A higher standard?

Fungo, I agree. I just had this discussion with one of my coaches.

By far the most excited and enthusiastic parents that I have ever observed are those who have a child in the Challenger Programs....to see a child come to a "t"...take a swing... and run the bases all the while pushing a walker due to some sort of physical impairment is heartwarming...and kudos to all the volunteers who make this program the great success it is

Everyone starts somewhere.

It all depends on where you are and what your goals are. Some rec games are pretty intense, depending on age and the possibility that a higher level might not be availible in that area. Or, you have a situation like last year. I could've played rec or traveling, but I played rec. My uncle was coaching, and I improved far better with him than I would've with the travel coach. So it all depends.

Catchermom - I agree that it can be heartwarming to watch those kids. There may not be lots of ability or grace, but there's tons of heart which is fun to observe in its own right. I will also add that working with challenged or special olympic kids can be a wonderful outreach for teams. My son's HS team has done this on one Sunday each of the last two years. His team learned far more than the kids that were considered "challenged".

In our area, Rec. Ball used to be highly competitive, fun, crazy, intense and everything baseball is supposed to be. All the AAU and travel teams have depleted the talent from Little League and Babe Ruth here and the games are more sometimes painful to watch. But...the kids are having fun and are competing with others at their leveland it's all kids playing baseball!!!

Think if you love the game, and love playing it.....doesn't matter what level, what program.....you're going to want to win......

Great post, arizonared. If you are doing your best and so is the opposition, baseball is a great game, regardless of the talent level. In fact, some of the best and most pure baseball is found at these levels if you consider all factors.

Red....nobody could have said it better!!!!

I know it was a big deal to my 7-year-old when his big brother, the college player, came to watch HIM play.

There are those who want to play rec ball and be with their friends.

There are those who know their talent level and are happy just to be playing baseball anywhere, anytime.

As far as I am concerned it is whatever makes you happy

Rec ball has it's place and I go to just about as many rec ball games as I do our Legion team games. Sometimes, I go for a laugh or two but most of the time, I go to show the parents that I have an interest in our local rec program. Last night, I had a young man come up and thank me for coming to his game. I felt bad because I didn't really come to see him personally play but I complimented him on his play.

HOWEVER, there is a point where rec ball can do harm if the coaching is lacking or the competition isn't stiff enough.

We also went to a Softball game while at the park. This is where I believe that the rec program is doing harm. They use an 11" ball. They can't steal. They can't score on pass balls. On and ON and ONNNNNN! These girls, many are my girl's friends, will be trying out against my girl and others that have done this all summer and have played with a 12" ball. These rec girls are at a tremendous disadvantage.

I do want to post one VERY POSITIVE NOTE on our rec baseball program. THEY KEEP VERY STRICK PITCH COUNTS BY THE UMPS OF THE GAME AND THESE KID'S NAMES ARE TURNED IN AFTER EACH GAME. WHEN THE UMP GOES TO THE NEXT GAME FOR BOTH OF THESE TEAMS, HE WILL KNOW EXACTLY HOW MANY PITCHES JOHNNY HAS THROWN AND KNOWS EXACTLY HOW MANY INNINGS JOHNNY WILL BE ALLOWED TO THROW THIS GAME.