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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
1--be honest with your expectations and abilities of your DD
2--dont always assume other DD's dads have it in for yours
3--find an org, then find someone who is new to that org/team and someone who has been with that org/team since the beginning and ask their opinions
4--be ready to commit to plenty of work during the week to keep your DD ahead of the pack
5--post everyday on the ofc
1--be honest with your expectations and abilities of your DD
2--dont always assume other DD's dads have it in for yours
3--find an org, then find someone who is new to that org/team and someone who has been with that org/team since the beginning and ask their opinions
4--be ready to commit to plenty of work during the week to keep your DD ahead of the pack
5--post everyday on the ofc
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
Read the posts on the OFC and you will learn and get some good advice..
Read the posts on the OFC and you will learn and get some good advice..
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
Remember, just because your daughter excelled in rec ball, doesn't mean she will be an allstar in travel ball. Everyone is the allstar from a rec team. Remember to play hard but enjoy the game. Be prepared to spend every single weekend and vacation in summer at various hotels. Be prepared to spend lots of money, bats, helmets, sliding shorts, bags every year, etc. But also have a great time and welcome to travel ball!!
Remember, just because your daughter excelled in rec ball, doesn't mean she will be an allstar in travel ball. Everyone is the allstar from a rec team. Remember to play hard but enjoy the game. Be prepared to spend every single weekend and vacation in summer at various hotels. Be prepared to spend lots of money, bats, helmets, sliding shorts, bags every year, etc. But also have a great time and welcome to travel ball!!
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
Don't blame everything on "Daddy Ball." This seems to be the popular excuse for bad experiences. From this site, you would think that every coach's DD is playing just because her dad is the coach. In reality, most coach's dd are one of the top players on the team, why, because their dad's already volunteer more of their time to their playing than anybody. It's that way in every sport. The best kid's parents end up in coaching because their kid is good and therefor they end up taking a bigger interest in the sport. This isn't alway true, but it is most of the time.
Money: estimate what you think it will take for your DD to play travel ball, then triple it. Now your half way there.
Don't blame everything on "Daddy Ball." This seems to be the popular excuse for bad experiences. From this site, you would think that every coach's DD is playing just because her dad is the coach. In reality, most coach's dd are one of the top players on the team, why, because their dad's already volunteer more of their time to their playing than anybody. It's that way in every sport. The best kid's parents end up in coaching because their kid is good and therefor they end up taking a bigger interest in the sport. This isn't alway true, but it is most of the time.
Money: estimate what you think it will take for your DD to play travel ball, then triple it. Now your half way there.
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
I suggest you go and watch some of the fall tournaments and observe the age group of your DD. Talk with the parents. Many parents are happy to share their experiences. Some of the tournaments that come to mind are...
Ohio Classic in Pickerington
Vipers Tournament in Beavercreek
Fall Harvest in Toledo.
Uniform Blowout in Wilmington
and others....
There is information about these tournament on various threads on OFC.
I suggest you go and watch some of the fall tournaments and observe the age group of your DD. Talk with the parents. Many parents are happy to share their experiences. Some of the tournaments that come to mind are...
Ohio Classic in Pickerington
Vipers Tournament in Beavercreek
Fall Harvest in Toledo.
Uniform Blowout in Wilmington
and others....
There is information about these tournament on various threads on OFC.
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
I would never assume to speak for Statman, but I believe that you may find that travel fastpitch is filled with paranoia.
A lot of people question every roster movement, lineup movement, statement made to their DD, etc. ?And other people are willing to give you their varied opinions regarding those movements, etc., which just serves to feed the paranoia.
Don't be one of those people.
Trust your judgment of people and be straight forward. ?If you have a question or doubt about a coach's move, ask the coach directly. ?Get it straight from the horse's mouth. ?Not talking to the coaching staff can just lead to more paranoia.
And, go back to the rules from kindergarten, "If you can't say something nice . . ."
Off this rant now . . .
Best advice . . . just get on the ride and enjoy it. ?
Meet the new people, make new friends -- savor the experience.
If both parents work outside the home, be prepared to:
1. live with dust
2. do laundry at midnight in the middle of the week
3. pay the neighbor kid to cut the grass
4. cultivate weeds in the flower beds -- give up on annuals and plant only perrenials
Get a good cooler, folding chair with a mesh seat, wide brim hat, a good first aid kit.
Become a part of the parent team in any way you can. ?(Assist with practice/warm ups, fill the team cooler, provide first aid, etc.)
I should have broken this post into 5 separate ones to add to my post total.
I would never assume to speak for Statman, but I believe that you may find that travel fastpitch is filled with paranoia.
A lot of people question every roster movement, lineup movement, statement made to their DD, etc. ?And other people are willing to give you their varied opinions regarding those movements, etc., which just serves to feed the paranoia.
Don't be one of those people.
Trust your judgment of people and be straight forward. ?If you have a question or doubt about a coach's move, ask the coach directly. ?Get it straight from the horse's mouth. ?Not talking to the coaching staff can just lead to more paranoia.
And, go back to the rules from kindergarten, "If you can't say something nice . . ."
