11U select ball questions

[harry]

I have some questions regarding select baseball for my 11 y/o son. This is all new to me and I seem to have more questions than answers, and I thought many of you have been through or are already involved and I might get your insights and advice. Here is some quick background we live in a small rural town in NE Texas, my son has been playing rec ball here for 7-8 yrs. We are becoming frustrated with the league, coaching etc. not to complain but the as the kids get older there seems to be less for them. To begin with our area seems to be a "black hole" for baseball and sports in general, but in a 30 mile radius baseball is booming. Enough rambling, on to my questions, how would you suggest finding a team, what questions should I ask coaches, is there a rule of thumb as far as number of games, cost, travel. Is it better to try to start AA or AAA, I realize the kids must tryout, but would it be better to start AA or go ahead and tryout for the AAA team? Should be tryout for multiple teams, what is normal starting out? I am not one of "those Dads" who think my son is the next Mickey Mantle, I am simply trying to do the best thing for my son, who loves playing baseball, and give him the best opportunity to reach his potential what ever that might be.

Thanks ahead of time for the advice and opinions, this website has been a great help in our baseball journey.

[Jake Patterson]

I have some questions regarding select baseball for my 11 y/o son. This is all new to me and I seem to have more questions than answers, and I thought many of you have been through or are already involved and I might get your insights and advice. Here is some quick background we live in a small rural town in NE Texas, my son has been playing rec ball here for 7-8 yrs. We are becoming frustrated with the league, coaching etc. not to complain but the as the kids get older there seems to be less for them. To begin with our area seems to be a "black hole" for baseball and sports in general, but in a 30 mile radius baseball is booming. Enough rambling, on to my questions, how would you suggest finding a team, what questions should I ask coaches, is there a rule of thumb as far as number of games, cost, travel. Is it better to try to start AA or AAA, I realize the kids must tryout, but would it be better to start AA or go ahead and tryout for the AAA team? Should be tryout for multiple teams, what is normal starting out? I am not one of "those Dads" who think my son is the next Mickey Mantle, I am simply trying to do the best thing for my son, who loves playing baseball, and give him the best opportunity to reach his potential what ever that might be.

Thanks ahead of time for the advice and opinions, this website has been a great help in our baseball journey.

I would try and find something as local as you can and try it for a season before you jumped in head first. Does his school have a MS team?

[harry]

No Jake, none of the schools in this area offer baseball in MS.

[skipper5]

recent thread, Tips on finding a good travel team.
http://baseball-fever.com/showthread...ook+for+travel

Consider using the Private Message feature to delve further into travel-team experiences that dads relate on various threads relating to travel teams that can be found using the Search feature.

[cartersball]

Check the USSSA and Nations Baseball websites and look for teams in your area. Also look for tournaments in your area. I know here in NC most of the tournament directors have websites with either message boards or tryout listings. Those are great places to start. Biggest rule of thumb is to start out low and work your way up. You want your son to play for a team where he gets playing time. A lot of the upper tier teams just take one or two bench players a year.

[Jake Patterson]

Check the USSSA and Nations Baseball websites and look for teams in your area. Also look for tournaments in your area. I know here in NC most of the tournament directors have websites with either message boards or tryout listings. Those are great places to start. Biggest rule of thumb is to start out low and work your way up. You want your son to play for a team where he gets playing time. A lot of the upper tier teams just take one or two bench players a year.

AAU also has a site.

[Ursa Major]

Here are some more threads:

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=94152

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=93612

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=93058

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=91939

The general ideas posted in the referenced travel ball threads probably have more than enough information as to the benefits and pitfalls of travel ball.

What you need is information about what's available and, when you find it, about which situation would be the most compatible with you and your son. As a starting point, see if you can find kids who did make it out of your town and into those leagues/teams and get their recommendations. You local high school coach may have some ideas or direct you to someone who knows. Just don't be afraid to ask people -- using just the sort of attitude that you present here. Anyone who loves baseball shouldn't begrudge giving a few minutes to a parent who wants to find a better situation so that his kid can keep playing.

[GFK]

Harry,

I am in your location and have a 12U. PM me with your location. I may be able to help.

[Rajun Cajun]

I am down in Montgomery, TX. I know folks who may be able to point you in a good direction. PM me your zip code or town and I can be of further assistance. I would guess you might be up in Marshall area, but not sure.