travel ball for kids

I have 2 sons that play travel baseball since they were 9. Our programs have tried to limit the # of games to a max of 65 depending on how far into tournaments we got.My sons never compained about burn out I told them if they did't want to paly that competive of a schedule we would play house baseball the next year. My oldest is a Jr. in high school and still loves to play the youngest will play 14 year old travel for Northwest Travel. If your son is burned out after 45 games at 11 maybe he shoud wait. As far as top programs most have already picked teams for o7.

Travel ball is for the kid that wants it. I know a number of parents that feel their kid has to play travel to remain competitive, personally, I disagree. My oldest never played travel, and will sign D1 this year.

Plainly put, if your son is good enough, it will probably come out, travel ball or not. JMO

With all due respect to CPLZ, his kid must be an exceptional athlete. In my experience, kids who don't play travel ball these days fall WAY behind others they'll have to compete with just to make their high school teams.

I know of one boy in our area who we recognized from an early age as one of the true athletes in our rec league. A true "5 tool" prospect. However, this boy shied away from the travel teams that sought him out. Now he's trying to move up from JV to varsity as a junior, and though he'll probably make the team, his playing time is in doubt. He is fast but doesn't get a good jump on steals; he is slow to recognize situations and react appropriately; and he strikes out way too much -- slow on better fastballs, trouble with off-speed stuff, has many undisciplined at bats.

All of these things are reflections of the fact that he has played maybe 250 games in his life, mostly in rec ball, while his competition has often played 600-700 games to date, about 2/3 of which were against the toughest competition they could find, and with the benefit of the best coaching they could get.

There can be lots of bad experiences in travel ball, don't get me wrong. It is the parents' job to find the coach who is an instructor and not a screamer, who strikes the right balance between expecting improvement and being abusive or risking injury. There are plenty of bad apples out there, but also many good eggs.

We started at 9u, which admittedly is early, and I would say you can get going at a later age and catch up pretty well. But if you haven't played anything above rec level by age 14, you are at a serious disadvantage in HS tryouts -- not because you lack the athleticism, but just because you lack the experience and maybe the benefit of better instruction.

With all do respect Midlo Dad I could not disagree with you more, first I question what your vision of a " a true five tool prospect" is. Secondly the thought of having to have between six and seven hundred games in order to compete for a position on a high school baseball team is reprehensible. What percentage of travel ball players don't even tryout for their respective high schools because they have had enough, as they say "they have been playing all of their lives"(or since 9U). Sir I have been in the game all of my life (as a player,coach or scout) and I am almost 40. But for a 14, 15, or 16 year old kid to say that to you is inexcusable. Lastly, how many great baseball players are there in the state of illinois that kids have to be traveling at age nine? and if kids have to start playing travel ball at such an early age who plays in town or rec leagues? As a head varsity baseball coach I have and never will ask any of my athletes what travel team did they play for or what statistics did they put forth as a young player. Thats yesterdays news. I look for actions or as you stated as a negative in your last paragraph "athleticism". You may want to re-evaluate your thinking sir.

CPLZ how do you know if your kid wants it?
LLDad96 100 games is crazy stay away.
Soxfan56 who rates the top programs? What considers them a top program? Is it wins? amount of kids drafted? Who credits or for that fact discredits these programs?

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CPLZ how do you know if your kid wants it?

Easy, you ask him.

He probably has friends that play. If he is anything like my son, he may have attended a few of his friends games or been to one of their tournaments. My son played in house league and then on an all star team that played other in house league all star teams.

I asked him, he said he was happy doing what he was doing at that time.

I think travel ball has its purpose but not until the boys are older. If boys stayed in LL or local teams, there would be enough good competition for players to get better. When dads form their own travel teams and create an abundance of teams, pulling kids from LL and area teams, that is when the competition becomes weak. My oldest son played LL and didn't play travel ball from 9U since he faced great competition and wanted to do other things. He moved to Texas where they all seem to play travel at a real young age. He started as a sophomore on Varsity at one of the highest ranked schools in Texas. Not playing travel ball didn't hurt him and he'll be playing D1 ball next year. His brother was 10 when we moved and had to play travel since that was all that was offered. He started complaining about how much practice he had and he just wanted to play with his friends. Coach said when he doesn't want to come, he doesn't have to and that is the only reason he is still playing. Travel ball doesn't mean you'll make the high school team and not playing travel doesn't mean you won't make the high school team. My advice would be to let him play with his friends at this age and revisit this issue in the future.

