Fans and Foes of Travel Baseball for Youngsters

Re “Big-Time Little League,” Column One, March 12: I have been involved in my son’s travel ball and local baseball organization for seven years, and I have never spent more than a few thousand dollars per year on equipment, uniforms, private lessons, travel and monthly team dues. I believe the examples you gave of young Josh Anderson are few and far between.

I am rooting for Josh to do well enough to turn professional scouts’ heads because that may now be his only chance. The fact that Josh and his family have accepted travel expenses, or any other expense-free advantages, will most likely cost Josh some sort of eligibility [in high school or college].

Don Thompson

Valencia

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This article has overstated the negative aspects of travel baseball, whose overwhelming purpose is matching the talents of the young athletes with the appropriate level of play.

Travel ball coaches are far less likely to “overplay” a gifted athlete. Often they have a greater depth of talent on the team, decreasing the demand on one talented individual.

The relationship in a travel ball team is long-term, versus a short three- to four-month season in Little League or Pony League. Travel ball coaches benefit by keeping the athletes healthy and happy.

In all aspects of life the demands and overall workload for our 12-year-olds have increased dramatically. This is apparent not only on the athletic field but in the classroom. Has our family spent thousands on travel baseball? Yes. It has been a family adventure from which our family of four has greatly benefited. Will our son make the majors? We have a better chance of winning the lottery; however, the ride along the way has been worth every penny.

Michael Sawyer

Assistant Coach Slugger Baseball Club Seal Beach

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I could only shake my head in disgust at the altruistic-sounding motives given by parents who encourage their children to become superstars on traveling baseball teams. In reality, the wildly unrealistic goals they set for their children result from their hubris and desire to vicariously live a life of glory through their children’s accomplishments. In my generation, I watched parents push their children in soccer and baseball. Sadly, the outcome for the children was almost universally devastating. Although these kids were very good athletes when compared with the kids at the local park or high school, it was a whole new game at the college level. There the kids were just average. The easily predicted result: Scholarships and major league contracts didn’t happen, and kids who were driven by their parents to be high-strung and not tolerant of failure became deeply depressed. I know of at least one suicide attempt and many more who have spent years in therapy.

Satisfying a parental fantasy at the expense of a child’s well-being is not something to be trifled with and has more cost than airplane tickets and hotel rooms.

Michael Sievers

Valley Glen