Soon, we'd be reading even more articles on overuse and increasing sports injuries to young athletes....
Some parents would play both and some would go play travel ball, wich means the lower level kids would get more playing time on the high school team so I guess everyone wins.
First again I'm for school ball. However I don't think compairing a bad HS program to a bad college coach or a bad boss is accurate. I've had bad bosses so I went and got a new boss. That's not something most HS kids can do with coaches. Second a bad college coach is still a coach. There are HS programs being run by teachers with no coaching or for that matter no sports experience at all. HS programs being run by coaches being forced to coach (as in the case of a near by HS to me) by the school board and openly and often admits to absolutely hating the sport of baseball. Calls all the baseball only kids his not man enough to play real sports crew.
My point is before we automatically announce every HS player in America would be better off playing for his HS. We need to understand just how bad some programs can be. I played in a great HS program and had a hard time believing some of the horror stories until I saw them up close. Now that I've been involved with HS baseball for a while I've changed my beliefs.
From my own personal experience. A few programs are great, some programs good, most programs ok, but a few absolutely horrible ones as well.
My point is before we automatically announce every HS player in America would be better off playing for his HS. We need to understand just how bad some programs can be. I played in a great HS program and had a hard time believing some of the horror stories until I saw them up close. Now that I've been involved with HS baseball for a while I've changed my beliefs.
From my own personal experience. A few programs are great, some programs good, most programs ok, but a few absolutely horrible ones as well.
Originally Posted by The Doctor:
Some parents would play both and some would go play travel ball, wich means the lower level kids would get more playing time on the high school team so I guess everyone wins.
I couldn't disagree more. As stated by myself and others here, playing both would cause a variety of problems including but not limited to increased injury, commitment issues, dilution of HS baseball, added animosity between HS and club programs, taking away the opportunity for kids just to enjoy a HS sport while it is in season, etc., etc. Playing one or the other is not the issue in question here.
Lower level kids getting more playing time in HS would occur only as a result of the better players deciding to choose club instead of HS. If this were to become trend (as it has in some other sports) this would surely start to erode the importance of HS baseball and make it much more likely to succumb to budget constraints. Hardly an "everyone wins" scenario.
I think many won't realize how special and wholesome the nature of HS sports is until it is gone and becomes a fond memory. I trust there are enough who do and will fight to keep it viable and vibrant.
While, yes, I am a HS coach, I am also actively involved in and very supportive of the club/travel/scout side of baseball as well. My son and many players I have coached have participated on both sides and have benefited from the distinctly different purposes of each. I, myself, work club tourneys and occasionally instruct or coach for travel and showcase teams. So, I'm not entirely biased. But HS sports are uniquely special and require our efforts to preserve. SOME of the life lessons we say can be learned from sports can be learned from travel/club ball. ALL of those life lessons can be learned from HS sport.
Originally Posted by Scotty83:
First again I'm for school ball. However I don't think compairing a bad HS program to a bad college coach or a bad boss is accurate. I've had bad bosses so I went and got a new boss. That's not something most HS kids can do with coaches. Second a bad college coach is still a coach. There are HS programs being run by teachers with no coaching or for that matter no sports experience at all. HS programs being run by coaches being forced to coach (as in the case of a near by HS to me) by the school board and openly and often admits to absolutely hating the sport of baseball. Calls all the baseball only kids his not man enough to play real sports crew.
My point is before we automatically announce every HS player in America would be better off playing for his HS. We need to understand just how bad some programs can be. I played in a great HS program and had a hard time believing some of the horror stories until I saw them up close. Now that I've been involved with HS baseball for a while I've changed my beliefs.
From my own personal experience. A few programs are great, some programs good, most programs ok, but a few absolutely horrible ones as well.
My point is before we automatically announce every HS player in America would be better off playing for his HS. We need to understand just how bad some programs can be. I played in a great HS program and had a hard time believing some of the horror stories until I saw them up close. Now that I've been involved with HS baseball for a while I've changed my beliefs.
From my own personal experience. A few programs are great, some programs good, most programs ok, but a few absolutely horrible ones as well.
