do the top teams at 2024 play to win or is there relatively equal playing time in the close games?
all teams do it.
the top teams do both
Bottom line. These boys are not 8 years old anymore. The best take the field in close games as it should be. This isn't PAL. It comes down to letting go of the PAL Daddy ball mindset and being honest about your kids ability. Too many dads out there that refuse to truly see what there kids skill level is. Its not just catching and throwing anymore, its size, speed, quick first and second move, niftiness and most important IQ. Top travel teams are not for everyone and if you cant handle how close games or tournaments are handled then you shouldn't be part of it. Its real simple if your son was an AA player he would be on a AA team if he tried out for them and they would use him in close situations, if he's not then you are seeing your sons ability in a way that nobody else sees. These coaches want to win and putting the best clientele on the field is how its done. These coaches work hard on developing these kids and come tourney time they know who put in the work and can get the job done. Also hopping from team to team doesn't help since coaches look at that as someone who they cant trust to stay in the program. So before pointing out any 1 or 2 teams every good travel team does the same thing. The space between the committed skilled player and the kid who is not sure about wanting to play or doesn't truly put the work in is growing. Best thing you can do in be honest with who your kid is and what he is capable of, by doing that it makes being on these AA teams an easier ride.
Completely accurate statement. There is no AA team that doesn’t shorten their bench to the best of the best, in competitive games. Absolutely none.
