I feel the rec leagues have felt the need to add select teams because of players venturing off to the travel world. I've been back and forth from rec to travel to rec a few times now and notice it's getting worse. I hear the parents talking that travel talk "shes supposed to play with this team this weekend". I hear the players talking that talk saying "my mom wants me to do travel". As if it's just a cool thing. I hear parents say we want more competition but in all respect their daughter/player cant do the fundamental stuff right. Bunt, catch a fly. catch a routine grounder etc. More than ever with all the social media people see how little Susie is on this travel team and they want that attention too for their daughter so they can post "look we playing travel too". But what they dont realize is there is this big percentage of travel teams that copy heybucket tryout posts to attract some form of life, will take them in and their money, not develop the kid show up to friendlies get smoked, go to tournaments get smoked. With all due respect we've been down that road at least I have but some of these teams will never get better because of the reason they're in travel.
Remember all us coaches came from rec even all the great ones. If you get the chance to talk to a travel coach pick their brain they can share so much information.
As far as rec ball - they're pretty strong still. Try and keep your babies in rec till 10s are done at least. And if the need feels right check out a top travel team not a you know what kind of team and get some valuable information on what your player needs to work on. They'll be honest with you - and that kind of truth is so powerful vs. some desperate team saying you can pitch with us.
Anyways I had some spare time to share some thoughts with you guys. This year will be my 6th year in travel what a ride it has been so far as i am now back down with my 12s. Lots of great experiences but nothing beats helping them rec ballers develop into young confident ballers....
Coach Ray