[Locke]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

I'm not concerned about my younger son not doing travel ball, he doesn't want to play "regular" team sports either, so he doesn't. It's more that some of the sacrifices involved would be made by him for something that doesn't really benefit him. IE our whole family gives up the trip to Europe for my older one to play travel ball, so he loses out on that opportunity without much upside.




This is a really interesting comment and one I hadn't considered. We had one opposing (parent) coach in the Little League playoffs this year who was totally and completely out of control. I won't describe the situation to avoid identification, but it was ridiculous. The program I'd been considering is a parent/volunteer coached one. The professionally coached programs are more time commitment, both more days per week and farther from our house so more travel time. I'm not really concerned about them being a better path to the majors or whatever, but a focus on development instead of absurd pressure to win is something I definitely prefer. I do think there is value in learning to be a team, working hard, etc. I'll look into some of the professionally coached programs - I'd be willing to pay the money for a better experience.



The money isn't really a big consideration. Like fotze said the economics are terrible, and I'm not looking at it from a scholarship point of view either. But the cost would be affordable if the other factors (friend group, time, etc) make sense. The vacation time is definitely a concern to me - the idea of trading a weekend in New York to a weekend in Medicine Hat is a bummer. For me personally I'm willing to make that trade, but sort of feel bad making that trade for my younger son, who would way rather go to NY Museum of Natural History than Medicine Hat. My older son is super-competitive, and would love to play at a higher level. Right now I feel like it's me holding him back, so your point about the parents not picking the level is well taken.



Thanks for this! I feel like you're practically me from the future posting this or something. We do a family trip to Panorama every summer for similar activities, and it's that type of highlight that I wouldn't want to give up. My younger son also LOVES the pump track on his bike- that's the only athletic activity he's ever really taken to. I can hear the tension in your post about wanting the best for both of your kids, and that's definitely where I'm at as well.



Yeah, this is very true. I suppose these commitments are only 1 year at a time, and if it sucks or he doesn't like it or whatever we don't have to keep doing it.
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Anyway, appreciate all the comments, and would love to keep hearing people's thoughts!

What you need is a Vorta to take the Older one around, kind of as a Butler, and then you can do whatever else you'd like!