I acknowledge that not all HS programs are great and not every HS athlete in America will have a good experience with his HS coach. But that is the same with travel/club as well as college. I am around a LOT of coaches, both HS and travel/club. If I know 200, at least 190 coach primarily because they have some reasonable experience and have passion for the game. The "teacher who hates baseball" scenario you describe is an outlier, to say the least.
Your other description - "A few programs are great, some programs good, most programs ok, but a few absolutely horrible ones as well." also describes not only HS but club/travel and college as well. I don't see how this factors into the OP. The topic is not playing HS vs playing club, it is playing club AND HS during HS season.
If a player is unhappy with the HS option and chooses another avenue, that is perfectly fine.
I still don't see the argument as equivalent to travel or college. Both of those the players chose to be there and with travel the player can chose to leave. The state I live in tells you what school your going to. The player doesn't have a choice.
As for the OP I posted earlier I'm glad this isn't available in my state. I don't see any positives of this rule with the very small exception of the player stuck in a really bad HS situation. As the hitting coach for my towns HS and MS baseball and softball teams I am very biased toward school ball. But seeing some of the programs around us I feel so sorry for those players. I just wished they had another option. Just not this option.
As for the OP I posted earlier I'm glad this isn't available in my state. I don't see any positives of this rule with the very small exception of the player stuck in a really bad HS situation. As the hitting coach for my towns HS and MS baseball and softball teams I am very biased toward school ball. But seeing some of the programs around us I feel so sorry for those players. I just wished they had another option. Just not this option.
It would definitely open up some roster spots on the high school team and that means more kids playing baseball. I suppose if a HS coach ran a nice program and told his kids that he wouldn't allow them to play both because of potential injuries, parent's might stay with HS.
There are certain club teams that follow an insidious path. They convince parents of youths at the youngest ages that all they have to do is buy into the system, the travel, the training, and the program -- usually at great cost -- and their player will have a leg up once high school ball begins.
As Confuscious said, "A fool and his money shall soon part."
When Bum, Jr. was about 13 I spoke with a club parent of an Arizona team which played 160 games a year. They had been doing this for five years or so. These parents believe they can substitute cash for talent. At the earliest ages, some parents and coaches believe if they control the variables and gain the advantage of the finest coaches, training and facilities, they can guarantee results. This is the fundamental dillusional thinking to which they succumb.
I see the club baseball philosophy has taken the next logical step: Absorb or replace high school baseball. "We can't control the high school coach", goes the thinking. "We can't control playing time. We are aghast at the competition. We believe the teachings of the high school coach to be in conflict with our system."
All of these thoughts run through the "system" of certain club teams and filter down to the parents and players themselves. So they spend ever more money. It is only a natural extension that they would set up an alternative to high school baseball.
To control the variables.
At some point, the variables are not controllable. A certain kid they cut out of the system who was not talented enough at a younger age suddenly excels. Perhaps a new kid transfers into town that shames them with his talent.
I know. Bum, Jr. himself was one of the "outsiders" who rankled the system.
To all the parents who have bought into the club baseball philosophy, who believe they can pay enough to ensure their son's greatness, I have a life lesson to offer: High school baseball is a treasure to be enjoyed as a result of talent, and that talent cannot be bought.
Just because you pay money for a club team won't guarantee your kid will be great. And there is no treasure to be found in a horrible high school program When a science teacher signs up to coach baseball because he needs an extra $1200 you are in for a ride. Like I have said before parents should do their homework, its not a one size fit all. If someone is highly agsinst something and cant see another view its usually because of a personal experience only.
On the surface, it doesn't look to be a good idea IMHO. It needs to be an either or situation. In addition, there is no mention of the academic implications to doing both. As a parent, I would be concerned about physical overuse and high school classroom work taking on a secondary priority.
What this country needs is a sharper focus on education (the world is whooping our *ss on high school test scores) not playing a few more hs baseball games. JMO.
From 13u to 16u travel there were games from 8u to 16u at the facilities. When we had breaks between games I liked to walk over to 10u games and watch the parents. I would engage the resident wack job in conversation. This dad would be the one who thinks all these kids are going to play college ball because the "program" has a great reputation for getting players to college ball.
