Organized youth baseball has been around for a long time. I remember spending my spring and summer days playing in more than one youth baseball league.  Not only are the memories of those glory days still fresh in my head, but I learned a tremendous amout of life.  Even today I still see some of my old coaches and remain great friends with some of my Little League teammates.

Recently I had a discussion with some friends who asked my opinion on youth baseball.  One of them was thinking about signing their child up for a local youth baseball league.  My recommendation was that organized youth baseball is a great way to get involved in the community and learn the basics about life.  I went on to say that youth baseball helps teach kids responsibility, respect, hustle, teamwork, how to overcome adversity, gain confidence and become independent.

I also helped disspell some myths that the parents had about youth baseball:

1. Youth baseball Is dangerous 

Youth Baseball Organizations throughout the country make safety a number one priority.  Players wear helmets, catchers wear full equipment (protective cups are mandatory for boys), bats are not allowed in dugouts and coaches teach kids how to be safe.  But accidents do occur and in almost every case, the children are fine.

What parents fail to think about is their children maybe more likely to get injured if they were playing outside of youth baseball.  I mean, just crossing  the street, playing in the playground, rough housing, playing tag, etc. there is always that chance of getting hurt.

In one sentence - Youth Baseball is very safe.

2. Youth baseball coaches are mean and they don't care about my kid 

Nothing more can be further from the truth. The majority of youth baseball coaches have their own kids on the team.   Youth baseball coaching in voluntary and requires a conviction to a great deal of time with the kids.   So the youth baseball coaches absolutely care.

3. My child won't learn anything 

Again, the game of baseball is an extension of life.  Youth baseball may be the first opportunity for the kids to learn and socially interact with kids of different races, nationalities and religions - something they will do the rest of their lives.

Youth baseball teaches kids how teamwork, respect, discipline, hustle, confidence and how to deal with adversity.

4. There are better things to do with my time It's not about the parents! 

Yes, there is a very big responsibility of each and every parent. Getting them to and from practices and games.  Making sure they have their gear and are on time.  But youth baseball does not have to be the only activity they are involved in. 

5. Youth baseball takes all up all of our time 

Back when I was a kid, we played Little League from May until September.  But today, many youth baseball leagues end before the fourth of July.  This is done for two reasons, allow for the All Star teams to participate in tournaments and to give the parents and kids time in the summer to go on vacation.

6. Youth baseball costs too much money

 Most league do charge a fee.  Some leagues don't charge money but request that the kids sell chocolates, candies or other products to fund the operations of the league. 

But consider how much money it would cost if you needed to hire a person to watch your kids.  The price for the incredible education can't be beat. 

7. Youth baseball is too competitive 

Boloney!  Life is a competition - and the earlier our children understand how to be competitive and learn how to come back from adversity, the better off they will be. 

However, in some communities there is a difference of opinion.  Some parents have gone as far as to file suit to make league non-competitive - no final score, no keeping track of the game.  I respect their opinion but strongly disagree with their position.

8.  I don't have a say about anything that's going on 

Take it from a youth baseball coach, nothing more can be further than reality.  Coaches love when parents get involved and interact.  Most coaches are understanding and will listen to all parents and take constructive criticism.

9. There is nothing in it for me 

You may not think so, but think about the learning experience your child gets.  They learn to interact with kids their own age without their parents hanging all over them. It is the beginning of independence for them.

10. My kids will hate it 

Some do, some don't. I have had many, many players with the same attitude on the first day. But almost all come to really enjoy it - even if they are not good at it!

Youth baseball is not only for your kids. Parents learn a lot too!  For some parents it is hard to let go, hard to see them fail, hard to watch them lose a game and extremely hard to see them fall and get hurt. 

But that is what beig a parent is all about - letting them experience life on their own.  Learning how to let go and giving them some independence is what it's all about.