Deseret News | Youth sports costing more time and money

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Youth sports costing more time and money

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Second Childhoods | 2:50 p.m. June 26, 2008

I've always been amazed at the resources that parents squander running there kids through useless activities.

GROW UP!

re: Baseball Academy | 3:00 p.m. June 26, 2008

I couldn't agree more. The days of Automotive and Legion were the best! Unfortunately you have head coaches out there that are killing high school programs for a couple bucks kicked back to them from the UBA. For everyone that thinks the UBA is a savior and the only tool for getting to college you are CRAZY! I personally played four years of scholarship baseball without the Academy's help. My boys will continue to work their butts off in my humble backyard batting cage/pitching mound and I will continue to laugh like always when they shove down the throats of the Academy boys.

Fact | 3:09 p.m. June 26, 2008

It doesn't matter how much money and time you spend playing and practicing baseball. If you don't have a knowledgeable coach helping you are doing nothing but furthering your bad habits. My advice to all of you parents is to find the absolute best individual baseball coach (hitting, fielding, pitching) pay him an honest amount and learn all you can. Even two or three hours with a coach like Vance Law, for example, is far better than years at the UBA. Don't pay the UBA to use their facilities and further develop bad habits. They care about their egos and money, not your child.

Comments continue below

more uba coments | 9:00 a.m. June 27, 2008

I'll be suprised if the UBA is in business much longer. Their financials are a mess {just like the failities}. Where does all the money go? Lets get back to Autmotive and Legion ball befoe it's too late. That was true Summer baseball! The UBA Has really taken a toll on summer ball. The UBA really should be ashamed of its self.
Parents, don't buy into their plan. It's just not worth it!

The Good Old Days... | 11:04 a.m. June 27, 2008

Our high school shelled out nearly $7500 in entry fees to the UBA for summer baseball. The 16 year-old team gets a whopping 10 regular season games and maybe with the pre-season and post season tournaments perhaps 20 games for the entire summer. Again, these games generally lack any competitive meaning as the rules for substituting and batting order are quite liberal. The 17 year-old team gets 13 regular season games and again tack on another possible 8-10 games for the tournaments it is just over 20 games. When I coached American Legion years and years ago, our players got nearly 40 games over the summer in a very competitive situation. The media took notice and covered the games (which will help get players as much exposure as the UBA) and the state tournament was terrific competition.

I'm not sure why the UBA is not making money because after you take out umpiring (maybe $60.00 a game), the UBA should be clearing $2000 or so for EVERY team that entered their leagues.

The UBA is a business that wants to make money so much of the blame has to be with high school coaches who killed Legion and Automotive baseball.

For the UBA | 1:57 p.m. June 27, 2008

If you don't like the U B A then don't use them, however I have a son that played collage baseball on a scholarship at a JC and then a NAIA college because of the exposure he got through U B A. He signed his JC scholarship before he ever started a varsity game at his high school. I hope they stay in business for ever. I do wish they would put the scores in the paper though.

Against the uba | 6:07 p.m. June 27, 2008

My sons chances of playing high school ball have been destroyed by the uba. He is faced with the choice of transfering out of his boundries ( making up lies to do it because it would be purely for athletic reasons ) or not playing. The reason is he has no chance of playing because the coach at his high school has shown over the last 4 yrs that you have to be a member of the uba if you want to play for him. No exceptions to this regardless of ability. I don't know if he gets kickbacks or not. My son has chosen to stay within the boundries (without baseball) because that is where all his friends go and he has always felt that is his school along with the logistics of going somewhere else when his school is so close. If the uba went belly up that would be a good day in my book even though it is to late for him. If the uba was no longer it would level the playing field and not be so much about how much money you have.

Good Old Days Redux... | 7:22 p.m. June 27, 2008

I figure if our two teams in the UBA get 45 games combined that it will cost $166 per game for our program alone. That's pretty steep rate for a game. Take out the umpires and the AAU fees, the UBA should be making jack! They are really making over $300 per game from both teams on a typical night. I find it perplexing why the UBA would be a financial mess.

I still maintain the quality of baseball as compared to the heyday of American Legion/Automotive is way, way down. Again, there was media exposure for these leagues and their state tournaments were superb. "For the UBA" agrees it would be nice if the scores were reported to the media but I don't think the coaches of these summer league games give a hoot.

