Travel Tips For When You're On a Baseball League

Finnegan Pierson

Nothing is quite as exciting as stepping out on the field, bases loaded, holding your bat high and preparing for that fast pitch that you know you are going to crack out of the park. There are many aspects of baseball that are intense and exhilarating. A part that might not be as thrilling, though still of high importance, is travel preparation. When traveling for a game, it is important to make sure your team is prepared, so all can go as smoothly as possible and you can spend more time focusing on the game. Read on to learn ways you can prepare for upcoming travel for your baseball team.

Designate a Person to Handle Equipment

Many baseball teams have a bat boy who manages the team’s equipment. If your team does not have a bat boy, designate a player or two to take point. It is important these team members are well-organized. Baseball teams have a lot of equipment and while some players might keep track of their own items, the last thing you want is for some custom baseball gloves or bats to go missing! The people handling the equipment will need to ensure all items are accounted for prior to leaving, during game time and when heading back home. Depending on how much your team has, it may be beneficial to develop a tracking system. It can be as simple as a notebook documenting all articles that need to be accounted for. Update the document regularly as new equipment is added and removed. Another option is tracking the items via a spreadsheet on an iPad or laptop.

Get the Vehicle Checked

Prior to leaving for the game, make sure the vehicle or vehicles your team is using have been inspected by an auto shop. You do not want your van to break down on the way to your destination and possibly impede on game time. Shop around for a dependable auto shop that you trust, who will ensure the van is safe and will not overcharge you. While you definitely want the vehicle looked at prior to travel, make sure it is getting inspected on a regular basis as well. Should something unexpected happen while you are driving, have a backup plan ready. If an accident occurs or the engine gives out, you do not want your team stuck on the side of the road indefinitely. Invest in reliable insurance and make sure you have towing and rental coverage included.

Check the Weather

Nothing puts a dent in prepping for a game like unexpected weather conditions. To make sure your team is amply prepared, check the weather and check it often! In the week leading up to the game, make sure you are monitoring the forecast for your day of travel. If you are flying, the weather will likely not make as large of an impact to your travel plans, unless there are extreme conditions, such as thunderstorms or snow. Even so, you will want to know the conditions so you can plan accordingly for when to leave for the airport. Give yourself ample time to arrive, unload and check-in. If you are not flying, pack your van with staple items if you are expecting bad weather, such as an extra tire and safety equipment. As with flying, make sure you are giving yourself plenty of time to arrive at your location; leave early if poor weather is expected, factoring in that it could take longer to get there than usual.

Conclusion

When it comes to game day for your baseball team, you do not want anything standing in the way of a competitive, fun-filled game. While traveling is inevitable for your team, there are ways to streamline the process to help the day go as smoothly as possible. Take time to prepare your travel plans to make sure nothing gets in the way of game day.