I’ve read and heard a lot lately about loyalty in Baseball. “Kids/Players are not loyal to their teams.” “Coaches are not loyal to their schools or teams.” I’ve also heard it’s just about the money. So what is the driver behind the constant shuffle and these statements of loyalty? I believe there is more than just money behind it. It seems almost every article I read narrows the driver down to money. If that’s the case, then whose fault is it???

Most schools, especially in the power conferences, expect the coaches to win. For some the goals and expectations are almost unreachable year over year. As a result, the coaches are driven to a “win now” mentality, and player development falls to others, like smaller schools, the players themselves, or even Indy leagues. The pressure to “win now” drives a number of factors that impact loyalty, or at least the perception of loyalty.

With college recruiting for example, do the coaches owe the recruits any loyalty? We often see really large recruiting classes with last minute cuts prior to the Fall, and then more cuts at the end of Fall. Granted, the schools need to address the potential loss of students through transfer and the draft. This drives them to recruit more than they may potentially need, but it’s understandable. When “shoe-in” draft picks don’t happen, that spot doesn’t come open, meaning that someone else will be let go. Is that a loyalty issue? If these last minute cuts happen too often, then people will suspect that the coaches are knowingly over-recruiting and had no plans of retaining certain players. Recruits are promised the world. They commit, and then are let go right before they are supposed to report for Fall. What about the verbal promises made, and then reneged on? If the player then decommits, is he being less than loyal? Without knowing the driver behind the decisions, who is not being loyal?

So when you see a player enter the portal, it can mean a couple different things. Did the player feel he didn’t get enough playing time, and can’t compete at that level so he entered the portal? Did the coach tell him he should enter the portal, or was he quietly cut? Can you really pin it on loyalty without knowing the details? Maybe there were some backroom conversations, and it’s a money decision. If the school fires a coach, is it just about the wins? Did the school provide the coach with the resources to compete at the expected level? With the roster size reduction and the MLB taking fewer high schoolers than before, the competition for college spots has never been higher.

One can argue loyalty from many perspectives. The tragic story is when a player enters the transfer portal, and no one picks them up. Would he still have been able to play at his current school? If he developed, would he play later? There are certainly examples of players who had limited playing time as a freshman or sophomore and went on to very successful college and even professional careers. Sometimes baseball rewards patience and hard work versus instant gratification. Sometimes it’s not “loyalty,” it’s just poor decision-making or lack of understanding. The one free transfer rule and the 5 years to play 5 are steps in the right direction to calm some of the chaos. Can you fault those that are trying to do better for themselves? Would you go for the money?

NIL and paid players have certainly changed the look of college baseball. With their impact considered, is it really loyalty that is questionable? Baseball has become “corporate.” Similar to the quarterly profitability of a public company. Teams must win … now! Many are working for those wins at any cost. From the players’ perspective, they must know where they fall within the roster constraints. How far down the depth chart are you? What is your level of dedication to the team? What is your development window? Make sure you are in the right place for you!!

A lot to unpack here, but I’ll leave it with this . . . Coaches definitely held the upper hand in recruiting. It was a verbal commitment in both directions, but coaches could drop committed players without any short-term consequences. On the other hand, after a player committed, most recruiting from other schools ceased. Over time, the patterns could be recognized and players would scrutinize certain schools more closely before committing. As the pendulum swings, the transfer portal has at least provided some alternative to the players. Free transfers may have pushed it too far the other way, but only time will tell.

I really hope to see schools recruiting players that they WANT and plan to incorporate into their team, even if it means they need to develop them. I want to see players recognize and commit to those schools that develop and strive for team and player continuity. What will it look like if the MLB stops recruiting high schoolers? August first is fast approaching!

Travel baseball can be fun and challenging! For some, travel can mean across town or a couple hours away. For others, it can mean hotels, long road trips, or air travel. I personally preferred the longer road trips, but we did quite a number of air travel tourneys, especially while living on the West Coast.

We lived in OR for about 4 years, and traveled to AZ, CA, and NV on several occasions. When traveling by air, you will need to consider some things that you don’t really think about when you can just load everything in the car, truck, or SUV.

What to Take?