These parents were spending 3,000 minimum per year on training plus the cost of being on the team and extra instructions. I knew one of the 16u dads (he's on this board) and had some information. You should have seen the look on the 10u dad's face when I told him only four players from the 13u team still made the team at 16u.
Of course what this program eventually did was create three levels of teams for each age group since so many suckers were begging to hand over their money on a dream. The reality was three levels of teams at each age group were funding the elite and highly reputable 17u team.
Originally Posted by fenwaysouth:
On the surface, it doesn't look to be a good idea IMHO. It needs to be an either or situation. In addition, there is no mention of the academic implications to doing both. As a parent, I would be concerned about physical overuse and high school classroom work taking on a secondary priority.
What this country needs is a sharper focus on education (the world is whooping our *ss on high school test scores) not playing a few more hs baseball games. JMO.
Once we get onto an even playing field, I think we'd actually be okay. But for many countries to include only their elite students in the scores and for us to include everyone.... But yes I agree with you. The academic ramifications need to be identified and addressed. That's why you go to school in the first place at any level.
Your absolutely correct.What kills us in the test scores is the non-English speaking category.If you take that segment of the population out of the final tally we are in the top ten.Just one more unintended consequence.
Bulldog, that is interesting about the elite student versus all of USA students. I had never heard that before
RJM Agreed, and to take it one step further, how about a organization that can boast 25- 30 teams. I would estimate only 10% are what I would call strong players. But the other 90% still get to pay big fees for small ball. After a year of disappointment they move on and someone else takes their place. I feel sorry for parent's that are reaching out trying to help their kid, but can't find the right fit.
Originally Posted by proudhesmine:
Your absolutely correct.
So much for test scores. 
Originally Posted by The Doctor:
Just because you pay money for a club team won't guarantee your kid will be great. And there is no treasure to be found in a horrible high school program When a science teacher signs up to coach baseball because he needs an extra $1200 you are in for a ride. Like I have said before parents should do their homework, its not a one size fit all. If someone is highly agsinst something and cant see another view its usually because of a personal experience only.
I honestly cannot say that I know how it is for the rest of the country but I played HS ball in WV, coached in eastern KY, taught / coached in western KY and now teach / coach in NC and in all those places and all those schools I never saw a team coached by the science teacher for the extra $1200. In the year and half I've been AD I've NEVER entertained the idea of hiring any coach just to fill a spot. This might be how it was done years ago and / or you've had that bad experience because I will admit that something like this probably does happen but in four different areas to never see it makes me think the vast majority of situations are not like this. But I could be wrong.
Here is a topic I started a few months ago which shows the potential bad side of allowing HS and travel to happen at same time if they are allowed to play both.
http://community.hsbaseballweb...96#10303862438994896
There will be an increase in injuries.
I've said for years what cabbagedad said above in that for every great high school team there is a great travel ball team and vice versa. I think what Bum posted above is exactly what's happening. I've had MANY conversations with parents of kids who don't get to play much for our HS team. Travel volleyball coaches tell our kids they will play college and they can get them into college yet they can't break our line up and when they do get in the game they stink it up. The one thing that all the parents say is "We paid all this money to play on _________ team and that coach said they are so good. So this HS coach doesn't know what they are doing." I had one parent of a "college prospect" who never played sit down beside me and asked if I saw what that coach was doing. I looked at the scoreboard and then looked at her and said "Yeah - she's winning and will win her third conference title in a row in her third year as head coach." Then got up and left.
HS sports should be and can be the place where you get an honest assessment of your talent because you're not paying to play. Now the better travel teams don't let paying money to be on the team affect playing time decisions but good business sense tells you to keep the customer coming back. How do you get them to come back? Make them feel good about themselves. But this is not a back handed insult to travel. Travel teams need to exist and kids should be allowed to pick a coach they want to play for but there's nothing wrong with having to play for someone you don't have any control over. That super awesome coach who recruited you to the University of Wherever happened to leave after your freshman year. You have no say as to who they bring in next.
