Navigating Travel Baseball - 7U to 14U: What Parents and Players Need to Know Right Now!

Navigating Travel Baseball: What Parents and Players need to know!
A year by year guide of what to expect and how to find the best team for your son, plus a Players Perspective on many aspects of travel baseball.
When he was little, he looked like he was born to wear a baseball uniform. He’s been throwing a ball since he could walk, and you’ve heard a ball bounce off of a wall for the better part of his life. His motion is so quick, he always hits the ball, and is almost always on base. You get excited every time he gets in the batter’s box. Sound familiar?

And now, he’s been invited to join a travel team, and your life is about to change in ways large and small. Enjoy the ride, and let us help you navigate.

We’ve been part of a travel baseball family for many years now, and it has been a wonderful experience. But, it would’ve been nice to know what we were getting into, and how this would change year after year. There are plenty of “little league” books in the marketplace, and there are many great stories and much to learn. But, you would be hard pressed to find a detailed, year by year guide on first hand travel baseball experiences that you could use to prepare you for each season, and even to help you choose the right team for your son.

This book is the guide you’ve been looking for, and will help you make the most of your travel baseball life and experiences.

What is Travel Baseball?
Your travel baseball experience will be closely tied to your relationship with your coaching staff. This guide provides a list of questions to ask the coach before agreeing to play with a travel team. Questions such as player fees, practice schedules, fundraiser opportunities, outside training requirements, if family vacations are allowed during the season, pitching philosophies and many more are included.
Gain an understanding of how the game changes year after year
This book devotes a chapter to each age division beginning with 7 and under and continuing through 14 and under and provides guidance on rule changes, field dimensions and coaches expectations. Includes techniques of how to effectively advocate for your son (and how to not be the problem parent). We also discuss avenues to avoid having your son overpitched.
Learn what the Coaching Staff will expect from your son…and your family
Expectations at this level of competitive play are far higher than in community recreation leagues. Players are expected to come to practice ready for action and training outside of practice will be expected. These expectations will increase each year. Learn what will be expected at each age range.
Learn sources for discounted baseball gear
The costs associated with travel baseball are often in the 1000’s of dollars for players’ fees in addition to the necessary baseball gear. We provide some of our favorite sources for discounted quality baseball gear from local and on-line retailers. Did you know taking your bat to your local batting cage voids the warrantee? Also included are Dos and Don’ts for one of the most expensive purchases – your bat.
Cooperstown Baseball
First-hand experiences of our week at Cooperstown. What to pack, where to stay and how to get the most from the experience. Plus a listing of activities in the area for the rest of the family to enjoy.
From a Players Perspective
Each chapter provides insight about the Travel Baseball experience from a player’s perspective. Areas such as overcoming obstacles, dealing with inconsistent umpires, various aspects of the mental game, dugout drama, unequal playing time and much more are addressed in each chapter.
About The Authors
We love to write. We love to share and communicate. We love baseball. So, this book is a natural endeavor for us as we can combine all of our loves into one, very useful work of art that will benefit anyone that chooses to spend some time with us.

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