Final Comments

Final Comments:

It is clear that my original thread regarding the "merits" of select/travel vs. LL. has caused a lot of controversy. I am making this a final response to the material posted below.

First, I am aware that there ARE select/travel teams in the Houston, TX area (a 4 million + population area). And there are similarly teams from Dallas and San Antonio. My point was simply that in our local area (SBBH, South Houston, Clear Lake, Pearland, Friendswood, East End, FAA, etc.) travel teams (if they exist at all) are NOT prevalent. This area covers at least 20 Houston area high schools in southeast Houston. And it is a fact that of the sophomores starting on the varsity in these area HS's, essentially NONE have played on a select/travel team.

Secondly, I feel that when my statements are quoted, the person quoting should be ethical enough to include the entire quote. My example: "We DO play some baseball after the LL season is over. And we play in a few local
tournaments. But it is simply a collection of kids that want to play more." The quote also included the statement (that was conveniently omitted) "they are not" select" - they are simply one's that are not going to take vacations, swim on swim teams, or play football - or ride bikes or go fishing. For the record, most of them would be considered AVERAGE players." I feel that if a person is going to quote you, the entire quote should be included, so that it cannot be taken out of context. It is important to note here that these kids are not "selected", but THEY "select" to play a little bit more. And there is a fundamental difference.

And, are you suggesting that these fun tournaments constitute the kind of select/travel team that you are promoting? How is that? Is a travel team one that goes 8 blocks to play another team? I think we clearly need some definitions here.

Next (and not in any priority order), even if you could - what REAL value is it to collect a team that is "la crème de la crème?" If one looked nation-wide and formed a "select" team of the 15 best players in the nation, what do you REALLY have? What is the objective of such a thing? Just so that you can practice with each other? And crush local teams? I don't see very much merit in that. Likewise, I see little merit in watching tournament after tournament and "offering" one invitation. Is the objective empire building?

Yes, I AM aware of the quality ball played by many teams other than LL. I am NOT particularly a LL proponent. But if that is ALL THERE IS TO PLAY locally, what the hell do you do? It is NOT feasible for most families to take their sons/daughters 30-80 miles to a practice, regardless of what some of you claim. I am in NO WAY suggesting that you shouldn't do what you, as a parent, think is best for your child. But do you REALLY think that subjecting 10-12 year old kids to 80-100 games a year, traveling miles and miles for a tournament - is a "good" thing? Yes, I understand that some of you have problems with the local teams - the "rec" teams.

Finally, it is clear that some of our personal goals and objectives in participating in and coaching youth sports are decidedly different. Some of you might be interested in a "who's who" of youth baseball players, striving to find that little extra tool/technique/strategy that will make your son/daughter or his/her team just a little bit stronger, or more competitive, or whatever. As much as I love the game of baseball, from what I have seen, the athletes who excel at the higher levels are NOT the one's who concentrate on a single sport at the age of 11. They are the truly gifted athletes, who, until they decide (usually at a college age) which sport they wish to specialize in, are multi-sport individuals.

I have no data, however, I suggest that the vast majority of those who eventually play ball at the major college level and beyond did NOT emphasize baseball at the age of 10 or 12, or even 14. That is because playing sports (being multi-sported) is what gives them the mental/emotional part of their game. The competition is indeed strong at the levels you all seem to be participating in. However, I would suggest that "honing the competitive spirit" - mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually - can be accomplished equally as well by varying their sports diet.

Before I leave, I need to tell you a story - and something I learned from a personal experience. Maybe it applies to some of you, maybe it doesn't - only YOU can decide that. I have had two youngsters (my own kids) who excelled at swimming. One excelled at football (all-city [Houston area] as a Junior). Each of them were remarkable athletes in high school. The two swimmers swam in college for ONE year - even competing at the NCAA Championships - then quit. The one who played football, although he had several college offers, declined to play any more. Why? They were burned out! They were tired of watching the line at the bottom of the pool 4-5 hours a day since they were 10! The other one was tired of putting on the gear, day after day since age 7 - and, since he played on two undefeated high school teams (5A) [in District Bi-District play - and in the Astrodome three times], ask: "where can I play where it's any better than this?

I had no answer. Although I had not coached them personally at all in their selected sports (I can only dog-paddle), I supported them (as you are doing) by taking them to compete with better and better teams. I WAS PUSHING AS A PARENT - and didn't even know it at the time! In addition, I didn't emphasize (as I should have) alternative sports programs. People, they simply gave all they had and didn't want to give any more TO THEIR SPECIALTY. And, honestly, I can't blame them a bit. They are all fine kids now, with Master's degrees, bankers, teachers, and successful entrepreneurs.

I guess the bottom line is that if I had "permitted" them more leeway and encouraged multi-sport selection at a young age, perhaps they wouldn't have suffered burnout - at least not at age 18.

I am not going to tell you (again) that LL is better than select - because I really don't give a damn about the discussion. I simply know what works HERE - and for US - and our community - and our community's kids. I am not only encouraging my grandson (age 9) to play other sports (and although he is a gifted baseball player, he presently plays basketball, football, baseball, and golf), but I AM INSISTING UPON IT.

Each of you SHOULD know what is best for your child and your family and your neighborhood. I don't. I was clearly out of line by "attacking" what you hold so dear. For that, I apologize. But I would ask you to at least give lip service (ear service?) to listening to what the old geezer says. For I am not trying to destroy what you have and cherish so dearly - I am only trying to make it better - and more long-lasting.

Most likely, it is time for me to move on from this board, for I have contributed all that I can of any value.

Cheers,

-b-