This a good discussion and probably a topic most parents don't know what to do with.

CPLZ, your son is clearly a big talent and his experience is going to be different from that of the average kid who wants to play baseball.

The thing that I would comment on is that how kid plays at 10 and 12 years old has little to do with how he is playing going into HS. It is much the same trying to project a 13 or 14 year old as a HS Varsity Player. So many kids who dominate at younger ages do so because of such things as maturity and that they (or their parents or coach) make it a huge part of their life. Success at that level does not translate to success on higher levels. Of course there are kids who dominated as Travel Players and haev managed to do so in HS and beyond. I think these kids are exceptional. I also wonder how many kids who are not mature giving up becasue they weren't able to compete on "High-Level Travel Teams" at younger ages.

At our school, we have lost some of our best players to what I would call burn-out. They played on teams that played big schedules starting at young ages. Some kids who I saw dominating baseball as late as 14 year old Travel never played more than a year or two of HS Baseball.

The gung-ho Travel People at young ages need to realize how many of those kids aren't playing beyond a year or two of HS. I've heard people talking about their kids having the goal of a College Scholarship who have no idea just how few baseball dollars are out there. My son is a pretty decent HS pitcher, and was a very dominating Travel Pitcher, but his success now has little to do with why he was good then. Then he was just a big kid who threw the ball past people, just as so many younger hitters are stars becasue of their strength. I've seen such kids fail on higher levels because they weren't able to adjust,just as I've seen some kides who were s****** at best become very nice HS Players.

Do you need to play travel before HS? Just as in every other aspect of their lives, the parent has to decide........but I really think that at an age younger than 13 it has little effect on how they do on a higher level.

Best rule of thumb: For kid's sports, if it isn't worth doing for fun right now, it isn't worth doing.

In just a year or two, so many of these kids we talk about on this site will no longer be playing baseball, despite having the long-term goal of playing college baseball.....I just hope they have other options. As they sometimes say: "It ain't what it is cracked up to be."

Barrington Travelers record ages 13-14 was about 120-30. Only 4 kids from those teams were still playing as Juniors in HS.

NRPMom, outstanding response

why was S c r a p p y not allowed to be in my post?

Thanks for the insight. I guess every kid is different and we all just try to do the best we can. What about lessons at this age (11-12)? There are plenty of places around with instructors but I wonder about placing such an emphasis on just baseball. Plus the cost isn't cheap. My thought is to focus more on general fitness, core and balance work, etc and encourage him to play other sports too. He does get anxious over the winter though. We've been out throwing a little the last few days with the warmer weather and he's going to a camp over the break. Maybe that's just enough to keep him motivated for next season.

As a long-time travel coach, I have greatly modified our schedule...it may help you in your decision. Like so many others, I started out scheduling 70-80 games or more including at least one week-long world series and several weeknight games to go with the bruising every weekend tournament schedule. Yes, burnout was a bit of a factor but something largely missing from this thread is the often overlooked casualty - lack of practice time/attention to improving fundamentals. Too many travel teams practice far too little. Most tournaments don't even allow time for pre-game infield. Unless you have time to spend individually working out with your son - hitting ground balls, etc. look for a team that sacrifices games for quality practices. I cut my 13U travel team schedule down to 45 games last year and increased # of practices from 10-15 to approximately 40. We cut out most of the weeknight games (which I think saves burning out pitchers arms). Of course, we incorporated some fun type activities into our practices, but overall the extra attention to fundamentals will benefit these players in the long run. Good luck with your decision...most importantly...listen to your son!

cowboyfan - your post is music to my ears. I've been preaching in our LL for a few years about the number of games scheduled (2-4 per week) which doesn't allow for much practice time. Many teams don't practice because they're worried the parents might object to the extra time. But most of the coaches and board members insist that we have to play that many games to justify the fee to the parents or because that's the way they were brought up. I tell the parents on my teams that my responsibility is to try to teach them the game and practice time is where they learn the most.
I schedule practices every week and let the parents and players decide to come based on what they each think is enough of a commitment that week. I don't penalize them for not going to practice (although alot of coaches do) so they aren't forced to go. We don't usually have the best team according to wins but I think our kids enjoy it more since we focus on their improvement and enjoyment of it not the scoreboard.