Off this rant now . . .
Best advice . . . just get on the ride and enjoy it. ?
Meet the new people, make new friends -- savor the experience.
If both parents work outside the home, be prepared to:
1. live with dust
2. do laundry at midnight in the middle of the week
3. pay the neighbor kid to cut the grass
4. cultivate weeds in the flower beds -- give up on annuals and plant only perrenials
Get a good cooler, folding chair with a mesh seat, wide brim hat, a good first aid kit.
Become a part of the parent team in any way you can. ?(Assist with practice/warm ups, fill the team cooler, provide first aid, etc.)
I should have broken this post into 5 separate ones to add to my post total.
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
1) Try to relax and enjoy the experience. ?Her future does not rest on every play and every at bat.
2) Don't coach her from the stands. ?
3) Be sure to find something to compliment her on after each game and after the tournament.
4) Save criticisms for the next day.
5) Try not to tell all the other parents how great your daughter is.
6) Sincerely route for and compliment the play of her teammates.
1) Try to relax and enjoy the experience. ?Her future does not rest on every play and every at bat.
2) Don't coach her from the stands. ?
3) Be sure to find something to compliment her on after each game and after the tournament.
4) Save criticisms for the next day.
5) Try not to tell all the other parents how great your daughter is.
6) Sincerely route for and compliment the play of her teammates.
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
Which age group are ya heading in? There is a huge difference from younger age groups to the older ones.
Speed of the game and discipline of the stronger teams will blow you away! Yeah there are some ups and downs to this game,but for the most part it is a blast and you and your daughter will have memories y`all wont soon forget!
Jump on board and enjoy the ride!
FSTPCHMOM said:
Which age group are ya heading in? There is a huge difference from younger age groups to the older ones.
Speed of the game and discipline of the stronger teams will blow you away! Yeah there are some ups and downs to this game,but for the most part it is a blast and you and your daughter will have memories y`all wont soon forget!
Jump on board and enjoy the ride!
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
to clarify,
before passing judgement on coaches whose DD's play on the same team, try to step away from the situation to make sure that any (lack of playing time, batting order, etc) argument is made with facts instead of passion. Passion leads to emotion and emotion never sees clearly...
to clarify,
before passing judgement on coaches whose DD's play on the same team, try to step away from the situation to make sure that any (lack of playing time, batting order, etc) argument is made with facts instead of passion. Passion leads to emotion and emotion never sees clearly...
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
Be patient and remember that this game is for your DD. They normally work things out on the field if you just let them.
The best thing that a parent can do for thier athlete child is to let them compete. This is the big difference between true travel ball and rec ball etc. It is meant to be fun, but if they are not competeing all the time they will get lazy and lose valuble oppertunity to get better.
Be patient and remember that this game is for your DD. They normally work things out on the field if you just let them.
The best thing that a parent can do for thier athlete child is to let them compete. This is the big difference between true travel ball and rec ball etc. It is meant to be fun, but if they are not competeing all the time they will get lazy and lose valuble oppertunity to get better.
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
1) Make sure you buy a cooler on WHEELS!
2) Fold out chairs are a must and the recliner styles are even better!
3) Enjoy the super nice tan you'll have every summer!
4) Buy several pairs of flip flops and don't waste your money on pedicures for a few months!
5) Get yourself an "easy-up" canopy so you have shade everywhere you go.
6) Keep a sleeping bag in your car. ?Never know who's kid will end up sleeping on your hotel floor.
1) Make sure you buy a cooler on WHEELS!
2) Fold out chairs are a must and the recliner styles are even better!
3) Enjoy the super nice tan you'll have every summer!
4) Buy several pairs of flip flops and don't waste your money on pedicures for a few months!
5) Get yourself an "easy-up" canopy so you have shade everywhere you go.
6) Keep a sleeping bag in your car. ?Never know who's kid will end up sleeping on your hotel floor.
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
If your DD enjoys the team she plays on and the kids she plays with, stay with that team. Don't fall for the grass is greener on the other side stick or the team hopping that many people do.
If your DD enjoys the team she plays on and the kids she plays with, stay with that team. Don't fall for the grass is greener on the other side stick or the team hopping that many people do.
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
Things to Bring for Away Tournaments:
- Cooler full of beer w/ice (or Captain Morgan) - be sure to replenish ice upon hotel check in.
- Bag of pretzels or chips
- Bathing Suit
- Beach Towel and Umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Good book
Oh Yeah, daughter w/bat bag.
Things to Bring for Away Tournaments:
- Cooler full of beer w/ice (or Captain Morgan) - be sure to replenish ice upon hotel check in.
- Bag of pretzels or chips
- Bathing Suit
- Beach Towel and Umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Good book
Oh Yeah, daughter w/bat bag.
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
Never forget the sunscreen, for yourself and your DD. I know that last summer all the team moms were attacking us with it constantly!! It's really uncomfortable to play softball with a sunburn.
=]]
Never forget the sunscreen, for yourself and your DD. I know that last summer all the team moms were attacking us with it constantly!! It's really uncomfortable to play softball with a sunburn.
