Matt Backert

Head Baseball Coach at Notre Dame of Maryland University @NDMUBaseball I President, Maryland Baseball Club @mdbaseballclub

[Patrick Jones @pjonesbaseball]

How do you pick a travel baseball team?

I’m not affiliated with any travel organization, so I can give an honest answer.

This is player-dependent, but these principles apply almost everywhere

1️⃣ Coaches > Logos

One of the biggest mistakes I see is families switching teams because they think a new logo will get more college attention.

That’s not how recruiting works.

College coaches don’t randomly show up to games. Their time is too valuable.

They’re there because:
• Someone they trust told them about a player
• They’ve seen video
• They’ve followed the player over time

What matters far more than the logo on the jersey is whether you have someone who has real relationships with college coaches and will actually advocate for the player.

People say:

“But coaches follow the top teams.”

They follow players, not uniforms.

The best players end up on the best teams — not the other way around.

2️⃣ You don’t need to “travel” as much as you think

Look at college rosters across the country.

Most freshmen are from the same state or region as the school.

That’s not an accident.

Why?
• Coaches can see them play multiple times
• Local players are less likely to transfer

The main exceptions:
• Power 4 programs (a tiny % of players)
• Some mid-majors surrounded by P4 schools

With roster limits tightening, coaches want multiple looks, not one big weekend.

3️⃣ How often does the team practice?

This is huge and often overlooked.

It’s a great sign if a team:
• Practices year-round (or close to it)
• At least offers consistent training

Skill acquisition takes time. Games alone won’t get players there.

4️⃣ Find the middle

Everyone wants their kid on the #1 team in the country.

That doesn’t mean it’s in their best interest.

Nothing pushes kids away from the game faster than:

• Constant failure
• Being overmatched every day
• Feeling like they don’t belong

The sweet spot:
• Not the best player
• Not the worst player

Challenged enough to grow.
Successful enough to believe.

5️⃣ Playing time & role clarity (evaluate patterns, not promises)

Parents ask:

“How do we know they’re telling the truth?”

The honest answer: you don’t — based on words alone.

So stop listening to promises and start evaluating patterns.

Things that matter more than what a coach says:
• Roster size and position overlap
• Who actually plays — not who’s talked about
• What happens to new or average players

Ask questions that force specifics:
• “Where do you see him fitting in?”
• “Who is currently ahead of him?”
• “What does he need to improve to earn more time?”

Honest programs give clear answers — even if they’re uncomfortable.
Vague answers usually mean there is no real plan.

A quick reality check:

Any travel team can sell hope.
No team can hide its patterns.

Patterns don’t lie. Promises do.

Bottom line:

Pick the team that helps the player develop — not the one that looks the best on paper.

That decision matters more than any logo ever will.

[Matt Backert @CoachBackert]

We have a great opportunity for the RIGHT guys. If you want innings and a chance to make an immediate impact shoot me a DM. Sometimes an opportunity is all you need to catapult you to something GREAT!

[NDMU Gators Baseball @NDMUBaseball]

Due to some roster changes we’re looking to add for 1-2 Arms for the upcoming spring. We’re not looking for depth, we are looking for plug and play guys who want meaningful innings. DM if interested.

[NDMU Gators Baseball @NDMUBaseball]

Team Building!

[NDMU Gators Baseball @NDMUBaseball]

WE BACK!!

[Sean O'Connor @Coach_OC]

🔥 COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT 🔥
Excited to welcome Notre Dame of Maryland University (@NDMUBaseball) to the @Essex_Baseball_ 2-Day Showcase!
📍 Baltimore, MD
��� NCAA Division III
🐊 The Gators are coming to scout the best!
📅 August 12–13
📍 https://t.co/b3Xfg3HLHy

[NDMU Gators Baseball @NDMUBaseball]

Join us this summer for our Youth Baseball Camp!

Open to kids ages 8-12, our camp will run from July 28-31.

Receive instruction on all skills such as hitting, pitching, and defense from NDMU Coaches and Players.

Register at https://t.co/S6wFTdpjfO or by scanning the QR Code

[Matt Backert @CoachBackert]

I’ve been a part of some really cool moments as a coach come from behind wins no hitters championships But this may be the absolute coolest First batter EVER in school history and Hunter hits a home run! One of those wow moments for sure Congrats Hunter more great things to come

[Hunter Beil @HunterBeil2]

Honored to acquire the the first hit in NDMU history//Looking forward to the rest of this season and seasons to come with these guys! Lots of young talent all across the board.

[NDMU Gators Baseball @NDMUBaseball]

We get to play baseball this year!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a great 2025!

[NDMU Gators Baseball @NDMUBaseball]

Final days to get your NDMU Baseball Merch for the spring season!

[Baseball Dudes Inc. 🇺🇸⚾️ @BaseballDudes48]

Rumor has it the adults cause most of the problems in youth sports. Parents hating other parents. Coaches on the same team not getting along. Parents blaming coaches. Coaches blaming parents. Adult jealousy. How adults treat officials. Adults manipulating GameChanger stats. Parent coaches playing parent ball. Adult unrealistic expectations of children.

The worst part is the kids see it and learn the behaviors. Be better adults.

[NDMU Gators Baseball @NDMUBaseball]

What a week! NDMU Baseball is officially underway!

[Steve Trombly @tromblybaseball]

True story.

I’m about to quit coaching baseball.

Just had an issue with an unrealistic parent and I’m over it.

Parents are ruining youth sports.

Such a big deal I am putting tbis out there.

[NDMU Gators Baseball @NDMUBaseball]

One year ago this room was empty. Today it is full. Kicking off Year 1! #TrustandFaith

[NDMU Gators Baseball @NDMUBaseball]

Official Gator Gear Now Available! Team Store will close August 26!

https://t.co/8ZkDOZaaBY

[Matt Backert @CoachBackert]

Been a BUSY summer and not done yet! If you’re going to be at one of these camps let me know! Still looking to add a ‘24 or transfer arm along with ‘25’s!

[NDMU Gators Baseball @NDMUBaseball]

Upcoming Camps we’ll be attending. More to be added

8/7 - TBW @ CCBC Catonsville
8/8 - ASP All Star Game @ HCC
8/10 - Westminster Combine @ Westminster HS
8/14 - Salisbury Camp @ Salisbury Univ
8/15 - CCBC Essex Camp - CCBC Essex
10/6 - Mid Atlantic Prospect Camp @ Joe Cannon

[Matt Backert @CoachBackert]

Individual talent and less team guys instead of more talented players who are also team first guys.

[Matt Backert @CoachBackert]

It shocks me how little college freshmen understand team baseball. Then I watch how travel ball is evolving. Gone are the days of building teams. Kids are year to year with their programs. No real team establishment is being created. The irony is kids will leave a team in the

[Matt Backert @CoachBackert]

Name or development or lack of. But the truth is how can a coach truly develop a player they only get for a couple months. Sometimes it takes years to truly understand a players skill sets and what instruction works for them. The revolving door of travel is creating less