Should My Son Play Traveling Baseball?
By: Tim Thoreson
This morning after a baseball training session, I was asked by a parent, "Do you think my son should try out for the traveling baseball team?" This is a question that may be on many parents and players minds. In many communities players often have the option of trying out to play what's commonly referred to as traveling baseball or simply play for the city program, many times referred as In House Baseball, Community Baseball, or Recreation Baseball. Of course for every player and family the answer is different. I shared with the parent my opinion and the pros and cons of each, but there are certainly many factors to consider when making this difficult decision.
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TRAVELING
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Skill Level
No doubt, traveling baseball is more competitive and has more skilled players throughout. The skill level of your child may play a major role in what type of program best suits your child. If your son is a high skilled players compared to kids his age, then he will certainly benefit from playing at higher level. However, if you are unsure how your son will stack up against the competition, it can make this decision even more difficult.
There are so many unknowns. If your son is not in the upper half of his team, it is very possible he may spend the majority of the season in the outfield and the bottom of the batting order. If he had played community he would have been surrounded by similar skilled players and had the opportunity to play different positions. However it could turn out that your son excels, and because he is surrounded by better players, improves even more himself. Parents and players should be prepared for either situation.
Time Commitment
Of course every program differs, but playing on a traveling team is a much larger commitment than playing In House Baseball. Generally In House teams will play/practice twice a week, whereas traveling teams may play/practice two/three times a week and in addition have weekend tournaments, which can be limiting when taking family summer vacations. These season is also longer. If a player and family choose to play traveling, they are also choosing to make a commitment!
Of course every program differs, but playing on a traveling team is a much larger commitment than playing In House Baseball. Generally In House teams will play/practice twice a week, whereas traveling teams may play/practice two/three times a week and in addition have weekend tournaments, which can be limiting when taking family summer vacations. These season is also longer. If a player and family choose to play traveling, they are also choosing to make a commitment!
Cost
Traveling baseball is definitely much more expensive. Prices vary from community to community, but an In House Program will typically charge under $100 to play, and in addition will provide scholarships to those who cannot afford the fee. Traveling Baseball Programs have a wide range of costs, many times the registration will be around $300/$400, but if a team travels often and far, this cost can be in the thousands. Keep in mind that you will incur more cost in gas from traveling to games, and many times need to purchase food when away on tournaments, this can all add up. Of course with the increased cost, players do get way more baseball and often nicer uniforms, etc. |
Love of Game
How much your child and the rest of your family like baseball makes a big impact on the quality of experience everyone may have. Your child, and family, will be spending a lot of time at the baseball diamond. If your child loves the game and being around it, then go for it. A summer full of baseball can be very memorable if you love the game. If your child is just playing to play, playing because their friend is playing, and they just like baseball but lack the passion for the sport, then please keep in mind the season may seem long.
How much your child and the rest of your family like baseball makes a big impact on the quality of experience everyone may have. Your child, and family, will be spending a lot of time at the baseball diamond. If your child loves the game and being around it, then go for it. A summer full of baseball can be very memorable if you love the game. If your child is just playing to play, playing because their friend is playing, and they just like baseball but lack the passion for the sport, then please keep in mind the season may seem long.
Pros & Cons To help make this difficult decision, you may want to lay out the pros and cons of your child playing traveling baseball this season. I developed a general list of points to consider. My list of pros and cons is a finding of what I have found to be true in traveling and In House Baseball. This list may not hold entirely true all the time depending on your program, coach, and players on the team. Sometimes certain aspects of traveling baseball may be a pro for some but a con for others. For example, people share different opinions when emphasizing the importance of winning. |
Still Don't Know
If you are still unsure if your child should try out to play traveling baseball, call the commissioner. They may be able to give you some insight as to the make up of the team(s), who the coach(es) may be, and how your child may fair in the traveling program. Reach out to others that have experienced traveling baseball and get there thoughts and opinions.
If you truly are 50/50 as to whether you try out for traveling baseball, then I say PLAY! If your son is goon enough to make the team they will benefit greatly from a skill perspective due to all the practices and games. It is estimated that over 90% of high school players come from traveling programs, so eventually your son should strive to play against the better competition.
If you are still unsure if your child should try out to play traveling baseball, call the commissioner. They may be able to give you some insight as to the make up of the team(s), who the coach(es) may be, and how your child may fair in the traveling program. Reach out to others that have experienced traveling baseball and get there thoughts and opinions.
If you truly are 50/50 as to whether you try out for traveling baseball, then I say PLAY! If your son is goon enough to make the team they will benefit greatly from a skill perspective due to all the practices and games. It is estimated that over 90% of high school players come from traveling programs, so eventually your son should strive to play against the better competition.
Good Luck Coaches and Parents!
Tim Thoreson
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