Young athletes can reach a point where they are bored with rec league play. A travel team may be the best way for them to learn new skills, meet expert coaches, progress in their sport, and have fun in the process. Kids need to be challenged so they can grow. On a competitive travel team, players gain great experience in team play and sportsmanship.

They also need to learn more about taking care of their body to keep it strong and healthy through conditioning, nutrition, and good sleep habits.1 And, of course, traveling can be a great way for both families and teams to bond through shared experiences, like meals or just swimming in the hotel pool. Kids are exposed to new cities and sometimes get a chance to play tourist.

While both Little League and Travel baseball teach the fundamentals of the game, travel baseball is designed to provide a more advanced and competitive baseball experience. One of the biggest differences is the rules and style of play. Travel baseball generally follows rules that are much closer to Major League Baseball (MLB) rules, allowing players to develop skills and game awareness that translate to higher levels of baseball. At The OC Hawks, we believe that learning to play the game the right way, while challenging players to grow both physically and mentally is what helps young athletes reach their full potential.