Coach ... A few years ago I read an article about the poor quality of high school baseball within the Philadelphia School District. One of the issues was poor coaching. One problem they had was the way the teacher's contract was written. The coaches all had to come from the high school. That can be very limiting.
Its not a requirement of the state (PIAA) that coaches be from the school or even the district. Head coaches must have teacher's certificates. They can teach anywhere or not even teach. Assistants don't need to have teacher's certificates. But they must be approved by the board.
The state rule allows a lot of flexibility. Philadelphia Schools are not taking advantage. I can see a high school ending up with a mediocre or bad coach if he must come from the school. My son's baseball coach taught in the middle school. My daughter's softball coach taught in another district.
It's even worse at the inner city school's, when they get a good coach they seem to head to the suburbs to teach and coach after a year or two, better facilities and more money you really can't blame them. And that's when the art teacher takes over, not just in baseball.
I have seen 25 kids stand in line to take grounders from a guy that don't know what a fungo is, What are the other 24 doing?
Only take BP on Wednesday.
Teaching a kid to throw sidearm.
Teaching incorrect cutoffs.
How about the fastest kid in the state who steals 24 bases as a freshman, and the new coach has him only steal 5 as a Sophomore, the kid has never been caught but coach is nervous. He is 29-0 going into his Junior year!
I could go on and on but the truth is quality HS Coaches are hard to come by, and then sometimes they are hard to keep. Our local HS has a good Coach that puts in lots of effort but he hasn't had much to work with over the years.
As for playing time in summer ball, nothing is guaranteed we have mad parents quit every year. Like I said earlier I am happy for the kid's that have great HS experiences, but I hear lot's of parent's that say that they can't wait for summer ball!
I would like to tell all the situation here but that would give things away.I can give a c an example that will support a certain feeling with things.Back a few years ago we had a girl in town that played/started on a AAU volleyball team.During the summer when they played every time I read the local big towns newspaper her and the team had won/did very well in some tourney somewhere.Now this kid did not make the V club at school.Soph. year made V but rode the bench.Same thing JR.Did not go out for team SR. year.the whole time during the summer same thing as above.Her volletball paid for her collage.With our baseball.I think a lot of the not up to snuff coaches did NOT start out that way.I don't think anyone that does not want to do something would even stay long.I do think whats going on is they have lost their passion.No matter what the situation if you do not have some level of passion for it you will only be average at best.Are there some bad coaches?More than likely there are a few.But I really feel the majority of the guys that don't seam to fit in the good coaches category have lost their "fire".
A lot of information here interesting... I had just posted a "when is it too much" thread. I am in PA.
My 14/u Freshman catcher is on a above average travel team. The team offered him a spot in the fall of 2016. We have high school try outs starting tomorrow. I had no idea at the time where T would stand with his HS team. I could not guarantee a spot and not at the expense of his spring playing. Now it looks like he is the starting JV catcher, possibly with a move up to Varsity on a bench spot.
Here is how I see it. It may be a lot of playing time if he starts JV. It is for 2 months (playing both). IF he would make Varsity, he isn't practicing that much. with three games a week, he is only practicing 2-3 days a week and sitting bench a majority of the time for games. He really isnt "playing".
I know a lot of coaches aren't fans of bringing freshman up to just sit on the bench. As a parent I don't get a vote and I would not interfere. Only problem coming up is that a sophomore catcher was hurt and they don't want him catching and of the three remaining (fresh, junior, senior) the kids are saying my freshman did the best handling the staff during the workouts. So I won't know if they would utilize him or not at the varsity level till the end of this week. Either way... I could not see this "opportunity" when I had to make a call on travel in 2016. The injured players father (HS assistant coach last year and active SR Legion coach) approached my son today about playing legion for the summer but moving up and catching for SR legion. That lead to my, when is too much baseball just that. Too much...
Next year we will have a better idea of schedule, demand, utilization, etc to make a more informed decision. Just seemed like everyone decided that they needed a catcher and my son caught someones attention.
