Kly, my stepson (15 years old) is hooked up with a travel ball team that is 18 and under. They are paying his way because they want him on the team so bad. He just had his first tournament this weekend and he said it was overwhelming facing 18 year old pitchers throwing in the high 80's and even some in the 90's. He was hit by pitches twice and said it was scary, but I think it was a good experience for him to see what it's going to be like in a few years for him as he gets older.

The tournament was a few hours away and he stayed at a hotel (with adult friends we totally trust) but we couldn't be there to watch unfortunately. I think it was a good experience for him because locally he is a super star, but he takes it for granted and doesn't try very hard because he is naturally so talented. So it was good for him to be a little humiliated by older players.

You seem to be going through similar times with your son as I am with my stepson. It's fun