Here’s a quick checklist, and how to pack for the plane . . . Conserving space is a necessity, unless you are not worried about the extra bag fees, and have a large enough rental car for all the bags.

1. Uniforms - need to be in the carry on. You can’t replace a uniform quickly if the checked baggage is delayed or lost. Always start from head to toe to ensure you have everything . . . hats, jerseys, belts, pants, and socks.

2. Shoes - we usually had our player wear turfs for the airport/plane and carry molded cleats. Metal cleats usually have to be checked.

3. Gloves - attached to carry on . . . Again, it’s really hard to break-in a new glove in that short of time. Assuming, you can find one.

4. Bats - checked - We used a catcher’s or duffel for bats and miscellaneous.

5. Chairs . . buy cheap ones at the destination or take a bleacher pad (or blanket)

6. Cooler - we used a grocery cooler bag. We could fold it and check it in the catcher bag. We always carried some ziplocks. Hotel ice in the ziplock and then in the grocery cold bag. Worked pretty well for waters and stuff.

7. Laundry supplies - checked bag - tried to share laundry service with other team members if possible, but I have washed stuff in the bathtub or sink.

8. Don’t forget sun screen . . . has to be checked

9. Umbrellas - in the catcher’s bag

10. Baseball backpack used as carry-on

11. Chargers and battery packs

12. Medication

13. Toiletries

14. Mini first aid kit (bandaids primarily)

I’m sure that you’ll have additions and changes that work for your family . . .

Other Miscellaneous Tips and Thoughts

• I prefer to stay as close to the venue as possible. For us, it was a “business trip.” Baseball was first, and entertainment was secondary. For some tournaments, the fields were a crapshoot, and could be over an hour away. For those, I tried to stay near a high restaurant concentration.

• I preferred to fly in the night before, but sometimes had to fly in that morning. If you typically play deep into tournaments, I tried to book flights the morning after any scheduled games. If we didn’t make it that far, I could try to move my flight up. I didn’t want to get caught trying to move a flight out. For hotels, it’s also easier to leave early than to extend. You usually know far enough in advance to cancel a night without penalty.

• TSA PreCheck is well worth the investment. Especially in the busier airports, like Vegas and LAX.

Hopefully, you’ll find some value in this. I’m sure I’ve missed some items. Feel free to add your tips in the comments. Travel ball for me was a great time, and while exhausting, it was well worth it. I plan to discuss the road trips in another post 🙂.

From July of 2025 . . .

Here’s a shorter vid and writeup on X . . . He is now at ODU . . .

Choosing a travel baseball team feels “high-stakes” because, well, it “is”. The wrong fit can mean wasted money, stalled development, unnecessary stress, and a kid who starts dreading the sport he used to love. The right team? It can accelerate growth, build confidence, and keep the game fun for years.

But here’s what most highlight-reel sales pitches won’t tell you. The flashiest website and the most tournament wins don’t automatically equal the best environment for *your* player.

So how do you cut through the noise? You ask the right questions … and you know what the good (and bad) answers actually sound like.

This guide gives you exactly that: the essential questions every parent should ask, why they matter, and what red flags to watch for. I’ve pulled from years of parent conversations, coach realities, and the patterns that actually predict a good (or painful) experience.

First, Get Clear on *Your* Goals (Before You Ask Anyone Else)

Before you grill a coach, do some honest homework as a family.

• What’s the primary goal right now? Development and fun (especially 8U–12U)? Exposure and recruiting (more relevant 15U+)? Winning trophies? A mix?

• What’s realistic for your schedule and budget? Travel ball isn’t just the team fee. It’s hotels, gas, food, time off work, and potentially lost multi-sport or family time.

• Where is your player developmentally? Some kids thrive on high-level competition early. Others need more reps, position flexibility, and lower pressure to actually improve.

• How many games/practices per week/month can you sustain and support without burnout?

If you skip this step, you’ll end up on a team that looks good on paper but doesn’t fit your actual life. Plenty of families do this every year and regret it by June.

The Essential Questions to Ask

Here’s your cheat sheet. Print it, save it in your notes app, or forward it to your spouse. Ask these during tryouts, in follow-up calls, or when talking to current parents.

