Transitioning from Rec Ball to Club @ 14U

[sittingonabucket]

Hi Catchers Dad. Just my two cents worth. I've been through this with two kids. burned my first out early by playing travel too early. Trying to resist the temptation of burning out my second. She's doing fine, but we worked our way through the rec leagues and then we practiced with a club team for a few months before we decided to jump in the arena.

judging from your handle, if she's a catcher, she's going to be in demand. would not worry about that.

I always ask where the kids go to school. If more than 3 go to the same school, we move on. I've just found those are rec teams disguised as travel teams and you get all the drama which can be rampant at 13.

and that's just from the parents.

[jonriv]

My daughters first experience with Travel Ball was at the 14u level. Worked out well for her. She had no trouble handling it and even excelled. she still plays in College and as many have mentioned, those who started earlier than her burned out years ago. IMO the differences in talent level between rec all-stars & TB are not that great until after the 12u level(at least in this area) Find a team that she will get to play and will teach her how to play better.

[CatcherDad99]

Does anyone know of any well coached 14u teams in the 818, 661, or 805 area codes we might try. I see a lot of teams looking for a catcher but seams everything is 626 or 714 area. If I found a great coach I'd go in to 310 but OC is a bit of a drive at this stage. My main concern is I don't want one of those "baseball" coaches who converted to softball and still has a baseball mentality.

[PDad]

Does anyone know of any well coached 14u teams in the 818, 661, or 805 area codes we might try. I see a lot of teams looking for a catcher but seams everything is 626 or 714 area. If I found a great coach I'd go in to 310 but OC is a bit of a drive at this stage. ...

626 may work as well as 310 (see Cal Area Codes).

Regardless, area code is not a reliable indicator of where the team practices and plays.

[DonnieS]

My main concern is I don't want one of those "baseball" coaches who converted to softball and still has a baseball mentality.

Uh, yea, stay away from those.

[Sam]

Does anyone know of any well coached 14u teams in the 818, 661, or 805 area codes we might try. I see a lot of teams looking for a catcher but seams everything is 626 or 714 area. If I found a great coach I'd go in to 310 but OC is a bit of a drive at this stage. My main concern is I don't want one of those "baseball" coaches who converted to softball and still has a baseball mentality.

There are no well coached teams in those areas. Sorry. All of the good coaches are in the IE.