Little League & Travel Teams

I speak as a parent who has 2 boys in LL and a daughter who plays both house and select softball. Question? How did these kids become so good in the 1st place. Obviously they have a lot of natural ability, but somewhere along the line they must have had a Little League coach who gave them some instruction and a love for the game. Don't bash them because of their commitment to a whole group of kids, not just a select few. I agree with you that the LL organization should be talking with you, we are adults after all.

Speaking as one who has coached all-star (and select) teams, I will give you my spin on the matter. Even though there are no conflicts scheduled, problems do arise when the weather doesn't cooperate. Also, in my experience, kids who play on select teams do miss all-star practice, not so much from conflicts, but general lack of interest, mostly from parents. As this kid is a big fish in a small pond, it is imperative that he practices with his team, most likely he is the starting SS or P. I've had practices without this type of player there, and you just cannot conduct meaningful team drills.

Take your kids into consideration as well. More than likely, your local LL will contain kids who he will be playing school ball with throughout HS. Putting him on a pedestal will only ostracize him from his future teammates.

Again, I agree that you and the local LL should talk. Blackballing isn't the answer, the kids lose. Have whatever agreement you come up with written down, sort of a contract. This way no one can complain that the other is breaking any promises.

By the way, I am not a big fan of the LL organization itself. Having been involved in softball, the ASA is a much better organization with regards to training kids and coaches, and has a lot less rules.