve as great entry points for most players. 

You can check their websites and social media pages to learn more about them such as philosophy, coaches, players, and game schedule.

Attend Local Games and Practices 

Sitting in on local games and practices allows you to get a firsthand look at how they run things. You’ll be able to see their coaching style, how they interact with the players, and the overall team dynamic. With this insight, it’ll be easier to make a decision.

Speak with Coaches and Parents

While observing is good, it isn’t enough. Take some time out of your day or week to speak with coaches. 

This allows you to gain an understanding of their training methods, the expectations they have for your child, and the goals they want them to reach. It’s also good practice to talk to other parents so you can get a general idea of what people think about the team.

Consider Logistics

Logistical factors are important, too, so don’t forget about them. Make sure that the team’s practice location is suitable for you and your family’s schedule since it may be far away from where you currently live or work. 

The game schedule should be looked at as well because there could be conflicts in dates that would keep you from attending games.

Tryouts & Evaluations

Most teams hold tryouts or evaluations for people who are interested in joining. If this is offered, take advantage of it because it gives your child the chance to showcase their skills and for you to see if the team would be a good fit. 

A player’s evaluation is also helpful because it gives you insight into how strong the team itself is.

Travel Baseball Season Preparations 

Preparations before the pre-season.

Before the baseball season starts, you’ll want to make sure that your child is mentally and physically ready for the long days ahead. 

So, let’s start with an off-season workout routine to help build strength and agility. But don’t forget about eating well and getting enough sleep. Plus, practicing regularly can take their fielding, pitching, and hitting skills way up.

During the season

Once the season starts, it’s important to stay fit and perform at your best. You’ll want to communicate with their coach to keep track of your child’s progress as well as any areas they need improvement in. 

Another thing you should do is show up to their games and practices. It helps you stay in tune with how the team is performing and also supports your child. And finally, always keep their lines of communication open, whether it’s about pressure or their anxiety.

Post-Season

After a long season, it’s important to take a break. Reflect on the games you had together. Acknowledge all the good things they did but also focus on areas they can improve in. 

Give them some downtime so they can rest and recover. Even though they’re chilling around, don’t let them become bums — physical activity is still important for them during this time.

Travel Baseball vs. Little League

Both types of baseball have their own unique experience and benefits that come along with it. The choice of which one to put your kid into mostly depends on what they want out of it.

For example, travel baseball is more competitive. It attracts players who are committed to sports no matter what and are willing to travel around just for a game against top talent in various regions. Not only does this provide intense competition but also high-level coaching.

It does require a lot of time, as seasons are much longer than in little leagues with more games and practices.

If you want your child exposed more, then this would be a good option, as you can see from Bryce Harper, Albert Pujols, and Clayton Kershaw.

Now, little league baseball is less demanding. It’s generally more focused on the community and not so much on traveling and time. 

It’s actually a great option for kids who still love the sport but aren’t ready to commit to such a demanding schedule. They focus on learning fundamental skills, enjoying the game, and fostering a sense of community.

You can learn more here: Travel Baseball Vs Little League

The Cost of Playing Travel Baseball

If your kid has a future in baseball, you might want to consider enrolling them in travel baseball. The only problem is that this option is much more expensive than local leagues. 

Local leagues tend to have low costs because they don’t do as much traveling as travel teams have to do. On top of paying for the actual games themselves, there’s also the top-of-the-line coaching and amazing facilities that the team needs to cover. 

You’ll be hit with fees like equipment, uniform, tournament, travel (like gas and airfare), and a team fee.

The team fee alone can include things like league fees, practice facility rentals, and salaries for the coaches. 

And let’s not forget about any extra training or lessons they need in order to take their skills up a notch.

It’s always good to ask the people organizing the league what you’re paying for specifically because then maybe it won’t seem so bad (it probably will still seem bad, though). 

But it really does come down to where you live. 

Depending on that, it could cost you anywhere from $1,500-$3,000 per season. And if you’re on one of those elite teams competing at national tournaments, then I’m sorry, but it’ll probably cost way more.

Find Out How To Choose A Coach

A good coach doesn’t just teach how to play sports but also builds discipline and confidence, along with fostering a love for the game. Here are some tips on picking a coach:

Experience And Certification : A coach should always have some kind of experience coaching youth sports, but having proof that they passed some coaching program can give you peace of mind, knowing they know what they’re doing.

Coaching Style : Every coach is different and will treat their athletes differently, too. Some will be very intense in trying to push their players, while others are more relaxed yet inspiring. Pick what works best with your child’s personality.

Communication Skills : A good coach knows how to explain things in a way that’s easy for their athletes to understand. They should also be great at talking to you and other parents.

Focus On Development : It’s better for your kid to improve their skills rather than just win all the time. Look for coaches that will work with them on that.

Reputation : Finally, look into what other people say about the coach. Not only other players but parents, too. It doesn’t hurt to ask around or even watch them during practice if you can. 

Things to Know About Uniforms and Equipment in Travel Baseball

Uniforms and equipment are a necessary investment in travel baseball. It can be beyond what you expect from Little League. Here’s a quick rundown of what your child might need:

Uniforms : Most travel baseball teams have their own custom jerseys that come with pants, caps, belts, and socks. Some teams may even have home and away uniforms, so check with the manager first.

Gloves/Mitts : Get your child a good quality glove or mitt that suits the position they play. For example, catchers and first basemen have their own special mitts, while outfielders use bigger gloves compared to infielders. Check out the Best Youth Infield Gloves 

Bats : Bat rules can get very specific, depending on the league. Before you buy one, make sure you understand what kind is allowed. Also, consider their height, weight, and hitting strength when selecting the right bat size . 

You can check out my list of Best Youth Baseball Bats

Helmets : No matter how old or young your child is, they need a batting helmet. Some leagues even require faceguards as well. Check out the Best Youth Baseball Helmet

Cleats : Running on grass and dirt requires traction, which is why cleats are used in baseball. However, be aware that some leagues don’t allow metal spikes, so again, you should always check if there are any shoe restrictions.

Protective gear : Depending on the position they’re playing at, your kid may need extra protection such as shin guards for their legs or a chest protector for their torso

What is a good age range for travel baseball?

Travel baseball typically starts around 7 or 8 years old and goes through high school. However, the age that you can join may differ depending on the league or team.

How much does it cost to play travel baseball? 

The price of playing travel baseball could be greatly different depending on things like where you live, what team you’re on, and at what level you play. You’ll have to pay for league fees, uniforms, equipment, and even the costs of traveling and staying in other cities for away games.

How often would we need to practice? 

Usually, travel teams practice more often than recreational ones. It’s common for them to meet several times each week. But it will depend on the time and dedication your child’s coach expects.

How far do they have to go? 

Again, that’ll depend on what league your child signs up for. Some teams only need to go a couple of miles, while others will have to cross city lines.

Can my child also play another sport? 

It all depends on how much time both sports require. Understandably, travel baseball takes up quite a bit of time and energy, so consider if they have enough for both.

Overall Worth of Travel Baseball 

Traveling with a baseball team is no joke. For players and families alike, it’s considered a big commitment that takes up lots of time, money, and energy. 

And while it opens up new opportunities, the best reward for joining one is amazing! The skills learned, and knowledge gained from playing at higher levels is priceless. 

Plus, it builds character, helping to teach important lessons like teamwork, dedication, success handling, and, most importantly, failure handling. And let’s not forget about the friendships built along the way from spending hours with teammates in different places across the country. 

Even though some costs and sacrifices come with this commitment, most families say joining a traveling baseball team was totally worth every bit of it. 

Just remember, the end goal is to love the sport and grow as a person.

Hello everyone. My name is  Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player.  I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego. 

I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit. 

The Ultimate Parent’s Guide to Travel Baseball | Everything You Need to Know

March 14, 2023

49 min read

If you’ve got yourself a youth baseball player, you’ll probably start hearing all about travel ball soon – if you haven’t already. 

Travel baseball can be rewarding and exciting for both you and your ballplayer. 

It’s a chance for your child to substantially develop their baseball skills and passion while having a ton of fun. 

And a chance for you to foster that positive growth and love for the game while joining a new social tribe yourself – that of the travel ball parent, with its fulfilling experiences, camaraderie, and norms, just like any good tribe. 

But, travel ball can also be a huge commitment. It often involves a significant financial and time investment from you and your budding athlete. 

So before deciding to play travel ball, you should carefully consider what your child will get out of it and how it might affect your entire family. 

Several factors should go into this choice of whether or not to play club ball. 

And in this ultimate parent’s guide to travel baseball, you’ll learn how travel ball works, the pros and cons of travel ball vs. recreational baseball, what to look for in a new travel team, and even how to start your own travel team.

Let’s hook-slide in together.

# The Difference Between Travel and Recreational Baseball

# recreational baseball.

Recreational baseball often refers to Little League. Although, there are other organizations around the country, like PONY or Cal Ripken Baseball, that host recreational baseball leagues for their localities. 

Local is a keyword here. That’s usually the main difference between rec and travel ball – recreational ball doesn’t require travel. 

Recreational leagues focus on players learning the basics of the game, especially at the youngest levels. Seasons run from late spring to early summer. And you can expect around two games per week.

# Travel Baseball

Travel ball, on the other hand, refers to teams that travel to other cities or states to play baseball. 

Club teams might be a single team or an entire organization with several teams spanning different age levels. 

Another major difference is that travel ball is often played year-round. Not having extended off-seasons ups the commitment levels for all involved significantly. 

A few of the biggest organizations in the travel ball world are the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), Triple Crown Sports, and Perfect Game. 

These organizations will host most of the tournaments that travel teams compete in.

Traditionally, travel ball has been a higher level of competition than Little League, meant to train elite players who had their eyes set on collegiate opportunities. 

However, as travel ball becomes more ubiquitous, the level of competition can now run the gamut a bit more between extremely high to moderate-low.   

Travel baseball, as you’ll see, is also much more expensive in terms of both cost and time commitment than its recreational variety. 

# The Pros and Cons of Rec Ball Versus Travel Baseball

Both recreational and travel baseball have their merits and drawbacks. You and your child should consider the pros and cons of both before deciding which type of team to play on. 

# Little League Pros

• Local – If you don’t fancy traveling around two weekends out of every month, then recreation leagues might be better for your family. Part of this locality is time. The amount of time you and your ballplayer will spend at team practices, games, and individual workouts is significantly less in recreation baseball. 
• Learn a lot – Little League, PONY, or Cal Ripken Baseball teams’ emphasis on learning and having fun lets your kid discover and grow to love the game in a low-pressure environment.  Some children benefit more from this, especially in the beginning, while others thrive only with higher levels of competition.
• Less expensive – The average fee in the U.S. for a season of Little League is $150, but it could vary as low as $30 and as high as $250 in some areas.  Travel ball can easily cost three to four times that. But we’ll get into the details and rough estimates of this cost in just a bit.

# Little League Cons

• Dependent on your area – Having a local baseball league often depends on the interest in your area. No interest could mean no teams. The level of competition also depends on who’s playing and how much talent your area happens to have.
• Not a conduit for playing at the next level – Although it used to be the case, Little League is no longer a safe route to playing high school and college baseball.  Today, kids who want to reach these levels and find success once there, must, in most cases, find a travel team to play on at some point in their journey.  Of course, there are exceptions to this for ballplayers who naturally have top-tier talent. And obvious caveats must also be made to make room for how competitive or noncompetitive a particular high school might be.  But these unique instances aside, the reality for many parents and coaches on the ground is that playing rec ball only these days makes it less likely for a young man to be an impact player in high school or college. 
• Coaches – With recreational baseball, the coach is usually one of the players’ parents. And this person may know little to nothing about baseball, or about managing a youth team. They are exclusively volunteers after all. Sometimes you can get very lucky with elite-experienced parent volunteers and other times not so lucky – it's kinda a crapshoot.  

# Travel Ball Pros

• Better competition and coaches – Travel ball usually affords more competitiveness and more experienced coaches. Travel ball coaches might even be former college and high school coaches who’ve started a travel club. And larger organizations often pay monthly or seasonal paychecks to these professional coaches – many of which will not have a child on the team.
• More games – Instead of the 8 games per month during a short, designated rec season, your child can expect to play much more with travel ball.  It’s year-round, and the most games occur during weekend tournaments in the summer. Though some yearly tournaments are weeklong affairs.  At each tournament, teams play between three and ten games – depending on how well your team does in bracket play. By playing more games, your kid gets more exposure to baseball and is afforded more reps to cultivate their developing skills.
• Nicer facilities, opportunity to travel – Travel ball tournaments are usually held at nice facilities with plenty of room for parents to watch and for teams to hang out when they’re not playing.  Club ball also gives your kid a chance to venture outside their native city or state, which can be a valuable learning experience for them.

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# Travel Ball Cons

Costly – A season of travel ball can run anywhere from $800-$28,000 per year, depending on tons of different variables.

The numbers above may be less common on both the low and high side – but both are certainly possible. 

The second number ($28,000) that’s causing your blood pressure to rise higher than Boston’s Green Monster is meant to reflect a total expenses possibility with everything maxed out. 

You may not find a number that high when you Google travel ball expenses, but the writers of those articles are likely not including every single cost into their calculations. 

Here are some things to truly consider:

You will be expected to pay base starting fees and possibly tournament entry fees for your team or organization. 

And, sometimes, you’ll also be on the hook for monthly team dues along with an annual organizational fee. 

Also, you’ll  purchase all of your ballplayer’s personal baseball equipment and uniforms if your team’s not sponsored. 

And in travel ball, the pressure to get your ballplayer the top of the line equipment in all categories is much stronger than in rec ball. 

Next, many sports complexes that host tournaments charge daily gate fees on top of not allowing outside food or drinks. 

And you and your family need to eat and stay hydrated during these all day tourneys, which leaves the complex’s overpriced snack shack or restaurant as the only option at times. 

Don’t forget the hotels, food, and transportation costs for any and all out-of-town games, too. 

Further expenses include the gas and increased vehicle maintenance that you will surely incur driving to so many practices and games within your county or state. 

Another common expense that sneaks up on parents are weekly private or group lessons that are often expected by competitive programs. 

Besides hitting, pitching, catching, or fielding sessions, many parents also opt for sport performance training and athletic optimization services – i.e. strength and conditioning classes, a physical therapist, a chiropractor, etc. 

Another cost is found by participating in team bonding and fundraising activities, where you might be expected to bring snacks and drinks or buy tickets – such small things add up during the course of the year-long travel season. 

Finally, if your ballplayer is recruiting age, this higher number above includes college camps and showcases throughout the year.

It also includes getting his professional skills video produced, so you have something great to send over to college coaches.

Do not be too alarmed. Many of these expenses are totally avoidable and up to your family's budget. 

But, you should also know there tend to be unspoken expectations and incentives for some of these activities that you might feel are avoidable once you’re actually inside of competitive travel programs.

• Time – Travel ball is a significant time commitment. The two weekends per month out of town for tournaments is only a small part of it. Your child might also have practice or scrimmages against other travel ball teams during the week. And, as mentioned, your ballplayer may still be expected to get professional skill and sports training lessons each week.
• Tough – The level of competition is, again, higher in travel ball. The players are better, and many teams take a “the best players play” rather than an “everybody plays” approach. Club baseball can be intense and challenging. If your ballplayer’s skills aren’t at the right level yet, then they’ll see less playing time and could get discouraged. 

# Should You Switch from Rec Ball to Travel Baseball?

Parents often have mixed opinions when it comes to travel ball. In particular, there’s disagreement over what age to switch. 

Some say you shouldn’t put your child in club ball until he is 13 years old, since many kids drop out of sports altogether by this age. 

The rationale behind this recommendation goes something like: 

Most parents can avoid paying a bunch of fees for travel ball between the ages of 7-12, when your child is statistically likely to give up the sport soon anyway. And if they’re still serious about baseball at 13 years old, then it’s worth the investment.

While some parents echo this sentiment, others strongly advise starting your kid in travel ball much sooner – if they show a real interest. 

As one parent  put it online when asked about starting at the 8U level, “As long as they don’t get burned out I say let em’ play.” 

Another parent disagreed, however, saying that they saw “absolutely no value in travel ball with children that are so young.” 

Most parents polled agree that their decision to switch depended on their circumstances. 

Some said that “it is difficult to make a blanket statement” about when to switch or that decisions “are going to vary based on regions.” 

Again, the latter statement points to the raw fact that certain geographic regions of the country are much more competitive in baseball than others.

Living in a highly competitive region raises the threshold necessary for things like making a high school team to the point that playing travel to gather enough skill is an almost prerequisite.  

Often, the decision to join a travel team does come down to the organizations in your area. You’ll want to find out how many travel organizations there are in your locale and what their quality is. 

If there are no clubs in your town or city and none nearby, you’ll be looking at a bigger time commitment and more expenses to put your kid on a club team – which will include much more driving and the potential for more hotel rentals. 

But when to switch from rec ball to travel is not the most important question facing parents and ballplayers who are still on the fence about switching in the first place. 

So let’s get to the heart of the matter.

# Will Your Child Enjoy Playing Travel Ball?

The most important factor to consider when making the switch to travel ball is your child’s interest in baseball. 

Is your kid a competitor looking to sharpen his or her skills and continue playing as he or she gets older? 

Or does your child like baseball for the fun of it, and enjoy being on the field with his teammates?

Travel baseball is a huge time commitment – but not just for you. Your child has to be willing to put a lot of personal time and energy into it as well.

# Is Your Child Willing to Give Things Up for Club Ball?

Playing travel ball means your kid will miss out on many social events with friends and family.

Birthday parties, holiday celebrations, sleepovers, school events, family reunions, can be all sacrificed to time playing baseball. 

This is not say that there aren't plenty of travel ball players excelling in the classroom, because of course there are.

It's just that they need to be more focused and organized than other kids to get those same high marks, and parents should be aware of these realities. 

Not only are time and special occasions sacrificed, but the money you spend on baseball – fees for the team, equipment, private lessons, etc. – is money you cannot now spend on other things your child might want. 

Depending on your family’s finances, new clothes, video games, gadgets, and other material items for your son could come at the cost of playing baseball.

Whether you switch from recreational to travel baseball is ultimately down to you and your child. There are many factors to consider, some of which, like where you happen to live, are outside of your control. 

The best thing you can do is educate yourself and your child as much as possible about the pros and cons of travel ball, and then make an informed decision together. 

And this guide is a great start. But it should be supplemented by talking to local parents in your area and possibly finding Facebook Groups or other communities to learn from parents who have been there and done that when it comes to making the travel ball switch. 

If you do decide travel ball is the way to go for your family, then your next task is to find the best team for your ballplayer’s development. 

# How to Get Started on a Travel Baseball Team

# what to look for in a travel team.

If you and your child do decide to join a club baseball team, then you have five main things to look for when choosing a team.

# 1. Coaching

Here are few questions about any travel ball coach that you, as parents, will want answered right off the bat before joining their team:

• Who is the coach, and what is this person’s experience? 
• Is the coach someone who knows what they’re doing in terms of baseball skills and leadership?
• Even if they know the game, are they new to the travel ball scene?

Note: this last question can become more important once your ballplayer gets into the college recruitable ages. 

If it’s your ballplayer's goal to play in college, you will want to join an established program that plays in the right tournaments to get noticed, and a coach that has built a trusted relationship with college coaches and recruiters over the years. 

But, if the current goal is just to improve your son’s skill set, then the coach’s knowledge and ability to articulate it might be more important to you than he or she being a travel ball insider.  

Some additional, related questions to ask both the travel coach directly and to ask parents whose child is already playing under he or she are:

• What kind of coaching style is most commonly used? 
• Does the coach emphasize skill development or college recruitment? 
• Is the coach more like an instructor, or is the team playing to win nearly all of the time? 
• Would the coach yell at a player for making a mistake on the field or pull them aside afterward to discuss the error privately?

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As we’ve explored, cost is a big factor for travel ball because it’s not cheap. Make sure you get all the anticipated, known costs for the season upfront from the coach or their team administrator.

If the coach can’t give you exact figures of what things cost on their end – monthly team dues, organization fees, uniform costs, and any additional tournaments costs – before you sign on, be wary. 

The coach may not be organized or experienced enough to help your ballplayer and you might end up paying more than you expected to. 

Some club teams have sponsors who provide equipment and uniforms, but others will ask parents to pay for these in addition to registration fees. 

You might also have to hand over a fee to help fund the coach’s stipend if they are paid for their expertise. 

For some elite organizations, coaching is a full-time job, plus the coach has to travel with the team too.

# 3. Location

Here’s some questions on this front that you’d want answered:

• Do you live near a big urban center where the team plays most of its tournaments, eliminating long travel times? 
• Or does the team regularly travel out of state for their games? 
• It’s a travel baseball team, but exactly how much travel is involved on this particular team?

Think carefully about how much you and your kid are willing to travel and factor those expenses into the cost.

# 4. Structure

Structure-related questions might include:

• How does the team operate? 
• Will your child get to see significant playing time? 
• Will the team have regular practices and training sessions to attend as well?

Another important question about structure is if your kid will get to pick their position. 

Meaning, will the coach let kids play where they want, or try to rotate everyone around to different positions during practices or practice games? 

Of course, this last line of questioning applies almost exclusively to the youngest levels of play. From about 14U up, there is more positional specialization and team roles are established and sustained more based on the talent and performance of the individual ballplayers. 

# 5. Values

Value question to get clarity on:

• What is the mission of this travel team? 
• Are they helping players get noticed by college recruiters? 
• Do they just try to offer more playing time and a fun environment? 

Make sure their objectives line up with yours. Ask yourself as well how your child will develop as a baseball player by joining this particular travel team.

# 6. Team Chemistry

Before joining a club team you should try to gauge the team’s chemistry. 

Once you commit, your child will be spending a lot of time with these teammates, so if they don’t get along or your kid doesn’t feel like he or she fits in, it could be a problem.

Similarly, look at how the parents interact with the players and each other. Are the other parents promoting a supportive environment for everyone by being encouraging?

Or are they the types to yell at umpires, coach from the stands, or take the game to unhealthy levels? 

Not only will your kids be spending a lot of time with their teammates, but you’ll also spend time with the other parents. 

So choosing a travel team is in a way choosing friends and peers for both you and your child. 

Team chemistry should also extend to how players and coaches relate to each other. Do the coaches work hard to bolster the kids’ confidence, or are they constantly tearing them down for the sake of winning?

# Where To Look for Travel Baseball Teams

Reading up on how travel baseball works in helpful guides – like this one – is again a great start. 

Don’t be afraid to ask around in your area about club baseball, either. Word-of-mouth is often one of the best ways to understand travel ball, especially how it operates in your specific city or town. 

You can also look up registered teams in your area on the USSSA website or FieldLevel.com . 

Again, Facebook Groups are also a great way to find local travel teams, since many teams might not have their own website. 

These groups are filled with parents like yourself and coaches who relish in helping with your travel ball journey. 

But maybe you have lots of playing or coaching experience and want to spearhead your own travel ball team. We’ve got you covered on exactly how to do it below. 

