All Star Baseball (for kids) is EVIL

[dejr_8]

This is our third experience with All Stars (first with my youngest son) and it looks like it will be a bad one as well.

First is the gate admission. This year Cal Ripken Baseball is dictating that tournaments can not sell week-end passes. They have to charge admission for every day. So this year if my son's team plays all possible games this weekend it will cost us $52 to see his games. This is on top of the cost of gas to driving to a field 40 miles away from home.

1) Is Cal Ripken insensitive to the current economic situation.
2) Where the heck does all that money go?

Now to the bigger issue is playing time and coaches "desire" to win. Last night, we were down by 15 runs going into the bottom of the 4th. The only kids that hadn't been in the game asked the Coach if he was going to get to bat and coach just walked away from him. The kid did not get to bat and we lost the game by the mercy rule (10 runs after 4 innings).

Clearly even if we scored enough runs to nullify the mercy rule we were going to lose the game because the other team was much better than us. So what was the downside to letting that kid bat in the bottom of the 4th? He's a good player. The kid would have been happy, the parents would have gotten to see their kid play. I just don't understand it.

Fortunately for us, my son is one of the two catchers on the team so he will play every inning of every game but I still feel sorry for the kids that don't get to play because we were there with my older son.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My DS15 is playing Jr. Legion ball right now and it cost our family of 4 $20.00 to get in at the gate. He plays 6 games this week. There are nights that 3 of us stay home because it becomes too costly.

We have one father that picks up trash after each home game so that he can watch his son for free. I know that the $ goes for umps, lighting and general upkeeping of the field but I feel that $5 per person is excessive.

I admire coaches that put in subs. We also have a DS8 that plays as well and we find it hilarious and sad how seriously some of these father/coaches take a 8/9 year olds game. They really need a reality check.

90% of the boys that played American Legion, AAU, All Stars etc. with my DS15, are no longer playing baseball. Their fathers completely burned them out and these boys will be the first ones to tell you that!

 

[HeatherC]

Oh no!!! Now I'm even more worried. This is my son's first year playing for all stars. He is on the 11 year old team here in Massachusetts.

Last year he made the team, but we had a 2 week vacation paid for that we couldn't switch so he couldn't play since we knew nothing about All Stars when we booked the trip.

Then this year we planned a vacation to Hilton Head and were planning on leaving July 2nd. That has now changed. Luckily, we rented the place for the month and can leave later.

Until this year......I didn't know anything about All Stars or how it works. I thought there was one team from each town. Not one team from each age group. Anyway...I figured we were safe this year because they bumped him up a league for the regular season and I assumed the kids that made all stars would be the older ones on the team. But NOPE....there are several teams as we've now learned.

He's had practices every day of the week for 2 1/2 hours each. But we still don't have a tournament schedule and no one mentioned a thing about having to pay anything to see the games.

We told the coach upfront that we paid for our vacation and will try to let him play as many games as he can before we leave. We even suggested giving the spot to another kid so it doesn't hurt the team when we leave for vacation. But the coach said he would rather have him while he can. Go figure.

So we bumped our trip to two weeks later and are leaving on the 16th of July no matter what. It's an 18 hour ride from our house and my dh only gets so many weeks vacation. Plus it is all paid for and we can't get our money back or move it any later since the place is rented for August. My son is fine with this and just loves playing baseball whether there is a game or just practice.

I'm now waiting to hear the fallout when we finally get the schedule and the coach hears that he probably won't be there for the "big" tournament weekend.

And there has been no mention of money whatsoever. So I'm definitely interested to hear how much this may cost us to see his games.

I'm already done with All Stars and it really hasn't even started here. I'm all for kids playing sports, but this is becoming over the top. I don't think I like the idea of baseball or any sport being all consuming. Unfortunately, that's how it is now a days and I'm finding that as the kids get older, it is getting worse. Aaaaarrrgggghhhh!

At least their staying out of trouble, right?

