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Post by L Boullion on Jan 24, 2006 15:50:24 GMT -8
Reasons To Play LL for your 12u son 1. It's LL, history and all its glory 2. Playing with Friends from same town 3. All Stars 4. Nice short fence for HR's 5. Do very well against much of the competition 6. others? ? Reasons to NOT play LL for 12u son 1. 60 foot bases, 46 mound, no lead offs, no big barrel bats, watered down rules. 2. All Stars is too short and too few games and makes it so you cant play elsewhere 3. Too Political 4. Weaker competition for the most part, have to play and pitch against 10's and 11's. 5. Different locations for lower divisions which makes it hard to watch games for families with more than one kid playing. 6. others? ? Obviously it comes down to what your son wants to do and what's convinient to the family, but I just wanted to see what other people have to say about this, espicailly people with talented son's who might be thinking that LL is a step backwards after years of select ball, What do you think? Let the controversy begin. L. Boullion
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Post by L Boullion on Jan 24, 2006 15:52:54 GMT -8
Do I sound biased on my first post? I mean know disrespect, just wanted to see what others thought.....
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Post by Mark on Jan 24, 2006 17:23:45 GMT -8
IMO top reason for is
"Playing with Friends from same town" =================================== IMO top reason against is
"Weaker competition for the most part, have to play and pitch against 10's and 11's."
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Post by Craig Cumberland on Jan 24, 2006 18:11:08 GMT -8
In the best of both worlds I think exposure to both is ideal for kids 12 and younger. My boys have developed friendships from LL that will last years - and years from now, even among LL acquaintances, they'll say "do you remember when." This is true of travel ball but on a much smaller scale b/c we don't get to know the other teams as well b/c ( A.) it is more competitive and (B.) they are not from the same town. LL is great for the kid who does not have the chance to play travel ball. Travel ball is great for the kids who want to play HS ball or beyond. In travel ball there has been less politics - so it has been very nice in that regard. If you're lucky the travel ball team develops into an extended family. That's been true for the 12U Rangers, tho I know it's not te case for many teams, some implode do to the competitive nature of the whole thing. TB has the opportunity of keeping a core group of kids and families together for years - I'm looking forward to that. I know that my boys will not play Junior/Senior Little League - for numerous reasons. I think travel ball is more fun but at the same time more competitive. If you keep your perspective it's a blast. For those who don't it can get ugly. LL is fun merely b/c of the home town comaraderie. It's part of Turlock history and America's history. It's has the close-knit ties of the America of yesteryear. Travel Ball is more of the modern culture of America... Distant and impersonal - except for your immediate team. I have met some great people in travel ball on other teams - but it's not the same as the hometown aspect of LL. Both are great - b/c it's baseball, tho both are much different games... but they each serve a purpose. That being said travel ball is the better GAME b/c it's the real game. But the social, hometown aspect of LL can't be had in TB.
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Post by Byrd on Jan 25, 2006 7:38:55 GMT -8
I agree with the pros and cons....but don't forget that in the National side they even get to pitch to 9's in the majors.....the best thing about little league is it gives you a game to go to during the week. The worst thing is getting the late game and having to wake your son up the next morning.
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Post by Chris on Jan 25, 2006 19:01:13 GMT -8
Hey dont forget that Little League is accessible to ANY kid who wants to play regardless or his or her income. Travel ball is too expensive for many families. The really good players could probably receive assistance from some teams but travel ball isnt inclusive of many kids.
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Post by Byrd on Jan 25, 2006 19:43:17 GMT -8
You know Chris that is a very good point. I forgot about Little League not turning any player away due to finances. That for some kids means the world. I remind my kid everyday what many kids do not have. tyvm
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Post by Mark on Jan 25, 2006 20:53:27 GMT -8
Hey dont forget that Little League is accessible to ANY kid who wants to play regardless or his or her income. Travel ball is too expensive for many families. The really good players could probably receive assistance from some teams but travel ball isnt inclusive of many kids. i totally agree, Chris!!!! Little League is for kids how love the game regardless of skill and/or income while travel is aimed at the elite and/or really good players, preferably with deep pockets to pay for the expensive tourny fees. you know looking at tournament fees one would think it could get expensive, but in reality that is the cheapest part of travel. add in $200 for motel room for out of town events, another $100 to eat out while you are there for the family, $60-100 in gas to get there and back. ouch!!!!!!!!!! make me stop, i dont want to add up all the money i have spent doing this the last 4 or 5 years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111
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Post by Chris on Jan 25, 2006 21:40:33 GMT -8
lol - no - ur absolutely right Mark...the fees are the easiest part.
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Post by Tony Murphy on Jan 26, 2006 16:21:28 GMT -8
I agree with Chris if not for Little League some kids would never get the experience of being on a baseball field or even swinging the bat. It is like everything in life it has it's pros and cons but I think the final decision should be left up to the kid yes he will get alot better playing travel ball but as others have said all of his friends may play little league. From being involved in both I could say alot of good things and bad things about both but from coaching I have seen kids that were physically or mentally handicapped that if it had not been for Little League these could would have never had the experience of playing baseball so for that my hat off to the volunteers and the leagues around our city for a job well done. As far as the money side of travel ball yes it has and will become very expensive if you do it enough. I hope all of the kids in the community have a great year and be very successful in which ever one they play in. Just think only a few weeks away before we here those magic Let's Play Ball. Good luck everybody.
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Post by Byrd on Jan 27, 2006 7:48:35 GMT -8
Tony I couldn't agree more. I was just joking in my earlier post...Little League is to some a dream of a lifetime. Memories that they will never forget. Some will become Little League Legends in Turlock and others will get the chance to play a game that has taught many respect and what being a part of a team is all about. Some will go on and play at the next level and others will find other challenges in life. The time the coach's and parents as well put into Little League to make it all happen is amazing as we all know. Heres to another "great" season of Little League. Good luck to all!!!
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