As the 13U season begins winding down, I guess it's that time to bid adieu to those 2023's who've been playing among those an entire grade level below them. Time to see if all the preparation all these years has them ready to compete with those older than them... A grade or grades above them.
As the sun will dawn on a new season in couple of months, those going into high school will have a completely different focus. Gone are the travel seasons that begin in March and end in June. High school ball will change that. Sure, they'll be playing in Feb-April (Fresh/JV), but many will be called up to V, and extend h/s ball into May. Which, appropriately enough, is about when 15U ball gets fired up (late-May). Who's going to realistically continue to play down, paying $2K-$3K for travel, when they may not be able to participate in 1/2 or more of the season (if highschool coach forbids travel play during school season).
At no point is this post to be negative... Adversely, it's to wish the best of luck to those I now call dear friends I've come to know over the past 3-5 travel ball seasons. Good luck with h/s fall workouts, and tryouts next Jan.. And I'm sure we'll see one another around the park, just remember us 'little guys' playing beneath you all on the lowly 14's. |