Showcase or what????

The costs change so much year to year...some up, some down. Many of the programs mentioned have sponsors to reduce the cost. But I'll give you one that on the face of it is very expensive, but in reality it is not.

On Deck $3,000+

This is a year round program. They design specific programs tailored for each player. They are videotaped at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year and discussed with professional instructors on the improvements and what to continue to work on. They have their own facility and the players have access to it year long. They have a strength and conditioning coach that tailors a program for each. They have an advanced educational program to help players to prepare for SAT's. They have a pipeline and respect from all of the college recruiters, regionally and nationally.

The fee includes all tournaments in the summer and the fall (they play in all of the best, including invitational only). They have great coaches and great instructors...and a history of successful players. So if one is looking for a year long program with an unbelievable history of success, On Deck is outstanding.

The Dirtbags are unbelievably inexpensive. It's around $800...but remember this. They play in weekly tournaments that, at times, cost $1,700 to enter. Plus, they provide equipment, uniforms, shoes and other things that amount to a lot of money.(at no additional cost)

As I mentioned, the SCP's and Copperheads are sponsored entirely. I'm not sure of the others mentioned, but someone will know that can post the details.

 

Thank you for the shout out Plate Dad. We try hard and I have been fortunate to have some good players and parents. The travel starts soon and I can't wait!

 

I know travel baseball starts at a very young age but at what age should a player stop doing that? Also, from what i understand people tell me that they play travel ball for free how is that? You have the motels, gas, food, then the tournament fee I dont see that being free.

 

scroll back a couple of posts.. Braves listed a few..
some charge some dont..
my son played 2 summers with the Copperhead Collegiate Wood Bat club and it was all free..free motels when they were on the road , best charter buses, and all meals were paid , home and away..they even had their uniforms cleaned for every game.

btw: the ones that list a fee , thats for players only not the parents .
as for when to stop playing travel ball, you never stop traveling if your gona continue to play.... remember the older you get the less teams are available and games will be spread all over the region..and if you are associated with one of the better teams.. you will be traveling to several cities in florida , georgia , texas, tennessee, sc, nc not to mention some good tournaments are in the southern california area....
and whats worse is when you take one of those long trips and the team didnt play well and only gets the pool play games or loses 2 and goes home.. but has a roster of 15 to 20 players and some dont even get their shoes dusty.. that will test your endurance and understanding of baseball and what it means to be on a travel ball club....

 

Elite Showcase Baseball

Braves did a great job of explaining the On Deck system thoroughly. Having a chance to work with the guys over there for many years, you realize the intangibles you receive through the program. Every coach/instructor has a passion for the game and each kid that steps foot in the building. The instruction is top notch, but more importantly the players best interest is put forth. Players come to On Deck to further their skills and maybe one day have a chance to play at the next level. Having close contact with Colleges and Universities in the area, it is On Deck's goal to support that dream (76+ kids signed out of On Deck's program in 5 years). Also, there is a financial aid program set up for players who are unable to eat the total costs. Players set up on the financial aid plan will work Panther's games and other events to raise money for their season. This teaches the ultimate life lesson in responsibility. Kudos to On Deck!!!

 

I played with the On Deck O's for about a year and a half. I loved it and it provided me with some of the best times of my life. The coaches were always there to help you and they were always there to catch a pen or throw BP to you in one of the cages. Like Braves said, its a little more expensive than the other programs but with what they have to offer you, it goes beyond any of them. The friendships I made with my teammates, their parents and the coaches at On Deck are ones that I cherish and will never forget.

They also do a good job of getting your name out there, they do a great job of that. Everybody from my team signed with a college to go play ball at and only one guy didn't go on to play ball, but went to UF for school. But they do have tutoring services for you whether for a test or you need help in a certain class. So its not always baseball all the time, they do help you focus on things outside of baseball.

Dont get me wrong though, there are some quality programs out there. This is just a perspective of one program and hoepfully give you some insight on.

The 2004 team I played with is still IMO is the best team I played for, on and off the field, so many great times with those guys.

 

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