# How to Start Your Own Travel Baseball Team

Choosing to join an existing club team is one thing; starting your own is another entirely. 

Maybe you have some playing or coaching experience and you’d like to put together a team for your son or daughter. Maybe there aren’t any club teams in your area, so you’ll be starting the first. 

Whatever your reasons, starting a travel baseball team is a rewarding endeavor, albeit a daunting one. You are basically starting an entirely non-profit business. 

And you’ll see below that you must do many of the same steps that new entrepreneurs must do when beginning an enterprise, so make sure you have the time and skills for this undertaking before you even start.  

The steps to creating a travel ball team can be broken down into four main phases. 

We’ll look at each of these in detail. 

# Travel Ball Team Building Phase 1 - Finding Volunteers

Before doing anything else, you should recruit some other parents or outside volunteers to lend you a hand. 

Whether you’re planning to coach the team or to have someone else do it, committing to running all aspects of a team as a single individual for an entire season isn’t feasible. 

To make a strong team, the internal team of coaches, team managers, or recruiters needs to be strong first. 

Call on parents you know and trust, former coaches, former teammates from your playing days, or current older players to help you out. 

As you’ll see in future steps below, it’s highly recommended these days to have at least one person on your team who knows marketing, graphic design, or website creation. You’ll save a lot of time and money this way.

And instead of having 2-3 full-time volunteers, it can be helpful to eventually amass a network of people who are willing to pitch in semi-frequently. 

That way, you’ll have coverage if one of your coaches or volunteers can’t make it.

# Travel Ball Team Building Phase 2 - Planning Your Budget

After you have a group of people to help out, you should focus on the financial planning for the team. 

Make a list of the expenses that you’ll have to cover, along with sources of funding. 

Next, you should approach local sponsors about paying for some of the things you need, like uniforms and equipment. 

Now’s the time to think about fundraisers as well. Any the money you raise helps lower your player fees. 

Fundraisers are an important aspect of many teams, especially those without established sponsors. 

Raffles, silent auctions, casino nights, bingo nights, trivia nights, and paid dinners can all make great fundraising events. 

Look around at your volunteers and support staff. Do they have any skills, jobs, or relationships that can help raise funds to send your boys to the best tournaments? 

Company tickets to sporting events, like box seats or concerts, make great raffle or silent auction items. And if someone owns a restaurant, a paid dinner fundraiser is a no-brainer. 

Take this budget phase seriously, and it’ll save you a lot of headaches down the road. 

# Travel Ball Team Building Phase 3 - Getting Your Players

Once you have some people to help and a balanced budget, you need to find some players. 

It’s possible you already have a group of interested players and that’s why you’re starting the team in the first place. 

But your initial seed group may not be big enough to field an entire team. So you’ll likely need more. 

There are two slightly different journeys at this point in the process. One for people wanting to start a travel team by joining an already established organization and another for those starting a new team completely from scratch.

Of course, joining something that already exists is a bit easier, because they'll hopefully have team processes and even recruiting relationships in place that'll allow you to hit the ground running. 

If you are joining an already established travel ball organization, then you'll want to leverage their name, social media accounts, website, and email list to help you recruit your new squad of ballplayers. 

Even if this is the case, you will likely still want to create your own social media accounts that use the established organization's name alongside either the age group or grad years of your team and your last name as the username.

Here's a template for what we mean when applied to an Instagram account name:

{Established Organization Name} {The Age Group: 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16, 18U or Graduation Years} {Your Last Name}

Example: LA Pioneers 12U d'Aranud

But, if you're starting a new team or organization from scratch, there will be some additional steps. To make people aware of your team, you'll want to do the following:

• Pick a name
• Create a logo
• Set up all of your social media profiles
• If possible, create a simple website. 

A website can be a major differentiator between your travel team and others, as most teams still only have social media presences and no official site in the current year.

For social media, you need Facebook and Instagram profiles at minimum, because these are the first places interested potential parents in the current year will check you out. 

If your logo design and website developer skills are not where you’d like, we recommend outsourcing these things to freelancers on Fiverr, UpWork, or 99 Designs. 

You can find incredibly talented people who are reasonably priced and can do whatever you require quickly. 

But always first look into your new network of trusted team helpers and see what skills they possess before outsourcing anything. 

Once these fundamental online presences are established, you will want to make some social posts that give parents looking into your program feelings of trust. 

Post about your playing or coaching experience and about everyone on the awesome team of helpers that you’ve assembled. Seek to post images or videos that convey your values as a new team. 

Tell everyone you know about these new profiles, so you can build a bit of social proof for your team and encourage all of your helpers to do the same. This step alone can get you your first one hundred to a thousand followers. 

Once people in your community know your team exists, you can hold tryouts for skilled players. 

Seek out travel baseball message boards and Facebook groups, and post all the details of your tryouts – making sure to include a link to your shiny new website or social media profiles. 

There are even Instagram profiles dedicated exclusively to posting the details of travel ball tryouts, so take advantage of these as well.

However, if you’re still not getting enough interest through these free methods, you might consider setting up paid Facebook or Instagram ads. Just make sure that the video or graphics you use for your ads are top-notch. 

Again, if you’ve never created such assets or set up Facebook ads before – and they can be overwhelming to the uninitiated – lean on outside professional help in the beginning. Experts in paid media creation and management can be found all over the web.

Next, you run your awesome baseball tryouts. These we’ll leave to you, coach. 

When putting together your roster though, hedge toward a  bigger team rather than a small one . 

Summer is an active time for kids – they have family vacations and other sports or activities to do in addition to baseball. You may not have your full roster attending every tournament at the start. 

So having a team with at least 14 or more players covers you for when other commitments come up. 

# Travel Ball Team Building Phase 4 - Registering Your Team

Once you have your team put together, you’ll need to register your players with at least one of the major travel ball associations in the country. 

Again, these are USSSA, AAU, Triple Crown, Nations, Perfect Game, but there are others. 

These associations host the travel ball tournaments that you’ll be competing in. Make sure you follow the regulations and register your team properly. Each organization has their own unique guidelines for registering.

Once this phase is complete, you still have all the practices, travel logistics, and dues collections to worry about – but you will have laid an amazing foundation for your new travel team. 

Now you can enjoy the honor of helping the next generation of ballplayers find success in the game you love. 

# Wrapping Up Our Ultimate Parent’s Guide to Travel Ball

As you’ve undoubtedly realized – because we repeated it more than once – travel baseball is a big commitment. 

Switching from recreational baseball to travel ball shouldn’t be done lightly. 

It should also be a joint decision between you, your ballplayer, and the rest of your family. If you or your kid is interested in club baseball, then make sure you both understand the impact it’ll have on your lives. 

Once you know what you’re getting into, you can make the best decision together.

About the Authors

Courtney Withrow

Professional Writer

Originally from the U.S., Courtney is a Brussels-based freelance writer with a Master’s degree in International Relations. She grew up playing softball and still loves the game.

Chase d'Arnaud

Chief Talent Acquisition Officer & Baseball Business Ops

Chase d'Arnaud is a 7-year veteran of Major League Baseball. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants.

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Travel Baseball 101: Everything You Need To Know

• By Chris F.
• On July 29, 2022
• Travel Ball

Table of Contents

Most popular organizations

Tournament travel, how is travel baseball organized, additional costs:, what’s a good age to start playing travel ball, other parents, organization websites, what to look for in a team, travel baseball pros and cons, travel baseball vs little league, what is the best travel baseball team, when should i leave a travel baseball team, fundraising ideas for travel baseball.

If you are an engaged baseball parent and have a child with decent skills, you’ve probably grown frustrated with the level of play in the laid-back rec leagues in your towns. I mean, how is your kid going to get better if the other players on the team don’t understand the game and don’t have the desire to improve? This is probably the most significant reason we’ve seen explosive growth in the travel baseball leagues and tournaments. 

The transition from Little League to AAU comes with many questions, but the good news is that these travel leagues will provide a support system and structure to help your child succeed in highly competitive baseball. 

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about travel baseball and help answer any questions that will help you determine whether or not these types of leagues make sense for your child. 

Travel Organizations

Let’s not beat around the bush. Travel baseball is a business. This market has exploded over the past decade, and the youth sports industry expects to grow more as travel teams become more popular.

This $15b youth sports market in the US rivals that of the $14 billion NFL, so you know we are talking about big business.

However, this business presents kids as young as eight with opportunities to team with other skilled players to play against better competition in their area. Teams will compete with other travel teams within the state and participate in regular tournaments. 

When people hear “travel baseball,” they immediately think the team goes all over the country every weekend to participate in different tournaments. In some cases, that may be true, but when I think of travel baseball, I think of some of the better local players coming from all over and trying out for the team. If you are on more of a showcase team, you will often have players come from all over the country. 

.stk-2b1a187{margin-bottom:0px !important}.stk-2b1a187-container{background-color:#96caf9 !important}.stk-2b1a187-container:before{background-color:#96caf9 !important} There are thousands of travel baseball teams throughout the country, and most play in tournaments or leagues organized by AAU, USSSA, and Perfect Game.

Playing in one of these leagues is almost a requirement if you are a talented ballplayer and are serious about your baseball career. While expensive, these leagues will help players develop their skills and play against some of the area’s best competition.  

If your child is on the younger side and is just getting started with travel baseball, most of the games will be local, with a few longer-distance tournaments mixed in. Once you get to that 16u-18u range, the tournaments become more about exposure and getting recruited by colleges so that you might travel to Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, etc.

You won’t go to all these travel baseball tournaments every year, but the WWBA, for instance, is one of the biggest tournaments in youth baseball and is located in Georgia. Many college coaches attend this tournament, so it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and gain exposure. 

If you are a player from one of the colder states and are interested in playing down south , these tournaments provide a great platform for you to make some new connections and show some of these coaches what you can do. 

When I think about travel baseball, I don’t think of it as being seasonal. Some teams will have their regular season in the spring, and some even play in the fall.

During the winter, especially in the Northeast, my son’s team had bi-weekly practices in one of the local indoor facilities where they could train. This allowed the team to build chemistry while also keeping them fresh. Travel baseball will allow you to practice all year round if you want to while you play other sports. 

All the travel league games my son has played in have taken place on the weekends. We typically have a doubleheader against the same team to squeeze in more games with a short break in between.

The tournaments usually consist of the top 8 teams in the League and are set up in a pool format. Those tournaments can be held anywhere, but we’ve traditionally hosted them at a local sports complex with multiple fields.

Suppose your tournaments are made up of more than ten non-local teams. In that case, they will usually take place in a central location with the infrastructure to accommodate traveling families for the weekend.  

With pool play, teams are guaranteed a certain amount of games before moving into the single-elimination games. Depending on the size of the tournament, a team may play between 2-8 games during the weekend. 

When signing up for travel ball, part of what you are paying for could include participation in a certain amount of tournaments. I know we were guaranteed at least one tournament, and everything else would be at an additional cost.

Each team will decide which tournaments to participate in and how many they’d like to do. The coach will need to look at age level, skillsets, and how many families can afford the additional cost.  

When the players enter high school, they may start participating in player showcases or tournaments where coaches and scouts come to watch and evaluate players. 

How Much Does Travel Ball Cost?

I’m not going to lie, when I first saw the cost of playing travel AAU baseball, there was definitely sticker shock. Our League tries to keep it affordable for families, so we were apparently on the lower end at $1700.

When you break it down, though, it wasn’t too bad. The kids got home and away uniforms, sweatshirts with their names, two sets of hats, helmets, Easton bags, and a batting warmup jacket.

The team had access to an indoor baseball training facility twice a week starting in the fall through April to practice. The fee also included a spot in a local tournament.

Other travel teams near us were upwards of $4k for the season. When I heard that, I stopped complaining about our price. Many of these travel baseball teams come with exorbitant prices that, unfortunately, eliminate many families and kids who can compete at this level.

.stk-110d1c6{margin-bottom:0px !important}.stk-110d1c6-container{background-color:#96caf9 !important}.stk-110d1c6-container:before{background-color:#96caf9 !important} When it comes down to travel baseball teams, the price can be pretty shocking to most parents, so you must decide how big of a financial impact this will have on your family. The League’s overall cost will differ but typically ranges from $500-$5,000 a year.

That amount is only the fee to play on the team. When you put together a potential budget, there are many additional costs to factor in. 

• Equipment – New bat rules may require you to buy your child a new bat. There are USSSA leagues that require USSSA bats, USA bats , BBCOR bats, and wood bats only. If you are lucky enough to be on a sponsored team, sometimes equipment such as bats, gloves, and other baseball gear is included.
• Travel costs – Even if you aren’t flying to a tournament, you will most likely be driving considerable distances, so be sure to factor in the price of gas. 
• Are the coaches being paid? Most likely not if you are on a younger team, but some older, more competitive travel teams pay their coaches.
• Facilities – We lucked out because practice time was included in our league fees. Teams who may not have access to public fields and practice off-season will have to rent space.

These are all the costs associated with your player and the League. Now, what about the stuff you will need as a baseball parent? Team gear, comfortable camping chairs , coolers, wagons, heaters , and fans.

Over the past twenty years, travel baseball’s popularity has exploded. Initially designed for teenagers, younger age groups have also taken over the sport.

Our first taste of travel ball was when our son was eight years old, playing on our town’s summer travel team. We didn’t have to travel far, but it was a fantastic experience.

It was a little more competitive than rec ball, so it gave us a good idea of where our kids stacked up compared to other towns. While eight sounds young, the kids improved during the month-long season. They knew who to back up, where to take the cut-off throws, and when to tag up on the bases.

It was so nice to see them begin to understand the little intricacies of the game, and they would not have received this type of instruction in town ball. While we had a great experience with our eight-year-old’s summer travel team, it is still pretty young.

I’d say the best time to start competitive travel baseball is around 9-10. It’s sad, but any later, you and your child will fall behind. Many kids have played years of competitive ball by then. 

How Do I Find A Travel Team Near Me?

If you have decided that travel baseball could be a good fit for your son or daughter, it’s time to start looking for a team. If you think your child would benefit from joining a travel baseball team but have no idea where to start, there are many resources to help you find some squads in your area. 

Facebook is a great place to start. In the search box, type in travel baseball near me or travel baseball ga for example. You will see a feed of many local teams advertising for upcoming tryouts or even established teams looking for a player to fill in for a tournament.  

After watching rec ball for a season, you will recognize who the best players are. Talk to their parents and ask them if their child is doing travel ball. If they are, ask them what their experience has been. Talking to other parents can also be helpful because if their child isn’t already in travel ball, they may know someone else who is. Word of mouth is huge. 

Many organizations, like USSSA, provide a list of active teams on their website. You can filter by age, location, and overall skill level to find potential groups that might be a good match for your child.  

A few other helpful resources for finding a travel team are Select Baseball Teams ,  AAU , and Field Level .

• Does the program win?
• What is the team’s location, and how far do they need to travel?
• Do they develop their players? What is their team mission?
• What is their facility like?
• Who are the coaches – read their bios on the website 
• How many games/tournaments do they play each season?
• How often do they practice
• What is the total cost for the season?
• What does the offseason training schedule look like
• Do they encourage multi-sport athletes?
• Do other players enjoy being on the team?
• What’s the reputation of the organization?
• What’s the skill level of the kids?
• How is playing time determined?
• Do they protect the pitcher’s arm by adhering to pitch counts?
• How many kids are on the team

When it costs thousands of dollars, money will always be an issue but try not to make your decision solely based on cost. Pick the program where your child will have fun and where they will develop the most. 

• Competition  – Competition tends to be better. Players take the game more seriously and seem to want to improve. It’s not cheap, so unless the parents have money to throw away, they will only pay the fees if their child is serious about the game.
• Development  – There’s a bigger focus on skill building. You practice much more than Little League, so your child will likely improve. 
• Coaching  – Travel teams will often have multiple talented baseball coaches who are more qualified and have more knowledge of the game and how it should be taught.
• More exposure  for the kids when they play in regional tournaments.
• More games played  
• Travel  – more opportunities to travel as a family and see different parts of the country
• Cost –  The price of playing travel can be high, sometimes up to $5k per year. 
• Time – Playing travel ball takes up a lot of time, so hopefully, you don’t like your weekends free in the summer.  
• Competitive – Travel ball can also be a lot of fun, but it’s way more competitive .  There is more of a focus on winning and advancing in tournaments. 
• Playing time  – The best players will rarely come off the field, so if your child is average, there might be a lack of playing time. 
• Lack of diversity – Aside from the high cost, many argue that the lack of ethnic and socioeconomic diversity is what is wrong with travel baseball.
• Overdoing it . Is all of this playing too much too soon? There’s been an enormous increase in Tommy John procedures over the past decade amongst young pitchers.

The debate about travel baseball vs. Little League has been a popular topic in US youth baseball for some time. The two organizations have different philosophies on the game and how it should be played. 

We all came to love the game of baseball by playing Little League. For that reason, it’s easy to be biased toward the more laid-back rec leagues where the mission is to foster community, volunteerism, sportsmanship, and fair play. With Little League, whether you win or lose, each ballplayer should have fun, make lifelong friends and grow their love for this beautiful game. 

Travel ball is much more competitive, and fans of these types of leagues prefer the more “advanced” brand of baseball that comes along with it. In AAU and other travel ball associations, these leagues provide a level of instruction, coaching, and competition that Little League cannot match. 

If your child has shown true talent on the ballfield, considering “travel” should be an option. Many high school players and beyond have played in some competitive travel leagues.

I don’t want to give off the impression that these leagues have no similarities because they do. In any league, the kids should learn about teamwork, sportsmanship, respect for their opponent, work ethic, and dealing with and bouncing back from failure. These are excellent life lessons that extend well beyond the baseball field. 

The differences are around the competition level and the time commitment. Little League doesn’t always offer the type of coaching that will take your game to the next level. That is why many families are supplementing with travel ball.  

So, if your child is serious about playing at a high level, you should transition to travel ball at around 11-12 years old, if not earlier. 

Take a look at travel baseball rankings to see who the best performing teams were this year. This site is an excellent resource because it lets you filter by age and either state or national rankings. It even allows you to see historical data to see who consistently ranks at the top.  

Some of the top 16u national teams for this past year are listed below. You will see that most originate from the baseball hotbed states of Texas, Florida, California, and Georgia.

16u Rankings

• USA Prime National(TX)
• Top Tier Roos National(FL)
• Exposure Under Church(TN)
• TBT National(FL)
• Power Baseball Marucci(FL)
• East Cobb Astros(GA)
• Knights Nation Baseball (LA)
• Alpha Prime National(CA)
• MCBC Hit Dogs(MI)
• 5 Star National Black(GA)
• Burn Scout Team(FL)
• Top Tier Roos American(FL)
• Canes National(VA)
• CBU United(FL)

Let’s face it; every child will not have a fantastic experience with their travel team. There are so many different factors that go into whether or not a kid has a positive experience. 

• Are they getting enough playing time?
• Are they developing their skills?
• Is the team winning?
• Do they get along with the other kids on the team?
• Is it getting too expensive for the family?
• Are they mad about the time commitment, missing birthday parties, sleepovers, etc.? 
• Are the coaches compassionate and caring about you as a person, or are they only worried about winning a cheap plastic trophy?

It won’t be the same experience for everyone, so chances are, you and your child will know when it’s the right time to leave. It may be one of the reasons listed above or something completely different. Still, the bottom line is that if your child is not enjoying the experience and is not improving, why continue wasting money? 

• Super Bowl squares
• Yeti Cooler raffle – 1 ticket for $10 or 3 for $20
• Lottery ticket basket raffle
• Stand in front of Dunkin Donuts or the grocery store with signs and helmets to collect the money. Have a sign that says we take Venmo!! Do it in 3 hours shifts and watch the money roll in. 
• Golf tournament – although more complex to plan
• Solicit donations from local businesses
• Hit-A-Thon – They hit 15 (or whatever # of balls you choose). Each ball has a number on it. You sell each number for $10-20. The ball he hits the farthest wins a GC. The rest of the money you keep! Stream it live on Facebook for everyone to watch. Use the 99 Pledges site to set it up. I read about one League that raised $44k in one season. 
• Purse bingo
• Meat raffles
• Wreaths at Christmas
• Popcornmania
• Pampered chef

Final Thoughts

Baseball should still be fun. As good as it might feel, do not try to relive the glory days if you even had them in the first place.

Many parents see baseball or any other sport their kid is playing as the only realistic path to college, and these youth games are treated as training grounds for an athletic scholarship. No wonder why you have adults screaming at umps and other kids. Unfortunately for some folks, every game feels like life or death. 

So, is travel baseball worth it? It can be a rewarding experience for your player and the entire family. You must select the right travel team to ensure you have that fulfilling experience.

Depending on when you start, you will be with this coach and these players and their families for the next few years. Committing to a travel team will turn your life into absolute chaos, but you will learn to love it. If you are lucky enough, you will join a team where you click with the other parents, and your kid becomes lifelong friends with his teammates.

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Your Source For Everything Baseball!

Travel Baseball: A Guide For Parents & Players

Baseball has changed.

Well, not the game necessarily. The diamond is still the same dimensions, as is the distance from the rubber to the plate. But the way the game is played has changed – specifically at the youth level.

For decades, organized youth baseball was a seasonal sport, played on town diamonds under the banner of Little League Baseball. Each spring, kids would join their local league and play with their friends, against teams made up of kids from the same town, coached by a group of fathers. There was little travel, little intermingling. It was a local sport, unless you made the All-Star team.

Youth baseball was based around recreational leagues , with little emphasis put on the competitive nature. There was a set schedule, with spaced-out games and a hyperlocal focus. It was just a spring sport, one of many sports played by youth across America.

Now, things are different. Kids who play baseball have a chance to forge their own path, to take part in more than just recreational leagues played in the springtime. The recent introduction of youth travel baseball has made it easier for young players to specialize in the sport that they love, focusing on their development on a team that plays throughout the year.

Travel baseball can be difficult to get involved in. Many times, there is anxiety surrounding it, with questions that are hard to answer. Is it worth it? How much travel is involved? What team should my child join? What will he gain from it?

We’re here to break it down for you, uncovering some of the secrecy surrounding travel baseball.

What Is Travel Baseball?

Travel baseball is a relatively new way to play. Until recently, travel teams only existed in parts of the country that were baseball hotbeds – places like Florida, Southern California and Virginia. Only elite players took part, the best of the best, and it was focused on the upper levels of youth baseball, where scouts could get a better look at developing players, gauging their professional prospects.

It was intended to be more of a showcase for older players, but in the last twenty years, baseball at the youth level has evolved considerably. Now, travel baseball is almost a necessity for any player that’s looking to hone their skills and be serious about baseball. Instead of being a place for a young player to showcase their skills, it has become a place where a younger player can develop, can receive specialized instruction. It’s also a way to face an increased level of competition.

Travel baseball isn’t a monolith. It goes by several different names: select ball, club ball and premier ball. There are several different governing bodies, including USSSA , Perfect Game, AAU and Triple Crown Sports. But each team has something in common: the structure of its season.

