Questions to ask about travel teams...

I would ask questions, especially considering his age, such as -- how deep is the team at his position, what is the coach's position on rotating the players in and out and on playing different positions, etc. Also, talk to other parents/coaches in the area about the general reputation of the coach and team. I would look at how well-established the existing roster is. I have found that oftentimes it is very hard to break into an existing coach/player relationship. I always found that just asking my son how he felt around the other players at tryouts also helped.

Good luck! Finding a new team is a BIG decision.

My 13 year old son also changed teams this season. Back in September when teams started to hold tryouts I made a list up of teams and managers that I have seen or played in the past. This way I new first hand how the team was coached and how they played. Not all Travel managers can teach the game of baseball, they just put the players out on the field and call themself a travel manager or coach. So I needed to know that the coaching staff I was sending my son to would be qualified.

As it turned out the last tryout we went to was the team my son picked. At the tryouts the other players already knew him because they have played each other since they have been 10 years old and they made him feel right at home, he had a great tryout. The manager was upfront with me, he told me that he had only 1 spot open and my son would have to do some catching. My son has never caught before he is a pitcher/1st baseman but they have sent him to two catcher's camps this winter.

The team we picked is 30 MIN. from where we live, there where teams closer that wanted him but this is where my son told me that he wanted to play because of the other players being so good with him at the tryout. I just wanted him to pick a team that he will learn more of the game and also make some new friends, I think we made the right choice. And then to find out that we are going to play a tournament in Omaha during the CWS is just iceing on the cake.

Good luck to your son on finding a new team, I hope it works out for him.

Thank you for all your replies. The folding of my son's team came as a big surprise...they are like family!! It is indeed a huge decision for my son (and for us) and I feel more prepared now.

You sound like a great Mom! Only other point I'd add (from a travel team coaches perspective) to these excellent points is to ask yourself and your son a few questions as well...such as,"Is there a particular position you have your heart set on?", "Do you need to be one of best players on team?". I've seen too many unhappy parents/players who after joining new travel teams, make themselves and others miserable during long season because he's not playing the right position or batting high enough in the order. If answer is yes to either above question, understand that the higher the caliber travel team your son lands on, the less chance he'll have to fulfill those above-mentioned goals.
Also, be wary of the coach who tells you everything you want to hear about your son, etc. Give some extra consideration to coach who talks in more realistic terms.
Don't mean to sour you on travel teams...I've participated/coached in travel world for many years now...considering the $ and time, just want you and your son to be happy.

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Illinois Travel Baseball

Hi Pudgemom. Don't forget, as many parents don't seem to think its important, to ask if they'll practice all aspects of the game, and how often. I can't understand how so many travel teams can go out on the field unprepared.

I want to second what CoachRic say about practice. It is extremely important to practice regularly, especially at the lower age levels where players aren't playing on other teams, like their high school summer team, on the days when travel team isn't together. For most levels, practice is more important than the number of games they will play.

One other thing I'd stress that you need to learn about is the coaches philosophy on handling pitchers, especially if your son is one; and also his philosophy about competing and winning. Some otherwise good coaches, who would normally take good care of their pitchers, can become idiots when the championship of a nothing tournament is on the line. It never ceases to amaze me about what chasing a piece of gold colored plastic can do to some grown men.

I've seen more than one young kid's arm abused to "win it all" when that particular winning it all tournament will be forgotten by the time they turn 14. A damaged arm will be rememberd for a much longer time.

Teaching boys how to win is important. Teaching them how to properly play the game and respect the game is more important. If they take care of teaching how to play and the other aspects, the winning should take care of itself for the most part.