Youth Inc Recommends: Four Resources to Help Navigate Little League, Youth Baseball, and More

2 million boys and girls participate in Little League Baseball worldwide annually. It’s not unlikely that your kid will come to you and ask to play- so what does that look like? And if they want to continue playing after Little League? It’s a lot of moving pieces, but we’re here to help.   

The Youth Inc. staff searched the Internet and social media to find the best resources to help parents navigate youth baseball. Some of these include Savannah Banana’s star and Youth Inc.’s baseball ambassador, Coach RAC. Some are more under the radar, like a Reddit thread that talks about the harm of travel ball.  

Here are four resources to help you navigate this wild world of Little League and youth baseball:  

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Reddit: Is Travel Ball Ruining Little League? 

What it is: A Reddit thread that talks about people’ personal experiences with travel vs. Little League baseball and how it’s become so competitive.   

Why we like it: We hear different perspectives on travel ball vs. Little League. The undoubted truth is that travel is more competitive and is often marketed as the best way to get recruited.  Perhaps travel isn’t based fully on talent but rather on who is financially capable enough to be on the team…… Stick with Little League if that’s what you love. Playing travel is not a one-way-ticket to a full scholarship in college! 

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Coach RAC's Ideal Timeline For Youth Baseball Players  

What it is: A TikTok from Coach RAC, Youth Inc. baseball ambassador on how competitive you should be at the different ages when it comes to baseball. 

Why we like it: Coach RAC has played at all levels. For him, he’s keeping the athlete’s (and parents!) happiness in mind when he’s explaining how competitive you should be in each age group. It’s never too late to get recruited if that’s what you’re worried about. RAC didn’t sign until the end of his senior year of high school! Even if you’re not signed then, you can attend junior college which gives you more time to improve.  

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Christian Yelich's Advice On Navigating The Youth Baseball Scene 

What it is: Greg Olsen interviews Milwaukee Brewers’ Christian Yelich about his experience getting to the pros and how he navigated the competitive youth baseball landscape.  

Why we like it: There’s not one way to get to the MLB. Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s clear with Yelich.  Because of the competitive nature of youth baseball, parents may think their athlete has to do things a certain way to be successful. The truth? There are a ton of ways to get to where you want to go. Yelich reminds viewers that if it’s meant to work out, it will. And if it doesn’t, you learned plenty of lessons over the years that will help you in some way.  

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Parents, spend your money on DEVELOPMENT, not TRAVEL BALL 

What it is: A YouTube video from Jeff at “Figure it Out Baseball” talks about why parents should put time and money into development but have their kids play local baseball rather than travel.  

Why we like it: The development of fundamental skills is the bread and butter of every sport. Putting more time and effort into developing these, rather than going for the shiny travel team can be more beneficial in the long run. Play local, get better, and transfer those skills.