Little League & Travel Teams

Let's see: 12 year olds playing on 60' bases, 46' mound, and not leaving until the ball reaches the batter, or....REAL baseball, in some cases starting as young as 9 on 46' mound and 65' bases, then progressing to 70 bases, 50' mound by 11?? No brainer!

Let's see: all-stars with kids HAVING to play who may not have the commitment with parents hoping a team loses so it will be over, with their kids dropping balls and costing the team games; vs those who have the talent, commitment, AND realization that their son will play based on what's based for the team.
Another no brainer!

I drive 85 miles one way for my son to play on a travel team (the local team he plays on had to disband due to some of the player's REC. all-stars--sure to put a smile on your face), and it's well worth it. He's more focused and puts more effort into a team where all the kids "have game" than with his rec league team. I coach rec ball and have been on the board, and can't wait for the day to come when our local travel team can go "full time."

Now, IMHO, there's nothing wrong with L.L. or all-stars, as long as the kids and the parents know what they're getting into. It serves a great purpose (otherwise they'd libel to turn to soccer). So, too, does travel ball, as it gives players the option of playing at and with players of their own talent level, and against players of equal or greater talent. That's what "Legion" ball is about, and, in essence, that's what L.L. all-stars does, as well.

So, Coach Dunne, don't accuse us of stealing "your" players, as the kids are NOT your property, and no contract is signed. Now, I WILL leave YOUR kid, alone!

I'm "done".
JT