Travel baseball kids who don't play in HS- what next?

[Anonymous]

Try Wild Bill and DC Dynasty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I didn't know a travel kid who doesn't play high school ball would be so triggering to some!

Let's just say that between academic struggles and an unfortunate family schedule caring for a dying elderly parent, an husband's inflexible job, other children, and my own job, my son is starting to realize that the commitment of HS sports may not be right for him at this moment.

I don't think an inability to play HS ball should mean he doesn't play summer or fall travel ball. There are plenty of kids, especially at our large FCPS high school, who don't make the team. So I'm wondering what these kids do in the spring....that's simply all.

Does your son have learning disabilities? if not, there should not be much if any academic struggles. Cut back on the AP classes and classes over his weight class.

Car pooling is real.

OMG no. Focus on academics and arts extracurriculars, those are what get you into college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am sure people will blow their gasket at me, but no way in hell I am paying for my kid to play Summer travel baseball (which I imagine involves playing overnight tournaments) who has no interest or ability to play on the HS team.

The travel teams are all going to change very soon, so the team that exists right now in all likelihood will look very different in two years.

They can find a Babe Ruth league, or better yet find a different sport, or get involved in Robotics or something else at school or any number of different things.

At the very least, I would tell my kid they have to pick a Spring/full year activity they plan to pursue if they aren't playing HS baseball.

Let the screaming begin.

Mean cheapskate. Don’t be so controlling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I didn't know a travel kid who doesn't play high school ball would be so triggering to some!

Let's just say that between academic struggles and an unfortunate family schedule caring for a dying elderly parent, an husband's inflexible job, other children, and my own job, my son is starting to realize that the commitment of HS sports may not be right for him at this moment.

I don't think an inability to play HS ball should mean he doesn't play summer or fall travel ball. There are plenty of kids, especially at our large FCPS high school, who don't make the team. So I'm wondering what these kids do in the spring....that's simply all.

Does your son have learning disabilities? if not, there should not be much if any academic struggles. Cut back on the AP classes and classes over his weight class.

Car pooling is real.

OMG no. Focus on academics and arts extracurriculars, those are what get you into college.

Read the post, the kid is struggling, which likely means they are trying to punch above their weight class. Not good for the kids mental health.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sure people will blow their gasket at me, but no way in hell I am paying for my kid to play Summer travel baseball (which I imagine involves playing overnight tournaments) who has no interest or ability to play on the HS team.

The travel teams are all going to change very soon, so the team that exists right now in all likelihood will look very different in two years.

They can find a Babe Ruth league, or better yet find a different sport, or get involved in Robotics or something else at school or any number of different things.

At the very least, I would tell my kid they have to pick a Spring/full year activity they plan to pursue if they aren't playing HS baseball.

Let the screaming begin.

Nobody is going to scream at you, but there are plenty of nvtbl teams that play a local schedule. You’re right, babe Ruth would be a fun option too. Or putting in some hard work training for the summer season with the hope of making jv as a sophomore is valid too!

Don’t you think there is value in playing a sport for fun? I play tennis just because I like it and I can get some exercise with friends. Adults play pickleball and softball and soccer and run in races all for fun. I don’t see why a kid should be judged for that.

I do, which is why I suggest finding a different sport to play, ideally with your HS friends. There are many sports to pick that are no-cut, so at the very least...try one of those during the Fall or Spring. Who knows, it may become your new favorite sport.

My 8th grader has been playing travel baseball for years but he’s at the end of the road. He will play 14U this year but is just kind of over baseball. Doesn’t want to put in the time and effort to improve and realizes it’s just not his passion. He will switch to football for HS and not even try out for baseball.

Travel baseball for years. Who told you to do that?

He wanted to at the time. And the travel was at most 45 mins away. Why wouldn’t we?

Because you are the parent. He is burned out at 14. You should have eased him into it. Parenting 101 - lesson 4.

So? Nobody has regrets. He wants to focus on other things. He had fun, made friends but wants to focus on football which he was doing all along anyway. Go take a walk and relax, this isn’t about you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sure people will blow their gasket at me, but no way in hell I am paying for my kid to play Summer travel baseball (which I imagine involves playing overnight tournaments) who has no interest or ability to play on the HS team.

