Summer Baseball Mistake: Why Parents Should Ask “Why”—Not “Where”—Before Picking a Travel Team
Before committing to a summer or travel baseball team, most families ask the wrong question—“Where are we playing?” instead of “Why are we playing?” In this blog, Coach Leo Young breaks down how failing to define your purpose—whether it’s skill development or just continuing to play—can lead to wasted time, money, and progress. Learn the difference between Adventure Ball (non-developmental travel or summer ball built around fun and experience) and Developmental Ball (structured reps, growth, and purpose). Make sure your summer strategy fits your athlete’s goals, not someone else’s hype.
SUMMER BASEBALL
Summer Baseball Mistake: Why Parents Should Ask “Why”—Not “Where”—Before Picking a Travel Team
It’s one of the most important decisions of the year—but most families never stop to ask why they’re playing summer baseball.
Instead, they jump straight into where and with who.
That’s backward—and it can cost your athlete an entire season of development.
So before you commit—ask yourself this:
What are you actually hoping to get out of summer baseball this year?
Is it fun and travel with friends? Or is it skill development and growth? Post your thoughts in the comments on the video.
Step 1: “Where Are You Playing?” Is the Wrong First Question
Most families treat summer baseball as automatic—you play spring ball, then roll right into summer.
But that approach skips a critical question:
Why are we playing summer ball this year?
Your answer will define your experience, your cost, and your outcome:
Are you playing for fun, friendships, and the experience?
Or are you looking to actually improve and develop a skill?
There’s no wrong answer—but you can’t treat both paths the same.
Step 2: Adventure Ball vs. Developmental Ball
Here’s the truth most parents miss:
Not all summer ball is created equal.
There’s Adventure Ball—what most people call travel or summer ball that’s focused on continuing to play, travel with friends, and enjoying the season.
This version is communal, fun, and full of memories—but not built for development.
Then there’s Developmental Ball—where reps, purpose, and skill improvement take center stage.
If you’re choosing development, you have to be intentional:
What skill are you improving?
Why does that matter right now?
What will your reps and feedback system look like?
If you skip this reflection, you risk wasting the summer.
Step 3: Let Your “Why” Drive Every Summer Decision
Once you’re clear on your “why,” everything else gets easier:
You can choose a program that actually fits your goals.
You’ll know which questions to ask the coach.
You’ll make smarter decisions about your time, money, and effort.
Don’t let the summer be automatic.
Let it be intentional.
Want to Build a Hitter’s Summer Around What Actually Works?
If your goal is to improve your swing, Coach Leo’s book gives you a clear, teachable system that builds elite-level mechanics through structured reps.
📕 BASS: Barrel Accuracy and Swing Strength – The Path to Elite Level Hitting
👉 Visit: www.luposbaseball.com
Disclaimer:
The content shared is for informational purposes only. This is not a judgment of any person or program mentioned. All names and events are discussed from personal memory and are not meant to accuse or endorse. The goal is to share insight from lived experience.
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