Select Baseball

[sjaaaz]

As with most of the comments, it is all about research. My son's first "select" team was glorified daddy ball. It was a waste of money. His level of play decreased. We moved him the first chance we got.
New select baseball organizations and facilities seem to be popping up everywhere. Do your homework.

[Poquito Venado]

Keep in mind the added expense of traveling.Gas ,food,hotels.


DJ

Had 2 kiddos that played for many years...hate to tell u this but the $1500 is just a drop in the bucket if this is a serious team that travels a lot. The travel $$$ is what gets ya! Wouldn't trade it for the world however!!!

[JRL]

I came across this great interview with Dr. Andrews last night and thought about this thread. Having three little boys, I'm just trying to soak up as much info as I can before they get into sports.

http://www.cleveland.com/dman/index.ssf/2013/02/noted_surgeon_dr_james_andrews.html

[zztex]

I think this a great way to look at it. The money shouldn't be the overridding question. Either you can afford it or you can't, only you can answer that. When it comes to making this decision, I beleive, you have to think about why you are doing it. Too many do it for the wrong reasons (college scholarship, reliving the glory days, water cooler talk). It has to be about the boy and making sure that its what he wants at that age. The last thing you want is for him to look up and ask you why you are making him do it. Not saying that is the case, just something to ponder.

As far as the scholarship is concerned (this is what we hear from parents all the time) this doesn't need to be a factor. Just a couple of reasons why:

1) if you spend an average of $4,000 per year in dues, tourneys and equipment (this is on the low side and will increase as the years go by) and do it for the next 12 years, you will have spent $48,000. Just saving that and investing it would do wonders for your kiddos college.

2) At 11.7 scholarships per school (NCAA Div 1) scholarships are hard to come by and are generally split up to 1/4 and 1/2's. If they find out that you have any money at all, they will give your kid a preferred walk on spot.

Didn't want to get into a rant, but I hate seeing kids and their fathers hearts broken when they get to high school with big league dreams and it doesn't work out.

As long as junior is having a ball and improving get after it. The guys that say that fundamentals are the key right now are on to something. Think about high school and college tryouts. Its all drills. They just want to know who has the tools...

Best post of the year.

[Eric Pence]

I have a baseball organization in North Texas, we do have younger teams 6-7u, but they don't play as big a schedule as our older teams.. Kids need great coaching , quality practices and someone to lead by example..
Have fun and learn how to play game.. Don't get caught up in winning trophy s ..
Kinda like hunting, not all about the kill. Enjoy the experience .
Coach Knapp
North Texas Fury Elite

This ...If he is that much better than the competition play him up...My son is 12 and he is playing with 15-16 yr olds ...My other son is going on 15 and can barely keep up with his yngr brother....I think 12 yrs old is when the light goes off and you can really start seeing their future..