The travel teams are all going to change very soon, so the team that exists right now in all likelihood will look very different in two years.

They can find a Babe Ruth league, or better yet find a different sport, or get involved in Robotics or something else at school or any number of different things.

At the very least, I would tell my kid they have to pick a Spring/full year activity they plan to pursue if they aren't playing HS baseball.

Let the screaming begin.

Nobody is going to scream at you, but there are plenty of nvtbl teams that play a local schedule. You’re right, babe Ruth would be a fun option too. Or putting in some hard work training for the summer season with the hope of making jv as a sophomore is valid too!

Don’t you think there is value in playing a sport for fun? I play tennis just because I like it and I can get some exercise with friends. Adults play pickleball and softball and soccer and run in races all for fun. I don’t see why a kid should be judged for that.

I do, which is why I suggest finding a different sport to play, ideally with your HS friends. There are many sports to pick that are no-cut, so at the very least...try one of those during the Fall or Spring. Who knows, it may become your new favorite sport.

My 8th grader has been playing travel baseball for years but he’s at the end of the road. He will play 14U this year but is just kind of over baseball. Doesn’t want to put in the time and effort to improve and realizes it’s just not his passion. He will switch to football for HS and not even try out for baseball.

Travel baseball for years. Who told you to do that?

He wanted to at the time. And the travel was at most 45 mins away. Why wouldn’t we?

Because you are the parent. He is burned out at 14. You should have eased him into it. Parenting 101 - lesson 4.

NP. But kids quit baseball at 14. Has nothing to do with rec/club/travel/select/showcase/etc

14 is just when things get more serious and something things need more attention than others. It always happens at 14 with baseball. Nothing to do with PP as a parent "burning out their kid" Gimme a break

Playing travel ball for years. This is a recipe for burnout. Which the OP said. The kid never had a chance.

Go away. You know nothing. This has nothing to do with burn out. You make a lot of assumptions about how much time this takes. I guess your kid spends an insane amount of time playing baseball. Mine played baseball and three other school sports and realizes he likes another one better now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sure people will blow their gasket at me, but no way in hell I am paying for my kid to play Summer travel baseball (which I imagine involves playing overnight tournaments) who has no interest or ability to play on the HS team.

The travel teams are all going to change very soon, so the team that exists right now in all likelihood will look very different in two years.

They can find a Babe Ruth league, or better yet find a different sport, or get involved in Robotics or something else at school or any number of different things.

At the very least, I would tell my kid they have to pick a Spring/full year activity they plan to pursue if they aren't playing HS baseball.

Let the screaming begin.

Nobody is going to scream at you, but there are plenty of nvtbl teams that play a local schedule. You’re right, babe Ruth would be a fun option too. Or putting in some hard work training for the summer season with the hope of making jv as a sophomore is valid too!

Don’t you think there is value in playing a sport for fun? I play tennis just because I like it and I can get some exercise with friends. Adults play pickleball and softball and soccer and run in races all for fun. I don’t see why a kid should be judged for that.

I do, which is why I suggest finding a different sport to play, ideally with your HS friends. There are many sports to pick that are no-cut, so at the very least...try one of those during the Fall or Spring. Who knows, it may become your new favorite sport.

My 8th grader has been playing travel baseball for years but he’s at the end of the road. He will play 14U this year but is just kind of over baseball. Doesn’t want to put in the time and effort to improve and realizes it’s just not his passion. He will switch to football for HS and not even try out for baseball.

Travel baseball for years. Who told you to do that?

He wanted to at the time. And the travel was at most 45 mins away. Why wouldn’t we?

Because you are the parent. He is burned out at 14. You should have eased him into it. Parenting 101 - lesson 4.

NP. But kids quit baseball at 14. Has nothing to do with rec/club/travel/select/showcase/etc

14 is just when things get more serious and something things need more attention than others. It always happens at 14 with baseball. Nothing to do with PP as a parent "burning out their kid" Gimme a break

Playing travel ball for years. This is a recipe for burnout. Which the OP said. The kid never had a chance.

