Where Today’s Effort Equals Tomorrow’s Achievement
Thank you for your interest in our travel program. IYG is very proud of the coaches, parents, and especially the children who make up our travel teams. While we are hoping to use this page to explain how travel ball with IYG works, we strongly encourage you to talk to friends and neighbors about their experiences, while recognizing that each team has a unique character.
All interested players are welcome to try out for a specific age group in our travel teams. Travel baseball is a competitive program, and players’ development is of the utmost importance on IYG travel teams.
Who should play travel baseball?
Please realize that travel baseball is not for everyone. To be successful in travel baseball, children should show a high level of ability, and their families should recognize that a greater commitment, both in terms of attendance at practices and games as well as financially, is required.
When are the games held?
Generally travel tournaments are held on the weekends. Tournaments comprise a large part of the travel baseball experience, and the children love them. Tournament weekends generally mean a team will definitely play two games on Saturday and at least one on Sunday, with the possibility of more Sunday afternoon if the team reaches the semi-finals or finals. IYG will play a minimum of two tournaments during the month, with a possibility of three during the season. At times there may only be 1 day tournaments which are held on Sundays. Distance to each of the tournaments varies but normally we try and stay within a 75 mile radius of Richmond. The Showcase team however could play out of state such as North Carolina. Please look at IYG’s Showcase schedule for an example of the travel requirement s for this higher level age group.
My child enjoys other activities, like basketball or soccer – will that be all right?
Many travel baseball players participate in other activities. The coaches understand this, however, it is expected that a player’s primary commitment is to his or her baseball team. We will never tell a player to only play one sport.
How many hours a week will my child practice?
Generally speaking, travel teams practice twice a week for approximately 1.5 each practice. One practice on a weekday and one practice on a weekend when there is no scheduled tournament. In addition, there is usually 1-2 nights added for physical training at the IYG training facility.
As a parent, what are my obligations to a travel team?
Commitment!! As a parent, you have committed your child but you are also committed as a parent. Travel baseball can become overwhelming at times taking children from one tournament to another on the weekends in addition to getting them to practice and conditioning. Having other children playing different sports will add one more layer to your busy schedule. Remember you are making a commitment to the team your child will be playing on. Travel baseball is nearly a year round commitment with tournaments/practices from August-June. During the winter months all practices will be held in the IYG Training facility. Weather permitting; we will try to get outside on a ball field. So you can see, as a parent you are committing both you and your child every month.
What else does IYG Baseball offer our members?
-Open facility/weight room - these are times that players can come in on their own time and use the facility amenities at no extra charge.
-Discounted clinics/camps
-Affordable Off Season Development Programs
-Online database for drills that players can do at home (The Spider’s Web)
-Fitness classes and proper weight room training
-Opportunities for community service/Food Drives/Helping those in need
-Rapsodo Hitting Technology
-Video analysis
-Experienced Coaches
-Dedication to development
and so much more.
STILL INTERESTED?
Then tryout for an IYG Spiders travel team! If you are“self-motivated”, dedicated to improving your own game, and posses a strong desire to work hard and compete, we would love to talk to you! If you are interested in becoming part of the IYG team let us know below!
Download the Parent Handbook to find out even more about our program.