Is there something wrong with us ?

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I feel that the experiences and challenges that the girls have by traveling at a young age helps them. The confidence a young girl has that competes at a high level carries over to pretty much everything i.e. The transition from elementary school to middle school and the first experiences of school ball. The transition from middle school to high school. And for the fortunate ones to pursue the game in college. The experiences of playing competitive ball on a national level prepare her to compete at the college level. Look at the impact pitchers at major schools that are getting it done as freshman. That comes from proper instruction, game apptitude, and instincts born from a level of experience that only comes from competition at the highest levels. The earlier it begins the more experience that the player earns. It is not for everyone. Each and every player has her own goals and aspirations. Academics is a much more excepted route to college. The athlete who truly does desire to play DI softball at a major school must at some point seek out this level of play. There are a few instances where girls at a young age make this level of decision and work to prepare and compete at the high level, and reap the rewards at a young age. They develop a desire and a passion for this game and the success that comes from surviving the failures and perservering.

 

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I guess I had to come back and clarify because I also remember feeling "This is Crazy!" That being said, I really did change my mind over time. My children are 19 and 17 now. the time that we spent at the ball field as they were growing up was our family time. We had a blast. We made great friends. My husband and I spent time together watching games...and apart when our kids traveled in different directions which has it's good points too...like the commercial says PRICELESS.

 

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tnt


Chill no problem was just trying to heat up a cold spring week. I really don't care just

thought would be a fun topic.

 

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Softball, no mater what level of travel, is a great way for families to bond, for parents to really be a part of their kid's lives. Many of the families that think we are crazy are babysitting parents. Kids are either in school, out with their friends or holed up in their room. They don't spend the quality time together like we do. Worth all the tea in China.

 

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Very ambitious to take 12u kids out to the West Coast to play ball. I wouldn't say it's a bad decision, but in my opinion I would rather bank the $ and save it for future C.E. trips when the DD is a 2nd year 14u player or 16u player. Again, parents and team know what they have and have made the commitment. It's an investment/ risk and maybe it will pay big dividends down the road for them. I wish them luck.

 

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I'm not talking about Nationals and stuff I'm talking about taking 10u and 12u teams to

California, Florida, and Texas multiple times a year. Not the Ohio, PA, WV, and NY stuff.

Willy

If anyone had the talent they do...you'd be in Cali right now....just saying.

It's all about what fits your needs. Apparently they all wanted to go. I wish all teams good luck when they take that big of a step. Who am I to judge who is crazy when it comes to setting their 11u or 12u schedule.

Sure they will have some tough games on Sunday in what they call a local schedule but not many. Cali for them sounds right up their alley.

 

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As Hillbilly said...wrong site to ask this question too:lmao:

 

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If its for competition, really how can you argue with traveling all over the country? If its because you want to play college ball and be seen by college coaches, it probably makes more sense to stay closer to home. About 80% of Ohio kids that go on to play college ball, go to a school within a 4 hour radius from where they live. (not a fact, just what I've seen).

 

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X-Static, love the aviator.

 

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tnt


Chill no problem was just trying to heat up a cold spring week. I really don't care just

thought would be a fun topic.

No beef here Will, just was curious to hear more about why you think its so crazy. Again, I think there is a level for everyone. Going to Cali, AZ, Oklahoma or wherever to play softball isn't for every family, but great opportunity for those that are looking to take it to the "next level".

 

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Bradwire and X-static bring up key points in favor of doing the travel thing. I believe all posts are sharing some important points of interest. There's no doubt in my mind that girls wanting to participate at travel ball level surpass most others their age in the confidence dept. I see it year after year, travel girls come back to play with a local neighborhood team with their friends and they shine like a new penny. Most of the time you can stand there and point them out with little effort. Maybe the travel girl is not as physically talented as her neighbor, but the extra instruction and confidence can catch this kid up and offer her opportunities that otherwise would probably not be available had she stayed and only participated in a local program. Sometimes, superstars are developed and hidden talents surface.

Does everyone benefit from travel ball? No.

Will every girl that plays travel ball go on to be superstars or play in college? No.

Can a family benefit from the kids' experiences with travel? Yes.

It's all in how much value you put into the experience. That's no different than life in general. I once had a mother/coach ask me "Is it worth the hype?" I said yes if you believe in it.

 

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Bradwire and X-static bring up key points in favor of doing the travel thing. I believe all posts are sharing some important points of interest. There's no doubt in my mind that girls wanting to participate at travel ball level surpass most others their age in the confidence dept. I see it year after year, travel girls come back to play with a local neighborhood team with their friends and they shine like a new penny. Most of the time you can stand there and point them out with little effort. Maybe the travel girl is not as physically talented as her neighbor, but the extra instruction and confidence can catch this kid up and offer her opportunities that otherwise would probably not be available had she stayed and only participated in a local program. Sometimes, superstars are developed and hidden talents surface.

Does everyone benefit from travel ball? No.

Will every girl that plays travel ball go on to be superstars or play in college? No.

Can a family benefit from the kids' experiences with travel? Yes.

It's all in how much value you put into the experience. That's no different than life in general. I once had a mother/coach ask me "Is it worth the hype?" I said yes if you believe in it.

Excellent post, could not have been said better.

 

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I find this question to be extremely ill-concieved.

I will tell you why:

Figure skating
Hockey
gymnastics

These are just a few sports that require travel all over the country at much younger ages. And we all enjoy rooting these sports and athletes on. My daughter did competitive gymanstics until 8 years old. And they wanted her to go to Houston to the "center" of the gymnastics world. We sat down and told our daughter that is was gymnastics or all the other sports.

My point is this. To get really good you need to work really hard, and learn to compete at a high level. These girls are going to come back knowing they can hang with the best in the country and they will carry this confidence into their whole life.

 

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I find this question to be extremely ill-concieved.

I will tell you why:

Figure skating
Hockey
gymnastics

These are just a few sports that require travel all over the country at much younger ages. And we all enjoy rooting these sports and athletes on. My daughter did competitive gymanstics until 8 years old. And they wanted her to go to Houston to the "center" of the gymnastics world. We sat down and told our daughter that is was gymnastics or all the other sports.

My point is this. To get really good you need to work really hard, and learn to compete at a high level. These girls are going to come back knowing they can hang with the best in the country and they will carry this confidence into their whole life.

Have to agree on the hockey comment. We travel softball folks might look like sissies compared to the families hauling everyone to get 5:30AM ice time on school days. Now that might be considered nuts!