Go away. You know nothing. This has nothing to do with burn out. You make a lot of assumptions about how much time this takes. I guess your kid spends an insane amount of time playing baseball. Mine played baseball and three other school sports and realizes he likes another one better now.

You may be right. There was another post similar about baseball and burnout.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sure people will blow their gasket at me, but no way in hell I am paying for my kid to play Summer travel baseball (which I imagine involves playing overnight tournaments) who has no interest or ability to play on the HS team.

The travel teams are all going to change very soon, so the team that exists right now in all likelihood will look very different in two years.

They can find a Babe Ruth league, or better yet find a different sport, or get involved in Robotics or something else at school or any number of different things.

At the very least, I would tell my kid they have to pick a Spring/full year activity they plan to pursue if they aren't playing HS baseball.

Let the screaming begin.

Mean cheapskate. Don’t be so controlling.

Such an idiotic comment. More people need to have their kids try other things and the prospect that you will never be able to play your sport in high school is an opportunity smacking you in the face.

[Anonymous]

Almost all the kids will be done playing at 18. What difference does it make if they stop playing at 14, 16 or 18? They aren’t going to the MLB anyway. If they have other interests or passions let them pursue them when they decide it’s time. It’s not burnout or failure to switch gears.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a freshman who plays on your standard NVTBL 3A team. He was never a kid who had playing in high school as his goal - he just enjoyed the level of play and the camaraderie with teammates.

Now that he's in HS, he's starting to realize he might not want to even try for HS ball. So what do kids do who (for whatever reason) don't play school ball but still want to play competitively? He has an April birthday which is the youngest birth month in 15u (as you all know!) so he could maybe play spring travel ball with a 14u team if one would take him.

Curious what your travel players do if they don't do school ball. Thanks!

NVTBL doesn't shut down. There are so many travel baseball players that the vast majority of them do not make their high school varsity team. Most don't make the freshman team.
You can keep playing travel, they might move you to a team without high school players or if you move down they will probably put you on a more competitive team.
So much happens at 14/15/16 that by the time they are sophomores or juniors, they might decide they want to play for their high school team.

Talk to your organization and see what they have done with kids in your situation in the past. Some travel teams just play right through highs school and take time off during the season.

[Anonymous]

This most clubs move to grad year teams and take the spring off during the hs season. Ds opted not to try out for high school team, but continued to work out with some guys from his club team. Picked back up playing with them over the summer and fall. He’s always loved baseball but the school that ended up being the best fit for him academically/us financially is not one where he has a shot at playing baseball. It was a tough decision but ultimately I think it was the right call. Baseball at his HS is not far from D1 level skill and time committment (and many/most boys go on to play in college) so continuing to play with his outside team is a much better option for him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sure people will blow their gasket at me, but no way in hell I am paying for my kid to play Summer travel baseball (which I imagine involves playing overnight tournaments) who has no interest or ability to play on the HS team.

The travel teams are all going to change very soon, so the team that exists right now in all likelihood will look very different in two years.

They can find a Babe Ruth league, or better yet find a different sport, or get involved in Robotics or something else at school or any number of different things.

At the very least, I would tell my kid they have to pick a Spring/full year activity they plan to pursue if they aren't playing HS baseball.

Let the screaming begin.

Nobody is going to scream at you, but there are plenty of nvtbl teams that play a local schedule. You’re right, babe Ruth would be a fun option too. Or putting in some hard work training for the summer season with the hope of making jv as a sophomore is valid too!

Don’t you think there is value in playing a sport for fun? I play tennis just because I like it and I can get some exercise with friends. Adults play pickleball and softball and soccer and run in races all for fun. I don’t see why a kid should be judged for that.

I do, which is why I suggest finding a different sport to play, ideally with your HS friends. There are many sports to pick that are no-cut, so at the very least...try one of those during the Fall or Spring. Who knows, it may become your new favorite sport.

My 8th grader has been playing travel baseball for years but he’s at the end of the road. He will play 14U this year but is just kind of over baseball. Doesn’t want to put in the time and effort to improve and realizes it’s just not his passion. He will switch to football for HS and not even try out for baseball.

