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bbmom2
119 Posts |
 Posted - 07/21/2011 : 11:08:47
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Okay- I mentioned this in a reply to BBall11 in another thread and thought I would start this one - more of an awareness to each other and along the lines of spreading kindness.
Travel ball is inherently competitive. Players compete for positions and as they get older, this gets more aggressive. Every parent in the stands thinks their kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread. BUT, most of us recognize this is a family that must stay together all year (hopefully) so what can we do that makes this experience enjoyable. I'm sure we are going to get our share of horror stories here - just no team names please but also, if we are AWARE that we can make it better, then hey.... maybe a little Pollyanna but why not.
I'll start... if you are on an existing team, how about introducing yourself to the "newbie tryout" moms when appropriate. A cattle call is hard but if it's private workouts, absolutely. (You can also give feedback to the coach about the family.) Most of us feel uncomfortable going into new situations and a warm welcome from the existing parents goes a long way toward getting over that awkward first stages.
Next??... |
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rippit
667 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 11:32:59
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DANGER DANGER!!!
Oh goody. What was the question again?
Moms AND Dads: help the person who is trying to coordinate everything, but don't expect favors in return. If a mom is doing all the behind the scenes work, she doesn't have any say in batting order, pitching rotation or who plays where and when.
At any given tournament, an adult is needed to do the following including but not limited to: keep the scorebook/iPad, run the scoreboard if you are the visiting team, supply the team cooler and ice for a day, help guard the bags so the players can go blow off some steam between games etc.
Considering that most teams have 11 players where 3 dads coach and 1 mom is team mom most likely not married to any coach, that leaves 7 families to volunteer. I don't think anyone wants to be stuck with the book for the whole 3-7 games and same with the scoreboard. It takes a village. Step up and offer. Share the duties. Don't make somebody ASK. Parents need to be team players too.
Please refrain from verbalizing and announcing that "my son isn't even in the game". Everybody already knows that and it just makes everybody uncomfortable. Also, try not to guilt the coach into putting him in because it becomes obvious and then painful if he messes up and then gets removed as a result. Sometimes these parents can be their kids own worst nightmare.
Be on time. Always. Actually, be early. No fun having 8 families sitting around biting their nails because 2 players didn't bother showing up on time and everybody is now wondering if they just drove 2 hours to forfeit. Players need to warm up properly and not get thrown in a game cold. Hurts him and the rest of the team.
I think I'll go take a breath now...let's see what else people are thinking. |
Edited by - rippit on 07/21/2011 13:17:49 |
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kidsgame
35 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 18:50:12
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Love it - thank you for the thoughtful posts! My family was new to travel baseball this past year, and my son will play at 10U this coming year (2011 - 2012). We had an incredible experience!
I will say, as much as we wanted to advocate for our son in the beginning - we had switched parks to play travel ball and he was an unknown amongst a core group of boys who had played travel together at 8U - my husband was convinced that we needed to sit back and let our son show what he was capable of. It took a little while, but what a tremendous lesson it was for our son.
(We learned later that our coach was constantly hearing from parents - we made it a rule to never ask or demand that our son play a certain position or bat in a particular order. Now, our son may have pestered to pitch a time or two . . . )
To those reading this who are perhaps newer than me to travel ball, I would suggest that the experience is what you make of it (typically). It is never going to be perfect, but it can be exceptional. Decide that you are going to support your coaches, have team pride, remain encouraging and when things don't go quite right, keep perspective - certainly there is a lesson there of some sort.
Much luck to all!!!
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22202
263 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 15:45:55
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quote:
To those reading this who are perhaps newer than me to travel ball, I would suggest that the experience is what you make of it (typically). It is never going to be perfect, but it can be exceptional. Decide that you are going to support your coaches, have team pride, remain encouraging and when things don't go quite right, keep perspective - certainly there is a lesson there of some sort.
Much luck to all!!!
You sound VERY experienced! Great attitude!
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baseballallday
10 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2011 : 09:38:57
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| Remember that in try-outs and during the season you are being watched as well as your player. If you develop a reputation with the coach or the Team mom as being difficult, uncooperative or never willing to help out it could jeopardize your son's ability to make the team again unless he is a real stud (and stud is defined by the coach, not you!)Sadly, through the years we have seen several good players that no one wants because of the parents. |
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bbmom2
119 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2011 : 16:21:37
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At tryouts -
1 - please don't obsess over every move, throw, hit or pitch your son makes. Most good coaches will tell you that they are looking at mechanics not whether they can actually make that running dive at shortstop with the really hard hit ball.
2 - please don't try to impress me with your son's entire playing history. I'm not the one you need to impress - the coach is. At the risk of sounding mean, I don't care what your son did 3 years prior - it's now that counts.
3 - if you see someone from another tryout, please don't ask if I've heard from the coach. It can be really awkward if I have and you haven't or visa versa. If you have and I haven't, I'll just obsess too...
4 - the older they get, the more the differences become obvious. It's just a fact so let's move on.
5 - tryouts for most are a fact of life - enjoy them, meet some really nice people and try to stay cool in the heat!
As far as once you make the team - what rippit said!  |
Edited by - bbmom2 on 07/24/2011 17:54:43 |
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rippit
667 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2011 : 19:48:09
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| I think you may be my soul mate. LOL!! I couldnt have said it better!!! Watch out baseball world, there are TWO of us out there!!!! |
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How moms can help
