The National Capital Ontario Baseball Association (NCOBA) is reaching out to players, coaches, and families to share their thoughts on what "travel ball" means to them. As the organization continues to foster a love for the game, understanding the diverse perspectives within the community is essential.
Travel ball offers players the opportunity to compete at higher levels, often involving tournaments and games against teams from outside their local leagues. For many, it represents a chance to develop skills, form lasting friendships, and experience the thrill of competition. Coaches see travel ball as a platform to refine their training approaches and mentor young athletes on and off the field.
Parents, too, play a crucial role in the travel ball experience, balancing their support for their children with the demands of travel schedules and commitments. NCOBA invites everyone in the community to reflect on their experiences and share what travel ball means to them. This feedback will help shape future programs and initiatives, ensuring that the organization continues to meet the needs of its players and families.
Did you know that "Travel Ball" was not a part of Little League until the mid 2010s when it was introduced to give local leagues a chance to bend the "Try-outs and practices by tournaments teams shall not be held before May 15." and "Special Games by tournament teams shall not be held before June 1" rules and be more like programs considered competition - like Babe Ruth, Pony League, Cal Ripken, Fergie Jenkins and, in Ontario, Baseball Ontario (OBA).
OBA is the oldest travel ball program in Canada offering programs for over 100 years and is the principal channel for amateur players in Ontario to Baseball Canada's National Team programs.
Submissions can be shared through the NCOBA website here and will be compiled for a community discussion in the coming months. The association looks forward to hearing from its members and celebrating the rich tapestry of experiences that travel ball brings to the baseball community.