Travel baseball for years. Who told you to do that?

He wanted to at the time. And the travel was at most 45 mins away. Why wouldn’t we?

Because you are the parent. He is burned out at 14. You should have eased him into it. Parenting 101 - lesson 4.

So? Nobody has regrets. He wants to focus on other things. He had fun, made friends but wants to focus on football which he was doing all along anyway. Go take a walk and relax, this isn’t about you.

My son did the exact same thing. Towards the end of his 14u season, he started to get upset that he was missing spring football workouts.

And that's when we all knew his time on the baseball field was over. He didn't "burn out", at all. Its just that footballl, at the HS level, is more demanding and he wants to focus on that.

He played baseball since he was 5, and travel since he was 11. He didn't "burn out" on it. Heck, he's still watching MLB playoffs and playing wiffleball with the nieghbors. But its just that other things that interest him more require more of his time.

Which is totally age appropriate for 14/15. PP talking about "burn out" is just a dumba$$

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am sure people will blow their gasket at me, but no way in hell I am paying for my kid to play Summer travel baseball (which I imagine involves playing overnight tournaments) who has no interest or ability to play on the HS team.

The travel teams are all going to change very soon, so the team that exists right now in all likelihood will look very different in two years.

They can find a Babe Ruth league, or better yet find a different sport, or get involved in Robotics or something else at school or any number of different things.

At the very least, I would tell my kid they have to pick a Spring/full year activity they plan to pursue if they aren't playing HS baseball.

Let the screaming begin.

Nobody is going to scream at you, but there are plenty of nvtbl teams that play a local schedule. You’re right, babe Ruth would be a fun option too. Or putting in some hard work training for the summer season with the hope of making jv as a sophomore is valid too!

Don’t you think there is value in playing a sport for fun? I play tennis just because I like it and I can get some exercise with friends. Adults play pickleball and softball and soccer and run in races all for fun. I don’t see why a kid should be judged for that.

I do, which is why I suggest finding a different sport to play, ideally with your HS friends. There are many sports to pick that are no-cut, so at the very least...try one of those during the Fall or Spring. Who knows, it may become your new favorite sport.

My 8th grader has been playing travel baseball for years but he’s at the end of the road. He will play 14U this year but is just kind of over baseball. Doesn’t want to put in the time and effort to improve and realizes it’s just not his passion. He will switch to football for HS and not even try out for baseball.

Travel baseball for years. Who told you to do that?

He wanted to at the time. And the travel was at most 45 mins away. Why wouldn’t we?

Because you are the parent. He is burned out at 14. You should have eased him into it. Parenting 101 - lesson 4.

So? Nobody has regrets. He wants to focus on other things. He had fun, made friends but wants to focus on football which he was doing all along anyway. Go take a walk and relax, this isn’t about you.

My son did the exact same thing. Towards the end of his 14u season, he started to get upset that he was missing spring football workouts.

And that's when we all knew his time on the baseball field was over. He didn't "burn out", at all. Its just that footballl, at the HS level, is more demanding and he wants to focus on that.

He played baseball since he was 5, and travel since he was 11. He didn't "burn out" on it. Heck, he's still watching MLB playoffs and playing wiffleball with the nieghbors. But its just that other things that interest him more require more of his time.

Which is totally age appropriate for 14/15. PP talking about "burn out" is just a dumba$$

Follow the conversation potty mouth, PP got their post mixed up about baseball.

[Anonymous]

Slightly OT, but how competitive is HS baseball these days? I remember when I played HS baseball 30 years ago, it was competitive, but travel was definitely required to make the team. Travel itself was actually much less of a thing.

I guess what I'm asking, is if you don't play travel, is there a remote shot at making a HS team? Or is the talent just that good/deep today?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Slightly OT, but how competitive is HS baseball these days? I remember when I played HS baseball 30 years ago, it was competitive, but travel was definitely required to make the team. Travel itself was actually much less of a thing.

I guess what I'm asking, is if you don't play travel, is there a remote shot at making a HS team? Or is the talent just that good/deep today?

PP. Above should say "travel definitely NOT required"