 

[Patricia]

It can get insane. Both All Stars and tournaments are really intense sometimes. Recently we had an experience with the regular travel team that was so sad. Our team has two brothers which the coach took just to allow them the chance to practice and improve. They get very little, if any, playing time. So we were being killed, about to be mercied, and our coach goes to the opposing coach and asks if he can put the boys in for the last inning. The opposing coach turned him down saying he cannot be sure these two boys are not "ringers". Our coach walked away saying, If these two boys can score 15 runs in one inning, wouldn't I have put them in already? Poor kids, they didn't get in at all.

 

[PUZZLDY5]

I have a son that has been playing ball since he was 6 years old. He is now almost 14. He has made the all star team every year but 1. It is a huge commitment. Practice every night of the week, playing on very HOT afternoons on the weekends and yes the cost of going to the games. I realize that the money they collect goes to that ballfield and it is a good thing to be nominated to hold tournaments (At least that is how it works here) but it can get costly for the parents involved.

A couple of years ago we held the 4, 5, and 6 year old games and I kid you not the police had to be called for one father who went off the deep end because his kid was called out on third base. Seriously, what kind of roll model to you want you kid to see here.

 

[swald91]

YIKES!
My son was just selected for it-it's his first time ever & he's 9....I know it's a
commitment-already have a schedule & see that July is pretty well filled with tournaments & practices, etc. The parents are ALWAYS an issue when it comes to kids sports..if they could only shut their mouths & let the kids play it would be great....ugh....

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Is this limited to only Cal Ripken leagues? We've been to countless games/tournaments sponsored by the "original" Little League organization and they don't charge for ANY sort of pass. We've even spent an entire week at the Little League World Series tournament and they don't charge you a single penny.

Such a shame that some leagues/organizations are trying to grab money at every turn.

 

[mjkacmom]

Ds12's coach is new, so his team only got 2 picks - he would've been the 3rd. Ds7's coach called last night, and he's on the team. However, they don't call strikes, the coaches pitch, and if they don't get 3 outs, everyone bats. I guess it's still nice to be chosen, especially since it's a first and second grade team, and he's in first.

 

[dawson5]

We do BPA but next year my 12 moves up to the Babe Ruth league. When we went to tournaments last year, there wasn't any kind of uniform rules. Ones in Michigan charged per car, the one in western Indiana was free, another in eastern Indiana was per person, another charged for a family and yet another was a weekend pass.

We had a tournament at our home park that I had to volunteer at. We charged per person but were told that if it was a home player's family, they got in for free. I let in all family for home player's for free. I spoke with one kid's grandparents, they had two grandson's playing. They were retired and openly spoke about being able to afford it and having to choose which grandchild to see. I let them in and told them that when they came the next day (or any thereafter) to tell the person collecting that they were family and were told that the association said home player's family is free. I don't know if this is CR, BPA, or the home field that sets the prices, we never saw any kind of uniformity.

Only thing I can tell you is to pack a suitcase and keep it in the car with you. I don't know how many times we had rain and need dry clothes.

ETA: I know the frustration on the not playing. I think a lot depends on the coach. We were told upfront that there might be games where your child did not get to play. We always told our DS that if he wanted that, he had to earn it. We've been told time and again, this is not rec league, they do not have to play your child X number of innings. Luckily our coach last year was a believer in letting the kids play, if only for two innings. This year some of the kid's on the higher level chose not to play with that team again because of that coach believing in playing to win everything, even when they were up by a lot. It's a lot of money just to sit and watch on the bench.

Also, I know that one of the coaches said something along the lines that they made quite a bit of money off of the tournament we hosted. Have you looked at the parent site for Cal Ripken? There might be some guidelines on how it is handled. I would guess something like it costs $400-1200 per tournament and CR maybe gets half or more of that and the home park keeps all admission or maybe CR gets a percentage of the admission.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

2) where the heck does all that money go?

A big chunk of it goes to fees to use the fields, and umpires.

 

[2Kds2K9]

It's all the same:

T-Ball/Baseball/Softball = DADDY BALL!

Sports are great for kids, don't get me wrong. BUT, it's also the time when kids start learing some very hard lessons:

(1) The Coach's kid will play most or all of the game whether they are good or not. Doesn't matter, 'cause Coach Daddy has to face his wife that night and you know she's going to make sure her kid gets the most playtime.