A lot of HS coaches won't bring up a younger kid who is eligible to play on younger teams to ride the bench and be a back up. The younger kids need to play and develop and yes you do learn by watching older, better, faster baseball from the bench you are better off playing games and developing. I would think most coaches would use the the younger kid on a Freshman, Sophomore, JV team with an older kid to back up on Varsity. If there is an injury on Varsity the younger kid may jump over the older back up and become the starter if the talent is there. Or spot start opportunities arise as the Varsity coaches sometimes want to see what the younger guys can do. Development opportunities are mostly what is going to occur for a Freshman unless he is an undeniable monster on the field.
JV coach specifically banned any TB and or lessons during the JV season, which is from 2/1- 4/1.
In GA there are written rules banning the varsity players from participating on any other school or non school team during the season. You may want to double check it's even allowed if you are thinking of him playing both.
First day of tryouts. Dropped off a couple of boys (They had no school today) and spotted the athletic director walking across the lot. Stopped in and just confirmed that it wasn't a PA rule he couldn't play both. Glad I stopped him cause he found out which kid I was referring to and he essentially told me that the coach and him had already had a game plan on dealing with my son. Said they wanted him to play as many games possible at JV instead of sitting behind a senior at Varsity. Said they were really impressed with him so far. Good news. He also said if he can get more reps playing elsewhere he was ok with it.
So the game plan is to focus on HS ball for the next two months, play on any sundays that T wants to play and then switch over to travel after. Enables him to continue to get that superb coaching he gets at travel and meet all requirements for the HS season.
Relief to have it figured out!
Kevin A posted:First day of tryouts. Dropped off a couple of boys (They had no school today) and spotted the athletic director walking across the lot. Stopped in and just confirmed that it wasn't a PA rule he couldn't play both. Glad I stopped him cause he found out which kid I was referring to and he essentially told me that the coach and him had already had a game plan on dealing with my son. Said they wanted him to play as many games possible at JV instead of sitting behind a senior at Varsity. Said they were really impressed with him so far. Good news. He also said if he can get more reps playing elsewhere he was ok with it.
So the game plan is to focus on HS ball for the next two months, play on any sundays that T wants to play and then switch over to travel after. Enables him to continue to get that superb coaching he gets at travel and meet all requirements for the HS season.
Relief to have it figured out!
Really. Your AD and head coach talk about a "plan" for an underclass player before the teams are officially selected. And then the AD shares it with you. Must be a really small school. Our AD wouldn't have the time to do that.
Hmm. Sounds like you want to call me out as dishonest??
We're a 3A school. Not massive. We have 41 kids trying out. The AD apparently played both college and a little pro ball so he had the two freshman and two upper class men going through some basic drills like blocking and receiving. From what I was told he spent about 30 minutes with the catchers. I can only repeat what I was told by the AD. That He had discussed it the coaches. Not sure why I would need to fabricate that but oh well.
We're a 3A school. Not massive. We have 41 kids trying out. The AD apparently played both college and a little pro ball so he had the two freshman and two upper class men going through some basic drills like blocking and receiving. From what I was told he spent about 30 minutes with the catchers. I can only repeat what I was told by the AD. That He had discussed it the coaches. Not sure why I would need to fabricate that but oh well.
3A is a small school - like total HS male enrolment grades 10-12 of between 175 and 250 according to PIAA info I found
Small school, small town, talented player...it is totally plausible.
That sounds about right. There's 270 in his graduating class.
Maybe I am hyped a bit. I am definitely excited for him to begin his HS career.
Knowing what he has gone through I'm just glad all his hard work has finally started being noticed and appreciated by more than me and his travel coach. For his sake.
Maybe I am hyped a bit. I am definitely excited for him to begin his HS career.
Knowing what he has gone through I'm just glad all his hard work has finally started being noticed and appreciated by more than me and his travel coach. For his sake.
Kevin, still think this is too much baseball, but to each their own.
I would HIGHLY encourage you to watch your son very closely. Is he taking more Advil than usual? Is he asking for parts of his body to be wrapped before a game? Is he taking baths in Epsom salts, asking for ice, walking like he's an old man? He's 14 and he loves baseball, he won't tell you he's aching, he won't tell you it's too much, YOU will need to watch for the non-verbal signs that his body is in trouble, and when you see them YOU will need to tell him he's not playing that weekend.
