[Play Ball Youth Sports]

I can feel the eye-rolling from other parents when I make my boys (10 & 7 years old) put baseball down -entirely- for the offseason.  Many of their teammates continue personal lessons and participate in optional practices straight into the spring.

I don’t begrudge those who have their kids train all winter.  If that works for them, have at it.  But I believe (because I’ve seen it first hand) that those kids will hit a wall at some point in the spring/summer season.  Their energy levels will drop, they’ll lose interest and generally feel burned out.  And no one knows what impact it may have down the road with repetitive-use injuries and the desire to keep playing in high school and beyond.

It’s easy to say “it’s just an hour practice’ and much harder to stay disciplined and wait until the new season starts.  But I believe the benefits are worth it.  Physically – my boys stop the repetitive throwing and swinging motions and transition to basketball, football, and speed & agility workouts.  Mentally – it sets aside the months-long grinding and lets them play just for their enjoyment.  They still practice and take private lessons in these other sports but since they’re not their #1’s, it’s less taxing mentally.

Here we are in mid-December and I find myself having to say no again, which is difficult.  But I can hold on for another 6 short weeks until the baseball offseason officially ends, with 2 eager and refreshed ballplayers chomping at the bit to get back at it.

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