Instead of being focused on individual games, spaced out through the week with practices and off-days, a regular season and postseason, travel ball is centered around tournaments.

Most of these tournaments happen on the weekends. Teams can play several games each day during a tournament, sometimes against teams from different governing bodies. These tournaments are not always local, as some of the best teams travel across the country to compete, while others prefer to stay closer to home.

Teams in travel ball can be started by anyone. Sometimes they’re started by a baseball academy, while other times they’re started by a group of parents looking to branch out from a Little League. Some teams have squads in each age bracket, for each level of baseball ability, while others are the only team to bear their name.

It must be noted that due to its competition structure, travel baseball is pay-to-play. Entering tournaments costs money, as does renting batting cages and getting field time. Thus, travel baseball costs money, which to some people, is a deal breaker.

How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s the short answer: it depends.

What does it depend on? The structure of the team, the level at which it plays, and the travel that’s involved.

Sometimes, those fees are high, in the thousands each year. This is mostly confined to teams at the elite level, teams that travel frequently and enter tournaments with top-tier squads. And while parents may fork out thousands of dollars for their child to play, that amount doesn’t include travel costs. Those will have to be paid for out of pocket, especially for parents who want to see their child play in far-away states, where high-level tournaments are held.

However, for teams that travel locally, have volunteer coaches and enter less expensive tournaments, the costs can be exponentially lower, in the hundreds each season.

So why fork over all that money? Why should your child play this type of baseball? Because, it has its advantages, many of which lead to increased developmental opportunities that a young player would otherwise miss out on.

What Are The Advantages Of Travel Baseball?

There’s a reason travel baseball is so popular among parents and players alike. Playing baseball for a club team can help younger players develop more and specialize in their favorite sport by playing it year-round. But structurally, it provides a number of advantages over regular baseball.

Here are a few advantages that travel baseball provides:

• Better coaching
• Increased competition
• Specialized training
• Team bonding
• Increased exposure

Better Coaching

The old cliché about the typical Little League coach is that he’s the father of a player. In his mind, his kid is the star of the team, even if that’s not the case on the field. The coach probably played some baseball growing up but doesn’t know the technique or the strategy that the coach at the local high school does. He isn’t paid, nor is he all that experienced.

Travel baseball differs in that it offers players the opportunity to learn from coaches who are more focused on development. Many travel-ball coaches have coached for years and some even offer private lessons on the side. Sometimes, teams even have a fulltime coach who is paid strictly to coach the younger players.

Because the coaches are more experienced, the players get better teaching. Hitting practices can be spent refining a certain technical part of the swing. Players who develop a mechanical flaw can work with a coach to fix it quickly. Coaches can look at a player’s skillset and marry him to a position, focusing on the little aspects of that position that matter the most.

Some teams even have a full staff of coaches – a pitching coach, hitting coach and a manager. This means players become more polished and can harness more of their raw ability earlier. It means that they can unlock hidden potential from a coach that can teach them how to get more break on a curve or add a little juice to their fastball – something that they wouldn’t have been able to do in a recreational league.

Increased Competition

Recreational leagues have a low barrier of entry. While this is great for encouraging a passion for the game, it’s not always a great setting in which to develop. Players come from all skill levels and for some, it’s their first time holding a baseball.

What about players who want to specialize in their sport, who know early on that they want to be the best they can be at baseball? What good do they get from playing someone who doesn’t want that – someone with less experience and less polish? What good do they get from someone who is rusty around the edges and can’t throw strikes?

Not much, that’s for sure.

That’s why travel ball is such an advantage for most younger players – because it consists of players with a like-minded mindset, most of whom are focused on their development. That means that players are more polished, that curves have sharper breaks, and those infield grounders are converted into outs more often than not.

The old saying is that if you want to be the best, you have to face the best. That’s why travel ball can be so valuable to younger players – they can gauge their abilities against the best competition and see how they stack up.

Additionally, many teams have “B” and “C” teams. While these teams may not face the best of the best, they’re great for players who are still developing their talents. That’s because those players can face talent at their level as they refine their game, maintaining their confidence and focusing on what they need to improve and sharpen going forward.

For what it’s worth, I had to play on one of those “C” teams one season, as I worked on my skills behind the plate. For me, it was great, because I got to work on my approach behind the plate and focus on positivity. It really did wonders for my game, in the long-term timeline, because my confidence was high going into the next season, when I rejoined my regular team.

Specialized Training

I’m huge on specialized training, especially when it comes to fielding. Really, this advantage of travel baseball is an outgrowth of the advanced coaching one receives, but it is so, so critical in order to become a great player.

While often overlooked, fielding is key to become a well-rounded player. And as a former light-hitting outfielder, I can attest to the fact that it can be a way to get noticed and get playing time, even if you don’t hit well.

Some of the best training I received in travel ball was fielding training that focused on footwork in the outfield, leading to better routes taken to fly balls and ultimately, better range. It was highly technical training, something that I doubt I could have received elsewhere.

For catchers and pitchers, this is especially true. Catching is something that is hard to teach in recreational ball – you either have it or you don’t. But in travel ball, catchers can focus on honing their craft during practices, working newly created drills that really help receiving and controlling runners.

Because a lot of travel teams have their roots in baseball academies and developmental centers, it is easier to get sidework in, and field time is also easier to obtain. That clears a major hurdle when it comes to developmental work.

Team Bonding

In recreational leagues, you’re playing with your friends and acquaintances. It can be cool, since most of y’all go to school with one another and grew up playing together. However, those bonds are not as strong as the ones forged in travel ball.

Because of the sport’s nature, with intense training, many hours spent together, and yes, travel time, the bonds forged by club ball are stronger. The atmosphere sometimes mimics that of higher levels, as players share the same buses and hotel rooms on trips.

Interpersonal bonds are formed by time spent together and a shared sense of purpose, often in the face of adversity. In travel ball, where weekend tournaments consume free time and practice is held most days, there’s plenty of that to go around. With shared interests and a focus on development, players have more in common – thereby making those bonds easier to forge.

Sports create lifelong friends, and travel ball is a testament to that.

Here’s a shocker, one that you may not have noticed yet: in travel ball, teams get the opportunity to travel. Crazy, right? Anyway, one of the big advantages of travel baseball is the opportunity to go beyond the local sandlot, even if it’s just locally. Some of the smaller teams focus on limited travel, never going more than a few hours out of their way, but that still affords a younger player a chance to see other parts of the country, a chance to get out of the confines of their own backyard.

Other teams travel more – around the region or even nationally. This gives players a chance to really broaden their horizons, but it’s also very exciting. There’s something special about going to a tournament two states away to prove your worth. For a younger player, it’s fun to spend time with teammates in hotel rooms – almost like a short vacation during the time off.

For parents, it can be fun too. Many of these tournaments are hosted in centrally located cities, where amenities and attractions are plentiful. For example, Orlando commonly hosts these tournaments because it is centrally located, with an excess of fields.

Local tournaments can feature more than just baseball there, as parents and players alike can visit one of the city’s amusement parks.

Increased Exposure

This one is for the players at higher levels. At the summit of club baseball, it can still be very much as it was in its early days, where showcases of talent are the main priority. Organizations like Perfect Game provide weekend-long tournaments dedicated to players who want to be seen in front of major league scouts. They take time to go through a combine, showing off their bat, arm, glove and speed, before taking part in a few games.

Plenty of folks are watching, from college coaches to MLB executives. And they’re all looking for the next big thing.

That kind of exposure is something you can’t get in high school ball, where the rosters are less talent rich. By consolidating so many pro prospects, it becomes a must-see event, one in which a player who puts together a good showing can go from a non-prospect to a prospect.

Is It For You?

Ultimately, the decision to play club baseball is up to individual families. They must weigh the advantages against the costs and the time that must be spent to make such a commitment.

Related Articles

• Comparing Youth Baseball Leagues
• Travel Ball vs Rec Ball
• Youth Fall Baseball

A lifelong baseball fan, Jacob Prothro has covered all levels of baseball for MLB.com, The Wichita Falls Times Record News and Rivals.com. Prior to that, he was a light-hitting outfielder in the Texas high school ranks. In his free time, Jacob roots for the San Francisco Giants and plays in a men’s league, where he still hasn’t figured out how to hit a curve.

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The Physics of How High—and How Far—Baseballs Can Travel

When Major League Baseball saw an increase in home runs, it seemed like a fluke. But really, it came down to the drag on the red cotton seams of a baseball.

• By firing the baseballs through a line of sensors and measuring the change in speed, the team has cooked up a more precise method than using a wind tunnel .
• They published their results earlier this year in Applied Sciences .

The average home-run count in Major League Baseball (MLB) saw a 17 percent uptick in 2015. MLB figured it was a blip in the data, but when baseballs kept flying out of its 30 parks at record rates, the league wanted to know why, eventually creating a panel in 2017 to investigate the phenomenon.

Lloyd Smith found the culprit: red cotton seams on a baseball. And it took some ingenious lab tools to determine that flattened seams made a difference in a baseball’s drag .

⚾️ Science explains the world around us. We’ll help you make sense of it all. Join Pop Mech Pro.

A professor at Washington State University’s (WSU) School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Smith had been working on a new concept for about a decade to track a ball’s lift or drag more accurately than with traditional wind-tunnel practices. His method yielded a fresh approach to propelling a ball forward, using light-gate technology to measure speed. Light-gate tech uses a curtain of light and sensors to track when an object passes specific points, allowing the device to track the speed of the object (or baseball in this case).

Coupling those tools with laser-mapping of a baseball, the WSU team came to a staggering conclusion: a .013-inch flattening of the red cotton seams on a Rawlings baseball reduced the ball’s drag, making a home run a higher probability . Smith and his team published their results earlier this year in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Sciences .

MLB has used the same ball manufacturer, Rawlings, for over 65 years. Even though the ball’s specifications haven’t changed in decades—featuring a carefully measured-out cork rubber pill, wrapped in layers of wool and covered with cowhide—the handmade properties leave it susceptible to minor differences. In other words, minor seam differences between baseballs could explain the major boost in home-run counts.

The Testing

Traditionally, to track drag and lift data, researchers need to place a ball in a wind tunnel, but this requires attaching something to the ball—dubbed the stinger—to hold it in place. Smith says the wind-tunnel strategy has worked well for decades, but “if you’re really trying to capture drag accurately,” he tells Popular Mechanics , “the way you grab onto the ball can be a problem. It is hard to remove the effects of the stinger with a ball moving in the wind tunnel.”

.css-2l0eat{font-family:UnitedSans,UnitedSans-roboto,UnitedSans-local,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:1.625rem;line-height:1.2;margin:0rem;padding:0.9rem 1rem 1rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-2l0eat{font-size:1.75rem;line-height:1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-2l0eat{font-size:1.875rem;line-height:1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-2l0eat{font-size:2.25rem;line-height:1;}}.css-2l0eat b,.css-2l0eat strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-2l0eat em,.css-2l0eat i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;} “If you have a roughened ball, you’re worse off than [if] you were in the wind tunnel.”

WSU uses a high-end light-gate system to create a curtain of light on one side of the corridor the ball passes through, and a series of high-speed light-detector sensors on the other side to identify when an object passes by. With multiple signal points, a light gate determines the speed of the ball. “The speed measurement is not that hard, it is fairly straightforward,” Smith says, “it just has to be aligned carefully.”

With the light gate aligned, Smith and his team knew they needed something better than a traditional pitching machine to get the ball moving. While effective in batting practice, the wheels on the machine scuff the surface of the ball from the very first pitch. “The aerodynamics of the ball are very sensitive to the surface,” Smith says. “If you have a roughened ball, you’re worse off than [if] you were in the wind tunnel.”

The team created a pitching machine that looks like a massive nail gun , featuring a four-foot-long piston to drive the ball and accelerate it to speeds of up to 400 miles per hour. The design allows them to get the ball moving quickly through the light gate, while avoiding harm to the surface. To create spin on the ball , a staff engineer added a U-shaped device on the end of the cannon: one side was high on friction, and the other was low, to gently impart spin.

Smith says the combination of the purpose-built cannon and high-caliber light gate allows the team to accelerate the ball to the desired speed, control the spin, and accurately measure lift and drag.

MLB Involvement

Smith started developing this method about a decade ago, and then worked with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on baseball specifications. When MLB created a panel, the league came calling. Smith says his team soon found that using a hand caliper to measure the seam height of soft cotton wasn’t precise enough. They configured a laser to take 10,000 data points of the ball to measure any differences between balls, including the ability to get an average height of the hand-sewn red cotton seam. Smith’s team then upgraded its laser readings to take over one million data points on every ball.

Now working with MLB on an ongoing basis, the new lab measurements of a baseball’s drag can work with basically any ball. The lab has researched multiple types of baseballs, softballs, golf balls , and even most recently a study looking at pickle-balls.

When it comes to baseball, Smith will be the first to know if those seam heights—or anything else—changes on a MLB ball. “There is a lot of fun, interesting aerodynamics you can do when you get this really precise measurement,” he says.

Tim Newcomb is a journalist based in the Pacific Northwest. He covers stadiums, sneakers, gear, infrastructure, and more for a variety of publications, including Popular Mechanics. His favorite interviews have included sit-downs with Roger Federer in Switzerland, Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, and Tinker Hatfield in Portland. 

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Travel Baseball: The Ultimate Resource for Parents, Coaches, and Players

• Uncategorized

Step up to the plate and join the world of travel baseball—a high-stakes, competitive journey where players, parents, and coaches all swing for the fences in pursuit of their baseball dreams.

Travel baseball is a highly competitive form of youth baseball that involves teams traveling to different locations to compete in tournaments against other skilled players. It is a level above school baseball, allowing talented players to showcase their skills and potentially catch the attention of college recruiters or professional coaches. Travel baseball teams are typically organized by age level, providing opportunities for players from middle school through high school to participate. Being part of a travel baseball team requires a significant time commitment, both in terms of practice (if your team has it) and attending games and tournaments. It offers players the chance to improve their skills, gain valuable playing time, and experience the thrill of competing against other top-notch teams. Travel baseball also often includes showcase tournaments, where players can demonstrate their abilities to scouts and coaches. Overall, travel baseball provides young athletes with a platform to develop their skills, gain exposure, and potentially earn college scholarships or pursue a career in baseball.

Table of contents

Key takeaways, travel baseball competition structure, how to join a travel baseball team, assembling teams versus developing teams, parent/team dynamics and politics, organization, playing time, skill level, focus on advancement to next level, what you’re giving up, travel baseball vs. rec baseball (little league, cal ripken), travel baseball vs school baseball (middle school, high school), youth travel baseball vs showcase travel baseball, perfect game, baseball youth, criticisms and controversy, is travel baseball worth it.

• Travel baseball is a competitive and intense environment that allows young athletes to continuously improve their skills and compete against talented players. It offers opportunities for skill development, personal growth, and the potential for college scholarships and professional opportunities.
• The frequency of practices and games varies among travel baseball teams, with regular practices during the week and games on weekends. Some teams also participate in showcase tournaments and events, which may require additional time commitments.
• Travel baseball teams cater to a range of age levels, starting from around 8u and going up to the high school level. Each age level has different skill development goals and competition levels.

Many travel baseball teams have professional coaches or coaches with extensive experience in the sport. These coaches provide specialized training, guidance, and mentorship to help players reach their full potential.

• Participating in travel baseball requires financial and time investments, with costs including tournament fees, equipment, and travel expenses. While it can be expensive, the potential benefits and opportunities make it worthwhile for dedicated parents and athletes.

As a dedicated travel baseball parent or coach , it’s important to understand the structure of travel baseball tournaments to support your child’s journey and maximize their opportunities. Travel baseball competitions typically involve tournaments that bring together teams from various regions to compete against one another.

The format of these tournaments often includes pool play followed by single elimination rounds. In pool play, teams are grouped into pools and play multiple games against the other teams in their pool. The purpose of pool play is to determine seeding for the single elimination rounds.

Once pool play is completed, teams advance to the single elimination rounds, where the games become more intense and every game matters. Teams compete against each other in a knockout tournament format, with the winner moving on to the next round and the loser being eliminated from the tournament.

Regional and national championships are often the pinnacle of travel baseball competitions. Regional championships bring together top teams from a specific region to compete for a chance to advance to the national championships. National championships showcase the best travel baseball teams from across the country, where teams compete for the title of national champions.

To simplify the tournament process and ensure fair competition, travel baseball tournaments often utilize the DivLevel classification system. This system categorizes teams based on their skill level, ensuring that teams are matched up against opponents of similar abilities. This not only creates a more level playing field but also provides an opportunity for teams to compete against similarly skilled teams and further develop their skills.

Understanding the structure of travel baseball competitions, from the format of tournaments to the DivLevel classification system, allows parents and coaches to navigate the journey with their young athletes and make the most of the opportunities presented by these competitions.

Ready to join a travel team? Let’s break it down into simple steps so you can confidently navigate this process.

Begin your search by reaching out to other parents, coaches, and even your child’s school baseball team. Word-of-mouth is a great way to discover travel baseball teams in your area. Additionally, check out organization websites, forums, and Facebook groups for team listings and tryout information.

Once you’ve identified potential teams, attending their tryouts is crucial. This gives coaches an opportunity to assess your child’s skill level and determine if they are a good fit for the team. Please encourage your child to give their best effort and showcase their abilities during tryouts.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions at tryouts. It’s often a good idea to ask the same questions at each tryout so you can have notes for comparison for step 4.

When evaluating different travel baseball teams, consider factors like cost, coaching quality, competitiveness, playing time, skill development programs, and exposure opportunities. Each family may prioritize these factors differently, so find the team that aligns best with your goals and values.

After attending tryouts and considering the various factors, take some time to evaluate your options. Please consult with your child and consider their feelings and goals. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, make a decision that feels right for your family.

Remember, joining a travel baseball team is an exciting opportunity for your child’s growth and development. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect team that will nurture your child’s talent and provide them with unforgettable experiences. Good luck on this incredible journey!

What to Look For in a Travel Baseball Team

When it comes to choosing the right travel baseball team for your child, there are several factors to consider. As a dedicated parent, you want to ensure that your child receives the best training, exposure, and opportunities in baseball. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to navigate the competitive world of travel baseball. In this article, we will dive into what you should look for in a travel baseball team. From coaching quality and competitiveness to skill development programs and exposure opportunities, we’ll guide you on how to find the perfect fit for your child’s baseball journey. So let’s explore the key factors that will help your child thrive and excel in the exciting world of travel baseball.

When it comes to travel ball, there are two main approaches to forming teams: assembling teams and developing teams.

Assembling teams involves selecting players based on their current skill level and position needs, while developing teams focus on nurturing players’ skills and helping them improve over time.

Assembling teams is often seen as a way to quickly build a competitive team. Coaches select players based on their existing talent, with the aim of creating a team that can perform at a high level right away. For these teams, winning is not only the primary goal; it’s often the only goal. For some parents and players, there is a some social status they derive from being on these “elite” teams. At the same time, coaches for these teams often overlook players with untapped potential and could benefit from further development. Players are often seen as interchangeable pieces rather than growing, developing, maturing young men.

On the other hand, developing teams takes a more long-term approach. Coaches prioritize nurturing players’ skills and helping them improve over time. This approach recognizes that player development is a gradual process and focuses on providing opportunities for players to grow and learn. While developing teams may not achieve instant success, it can lead to the creation of well-rounded players who have a solid foundation of skills and a deeper understanding of the game. In the long run, these teams overtake their “assembled” counterparts, especially as the players transition to a full-sized baseball diamond.

Here’s a comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of each approach:

While each approach has its merits, it ultimately depends on the goals and priorities of the team and the individual players. Assembling teams may be beneficial in situations where immediate success and social clout are the main goals while developing teams can provide a more holistic and long-term approach to player development.

Coaching is a vital component of travel baseball teams, playing a crucial role in player development, instilling fundamental skills, and fostering a positive team environment. The coaching staff has a direct impact on the growth and success of young athletes, both on and off the field.

A great coach goes beyond just teaching the mechanics of the game. They understand the importance of nurturing talent, building confidence, and instilling a love for the sport. Their coaching style should be supportive, motivating, and individualized, allowing each player to reach their full potential.

In addition to player development, coaches also play a key role in creating a positive team environment. They set the tone for teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect. A strong team dynamic is essential for success in travel baseball, as players must learn to work together towards a common goal.

When evaluating coaches for your child’s travel baseball team, there are several key factors to consider. Look for coaches who prioritize player development, have a clear coaching style that aligns with your child’s needs, and treat all players fairly and equitably. It’s important to ensure that the coaching staff creates an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where all players feel valued and included.

Choosing the right coaching staff is essential for your child’s growth and enjoyment in travel baseball. By prioritizing player development, fostering a positive team environment, and evaluating coaches with key factors in mind, you can ensure that your child has the best possible experience on their journey in travel baseball.

Playing Experience vs Coaching Experience

When considering a travel baseball team, both playing experience and coaching experience are crucial factors to take into account.

Playing experience provides valuable insights and a deep understanding of the game. Players who have had significant playing experience have been through the ups and downs of the game, faced different opponents, and have a strong grasp of the nuances and strategies involved. This experience translates into a higher skill level, as they have developed the physical and mental abilities needed to perform at a competitive level.

On the other hand, coaching experience is equally important. Coaches with experience have the ability to provide guidance, instruction, and mentorship to players. They understand the intricacies of player development and know how to tailor their coaching approach to the individual needs of each player. Coaching experience brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success, enabling coaches to help players reach their full potential.

While playing experience is valuable, it doesn’t necessarily mean that someone can effectively teach others or coach younger players. Coaching requires a different skill set, including the ability to communicate effectively, break down complex concepts into digestible information, and adapt coaching methods to meet the players on their level.

A balance between playing experience and coaching experience within a travel baseball team is ideal. Players benefit from the guidance and instruction of experienced coaches who have a deep understanding of the game, while coaches can draw upon their playing experience to relate to and connect with the players. This balance ensures that players receive both the technical and strategic knowledge needed to excel on the field, as well as the support and mentorship necessary for their overall development as athletes and individuals.

As a dedicated travel baseball parent, it’s important to understand the dynamics and politics that exist within a travel baseball team. Being aware of these dynamics will help you navigate the team environment and ensure a positive experience for both you and your child.

Parent involvement is a crucial aspect of travel baseball, but it’s essential to find a balance. While it’s natural to want to be involved in your child’s baseball journey, it’s important to respect the roles and responsibilities of the coaches. Clear communication is key in establishing boundaries and understanding each person’s role within the team.

Team dynamics can sometimes be challenging, with different personalities and expectations coming together. However, fostering a sense of respect and teamwork is vital. Encourage your child to be a supportive teammate and lead by example yourself. Emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, both on and off the field.

Conflicts may arise within the team, but it’s important to address them promptly and effectively. Open and honest communication is crucial in resolving conflicts. Encourage your child to express their concerns and help them understand the importance of active listening and empathy. Collaborate with coaches and other parents to find solutions that benefit the team as a whole.

