Howard Palmetto Baseball

Howard Palmetto Baseball Softball Association is a great Baseball league for the whole family. I have 3 boys who have played at HPBSA, and they have all loved it. We have played there for 8 years, and have always had a very positive experience. All coaches are volunteers, and they really are amazing & work with the players to teach them not just how to play baseball, but also to love the game. I have had my children in other leagues & on Travel teams, but I keep returning to HPBSA. They are a very well organized organization, and a very positive experience for the entire family! more

My son has played 6 yeard and LOVES it. He's also played travel ball and there is a difference between them. This is a league for all levels of players with volunteer coaches that do a good job. \r For $200, you get nice facilities, a full uniform, a 20 game season plus playoffs, and a pre and post-season picnic/party. Show me a league that provided equipment and I'll go play there (bats alone cost more than $200 today!). If you think travel ball or onother league with paid coaches is for you, expect to pay for it and get ready for some serious criticism if your kid is not performing.\r This league is about teamwork, fundamentals and a lot of fun. Pros: location, atmosphere, families Cons: complaining Moms who baby their kids more

Their communication and management is HORRIBLE!\r \r This group does not have any kind of set schedule - but decides on a whim when and where to have their practices. \r \r After charging you an exorbitant fee, you're then expected to pay again for training at the batting cages and to buy the equipment. They supposedly provide you with the uniform -- but instead of sizing the kids before ordering, they just hand out shirts and if they don't fit, well that's just too bad!\r \r They have changed practice times and dates several times on me and not bothered to contact us. My son has been hugely disappointed by this league since he missed several practices and even games because they didn't let us know!\r \r I've left messages for the President of the organization (and not been called back). E-mails go unanswered.\r \r They focus on winning and not on teamwork and letting each child play and learn. This can be great if your kid is good, but if not, then you end up paying over $500 for your child to sit in the outfield for the entire duration. I've seen coaches yell at the kids for not catching the ball, instead of offering words of encouragement.\r \r I would avoid this organization and look for something else!\r \r My son has been involved in all kinds of sports and activities since he was little and this is, by far, the WORST experience we've ever had. Luckily, he's had other experiences so knows not to base his opinion solely on this group. \r \r But stay away -- far away. Pros: Location Cons: Lack of communication, mismanagement, disorganized, lack of team spirit more