But if missing church on a Sunday for travel ball is condemning, then missing church for family vacations, work, sickness or any other reason is the same. It is simply not necessary for the younger kids. As a mom of a 10 year old girl who has played both travel and rec softball we have seen first hand the pros and cons of both. Little League, international baseball organization for children and teenagers, started in 1939 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, by Carl E. Stotz and brothers Bert and George Bebble. Now think about NASCAR. Rec ball. Posted on May 21, 2022 by . I talked to a dad who was committed to having his family in church even when they were on the roadand he said they traveled as a family as often as they couldfor tournaments. Baseball exists not just because of the community's love of the game. Identity: Think about how your child views his or her identity. Its a Jesuit-based publication with a political slant that does not agree with mine. Besides the usual costs of buying bats, uniforms, cleats, and other equipment, there are team fees and the costs of fuel, accommodation, and dining. Participating in travel baseball will likely eat most of your free time. Little League Internationals rules, regulations, and policies have been formulated over more than seven decades to ensure a safe, fun, and healthy environment for children. I remember back when we played Dizzy Dean and Babe Ruth baseball. For additional information please contact Glenna Sandel at 615-403-6938 . Think about your reasons for getting your child into a sport. I could now study what I wanted to study, and my classes were no longer determined by baseball practice. Because COVID, America sold out Little League through the widespread adoption of high-dollar travel baseball, Major League Baseball has its RBI Program, providing year-round instruction in the game, I wrote about this for Camden Chat in 2016. Fifth, a child can play travel ball while a family is still committed to church. The coach was great! I agree with some that was said. I give you a big Amen! It should be noted that the local Little League programs pay a one-time entry fee for each team to enter Tournament Play ($200), which goes into a restricted fund used exclusively for offsetting local Little League programs expenses accrued during International Tournament play, including the World Series in each division of play. We dont win Non-Christians by loving them more than we love God and his glory. Perfect! Is it more important than being at church on Sunday morning? Thanks for sharing them. We come together as believers to worship and encourage one another then we go out into the world to reach people in the name of Christ Hebrews 10:25 is just one example of the Bible reminding believers that its important that we not throw church out the window to do other things. Your email address will not be published. I had my schedule back. Providing evidence of insurance to field owners and tournament organizers can consume a team manager's life and drain the budget without the right insurance program. My thoughts written here veer away from the focus of recreational versus travel leagues as the original blog talks about, but include some areas to think about whichever route of competition you choose. As one who has three sons, two of whom played travel ball for part of their youth, and one who didnt, I can affirm everything you say here. Christian Smiths Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers A lot of teams are started by parents, but some are run by former high school and college coaches. Which we gladly did because we got to see our daughter develop into a top notch softball player, which would not have happened here. The percentages are outrageous. The competitive environment, expert guidance, and the quality of available facilities are unmatched by any other youth competition. Uniforms, equipment, and any assets belonging to the local Little League (including uniforms bearing the required Little League shoulder patch), cannot be used for non-Little League activities, or in any game or tournament not specifically approved by Little League International. And you should. Kids are smarter than what we want to give them credit for. A lot of well rounded and good mannered young men who enjoy competition and sportsmanship. Congrats to the 3524663635357 travel ball teams playing in a "World Series" this week or the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the great article I can share with the parents of my students. Travel Ball Killing Little League!? Late-stage capitalism is a Marxist construct used by socialists to explain away capitalism and the failures of socialism. As a PastorI certainly appreciate the sentiments expressed in this article. Learning that excelling takes commitment, hard work, loyalty. I could be wrong. My son is 11u, and this fall was his first (and possibly final) season of travel ball. He didnt make the middle school team as only travel ball kids only made it. My 10 year old tried out for a travel team for over 2 months. Babe Ruth and Little League are safe . Maybe families should pray over the decision that best suits each individual child. You played in some tournament, and then district. I recognize that although it isnt common for kids to be offered college scholarships for sports, it obviously isnt impossible. The kids were really good, but he made it! Very few will walk in my church doors on Sunday. featured all American teams. I think this is an important topic that needs to be discussed. home. Certainly, both travel baseball and Little League proponents have some valid arguments and Ill try to dig a little deeper and explore the advantages and drawbacks of both systems. Travel baseball takes a toll on kids, both mentally and physically. re: Travel Ball/ Little League Coaches leaving work Posted on 8/20/22 at 6:32 pm to philly444. And there are eight Urban Youth Academies. Who knows; organizationally they still seem to be doing pretty well overseas and a U.S. team won three of the last four Little League World Series