Creating a positive team environment requires effort from everyone involved. By fostering clear communication, respect, and teamwork, you can help create a supportive and harmonious atmosphere within the travel baseball team. Remember that your child’s experience is shaped not only by their performance on the field but also by the relationships they form and the lessons they learn from being part of a team.

When it comes to travel baseball, there are several factors that contribute to the overall cost of participation. These factors can vary depending on location, equipment requirements, facility rental, and tournament competitiveness. It’s important for parents to be aware of these factors to make informed decisions about their investment in their child’s baseball journey.

1. Location: The cost of travel baseball can vary depending on where you live. In areas where baseball is more popular, you may have access to more competitive teams and tournaments, but that can also come with a higher price tag.

2. Equipment: Baseball equipment can be expensive, and as your child progresses through different age levels, they may require more specialized gear. This can include gloves, bats, helmets, cleats, and other protective equipment.

3. Facility Rental: Travel baseball often requires the use of indoor facilities for practices and training. The cost of renting these facilities can add up, especially if you’re competing for limited space during peak seasons.

4. Coaching: Hiring experienced and knowledgeable coaches is an important investment in your child’s development as a baseball player. Coaches may charge fees for their services, and the higher their level of expertise, the more expensive their coaching fees may be.

5. Tournament Competitiveness: Participating in high-level tournaments often involves additional expenses such as travel, accommodations, and tournament fees. The more competitive the tournament, the greater the cost.

It’s essential for parents to carefully consider these factors when budgeting for their child’s participation in travel baseball. By understanding the potential costs involved, parents can make informed decisions and ensure that their child has the resources and support they need to thrive in the competitive world of travel baseball.

When it comes to choosing a travel baseball team, location plays a crucial role in determining the opportunities available to young athletes. While certain states like California, Florida, and Texas are known as major baseball hubs, providing a wealth of high-level competition in close proximity, families living outside of these states need to consider a few factors.

Firstly, commuting becomes an important consideration. It may be necessary to travel to nearby major cities or regions with better coaching and more competitive teams. This can involve a significant time commitment for both players and their families, but it can also provide access to a higher caliber of coaching and competition.

Proximity to practice fields and facilities is also essential. Travel baseball often requires the use of indoor facilities for practices and training. Living close to these facilities can make it easier to attend regular practices and take advantage of additional training opportunities.

In summary, while living in California, Florida, or Texas can offer abundant opportunities for high-level competition in baseball, families living outside of these states need to evaluate their options carefully. Commuting to major cities and ensuring proximity to practice fields and facilities are important considerations to find the best fit for their young athletes.

Mission is a powerful word. It represents the guiding purpose and direction of a travel baseball team. Understanding a team’s mission and how it aligns with individual values and goals is crucial for both parents and players.

When choosing a travel baseball team, it’s essential to ensure that its mission aligns with the players’ and their families’ aspirations and expectations. This compatibility fosters a harmonious and fulfilling experience for everyone involved. It ensures that everyone is working towards a common goal and shares the same values.

However, tensions can arise if there is a mismatch between the team’s mission and the expectations of the coach, parents, and players. These tensions can manifest as coach-parent or coach-player conflicts. Ultimately, this can impact the overall team dynamic and hinder personal and team growth.

Parents and players should have open and honest conversations with the coach to ensure that their values, goals, and expectations are in line with the team’s mission. This communication can help manage potential tensions and create a supportive and nurturing environment for players to thrive.

Choosing a travel baseball team goes beyond evaluating skill level and competitive opportunities. It requires a careful consideration of the team’s mission and how it aligns with the values and goals of the individuals involved. By doing so, parents and players can set themselves up for a successful and fulfilling journey in travel baseball.

When evaluating the organization of a travel baseball team, several key factors must be considered. One of the most important is the team’s reputation. Reputation can significantly impact your association with the program and even affect your child’s opportunities in the future.

Joining a team known for dirty play or disrespectful behavior can have serious consequences. Not only does it reflect poorly on your child and their character, but it also affects their development as a player. Playing alongside individuals who engage in dirty play or disrespectful behavior can hinder your child’s growth and create a negative environment for them to thrive.

Additionally, the travel baseball community is small and tight-knit. College coaches and scouts pay attention to reputations and will often avoid programs with a negative reputation. Being associated with a team known for dirty play or disrespectful behavior can limit your child’s exposure and opportunities for college scholarships and professional prospects.

It’s important to note that the size of an organization does not necessarily determine its success. While larger organizations may have many players who go on to play in college or the pros, it’s crucial to consider the percentage of players who achieve these outcomes. Many kids play in these organizations, so the percentage of success is relatively small.

Ultimately, when evaluating a travel baseball team’s organization, reputation should be a significant factor to consider. It can impact your child’s development, opportunities, and future prospects in the sport.

Playing time is a crucial aspect of travel baseball that can greatly impact a player’s development and enjoyment of the sport. It is important for parents to understand the importance of playing time and how it can contribute to their child’s growth as a baseball player.

Before committing to a travel baseball team, parents should have open and honest conversations with the coaching staff about the expected playing time and positions. This allows parents to gauge the team’s approach to player development and ensure that their child will have ample playing opportunities.

It is worth noting that assembled teams, which are often formed based on tryouts and selecting the most talented players, tend to lock kids into specific positions. On the other hand, developed teams often prioritize versatility and allow players to learn and play multiple positions. This flexibility not only expands a player’s skill set but also increases their value to the team.

Learning multiple positions benefits the individual player and enhances team dynamics. Versatile players can easily adapt to different game situations and provide strategic advantages for their team.

While getting game reps is important for skill development and overall enjoyment, it is equally important to recognize that practice reps are the most crucial for long-term skill development. Coaches should provide a balanced mix of game time and practice time to ensure that players have the opportunity to refine their skills and improve their performance on the field.

In conclusion, playing time in travel baseball is essential for a player’s development and enjoyment of the sport. Parents should have open communication with coaching staff about playing time expectations and positions. Additionally, encouraging players to learn multiple positions can enhance their versatility and overall value to the team. Finally, understanding the balance between game reps and practice reps is vital for long-term skill development.

As a dedicated travel baseball parent, one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a travel baseball team for your child is evaluating their skill level. It’s crucial to assess where your child stands in terms of their baseball abilities to ensure they are placed in the right environment for growth and development.

Evaluating skill level allows you to find a team that aligns with your child’s abilities and goals. Children who excel in baseball and are looking for a challenging and competitive environment should consider teams that prioritize skill development, intense competition, and showcase opportunities. These teams often have rigorous tryouts that attract talented players and provide a platform for high-level competition.

On the other hand, if your child prioritizes fun, friendship, and a more relaxed approach to the game, you may want to consider a more low-key team. These teams often focus on providing a supportive and nurturing environment where players can enjoy the game without the intense pressure to win.

Ultimately, the skill level of the team should match your child’s abilities and aspirations. It’s important to find the right balance between challenge and enjoyment for optimal growth and development. By evaluating your child’s skill level and considering the level of competition during tryouts, you can ensure they are placed in a team that suits their needs and provides a positive and enriching experience.

As a dedicated travel baseball parent, one of the primary goals is to see our child advance to the next level of baseball, whether it be college ball or even professional baseball. Travel baseball teams play a crucial role in providing the necessary opportunities and resources for this advancement.

These teams not only focus on the development of players’ skills but also provide them with exposure to scouts and college recruiters. The competitive nature of travel baseball allows players to showcase their abilities in high-level tournaments and showcase events, where they can catch the attention of those who can potentially propel their careers forward.

Additionally, travel baseball teams often have connections within the baseball community, including coaches, trainers, and other players. These connections can provide valuable insights, guidance, and even potential opportunities for player development. Being part of a well-established travel team can open doors and connect players with the right people who can help them excel in their baseball journey.

When choosing a travel team, it is essential to align with an organization that shares your child’s goals and aspirations. Some larger organizations may have teams that exist only to fund their top-tier teams, leaving less opportunity for player development and advancement. Evaluating the track record of the organization and understanding their commitment to player growth is crucial in making an informed decision.

However, it’s important to remember that success in the baseball world cannot solely be measured by the number of players who make it to the next level. Many talented players participate in bigger organizations across the country, but the percentage of those who actually reach college or professional baseball is relatively small compared to the overall number of players in these organizations. Therefore, it’s important not to solely rely on these statistics as a measure of an organization’s success.

In the pursuit of advancement to the next level, travel baseball provides an environment where players can develop their skills, gain exposure, and build connections within the baseball community. By choosing the right team and maintaining a focus on growth and aspirations, the journey toward college ball or professional baseball becomes more attainable.

As a parent involved in the world of travel baseball, it’s important to understand the sacrifices that players and their families make in pursuit of their dreams. Travel baseball demands a significant time commitment, often resulting in players missing out on social activities that are an integral part of their childhood.

Imagine the disappointment of not being able to attend a friend’s birthday party or a school dance because of a crucial game or tournament. These are the moments that create lasting memories and build relationships, yet travel baseball often requires players to prioritize their commitment to the team above all else.

Financially, the cost of travel baseball can also be significant. Families may need to make tough choices and sacrifice material things in order to provide their child with the opportunities and experiences that travel baseball offers. Clothes, video games, new smartphones – these may need to take a backseat to the expenses associated with tournament fees, equipment, and travel costs.

While the sacrifices can be challenging, it’s important to remember that they are not made in vain. Travel baseball provides a unique path for skill development, exposure to higher-level competition, and the potential for college scholarships and professional opportunities. However, it’s essential to find a balance and ensure that players also have time for other important aspects of their lives, such as academics, friendships, and personal growth.

By understanding the sacrifices involved and finding ways to maintain a balanced approach, players and their families can make the most of their travel baseball experience while still cherishing the moments and connections that make life rich and fulfilling.

As a travel baseball parent or coach, it’s important to understand the main differences between travel baseball and recreational baseball, such as Little League and Cal Ripken. These differences can greatly impact your child’s experience, skill development, and overall growth in the sport.

When it comes to time commitment, travel baseball tends to require a higher level of dedication. Travel teams often have more frequent practices and longer game schedules, as they often participate in tournaments and showcase events that require additional travel. On the other hand, recreational baseball leagues like Little League and Cal Ripken typically have a shorter season, with fewer practices and games.

In terms of competitiveness, travel baseball is generally more intense. Travel teams are often made up of talented players who are selected through tryouts and may have a higher skill level compared to recreational leagues. The competition level in travel baseball is also higher, as teams often compete against other travel teams from different regions. Recreational baseball leagues, on the other hand, focus more on fun and participation, with a wider range of skill levels among players.

Player development is another significant difference between travel baseball and recreational baseball. In travel baseball, there is often a greater emphasis on individual skill development and specialized coaching. Travel teams may have access to professional coaches who can provide advanced training and guidance. In recreational baseball, player development is typically led by parent-coaches who may have limited baseball knowledge or experience.

Here’s a table summarizing the main differences between travel baseball and recreational baseball:

In conclusion, travel baseball and recreational baseball offer contrasting experiences for young athletes. While travel baseball requires a higher time commitment and offers a more competitive environment with greater player development opportunities, recreational baseball focuses on fun and participation with limited travel and coaching resources. Understanding these differences can help parents and coaches make informed decisions for their child’s baseball journey.

As a dedicated travel baseball parent or coach, you understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with nurturing a young athlete’s talent. When it comes to choosing between travel baseball and school baseball (middle school, high school), there are key differences to consider.

Competition: Travel baseball teams are known for their high level of competition. These teams often consist of talented players who have gone through tryouts and have a higher skill level compared to school teams. In contrast, school baseball programs may offer limited competition and opportunities to face off against teams from other regions.

Skill Development: Travel baseball places a strong emphasis on individual skill development. Players have access to professional coaches and specialized training, which can help them reach their full potential. School baseball, on the other hand, may have limited coaching resources and a broader focus on team play rather than individual development.

Coaching Quality: Travel baseball brings together some of the best coaches in the sport. These experienced professionals can provide advanced training methods, personalized guidance, and a wealth of knowledge. In contrast, school baseball programs may rely on volunteer coaches who may have limited baseball knowledge or experience.

Middle School Programs: One notable difference is the lack of middle school baseball programs. While travel baseball offers opportunities for players as young as 8u, middle school often becomes a gap year in terms of baseball development. This gap can have an impact on a player’s skill progression and overall exposure to the sport.

To summarize, travel baseball offers a higher level of competition, specialized skill development, and access to professional coaching. School baseball, particularly at the middle school and high school level, may have limited competition and coaching quality. When it comes to nurturing your child’s talent, travel baseball can provide a more comprehensive and focused approach to their growth as a player.

Here’s a table comparing travel baseball and school baseball:

As a dedicated travel baseball parent or coach, it’s important to understand the key differences between Youth Travel Baseball and Showcase Travel Baseball. Both types of travel baseball offer unique experiences and opportunities for young athletes, but they cater to different goals and skill levels.

Youth Travel Baseball is typically designed to provide a well-rounded experience for players of all skill levels. These teams focus on competition, skill development, and player exposure. Youth Travel Baseball tournaments may feature a mix of local and regional teams, allowing players to face a variety of opponents and gain valuable game experience. Skill development is a priority, and players have access to coaching and training resources to help them improve their game. These tournaments often follow a round-robin or pool play format, giving players plenty of playing time and opportunities to showcase their skills.

On the other hand, Showcase Travel Baseball is geared towards high-level players who are looking for maximum exposure to college recruiters and professional scouts. These teams are comprised of elite players with advanced skills and a strong desire to play at the college or professional level. Showcase tournaments attract top talent from across the country and provide a platform for players to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and professional scouts. The tournament format for Showcase Travel Baseball often includes single-elimination games or games that follow the Perfect Game format, maximizing the level of competition and intensity.

Here’s a comparison of the key differences between Youth Travel Baseball and Showcase Travel Baseball:

Top travel tournament organizations for Youth Travel Baseball include USSSA Baseball and Arlington Travel Baseball.

Top travel tournament organizations for Showcase Travel Baseball include Cougar Travel Baseball and Total Baseball Travel Team.

In conclusion, Youth Travel Baseball offers a well-rounded experience for players of all skill levels, focusing on competition, skill development, and player exposure. Showcase Travel Baseball, on the other hand, caters to high-level players seeking maximum exposure to college recruiters and professional scouts. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions and provide the best opportunities for your young athlete’s growth and success.

Travel Tournament Organizations

Travel Tournament Organizations: Nurturing Talent and Providing Opportunities for Growth

In the world of travel baseball, finding the right tournament organization can make all the difference in nurturing your child’s talent and providing them with the opportunities they need to grow and succeed. These organizations are the gateways to regional and national tournaments, where players can showcase their skills, gain exposure, and potentially secure college scholarships. Two prominent travel tournament organizations that stand out are USSSA Baseball and Arlington Travel Baseball. USSSA Baseball offers a summer season filled with competitive games and a mix of skill levels, providing an ideal platform for players to develop their abilities and face diverse opponents. Meanwhile, Arlington Travel Baseball focuses on age-level competitions, ensuring that players are grouped with others who are at a similar skill level so that they can learn, grow, and compete at their optimum potential. By aligning your child with the right travel tournament organization, you can set them on a path towards success in the world of baseball.

Perfect Game is one of the leading travel tournament organizations in the travel baseball community, and its significance cannot be understated. Participating in Perfect Game tournaments provides numerous benefits and features that help young athletes thrive and reach their full potential in the competitive world of travel baseball.

One of the main benefits of participating in Perfect Game tournaments is the exposure it offers young athletes. Perfect Game attracts scouts, college recruiters, and coaches from all levels of baseball, increasing the chances of talented players being seen and noticed. This exposure can lead to opportunities for college scholarships or even professional contracts.

Another significant aspect of Perfect Game tournaments is the high level of competition. These tournaments attract some of the most talented players and teams from around the country, providing a challenging and thrilling environment for young athletes to test their skills. The opportunity to compete against top-notch competition helps players develop their skills and gain valuable experience.

Perfect Game tournaments also offer showcase opportunities, where players can showcase their abilities in front of a wide audience. These showcases allow athletes to display their skills in various aspects of the game, such as hitting, pitching, and fielding. This exposure can help athletes gain recognition and enhance their chances of being recruited or scouted.

In addition to these benefits, Perfect Game tournaments provide a well-organized and professional experience for players and their families. From top-notch facilities and excellent officiating to comprehensive game statistics and player profiles, Perfect Game ensures a high-quality tournament experience.

Overall, participating in Perfect Game tournaments is highly advantageous for young athletes looking to excel in travel baseball. The exposure, competition, showcase opportunities, and professional experience it offers are invaluable for their development and advancement in the sport.

As a dedicated travel baseball parent or coach, you are likely familiar with the acronym USSSA, which stands for United States Specialty Sports Association. USSSA plays a significant role in the world of travel baseball tournaments and teams.

USSSA was founded in 1968 with the purpose of organizing and governing various sports, including baseball. Over the years, USSSA has established itself as a reputable organization, known for its commitment to providing high-quality tournaments and experiences for young athletes.

When it comes to travel baseball, USSSA is responsible for organizing and sanctioning tournaments at various levels, offering teams the opportunity to compete against one another and showcase their skills. These tournaments attract talented players and teams from across the country, creating a highly competitive environment for young athletes to test their abilities.

One of the most prestigious events organized by USSSA is the USSSA World Series. This tournament brings together the top teams from different regions, allowing them to compete for the title of champion. The USSSA World Series is a highly anticipated event in the travel baseball community and serves as a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their talent on a national stage.

As a parent or coach involved in travel baseball, being aware of USSSA and its role in organizing and governing tournaments can provide valuable opportunities for your child or team. Participating in USSSA-sanctioned events, including the USSSA World Series, allows young athletes to gain exposure, showcase their skills, and compete against top-tier competition. So keep an eye out for USSSA tournaments and embrace the opportunity to be part of the exciting world of travel baseball.

As a passionate sports enthusiast and a parent myself, I understand the dedication and sacrifices that come with being involved in your child’s travel baseball journey. Today, I want to introduce you to an organization that has been making waves in the world of travel baseball – Play Top Gun Sports.

Play Top Gun Sports http://playtopgunsports.com is a renowned travel baseball organization that is dedicated to providing exceptional programs and tournaments for young athletes. They understand the importance of skill development and offer a range of programs tailored to different age levels and skill sets. From their youth travel teams to their elite player development programs, Play Top Gun Sports caters to a wide range of athletes.

One of the notable features of Play Top Gun Sports is their showcase tournaments. These tournaments attract some of the most talented players from across the country, offering them the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and scouts. This exposure can open doors to college scholarships and even professional opportunities.

While participating in Play Top Gun Sports events can bring immense benefits, it’s important to consider the drawbacks as well. The competition level can be extremely high, and the time commitment required for travel and practice may be significant. It’s crucial to strike a balance between pursuing the dream and maintaining a well-rounded life for your child.

All in all, Play Top Gun Sports is a top-tier travel baseball organization that offers exceptional programs and tournaments for young athletes. By participating in their events, your child can gain valuable experiences, exposure, and opportunities to excel in the sport they love. So, lace up those cleats, grab your glove, and get ready to soar to new heights with Play Top Gun Sports.

As a dedicated travel baseball parent, one of the most exciting aspects of the sport is the opportunity for youth prospects to showcase their talent and potential. These young athletes hold a special place in the world of travel baseball, as they serve as the foundation for identifying and nurturing talented players at a young age.

Travel baseball organizations and college recruiters understand the immense value of youth prospects. These young players demonstrate promising skills and show potential for future success. They receive special attention and are carefully scouted and evaluated.

Scouting for youth prospects involves observing their performance in games and tournaments, evaluating their technical skills, athleticism, and game intelligence. The goal is to identify players who possess exceptional talent and the ability to excel at higher levels of play.

For college recruiters, youth prospects can be a valuable pipeline for identifying talented players to fill their rosters. These young athletes, through their commitment and dedication to the sport, have the potential to earn college scholarships and advance their baseball careers to the next level.

The journey of a youth prospect in travel baseball is both thrilling and challenging. These young athletes not only have the chance to showcase their skills but also to receive guidance and mentorship from professional coaches. This support helps them refine their abilities and develop their potential to the fullest.

For travel baseball parents, witnessing their child as a youth prospect brings a mix of excitement, hope, and anticipation. They understand the significant role these young athletes play in shaping their child’s baseball journey and the potential opportunities that lie ahead.

In the world of travel baseball, youth prospects are the foundation for identifying and nurturing talented players. They are scouted, evaluated, and provided with opportunities for advancement to higher levels of play. For parents, the dream of their child earning a college scholarship and excelling in the sport becomes even closer to reality through the promising path of a youth prospect.

In addition to Perfect Game and USSSA, there are several other popular travel tournament organizations in the travel baseball community. Two significant organizations worth mentioning are Impact Baseball and Dynamic Baseball.

Impact Baseball is a prominent travel tournament organization that has been conducting high-quality tournaments and showcases for over 15 years. They provide opportunities for talented baseball players to showcase their skills and compete against top-level competition. Impact Baseball events attract college recruiters and professional scouts, giving players valuable exposure.

Dynamic Baseball is another well-known organization that focuses on providing competitive tournaments and showcases for youth baseball players. They offer events for various age groups, allowing players to compete against teams from different regions. Dynamic Baseball events are highly regarded for their organization, high level of competition, and professional atmosphere.

These travel tournament organizations, including Top Gun and SoftballConnected.com, play a significant role in the travel baseball community. They provide a platform for talented players to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and compete against top-level competition. The significance of these organizations lies in their ability to connect players with college recruiters and professional scouts, ultimately helping players advance their baseball careers.

Travel Baseball Pros and Cons

Welcome to the world of travel baseball, where young athletes have the opportunity to compete against top-level teams, showcase their skills, and aim for college scholarships or even professional careers. As a dedicated parent or coach, you understand that travel baseball comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of travel baseball, diving deep into the emotional journeys, sacrifices made, and the joy of watching young athletes grow. We will also provide actionable advice on nurturing talent, maintaining a balanced life on the road, and the importance of fostering both physical and emotional growth in young athletes. So, let’s lace up our cleats and embark on this journey together!

Pros of Travel Baseball

Travel baseball offers a multitude of advantages for young players looking to take their skills to the next level. One of the biggest benefits is the opportunity to face better competition. In travel baseball, players compete against other talented athletes who are also dedicated to the sport. This heightened level of competition pushes players to improve their skills and performance.

Additionally, travel baseball provides access to professional coaches who possess the knowledge and experience needed to guide players on their baseball journey. These coaches can provide valuable insights and training techniques that can elevate a player’s game.

Another advantage of travel baseball is the increased exposure it provides. By participating in showcase tournaments and playing against top-tier teams, young players have the opportunity to catch the attention of college scouts and potentially earn scholarships. This level of exposure can open doors for future opportunities in college ball and beyond.