Good luck!
Im with the others on overuse. 7 days a week of baseball at the HS level is too much. I can't speak for how your HS works, but,right now, my sons schedule is this...At school at 5:30am for BP 3 days a week. 2-3 hour after school practice 5 days a week. Saturday off. Sunday 3 to 4 hours of practice. This includes BP before practice. This is coming off a week where he needed to be at school at 4:45am for tryouts. He is dragging right now. In fact we let him sleep in some and head into school a little late today. He is a 4.0 SR student so we are not worried about affecting his grades. Adding the commitment on for another team (additional practices/games) would probably push him over the edge.
Please watch your son very carefully. He is setting himself up for an overuse injury and possible burnout.
old_school posted:3A is a small school - like total HS male enrolment grades 10-12 of between 175 and 250 according to PIAA info I found
Small school, small town, talented player...it is totally plausible.
That's what I said. Small school. In ours I couldn't imagine our AD having anything to do with the specific relations between coaches and players. He only gets involved if there is a specific problem with a player (ie; suspension).
However, I would be cautious. Just because the AD says something, doesn't necessarily mean the head coach is on board. And there are many threads on here about parent/coach relationships.
joes87 posted:Im with the others on overuse. 7 days a week of baseball at the HS level is too much. I can't speak for how your HS works, but,right now, my sons schedule is this...At school at 5:30am for BP 3 days a week. 2-3 hour after school practice 5 days a week. Saturday off. Sunday 3 to 4 hours of practice. This includes BP before practice. This is coming off a week where he needed to be at school at 4:45am for tryouts. He is dragging right now. In fact we let him sleep in some and head into school a little late today. He is a 4.0 SR student so we are not worried about affecting his grades. Adding the commitment on for another team (additional practices/games) would probably push him over the edge.
Please watch your son very carefully. He is setting himself up for an overuse injury and possible burnout.
I always thought there was an IL rule about Sundays. One of the reasons why they play the basketball semi-finals and finals in the same day on Saturday. How do you get around it?
Well... I appreciate the opinions of the parents on here. Common response seems to be that its way too much. Planning on having a conversation with his travel team about shelving a lot of his work with them till the end of HS season. Probably will still do the weekly practice since they have a really great catching coach working with the kids and we are learning some really good blocking drills. And if he isnt practicing he is on his damn xbox. LOL. His coach was asking about his schedule in December when he realized he was 2020. I didnt realize the complications till now. HS season is only about 2 months and his travel team has 4 tournaments between now and end of May which is well after HS. Next year our first tournament doesn't even begin till end of May to avoid this very problem. Guess I should have waited a year to send him to kindergarten. LOL
I appreciate everyone's input.
CaCO3Girl posted:Kevin, still think this is too much baseball, but to each their own.
I would HIGHLY encourage you to watch your son very closely. Is he taking more Advil than usual? Is he asking for parts of his body to be wrapped before a game? Is he taking baths in Epsom salts, asking for ice, walking like he's an old man? He's 14 and he loves baseball, he won't tell you he's aching, he won't tell you it's too much, YOU will need to watch for the non-verbal signs that his body is in trouble, and when you see them YOU will need to tell him he's not playing that weekend.
Good luck!
CaCO, is this a catcher thing? Advil, baths in Epsom salts? Wrapping body parts? Really?
LOL.... I think I know where she was going with that and I am sure she meant no disrespect to the other aching and sore players. I believe she was referring to the additional bruises and lumps that tend to come more frequently when one is catching. Thumb is usually sore. Hand hurts. I have pictures of seam marks on his fore arms from blocking. Catching when it is 90+ degress is a helluva lot different than playing outfield in the same heat... Its part of why we love our athlete/kids. What ever sport they play they take their licks, get back up and do it all over again.
I appreciate her thoughts and desire to make sure I am thinking about the long term health of my athlete.