=]]
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
She more than likely will play or learn many positions vs. the one you think she will only play. That in itself will make her a better all around player and more valuable to a team.
Ask as others stated where you can help out. Help their way and don't change it. If she plays school and travel, be sure she listens to who is coaching her at that time....
Sit back, watch her enjoy the time playing, it's a game nothing more and nothing less. Think of each weekend as a mini vacation and the time spent is worth every minute. Where else will a 12-18 year old girl sit and talk to their parents in full conversations? Those 2 hour or more car trips are Priceless!
before you know it, it will be done....
She more than likely will play or learn many positions vs. the one you think she will only play. That in itself will make her a better all around player and more valuable to a team.
Ask as others stated where you can help out. Help their way and don't change it. If she plays school and travel, be sure she listens to who is coaching her at that time....
Sit back, watch her enjoy the time playing, it's a game nothing more and nothing less. Think of each weekend as a mini vacation and the time spent is worth every minute. Where else will a 12-18 year old girl sit and talk to their parents in full conversations? Those 2 hour or more car trips are Priceless!
before you know it, it will be done....
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
fp123-Have you been watching us pack the past 3 summers : lol...............Exact same "Sanity Drinks" as above for wife & I
Fastpitch123 said:
fp123-Have you been watching us pack the past 3 summers :
lol...............Exact same "Sanity Drinks" as above for wife & I
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
Here is your advice.
1) Deposit $4,000-$5,000 in a college fund every summer.
2) Buy a family membership at the local golf course.
3) Buy your daughter a set of golf clubs, not cheap ones (Nokona Gloves and Rocket Techs aren't cheap).
4) Stay home on the weekends, keep up with work around the house and save gas.
5) Market your daughter to the college she wants to attend.
6) When she gets the great scholarship, spend the college fund.
7) Otherwise play travel ball, go broke and have a blast.
Here is your advice.
1) Deposit $4,000-$5,000 in a college fund every summer.
2) Buy a family membership at the local golf course.
3) Buy your daughter a set of golf clubs, not cheap ones (Nokona Gloves and Rocket Techs aren't cheap).
4) Stay home on the weekends, keep up with work around the house and save gas.
5) Market your daughter to the college she wants to attend.
6) When she gets the great scholarship, spend the college fund.
7) Otherwise play travel ball, go broke and have a blast.
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
and remember the number 1 rule: ?It's all about the dd's. ?Their memories, as well as yours, and the friendships they make with other players from other teams.... well, ?that is priceless for not only ?the present... but the future as well. ?Afterall, are they not our future ?
and remember the number 1 rule: ?It's all about the dd's. ?Their memories, as well as yours, and the friendships they make with other players from other teams.... well, ?that is priceless for not only ?the present... but the future as well. ?Afterall, are they not our future ?
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Re: YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE NEW TO TRAVEL BALL!
Here is a partial list of 7 years of travel ball with 3 daughters (and 4 more years to go). ?All of these lesson were learned the hard way.
1. ?Do not lease a vehicle that is used to travel to games.
2. ?Do not let the team use your car radio or dvd player during a rainout unless you have jumper cables.
3. ?Have two sets of car keys carried by two different people at every tournament.
4. ?Do not carry money in your pocket if there is a concession stand.
5. ?Do not reserve an entire teams hotel rooms on your credit card.
6. ?Hotels do not always look the same as the picture you saw.
7. ?Do not stay at a hotel that has a traveling boys baseball team staying there also.
8. ?Eat lunch together as a team with everyone bringing something to share.
9. ?Before you leave your driveway, make sure your DD has all of her necessary equipment - glove, bat, shoes (2 of them, left and right), visor , shades, etc.
10. ?Wear rubber boots when the grass is wet no matter how many people laugh at you - they will be jealous of them boots within an hour.
11. Tell all of your current friends that you will see them again when your DD goes off to college.
12. ?The best players are not always the best players for your team.
13. ?The friends you make are more important than the number of tournaments your team has won.
Here is a partial list of 7 years of travel ball with 3 daughters (and 4 more years to go). ?All of these lesson were learned the hard way.
1. ?Do not lease a vehicle that is used to travel to games.
2. ?Do not let the team use your car radio or dvd player during a rainout unless you have jumper cables.
3. ?Have two sets of car keys carried by two different people at every tournament.
4. ?Do not carry money in your pocket if there is a concession stand.
5. ?Do not reserve an entire teams hotel rooms on your credit card.
6. ?Hotels do not always look the same as the picture you saw.
7. ?Do not stay at a hotel that has a traveling boys baseball team staying there also.
8. ?Eat lunch together as a team with everyone bringing something to share.
9. ?Before you leave your driveway, make sure your DD has all of her necessary equipment - glove, bat, shoes (2 of them, left and right), visor , shades, etc.
10. ?Wear rubber boots when the grass is wet no matter how many people laugh at you - they will be jealous of them boots within an hour.
11. Tell all of your current friends that you will see them again when your DD goes off to college.
12. ?The best players are not always the best players for your team.
13. ?The friends you make are more important than the number of tournaments your team has won.
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