Furthermore, travel baseball offers more playing opportunities for young athletes. With a higher number of games played, players can gain valuable experience and refine their skills in various game situations. This allows them to develop a well-rounded game that can translate to success on the diamond.

Lastly, travel baseball facilitates travel, allowing players to compete in different locations and experience new environments. This not only enhances their overall baseball experience but also exposes them to different cultures and fosters personal growth.

Overall, travel baseball provides young players with better competition, expert coaching, increased exposure, more playing opportunities, and a chance to explore new places. It is an invaluable platform for their development as athletes and as individuals.

Travel Opportunities

As a travel baseball parent, you understand the dedication and commitment it takes to support your child’s baseball dreams. While the travel aspect may seem like an additional challenge, it actually provides a unique opportunity for both vacation and an immersive baseball experience.

Travel baseball teams often have the chance to visit different locations and participate in tournaments and showcase events. This allows young athletes to not only play the sport they love but also explore new places and cultures. From picturesque destinations like Branson, Missouri to vibrant cities across the country, each trip becomes an adventure both on and off the field.

Furthermore, travel baseball offers more playing opportunities compared to average recreational teams. With a higher number of games and tournaments, young athletes can gain valuable experience and develop their skills in various game situations. This level of competition and exposure can significantly contribute to their growth as players.

While there may be financial and time commitments associated with travel baseball, it’s essential to evaluate its worth based on your child’s goals and aspirations. Consider the investment in terms of the opportunities it provides for skill development, recognition, and potential college scholarships. Additionally, weigh the intangible sacrifices and the joy of supporting your child’s passion.

In conclusion, travel opportunities in travel baseball not only offer a unique vacation experience but also provide young athletes with more playing opportunities and a chance to explore new locations. Evaluate the worth of travel baseball based on its financial commitment, time commitment, and the potential benefits it can bring to your child’s baseball journey.

More Exposure

Travel baseball provides young players with unparalleled exposure opportunities for those who aspire to play baseball in college. Through various tournaments and showcase events, players have the chance to showcase their skills in front of scouts and college coaches who are actively seeking talented athletes for their programs.

These tournaments serve as a platform for players to catch the attention of college recruiters and increase their chances of securing a college scholarship. By competing against other talented players and performing well in high-pressure situations, players can demonstrate their abilities and stand out among their peers.

In addition to the competitive nature of these tournaments, travel baseball also offers the advantage of playing more games and recording videos for player showcases. With a higher number of games, players get additional opportunities to fine-tune their skills and gain valuable game experience. Moreover, recording these games allows players to create highlight reels that can be shared with college coaches and further enhance their recruitment potential.

Furthermore, travel baseball teams often have access to experienced and knowledgeable coaches who can provide top-notch player development. These coaches have the expertise to identify areas for improvement and help players refine their skills. With improved player development, players can increase their playing opportunities and significantly enhance their chances of getting noticed by college coaches.

Overall, travel baseball not only provides more exposure opportunities but also offers the chance for players to play more games and receive quality coaching. These advantages greatly enhance a player’s chances of getting recognized by scouts and college coaches, making travel baseball an invaluable investment for young athletes with aspirations of playing college baseball.

Better Player Development with the Right Coaches

As a travel baseball parent, I understand the importance of having the right coaches for better player development in travel baseball teams. The coaches play a crucial role in shaping and honing the skills of young athletes, and their influence can have a lasting impact on a player’s growth and success.

Experienced coaches bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. They understand the game at a deeper level and can effectively convey their insights to the players. With their guidance, players can learn advanced techniques, strategies, and game situations that can elevate their performance on the field.

Well-connected coaches also offer significant advantages. Their networks within the baseball community can open doors for players, providing them with exposure to college recruiters and professional scouts. These connections can lead to opportunities for players to showcase their skills in front of decision-makers who can shape their future in the sport.

In some competitive teams, former professional coaches are employed, which adds an extra layer of value. These coaches bring firsthand experience of the highest level of play, giving players a unique perspective and insights into what it takes to succeed at the college or professional level. Their mentorship can help players develop the necessary skills, mindset, and work ethic needed to excel in their baseball journey.

In conclusion, having the right coaches in travel baseball teams is crucial for better player development. Their experience, expertise, and connections can significantly impact a player’s growth, exposure, and opportunities in the sport. So, as travel baseball parents, it’s important for us to seek out teams with experienced and well-connected coaches to ensure our children’s development is nurtured in the best possible way.

More Playing Opportunities

Travel baseball provides more playing opportunities compared to recreational teams for several reasons. Firstly, select baseball teams typically have a longer season that extends beyond the regular recreational season. While recreational teams may only play during the summer months, select teams often have a summer season followed by fall and even winter training and tournament opportunities. This extended season allows players to get more game time and develop their skills further.

In addition to a longer season, select baseball teams typically participate in a larger number of games per year compared to recreational teams. Recreational teams may have only a few games per week, whereas select teams often have multiple games and tournaments every month. This higher frequency of games provides players with more opportunities to showcase their skills, develop their game sense, and gain valuable experience on the field.

Furthermore, travel baseball teams offer players more exposure opportunities for those hoping to play in college. These teams often participate in showcase tournaments and events where college recruiters and scouts are in attendance. This exposure can significantly increase a player’s chances of being noticed by college programs and potentially earning a scholarship.

Overall, travel baseball provides more playing opportunities through an extended season, a higher number of games, and increased exposure opportunities. This allows players to maximize their potential, gain valuable experience, and increase their chances of playing at the college level.

As much as travel baseball can offer countless benefits and opportunities for young athletes, it’s important to acknowledge the potential cons that come with this competitive and demanding sport. The first aspect to consider is the cost. Travel baseball often requires a significant financial investment, including registration fees, travel expenses, equipment costs, and additional fees for tournaments and showcases. This financial burden can strain families and limit access to the sport for some talented players.

Another downside is the time commitment. Travel baseball teams typically have a rigorous schedule that includes frequent practices, weekend tournaments, and sometimes even travel to different states. This can create a significant time commitment for both players and their families, impacting other aspects of their lives such as school, social activities, and family time.

The high level of competitiveness in travel baseball can also be challenging for young athletes. The pressure to perform at a high level consistently can lead to added stress and anxiety. Additionally, the workouts and training regimens in travel baseball are often more intense and demanding than those in recreational leagues, which can be physically and mentally exhausting for young players.

Lastly, it’s important to address the lack of diversity in some travel baseball programs. While many teams strive for inclusivity, certain communities may have limited access to travel baseball due to financial constraints or lack of resources. This lack of diversity can limit opportunities for talented players from diverse backgrounds.

Although travel baseball offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to consider these potential drawbacks to make an informed decision. Finding a balance between the positives and negatives is key to ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding experience for young athletes in their baseball journey.

Travel baseball can be an expensive endeavor for both players and their families. The costs associated with participating in travel baseball can add up quickly, and it’s important to be aware of these expenses when considering joining a team.

One major expense in travel baseball is the equipment requirements. Players are often required to have top-of-the-line gear, including bats, gloves, helmets, and cleats. These high-quality items can come with a hefty price tag, especially as players grow and need larger sizes or upgrade to more advanced equipment.

Facility rentals are another cost to consider. Travel baseball teams often practice in indoor facilities or rent out fields for games and tournaments. These rental fees can vary depending on the location and the demand for the facilities.

Coach payment is also a factor in the overall cost of travel baseball. Many teams hire professional coaches or former college or professional players to provide expert training and guidance. These coaches often require payment for their services, adding to the expenses associated with the team.

The range of costs involved in joining a travel baseball team can vary widely. On the lower end, families can expect to pay several hundred dollars for registration fees, uniform costs, and tournament entry fees. However, for higher-level teams or tournaments, the costs can easily reach several thousand dollars.

It’s important to keep in mind that these costs may not include additional expenses for higher-level tournaments, such as travel and accommodation costs. Families should budget accordingly and be prepared for these potential additional expenses.

In conclusion, travel baseball can be an expensive commitment, with costs including equipment requirements, facility rentals, and coach payment. Families should be aware of these expenses and budget accordingly to ensure they can afford to participate in this competitive and rewarding sport.

Lacks Diversity

Large time commitment.

As a parent or coach involved in travel baseball, it’s important to understand the significant time commitment required for this level of competitive play. Travel baseball is not just a seasonal activity; it requires a year-round dedication to training, practicing, and participating in games and tournaments.

One of the primary time commitments in travel baseball is the weekend games. These games often take place on Saturdays and Sundays, which means sacrificing personal time and family events. Additionally, practices are typically scheduled during the weekdays to ensure players are continually developing their skills and staying in top form.

In Arlington Travel Baseball, the time commitment for 8-14U players is particularly rigorous. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive year-round experience, with practices and games scheduled throughout the year. Players are expected to attend regular practices, which focus on individual skill development as well as team strategy and dynamics.

For 13U and 14U players, the time commitment increases as they prepare for high school baseball. These programs are specifically designed to hone players’ skills and prepare them for the increased competitive level of high school play. The focus is on refining fundamental techniques, strengthening teamwork, and enhancing overall game awareness.

In summary, travel baseball demands a large time commitment from players and their families. It involves weekend games, year-round training, and a dedication to continuous improvement. The programs offered by Arlington Travel Baseball, including the 13U and 14U programs, aim to provide a comprehensive experience that prepares players for success at the high school level and beyond.

Highly Competitive

In the world of travel baseball, the competition is fierce. Parents and coaches alike understand that the primary goals revolve around player development and winning games. It’s an environment where talented players come together, striving to become the best versions of themselves while also aiming to secure victories for their teams.

However, sometimes the intense focus on winning can overshadow the aspect of player development. In order to secure those wins, coaches may lean towards playing their best players more frequently, resulting in those players receiving the majority of the playing time. This dynamic can create a sense of imbalance among the team, with some players feeling like they are left on the sidelines without enough opportunity to grow and develop their skills.

While winning is undeniably an essential part of the game, it’s crucial to strike a balance. The highly competitive nature of travel baseball should not override the importance of player development. Every young athlete deserves the chance to hone their skills, learn from their mistakes, and gain invaluable experience on the field.

So, as parents and coaches, let’s remember that while winning games is gratifying, fostering the growth and potential of each player is equally significant. By prioritizing player development alongside the desire to win, we can create an environment that not only produces formidable teams but also nurtures the individual talents of every young athlete. This approach ensures that the competitive nature of travel baseball remains fruitful for players at all skill levels.

As a dedicated parent in the world of travel baseball, one term that often comes up in discussions and whispers is “Daddy Ball.” This concept refers to the perceived favoritism shown by coaches towards their own child or children. While it’s natural for coaches to want the best for their own family, Daddy Ball can have significant implications for the development and dynamics of a team.

One consequence of Daddy Ball is the potential for reduced playing time for non-coach’s children. In an effort to secure wins, coaches may lean towards playing their own children more frequently, leaving other players feeling like they don’t have a fair chance to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s success.

Another consequence is the impact on team selection. When coaches prioritize their own children over equally talented players, it can create a sense of unfairness among the team. This can lead to resentment, decreased motivation, and a lack of cohesion within the group.

Beyond the immediate effects, Daddy Ball can have long-term implications for a young athlete’s development. Players who are consistently overlooked in favor of coaches’ children may lose confidence and become discouraged, hindering their growth and potential in the sport.

In order to create a positive and fair environment, it is crucial for coaches to be mindful of the pitfalls of Daddy Ball. By prioritizing the overall growth and development of all players, coaches can foster a team dynamic that is built on trust, fair play, and equal opportunities for everyone involved. This approach not only enhances each player’s experience but also contributes to the success and longevity of the team as a whole.

Players Jumping from Team to Team

As a dedicated travel baseball parent or coach, you understand the immense commitment and investment required for your child to excel in the sport. But what happens when players start jumping from one travel baseball team to another? Let’s explore the reasons, consequences, and potential challenges of this phenomenon.

One reason players may choose to jump teams is the desire for better player development opportunities. They may feel that their current team is not providing the coaching, training, or exposure needed to take their skills to the next level. However, constantly changing teams can have a detrimental impact on player development. It becomes difficult to establish consistency in coaching styles, training methodologies, and team systems, hindering the player’s ability to progress effectively.

Another consequence of jumping teams is the impact on team dynamics. Building strong relationships and trust within a team is crucial for success on and off the field. Constantly changing teams makes it challenging to establish these bonds, which can lead to a lack of cohesion and teamwork. It also disrupts the team’s chemistry and stability, affecting overall performance and the ability to develop strong relationships with teammates.

Moreover, players who frequently jump teams may face limited playing opportunities. Coaches prioritize players who have been with the team longer and may not offer equal opportunities to newcomers. This lack of consistent playing time can hinder a player’s growth and confidence, affecting their overall experience in travel baseball.

In conclusion, while jumping teams may initially seem like a solution for better opportunities, it can have long-lasting consequences on player development, team dynamics, and the overall experience in travel baseball. It’s important to consider the potential challenges and drawbacks before making such a decision. Building a strong foundation with a team, committing to the development process, and fostering positive relationships with teammates can ultimately lead to greater growth and success in the sport.

Criticisms and Controversy Surrounding Travel Baseball:

– Financial Burden: One of the main criticisms of travel baseball is the exorbitant cost associated with participation. The high fees for tournaments, equipment, travel, and coaching can create a significant financial burden for families. This has sparked debates about the accessibility and inclusivity of the sport, as low-income families may not have the means to afford these expenses.

– Lack of Diversity: Another issue that has been raised is the lack of diversity in travel baseball. The high costs and intense competition can limit opportunities for children from marginalized communities to participate. This lack of diversity not only affects the representation of different backgrounds within the sport but also limits the overall talent pool and potential for growth.

– Negative Impact on Local Baseball Programs: The rise of travel baseball has had a negative impact on local baseball programs and community leagues. As more talented players gravitate towards travel teams, local programs may struggle to attract and retain players. This leads to a decline in participation and resources for these programs, ultimately weakening the overall baseball infrastructure in communities.

– Declining Participation in Little League: The growth of travel baseball has also been linked to a decline in participation in Little League. With more specialized and competitive options available, children may choose to pursue travel baseball at a younger age, bypassing the traditional Little League experience. This decline has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of community-based baseball programs.

It is important to acknowledge and address these criticisms and controversies surrounding travel baseball. By working towards creating more accessible and diverse opportunities, supporting local programs, and finding ways to balance the benefits of travel baseball with the wellbeing of the broader baseball community, we can strive for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the sport.

1. The Worth of Travel Baseball:

– Skill Development: Travel baseball provides an environment for young athletes to continuously improve their skills and excel in the sport.

– College and Professional Opportunities: Participating in travel baseball increases the chances of catching the attention of college recruiters and potentially earning athletic scholarships or even professional opportunities.

– Exposure to Better Competition: Travel baseball exposes players to highly competitive teams, challenging them to elevate their game and grow as athletes.

– Networking and Connections: Being part of a travel baseball team allows players and their families to connect with other talented individuals and build a network within the baseball community.

– Personal Growth: The intense nature of travel baseball teaches important life skills such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, and time management.

2. The Drawbacks of Travel Baseball:

– High Costs: Participating in travel baseball can be expensive, considering the fees for tournaments, equipment, travel, and coaching.

– Time Commitment: Travel baseball requires a significant time commitment, with practices, games, and tournaments often taking up weekends and evenings.

– Lack of Diversity: The high costs and intense competition in travel baseball may limit opportunities for children from marginalized communities to participate, resulting in a lack of diversity within the sport.

– Intense Competition: Travel baseball is highly competitive, and the pressure to perform at a high level can be stressful for both players and parents.

When evaluating the worth of travel baseball, it is essential to consider individual goals, financial commitment, time commitment, and aspirations in the sport. While travel baseball offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to weigh them against the potential drawbacks and personal circumstances to determine if it aligns with one’s values and ambitions. Ultimately, the decision to participate in travel baseball should be based on what brings joy and fulfillment to both players and their families.

FAQs About Travel Baseball

1. How much does travel baseball cost?

Travel baseball can be expensive, with costs including tournament fees, equipment, travel expenses, and coaching. The total amount spent will vary depending on the team and level of competition.

2. What skill level is required for travel baseball?

Travel baseball teams typically recruit players based on their skill level and potential. While some teams may have tryouts and strict selection criteria, others may be more inclusive and focus on player development.

3. How does travel baseball help with player development?

Travel baseball provides an environment where players can continuously improve their skills and compete against highly competitive teams. The intense nature of travel baseball challenges players to elevate their game and develop both physically and mentally.

4. How often do travel baseball teams practice and play games?

The frequency of practices and games varies among travel baseball teams. Generally, teams have regular practices during the week and play games on weekends. Some teams also participate in showcase tournaments and events that may require additional time commitments.

5. Is travel baseball suitable for all age levels?

Travel baseball teams typically cater to a range of age levels, starting from around 8u and going up to the high school level. Each age level may have different skill development goals and competition levels.

6. Can travel baseball lead to college scholarships?

Participating in travel baseball increases the chances of catching the attention of college recruiters and potentially earning athletic scholarships. However, it is important to note that obtaining a college scholarship is competitive and requires not only skill but also academic performance and other factors.

7. Are professional coaches involved in travel baseball teams?

In summary, travel baseball can be a significant financial investment, but it provides opportunities for skill development, player growth, and potential college scholarships. The level of commitment and involvement varies, and it is important to research and find a team that aligns with your child’s goals and aspirations.

In conclusion, travel baseball offers young athletes a platform to develop their skills, compete against talented players, and potentially earn college scholarships or professional opportunities. It requires dedication, financial investment, and time commitment, but the rewards can be significant. Professional coaching, regular practices, and participation in showcase tournaments contribute to skill development and exposure. It is suitable for a range of age levels and provides an environment for personal growth and life lessons beyond the sport.

Last Updated on October 30, 2023 by Travel Baseball Players, Parents and Coaches

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Not only is Ben Teal the original AI Alchemist, he’s a mojito loving Philosopher Economist. In addition is also an Analytics and Process Systemization Expert and Bestselling Author. He holds a BA with a double major in Philosophy and Economics from Yale University.

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Travel Baseball Pros and Cons: Unlock Opportunities or Break the Bank?

So you’re thinking about joining the travel baseball circuit? It’s a big leap from recreational leagues, and it’s packed with opportunities to up your game. But before you dive in, let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Travel baseball can be a grand slam for exposure and competition. You’ll face off against top-notch players and catch the eyes of scouts. But it’s not all home runs; the time commitment and cost can be steep.

Increased Exposure and Competition

As you dive deeper into the world of travel baseball, you’ll immediately notice the increased exposure to wider competition. Imagine stepping onto a diamond where every game is a chance to shine amid seasoned players. It’s not just any regular season game; it’s a congregation of talent, where scouts and coaches are often present, eager to discover the next big player.

At this elevated level of play, you’re not just going up against the neighboring towns. You’re pitted against top-notch athletes from across the state or even the nation. This isn’t simply another notch in the belt of experience. It’s a forge where skills are tempered and instincts are honed against the very best, which can make all the difference in your development as an athlete.

Skill Development and Recognition

You’ll find that your skills will grow by leaps and bounds, as travel baseball presents the opportunity for you to learn from a broader array of coaching philosophies and strategies. It’s about adapting, overcoming, and incorporating new techniques into your game. This constant flow of fresh challenges is what can set you apart when it’s time to showcase your talent.

Acquiring recognition in travel baseball can open numerous doors. College scholarships, invitations to prestigious camps, and potential draft consideration become more accessible. Being a well-known figure on the circuit can give you a head start over the folks who stuck with local leagues, mainly because you’ve proven your mettle where it counts.

Networking and Relationships

Stepping onto the travel baseball scene is also about making connections. Your teammates, opponents, and even the coaches you meet can form a valuable network. It’s common to see lifelong friendships forged and future professional relationships beginning on these fields of play. The network you build in travel baseball is interwoven with the fabric of your baseball career, often guiding you towards paths and opportunities you wouldn’t encounter otherwise.

Remember, every at-bat, every pitch, and every play in travel baseball is a chance to grow—not just as a player, but also as a part of the broader baseball community.

Catching the Eyes of Scouts

When you’re competing in travel baseball, there’s a significant chance that you’ll be playing in front of scouts. This can be a game-changer for your baseball career. Scouts from both colleges and professional organizations often frequent travel tournaments because they’re looking for emerging talent. They know that players who commit to travel baseball are serious about the game and often more polished than their peers.

Scouts have a keen eye for certain qualities : athleticism, arm strength, hitting prowess, speed, and overall baseball IQ. They’re not just looking for a player who can hit home runs, but one who understands the game on a deeper level. Your ability to read plays, make strategic decisions on the fly, and showcase leadership qualities can set you apart. Essentially, excelling in travel baseball can be a direct line to collegiate baseball programs or even to the professional draft.

The level of exposure you get in travel baseball often depends on the tournaments you choose to participate in. Some are known hotspots for scouts:

• High-profile tournaments where the competition is fierce and the stakes are higher
• Regional showcases that draw in scouts from nearby colleges and professional teams
• National championships that pull a wide range of scouts looking for the next big prospect.

But it’s not all about showing up and playing. Being on a travel team means you’ve got to be at the top of your game, physically and mentally. The pressure’s on, and how you handle it can make all the difference. Scouts not only watch you play but also observe how you react to both success and adversity. Do you shrug off a mistake and get right back in the game or do you let it affect your subsequent plays?

Here’s a quick rundown on what scouts are noting in their books:

• Batting averages, home runs, and on-base percentages
• Defensive plays, response times, and error counts
• Pitching stats like strikeouts, walks, ERA, and WHIP
• Speed metrics such as home-to-first times and base-stealing success rates

Always remember, while your stats are important, so is your conduct on and off the field. Scouts value teamwork, hustle, and the ability to follow coaching directives. They’re looking for players who have the potential to be assets to their teams, so it’s critical to always give your best, not just when you think scouts are watching, because frankly, they always are.

Top-Notch Players and Competition

When you’re on the travel baseball circuit, one of the first things you’ll notice is the caliber of talent on the field. You’re playing against some of the best young athletes in the sport, and that’s an experience that can’t be replicated in your local leagues. These players come from all corners, bringing a diversity of skills that can elevate your own game just by watching and competing against them.

As much as you love the game, remember how it felt to stand on the field, ready for a challenge? That’s the surge of adrenaline you’ll get in travel ball. It’s the place where rising stars are often born, and where you might find yourself lining up next to a future Major League player . The competition can be fierce but think of the leaps your own skills could take from engaging with players who are already setting the standard for excellence.

Travel tournaments offer a unique level of play where every pitch, hit, and catch is performed with a level of seriousness you might only see in collegiate or professional sports. It’s not just about natural ability; it’s about athleticism honed through dedication and hard work. Players here have usually been sculpted by various coaching philosophies, strategies, and a yearning to be better than the day before. Your technique, mental toughness, and strategic understanding of baseball will grow by leaps and bounds.