featuring international teams. I agree 100% with your article. does the drake hotel chicago have a pool . After all, theres a reason why the closing scene of Field of Dreams is so poignant. I've seen and heard stories about parents who spend thousands of dollars to get their kids on the best travel ball squad in their areas. Added together, the average cost per player for a season must be well over $1,000. Travel ball, by contrast, is not cheap participation fees average about $2,000 per player per year. While rec ball was enjoyable, the ever changing pool of players, coaches and parents made for inconsistent experiences for my daughter, some good and some bad. The low-end travel teams can be local teams going to a few tournaments outside the region. Dont sacrifice your sons childhood on the altar of the hope that hes the next Derek Jeter. You need the church, and the church needs you. They would have to drive to another suburb for ball games. We have made this decision for the past three years and been ridiculed for it and told we are not being fair to our son. Today, that role has been mainly overtaken by travel baseball which has become the basis for young players looking to build a baseball career. For us, it boils down to priorities. Again, its an interesting post but when it comes down to it is the field that you or other high achieving people are in really all that much different? I simply have to go find the people that need Jesus. If you are traveling every weekend, or most of them, for a Friday, Saturday, Sunday tournament, what happens to non-sport family time? And though the book purports to be comprehensive . And that can, partially, explain Major League Baseballs lack of investment in the game in America. Listen to article. The following year was about the same. Baseball should be a fun game for him not a demanding job. March 28, 2014 -- A Little League coach and his family said they feared for their safety when their East Meadow, N.Y., neighbor terrorized them for a year with threatening anonymous letters because her son failed to make the summer travel team. In Little League baseball, ages can vary as much as three years in a division, with 9-year old players in a division with 12-year olds. PAY FOR QUALITY UMPIRES, make sure you have enough umpires for all games and have them supported by all involved. I do wonder though as a parent of a child who did play travel ball and also ended up as a D1 athlete if we arent typically just exchanging one pursuit of excellence for another. Once-proud public institutions are being privatized, with many unintended consequences. My 5 year old has peers that are playing baseball year round already! Nonetheless it's something that I hope that I can enjoy with her (and any future kids, too) for the rest of our lives, much as I still enjoy talking and watching baseball with my parents to this day. General Little League to Travel Ball and Back Again February 7, 2017 I started my son in the Little League Tee Ball program when he was four. A jury convicted three men of murder in the 2017 death of a beloved Little League coach who was fatally stabbed over a confiscated driver's license while working security at a downtown bar. I do offer the opportunity to advertise your league and ask that you share it here and anywhere possible. Rookie is for 7 and 8 year olds. Get involved with the sports governing board and voice your opinion. Looking for a deeper, more forceful argument, the dad added: This team is our community.. The Broadneck, Brooklyn Park, Glen Burnie, Harundale, Havenwood, Lake Shore, and Marley Little Leagues are all no longer associated with Little League. Not criticizing anyone not on same path, but if they want it, you wont stop them. Truthfully, we have gotten better instruction and development at a Rec ball/All Star level. Harford County Travel Baseball League: Sports league web site provided and hosted free of charge by LeagueLineup.com - The Youth and Amateur Sports Portal! Non-Christians exist because what they worship is false. Little League also hopes that parents understand the costs often associated with Travel Ball may be prohibitive. A fun, family-friendly, reasonably affordable activity you can do with the kids? Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Train your coaches and prepare them for every level they will be involved. Additionally, they will probably have fewer injuries and enjoy the competition more. I enjoyed your article and the discussion following it. Waiting lists for leagues. Despite the beautiful fields the travel ball team played on, the grass wasnt greener. Well, at registration, I learned my leagues Board of Directors decided to use a pitching machine for 7-year-olds, and that MAYBE toward the end of the season, there MIGHT be some kid pitch. My sons high school teammate played in the minors for several years before being cut and at age 26, he is just now finishing college and trying to figure out what to do with his life. Golf has, traditionally, been a sport played by upper-class white guys. Players invest a lot of money and energy into it. Im not saying that travel ball is a sin, but it seems to be something that Satan can use to tempt people away (especially dads). These are good thoughts. LL was the emphasis, there were only a couple of travel teams. (No wonder God calls us to pray without ceasing!). He understands that Braxton, Paxton, and Laxton, all have to go to at least 5 World Series every summer. The Charter Committee also reserves the right to suspend or revoke the local Little Leagues charter for such violations. The travel ball system is no different. That means that even if your kid is the best thing since Babe Ruth, if he goes off to play major college baseball, the baseball team isnt paying all the expenses. He did see some development as a player, but nothing major. Welcome to Libertyville Little League's Home Plate Registration for the 2023 Spring Season Opens December 1st We are excited to be kicking off 2023 Libertyville Little League registration. 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