What's the Goal of Youth Sports? World Series Champ Ryan Zimmerman Offers Perspective
Ryan Zimmerman spent 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, won a World Series with the Washington Nationals, and is now a father of four navigating youth sports from the other side of the fence. His perspective is refreshingly grounded — and a little bit funny.
Steve Borelli caught up with Zimmerman at a Bank of America youth golf event in Maryland, where the former All-Star was teaching kids life lessons through sport. What he had to say about travel ball, parental pressure, and what youth sports is actually for is worth every parent's time.
"I think we've sort of forgotten that youth sports is supposed to be fun, first of all. That probably more than 99% of the kids here will never play professional anything, over 90-some percent of them will never probably even play in high school."
What Zimmerman Wants Parents to Hear
Travel ball is pricing and burning kids out
Zimmerman sees private equity buying up travel organizations and putting families in financially and emotionally unsustainable situations. Kids are dropping out at 13 — and then what? More screen time? Less activity? The cost of over-investment is real.
Know your kid — and ask them what they want
Zimmerman's own kids have tried multiple sports without pressure to specialize. His rule: support whatever they want to do, as long as they commit to it. His parents had the same rule for him — and it worked out pretty well.
Missing a tournament for a family vacation is worth it
"Sometimes missing a tournament, and going to a family vacation, is worth a million times more than going to a tournament. If your kid is good, your kid's gonna be seen." The best athletes get found. You don't have to sacrifice your family to make it happen.
Celebrate making the varsity team — that's already a win
At a recent talk with high school athletes, Zimmerman told them he just wanted to say congratulations. "Nobody says 'way to go.' You're playing varsity sport in high school. Everyone's like, 'what's next?' If this is it, you did better than most other people. Celebrate that."
By Steve Borelli — USA TODAY
Published May 23, 2026 · Republished with permission
Read the Full Article at USA TODAY →Stay Informed
Get free resources, news, and updates for sports parents delivered to your inbox.
Watch Be Valiant
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video content, interviews, and the Be Valiant series.
Subscribe on YouTubeBE VALIANT. PLAY FEARLESS.
