Balint should be on college coaches radars. Kid can flat out swing it.
Quite possibly the best fall season a #Pat has ever had. Balint rakes.View quoted post on X
Matt Gerber
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I’ve lived on both sides of the fence: former club owner AND now travel sports parent.
Here’s what I’ve learned: both sides have legitimate frustrations, and both can get it wrong.
Good club owners pour their hearts into their programs and provide something meaningful: personal growth, athletic development, and mentorship.
But too much of the industry has shifted toward quantity over quality. “Elite” happens far too early, and more teams, tournaments, and games don’t necessarily mean better development.
Not every athlete needs travel sports, but every athlete deserves mentorship and realistic expectations.
As a parent, my investment isn’t because I think my daughter will play professionally. It’s because I love watching her pursue something she’s passionate about. The smiles, friendships, relationships with coaches, and lessons in overcoming adversity. That’s what matters.
A few things both sides can do better:
Organizations: Communicate, be transparent, and provide honest feedback about an athlete’s development.
Parents: Be realistic, appreciate good environments, and remember development takes time.
At the end of the day, let’s not lose sight of why we’re doing this: the kids.
Here’s what I’ve learned: both sides have legitimate frustrations, and both can get it wrong.
Good club owners pour their hearts into their programs and provide something meaningful: personal growth, athletic development, and mentorship.
But too much of the industry has shifted toward quantity over quality. “Elite” happens far too early, and more teams, tournaments, and games don’t necessarily mean better development.
Not every athlete needs travel sports, but every athlete deserves mentorship and realistic expectations.
As a parent, my investment isn’t because I think my daughter will play professionally. It’s because I love watching her pursue something she’s passionate about. The smiles, friendships, relationships with coaches, and lessons in overcoming adversity. That’s what matters.
A few things both sides can do better:
Organizations: Communicate, be transparent, and provide honest feedback about an athlete’s development.
Parents: Be realistic, appreciate good environments, and remember development takes time.
At the end of the day, let’s not lose sight of why we’re doing this: the kids.
**Baseball and Softball Orgs**
It’s Tryout SZN!View quoted post on X
Check out what Handled can do for your organization to organize and professionalize your evaluations, team selection and reporting:
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Tons of conversation on this. My take:
The current system needs an overhaul. Not every kid is elite or needs to chase “it.”
Youth baseball should prioritize:
Having fun
Playing local
A balanced schedule of skill development and games
We also need better entry points into the game. T-ball and kid pitch need to be more exciting, with more opportunities for success.
Football has flag. Soccer has indoor. Baseball is hard enough when you’re good at it. We need to make it easier to fall in love with.
The current system needs an overhaul. Not every kid is elite or needs to chase “it.”
Youth baseball should prioritize:
Having fun
Playing local
A balanced schedule of skill development and games
We also need better entry points into the game. T-ball and kid pitch need to be more exciting, with more opportunities for success.
Football has flag. Soccer has indoor. Baseball is hard enough when you’re good at it. We need to make it easier to fall in love with.
Baseball….we have a problemView quoted post on X