We're one of those certifiable travel ball families as well. 15 year old DD plays on a travel ball team located 4 hours (!) from home. 13year old DS plays on a travel baseball team. And the 6 year old is about to start rec ball. It's a lifestyle definitely not for everyone, but to steal a line from Godfather 2, this is the life we've chosen.
And yet... there are times. I think it first hit me two summers ago. DD's 13U team had deperately tried to qualify for ASA/USA nationals all summer, and always came up one position short. It was down to the last tournament. One final chance witrh a field of 33 teams. The stress had been building all summer. It was a Saturday and we were about to play our 3rd or 4th game of the day. I was rushing to the gas station to get more ice for the cooler. On the way back to the fields I drove past one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes and... I pulled over. I looked at the familes. Jet skis. Water skis. Boats. Frisbee. Picnics. Sun and relaxation. And I thought to myself, "what are we doing?" Anyway, we did win that tournament and we're still just as crazy as ever, but there are moments when i feel a small pang of regret. I hope that doesn't get me banned from DFP.
And yet... there are times. I think it first hit me two summers ago. DD's 13U team had deperately tried to qualify for ASA/USA nationals all summer, and always came up one position short. It was down to the last tournament. One final chance witrh a field of 33 teams. The stress had been building all summer. It was a Saturday and we were about to play our 3rd or 4th game of the day. I was rushing to the gas station to get more ice for the cooler. On the way back to the fields I drove past one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes and... I pulled over. I looked at the familes. Jet skis. Water skis. Boats. Frisbee. Picnics. Sun and relaxation. And I thought to myself, "what are we doing?" Anyway, we did win that tournament and we're still just as crazy as ever, but there are moments when i feel a small pang of regret. I hope that doesn't get me banned from DFP.