(2) Hard work might or might not payoff. See above.

(3) The coach will do just about anything to win. Whether it's fair or not, each coach wants that win behind their name.

Regarding the fees, yes it gets expensive, but that money goes to field maintenance, field supplies, umpires and equipment for the hosting league. In most of the sports organizations, all who "work" are volunteers, so none of that money goes to salaries.

Again, I think sports are great opportunities for kids, but keep in mind that there are great lessons and bad lessons to be learned.

Good luck and hope your son has a great time!

 

[mjkacmom]

It's all the same:

T-Ball/Baseball/Softball = DADDY BALL!

Sports are great for kids, don't get me wrong. BUT, it's also the time when kids start learing some very hard lessons:

(1) The Coach's kid will play most or all of the game whether they are good or not. Doesn't matter, 'cause Coach Daddy has to face his wife that night and you know she's going to make sure her kid gets the most playtime.
!

I totally agree that the coach's kid will play the whole game, every single game, but don't blame it on mom. Baseball would be a whole different game if the moms were in charge! Ds12's little league coach did play his son and nephew every inning, but he put neither one on the allstars team (I was surprised). DH is a travel soccer coach, and the player who sits the bench most is ds (he's a goalie, plays half in goal, 1/4 on the field, 1/4 on the bench - some kids play the whole game).

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

The following is just one example of rules of an all-star baseball tournament. Please note, this is a small tournament, not on the scale of Cal Ripken. It is also important to note that the amount of spectators per game is most likely not on a "large" scale.

Tournament Play:

XXX will hold tournaments approximately one weekend per month each season. The format will be pool play, and a championship round. Leagues are asked not to schedule regular season games on these weekends so that their challenge players can participate. The tournament entry fee is $275 per team.

Note: It is recommended that associations set aside Sunday afternoons for challenge practice. Players do not develop by playing tournament games alone – they must receive proper instruction and have the chance to work fundamentals at practice.

Tournament Hosts:

XXXX will work with member associations to determine hosts for each tournament. Hosts must have adequate field space, and fields must meet minimum requirements such as fence distance, safe dugouts and pitching mounds, and properly maintained fields. Hosts must also have adequate concession and restroom facilities. Each host must appoint a Tournament Director to coordinate with XXXX officials to run the tournament, report scores each day, handle any protests, etc. The host association will run concessions and keep all proceeds from concessions. The host association will charge a $4 per person, per day admission fee for all spectators age 12 and over. The host association will use these proceeds to pay for field preparation, scorekeepers and other costs associated with the tournament. XXXX will use the team entry fees and entrance fees to pay for baseballs, umpires, and trophies and medals.

Insurance:

Each player must be covered by the XXX master policy purchased through X&X Insurance, a major provider of insurance for youth sports. The player registration fee includes insurance for the spring and fall season within the same calendar year. Our policy does not permit us to accept waivers for other insurance coverage. All players must be registered as a XXXX participant for the calendar year.

As you can see there are tons of costs that are associated with Little League tournament play. As for the World Series of Little league, it is sponsored by many large corporation, therefore it is easier not to charge for admission. The games are also televised which creates revenue.

 

[mamacatnv]

I sat on a Cal-Ripken board for 6 LLOOONNNG years
The regional tournament play is governed by them but here in the West the individual leagues look forward to hosting due to the revenue. Yes there are tons of costs associated with hosting a tournament from field use fees, to umpires, port-o-potties and in our case the cost of lights for evening games.

The leagues are generally run on a shoe string budget (at least ours was) so the opportunity to host is in many ways like a large fundraiser.
I do not remember if CR corporate dictated gate fees but perhaps they did. Often it is up to the hosting league to determine the fees if any.

Play time - I have learned, it does not matter what a coach does, someone, somewhere will be unhappy with the decison.
I also learned early on to keep my mouth shut, my opinions to myself and I spent 8 years saying the following to DH "zip it, he has a coach" When it comes to tournament play there are no "must play" rules, most parents know this in the beginning and almost always agree because they figure that if their child made the All-Star team then of course they will always play. Not so, All-Star teams have numbers of players they must meet, not every single one of those players is a superstar despite what Mom and Dad think.

