I was “passed over” for the All-Star team as a 12-year-old in Southern California.
I’m 68 and still bothered by the circumstances. Another kid’s father shared with mine that coach withheld my name from consideration. Coach didn’t like me.
Tough part? Same coach move up to senior league to “be with his players.” He was no longer my coach, but we had some less than pleasant dealings for another three seasons.
Doesn’t seem like a big deal to an “adult.” But in a 12-year-old, there’s a lasting impact to this kind of experience.
Take heed, dads, how you “coach” your son through what—to him—are large matters. There are definite teaching moment outside the lines on the field.
PostScript: at 15, I was voted MVP of the Senior League (something “coach” could not control). Same city that won the Senior League national championship in Gary, Indiana two years prior.
Excellent work! I just want to pushback a little on what travel coaches look for—Let’s be honest, the main attribute they look for is whether or not your parents can afford the fee. If so, you’re on the team.
Thank you, Andrew! I do agree a family’s ability to pay is part of the evaluation process, fair point. I’ve seen teams raise $$ for some kids whose families don’t have the means, but that’s rare.
Correct. In fact, my son was selected for all stars back when he was a kid playing baseball (and other sports), and he turned it down.
He wanted to be a kid for the Summer and then turn to football in the Fall. And then basketball in the winter. And then baseball in the Spring. Play the scheduled games, move on, and let them do other stuff as kids.
This fanatical obsession with all stars and travel ball and showcases etc makes me wanna scream.
Well rounded kids — mentally and physically — will always make better ballplayers than specialists in the end if that’s what they want to do. And they won’t be burned out.
And you’ll save a LOT of money you can use to do things as a family that isn’t focused on the activities of one child.
Love this. Your son knew exactly what he was doing — that’s a kid who knows himself and has his priorities straight.
The multi-sport thing is underrated. The research backs it up but you don’t even need the research. Just look around. The kids who played everything tend to figure it out. The ones who specialized at 9 are often the ones walking away before or during high school.
I was “passed over” for the All-Star team as a 12-year-old in Southern California.
I’m 68 and still bothered by the circumstances. Another kid’s father shared with mine that coach withheld my name from consideration. Coach didn’t like me.
Tough part? Same coach move up to senior league to “be with his players.” He was no longer my coach, but we had some less than pleasant dealings for another three seasons.
Doesn’t seem like a big deal to an “adult.” But in a 12-year-old, there’s a lasting impact to this kind of experience.
Take heed, dads, how you “coach” your son through what—to him—are large matters. There are definite teaching moment outside the lines on the field.
wow, heckuva story and so many great points. i am sorry you went through that but thank you for sharing!
PostScript: at 15, I was voted MVP of the Senior League (something “coach” could not control). Same city that won the Senior League national championship in Gary, Indiana two years prior.
Love it! Fitting ending.
Excellent work! I just want to pushback a little on what travel coaches look for—Let’s be honest, the main attribute they look for is whether or not your parents can afford the fee. If so, you’re on the team.
At least that is my experience in FL.
Depends on the team and the organization. Some really have a system, some are simply fundraising. I've seen both, and it's usually obvious quick
ageeed!
Thank you, Andrew! I do agree a family’s ability to pay is part of the evaluation process, fair point. I’ve seen teams raise $$ for some kids whose families don’t have the means, but that’s rare.
Wow, I think more should do that. It’s not just travel baseball it’s really all travel sports now.
There are some legit organizations out there but it’s a business and cutting someone is throwing money away.
Back in 90’s when I was going through the travel circuit we would have 3 tryouts and if you weren’t good you wouldn’t make it to the 2nd tryout, etc.
Today, everyone who shows up and pays makes the team they just distribute the players between A teams, B teams, and C teams.
Wonderful job again, Tony. Appreciate you and the work you’re doing.
Thank you, Jason!
Correct. In fact, my son was selected for all stars back when he was a kid playing baseball (and other sports), and he turned it down.
He wanted to be a kid for the Summer and then turn to football in the Fall. And then basketball in the winter. And then baseball in the Spring. Play the scheduled games, move on, and let them do other stuff as kids.
This fanatical obsession with all stars and travel ball and showcases etc makes me wanna scream.
Well rounded kids — mentally and physically — will always make better ballplayers than specialists in the end if that’s what they want to do. And they won’t be burned out.
And you’ll save a LOT of money you can use to do things as a family that isn’t focused on the activities of one child.
Love this. Your son knew exactly what he was doing — that’s a kid who knows himself and has his priorities straight.
The multi-sport thing is underrated. The research backs it up but you don’t even need the research. Just look around. The kids who played everything tend to figure it out. The ones who specialized at 9 are often the ones walking away before or during high school.
And yeah — nobody talks out loud about the money.
Thanks for sharing!