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Youth Baseball and the Team Spirit

Shawn | Oct 22, 2010 |

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When the weather warms up the local baseball fields fill up with teams of kids playing their favorite sport, baseball. The balls are thrown in the general direction of the pitcher and after several brave efforts the ball may or may not be hit. The player runs as if his or her life is on the line, racing to the next base. This is not professional baseball. Yet, youth baseball is played with intensity, as if someones career depended on it.

Why youth baseball? Most kids thrive in environments that challenge them to have fun and succeed. A well-coached team promotes self-confidence among the players. Being on a team means thinking beyond ones own self and seeing how individual actions can affect a teams chances to win. Learning how to work with others is an important life skill we all need.

The coaches and parents have available many tools to create their winning team. Good equipment is very important. Baseball mitts not only protect the hands of the players but also help the player to catch the ball. An open baseball mitt, without webbing, allows the catchers to see where the ball is going. A closed mitt hides the moves of the pitcher. Another type of glove is the batting glove. Youth baseball batting gloves help with the grip on the bat. They are thicker and more protective of hands than golf gloves. Look for bats that are age appropriate be sure they fit the size of the players. Do not forget, a sturdy soft ball is crucial for a good practice or game session.

Tryouts are necessary to find the players. In kids, talent is important but more important is the childs desire to play the game. In younger kids, talent can be hidden until they are older. Look to have more than the required number to make a team. Having many players insures that the team is covered in spite of sickness and other emergencies. Remember these are children they and their parents will need some wiggle room when it comes to attendance to the games and practices.

Information can be found on the internet on how to build teams and start them. Some of the sports info sites have a way for the teams to create blogs and have commentary emailed to players computers and cell phones. Exchange of pictures, from these sports sites, showing team successes are a great way to brag. Letting the kids blog about their experience can help build a sense of ownership among the teammates

Why youth baseball? With sports info sites for information, uniforms to help build team identity, and a chance to be part of a team, all are good reasons to play in a sport that is loved by many people all over the world. Even if the team never makes it to the major leagues, the experience of playing the sport will stay with the kids for the rest of their lives.