My son started in travel ball at age 12 because he wasn't getting meaningful competition in house or house allstar travel team. He loved the games, the more the better. But that was him. Kids do get burned out. I also agree that most travel teams don't practice enough if at all, and don't work enough on fundamentals. You need to find the program thqat is right for what your son wants to do. I think it helps to play tougher competition if your kid is not overematched. High school is a long way off. Just do what makes him happy now, and put him in the best situation to succeed. Also, beware of strength training too early, it could be harmful.

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why was S c r a p p y not allowed to be in my post?

Sorry FastballDad, our forum software is set up to automatically replace the word c r appy with the asterisks. Sometimes those automatic settings result in unintended results!

Julie

The most important thing to me in selecting where to have a kid play before high school is coaching. Many travel programs obviously are deeper in terms of coaching knowledge than local house leagues. However there are great coaches in some house leagues as well. I just feel like the number of games isn’t near as important as learning the basic fundamentals that will help a player succeed at the high school level. I also do think it depends on the kid, some kids could play 1,000 games and never burn out, and others get frustrated after 35. Lessons can of course help too, but I think the right coach can teach just as much in practice without an extra charge. My advice is check out all your options and make sure that your son is happy were ever he plays. The worst thing to happen would be if baseball became a negative experience.

quote:

Travel ball is for the kid that wants it.

I have a hard time seeing a coach sign a player that didn't want it. I sure it happens but how can he prove himself against top conpetition. This really puzzles me.
A ball players desire to play at the highest level possible is what makes him a great ball player.
I don't say that it can't happen but I would love to know how he makes out competing against the polished players for a roster spot.

Bobblehead,
I was referring to travel ball, before HS. My son is an example of a kid who had no desire to make the travel commitment at the expense of all his other activities in pre HS competition.

As is the case with most people, things change over time. By the time Junior year in HS came around, my son had given up all other sports and worked very hard on baseball.

In my sons case, he didn't want it then. Now however, he is more focused and driven towards a singular goal.

As far as how he makes out versus the polished players that have played travel ball, well, things change. Many of those kids that were dominant travel ball players, were so because they had matured early. Most of them don't play anymore. My son physically matured late, grew, got stronger, gained mph on his fastball and is a #1 starter now.

I coached developmental league basketball for a number of years for junior high kids. The last class I coached, now juniors in HS, none of the top players play varsity basketball. and this is not the anomoly, it is more the rule. Which is kind of my point. If at the age that it matters, your son possess the physical tools and desire, he can probably make it without the benefit of having played travel ball pre HS.

I agree that coaching is key. It is hard to know a travel coach until you play for them in many cases. After you are in it a while, you know who is who, but it takes a while.
Private lessons are very important. Most of the top players have had private lessons. When you first realize your kid has real ability, it is important imo to make sure the mechanics are right and that they learn the correct habits. At older ages it will make a difference.
I see most of the top players at younger ages still being the top players. In basketball as well as baseball. Maybe it is just my area, but we see the same kids continue to dominate all the way through. Follow the baseball players in the 09 class. The top 12 year olds are mostly still top, many already playing varsity or soon will be.

quote:

I disagree. My oldest never played travel, and will sign D1 this year.

quote:

I disagree. My oldest never played travel, and will sign D1 this year.

My english is pretty good so I took this as your son never played Travel, elite of anything other than rec ball.
I watch all levels of BB even rec and their are some goog players who didn't have the drive. Yes things change and yes you don't have to play travel at a young age. I have seen many guys drop out for various reasons Mostly girls,drugs and working for that car they need.
You can play travel ball for very little money. I think it is great if your son developed a desire to play and I assume he did play travel ball with your last post.
My son played basket ball and played all over the US. His HS coach is a coach at Bullshead Ariz and led them to their fist 4 A state championship last season.
My son is also a late bloomer but his desire has never waivered since he was 9. I know that most of his teammates have dropped out for various reasons but many are playing US college ball. One guy just made the 40 man roster on the Pirates and he played every game he could at all levels since he was 9. I can't even think of one guy who came in late to the game.
Again it happens so good luck.