While you’re out there, surrounded by top-tier competition, it’s also a golden opportunity to measure your progress. Scout attended events especially can be a litmus test of where you stand among your peers. They are looking for that spark—be it your unique pitching style, an unorthodox but effective batting stance, or your ability to make split-second decisions on the base paths. This environment is where you can shine or learn to shine, as you push your limits against the best.

Time Commitment

As you immerse yourself in the travel baseball scene, you’ll quickly realize the substantial time investment required. You’re signing up for more than just weekend games— travel baseball is a commitment to practice, travel, and competition that often stretches the entire calendar year. Your free time, weekends, and sometimes even holidays will revolve around the game schedule and demands of the team.

Practices are rigorous and frequent , often several times a week. As your coach, I’d encourage you to attend every session—after all, we’re building not just skills but also a cohesive team unit. Each practice hones your abilities and refines the team’s strategies, an essential part of staying competitive in the travel circuit.

When it comes to tournaments, be prepared for early mornings and potentially late evenings, especially if games go into extra innings. You’ll travel to different states, sometimes crossing time zones, which can be both exhilarating and exhausting. The travel aspect isn’t just a time sink; it’s an investment in hotels, gas, food, and sometimes airfare.

Balancing school, social life, and travel baseball can be challenging, but it’s crucial. Developing time management skills is an unintended benefit you’ll gain from juggling these responsibilities. You’ll learn to prioritize tasks and use your time efficiently, a skill that’s beneficial beyond baseball.

Remember, your team is counting on you to be present, both physically and mentally. Unforeseen circumstances aside, consistency in participation is key to personal development and the team’s success on the field. It’s a commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly, but for those passionate about the game, it can be an incredibly rewarding part of your baseball journey.

When contemplating travel baseball, you’ve got to consider the dollars and cents. It’s one of the most significant factors for families. The cost of travel baseball can be staggering , with expenses including team fees, equipment, uniforms, travel costs, hotels, and food during tournaments. Unlike many local leagues, travel baseball comes with a higher price tag.

To paint a clearer picture, let’s break down some of the costs you might encounter:

• Team Fees : Cover coaching, field rentals, and tournament entries.
• Equipment : Bats, gloves, helmets, catcher’s gear, and practice attire.
• Uniforms : Multiple sets are often required, which includes jerseys, pants, hats, and belts.
• Travel Expenses : Gas, flights, rental cars – depending on the distance to tournaments.
• Accommodation : Hotel stays are the norm for away tournaments, some of which may last several days.
• Food : Eating out for the duration of tournaments adds up quickly.

Consider this table for a basic annual cost breakdown:

Remember, these are just estimates. Depending on the team and tournament level, costs might be higher. Some teams travel nationally, which could significantly increase your expenditure. It’s essential to understand what you’re signing up for financially. Despite these costs, many families find the investment worthwhile for the development and opportunities travel baseball provides.

Equally important is knowing there might be some ways to mitigate these expenses. Fundraising events, sponsorships, and team discounts at hotels or restaurants can help lighten the financial load. It’s vital to be proactive in seeking out these opportunities. Budgeting for the season is key, and it’s something that should be transparent with team members from the outset. Engaging in open discussions with other parents and team coordinators can provide further insights into potential savings and financial planning for the journey ahead.

You’ve seen both sides of the coin now. Travel baseball can catapult your skills and open doors that might otherwise remain closed. It’s a chance to shine in front of those who matter in the sport and to grow through high-level competition. But it’s not without its hurdles—cost being a significant one. Yet with savvy planning and a clear-eyed view of the benefits, you’re armed to make a decision that’s right for you. Whether you choose to step up to the plate in travel baseball or swing for the fences in another way, remember that every path has its unique challenges and rewards. Play ball!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key benefits of joining the travel baseball circuit.

The key benefits of playing travel baseball include exposure to wider competition, enhanced skill development, opportunities for recognition by scouts, and the chance to network and build relationships within the baseball community.

How can playing travel baseball increase a player’s opportunities?

Competing in travel baseball can catch the eyes of scouts due to the increased level of competition and exposure, potentially opening up opportunities for advancement in the sport.

Why is good conduct important in travel baseball?

Good conduct is crucial both on and off the field, as it reflects a player’s character and discipline, qualities which scouts and coaches often seek in addition to athletic talent.

What level of talent can be expected in the travel baseball circuit?

Travel baseball typically features a high caliber of players, providing an opportunity to compete against top-notch athletes and thereby improve one’s own level of play through challenging competition.

How can the costs of playing travel baseball be managed?

The costs of travel baseball can be mitigated through various strategies such as fundraising, seeking sponsorships, sharing expenses among team members, and budgeting carefully for travel and equipment.

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The Baseball Diamond

Helping Players and Parents With Youth Baseball Equipment and Baseball Hitting Tips

Best Travel Baseball Gear for Players and Parents

by jeff Leave a Comment

With nearly 500 youth baseball teams in the USA today, getting the best travel baseball gear for players and parents is important for any traveling team. Making sure your team is kitted out with the best equipment means they have more confidence going into a game. This improves their chances of winning.

With so much travel baseball gear and travel baseball equipment to choose from, it’s hard to know what products and items are best for your team.

To find the best baseball bats for travel ball, travel ball baseball gloves, best baseball gloves for travel ball, and more, check out the list below.

Best Travel Baseball Bag

A baseball travel bag is important for carrying a kit, accessories, and everything you need for your baseball trip. There is a wide range of baseball travel bags available that will suit all your needs. You’ll find a range of the best bags listed below.

Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

DeMarini Momentum Bag

This bat bag is perfect for carrying baseball kits. It has enough bat sleeves to hold four bats, so a few of these bags will be perfect for the whole team.

The DeMarini Momentum bag also has interior pockets to keep gloves and other gear organized and safe. This bag also features wheels to allow smooth travel options for even the heaviest kit.

Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Boombah Super Pack

The Boombah Super Pack bat bag features adjustable straps to make it comfortable for anyone to wear. It also has an excellent range of pockets perfect for bats, mitts, and all the other gear your player will need.

The adjustable straps are strong enough to be held from fence posts. Your player can keep their bag near them all the time, even while playing. So, if there’s something in their bag they urgently need, it will never be too far out of reach.

One stand-out feature of this bat bag is the separate show compartment. You can make sure your player’s shoes don’t get mud on any other areas of the bag. The shoe compartment also ensures that your player’s shoes are kept well protected from any possible damage.

Boombah Rolling Pack

The Boombah Rolling Pack is a wheeled version of the bag listed above. It also has a separate shoe compartment and enough room to store four bats.

The advantage of wheeled bags is that they are more easily transported during travel. With a simple pull-along motion, you can take much heavier items in your bag as it won’t impact your back as much.

Like its backpack counterpart, this bag can also be hung on fences for convenient access to everything you and your players might need during a game.

Best Travel Baseball Bats

Your player needs a bat that isn’t going to weigh them down when they’re trying to play at their best. For travel , you want a lightweight bat that is easy to store.

Louisville Slugger 2022 Meta USSSA Youth Baseball Bat

This is one of the best travel ball baseball bats available. It’s lightweight with a larger-than-average barrel diameter. This makes it easy to transport and the perfect companion for your player’s next game.

With the enhanced VCX2 Vibration Control Connection System design of this bat, the vibrations caused by striking a ball are more controlled, creating a more precise swing and hit.

This is one of the most well-balanced baseball bats out there. It doesn’t feel top-heavy, which makes it perfect for gameplay and traveling.

Marucci CAT9 Composite Pastime USSSA Senior League Metal Baseball Bat

This is another very well-balanced baseball bat perfect for traveling teams. With its clever design, the ball will always hit this bat at the right location, creating a powerful hit that’s sure to result in more than a few home runs.

You and your player will notice the strength of this bat with every hit. However, it’s also been designed to make it light enough to travel comfortably.

One stand-out feature of this bat is its handle. It makes for an exceptionally easy grip that will produce power in every swing . The handle also helps to control vibration, making for a cleaner hit every time.

DeMarini 2022 CF USSSA Youth Baseball Bat

The final travel ball baseball bat on the list is designed for smooth gameplay and easy travel. It offers enhanced weight distribution for that added balance that improves a player’s game.

With the addition of the Paraflex Plus Composite Barrel, the sweet spot on this bat is huge. Your player will notice it every time they swing.

This bat is made with materials that not only make it lighter but also make it stronger too. This makes it perfect for travel. It will fit easily into a bat compartment of any travel bat bag and won’t add too much additional weight.

Best Baseball Travel Gloves

No travel baseball kit is complete without the right set of gloves . Good gloves can be the difference between losing a game and winning one. For travel, you want gloves that don’t take up too much space but will still allow your players to play their best game.

Wilson A2000

The Wilson A2000 is the pinnacle of baseball glove design. It’s made from Pro Stock Select Leather. This gives it exceptional strength and offers comfort to your player’s hands.

Another great feature of this glove is the additional leather piece between the outer shell and the palm liner. This improves grip naturally without tiring out your player’s hands.

Nokona Baseball Gloves

Nokona sells a range of baseball gloves, all made to a high standard and ready for your next game. Their handcrafted gloves have been used in all kinds of baseball matches since they started making them.

Nokona gloves come in a wide range of sizes. You’ll be able to find a glove that fits well regardless of the ages of your players.

Because of the high quality of Nokona gloves, they hold up well against any damage such as rips and tears. So whether your glove is stored safely away for travel or being put to good use on the baseball field, you don’t have to worry about losing its pristine condition.

Rawlings Baseball Gloves

Rawlings baseball gloves are high-quality gloves that will improve your player’s performance.

Depending on what Rawlings glove you decide to go for, there is a range of size options available. It’s usually best to try them on in-store where you can to make sure you’re getting the best gloves for your needs.

These gloves are lightweight and store well for travel. They won’t lose their shape in your kit bag even if they’re tucked tightly away.

Other Accessories for Travel Ball

There are some other items and accessories you should make sure you bring for any baseball trip. These items are not only great for you players, but they’re also important for parents and fans watching the game.

As a baseball parent I definitely learned my lesson from my son’s first travel ball games. Do not leave home without the following travel baseball gear for parents.

Baseball Chair

Although you may be lucky enough to get a seat in the bleachers, sometimes extra seating is convenient to have. At busier games such as championship rounds, stands can get busy. Having a fold-up chair can save your legs and feet during those long games.

Fold-up chairs usually come with bags that you can store them in when they aren’t in use. This means they can be put out of the way to make room for more important equipment when you’re traveling.

Bringing chairs also improves accessibility for those who may not be comfortable in the bleachers or stands. Everyone should be able to enjoy a baseball game, so bringing fold-up chairs allows those who would normally miss a game due to mobility issues to enjoy the fun.

Folding Wagon

A folding wagon will make carting your baseball equipment to and from vehicles much more simple. It also is great for keeping your drinks and snacks in one place ready for your players when they come off the field.

A folding wagon can also do exactly what it promises; fold. This means it can be flattened when it’s not in use, reducing the storage space it takes up.

A canopy is great for anyone traveling with larger groups of baseball fans. When your team isn’t playing, you can relax under some much-needed shade with the other team supporters.

Most canopies will fold away easily, so storage won’t be an issue. They can also be a great relief if there’s a sudden burst of rain mid-game. You can stay dry while you wait for the rain to pass under the protection of a canopy.

Always make sure to go with a waterproof canopy option to make sure there are no leakages after a rainy spell.

Sunglasses are important for any baseball travel kit. They protect your eyes from glare and sun damage during the game. They’ll also let you watch the game with ease and without having to shield your eyes from the sun.

If you’re bringing sunglasses, be sure to carry them in a case when you aren’t wearing them. This will protect them from damage and scratches so that they’re always ready when you need them to enjoy a game.

Snacks and Water

Snacks and water are a vital part of any traveling baseball kit. Your players and everyone coming to watch the game will appreciate having easy access to snacks and drinks.

Water is the best drink to bring for healthy hydration. However, sports drinks are also a great option for replacing electrolytes that get lost through sweat.

For snacks, you want to focus on foods that will give your players energy. Orange slices are a healthy option , as they contain natural sugar that will pump your players up. Trail-mix is another good baseball snack, as it will replace the calories lost during a game.

If you’re bringing snacks and water, then you need a place to keep them cool. Coolers are the best option for this. They’re generally lightweight and can hold a lot without taking up to much room.

Plastic coolers are best as they will keep your food and drinks cool even if they’re accidentally left in direct sunlight. Some even come with a storage compartment to keep ice for those particularly hot days.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is key for any traveling baseball team or player. Accidents happen on the baseball field all the time, so you want to be prepared with a good kit in case there’s anything your players need.

Although there is usually a first aid trained specialist at baseball games, carrying a kit with you is useful just in case. Fill your kit with band-aids, antiseptic spray, and antibacterial wipes to sort out any on-field injuries before they get serious.

Having a first aid kit with you is also important for those watching the game. People fall and trip on bleachers often, so if you have the right first aid kit, you can help anyone who is injured or needs medical attention.

Bug spray is also a great addition to your traveling baseball first aid kit. On an open field, and especially in warm weather, bugs can distract players and be an inconvenience for those watching the game.

Find the Best Travel Baseball Gear for Players and Parents Today

Finding the right travel baseball gear makes your team’s life easier. Travel baseball equipment is available to buy in many locations. But you want to make sure you’re getting the best gear and not just anything that meets your team’s needs.

By choosing from the range of equipment above, you have a guarantee that your team and players are getting the highest quality gear available. This improves their gameplay and builds their confidence for any baseball game.

For more help finding the best baseball bats for travel ball, travel ball baseball gloves, and the best baseball gloves for travel ball, check out this page .

You’ll find plenty of equipment options to suit your needs. If you have any questions, get in touch with our dedicated customer service team.

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Travel Baseball Levels: A Comprehensive Guide

Short answer travel baseball levels:

Travel baseball levels refer to the various competitive divisions or tiers in youth baseball that involve teams traveling to compete against others from different regions. This typically includes age-based divisions, such as 8U, 10U, 12U, etc., and advanced levels like AAA or Major. The skill level and competitiveness increase as players move up the ladder of travel baseball levels.

Understanding Travel Baseball Levels: A Step-by-Step Guide

Travel baseball has become increasingly popular among young athletes, offering a springboard for talented players to showcase their skills and potentially pave their way to college or even professional careers. However, navigating the intricate world of travel baseball can be quite daunting for both players and parents alike. With various levels and divisions, it’s crucial to have an in-depth understanding of what each level entails in order to make informed decisions about participation. In this step-by-step guide, we shall unravel the complexities surrounding travel baseball levels, providing you with a comprehensive overview that will serve as your compass throughout this exhilarating journey.

Step 1: Grassroots – The Foundation of Travel Baseball Before delving into the intricacies of different levels, let’s start at the grassroots level. Here is where most aspiring ballplayers begin their journey. Often comprised of local recreational leagues or community teams, grassroots programs often prioritize participation and learning over intense competition. Skill development and fostering a love for the game are key objectives during this phase.

Step 2: Local Tournaments – Testing Your Mettle As young athletes progress in their skills and experience, they may start participating in local tournaments organized either by leagues or individual teams . These tournaments usually attract other local talent, allowing players to gain exposure beyond just their regular season games. This is a crucial stepping stone towards more competitive levels where they can gauge themselves against similarly skilled opponents within their region.

Step 3: Regional Travel Teams – Expanding Horizons Regional travel teams represent the next tier on the ladder of travel baseball levels. Usually made up of talented players from neighboring towns or counties, these teams compete against each other within a larger geographical area such as a state or several states in close proximity. Players at this level must possess more refined skills and demonstrate consistent performance to secure spots on these sought-after squads.

Step 4: State-Level Competition – Elevating Your Game At this stage, we enter the realm of state-level competition. Players who have proven themselves in regional travel teams can advance to represent their state in tournaments against other states. These competitions often attract college scouts and provide invaluable exposure for players aspiring to pursue baseball at the collegiate level. The intensity of the games and talent pool expands as players go head-to-head with top-tier opponents from different corners of the state.

Step 5: National Showcase Teams – Competing on a Grand Stage National showcase teams are über-competitive programs that assemble elite players from across the country. Often scouted by college recruiters, these teams participate in high-profile tournaments and showcases where players can truly shine on a national stage. Joining a showcase team is a significant achievement, as it signifies recognition amongst the best-of-the-best in youth baseball .

Step 6: Collegiate Scouting and Professional Opportunities For those fortunate enough to make an impression while playing for national showcase teams, opportunities to play baseball at esteemed colleges or universities begin to emerge. College coaches actively seek out talented prospects during these showcase events, enabling players to potentially secure scholarships or spots on collegiate rosters. The ultimate dream for some may even extend beyond college, as exceptional talents catch the attention of professional scouts scouting potential Major League Baseball prospects.

Navigating Through Travel Baseball Levels: Find Your Fit! Understanding travel baseball levels is crucial when deciding which path aligns best with your aspirations and abilities. It is important not only to gauge one’s own skill level realistically but also consider personal ambitions regarding education, commitment levels required, financial considerations, and overall enjoyment of the game.

Remember that regardless of which level you find yourself in today or aspire to reach tomorrow, success in travel baseball ultimately hinges on dedication, love for the sport, continuous growth both on and off the field, as well as enjoying every step of this exhilarating journey that fuels dreams and shapes lifelong passions. So lace up your cleats, swing your bat high with conviction, and embark on this epic adventure that is travel baseball!

How to Navigate the Different Travel Baseball Levels

Whether you’re a young athlete looking to take your baseball skills to the next level or a parent trying to understand the complex world of travel baseball, navigating through the different levels can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this blog post, we will guide you through the various travel baseball levels and help you understand how to make the most informed decisions for your baseball journey.

1. Recreational Leagues: At the base of the travel baseball pyramid are recreational leagues. These leagues focus on providing a fun and introductory experience for young athletes who are new to the sport or simply looking for a less competitive environment. Recreational leagues emphasize participation, skill-building, and sportsmanship over intense competition.

2. Select Teams: Select teams usually form within local little league programs or community organizations. They offer a slightly higher level of competition than recreational leagues while still maintaining an emphasis on player development and enjoyment of the game. Select teams typically participate in tournaments within their region but may also play against other select teams from neighboring states.

3. Competitive Travel Teams: As players progress in their skills and commitment, they might transition into competitive travel teams . These teams participate in more advanced tournaments that often require some travel outside their immediate area . Competitive travel teams focus on developing talent, teamwork, and winning games while still prioritizing player development as they aim for stronger competition at regional or state championships .

4. Showcase Teams: Once players reach high school age, showcase teams become an option worth considering if they aspire to play college baseball or even beyond. Showcase teams compete at highly scouted tournaments where players have opportunities to showcase their abilities in front of college coaches and professional scouts. Getting noticed by these influential figures significantly increases chances of receiving scholarship offers or even being drafted after high school.

5. National Travel Teams: At the pinnacle of travel baseball are national travel teams often sponsored by major sports brands like Nike or Under Armour. These elite-level teams consist of top-tier players from across the country, and they compete in prestigious national tournaments. Being invited to play for a national team is a significant achievement and often serves as a stepping stone towards playing collegiate or professional baseball.

Navigating through these various levels can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you make informed decisions:

1. Assess Player Skill Level: Honest self-assessment of player skills and performance level is crucial. Understanding where your skills currently stand will guide you towards the appropriate level of competition that will challenge you to improve without overwhelming you.

2. Seek Recommendations: Speak with experienced coaches, teammates, or league officials who can offer knowledgeable insights regarding your skill level and potential growth opportunities. Seeking recommendations from trusted sources can help you find the most suitable travel baseball program or team.

3. Attend Tryouts: Taking part in tryouts for different travel teams allows players to showcase their skills while getting a sense of the expectations and competition level within each organization. It’s essential to participate in multiple tryouts to get multiple perspectives on where you might fit best.

4. Consider Cost, Time Commitment, and Travel Requirements: Each travel baseball level requires varying financial investments, time commitments, and travel requirements. Make sure you fully understand these factors before committing yourself or your child to a particular team or program.

In summary, navigating through the different levels of travel baseball requires careful consideration of player skill level, recommendations from trusted sources, participation in tryouts, and understanding the associated costs and commitments. By taking these factors into account, both athletes and parents can make well-informed decisions that will enhance their baseball journey while providing an enjoyable and rewarding experience at any level of play.

Exploring Travel Baseball Levels: FAQs Answered

When it comes to the world of baseball, there are few things as exciting as travel baseball. It’s a whole different ballgame compared to your average little league or high school teams . But what exactly is travel baseball? What are the different levels and how do they work? Don’t worry – we’ve got all your burning questions about exploring travel baseball levels answered right here.

First off, let’s start with the basics. Travel baseball is essentially a competitive level of play where teams from different regions or even states come together to compete against each other. Unlike recreational leagues, where anyone can join regardless of skill level, travel teams require players to go through tryouts in order to secure their spot on the roster. These teams often have more intensive practice schedules and participate in tournaments across the country.

Now, let’s dive into the different levels of travel baseball. The three main tiers you’ll encounter are known as AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association), and AABC (American Amateur Baseball Congress). Each of these organizations has its own set of rules and regulations, which makes for some interesting dynamics on the field.

AAU is perhaps the most well-known and widely recognized organization for travel baseball. With a strong emphasis on player development and college exposure, AAU teams provide aspiring young athletes with an elite-level competition experience. This level usually attracts highly skilled players who have already honed their skills playing at a local or regional level.

Next up is USSSA – an organization that prides itself on inclusivity and versatility. USSSA caters to a wider range of skill levels and offers divisions based on age groups rather than strict talent requirements. This allows players who may be new to travel baseball or still developing their skills to get involved without feeling overwhelmed by top-tier competition.

Lastly, we have AABC – an organization that focuses on traditional values while maintaining high standards of play. It promotes a more old-school approach to the game, with an emphasis on fundamentals and sportsmanship. AABC teams often participate in local or regional leagues and work their way up through different tournaments to showcase their skills on a larger stage.

Now that you have a better understanding of the different levels, you may be wondering how players move from one level to another. Generally, it’s based on skill level and performance. As players gain experience and refine their abilities on the field, they might catch the attention of coaches or scouts at higher levels who offer them opportunities to elevate their game .

Ultimately, choosing which level of travel baseball is right for you or your child depends on various factors such as skill level, commitment level, and personal goals. It’s essential to consider your own abilities and aspirations before making a decision. Remember that regardless of the level you choose, travel baseball can provide invaluable experiences, lifelong friendships, and opportunities for growth both on and off the field.

In conclusion, exploring travel baseball levels can be an exciting endeavor for any aspiring ballplayer. From AAU to USSSA and AABC, each organization offers its unique take on the sport while providing players with valuable opportunities to hone their skills and compete against top-tier talent. So lace up those cleats, grab your glove, and get ready for an unforgettable journey in travel baseball!

Unraveling the Mystery of Travel Baseball Levels

In the realms of youth sports, few things generate as much mystery and intrigue as travel baseball levels. Parents and players alike find themselves navigating a complex web of teams, divisions, and confusing terminology. Is it AAA or Majors? A or AA? What does it all mean? Today, we’re unraveling the mystery of travel baseball levels to shed light on this enigmatic world.

