The coach / coaches can make the biggest difference with reference to a schedule. Some coaches want to play every weekend and that just can't be the case for kids, kids meaning 14U and younger. We normally play twice a month; if there is a really competitive tournament within a 2hr drive we MAY make the exception to play a 3rd tourney that month but then it's a mandatory 2 weeks off and that means not practice activities for a week to week and a half. Also, we shut it down mid June and IF we do anything for fall ball we play, 2 touneys MAX, one in Sept and one in Oct because most of our kids play football.

Alabama has some excellent venues to competitive baseball; Albertville's Sand Mountain Park has been a huge blessing for us because it's a close drive but it host some of the top teams in the SE, regularly. Hoover Met Sports Plex is a reasonable drive and host some of the top teams in the SE. East Cobb / surrounding ATL areas is relatively close drive for Alabama teams (especially the B'ham area teams); it may require a hotel for a night, maybe 2 but you won't find better competition at those events in the country. We have also been to Southaven, MS to play which is a excellent venue. Usually as a TEAM we plan a big trip, we have been to Orange Beach to play and this year with are going to Louisville, KY to play as our Big Event. Those trips are usually the best trips, kids and families spend a lot of time together and it's always a blast.

Each to his own and decision for their families. We love it, it keeps my kids active, out of trouble, and they are building relationships, and memories. We have plenty of time to cut grass, fishing, going to our hunting lease to goof off, work 40hrs a week, go to the gym or whatever. I THINK if you want your to kids to do it, you HAVE to find a team that meets your standards of expectations, if not you will be miserable.