Is Travel Baseball Worth It?
Travel baseball is in great demand among young athletes wanting to elevate their game. It provides chances for players to play up the level, for scouts exposure, and for skills growth. But we must also be aware it will bring with further costs and commitments. Samuel will explore in today’s blog post if travel baseball is worthwhile to aspiring players and families of players.
What is Travel Baseball?
Travel baseball, or as some might say, select baseball or tournament baseball, is a better competitive level than a typical recreational leagues. It includes local or regional teams competing in events held throughout different locations, which, accordingly, may require travel and an overnight stay.
The Benefits of Travel Baseball
- Increased level of Competition: Being matched against Top teams expose players to Simulated faster and more Competitive playing environment. This makes them to work to develop their skills, to think thoroughly and to increase their whole game.
- Player Development: Travel baseball usually has a quality coach and advanced training. Players gain a higher level of technical skill drill work, instruction for improving fielding skills and over all improvement on the diamond.
- Exposure to Scouts and College Recruiting: If a player goal is to play in college or beyond, play travel baseball is more opportunity to be seen by college scouts and recruiters. College coaches commonly go to well-known travel tournaments to recruit possible prospects allowing the players to get that exposure on their game.
Considerations and Challenges
- Monetary Investment: Travel baseball will cost some money. Expenses include; teams fees, tournament entry fees, motivational travel expenses (e.g accommodation and fuel), additional tournaments and motivation behaviour. Families need to think about the economics of it before deciding on travel baseball.
- Travel baseball can also consume a lot more time than recreation leagues. Buying time out at practices, weekend tournaments, traveling it all can be very draining to the players as to coach. It is essential to evaluate whether the player is capable of making such a commitment and reconcile it with the other aspects of his/her life.
- Burnout and Injury Hazard: The high stakes competition and higher training can cause to the athlete burn out and injury risk if not controlled properly. Piling young athletes with too much playtime and practice can be bad for both their physical and mental health. To find the accurate balance and to have on your ears the player’s demand are key.
Is Travel Baseball Worth It?
At the end of the day whether travel baseball is worth it is up to the player it’s goals, commitment and money. It provides excellent training and exposure to scouts, and better competition. But you need to think of the possible losses, both of time and money.
If someone is very motivated, willing to put in the time to work on their skills and has goals to play at a higher level, then traveling for baseball can be a good money investment. It offers a chance for kids to develop and maybe create opportunities to receive a college scholarship or even move on to the professional level.
On the other hand, if the player does not give whatever is required in order to be truly invested in the relationship or if the financial investment is far of the owner’s reach, it may be worth looking into different options. Local recreation leagues still can provide a fun and rewarding baseball experience for the child without the travel baseball added pressures and costs.
Conclusion
Travel baseball presents a great opportunity for the player who is willing to go through the grind and also take a financial hit. It is the opportunity to play at a higher level and expose yourself to college scouts. However, the evaluation has to be done sterling carefully viewing the player’s goals and situation before making commitment. At the end of you have to call that you have got an enjoyment in the player and overall health in mind.
Table of Contents
