Youth Baseball League Gives Kids Big-Time Skills for $50

For families who want their kids to improve at baseball but can't afford thousands of dollars in travel team fees, a local league in Watertown, New York is proving there's a better way.

The Upstate Youth Baseball Association wrapped up its season Thursday night with Beaver River defeating Watertown 1-0 in a walk-off championship game. Behind pitcher Karter Kloster's dominant performance, Beaver River finished their summer with a perfect 10-0 record.

But the real victory is happening off the field. Since 2014, this league has given varsity players affordable access to the kind of training that usually costs a fortune.

"You get a taste of travel ball but at a local level," said Billy Soluri, league president. "You might drive an hour away but at least you're not paying 3,000 dollars to play on a travel team and you're still getting reps, you're still improving and getting better at your skill and making friends."

Eight teams from the tri-county area competed in the 18-and-under division this season, with every team making the postseason after a seven-game schedule. The league also runs a 15-and-under division with seven teams playing eight games.

The Ripple Effect

Local coaches are using the league as a training ground for their high school programs. Beaver River coach Brandon Delong and Lyme coach Scott Radley both send their varsity players to work on specific skills during the summer season.

"We've got kids that have been playing in this league for 10 years now, probably a little bit more," Radley said. "It's all about reps, all about getting in your time and just improving every game you get."

The wood bat requirement mimics college and professional baseball, giving young players experience with the harder-to-hit equipment before they need it. Players get the competitive atmosphere and skill development of expensive travel teams without the financial burden on their families.

For Delong, Thursday's championship was the perfect ending. "Winning in a walk off in the bottom of the 7th and to get the win for these boys finishing out our summer ball season 10-0 was pretty cool," he said.

Proving that world-class training doesn't require a world-class budget.