One addendum to my previous post -- NW DC also has a youth baseball program called Win Within. Don't have first-had experience, but we played their 10Us and they seem like a well-run, low-stress program. Another option is the Maryland Nationals (www.mdnationalsbaseballcom), which draw a lot of NW DC players.

In case anyone is still interested in KOA vs BCC, we've had wonderful experiences with KOA for boys 10U/11U bseball -- and this article in the Post on Tony Korson, its founder, nicely illustrates KOA's values and dispels the some of the nonsense in this thread:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/every-parents-dream-playing-time-is-built-into-the-price-of-this-sports-league/2015/03/21/d0281e72-cc2d-11e4-a2a7-9517a3a70506_story.html

We've also done BCC, which varies widely depending on the quality of the parent coach -- which obviously differs from year to year and team to team.

Clinics are continuing at the bcc facility. The restrictions do not change anything and masks are required at all times. Also parents are told to stay outside to reduce the number of people in the facility.

Are the BCC indoor clinics continuing to take place with the new County restrictions? Are masks required? DS has gone to batting clinics at a different facility in the area and the staff was very lax about masks

DS played BCC Select then bumped up to travel at 12U. Really enjoyed playing for Select All-Star team when he was younger as well.

Wonderful experience all around.

Anonymous wrote:You’d think the pandemic is driving more people to commit more time and money on things that will get their children out of the house. I know DH and I are.

Right? This is us.

We just did BCC tryouts for this very reason!

What about MCLL “Sunday Select?”

Anonymous wrote:BCC Select has predictable game schedules - Friday evening and Sunday games. Practice during the week (depending on the coach). This type of schedule can be helpful with school and other extracurricular activities.

+1. Scheduling consistency is underrated.

BCC Select has predictable game schedules - Friday evening and Sunday games. Practice during the week (depending on the coach). This type of schedule can be helpful with school and other extracurricular activities.

How do tryouts work typically? Stations? Do they scrimmage?

BCC typically has 4 but there have been some years with 6.

How many 10u teams are in select and BABL?

I’ve heard this plenty regarding playing time being tied to finances regarding KOA.

I have no affiliation to the program but I just don’t believe it. A coaches priority is to compete and win games. Otherwise they won’t be coaching very long. Kids that work hard and give effort should be rewarded with playing time - period!

Anonymous wrote:"KOA- "professional" coaches
BCC Select: Parent coaches.

The main question is if you want the favoratism to be done by a fellow parent on the team or a "professional" coach."

There is favoritism at KOA based on how much money you spend sending your kid to their clinics and classes. From what we saw, this is how they pick their select/travel teams.

As the father of a three year KOA player, the last two years of which have been on their travel teams, I can tell you the comment above about tying playing time etc to money spent is 100% false.

First, I am not sure if the coaches know exactly who attended private clinics or not.

Second, they set the lineup based on skill and merit (including attitude etc). This has been consistent no mater the coach my son has had over the years.

Third, as an example, my son's team this fall had a new player join. He usually plays football but without football this fall due to the virus, he decided to play baseball. He hasn't participated in any KOA clinics or private lessons - but he is a darn good pitcher, shortstop and hitter. So he usually bats third and pitches or plays shortstop. And its based on merit and everyone on the team sees his skill level and attitude is worthy of that.

Finally, if a kid whose parents spent money on clinics and private lessons seems to have resulted in more playing time or playing time at premium/favorited positions, it's probably because the clinics and lessons helped him become a better player - and because the kid loves baseball and wants to get better. Yes, it costs money for the extra clinics and lessons, but that's how the world works.

My 10 year old was with BCC rec for 4 years and moved to Select this past season. Select is definitely a step up from Rec - great for our son - great for our family schedule. There are some BCC Coach (non parent) led training sessions which are valuable. Would recommend going to try outs this season and seeing how your son does.