Why Play T-Ball?
The YMCA, headquartered in Chicago, Ill., has more than 2,500 facilities nationwide. T-ball is one of the top 30 programs that local YMCAs offer all over the country. In fact, almost half of them offer T-ball leagues to youth in their communities. “T-ball is a great progressive developmental activity for kids,” says Augie Mendoza, the YMCA’s associate director of sports. “They can use safe and age-appropriate equipment while learning about team building and team play. It sets the stage for adult life.” If a new coach happens to live in an area with a local YMCA chapter, there is plenty of help available. Ninety-nine percent of YMCA coaches are volunteer parents who receive training from local YMCA sports directors. According to Mendoza, the coaches receive training in supporting character development, preventing child abuse and ending practice with a drill that gives the kids positive reinforcement about their performance. In addition, every child plays for at least one-half of each ga
