First year doing travel, our team is playing at the Bluechip summer slam this weekend. I’ve been told it’s a tournament for teams that aren’t good. We have done good tournaments in the fall but since summer we’ve been doing ones that seem at a lower level then what we are. Is the summer slam for not so good teams?
Re: Blue chip
Posted by @New on July 6, 2026, 7:15 pm, in reply to "Blue chip"
Welcome to travel ball! (First piece of advice: don't quit drinking.)
Whether a tournament is "good" or not has two components: is it run well and, is it a fit for your players? From there you can decide if the cost and effort is worth it.
Only you know your team, but maybe others know this tournament or the organizer's history and can share.
Generally speaking, sanctioned tournaments are better than non-sanctioned. The best sanctioning orgs are Alliance/PGF. Then it's probably USSSA and USA Softball. NAFA and NSA also sanction I guess.
After that, you want to look for the best organizers. Dave Betcher (LetsPlay4U) is the best in the area. If you start traveling further, the best are going to be Triple Crown, Team1, Top Gun and others.
But it's all about what you and your parents are looking to get out of the experience and what your kids are ready for. There is lots to be said for having a fun experience in Michigan and letting the game outcomes be of secondary concern.
