Every spring, as soon as the ground will allow, children in every city and town across the nation eagerly run out onto a baseball diamond for the first time. Whether playing pick-up games with their friends or participating in organized Little League teams, baseball is undeniably one of the most popular sports among today's youth.

There are many benefits for a child that participates in baseball. From a health perspective, regular games and practices offer a continued source of physical activity. Baseball develops overall body strength, working on a number of muscle groups, and is an aerobic activity that will benefit the cardiovascular system. Additionally, children can increase and improve their agility and hand-eye coordination. In a society where young people are becoming more and more sedentary and obesity rates are on the rise, an interest in baseball is certainly one that should be encouraged.

Participating in baseball (and, by extension, related sports such as t-ball and softball) develops many other highly desirable skills. Team sports teach valuable lessons in cooperation and sportsmanship. Learning to work as part of a team, and contributing to its overall success, is knowledge that can be carried far from the diamond - into the classroom and, even later, the boardroom. In some cases, for those players who excel at the game, there can also be financial rewards. Success at baseball may allow a student to go to college on a scholarship or even pursue a career in the sport as a professional.

One of the best ways to motivate participation in the game and to ensure that players feel valued, no matter what their skill level, is through a Baseball Awards program. It is truly up to the team or league administration as to how they will proceed with their awards. A decision should be made whether to follow a standard awards system (such as that used in Major League Baseball) or an awards system that allows every player to be recognized for something positive. The age of the players will generally dictate which system is most effective.

Older baseball players can be lauded with their own league versions of professional awards. These might include:

Rookie of the Year Award - Should be given to the best performing first-year player

Most Valuable Player or MVP Award - Should be given to the best all-round player, regardless of year

Cy Young Award - Should be given to the best performing pitcher

Gold Glove Award - Should be given to the best performing player at each position

A team can be more creative with awards for the younger players. It is very important that these players be made to feel their worth as part of the team. This type of support and motivation may go far to ensuring their ongoing participation in the sport and this can be a critical factor in their overall health and fitness.

In addition to the "big name" awards outlined above, trophies, plaques and ribbons can be used for Sportsmanship Awards, Best Attendance Awards, even Most Positive Player Awards. Players can be asked to create awards to give each other in an effort to promote recognition of positive traits and abilities in others. Finally, all team members can be "awarded" their own keepsake baseball card which highlights personal achievements (both statistically and in team spirit). The ultimate goal of any good Baseball Awards program should be to promote inclusion as this will foster both participation and self-esteem.