At first glance, one might assume that travel baseball simply refers to any team that travels to compete against other teams outside their local area. While this is somewhat true, there’s much more to it than meets the eye. Travel baseball is a highly competitive branch that goes beyond recreational leagues and aims to provide skilled young athletes with enhanced opportunities for growth and exposure.

So, let’s dive into this intricate world by dissecting some common terms associated with travel baseball levels:

1. Recreational Leagues: These are usually where kids start their baseball journeys – casual games played within local towns or neighborhoods. The focus here is more on fun than competition, and players of all skill levels can participate.

2. Select Baseball: The first step up from recreational leagues, select baseball involves tryouts and slightly more advanced gameplay compared to traditional community-centered leagues. However, select teams typically only compete locally without extensive traveling .

3. Travel Baseball: Here’s where things start to get serious! Travel baseball encompasses teams that go beyond playing within their immediate vicinity. These teams often represent specific regions but may occasionally venture further afield for tournaments or higher-level competitions.

4. Division Levels: Within travel baseball, you’ll come across different division levels denoted by letters such as A, AA, AAA, and sometimes even Majors or Elite categories. Think of these as escalating tiers within the sport. Each level signifies increasing skill requirements and competitiveness.

5. A Level: This represents the introductory stage in travel baseball where aspiring players gain experience at a beginner level of competition. It’s important to note that even at this level, players have usually honed their skills beyond what’s typically seen in recreational leagues.

6. AA Level: Consider this the intermediate stage of travel baseball, where players showcase a higher skill set and are exposed to more challenging gameplay. Competition intensifies as teams face off against other AA-level opponents.

7. AAA Level: AAA signifies a highly competitive stage of travel baseball, close to the pinnacle of achievement for many aspiring young athletes. At this level, players have typically demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, making it a stepping stone towards even higher divisions or elite levels.

8. Majors or Elite Levels: These are the top echelons within travel baseball, reserved for truly exceptional talent and commitment levels. Players competing at these levels are often scouted by college recruiters or professional organizations since it serves as an avenue for exposure and future advancement in their baseball careers.

So there you have it – the mystery of travel baseball levels unraveled! As parents and players navigate through these different tiers, it’s crucial to remember that growth and development should always take precedence over sheer competitiveness. Each level offers unique opportunities for young athletes to refine their skills, forge lasting friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime. So go ahead, step onto the field of dreams, embrace the challenge, and enjoy every moment on your travel baseball journey!

From Beginners to Elite Players: A Breakdown of Travel Baseball Levels

Are you a baseball enthusiast looking to take your game to the next level? If so, you may have heard about travel baseball and its various levels. Whether you’re just starting out or consider yourself an elite player, understanding these levels is crucial in determining the right fit for your skills and aspirations. In this blog post, we will delve into the different travel baseball levels, from beginners to elite players.

1. Beginners Level: For those embarking on their journey into travel baseball, the beginner’s level is where it all begins. This is typically suited for young players with minimal experience in competitive play but possess a love for the game and a desire to improve. Coaches at this level focus on developing fundamental skills such as throwing, catching, hitting, and baserunning while emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship.

2. Intermediate Level: Moving up the ladder, intermediate-level travel teams attract players who have acquired some experience in competitive leagues or previous seasons of travel ball. Here, players are expected to demonstrate more advanced techniques and refine their skills. Coaches concentrate on tactical aspects of the game like situational awareness, positioning strategies, defensive schemes as well as introducing complex offensive plays.

3. Advanced Level: Aspiring athletes aiming for higher competition join advanced-level travel teams where proficiency meets ambition. Skill sets here are honed to a finer degree with rigorous training programs aimed at preparing players for demanding game scenarios. At this level, practices become more focused on position-specific drills, intricate offensive strategies such as hit-and-runs or steal signs while placing importance on pitching accuracy and velocity.

4. Elite Level: The pinnacle of travel baseball lies within elite-level teams where only the finest talents showcase their skills alongside individuals equally driven towards reaching their maximum potential. Elite-level players possess exceptional athleticism matched with high-level technical proficiency encompassing all facets of the game – fielding expertise unmatched raw speed, hitting consistency, and pitching dominance. In addition to demanding practices, players at this level often participate in high-profile tournaments and receive exposure to scouts for college and professional teams.

It’s essential to note that while each level represents a distinct progression in skill and commitment, the journey does not have a definitive ceiling. Continuous improvement is the foundation of travel baseball, allowing players to constantly push their limits and strive for higher levels of competition.

Travel baseball provides an excellent platform for players with aspirations to pursue collegiate or professional careers in the sport. However, it’s crucial to find the right fit for your skills and goals. Consult with coaches, attend tryouts, and assess your abilities objectively to determine which level will provide the best opportunity for growth and advancement.

In conclusion, travel baseball offers a path for beginners to transform into elite players through progressive levels of skill development and competitive play. Whether you’re just starting out or have dreams of standing on the mound as a future MLB star, understanding the breakdown of these travel baseball levels empowers you to make informed decisions about your athletic journey. So lace up those cleats, grab your bat, and get ready to take on the challenge – no matter what level you belong to!

Everything You Need to Know About Travel Baseball Levels

Introduction: Travel baseball has become one of the most popular forms of youth sports in recent years. With countless parents and players investing their time, money, and energy into this high-level competition, it’s essential to comprehend the various levels within travel baseball. In this blog post, we will provide you with a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about travel baseball levels.

1. Recreational Level: The first level in the travel baseball hierarchy is the recreational level. This level is perfect for beginners who want to enjoy the game without a heavy commitment or intense competitiveness. At this stage, emphasis is placed on skill development, teamwork, and having fun rather than winning championships. Oftentimes referred to as “Sunday Leagues,” recreational teams typically play games on weekends while still providing a glimpse into organized competition.

2. Select Level: Moving up the ladder, we find ourselves at the select level of travel baseball. These teams are more competitive than recreational leagues and usually require tryouts or invitations to join. Select teams offer players an opportunity to take their skills and commitment to the next level while maintaining a somewhat flexible schedule compared to higher tiers.

3. Elite Level: Once players have mastered the select level, they may aspire to reach the elite level of travel baseball – where things get serious! Elite teams consist of highly skilled athletes who possess above-average abilities at all aspects of the game – hitting, fielding, pitching, and base-running alike. Players at this stage typically participate in numerous tournaments throughout their season against top competition from various regions.

4. Showcase Level: Next comes the showcase level – a platform specifically designed for college recruiters and professional scouts to observe talent firsthand. Showcase events attract high school-aged players who aim to earn scholarships or even get drafted by professional organizations. At showcases, athletes showcase their individual skills through standardized drills like running 60-yard dashes or demonstrating accuracy from different positions.

5. National Level: At the top of the travel baseball pyramid, we have the national level. This tier is reserved for the crème de la crème of youth baseball who compete on a national scale. National teams frequently travel long distances to partake in prestigious tournaments against other elite players from across the country. Being selected for a national team is an impressive accomplishment that brings recognition and opens doors to future opportunities.

Conclusion: As travel baseball continues gaining popularity, understanding its different levels becomes essential for parents and players looking to navigate this competitive landscape. Whether your child is just starting or aiming for a future in college or professional baseball, knowing these levels allows you to set realistic goals and make informed decisions along their journey. So, take this knowledge and explore what travel baseball has to offer – whether at recreational, select, elite, showcase, or even national level – while keeping fun and personal growth as your primary motivations.

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The season typically takes place in the Fall and combines baseball teaching at the highest level with weekly speed and agility training and skills work.  Top Speed is one of the top travel ball baseball programs in Northern California.  Since inception in 2007, the Top Speed has seen 300 Players go on to play at the College Level.

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Top Speed also has one of the Top Rated Collegiate Summer Baseball Teams in the Nation each year.  Top Speed has been Nationally Ranked every year since 2012 finishing as high as 3 by Perfect Game.  Top Speed has had 72 players move on to sign professional baseball contracts.

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Fantasy Baseball 2024: New power sources, speed, leadoff notes, eligibility, contact kings and more

Opening weekend brought new developments.

This is the toughest time of the MLB season to be doing Fantasy Baseball analysis, because there's just so little to go on. 14 of 30 teams have only played three games as of Monday afternoon, and only two have played more than four, which means we haven't even seen a full turn through the rotation for any team yet – the Dodgers and Padres have played six games, but their top two starters have already pitched twice. 

With pitching analysis, we can at least look at stuff like velocity and pitch usage and try to draw some early conclusions – one start's worth of velocity data isn't super predictive, but it is stable at least. You can't fake throwing 4 mph harder, even if you might not be able to sustain it. 

On the hitting side, of course, it's even tougher to do analysis. Typically, you want dozens, if not hundreds of plate appearances' worth of data to start drawing conclusions on the hitting side, and right now, we have, like, 12 PA for most hitters. You shouldn't be drawing any conclusions about hitters right now – except for Esteury Ruiz , who just got sent back to Triple-A after starting two of the first four games and can probably be dropped in most leagues at this point. 

So, let's not draw any conclusions. Let's just look around the league for some early trends that might , if they continue, mean something in a few dozen (or hundred) plate appearances. I've got five different categories of early trends coming out of the first weekend of games you should know about, even if it might be too early to actually do anything about most of them: 

New power sources?

There are seven hitters who have already hit a ball at least two miles per hour harder than any batted ball event in 2023. Why does that matter? Maximum exit velocity is a decent (though imperfect) proxy for raw power, and it's a stat that only takes a single event to show up. 

Here's that list of seven: 

• Joey Meneses -- 114.2
• Jared Walsh -- 112.5
• Fernando Tatis Jr. -- 116.7
• Luis Campusano -- 110.1
• Korey Lee -- 107.9
• Ben Rortvedt -- 108
• Brayan Rocchio -- 105.4

Now, in these cases, we're literally dealing with a single even sample size, obviously. But the thing about max exit velo is, you can't really fake it. A hitter can sneak a ball over the fence a few times in a week and not have that mean much of anything for his projections moving forward. But if that hitter hits a ball 110 mph for the first time ever, well, that just might be for real.

The question, of course, is whether it matters . Brayan Rocchio hitting a ball 105.4 mph probably doesn't matter that much; that's about the same as Steven Kwan 's hardest-hit ball last season, a 16th percentile mark. Rocchio's max exit velo in Triple-A last season was just 107.4 mph, so we can pretty safely assume that power isn't going to be a big part of his game; his career high in a season is just 18, so even if he maximizes his launch angles and pulls the ball a whole bunch, you're probably looking at a ceiling in the teens for Rocchio in terms of homers – the appeal here, in as much as it exists, is in the 27 steals he had in 149 career Triple-A games, but even that leaves him as more of a deep categories league bench piece.

However, I think this represents a genuine reason to be optimistic about at least the top three names here. Tatis is a year further removed from wrist and shoulder surgeries, and his 116.7 mph batted ball is the hardest-hit ball he's ever had in the majors. He's off to a huge start, and I think we're going to see a big season from Tatis – of course, I expected that from him coming into the season.

Walsh was an All-Star back in 2021, but has had a pretty disastrous run since – he had thoracic outlet syndrome in 2021 that ultimately required surgery, and then he dealt with neurological symptoms in 2023 that led to insomnia, headaches, and depth perception issues. However, he had a nice spring for the Rangers and is getting an early opportunity to play with Nate Lowe on the IL. That 112.5 mph batted ball is his hardest-hit since he was an All-Star in 2021, and it's a sign that maybe he can recapture some of that form. In deeper leagues, I think he's actually an interesting add. 

And then there's Meneses, who played through a knee injury for much of 2023 after a very promising partial-season in 2022. His 114.2-mph batted ball is the hardest ball he's ever hit in the majors by more than 3 mph, and he's also elevating the ball a ton, something he didn't do much of last season. It's probably too early for 12-team league participants to take notice, but it's something to keep an eye on for deeper leagues, because Meneses has strong contact skills and hits leadoff, making him a cheap source of RBI. 

Also, if you'll indulge me for a second: Jo Adell has three batted balls this season. They've come off the bat at 102.4, 111.9, and 113.2 mph. I will never be able to quit him, no matter how many times he strikes out. I still believe!

Unexpected contact kings

• Jake Burger – 11.1% strikeout rate – It's four games. It's only four games. But Burger also showed improved contact skills after getting traded to Miami, so it's more like 57 games here. Will he sustain an 11.1% strikeout rate? No way! But after a spring where he struck out 17 times in 47 plate appearances, it's been good to see Burger get back to what made him so intriguing after the trade last season. 
• Luis Campusano – 4.4% strikeout rate – The sample size is a little bigger here – five whole games! But this is another one where a player is simply building on last year's last breakout, as he struck out just 9.9% of the time after the All-Star break last season. Campuasno showed really strong contact rates for much of his minor-league career, but dealt with inflated strikeout rates once he get to Triple-A. That he's still making a ton of contact is a great sign, though he hasn't quite been able to pull off the "make a ton of contact and hit the ball hard" trick yet – he has just three hard-hit balls on 22 batted balls so far. 
• Matt Chapman – 11.1 % strikeout rate – It's four games. It's only four games. And, in Chapman's case, there isn't a second-half improvement in 2023 to build on here. Which makes it easier to write off in Chapman's case. He hasn't had a strikeout rate below 27% since 2019, so I think the more relevant thing here is that Chapman is just crushing the ball right now, with a 62.5% hard-hit rate. It's a solid start, but not one I'm betting on continuing. 

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The thing about stolen bases, as our Scott White has noted for years, is they are as much about desire and willingness as physical ability. Just because a player is running early in the season doesn't mean he will run all season long – Ramon Laureano stole eight bases in his first nine games in 2021 and had just four in his final 79 – but, all else being equal, you'd rather see a player running more than less, right? Right. 

• Jose Siri already has three steals. Siri was in the 98th percentile in sprint speed last season, but stole just 12 bases last season. He came into the spring with a stated goal of stealing "more than 30 bases," and he's well on his way. From a guy who hit 25 homers last season, that's a pretty exciting thing. 
• Brice Turang already has four! Injuries have created some opportunities for Turang to play a little more than expected early on, and he's responded with a strong start. He stole 26 bases last season, so we know he can be a cheap source of speed, but he needs to hit better than 2023's .218 mark for that to really matter. 
• The Guardians have attempted 11 steals in four games. It's a new manager in Stephen Vogt, which could be relevant, but there's another factor I think we need to look at: Six of the steal attempts (all successful!) came in Kyle McCann's first MLB start. It might have just been a matchup thing, but this is a team with a decent amount of athleticism, so I'm hoping it carries over – Andres Gimenez especially benefited from being more aggressive on the bases last season, stealing 22 over his final three months of action. 
• The Reds have attempted nine in three games. Here's another one that makes sense, given the players on the roster, though it's kind of funny that Bubba Thompson is tied for the team lead in attempts despite no plate appearances so far. 

Leadoff notes 

Lineups are just snapshots of a specific day and time, and early-season trends will be upended by injuries and 

• Xander Bogaerts has led off all six games for the Padres. Bogaerts has a lot of contextual things going for him this season. More on that shortly. 
• Jarren Duran has led off all four games for the Red Sox . They haven't faced a lefty starter yet, so that's where the real test is – I won't mind if Duran isn't hitting leadoff against lefties, as long as he's in the lineup more often than not. 
• Gleyber Torres has led off all four games for the Yankees . With DJ LeMahieu on the IL with a fractured foot, Torres has the fortune of hitting ahead of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge .
• Jung Hoo Lee has led off all four games for the Giants . This was expected, but it's still good to get that confirmation. He has an average exit velocity of 95.8 mph so far, and while it's early, all signs are very positive for Lee so far. He could be a must-start Fantasy option. 
• Jonathan India has led off all three games for the Reds. India went from having real playing time concerns at the beginning of the spring to being the everyday leadoff hitter for what could be a very good offense. If he can stay healthy – plantar fasciitis was a significant issue for him last season and throughout this offseason – India could end up one of the biggest steals in the league. 
• Connor Joe has led off all five games for the Pirates . My assumption here is that Joe is going to hit leadoff against lefties, and the Pirates just happened to have faced five lefties in a row to open the season. I wonder what the record for most games against a LHP to open the season is, because five in a row has to be pretty close, right? 
• Sal Frelick has led off two of four games for the Brewers . Jackson Chouiro led off the other game against a lefty, while hitting ninth against righties. It's a nice sign for Frelick, but I'd expect Chourio to force his way up against righties before long. 

Eligibility updates

Only two teams have played enough games for their players to gain new eligibility, and as far as I can tell, there is only one hitter that has actually done it. Still, coming out of the first weekend, let's take a look at some early notes – I will not be commenting on all of these, by the way. 

• Xander Bogaerts: Gained 2B eligibility! We knew this was coming, and you should have been approaching Bogaerts with the expectation of moving him into your 2B spot by this point. Not that you can't use him at SS, but Bogaerts probably fits most lineups better at 2B. 
• Spencer Steer : Needs four games for 2B. Steer already has 1B, 3B, and OF eligibility, so we shouldn't be greedy. But quadruple (sextuple in leagues with MI and CI!) eligibility would sure be nice. 
• Jake Burger needs three more games for 1B. This one probably doesn't matter too much, but flexibility is nice. 
• Christopher Morel needs two more games for 3B. He'll almost certainly get to five games this week, but Morel is enough of a butcher in the field that there's a certain race against time element here. 
• Henry Davis needs one more game for C. It's unfortunate that the way the schedule worked out, you won't be able to use Davis as a C until Week 3, but I'm expecting him to be locked into that spot for the rest of the season. 
• Justin Turner needs three more games for 3B. 
• Kris Bryant needs four more games for 1B
• Colt Keith needs two more games for 2B. 
• Curtis Mead needs three more games for 2B. 
• Jared Triolo needs one game for 2B and four games for 1B.
• Amed Rosario needs three games for OF. 
• Davis Schneider needs four games for OF. 
• J.D. Davis needs three more games for 1B. 
• Willi Castro needs four more games for SS. 
• Whit Merrifield needs four more games for 3B. 
• Joseph Ortiz needs two more games for 3B. 
• Oswaldo Cabrera needs two more games for 3B and four games for SS. 
• Graham Pauley needs four more games for 1B. 
• Michael Busch needs two more games for 1B. 

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Prep Rally: Arcadia Invitational set to be a need-for-speed showcase

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Hi, and welcome to another edition of Prep Rally. My name is Eric Sondheimer . The best track and field meet of the season is set for Saturday at Arcadia High. The Arcadia Invitational always produces great marks, great times and great excitement.

The need for speed

A record 793 schools registered for the two-day Arcadia Invitational on Friday and Saturday, including 362 from outside California. The invitational portion takes places Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Arcadia High. Last year Granada Hills showed off its 4x100 relay team along with 400 runner Dijon Stanley and sprinter Jordan Coleman .

Stanley has moved on to Utah for football. Coleman is back but has been taking care of an injury after competing in the sprints on the indoor circuit and won’t be ready to go Saturday.

10.57 @latsondheimer @GregBiggins pic.twitter.com/gdtlurT3gP — Kingston Celifie (@kingcelifie) March 29, 2024

But there’s plenty of stars to be found, including Bishop Alemany freshman sprinter Demare Dezeurn, who has run a 10.47 100. There’s another freshman rising in Calabasas’ Kingston Celifie , who keeps lowering his times in the 100, 200 and 400. Like Dezeurn, he’s also a football player.

No one is bigger than the reigning Gatorade state cross-country runner of the year Sadie Engelhardt of Ventura. She has been setting high standards in her early season runs in the 800 and 1,500.

Also competing will be UCLA quarterback commit Karson Gordon, the nation’s No. 1 triple jumper. He’s from Bellaire, Texas, and went 53 feet, 1½ inches last week at the Texas Relays, a national record.

New national NFHS record holder. 🚨 53 feet 1 inch 🚨 Came off two hamstring strains in each leg. Stayed down. Always trust the process. #GoKnights #GoBruins @TTFCA @NFHS_Org @jlelites @voltpt_ @3_AM_26 @UCLATrack_Field @EHSHouston @EHSSports pic.twitter.com/GPGuptTP2y — Karson Gordon⭐️2024 (@KarsonGordon24) March 30, 2024

This is the meet that attracts top athletes from outside California. Here’s a link to entries by schools .

🎟️ 🎟️ Beat the rush at the meet! Head over to GoFan to pre-purchase your 2024 Arcadia Invitational tickets today‼️ pic.twitter.com/Y0fOplIPKR — Arcadia Invitational (@Arcadia_Invite) March 29, 2024

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Baseball rewind

Orange County will be the site for two prestigious baseball tournaments this week.

The Boras Classic begins its SoCal competition on Tuesday at JSerra and Mater Dei. No. 1-ranked Corona tops the 16-team field. Here’s the link to complete pairings. The early games are always entertaining because the teams usually go with their top pitchers. The championship game is set for Friday at 6 p.m. at Mater Dei. Granite Hills won the Northern California division.

Dodger third base coach Dino Ebel had a day off so he got to watch sons Trey and Brady. Photo by Jerry Soifer. pic.twitter.com/NvONVg9bm3 — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) March 28, 2024

The National Classic also begins on Tuesday at El Dorado, Cypress, Servite and Santa Margarita. Santa Margarita did not play last week after taking two of three games from Orange Lutheran.

In a big nonleague game Wednesday, Harvard-Westlake is playing Orange Lutheran at Concordia University at 5 p.m.

The National Classic begins Tuesday in Orange County. pic.twitter.com/WXbPuPoKIX — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) March 30, 2024

Corona came through with a sweep of Corona Santiago this past weekend. The team had to rally for four runs in the seventh to overcome a 3-2 defict on Friday. Catcher Josh Springer went four for four.

Hunter Manning struck out 12 in West Ranch’s 3-0 win over Valencia.

Saugus pulled off two stunning wins over previously ranked Hart in the Foothill League.

Sylmar won its division of the Lions tournament in San Diego.

Chaminade inflicted a rare defeat on Harvard-Westlake closer Bryce Rainer . Rainer is exceeding expectations with his bat, having 26 hits and a .510 batting average.

Huntington Beach had a combined no-hitter in 2-0 win over Los Alamitos. Here’s a report on the Oilers .

Here’s this week’s top 25 baseball rankings by The Times .

It was a week of surprise in softball. No. 1-ranked Pacifica had a 15-game winning streak ended by Anaheim Canyon, then lost a second straight game to Orange Lutheran. There’s nothing wrong with a little adversity before the playoffs begin.

Norco ended up winning the co-championship of the Michelle Carew tournament with St. Francis from Northern California after rain forced the final to be canceled on Saturday.

Norco is 15-3.

Marina won three of four games at the Carew Classic. Here’s a report.

Here’s last week’s top Southern California softball rankings.

47 years coaching

Tom Harp has been coaching high school sports for so long (47 years) that no one probably remembers he used to be one of the best football coaches in the City Section. He and co-coach Darryl Stroh pulled off the monumental upset of 1987, winning a City title when Granada Hills stunned Carson, which was ranked among the best teams in the country.