 

[dejr_8]

I do not remember if CR corporate dictated gate fees but perhaps they did. .

They told us this was a new policy and that is why they were unable to sell a weekend pass.

 

[foolishmortal]

It's all the same:

T-Ball/Baseball/Softball = DADDY BALL!

Sports are great for kids, don't get me wrong. BUT, it's also the time when kids start learing some very hard lessons:

(1) The Coach's kid will play most or all of the game whether they are good or not. Doesn't matter, 'cause Coach Daddy has to face his wife that night and you know she's going to make sure her kid gets the most playtime.

(2) Hard work might or might not payoff. See above.

(3) The coach will do just about anything to win. Whether it's fair or not, each coach wants that win behind their name.

Regarding the fees, yes it gets expensive, but that money goes to field maintenance, field supplies, umpires and equipment for the hosting league. In most of the sports organizations, all who "work" are volunteers, so none of that money goes to salaries.

Again, I think sports are great opportunities for kids, but keep in mind that there are great lessons and bad lessons to be learned.

Good luck and hope your son has a great time!

GTFOH!!!!!


I have been a little league coach for many years and yes my son has made all stars and played a majority of the time...want to know why????? HE EARNED IT!

Most parents that complain are blind to the fact that thier son or daughter isnt has good as the coaches son. Sure I let every kid play alot and I know I am in the minority in that regard but from my side I have also seen most of the better players are the coaches sons. Is it because they get more instruction at home? I dont know, Is it because they are around the sport more time then not, I dont know. But I can say my son was throwing a baseball before he could walk, he was running bases before he could talk, and he never used a tee because he was hitting off a thrown ball since 1 year old.

In coach pitch he actually helped "coach" other kids because he knew what they were doing wrong. My asst coach's kid was the same way. was it nice to get the W sure, did we still have fun in defeat sure. 1 season I actually had a parent ask me which kid was mine becuase i dont play favorites, but it irks me to no end when I hear parents complain about this issue, because you know what, we coaches are out there on our own free will and time FOR THE KIDS! its a non paid position, in fact in my case i could spend hundreds of my own dollars on treats snacks, games etc to let the kids have fun, and all I ask in return is the kids listen and learn.

I tell my parents from day 1, if you dont like the way something is ran with the league you can ALWAYS help coach or be on board, and the strange thing is....none ever take me up on that. hmm weird.


In regards to a player not playing in all-stars, every kid has to have a minimum inning and at bats, so maybe take the issue to the league president and let them know that the requirement isnt being met because not only does that look bad on the league, it can actually disqualify a team if they keep advancing.

 

[dejr_8]

GTFOH!!!!!


I have been a little league coach for many years and yes my son has made all stars and played a majority of the time...want to know why????? HE EARNED IT!

I tell my parents from day 1, if you dont like the way something is ran with the league you can ALWAYS help coach or be on board, and the strange thing is....none ever take me up on that. hmm weird.

In regards to a player not playing in all-stars, every kid has to have a minimum inning and at bats, so maybe take the issue to the league president and let them know that the requirement isnt being met because not only does that look bad on the league, it can actually disqualify a team if they keep advancing.

I agree and disagree with you.

1) In my experience, SOME coaches kids make the all-stars in place of better players OR receive more playing time. However see my next point

2) I realize that coaches put in a lot of time and effort into being a coach and put up with a lot of complaining by parents who are unwilling to put forth the effort to be a coach. In consideration of the effort required to coach I don't have a major issue if a coach's kid gets the benefit of the doubt in making an all-star team. If that is the reality and you want/need your kid to be an all-star then become a coach for the next season.

3) Our league does not have a policy regarding playing time for all-stars. In fact, they tell us upfront that your child may not play at all.

 

[foolishmortal]

I agree and disagree with you.

