I don't have any contacts in your neck of the woods but there are plenty of organizations that stay balanced. We've wrestled with the decision about our oldest playing travel ball in the past over the balance but came to the realization that we'd be holding the kid back and preventing him from developing. Sounds like you're in a similar boat. One month of practice and games/tournaments with most travel ball teams/organizations will offer more reps and development than years of league ball.

My kid's 10U team would beat most of the 12U league ball teams I've seen. The only reason it might be competitive is the 12U kids are playing on 50' mounds and 70' bases vs. the 46' mound/60' bases they do now. And we're just a decent AAA team.

I totally understand the importance of your faith as well but God loves baseball too. And let's face it, for 99%+ they have a very limited time to play baseball competitively but their entire lives to worship. Jesus ain't getting mad if you miss church occasionally for baseball. At least that's how we look at it in our family.

alvtimes said:

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without trying to sound preachy or start a debate....Yall hold a devotional in your car or maybe at find a nice park near your ballfield..... you might get a surprise and find team mates and parents with the same problem you are encountering and your little worship group may grow..... and even better, your group may introduce someone that has never had an avenue to worship. Just my 2 cents

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Yeah, I haven't found anywhere in my biblical studies where God decreed that Sunday mornings from 8:30-9:30 you should go to church and then have coffee and donuts. Being in the physical church doesn't make you automatically closer to God.

I think spending time with Him both personally and in fellowship with others is crucial to fulfilling your best life here on Earth. And yes, sometimes that means sacrificing, even things like baseball. But I also choose to utilize my church's fantastic flexible schedule to spend that fellowship time at varying points in the week. I spend time in personal reflection and mediation each day as well. That being said, I'm not perfect and don't always stick to that. But I try. And I've found ways to continuously pursue (and share) my faith when the complexities of modern life inevitably cause conflicts.

In fact, it was probably my parents' flexibility in supporting my passions that drilled this into me. They drilled in that we will do our best to go spend that formal time in church each week. But if we can't or are on vacation, or any number of other things happen, we can always dedicate that time as a family without being in the building. Especially now with the virtual service offerings out there, you can do that.

You can set an example for your child how he doesn't have to choose God or baseball. He can do both and can glorify Him through his talents. You show you son how you can constantly pursue the Lord no matter your activities. Say your son, against the odds, ends up in the NFL/MLB some day. They play on Sunday (and on Wednesday in the MLB) a lot. Just because he won't be in a physical church doesn't mean he's picking career over God. He will need to find a way to dedicate himself to the word outside of being in church on Sunday mornings. You can set that example now. If the only thing he has experienced about religion is tied to physically being there, then it's mighty easy for that relationship to suffer once he's on his own.

Just my $.02, which is worth exactly what you paid for it. It's an intensely personal decision for each family and I won't judge you either way. But I do think there are ways you can do both.

silvey77 said:

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We just aren't willing to sit my kid down and tell him that God is really important, but we really need to make this baseball game today. The only thing in this life that has eternal value is knowing Christ and the sanctification that comes from a life of serving the King of the world. We had a league game rescheduled for Wednesday night last week so we just didn't play. I truly am looking for some recommendations, insights, or Saturday options with those of you who have more experience in the world of higher level youth baseball.

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Your trying to have the best of both worlds man. Best thing you could probably do if your faith is that rigid is to just accept rec ball and not pursue select. You are trying to push a square peg thru a round hole.

I am a Christian but personally would never do what you are doing. Most of the Select kids on our teams are from very religious families but they somehow find a way. I hope you do to.

Honestly, I suggest talking to your Pastor about it. Hopefully he can give you some better perspective on things.