This is something I've often wondered about, But I do know that of the 7 kids from my sons grade that played varsity, everyone played travel ball beginning no later than 12. None of the kids that started later or stayed in rec ball made it past freshman or jv. In our area we definitely have a higher percentage of travel ball kids staying with the game as most of the kids in rec ball dropped out or were cut at the freshman level. The exceptional athletes can overcome what they lack in skill with pure athletic ability, but for the kids that aren't born with superior genes and want to play hs ball, I think the early bird gets the worm.

It's probably true to some degree that "The early bird gets the worm" as far as starting early goes. I'm not sure that is a good thing. I also think that a lot of kids who do not start early give up early because they think they can't compete, and that is part of why HS teams are mostly made up of Travel Kids.

A kid throwing 80 at 13 or 14 is going to strike out a ton of kids whether it is travel or house ball. It's what happens the next few years after that makes a difference.

Several years back, Walter Payton's son was in Barrington Youth Baseball. His big committment was to s****r, so he missed a ton of baseball.....was there less than a third of the time. Funny thing was, even being a part time player he was still as good or better than the best players in town, travel or not.

Sometimes it just comes down to talent, as in The Class of 07's top pitcher crowned this year. He played travel and was a good player, but it was physical and I'm sure just maturity in general that vaulted him from a good travel player to maybe the best player. I've got a feeling it would have happened anywhere, just so long as he was playing.

Why wouldn't baseball be like hockey and s****r. In hockey, if you don't start skating and playing by age 8 you're done. S****r takes skill with the ball that starts at a youg age. It seems that hitting and throwing a baseball would be similar skills and so starting early and playing more would be helpfull. Those sports also have burnout, but that might weeds out the kids that don't love the game enough to play all the time.

Whew! I turn away for a day and this one got hot & heavy.

Playball2, a few responses:

First, a "5 tool prospect" means strong arm, strong glove (potential), speed, power, and (potential) ability to hit for average. The boy I referred to showed all 5 characteristics from a young age, and still in my opinion has that potential. But it is still undeveloped potential, and the sand is running out of the hourglass. Once again this year, he did nothing to improve over the summer or fall, and as a result he will have to fight just to get on the field this spring, in his junior year.

Secondly, I clearly didn't say you had to start at 9u, so I don't know why you argued against something I didn't say. My son did start at 9u, though I wouldn't contend that you have to do that. But BTW, both he and I enjoyed every minute of it. Burnout, hah!

I do not think HS coaches ask for travel stats and quite frankly, travel stats are inherently unreliable. You would have to know who they were playing against and who kept the book to know if they had any validity at all.

What I do think is that when a boy shows up at your tryouts and does all the things that make you notice him, in all likelihood it's because he gained polish and confidence through years of experience, hundreds of games and quality practices. (And yes, I do agree with the comment above that many travel teams play games to the exclusion of practices and this is a big mistake.)

I played HS ball 28 years ago and I watch a lot of HS ball now. The caliber of play is tremendously improved. Do you think this happened by itself? Do you think these boys are showing up to your tryouts with gifts that boys from 28 years ago didn't have? Baseball is a skill game, and skills develop through sound instruction and regular practice/experience.

I agree with Innocent Bystander. Some guys are gifted athletes and they can overcome the late start, but most of the guys trying out for a HS team are not quite so gifted, and they are at a disadvantage against their competition if they lack the experience the other boys have.

Finally, about burnout: IMHO, a frequently used term that is almost never genuinely applicable. Lots of kids simply discover they love other things more than baseball. That's not burnout, it's just normal. Lots of other kids discover that they cannot make the cut and they take the hint and move on to other things. Good for them. Nobody's good at everything, and baseball may not be for you. Find your own niche.

The few burnout cases I've seen are usually caused by kids being turned off by abusive coaching, especially when the coach was the father. In those situations the kid has no escape from the abuse except to quit the sport entirely. That is a dirty shame, but it's caused by something other than playing a lot.