1) In my experience, SOME coaches kids make the all-stars in place of better players OR receive more playing time. However see my next point

2) I realize that coaches put in a lot of time and effort into being a coach and put up with a lot of complaining by parents who are unwilling to put forth the effort to be a coach. In consideration of the effort required to coach I don't have a major issue if a coach's kid gets the benefit of the doubt in making an all-star team. If that is the reality and you want/need your kid to be an all-star then become a coach for the next season.

3) Our league does not have a policy regarding playing time for all-stars. In fact, they tell us upfront that your child may not play at all.

funny thing about that is i was never an all-star coach i didnt want that pressure and pain, my son made it on his own free will at try outs, while some other kids whose parents complained early in seson didnt....strange (not) how that worked out.


And our league is little league approved so there are minimum playing requirements, sorry got that mixed up with this cal and babe leagues, my bad.

 

[foolishmortal]

I agree and disagree with you.

1) In my experience, SOME coaches kids make the all-stars in place of better players OR receive more playing time. However see my next point

2) I realize that coaches put in a lot of time and effort into being a coach and put up with a lot of complaining by parents who are unwilling to put forth the effort to be a coach. In consideration of the effort required to coach I don't have a major issue if a coach's kid gets the benefit of the doubt in making an all-star team. If that is the reality and you want/need your kid to be an all-star then become a coach for the next season.

3) Our league does not have a policy regarding playing time for all-stars. In fact, they tell us upfront that your child may not play at all.

also in regard to your original post....EVERY kid sgould have played at least 1 inning and 1 at bat in that lop sided of a lose...what would be the harm, lose by 17 instead of 15. this is an instance of a bad coach, but again not a representation of all coaches.

 

[2Kds2K9]

GTFOH!!!!!


I have been a little league coach for many years and yes my son has made all stars and played a majority of the time...want to know why????? HE EARNED IT!

Most parents that complain are blind to the fact that thier son or daughter isnt has good as the coaches son. Sure I let every kid play alot and I know I am in the minority in that regard but from my side I have also seen most of the better players are the coaches sons. Is it because they get more instruction at home? I dont know, Is it because they are around the sport more time then not, I dont know. But I can say my son was throwing a baseball before he could walk, he was running bases before he could talk, and he never used a tee because he was hitting off a thrown ball since 1 year old.

In coach pitch he actually helped "coach" other kids because he knew what they were doing wrong. My asst coach's kid was the same way. was it nice to get the W sure, did we still have fun in defeat sure. 1 season I actually had a parent ask me which kid was mine becuase i dont play favorites, but it irks me to no end when I hear parents complain about this issue, because you know what, we coaches are out there on our own free will and time FOR THE KIDS! its a non paid position, in fact in my case i could spend hundreds of my own dollars on treats snacks, games etc to let the kids have fun, and all I ask in return is the kids listen and learn.

I tell my parents from day 1, if you dont like the way something is ran with the league you can ALWAYS help coach or be on board, and the strange thing is....none ever take me up on that. hmm weird.


In regards to a player not playing in all-stars, every kid has to have a minimum inning and at bats, so maybe take the issue to the league president and let them know that the requirement isnt being met because not only does that look bad on the league, it can actually disqualify a team if they keep advancing.

Okay, let me amend my statement. In what I'VE EXPERIENCED the coach's kid plays most if not all of the game whether they are good or not. And my kids have done many years of House League AND Travel/Select sports. It's more prevelant on the Travel/Select Teams. My DD is currently on a SB team where the Head Coach's daughter has only sat out a few innings and she has the most errors. Yep, it's all in the book. My DS was on a basketball team where again, the coach's kid was not good nor showed up to the majority of the practices, and still got to play a minimum of 3 quarters of each game. Explain that to the child that was at EVERY practice and only played one quarter per game.

And yes, my DH and I have stepped up to help. We've not coached a team, but we are there at all the practices helping the coaches and my DH has even stepped up to be head of our local sports league. (a job that is almost full time, thankless and a non-paid position. He gets ALL the complaints.) We are not the "drop and run" parents nor are we the "non-invovled, don't want to be involved parents" either.

And yes, there are the coaches out there who are truly there for the kids. The ones who put in the extra hours and effort with the kids. Unfortunately, you are a rare breed. We have a few here, but just a few.