Dizzy Dean State Tournament

Here we are.  Three weeks of intense preparation will climax with the Dizzy Dean Northwest Florida State Tournament this weekend.  Thursday, June 23rd, hundreds of families will begin descending on the Pensacola Bay area in hopes of capturing the coveted Dizzy Dean championship.  Many of these teams will move on to the Dizzy Dean World Series held in Georgia in July.  So parents, the question is this.  Are you ready for some intense baseball?  We have been polling traveling teams, past players, and parents on what to expect, what to bring, and how to encourage your player for this action packed weekend.

What to bring to the field:

1. Cash for entry fees and the concession stand
2. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses (especially sunglasses for your player)
3. First aid kit with Zip Lock bags for ice
4. Toilet paper, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer
5. Chairs, umbrellas, and portable shade tents
6. Water, Gator aid, or electrolyte replacement beverages
7. Cooling aids such as Frog Togs, cooling bandannas, or face cloths that can be placed in the team coolers (label your items with Sharpie)
8. Snacks such as peanut butter crackers, frozen grapes, frozen peaches, nuts, and Chex Mix are great to keep your players metabolism running.  Avoid candy, dairy products and heavy or greasy foods between games.  Don't forget sunflower seeds and bubble gum.

What to expect:

1. Heat!  Be prepared to keep yourself and your family cool.  Perhaps, keep your own cooler in your vehicle with drinks and snacks that you can go to in between games.
2. Official Dizzy Dean Rules.  Some rec leagues may play slightly modified Dizzy Dean rules.  Check out this link to brush up on the official tournament rules.
3. Rain delays or bad weather.  Games will be postponed or rescheduled for severe weather.  Be sure to have your hotel room secure for such events and in case you need to extend your stay.
4. Delays in between games.  Check out other players in action (remember to support your local teams) or bring along a travel game if your player tends to get board.

How to prepare your player for the big weekend:

1. Sleep!  Your player (as well as your family) must have significant sleep when playing in tournaments.  The heat and level of play will be intense and rest is critical.
2. Proper fuel.  It is essential that your player eats properly days before they start a tournament.  Start restricting fast food, candy, and sugar days before the big weekend.  Start hydrating days before they play and increase carbohydrates and potassium the day before the tournament starts and continue throughout the weekend.
3. Limit swimming and any extra physical activities during the tournament.  Most young athletes do not know their physical limits.  You do not want them running out of steam on the diamond.
4. Talk it out.  Remember to talk about what this weekend is all about, what they will be seeing and hearing, and the amount of people.  Ease fear and tension by constantly talking calmly about the events of the weekend.  Stay positive and let your player know that you have their back no matter what the weekend holds.
5. Just in case.  Know the nearest emergency room or hospital.  You never know but it is always best to be prepared.

Make the best of the weekend and make some cherished memories.  Take pictures and be silly.  These are the moments that you want to look back on with fond reflection and joy.  Their only this age once.

  

As always, Almega Sports has you covered for everything you need for the upcoming baseball and softball tournaments.