Coaching Background & Philosophy

1. What’s your coaching background and experience at this age group? (Playing experience is nice. (Playing experience may or may not directly correlate to teaching ability. Coaching track record at this specific age, and developing players who actually improve, matters more.)

2. What’s your coaching philosophy? Can you give examples of how you balance winning with long-term player development?

Pro tip: If every answer comes back to “we win a lot” or “we play the best players,” dig deeper. At younger ages, a win-at-all-costs approach often means less development for everyone except the top few.

3. How do you handle playing time? Is it earned, equal opportunity, or something else?

This is potentially make-or-break. Some coaches say “earned” but it really means “my favorites and my kid play.” Get specifics. This should complement their coaching philosophy. It’s important to understand how this will impact YOUR player. Does your player stack up well with skill and/or ability against the rest of the team.

Roster, Playing Time & Your Child’s Fit

4. Who is currently playing my son’s primary position, and how many players are at that spot?

If there are already two strong catchers or three shortstops, ask realistically how much meaningful time your player will see there.

5. To Coach, what position does your own child play, and how do you manage that dynamic?

It’s a tale as old as youth sports. It doesn’t automatically mean favoritism, but it does mean you should understand the reality before you sign up.

6. How many players are on the roster, and what’s your philosophy on guest players for big tournaments?

Ideal roster size for most youth teams is around 11–12. Too many and reps get thin. Guest players can help win games but often steal at-bats from roster kids. In longer/bigger tournaments, pitching can become an issue. Are they enough two-way players to pitch the necessary innings. Guest pitchers are a necessity with older groups to keep an appropriate level of pitching. Younger ages can usually be fine with fewer “dedicated/PO” arms.

7. Where do you see my player fitting on this team realistically?

A good coach will give you an honest assessment instead of just “we’d love to have him.” Ask for specifics like, like what positions, and where in the order? It will at least give you an idea of what the coach is thinking at that point.

Schedule, Practices & Commitment

8. What’s the practice schedule during the season and off-season? How much actual skill work vs. just playing games?

Games are fun. Development happens in practice. If it’s 80% tournaments and almost no structured practice, that’s a red flag for long-term growth. Are there indoor practice facilities available? Poor weather can change all great plans . . .

9. How many tournaments and games do you plan to play? How many are local vs. travel, and how far?

Some teams treat the calendar like a second job. Ask for the actual proposed schedule, not just “we play a lot.” If they don’t already have a tentative schedule, that could identify a potential problem as well.

10. What’s your approach to multi-sport athletes and family conflicts?

Will your kid get benched or penalized for playing another sport or missing a tournament for a family event? This reveals a lot about the program’s values. For a travel team, it is important for all the families to have similar dedication. Budgets and timing for tournaments can create conflict. If some of the team backs out, it can be costly and frustrating for the rest.

Costs & What’s Included

11. What’s the total cost, and exactly what’s included? Are there additional fees, fundraising requirements, or “optional but really not optional” expenses?

Get the full breakdown. Some teams quote a low number then hit you with uniform add-ons, extra tournament fees, or mandatory fundraising that costs you either way. Financial visibility is also important. How is it structured? Monthly dues? One time up front? etc.

12. Are there indoor facility access, speed/agility work, or instructor sessions included?

This varies wildly and affects real development. Is there after hours access? Does a coach have to be present?

Development, Arm Care & Long-Term Focus

13. What’s your arm care and pitcher workload plan? Do you follow Pitch Smart guidelines or something similar?

With elbow and shoulder issues rising in youth baseball, this isn’t optional anymore. Ask how they protect arms — especially if your player pitches. This should be more than just inning count. How many times are they to get “hot” per week/tournament? Some tournaments have guidelines, and some don’t. Understand the coach’s plans and inform them of any limits you may have for your player. (especially for those players that both catch and pitch)

14. How do you approach position development and specialization at this age?

Rotating positions early helps kids find what they’re good at. Locking kids into one spot too soon can limit growth (and future opportunities). While there is more specialization at the older age groups, developing skills at multiple positions definitely helps with recruiting.

15. For older teams (14U+): How do you support recruiting and exposure? Do you help with highlight videos, profiles, or coach connections?

Some organizations are excellent at this. Others treat it as an afterthought.

