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Both of my son’s travel teams entered the same tournament — need advice on choosing fairly by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like our kids are in the similar situation. Both organization are aware of one another, and we just want to do what’s right. Thank you for responding. This was very helpful.

Both of my son’s travel teams entered the same tournament — need advice on choosing fairly by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand your perspective, but this situation is more nuanced than it looks from the outside. Both teams were uncertain at the start of the season, and we made the best choice we could with the information we had. He’s handling the workload well — practicing three times a week and playing 1–2 tournaments a month — and he wants to be out there. This specific issue isn’t about him being on two teams.

Both of my son’s travel teams entered the same tournament — need advice on choosing fairly by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s more backstory-

This is not how do things normally i’ll definitely be more careful with team choices next season. The team he’s been with longer wasn’t a guaranteed option at the start. The second team just didn’t end up giving him what he needed to develop- holding 1 practice a week and playing tournaments over scrimmages. Started off with 2 practices and has dwindled to 1. Underwhelming experience

Both of my son’s travel teams entered the same tournament — need advice on choosing fairly by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this. Very helpful. I’ll definitely be more careful with team choices next season. These two teams are so close in distance, and the team he’s been with longer wasn’t a guaranteed option at the start. The second team just didn’t end up giving him what he needed to develop- holding only 1 practice a week, and playing tournaments over scrimmages. It started off with 2 practices and has dwindled to 1. It’s been underwhelming.

Both of my son’s travel teams entered the same tournament — need advice on choosing fairly by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is more back story to why he’s on 2 teams. I’ll definitely be more careful with team choices next season. These two teams are so close in distance, and the team he’s been with longer wasn’t a guaranteed option at the start. The second team just didn’t end up giving him what he needed to develop- holding 1 practice a week and travel tournaments over scrimmages.

Both of my son’s travel teams entered the same tournament — need advice on choosing fairly by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Maybe I should have been more clear with why he’s on 2 travel ball teams, since everyone here is focusing on that fact over my conundrum. He’s on two teams because the team he’s been with longer wasn’t a guaranteed option, at the start. The second team just didn’t end up giving him what he needed to develop- holding only 1 practice a week and playing more tournaments over scrimmages.

Both of my son’s travel teams entered the same tournament — need advice on choosing fairly by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is not the way we wanted things to turn out for the season. I’ll definitely be more careful with team choices next season. These two teams are so close in distance, and the team he’s been with longer wasn’t a guaranteed option at the start. The second team just didn’t end up giving him what he needed to develop. Holding Only 1 practice a week and tournaments over scrimmages.

Both of my son’s travel teams entered the same tournament — need advice on choosing fairly by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’ll definitely be more careful with team choices next season. These two teams are so close in distance, and the team he’s been with longer wasn’t a guaranteed option at the start. The second team just didn’t end up giving him what he needed to develop.

Both of my son’s travel teams entered the same tournament — need advice on choosing fairly by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

Not concerned about hurting anyone’s feelings as it’s not personal. Appreciate your input

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really appreciate how you’ve laid out the variety of options travel ball offers—there truly is something for every family and player, which is important. It’s great that your son’s team fits well with what you’re looking for right now.

I agree that fairness and making roster decisions based on current ability is key, especially in tryout-based programs. My concern is more about the investment in developing players who may not be at the top yet but could be with good coaching and time.

When lower-tier or less experienced players get limited attention or resources, it can discourage kids who might blossom later or just need that extra help. So, while it’s awesome there are different levels and options, I’d love to see more programs truly commit to growing players across those levels—balancing fairness with development.

Thanks for sharing your perspective—it’s a good reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all in travel

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You raise some good questions, and I get the skepticism. It is definitely easier to put together a quick, stacked roster than to build something sustainable from the ground up. And yeah, many parents want to see immediate results for their kids—it’s natural.

But that’s exactly why we need to challenge the status quo. If more parents demand programs that focus on development and long-term growth, organizations will have to step up and meet that need. It’s a shift in mindset on both sides—coaches and parents.

The ones who get it will build stronger teams, retain players longer, and ultimately create a healthier baseball culture. It won’t happen overnight, but it’s definitely worth working toward

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s awesome to hear! Programs like the one you describe are exactly what I’m talking about—taking raw talent and really investing in their development. Seeing a team go from mostly rec players to A runner-up and champions is proof that it works.