If it's fun, the boy will WANT to play all the time. We just wish it didn't get cold in the winter time!

quote:

Originally posted by FastballDad:
Sometimes it just comes down to talent, as in The Class of 07's top pitcher crowned this year. He played travel and was a good player, but it was physical and I'm sure just maturity in general that vaulted him from a good travel player to maybe the best player. I've got a feeling it would have happened anywhere, just so long as he was playing.

Umm, with all due respect, let's please not be too quick to annoint the 07 top pitcher yet.

As a long time proponent of travel baseball I feel the need to chime in.

100 games is doable, beginning at about age 10.

If:

The right coach is in place.
The right parent is involved.
Most importantly, if the right 10 year old player has the desire and ability to participate.

The team needs 18 or more players and most of the players should be pitchers.

Games need to be played over a 4-5 month period and pitchers must be monitored in many ways.

Having said that, it is obvious that there are an awful lot of travel teams that can't or won't follow these basic requirements. My advice is to stay away from them.

Simply put, your 10-12 year old son MUST be a well above average player to consider travel ball in the first place.


I agree with FBDad though, that beginning at or about 13 years old a good player who wants to play in HS and dream about college ball better find a good travel coach and team.

The smart parent will find that coach and that team.

There are NOT a lot of players in the top 50 D1 programs that are like CPLZ's son.

CPLZ...not my annointing him "The Best Player" but others more informed than I. Not to mention The University of Illinois refering to him that way.

Personally, I don't think there is a "Best Player." I've been very impressed with several players in the 07 class.

Besides, I was making apoint that would be the same were that player #1 or #21.

This has been a good thread...good civil debate. Since I may have first brought up the term "burnout" let me explain. If you read back my post, I was referring to all too often tendency by some over zelous travel "coaches" to burn out pitchers arms at age 10-14 by pitching them 5-6 innings on a weeknight, another 5-6 on Fri night opening tournament game, then coming back with them again on Sunday.
Soxnole - you have it in right perspective - if team carries several pitchers (8-10), yes, 100 games is doable. Unfortunately, that's not case with most competitive travel teams age 10-14. And unfortunately most parents on teams such as that either don't know better or are understandably afraid to confront the "coach" who pitches a 12 year old 150+ innings week after week.
Now about that word that's become a dirty word in travel baseball - PRACTICE. I'm not opposed to travel coach who plays 100 games in 4-5 months. I'm opposed to travel coach who rarely practices. As I stated before, for the few travel players who get out on their own in between games, etc. and work out with their Dad, etc. they'll improve. But for the majority, that's not the case.
Let's take a SS for example. In those 100 games, he may average 2-3 ground balls per game. How many times does he get to backhand, go to his left, charge slow roller, turn 2,practice catching texas leaguers, etc., etc. Very rarely. Unless he takes hundreds of ground balls each way in practices and/or on his own, he's not going to learn how to knock those precious mili-seconds off his times in making those plays.
Having formerly coached travel teams that played 100 game seasons, I caved to the understandable pressure from parents to give them that 1-2 nights per week we weren't playing the night off rather than schedule a 2 hour practice. After cutting back to 45 games last season, we averaged 2-3 practices per week which resulted in moderate to dramatic improvement in individual fundamentals.
Again, I respect everyone's opinion on this great thread...probably no right/wrong answer...just my two cents.

Midlodad Why do you refuse to answer the other questions? Would it mean that you may have to reflect upon yourself as a red flag dad? Do you really believe that a player needs 600-700 games under their belt to make their high school team is true? I asked you for what your vision of a 5 tool player is not what I or for that matter anyone else already know. If you want to know why I think the high school game has changed dramatically, I think it is because of a number of reasons other than travel ball, for one how about the fact that coaching at the high school level has vastly improved, how about the fact that high school facilities have improved, how about the fact that students take more individual instruction, how about the fact that technology has enhanced the game, how about the fact that kids today are bigger, faster, and stronger than they ever have been.

Secondly, a term burnout is very real and applicable word (kids believe that a lifetime is 14 yrs of age, or as you put it sand running out of the hour glass)it just doesn't exist at 9U. Living a lifetime in no time. Since when does a 9 year old have to live or play with a sense of urgency.

