Expert: Rick Bundy - 1/29/2009

Question
We have a child who is very skilled at baseball.  Been playing rec/all star level ball for two years. At what age should we consider moving him up to a very competitive travel team?

Answer
K

Thank you for the question.  I am not familiar with the rec/all star level that your son has been playing in.

As far as moving into the competitive travel team world, there would be no hard and fast age time.

It would all be based on the individual and whether they are ready for all that environment entails.  Kids develop at their own pace, and that move would not be one to make unless your son is competitive physically and emotionally.

You have seen the competition level that he has been in the past two years, which allows you the opportunity to look at the travel team and compare the competition to what he has experienced.

I receive quite a few questions from parents at Diamondbacks' Training Centers camps, related to this same topic.  They often wonder if it is too much,too soon.  If the move is creating a year round commitment to competitive games and tournaments, you then get into the realm of burnout.  It really is a hard call to make for parents and kids.  They are individuals and all react differently.

I'm not sure I have been of much help.  Possibly one of our other experts may have more experience in this area than myself.

Yours in baseball,

Rick