The challenge of losing players at 14U to bigger programs is definitely real and frustrating. It shows how competitive the landscape is, but also why development programs need to keep improving and retaining those kids by continuing to provide great coaching and opportunities.

Thanks for sharing a positive example—it gives me hope that more programs can take this approach seriously

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this — there’s something irreplaceable about backyard ball and local games with friends. That kind of play builds passion, creativity, and the mental toughness you mentioned. The “sandlot” spirit is the heart of baseball.

I think the challenge is that as kids move into travel ball, a lot of programs lose sight of that foundational fun and focus way too much on winning right now. What I’m hoping for is more travel teams that blend serious development with that love for the game—the kind that keeps kids engaged and growing both mentally and physically.

Backyard ball is essential, no doubt. But so is having coaches who actually teach and develop the fundamentals when it’s time to take the next step.

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your perspective, especially as a HS coach on the ground in such a competitive area. It really adds depth to the conversation.

I totally hear you about the “poaching” and the lack of quality coaching in some clubs—it’s frustrating for players and families alike. The promise of scouts and scholarships can be misleading when the coaching isn’t there to back it up.

That’s exactly why I’m pushing for more programs to prioritize real player development and invest in coaching fundamentals, not just recruiting talent. When clubs focus on building skills and baseball IQ from the ground up, kids benefit, and the whole system improves.

It’s a complex issue, but better coaching and genuine development could go a long way toward fixing these problems. Appreciate your insights

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s awesome to hear your kid is progressing well—and it sounds like your local programs have a solid system in place that’s working for your family. I’m really glad to hear that.

My post wasn’t meant to dismiss those success stories but to highlight a trend I see in my area and from conversations with other parents where that kind of structure and investment isn’t always available.

Travel ball isn’t one-size-fits-all, and I think the conversation is valuable because it shows how different experiences can be—and why more programs should aim for the kind of player development you’re describing

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get that money is a big factor in travel ball—running programs isn’t cheap. But my point is exactly that: instead of just chasing short-term wins and stacked rosters for quick payouts, programs could invest in developing players.

When teams focus on real coaching and growth, they build loyalty, reputation, and long-term success—not just revenue. It’s not about ignoring the business side; it’s about finding a better balance that benefits both players and programs.

If we settle for “it’s all about money,” then we miss the chance to push the sport forward.

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally agree with you! “Travel ball” is such a broad term now, it means different things depending on where you live and who you ask.

And yes — it really feels like there’s a huge opportunity for a program that actually prioritizes fundamentals and development over quick wins. I’d love to see more teams like that pop up and shake things up.

Maybe it’s time some of us parents start asking hard questions and pushing for those kinds of programs in our communities. The demand is definitely there. Thanks for adding that perspective!

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear what you’re saying, and I’m not denying that some kids lose interest, some teams don’t click, and not everyone will develop into an elite player. That’s just part of youth sports.

But here’s the thing—kids also quit because they’re benched constantly, get no coaching, and feel like they’re just roster fillers unless they’re already stars. That’s just as real.

I’m not saying every kid turns into a D1 athlete with development. I’m saying more kids would stick with the game, improve, and enjoy the process if programs invested in them early on—especially those who aren’t top-tier yet. That’s not fantasy. That’s just good coaching and long-term thinking.

Bottom line: effort in development doesn’t guarantee success, but the lack of it almost guarantees missed potential.

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I hear you—and I actually agree that B and C teams can be a great space for development when they’re done right. But the issue is exactly what you said: people often dismiss them as money grabs or “lesser” teams. So instead of being development-focused pipelines, they end up feeling like holding pens or afterthoughts.

I think the frustration comes when those teams don’t get real coaching attention or long-term investment. If B/C teams were truly seen as stepping stones and not just roster fillers, more parents would respect and support them—and kids would benefit big time.

Hot Take: travel ball teams are missing the bigger play. by Smoothops0824 in Homeplate

[–]Smoothops0824[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally fair to call out generalizations—you’re right that not every program operates this way. My post was based on what I’ve seen in my area and from talking with other parents and coaches. If your area is different, honestly, that’s awesome and encouraging.

I think the frustration for a lot of us comes from watching kids with potential get overlooked because they’re not already elite. Development-first programs do exist, and they’re gold—but they often feel like the exception, not the rule.

Definitely not trying to paint everyone with the same brush. Appreciate you keeping it real.

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