Team Insight

By Mike May T he past baseball season was solid, but not spectacular, according to the leadership of youth baseball in America. But hope springs eternal as the industry enters 2018. "In 2017, we had a slight decline in participation numbers, mainly in the older age divisions," says Steve Tellefson, president and CEO of Babe Ruth League. "On a positive note, for the 2018 season we have received many inquiries from organizations about affiliating with the Babe Ruth League, which is a good sign." "Our franchise numbers decreased last year; however, all things considered, it was really a good year," reports Sandy Jones, commissioner and CEO of Dixie Boys Baseball. "We recognize that we will never have the team/league structure that we once enjoyed as an organization. I hope that efforts will continue to find additional oppor- tunities for youth to be exposed to baseball." "In 2017, our participation was relatively the same as it was in 2016," says Abe Key, president of Pony Baseball & Softball. He says that three rules changes may impact participation next season — the new bat performance standard, its age determination dates and the adoption of the Pitch Smart program, which monitors pitches thrown rather than innings pitched. "Dixie Youth has a strong base of leagues and we expect a great year in 2018," reports Wes Skelton, commissioner of Dixie Youth Baseball. The travel ball issue is something that impacts every governing body in youth baseball. "There is no doubt that travel baseball does have an effect on community-based programs," says Tellefson. "Our local league presidents and commissioners in the field do a great job offer- ing events on weekends to our membership to assist the leagues in keeping the players in their community-based programs." He reports that Babe Ruth League is currently researching developing a separate travel ball division to provide a better opportunity for partici- pants to play any kind of baseball. "The addition of a travel division would offer our participants a full complement of baseball opportunities from the recreational level to all-star competition to travel baseball," Tellefson says. "Travel ball has disrupted traditional league- baseball programs for the past 20 years," agrees Skelton. "It has brought the idea of 'team' baseball to be the elite way to train youth players at the expense of local recreational league baseball. "Nevertheless," he adds, "there is strong sup- port for league baseball programs, which will be the bedrock of youth baseball for years to come." Little League Baseball is the largest of the youth baseball governing bodies, catering to 2.4 mil- lion boys and girls playing baseball and softball. While the foundation of its existence is the local recreational baseball league, the most well-known of its programs is the Little League World Series, held each August in Williamsport, PA. The Little League World Series event, which now garners national TV coverage on ESPN and ABC, is actually a travel ball event, but Little League Baseball is comfortable with the balance it has achieved between rec ball and travel ball. " W h i l e t h e L i t t l e L e a g u e I n t e r n a t i o n a l Tournament provides more competitive oppor- tunities for local leagues, Little League remains proud of its role as a recreational baseball and softball program that is focused on building community," says Stephen Keener, Little League president and CEO. "One of the ways that Little League has been able to grow its marquee event in the last year is through the establishment of the MLB Little League Classic in 2017, and following its success, we are proud to welcome back the event for a second time in 2018," notes Keener. "While many people have seen the success that the Little League Baseball World Series brings in Williamsport, Little League is also focused on the support and development of its other six World Series events held in July and August each year." One of the keys to the success of Little League Baseball has been its willingness to work closely with other partners in baseball, specifically Major League Baseball. Little League is currently work- ing directly with MLB on initiatives such as PLAY BALL; MLB Pitch, Hit, and Run; the Jr. Home Run Derby; and Little League Days at MLB Ballparks to help develop youth interest. Q 24 Team Insight / January 2018 teaminsightmag.com TEAM / BASEBALL AT BAT: BASEBALL LEADERS Five youth association executives talk about the state of the game in 2018. Photos: Top, Little League Baseball. Bottom, Pony Baseball.

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