Coaching volleyball started to enter his calling in 1982. “Some kid at Cleveland came up to me, ‘Let’s start a volleyball team,’” he said.

He’d go on to coach 15 years of girls’ volleyball at Granada Hills, winning seven City titles. He has won eight City titles coaching boys, where he continues to put his focus at age 70 after surpassing 500 career victories this season for the Highlanders. He even coached three years of girls’ soccer, getting to the championship match.

A profile on a future City Section Hall of Fame coach .

Lacrosse breakthrough

When Austin Hicks was in third grade, he lost interest in playing baseball. His mother signed him up for lacrosse camp.

“I found my calling,” he said.

He soon joined a recreation league and remembers seeing his coach demonstrating how to put the ball into the goal with the stick.

“The coach was doing a drill and showing us how to shoot,” he said. “He put in a perfect shot in the corner of the goal. The shot was so pretty and mesmerizing. I remember, ‘I want to shoot like that, I want to play like that’ watching him put the ball so effortlessly in the goal.”

Hicks, 18 and a senior at St. Margaret’s High, has become a breakthrough lacrosse talent in California, ranked No. 1 in Southern California and headed to Duke. He’s 5 feet 11, 195 pounds and an example of how players in California can reach the skill level of their counterparts from the East Coast with the right passion and commitment.

Here’s a l ook at Hicks and lacrosse’s challenges in Southern California.

Five high school students from Los Angeles were awarded the Western Golf Assn.’s Chick Evans Scholarship.

It provides a four-year housing and tuition scholarship for golf caddies.

Four are girls from St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood _ Sara Garcia Jimenez, Diana Salas , Kedie Lucas-Delgadillo and Alani Soto . Geovanny Gonzazlez from Salesian also earned a scholarship.

The Girls ODP national championships in water polo concluded in Riverside. Here’s a link to champions and players selected for youth and cadet national competitions.

The boys competed earlier and the Coastal Red team won the cadet division.

Among the players was Nathan You from Harvard-Westlake, Lucas Pearce and Flynn Guenther from Mira Costa, Austin Miller from El Segundo and Wyatt Williamson from Oaks Christian.

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Notes . . .

Former La Mirada pitcher Jared Jones , who was The Times’ player of the year in 2019, has made the opening day roster of the Pittsburgh Pirates. . . .

Jared Jones from La Mirada has made the Pittsburgh Pirates opening day roster. Here's a look back at The Times' 2019 player of the year. https://t.co/lnw2DSpMP5 . — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) March 25, 2024

The All-CIF Southern Section boys and girls basketball teams have been released. Here’s t he boys’ team. Here’s the girls’ team. . . .

Burbank Burroughs softball player Emerson Colblentz has committed to Hawaii. . . .

Brandon Camarillo has been named the new football coach at Capistrano Valley Christian. . . .

Baseball player Keenan Anzai of Mission Viejo has committed to UC Davis. . . .

Freddie Freeman’s high school, El Modena in Orange, unveiled a new baseball clubhouse today built with a $500k donation from the Dodgers stars Freeman joked it’s a just little nicer than the shipping container his team used when he was in school pic.twitter.com/3DPvMQtXVQ — Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) March 26, 2024

Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman donated $500,000 to his alma mater, El Modena High, and the school now has a new baseball clubhouse. . . .

Former Westlake football coach Mark Servé is the new head coach at La Salle. . . .

Former Arcadia assistant Eric Elias is returning to become head football coach. . . .

Bryan Bartley is the new boys’ basketball coach at West Ranch. He has coached on the East Coast and helped out as a scout last season for Heritage Christian. . . .

Senior outfielder Zach Woodson of St. John Bosco has committed to Pepperdine. . . .

Laguna Beach quarterback Jackson Kollock has committed to Minnesota. . . .

Josh Beaty is leaving Fountain Valley to become the boys’ basketball coach at Edison. . . .

Greg Fontenette is the new boys’ basketball coach at Valencia, replacing Bill Bedgood , who has retired. Fontenette was an assistant coach. . . .

The McDonald’s All-American games for boys and girls will be held Tuesday at Houston’s Toyota Center. . . .

Eastvale Roosevelt’s boys’ basketball team traveled to New Jersey to compete in a national tournament and won it behind Brayden Burries. . . .

From the archives: Bryce Louie

Bryce Louie has been fencing since he was 8 years old. During his days going to Campbell Hall in North Hollywood, he was competing in youth competitions.

Then a week ago, he fulfilled a dream, becoming NCAA champion in the foil in his senior year at Penn. It’s been a long journey but his work ethic and talent has always been there.

Here’s a story from 2019 about his passion and love for fencing.

Recommendations

From Burlisonbasketball.com , a story on the top juniors from Southern California this past season.

From the Los Angeles Times , a story on former Hart pitcher Tyler Glasnow adding SoCal cool to the Dodgers.

From Sportskeeda.com , a story on 400 track phenom Quincy Wilson.

From TOAcorn.com, a story on Westlake’s baseball team.

From Fayobserver.com , a story on former Corona Centennial guard Jared McCain of Duke and his social media success.

Tweets you might have missed

I've changed my mind about high school players who committed to schools continuing to take visits. With the changes in transfer rules, it makes sense to build relationships with other schools in case a change is needed. New rules means new thinking, though I'm not a big fan. — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) March 27, 2024

JSerra QB @RyanHopkins07 has gone from an 8’6” Broad jump to 10’ in 13 months! In addition to running sub-11sec 100 in track and filling out his 6’2”+ frame He and @Koa_SmithMayall who is having his own great offseason are doing all the things necessary to be program changer QBs! pic.twitter.com/NxcdAQHFf0 — Dr. Gabe Higerd (@coachGabeHigerd) March 27, 2024

All-Eastern League boys basketball. pic.twitter.com/fiZOWpvjML — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) March 27, 2024

The SM Surf Team doing their thing at the March 23 Scholastic Surf competition in San Clemente. 🏄🏻‍♀️🏄🏻‍♂️ More pics and team info at: https://t.co/58Vu4XW4A8 🎥 @aubreylao @wsl pic.twitter.com/DqUM0dEMce — SANTA MARGARITA Catholic High School (@SMCHSEagles) March 28, 2024

My journey through the Southland profiling elite athletes continues, up next, Kaleena Smith aka @specialkayyy11 Caitlin & Juju are special but just know this 15 year old is coming @SGVNSports @latsondheimer @pollonpreps @Tarek_Fattal Link here: https://t.co/8ZNZGn6pyb pic.twitter.com/Un9rLgSupp — Seth Shapiro (@seth_shap) March 8, 2024

In this week's episode of 'Friday Night Live,' @latsondheimer + @RandyRosenbloom talk to Calabasas shortstop Nate Castellon about the Coyotes’ success and how his senior season has gone so far as he prepares to head to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. pic.twitter.com/Xz5uOrhZI7 — L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) March 29, 2024

Dropped by Oak Hills to talk to the best running back in the Southland for 2024, Karson Cox. Loyal, tough, will be four-year starter. Has offers from USC, UCLA and the Ivy League. pic.twitter.com/bHlhWDs32E — eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) March 29, 2024

45.19! 😱 High school indoor 400m national record-holder Quincy Wilson ( @QuincyWilson5 ) kicks off his outdoor season with an insane 45.19 at the Florida Relays! That moves him up to U.S. No. 8 all-time and No. 2 all-time for sophomores.... pic.twitter.com/d1UL9y0696 — MileSplit US (@milesplit) March 29, 2024

Welcome to The Show, Jared Jones! Pittsburgh's No. 3 prospect (MLB No. 60) becomes the 31st pitcher in AL/NL history and fourth in @Pirates franchise history (first since Tim Wakefield) to rack up 10 strikeouts in his MLB debut. pic.twitter.com/nqmR3NmHG5 — MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 30, 2024

The boys volleyball team came to play tonight and were victorious in 3 sets against a tough Punahou team from Hawaii for the Championships! Congrats Oilers! pic.twitter.com/zjI2zW1kvU — HB Oiler Athletics (@HB_OilerSports) March 31, 2024

Boys Volleyball: 2024 @CIFLACS Midseason Rankings. 1. Eagle Rock 2. Granada Hills 3. Palisades 4. Chatsworth 5. Marshall 6. El Camino Real 7. Taft 8. Cleveland 9. Venice 10. Birmingham Others To Watch: Carson, Grant, Kennedy, Rancho Dominguez, Sylmar, VAAS — Rene Lopez (@renelopez19) April 1, 2024

Until next time...

Have a question, comment or something you’d like to see in a future Prep Rally newsletter? Email me at [email protected] , and follow me on Twitter at @latsondheimer . Did you get this newsletter forwarded to you? To sign up and get it in your inbox, click here .

Eric Sondheimer is the prep sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times. He has been honored seven times by the California Prep Sportswriters Assn. for best prep sports column.

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With a year till opening day 2025, will Knoxville's Smokies baseball stadium be ready?

A pril 5 will be a Kodak moment, as the Tennessee Smokies take the field for their final opening day in Sevier County before rebranding and moving to downtown Knoxville for the 2025 season.

Will the downtown Knoxville stadium be ready to host opening day in April 2025?

Stadium construction is on track to wrap up in March 2025 and the team's lease in Kodak is set to expire March 15, Doug Kirchhofer, CEO of team owner and stadium developer Boyd Sports (working in partnership with GEM Community Development Group), told Knox News.

Much like the 2024 season, the 2025 schedule should begin in the first half of April for the Smokies, a Double-A affiliate for the Chicago Cubs.

That should give the team enough time to move to the downtown stadium, at which point the team would be renamed the Knoxville Smokies.

The team does not plan to return to the Sevier County stadium after the 2024 season ends, even if downtown construction gets behind schedule for unforeseen reasons.

Instead, Kirchhofer said, the team would most likely work with Major League Baseball and the Southern League to modify its schedule to delay the home opener in 2025.

He did not specify whether that would involve finding an alternative home field until the stadium is ready or playing "home" games on the road or some other option.

"We will have a lot more information and certainty regarding completion dates by September and will have six months to finish the plan and execute the move," he said via email. "We will be consulting with other teams who have made similar moves to develop our schedule. ... We are currently on schedule and have confidence about the completion date for the stadium."

What about apartments, condos planned at Smokies stadium?

The downtown stadium is taking shape just east of the Old City. Vertical construction is obvious, and the frame of the site illustrates the massive footprint the stadium will have.

That footprint includes two adjoining residential buildings − apartments at Yardley Flats and condos within the Beauford Delaney Building. Kirchhofer said the exterior construction of the residential buildings should be finished by opening day 2025 and that some tenants will be moved in then.

Reconnecting Knoxville, a new federally funded city project reimagining the way people get around on bike and foot, features two notable stadium-related developments: a greenway around the stadium site and a monument for the Knoxville Giants, a Negro Southern League baseball team in the 1920s and '30s.

If parking becomes a pain, where will cars go on Smokies game days?

Also as part of Reconnecting Knoxville, the city is planning to turn a parking lot beneath James White Parkway − between the stadium and Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria − into a park to complement the stadium and serve as a buffer between the stadium and downtown.

Known as the north and south Old City Lots, these lots have a combined 231 parking spaces.

No designated parking is planned for the downtown stadium. The team has maintained enough public parking exists, citing a study by S&ME showing 1,333 parking spaces available within a 0.25-mile radius of the Knoxville stadium site and 7,675 within a half-mile radius. Some are public, some are private and some are free.

That study was commissioned by the stadium's development team.

Knox News  visited Durham, North Carolina, in 2022,  partially to see how the city’s downtown minor league baseball stadium experiences parking. Stakeholders in the Durham stadium  suggested Knoxville’s approach could be a mistake.

“It just doesn’t happen the way you think,” Mike Birling, vice president of baseball operations for the Durham Bulls, told Knox News. “Traffic studies, all that – you just have to take those with a grain of salt because people aren’t going to do what you think they’re going to do.”

Tennessee Smokies owner Randy Boyd emphasized during a September 2022 episode of “The Scruffy Stuff” podcast by Knox News that the Old City is “a handful of little buildings in a sea of parking lot.”

“But because it’s not Walmart – because you can’t pull up right next to the front door – people don’t feel like that there’s a place to park,” Boyd said.

How the Smokies stadium just east of Old City is being paid for

Boyd is responsible for any cost overruns beyond the agreed-upon price established through the Sports Authority Board:

• Local government bonds:  $65 million
• State of Tennessee grant:  $13.5 million
• Investment earnings on bonds and state grant:  $2.5 million
• Payment from Knoxville Smokies owner Randy Boyd:  $13 million
• Loan from Randy Boyd:  Up to $20 million to Knoxville's Community Development Board, transferred to Sports Authority for construction
• Total:  $114 million

Sales taxes generated inside the stadium would go toward repaying the bond debt over 30 years, and government will be repaid $1 million each year by the Smokies to rent the publicly owned facility.

Money from payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOTs, related to  the two adjacent residential buildings  also will be used to repay the bond debt.

PILOTs transfer property to the city's Industrial Development Board, which then leases the property back to the owner in place of traditional tax payments.

This is separate from the tax increment financing district, or TIF, that would repay Boyd's $20 million loan − only after it pays for infrastructure improvements around the stadium.

Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone 865-317-5138. Email  [email protected].  Instagram  @knoxscruff.

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at  subscribe.knoxnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: With a year till opening day 2025, will Knoxville's Smokies baseball stadium be ready?

South Boston baseball team stranded with no bus to game for season opener: ‘Not a good way to start their season’

City Councilor Erin J. Murphy wants answers after a bus failed to pick up the Excel High School baseball team Tuesday for their opening game of the season, forcing players to use public transportation to get from South Boston to Healy Field in Jamaica Plain on time.

“They had to get themselves over to JP, which is not a good way to start their season,” Murphy said by phone Wednesday, adding that she plans to file an order for a hearing to discuss the issue during a council meeting slated for April 10. “It’s happened in the past, where teams don’t get picked up.”

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The bus problem was first reported by the Boston Herald.

“Access to athletics is an essential component of a high-quality student experience and we work every day to ensure that our teams are supported,” said BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper in a statement.

“Unfortunately, due to an unusually high number of requests for transportation today, we were unable to provide a bus to the game,” the statement continued. “We appreciate our team’s flexibility and effort to make it to their game on time this afternoon.”

Max Baker, a BPS spokesperson, said athletics officials had informed the team and coaches that a bus wasn’t available for transportation to the game, calling it “an isolated incident” that was “not the result of a driver shortage.”

He said the typical “operational limit” for athletics trips is 30 to 35 buses per day, but BPS had received 52 such requests on Tuesday.

Murphy said a bus arrived after Tuesday’s baseball game to take the Excel team, which also fields players from the BCLA-McCormack Pilot School, back home — after she and Councilor Ed Flynn had contacted BPS about the matter.

“I don’t think it would have if we hadn’t made a stink about it,” said Murphy, a former BPS teacher. “We don’t budget enough to include transportation for our teams. With the budget we have, and them saying they want to invest more in athletics, we definitely need to make sure transportation is part of that conversation.”

Her words were echoed by Flynn.

“It is simply unacceptable that no bus showed up to transport our student athletes to their game,” Flynn said in a statement. “Our student athletes deserve respect, and our BPS leaders and coordinators have a responsibility to figure out transportation logistics for our students so that they can get to their games on time.”

The lack of a bus to transport a BPS team is hardly without precedent.

The Globe reported in May 2022 that hundreds of BPS student-athletes faced the all too common dilemma of discovering there were no buses to deliver them to games outside the city.

Each day during one week that month, student-athletes and coaches across the city were left standing or scrambling for alternatives, as buses were nowhere to be found for the Charlestown baseball and O’Bryant softball teams, the Boston International softball team, the Madison Park boys’ volleyball team, and the English baseball team.

BPS officials said at the time that a shortage of drivers has caused buses to be unavailable for 15 percent of trips for sports teams, with travel to games outside the city disproportionately impacted.

In late April 2022, there was the odyssey of the O’Bryant boys’ volleyball team . With no bus in sight and a game pending in Revere, the boys set out on foot from their campus on Malcolm X Boulevard, hopped on a downtown train at Roxbury Crossing, boarded a shuttle bus at State Street for Logan, transferred to the northbound Blue Line, climbed off at Wonderland, and hiked more than a mile amid heavy traffic to the gymnasium at Revere High School.

Material from prior Globe stories was used in this report. This story will be updated when more information is released.

Travis Andersen can be reached at [email protected] .

Krasnodar, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Krasnodar

Here we are in the South of Russia. Welcome to Krasnodar, a major economic and cultural center of North Caucasus, also called “the capital of Kuban”. Krasnodar, perhaps, is one of the most interesting resort towns of the Russian Federation. It is a relatively young city founded by the Cossacks in в 1793 on the lands granted by Ekaterina II (hence its former name was Ekaterinodar). Later, when the Soviet system rose to power, the city was re-named to Krasnodar in 1920, and it preserved this name up to date.

Krasnodar is a center of the Russia’s southern touristic zone, located of the right bank of the Kuban River, 120-150 km from two warm seas – the Black and the Azov. It is an interesting fact that the city is located in the golden section of the Earth, almost in between the equator and the North Pole, right on the 45th parallel, also called “the Golden Line” or “the Life Line”. There exists an opinion that the living conditions in these latitudes are most favorable for human.

In spite of the city’s “youth” Krasnodar has many historical landmarks, while its architectural look is various and represented by different styles from Baroque and Classicism to late Modern. In Krasnodar, there is one of the largest Russian churches – Saint Catherine’s Cathedral, built as early as in 1914 and survived by a miracle under the Soviet power. It is also worth while visiting the Krasnodar main Orthodox Church – Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Interesting and dramatic, was the fate of this, one of the Russia’s most beautiful churches, an example of Russian and Byzantine templar style. Alexander Nevsky Military Cathedral was erected in April 1853, but later on, in year 1932 it was blown up by the Communists. And it was not until May 2006 when the inauguration ceremony of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral built anew took place.

Nowadays the Krasnodar architectural variety combines the harmony of old and modern structures. Now, next to the churches there are also modern high-rise buildings (the Marriott Hotel”), shopping and entertainment centers (“Red Square”), modern concert halls (Palace of Arts “Premiere”), restaurants, and night clubs. The city also strikes with its numerous museums, theaters, art galleries. Particularly, if you find yourself in Krasnodar, we recommend you to visit the Krasnodar Regional Art Museum named after F. A. Kovalenko to enjoy a rare collection of Russian avant-garde and Dutch art of XVI century, and also attend concerts of SSAI “Kuban Cossack chorus” to listen to Kuban Cossack, Russian and Ukrainian folk-songs.

Two Krasnodar unusual landmarks enjoy wide popularity among tourists and local community: the Monument to a purse and the Monument to the doggies in love. Do you want to turn round? Then you are to the purse. It is enough to rub your purse over it, and you will have more money. But if you are unlucky in love, then the loving couple of dogs will help you, you should stroke their small paws and love will certainly come to you.

Crow-Armstrong mashes and dashes for I-Cubs

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Heading into Thursday night, Pete Crow-Armstrong had yet to hit a home run in 2024, a streak spanning Spring Training, Minor League games on the back fields and Triple-A play. Despite the lack of power display, the 22-year-old felt no pressure over his home run drought. However, a chat with

Heading into Thursday night, Pete Crow-Armstrong had yet to hit a home run in 2024, a streak spanning Spring Training, Minor League games on the back fields and Triple-A play. Despite the lack of power display, the 22-year-old felt no pressure over his home run drought.

However, a chat with veteran catcher Curt Casali sparked a breakthrough for Crow-Armstrong.

“Casali turned to me and said, ‘Pete, six games is too long without a homer, man.'" Crow-Armstrong said. "I've got a feeling you're going to get one tonight.'"

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It didn’t take long to discover that Casali's prediction was about to become reality. The Cubs' top prospect only needed to see two pitches before unleashing a mighty swing in his first at-bat of the game. The result? His first home run of the season, which had an exit velocity of 106 mph and banged off a corn banner in right-center field.

It set the tone for Crow-Armstrong’s night en route to the Iowa Cubs' 5-1 win over the Toledo Mud Hens at Principal Park . The young outfielder finished 3-for-5 with a pair of RBIs, all while wearing a powder blue Iowa Oaks throwback jersey.

“It's something that I've wanted to do for a couple of months now,” Crow-Armstrong said about hitting his first home run. “It came at a good spot. I was glad to do it, especially leading off. Getting the first one out of the way is always fun. It definitely frees you up a little bit.”

After striking out and grounding out in his next two at-bats, Crow-Armstrong's aggressiveness popped up again. In the seventh inning, he ripped a second-pitch fastball from Tigers No. 9 prospect Wilmer Flores for a 106.5 mph single; he promptly showed off his wheels by stealing second base, setting him up for a wild run.

As he took a lead from second, Mud Hens catcher Dillon Dingler whiffed on a pitch that forced Crow-Armstrong to turn on the jets. He sprinted around third, before hesitating. After seeing he had a shot at scoring, Crow-Armstrong booked it for home plate and evaded a tag by Flores to score.

“I like to always think about two bags when I'm on the bases,” Crow-Armstrong said. “I was planning on being aggressive on that ball from the jump. I misjudged how far back the ball was. I definitely got caught in the middle there, but it's kind of do-or-die at that point. Luckily, it was a cluster on the plate and I snuck in there.

“It's funny. It's easy to try and make things happen on the bases. It's also easy to mess them up, but you also see how the game of baseball works.”

Crow-Armstrong capped off his night by hitting an RBI double in the eighth to give the Cubs some extra insurance. His strong performance boosts his early-season slash line to .308/.357/.654.

Have a day, PCA! 👍 📸 - @dylan_heuer pic.twitter.com/OcwxzjTwtz — Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) April 5, 2024

For the past four years of his professional career, Crow-Armstrong was chasing the Majors. He finally accomplished that feat when the Cubs called him up on Sept. 11 last season. He entered spring camp this year in a battle for a roster spot but Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Triple-A was “the best place” for him to start the season. And MLB’s No. 16 overall prospect is ready to seize the opportunity.

“Coming back to Triple-A feels familiar,” Crow-Armstrong said. “And it's nice that it feels like that because that just means that I'm back with a lot of the same faces and new faces as well. We have one hell of a team here.”

Jesús Cano is a contributor for MiLB.com.

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Kuban Stadium

Kuban Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Krasnodar, Russia. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of resurrected FC Kuban Krasnodar and FC Urozhay Krasnodar. The stadium holds 35,200 people. The stadium was opened on 30 October 1960. When built, the stadium had a capacity of 20,000. Later a second tier for additional 20,000 people was added and floodlights installed. First football match on Kuban Stadium was held on 14 May 1961, when Spartak Krasnodar played FC Spartak Stavropol.

More information and contact

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuban_Stadium

Coordinates 45°1'30.981" N 38°59'57.989" E

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