Golfman25 posted:joes87 posted:Im with the others on overuse. 7 days a week of baseball at the HS level is too much. I can't speak for how your HS works, but,right now, my sons schedule is this...At school at 5:30am for BP 3 days a week. 2-3 hour after school practice 5 days a week. Saturday off. Sunday 3 to 4 hours of practice. This includes BP before practice. This is coming off a week where he needed to be at school at 4:45am for tryouts. He is dragging right now. In fact we let him sleep in some and head into school a little late today. He is a 4.0 SR student so we are not worried about affecting his grades. Adding the commitment on for another team (additional practices/games) would probably push him over the edge.
Please watch your son very carefully. He is setting himself up for an overuse injury and possible burnout.
I always thought there was an IL rule about Sundays. One of the reasons why they play the basketball semi-finals and finals in the same day on Saturday. How do you get around it?
From IHSA's website
267) SUNDAY PLAY
Q. May a school conduct or participate in an interscholastic athletic contest on Sunday? A. Yes. Sunday participation is not directly prohibited by IHSA rules. (Constitution 1.420)
There are some restrictions on Sundays regarding football practice. Mostly around the two-a-day, pre-school starting stuff. Maybe that's where it gets confused.
Kevin A posted:. And if he isnt practicing he is on his damn xbox. LOL.
Nothing wrong with this.
2019Dad posted:CaCO3Girl posted:Kevin, still think this is too much baseball, but to each their own.
I would HIGHLY encourage you to watch your son very closely. Is he taking more Advil than usual? Is he asking for parts of his body to be wrapped before a game? Is he taking baths in Epsom salts, asking for ice, walking like he's an old man? He's 14 and he loves baseball, he won't tell you he's aching, he won't tell you it's too much, YOU will need to watch for the non-verbal signs that his body is in trouble, and when you see them YOU will need to tell him he's not playing that weekend.
Good luck!
CaCO, is this a catcher thing? Advil, baths in Epsom salts? Wrapping body parts? Really?
YUP! Said earlier I have seen two sub 14u catchers have to have surgery already....these are the things they did PRIOR to the surgery, BOTH OF THEM. I just stared at the dads when they told me the stories....like this wasn't a big freaking clue? 35 year old men may require these things to feel better after a tough outing but children shouldn't need all this, or any of this.
Kevin A posted:Well... I appreciate the opinions of the parents on here. Common response seems to be that its way too much. Planning on having a conversation with his travel team about shelving a lot of his work with them till the end of HS season. Probably will still do the weekly practice since they have a really great catching coach working with the kids and we are learning some really good blocking drills. And if he isnt practicing he is on his damn xbox. LOL. His coach was asking about his schedule in December when he realized he was 2020. I didnt realize the complications till now. HS season is only about 2 months and his travel team has 4 tournaments between now and end of May which is well after HS. Next year our first tournament doesn't even begin till end of May to avoid this very problem. Guess I should have waited a year to send him to kindergarten. LOL
I appreciate everyone's input.
How's he going to do the weekly practice? HS ball is time consuming. Kid practiced 3-6:30 yesterday. Sometimes they go till 5:30. Some times later. You never know. Then on game days, forget it. Not done till after 7. And then the weather screws it all up. Home for dinner, homework and bed. Repeat the next day. Just make sure you really know the schedule before making the commitment. And make sure the kid really wants to do hours of blocking drills after all the HS work. Good luck.
Golfman25 posted:How's he going to do the weekly practice? HS ball is time consuming. Kid practiced 3-6:30 yesterday. Sometimes they go till 5:30. Some times later. You never know. Then on game days, forget it. Not done till after 7. And then the weather screws it all up. Home for dinner, homework and bed. Repeat the next day. Just make sure you really know the schedule before making the commitment. And make sure the kid really wants to do hours of blocking drills after all the HS work. Good luck.
I understand what your saying. I can tell you now that he isn't going to want to skip the two hours with his travel friends. And to say he can't handle it, frankly isn't your business to say. Swimmers go three hours plus a day for 7 days a week. Sometimes even two a days....
I asked for and received people's opinion on how much baseball is too much. And I plan on focusing on HS ball and wait till after to play games... But apparently you seem to think I am not in touch with his available free time, school work and or the makeup of his practice.
Thanks ......But no thanks...