Why Should My Child Play Baseball?
Good question. Isn’t baseball an old and outdated game, that doesn’t really fit in with the kids of the 21st century? Some would think so by the amount of kids that participate in other activities.  

Nevertheless, baseball is grander and far more subtle than meets the eye. Baseball is part of the heart and soul of America. It has been played on a professional level since the 1870’s. Baseball has a classic, enduring quality about it that no other sport can match.  

Yet, baseball can be a difficult game to play well. In fact, there are many reasons why baseball has lost much popularity with youth in the last 30 years—perhaps the greatest reason has to do with the level of skill required to play. This may go a long way in explaining soccer’s popularity. Without shooting too many arrows at soccer—it is a simple game that is extraordinarily easy to play. Put a ball on the ground and let kids run around and kick it. Fun at first. But it’s not a deep game. 

Baseball, on the other hand, requires much more skill and discipline in order to play well. Hence, kids and parents have been reluctant to invest the time and energy to learn the skills to throw, catch, field and hit a baseball. Further, quality instruction has been lacking to help kids acquire the skills they need to really enjoy the game. As a long-time student of baseball, I have the following observation: the better you play, the more you enjoy the game. There is great satisfaction in doing something that is difficult—and doing it well. Therein lies the great pleasure that baseball can deliver. 

Fortunately, our league, and quality leagues like  Newtown Babe Ruth Baseball League are investing much time and money in providing quality training in the form of clinics, camps, and teams. Over the past few years, our league has made a large effort to ensure that the HOYB managers and coaches have received training in baseball instruction. We also have provided, and continue to provide clinics for children and their parents. In a short period, we have seen great results. The kids in the program are having a wonderful time and look forward to each season. 

The purpose of our league is to provide a safe place where your children can enjoy being part of a team, learn and improve their physical skills, learn life lessons that victory and defeat can provide, and revel in the occasional attention that comes with being the hero with that great play or timely hit.  

The HOYB program has many volunteers that are passionate about creating a great environment for your kids to thrive and grow. Contact them, and they will be sure to share their enthusiasm with you! 

Neil Bonner
Neil Bonner is a director for the Herndon Optimists Youth Baseball League, in Herndon, Virginia. This essay is used with his permission.