Dadof3 posted:On the other hand, if it's a team that is driven by chemistry and the ability of kids and families to get along, then I can see trying to make sure you lock in the kids you want now, but then why wait to finalize the offer? Just seems odd that coach is having this conversation before he's decided for sure he wants the kid?? Having said all that, if everything is as it seems and the coach invites him, I'd do it. Sounds like a good situation and fun.
This is exactly the reason. He would rather take a lesser player that has a better attitude and with good parents then a stud without that. He also knows he is losing one kid due to the kid losing interest. once on the team, you are on. He never tells any kid they are off the team. They leave on their own accord. The coach pays for everything. it is his way of giving back to baseball what was given to him. His son is on the team and is a very good player. The only cost to the parents are whatever costs are incurred while traveling.
We paid $150 per year with our team with a coach who had played D1 and coached a variety of levels, including an MLB player. We had one kid move from Iowa to Utah, and coach said he wasn't being replaced, we were adding to the team. Player later moved back and rejoined us. Varsity team starting lineup will include all our kids--the six or seven who still play. The team still adopts a family at Christmas, plants trees in memory of grandparents who die, and the parents are foundation of school volunteers.
There are things bigger than baseball. When your kid gets a chance to learn baseball, make friends, and learn the principle of paying it forward, that's worthwhile.