The UBA is about making money and that's alright to a certain degree. Why not make some money with your passion? I'm not familiar at all with their facilities or how well they train or teach baseball players as my comments are about their summer leagues for the high school age kids. I think the American Legion/Automotive experience better trained our baseball players!

doctor baseball | 10:45 a.m. June 28, 2008

my son playes in the uba sponsored summer leagues. They are a joke. just last night the game was to start at 5:30 and did not get going till 6 because of a late arriving umpire. Not a big deal until you find out that the umpire who lives 3 minutes from the ball park was not called until 5:35 by the forgetful UBA official who is in charge of umpires. Again not a big deal...except this happens all the time.(at least once a week) The UBA is an over priced joke when it comes to the organiazation of their leagues. And too only have 1 umpire 90% of the time for games involving high school kids? Thats a joke. Last night in our game 2 calls were missed because of only having 1 umpire. And we pay higher fees for our summer league than any league in the country. Believe me I've checked!
I don't mind a business making money, I just wish the UBA would start earning it. My hope is to go back to summers of automotive and legion ball. Very few kids get schlorships because of the UBA. They're a joke!!!

UBA | 9:22 a.m. June 29, 2008

after reading many of these posts i dont think there are scouts and college coaches watching all these UBA games like they claim.

Coach | 8:01 p.m. June 29, 2008

I miss the days when a kid could have a full time summer job, then play football in the fall and forget about it until the next year. Then Wrestle or play basketball for that season and then forget about them until the next year. Then do Track or baseball and forget about them for the year and get a summer job again. Life was better back then when things were simple and you only played the sport during that season and you did it for fun. Now if you don't go to camps etc.... you just can't compete. I think we all just need to back up and put life back into the proper perspective.

No Scouts: Here's Why! | 9:49 p.m. June 30, 2008

Why would any baseball scout in his right mind come to a UBA game to watch a bunch of uninterested players engaged in uninspired baseball in 100 degree heat? But I always have found a few at American Legion games over the years, especially at the state and regional tournaments. Hmmm...

And by the way, the last UBA game I attended the umpire didn't show up either. The good news is that a parent stepped up and did the best game I've seen umpired this summer...

where the scouts are | 12:25 p.m. July 1, 2008

I can tell you where you can find scouts, both college and professional. They have been to several games this summer that have been played at Gates Field (Kearns) watching teams such as Utah Select, Utah Marshalls and the Utah Bucks. They have also brought in teams from out of state. At these games you find organized baseball. All games have two umpires, they start on time, and are played at the best facility in the state. The players are all very talented and love the game. There is none of the scrambling to have enough players or starting late because of no umpire. It's excellent baseball night after night. If you were a scout which games would you go to, the UBA games or these?

Did you hear that? | 10:38 p.m. July 3, 2008

That loud smashing sound was just my son hitting in the cage with his teammate in my backyard! NO UBA HERE FOLKS! Just a hard working student of the game preparing for his college debut in the world of Texas Junior College Baseball. Scholarship: YES. Baseball Academy: NO. Overweight and balding Dad that saved a ton of money by not going to the UBA: YES.

Utah Baseball Academy | 1:33 p.m. July 9, 2008

My son played 2 years for the Utah Baseball Academy. Overall is was a great experience with tournaments in Las Vegas, Tucson ,Phoenix and Orlando. My son really learned the fundamentals when he joined the UBA and could NEVER have become the high school all-state player he became without those fundamentals. I too played Colt League and American Legion but I never really learned ANY fundamentals because my coaches were just a bunch of dad's doing their best to coach after work. The day's of American Legion are over - never to return. Get over it guys!!

RE: Utah Baseball Academy | 10:30 p.m. July 9, 2008

I have to take you at face value that the UBA helped your son and has helped other young people. They have many good coaches up there I'm sure.

But American Legion in its heyday was a FAR SUPERIOR product. I don't even think the people at the UBA could even argue that logically any more.

American Legion provided much serious baseball and commitment from the players. The UBA is going downhill as well. In the 17 year-old league, there are supposed to be two umpires that rarely happens. There is also an intensity lacking to the games and undoubtely many Dads are coaching these teams as well.

