Travel ball isn't the problem. It's the parents and coaches that lets the kid play all year long or throw a 100 pitches every time out. As Todd said it helps with development but it has to be done wisely and in moderation just like anything else. I coached travel ball for 20 years. I always carried at least 8 guys that could throw and we only played spring/summer. In the fall winter my players played football, basketball or soccer. We played some of the best talent in the southeast and it definitely helped my kids with their development. Many have played college ball and some more on the way. I've also seen the ugly side of travel ball. Several years ago the 14u team I was coaching played a team from Pensacola in early season tournament championship game. I threw each of my pitchers their 40 pitches each. The other coach threw his ace all 7 innings. Kid threw 140 pitches. They beat us 5-4 but I don't know how that coach could sleep at night after that. Seen that happen more than once. Just as with anything there is good and bad.