Tips for getting kids into baseball without forcing it?

Jan 5·1 min read

My boys are 6 and 9. The older one played tee ball last year and seemed into it for about 3 games then checked out. Younger one hasn't shown interest yet. My dad was really hoping they'd play and I feel some pressure about it, not gonna lie. But I also don't want to be that guy pushing sports when they're not feeling it. How do you guys approach this? Do you just let them find their own hobbies or try to introduce them to your interests?

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Comments(6)

TTim B.RegularJan 5

That's pretty normal for that age range. The key is not making it a thing if he loses interest. My son quit after one season and went all in on soccer instead. Now he's 12 and just plays baseball casually with friends.

DDanny K.RegularJan 6

Summer league might be better than spring season if you try again. Less commitment and usually a more chill vibe. Our rec league is way more fun than the competitive travel team stuff.

PPabloNew DadJan 7

The 9 year old might be at the age where he cares about being good at things though. Have you noticed if he quits sports he's not good at right away or just baseball specifically?

JJoeRegularJan 6

Have you tried just throwing the ball around without the team structure? Sometimes kids that age just don't like the organized commitment part yet but still enjoy the actual sport with dad.

CCole B.RegularJan 6

Check if your parks and rec has drop in clinics or something less formal. No score keeping, just skill building. My kids did those at 7 and 8 and it helped them actually want to play on a real team later.

DDerekNew DadJan 8

Honestly at 6 and 9 they might just want to ride bikes and hang with friends instead. That's legit too. Not every kid needs to be in a sport.