I was saddened to see what happened to American Legion and Automotive Baseball but at first the UBA's summer leagues weren't that bad. But each year, they have got worse and worse with the umpiring, less games and looser rules regarding the game (Is it a good idea for 13 players to hit...really?) And if you do want scouts to come (and the newspapers), a serious baseball product must be displayed and the UBA needs to track the results and make sure they get to the newspapers...American Legion did just that!

Balance is the key! | 6:56 a.m. July 10, 2008

Youth sports is way off balance in my situation. I have to boys who are gifted athletes in more than one sport. They are gifted in other areas as well (art and music). They are different ages and play on
different travel baseball teams. Games and practices are not quality family time because our family is in two different locations. Most of that time is spent watching children and not actually interacting with them. I can't tell you the last time we've been on a family vacation or even a weekend trip to visit grandparents and other family. Games and tournaments are scheduled on Sunday, so there is our family worship time. How sad! We say are priorities are God first, family second, and everything else takes third place. How untrue. We are teaching these children that sports is the most important thing; but it shouldn't be. We have to teach our children by example what is important. Playing sports is fun and does teach good values; but there is more to life than sports. Balance is the key!

the truth be told | 10:27 a.m. July 10, 2008

The summer league baseball for high schools is a joke. The Academy does as little as possible. The umpiring is bad if they show at all. Legion is the way to go by playing for something that really matters. The Academy does provide good showcases to be seen but only the really rich can afford it. For me, no more academy. Have also heard that they will only call on your son's behalf if you are one of the favorites. Any other comments?

Baseball - UBA | 4:01 p.m. July 10, 2008

I have a son who we have been told by a number of college and professional scouts that he a VERY good player and received a number of phone calls on July 1st from Division 1 coaches both from schools in Utah and out of state. I asked all of the coaches if they had heard of my son from the UBA and they all said the same thing - NO. The UBA will not help no one who is not one of their favorites. That means giving them a lot of money to get them to do their job. This after we have spent time and money to send him to Junior Olympics (twice), Spring Training (3 times), SPARQ and all the other events that he has been guilted into. How did we get people to look at him? BASEBALL CAMPS - given by the university or college your son would like to go to. Say no to the UBA even though your high school coach will push hard for them to be a part of it because they are on the payroll. Don't expect any help from the coach as well.

Re: Baseball - UBA | 9:00 a.m. July 11, 2008

I have a son who plays Div 1 baseball. When he was a senior in high school (he was a first team all stater) and we were trying to get him a chance to play at the next level (any level), he was getting no help from his hs coach because he is a UBA coach as well. When we finally got some attention from a junior college and they were ready to offer - the JC contacted the UBA who told them that my son struggled hitting good pitching and they have better players for them. He did the same thing as the blog before us (JO and Spring Training) but because he wasn't one of the choosen ones the did what they had to take the chance away from him. He played Legion ball for another hs school that summer and ended up getting a scholarship from SLCC and now he plays Div 1 and finished in the top 3 in hitting on his team. SAY NO TO THE UBA!

Not one of the chosen few, | 11:29 a.m. July 11, 2008

leaves very few options if associated with the academy teams. My son got scholarship offer but we did everything ourselves. Got him to the proper showcases with many colleges in attendance, had certain high school coach's call on his behalf, and he played well while being showcased. 99% of the college coach's told us that our academy is a joke and only promote a few of the chosen. If you are one of them, great, but if not, you can do things on your own. Why pay so much money (thousands) for no help. I agree with above - get them to the camp of the schools they are interested in, pick certain showcases in each part of the country, and go from there. The academy just takes your money and moves on. Take it from someone that has been there!

Did I hear right? | 11:31 a.m. July 11, 2008

Robles and Nash coming home to new schools? Baugh quit Pepperdine and now Southern Nevada? Is any of this true and why?

Re: Re: Baseball UBA | 1:48 p.m. July 11, 2008

The funny thing about UBA is no matter how much (or little) help they give to a player - they claim to do all the work and on all their literature that they give out to prospects - they take all the credit. I have a son who will be signing a scholarship to play baseball and I will guarantee his name will be on the list along with all the others that the UBA did nothing for. I don't know if you have been in the offices at the UBA (I have), they can't even find their desk. It's a mess! I wonder what a college scout from a big school or a professional scout thinks when they are sitting on a folding chair and waiting for whomever they are talking with to get the peanut butter off of the pen so they can take notes. Anyone who has seen what I just described knows exactly what I am talking about. Be smart with your money alloted to baseball - go to baseball camps and showcases and rely on yourself to get your son in front of the right people. TELL THE UBA NO THANKS!!!!

