Get into the Swing of Things
Step up to the plate with Blue Valley Rec’s Youth Baseball Leagues and Camps in Overland Park! Whether your child is just starting out or looking to sharpen their skills, we offer age-appropriate programs that emphasize fundamentals, teamwork, and—most importantly—fun. As players progress through our leagues, they benefit from a supportive environment that encourages growth and builds confidence.
Moreover, our summer baseball camps provide hands-on instruction from experienced coaches who are dedicated to helping kids grow both as athletes and as teammates.

Opportunities to Play
Flexibility for Busy Families
Blue Valley Rec offers baseball across multiple seasons as it offers numerous benefits for kids. To begin with, it supports both physical and mental health by keeping children active and engaged. In addition, the sport fosters teamwork, allowing players to collaborate and build strong social connections. As they practice and play, kids also enhance important motor skills—especially hand-eye coordination.
Most importantly, these positive experiences help boost confidence both on and off the field.

Summer Youth Baseball
- Grades Pre-K to 12
March – July
Open to all boys in grades PreK through 12th during the current academic year, this program welcomes those who either attend school in or reside within the Blue Valley School District. Furthermore, we are committed to upholding high standards for coaches and parents, as they serve as important role models for our youth.

Golden Glove
- Ages 9U to 14U
March – June
An elite youth baseball league by Blue Valley Rec, specifically designed for players and teams seeking high-level competition. This league is ideal for teams classified as AAA or Major level under USSSA baseball guidelines. Additionally, we will offer a separate division to accommodate AA level teams, ensuring balanced and competitive play. Please note, this is a team registration-only league.

Fall Baseball
- Grades K to 8
August – October
Open to boys in grades K–8 heading into the fall academic year, this league emphasizes character, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Moreover, we are committed to upholding high standards for both coaches and parents, recognizing their important role as mentors and role models. Please note: this is a team registration only league.

Baseball Camps and Clinics
- Ages 6 and up
Year Round
Blue Valley Rec baseball camps in Overland Park offer a fantastic opportunity to build skills, explore a new sport, and, most importantly, enjoy being part of a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Whether you’re aiming to improve your game or just looking for summer fun, these camps provide the perfect blend of instruction and enjoyment.

Tournaments
- Ages 8U to 16U
April – October
Blue Valley Rec proudly leads the way in hosting top-level sports tournaments in Overland Park. In addition to hosting several tournaments of its own, we also rent the Sports Complex to outside organizations for their tournament events.
Learn More About Blue Valley Rec Baseball
responsibilities
This committee supports areas requiring programming recommendations and administrative review. It is composed of an odd number of members—at minimum, three—each serving three-year terms.
Specifically, the committee:
- Conducts interviews and selects coaches
- Deliberates and acts on formal protests
- Reviews rules, policies, post-season evaluations, and surveys
- Recommends changes for staff consideration
- Evaluates and advises on special requests from parents or players regarding team changes
- Holds hearings on incidents—as defined in the current Official Rules and Policies Handbook—and recommends appropriate actions
Through these responsibilities, the committee plays a vital role in ensuring program integrity, fairness, and continuous improvement.
Current Council Members
- Greg Schaum (term ends 12/31/24)
- Josh Diggs (term ends 12/31/24)
- Ben Doll (term ends 12/31/24)
- Steve Dickey (term ends 12/31/25)
- James Machol (term ends 12/31/25)
- Nathan Hermiston (term ends 12/31/26)
- Lauren Kenny (term ends 12/31/26)
The Role of Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship plays a foundational role in youth sports, going far beyond the final score. It fosters character development, emotional growth, and a positive team environment—values that benefit young athletes both on and off the field. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Builds Character and Integrity – To begin with, practicing good sportsmanship teaches respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials. Moreover, it instills honesty, humility in victory, and grace in defeat—all of which contribute to shaping a child’s moral compass.
- Encourages Respect and Teamwork – When athletes demonstrate sportsmanship, they begin to appreciate the contributions of others, communicate more effectively, and prioritize team goals over individual recognition. As a result, this behavior fosters mutual respect and significantly strengthens team cohesion.
- Promotes Emotional Control and Resilience – While youth sports can often be competitive and emotionally charged, sportsmanship plays a vital role in helping players navigate these challenges. Specifically, it encourages them to manage frustration, recover from setbacks, and approach adversity with maturity—ultimately equipping them with life skills that extend far beyond the game.
- Creates a Positive Playing Environment – Although youth sports can be both competitive and emotionally intense, sportsmanship provides a framework for managing those pressures. In particular, it helps players control frustration, recover from setbacks, and face adversity with maturity. Consequently, these skills prove valuable not just in sports, but in many areas of life.
- Reinforces Lifelong Values – Ultimately, the habits developed through sportsmanship—such as fairness, accountability, and perseverance—stick with young athletes long after their playing days are over.
In short, sportsmanship transforms youth sports into a powerful vehicle for personal growth, community building, and lifelong learning.
Resources
- Parent Sportsmanship Seminar with Bill Severns (Fall 2023)
- Parent Sportsmanship Seminar with Bill Severns and Chris Tallent (Spring 2024)
- Beware of the Poor Sportsmanship Traps (Enjoy the Game)
POLICY
Blue Valley Rec and its partners reserve the right to use all photographs and video footage of participants for promotional purposes. Specifically, this includes materials used in print, digital media, advertisements, and social media promotions. Moreover, drone footage is also included under this policy.
Waiver
In addition, by participating in our programs or events, individuals acknowledge and accept the potential use of their image for marketing purposes. As a result, these visuals help us showcase the energy and excitement of our leagues and activities across various platforms.