Lastly, I will give you a second chance on answering a question: what is your vision of a quality practice?

Soxnole 100 games at 10? Are you the coach of Midlodads 9U son. Gentlemen think. What kid percentage at 9 or 10 really knows what he wants to do at 16? Except not play baseball because he has done that all his life.

Organize play stifles the creativity, the imagination and natural instincts of the athlete.

Programs should be develop to inspire players to want to do more. How much do players play on their own? When the season is over when do you believe is the next time they remove their gloves again?

Apparently you have some sort of reading comprehension problem.

You continue to mischaracterize what I said in order to go on some rant of your own design.

I'll stand by what I actually said. I don't have to defend what you want to pretend I said. Anyone of fair mind can still read what I actually posted above, if they care. If you have some axe to grind, take it somewhere else.

I will say that an awful lot of high school coaching is indeed very good these days, though as in all things, not uniformly so. But at the same time, players are far more advanced by the time they get there than they were in decades past, so don't give the HS coaches all the credit. And all that training you refer to, lots of it comes from qualified travel coaches. Or from kids who are trying to improve after seeing where they stack up in travel ball.

Beyond that, since you seem to have some sort of anger management problem, I see no reason to continue corresponding with you.

I get angry at people who believe that 700 games is appropriate, just answer the questions and quit trying to psychoanalyze me. By the way denial is a redflag also.

quote:

Do you really believe that a player needs 600-700 games under their belt to make their high school team is true?

Playball2... Why do you think its not appropriate?
I'd say it depends on the area where you play.

I'll tell in my neck of the woods if you haven't played travel ball and averaged over 100 games a year for a number of years, your chance to make a local HS team are slim. In fact, on my son's HS varsity team, every player had played travel ball since at least 13 years old, most since 10. Those that didn't did not make their HS team. I believe this is not the norm every where, but it is in our local area as we are a HIGH profile baseball area. Kids in our area dream of more than HS baseball, and many have succeeded. (I know of at least 12-15 local new millionaires from Baseball in the last 6-7 years) And many more making 6 figures. More beyond that have supplemented their College budget... I can't think of one of them that didn't play local travel ball.

Also notice which states have the most kids drafted each year. Also notice what happened to the Georgia kids once a program like EAST COBB started up....

How many games do you think the Dominicians play? Everyday????

That all said, Playing travel ball alone, doesn't guarantee anything. Does every Travel ball kid make it... No... And YES I do believe some parents go over board, and I would much rather have had half the games my son played was Street ball in a local sandlot, just having pure fun but that is not the reality our kids live in now... but I will say even with all the games, (I estimate my oldest son played close to 1500 by the time he graduated HS) one of the things my boys and their friends would most like to do as "play" would be go play wiffle ball in the back yard and swing for the fences.... If they love it.... they love it....

So what gives Playball2 the right to be angry at me or all the others in my community.

LLdad96 If your son LOVES the game... now (12) is a good time to consider travel ball, find the level that works, that can be between 60 up to over 150 games... depending on the competitivness of the team.
If your son doesn't like that then don't do it. SIMPLE. If, however its his dream to play MLB... and he loves the game. Realize there are a lot of kids that do play 150 or more games a year... some will quit but I bet the odds are far greater for those 150 game players to make it to their dream than if all they did was play LL... You as a father can only help provide your son the opportunity, He has to want it.. Your son will let you know if its his passion or not.

Now theres a great point, Dominicans play everyday... I assure you there isnt much "travelBall" there. Its called repitition and too many people forget how you really get better at the trade.

I have to roll but later I am going to respond a little about the word I hate, "Travelball"

Having a dream to play MLB is wonderful.

Planning on it is another thing.

Travel coaches are just as likely to be bad as good.

Most kids get better at pitching and hitting because of practice and their pitching and hitting coaches, not their Travel Coaches.

If your kid is lucky he will get into a good 13-14 program with a really good coach....not just a good baseball coach, but a man you don't mind having significant influence on your son. They will be spending a lot of time together.

Before that, does it really matter?

Where did Danny Almonte sign?