Utah Baseball Academy | 2:08 p.m. July 11, 2008

Here are a few costs associated with the UBA: Yearly fees - $900 ($75 mnth)- this does not include any instruction, Instruction on top of your monthly fees - Major - $600 ($25 ea), Minor - $360 ($30 ea) and Rookie - $160 ($40 ea) - these are for 30 minute sessions. Spring Training - $300 - no scouts and my son got 2 at bats because there were so many players on his team. SPARQ - $450 - I have spoke to so many college coaches who do not pay any attention to a SPARQ score I lost count. Junior Olympics - $1,500 - my son went twice - the second time, I started asking people who were watching his games if they were from a college or professional team - not one of them were. NO SCOUTS in AZ in June when it is 120 degrees. I saved the best for last - Fall All-Stars - $1,800 - that the UBA deduct from your bank account. These guys can't even find a pen at their desk to write down a phone number and they want your bank account. SCARY - Just say no!

said perfect | 3:07 p.m. July 11, 2008

The last 2 posts above are dead on the money. You all pay the same amount of money but the playing time and at bats aren't the same. If the guys at the academy like your son personally (not if you can play), you are in good shape. If not, too bad. The funny thing is that if you have ever played for the academy (no matter how few times), your name is listed if you receive a scholarship,even when they don't help 90 percent of the kids. And everyone knows it. Go out on your own and things will work out the same if not better and you won't be spending a million dollars to do it. Dennis Uddy has done more for players in Utah than anyone at the academy will ever do. That place is so unorganized it hurts to see it.

UBA | 3:12 p.m. July 11, 2008

THE COST OF GAS IS MORE INEXPENSIVE THAN THE UBA. THEY ARE NOTHING BUT PEOPLE TAKING MONEY. THE SUMMER LEAGUES MEAN NOTHING, THE UMPIRES ARE ALWAYS LATE, SPRING TRAINING IS A COMPLETE JOKE FOR MOST, FAVORITES ARE CHOSEN - ENEMIES ARE NOT! ONE COULD PAY FOR THEIR OWN COLLEGE EDUCATION IF THE MONEY GIVEN TO UBA WAS JUST SET ASIDE. cottonwood, bingham, spanish fork are where most of the players come from. few from up north. those 3 schools coaches are always a part of the uba so figure it out. we need an alternative fast.

Competition at its Finest | 4:21 p.m. July 11, 2008

If you are really interested in watching good baseball, with great umpires, top-notch facilities, college bound players, and the best upcoming players in the state still in high school, go watch the Bucks, Marshalls, and Select play. All 3 teams are outstanding with players going or will be going to the next level. The question becomes "why aren't they playing in the collegiate league?" There must be a good reason if the UBA is so good. Would someone please give some insight on why the best graudated seniors or upcoming seniors aren't playing in the college league?

Mr. Uddy would you please | 4:21 p.m. July 11, 2008

come and run the baseball academy for us here in the valley! We need someone who really cares about the players. You would make money but the rest of us would be able to save some at the same time. We need someone organized with no ties to certain high school coaches and programs. Come please before it is too late.

You should see the players | 4:30 p.m. July 11, 2008

that play on the 3 teams listed above. The Marshalls and Utah Select don't have a player that didn't make all-state. A major majority have signed college scholarships. The Bucks have an outstanding team that is very well coached and they all have high school years left and will all get scholarships offers. Just wondering why Doi, Carmen, Gust, Littlewood's, Larsen, Croft, Pond, etc. aren't in the college league? Can anyone out there let me know. I have an upcoming junior and want to know everything I can in order to make a solid decision on where he should play in the summer.

Re: you should see the players | 8:20 p.m. July 11, 2008

Play legion ball if possible. Stay away from the UBA unless you are very wealthy and your sons high school coach is associated with them. Unless its Cottonwoods coach then you need to have your son be one of his "chosen ones" if he isn't one of Hooves chosen ones then forget about it. You will get billed twice. Once from the UBA and once for the opportunity to play ( sit bench) for him. It will cost you 2500.00 to play ( sit bench) for cwood and another 350.00 for the ring.

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