Communication, Culture & Expectations

16. How do you communicate with parents during the season? What’s your expectation for parent behavior at games and practices?

Look for a written code of conduct that applies to coaches too. Good programs have clear boundaries.

17. Can I talk to a couple of current or recent parents (not hand-picked ones)

This is gold. Ask them the tough questions privately: playing time reality, coach temperament, hidden costs, whether their kid is still enjoying baseball. Sometimes this can be done even prior to scheduling a tryout. Learn what you can from others. Check the reputation with other teams and parents as well.

Red Flags That Should Make You Pause (or Walk Away)

Even if the coach gives smooth answers, watch for these:

• ”We win a lot” is the main selling point . . . especially at 10U–12U. Winning is great. Making it the ONLY thing often comes at the expense of development and fun.

• High roster turnover year after year. If half the team leaves every spring, there’s usually a reason.

• Vague or dodgy answers on playing time, costs, or schedule. If they can’t (or won’t) give specifics, that’s your answer.

• Shiny marketing but no substance. Highlight reels and commitment graphics are easy. A clear practice plan and development philosophy are harder, and more important.

• ”Everyone plays” in theory but the same 8–9 kids dominate in practice. Words vs. reality.

• Pressure to go year-round immediately or drop other sports. Multi-sport kids often develop into better athletes and stay healthier longer.

• No clear arm care or pitcher management plan. “We’ll figure it out” is not a plan.

• The coach seems more interested in selling you than evaluating your player. Good coaches are selective too.

How to Vet Beyond the Interview

Questions are step one. Do this too:

• Watch a practice or game in person. How does the coach interact with players after mistakes? Is it instructional or demeaning? Do players look engaged or terrified?

• Talk to parents who aren’t the loudest cheerleaders. The ones who have been around a year or two will give you the real picture.

• Ask former players (if old enough) what they liked and didn’t like.

• Request a sample practice plan or full proposed tournament schedule. Serious programs have this ready.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Finding the “Best” Team on Paper

The “best” team for the kid down the street might be a disaster for yours. The right team aligns with your player’s age, personality, goals, your family’s bandwidth, and a coach whose values match what you want your kid to experience.

Sometimes that means a slightly lower-profile team with better coaching and more reps. Sometimes it means stretching for a higher-level program that challenges him. The only way to know is to ask the hard questions and trust what the answers (and your observations) tell you.

Travel ball can be an incredible experience . . . or an expensive way to make everyone miserable. The difference often comes down to doing this homework before you commit.

What’s been your experience choosing teams? Any questions that saved you or that you wish you’d asked? Drop them in the comments — this community gets better when we share real talk.

If this helped, share it with another baseball parent who’s in the thick of tryout season. And if you want more practical guides (recruiting timelines, tournament packing checklists, arm care basics, or balancing high school + travel ball), hit subscribe. More coming.

Stay curious, ask the tough questions, and keep the game fun. The right team is out there — you just have to do a little detective work to find it.

With the recent NCAA rule change for D1, players will have 5 years to play 5. It becomes “age-based,” and will definitely change current practices. The timer starts when the player turns 19 or graduates from high school. From those two triggers, the eligibility clock starts during the next academic year. From there the players have 5 years of eligibility to play 5 years . . . no red shirts or exceptions, except for military service, maternity, or missions.

The new rule will begin to impact recruiting practices almost immediately . . .

• Many claim there will be limited room for Freshmen due to the extra year of eligibility for players. With the roster limitations, average team ages should increase. The transfer portal will have more impact than the 5/5 rule change, as colleges continue to pull in older transfer players. The proposed one free transfer rule change, should help to curb that.

• For JUCO players, after playing two years, they will still retain three years of eligibility. D1s will be able to pick up transfers that they can potentially keep for three years, increasing their value as transfers.

• With 5/5, there will be no red-shirts. That will provide colleges with potential opportunities to provide game experience for younger players without burning their potential red-shirt. Even limited exposure as a Freshmen still leaves them with four more years to play.

• This new rule should limit the reclasses in high school. If the player turns 19 prior to their senior year of high school, they will lose a year of eligibility.

• Aging out of college ball becomes a reality.

I’m looking forward to more stabilization of rosters in college, and the limited transfer rule, if enacted, should help with some stabilization.