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As a parent, one of my favorite memories to create is the end-of-season baseball party. Seeing the kids light up after a successful season, while showering coaches and parents with love, is how I show my appreciation for all that goes into leading a team.
However, planning a kids’ baseball team party can be challenging, especially if you’re a busy working mom like me. But with the right tips and tricks, it can be a fun and stress-free experience.
Here are some tips for throwing a successful kids’ baseball party:
Plan Ahead
The key to any successful party is planning ahead. Start by deciding on a date and location that works for everyone and send out invitations well in advance. We had a few conflicts with other sports starting soon, but ultimately had our party a little after our championship game which worked out for most of the team.
Make sure to consider the size of the group, the age range of the kids, and any dietary restrictions when choosing a location and menu. Keep the menu simple and consider hosting the party at a location that can do most of the heavy lifting for you.
For our team, we chose to have our party at Mountain Mike’s in Brea. Their large patio let the team run around and play together, while the parents sat on the sidelines enjoying pizza and drinks. The food was delicious and the service was excellent.
Suggest Activities
In addition to eating, kids will want to have fun activities to keep them entertained. Consider setting up a game of kickball or whiffle ball, or bring along some frisbees or other outdoor toys. You can also plan team-building activities like relay races or scavenger hunts.
For us, we kept it easy and let the team have their own, coach-free baseball game going on the patio. We brought tennis balls and baseball gloves for a quick game of catch. The kids also played monkey in the middle and tag. In hindsight, I wish I would have brought a game of cornhole or chalk for the little one.
Bring Goodie Bags
Kids love goodie bags, so consider putting together small bags filled with baseball-themed treats like baseball cards, stickers, and mini bats. You can also include snacks and small toys.
My mother-in-law is a genius with a Cricket and crafted these amazing Angels Baseball themed hats that served as goodie bags. We also bought cupcakes and cookies for dessert.
Recognize Achievements
Take the time to recognize the kids’ achievements throughout the season. Consider handing out awards or certificates for things like most improved player, best sportsmanship, or team MVP. You can also make a slideshow or video showcasing the team’s best moments of the season.
Our coach had these incredibly detailed game balls made for each player along with these custom trophies. Each player was celebrated for their contributions to the team as they came up and accepted their gifts.
Don’t Forget The Coaches’ Gifts
Finally, don’t forget to say thank you to the kids and their parents for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Consider writing personalized thank-you notes or giving small gifts as a token of appreciation.
Our parents came together and pitched in for a rolling cooler, something we learned our coach needed after we tailgated at Angel Stadium for Little League Day. A true Angels fan, we stuffed it with a red custom water bottle, Angels memorabilia, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and cookies – his favorite.
We didn’t forget about the assistant coaches and team mom either. Each assistant coach and our scorekeeper were gifted a custom water bottle and snacks for their next game. Our team mom was given a trip to the spa for a pedicure – something every mom needs after a busy season.
Throwing a baseball party for your kids’ team can be a fun and memorable experience with the right planning and execution. By following these tips, you can create a party that celebrates the kids’ hard work and builds team spirit, all while having a great time.
All in all, the kids had a great season that ended in a championship game against the best team in the division. Even though they came in second in their tournament and third overall, I’m so proud of how far these kids came and how much they learned. I can’t wait to be on the ball field again soon. Play ball!
If you’d like some tips for attending an Angels game, check out this post on everything you need to know about attending an Angels baseball game this summer!
