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theprotector
1 Posts |
 Posted - 06/14/2014 : 08:49:19
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I’ve waited until the season ended and we got some of our money back at the team party before posting.
This was a very interesting year. Last July, our son was so excited to be moving of from Rec-Allstars into the world of 10U travel ball. Not knowing much, friends pointed us to these boards. Wow there is a lot of information and it’s a whole new world. Knowing the competitive landscape we decided to tryout out for some teams that were looking for a team that would focus on fundamentals and development.
The tryout period was crazy as we drove “Little Johnny” from field to field. Eventually, we found a team (or looking back, a team found us). Our family was so happy to enter this new world.
We had heard rumors about our new Coach and even told there was a blog about him but he was so nice and our son was so excited, we took the plunge anyway. Things started promising and the boys seemed to be having a lot of fun but there never seemed to be an actual plan. Week after week, practice after practice, there seemed to be little or no actual baseball development. When a few families decided to move on after the fall season, we had no problem picking up other players. We didn’t think to ask, why people were leaving but the signs were there.
Come Spring time, things continued. There were bright spots and flashes at practices but looking back, nothing ever materialized. The coach thought it was more important to scrimmage teams than to teach fundamentals. Tournaments became a ‘win at all costs” approach. Same boys pitching, same boys sitting and we found out first hand what it means by “Daddy Ball”. Coaches were arguing, parents were unhappy and the boys (who this is all about) were not having fun.
Surprisingly late into the season, another family left the team. We were close to this family so had long discussions as to why. Their reasons were quite clear. Their son, one of the better players, was simply not having any fun, would get yelled at by the coach and the instruction was incorrect. They wanted their son to develop properly and felt, if he was to continue to love the game, they would be better off with private lessons or joining another team who needed help. We respected their views and were not surprised.
Around this time, my son hated going to practice and it broke my heart. We felt terrible but made him finish the season. It showed him that you should honor your commitments but at the same time, I wish I had the guts to do what these other families had done and moved on when we had the chance. Our family has learned many valuable lessons.
A few weeks have passed and my son has been playing on a team that is not very competitive but they needed help. He could not be having any more fun. It’s a completely different environment and he’s having a blast. The coach is amazing and our “Little Johnny” has learned more about his swing, head position and pitching mechanics than he learned over the last 8 months. We are so happy. Looking back, I wish I had known then that it was OK to leave a team and do what is best for our son. Never again will we make this mistake. So for those of you ending your all-star season and looking to jump into travel ball. Do you homework? Talk to the parents before committing, read these boards and don’t be afraid to have discussions with the coaches so you know exactly what you can expect. At the end of the day, do what is right for your family. Good luck and god bless |
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teddy41
421 Posts |
Posted - 06/14/2014 : 15:30:41
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| before you get in the habit of leaving teams learn to pay as you go or you will leave a lot of money ;} |
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allbaseball
45 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2014 : 13:50:50
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| I respectfully disagree. Do your homework and research before committing to a team. Remember that this will only get worse year after year if this isn't your approach. We , parents want what's best for all of our kids, but th problem with the system is people will quit anything if it's quote not the right fit. Well baseball is the closest sport to real life than any other sport. When you feel you don't get the raise at your job and the other guy did do you quit your job? Yes do what's bets for your family but go into each season with total commitment for the one year. We did this with our boys and girls and it has paid off to make them understand life ain't fair but you press on until the commitment is over. |
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BaseballMom6
233 Posts |
Posted - 06/15/2014 : 19:37:00
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| Commitment goes both directions. When the team/coach does not hold up their end of the commitment, sometimes you just have to walk away. It should not be done lightly, and great thought should determine if it is necessary, but children should not have to fight the battles of men/women. Coaches will promise the moon and the stars to a parent, but it is the player who is stuck living with the consequences when that side of the bargain is not held up. Parents need to be very careful and work hard to do their research, but sometimes you just have to do what is best for your child, and that may be walking away. |
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Reflections on our 1st journey through travel ball