SBDD, thank you for proving my point, first Illinois is one of the top five states year in and year out in the MLB draft. Second the dominicans "play", check my prior post about "play" (1 handed fielding technique, the lower arm slot in pitching, the tap stride, catching mechanics, etc) attributed to the Dominicans, discovered through play, unorganized play. Lastly and respectfully california also owns the greatest amount of Tommy John surgeries for athletes under 12. Much like Midlodad answer the questions, if you are in favor convince me that it is a good thing. The goal of the original post "What is a good age for kids to start travel ball?", While I believe that our kids will show an interest and genuine enthusiasm toward something they like, I hardly call that a passion. I have seen and hate to see that geniune enthusiasm taken away from anyone, let alone a 9 yeer old. Midlodad attempts to portray me as someone with an axe to grind or a anger management problem. I have or am neither. I am a fair mind, a concerned educator, coach and parent who hates to see kids grow up too fast. I have a passion for the game and to see the games finest players quitting at an age when they should be thriving is extemely disheartening.

I believe playing against the best competition possible and good practices will help the young ballplayer. Both are needed, where we live the in-house program plays 14 games. All the good players are in Travel ergo you must play travel ball. To see hit, pitch and play against good competition.

But we left one team because the practices were far and few and watching them my wife's comments sums it all up, "they look like they are just playing 500". My son wasn't learning anything from the coaches. We did our own work on off days and weekends when we could.

Best of luck.

The answer to the question is "as soon as he shows a passion for the game".
Why worry about burnout which is a catch all phrase. Those who love BB don't burnout. They decide to stop playing for amny reasons and that is the way it is.
My son played Fast Ball from 5-8 years old. He came to me and said he wanted to play real BB like one of his teammates. I had no idea where this was going. We signed him up for rec ball and every kid was asked if they wanted to tryout for the allstar travel team. He said yes. Frankly he didn't show much at 8yo so it was just fun for us. He tried out and was mage a call up. When he was told he was a call up he shrugged his shoulders and played rec ball. 3 weeks in to the season we got a call from the allstar coach calling him up. We said no that he was committed to his team which had 5 wonderful coaches. One was a minor league player in the Red Sox org. The coach said he could continue to play for the rec team but they wanted him to play on the allstar team full time as well but they had to clear it with the board. It was cleared although I found out latter it caused a big furor.
He raced from one team to another often putting his AS uniform on in our van on the way to a game. He was bitten by the bug and you never saw a happier kid. He never missed a game or practice and was always pacing to go. Our lives were never to be the same from that point on. Yes he played 100+ games every season and I marvelled at his commitment and eagerness to be at the ball park or training center.
He is now 20 and is just as eager ,just as thrilled and can't wait for spring. He runs his heart out lifts weights and works out like never before. The love of the game and being around his teammates is everything to him.
I feel that this is typical of the true BB guys. They put BB ahead of everything.
I am sure some parents don't see this and talk about playing too much and burning out. My son was never forced to play he wanted to play every day. For a few years he played on 4 teams, HS varsity, District allstar, AAA allstars and the Elite team. The elite team alone played over 100 games and travelled almost every week end.
His final year before college he told me he was just going to play varsity basketball and elite BB. I was dissapointed but as always it was his descion. I can honestly say that all his coaches were very nice coaches and he always had a choice of pitching and comming out of a game if he was ready. I never ever had to talk him into playing and I marvelled at his stammina and desire to play.

Bobblehead, that is a tremendous story. One that I hope I am fortunate to share with my soon who loves to "play" the game, that I have a passion for. However as a High School baseball coach, I can honestly tell you that burnout is not a catch all phrase. It is without question a reality and I don't understand why this is not accepted by those on this thread as a reality. I know the difference between redirecting your energies and burnout. When a player says to you at 14/15/16 years of age I have been doing this all my life and don't wish to do this anymore because they no longer like the game(happens atleast once a year), a game their parent says they had a passion for and can't understand why they no longer wish to play, what else is it. Of course they are going to be doing something else they are in their early to mid teens. I would hope that they do something else. But to never want to play baseball again. It happens too often and the reality is it doesn't have to happen at all.

On a positive note, this is a tremendous thread one (if you can't tell) I am very passionate about. Personally, thank you for the time and efforts into your thoughts, opinions,etc.

my soon, is my son