Finally...it has to be said (A TBR Classic)

Braves, while I agree that there are certain individuals who deserve credit for running top-notch showcases, I also agree that sometimes folks with "other programs" may not get what they expected.

Just like some legion teams are supported by their community better than others, and some may be the HOT TICKET around town during the summer,,, while legion ball may not be so hot in other areas.

One thing I'd like for folks to keep in mind is this,,,, the reason I dont' criticize showcases is because I respect those individuals who try to assist kids in getting recruited. But with that in mind,,,,,,,, folks need to realize that there are posters among us who spend many countless hours every year without ever taking a penny just to make sure kids have a place to play legion baseball in communities all across North Carolina. And DownSouth is surely one of those individuals who deserves a pat on the back. And here where I'm at, our program depends upon a certain group of individuals who VOLUNTEER many hours each year to make sure things are taken care of. Rowan County has the same kind of support, so does Cherryville, and so does a number of others. These are folks who work hard to make sure kids have a place to play baseball.

We can all disagree with each other, but theres a lot of good intentions by folks from both sides of the aisles.

 

tj- you know by now that you have won me over. I, also, believe that there is room for both and that there are times that a player should consider one over the other (again, depending on your area). It's two different experiences and I wish a player could experience both of them.

Also, the volunteer work that you, tj, and others connected to a legion program should never go unnoticed. In my opinion, if there were not people like yourself fighting, cajoling, begging, sweating and crying to ensure that the players in your region receive an experience that most young men will never receive elsewhere, American Legion ball would fall to the wayside.

I salute you, young man!!!! and to the other people that sacrifice their time and money to continue to make Kannapolis legion baseball a premiere program.























having said all of those nice things....am I entitled to some Townhouse banana pudding?

 

I don't need a pat on the back,,, the "young man" comment is enough.

Btw, yes there's a "group" here with this program who work hard, not one person could do it alone,,,, but while showcase & legion folks may disagree with each other about whats best, my point is that its entirely possible that we all have the same intentions. Providing young men with different options is not such a bad thing, because again whats best for some may not be best for someone else.

Yea I guess you are due to nanner puddin for those comments. Get in the line of people that I owe....

 

Ok ... I was wrong ... there isn't any aspect of this discussion that we haven't already beat into the ground.

I know a farmer with a dead horse if anyone wants to continue "beating". (Course, they will have to dig up the carcass themselves).

 

Braves, my comments were based more on the statements that were made "If you can play they will find you" and "Choose your Showcase teams wisely"....my point was in todays competitive environment, limited baseball scholarships and travel budgets that College Recruiters and Scouts are only going to travel to see the kids they have heard about....When I talked about someone putting your name out there I am assuming (I know what assume does) that person is creditable and would only recommend the player to a program they are best suited to play for.

I agree the parent and player must do their homework as well...but, I'm sure you would agree that most (not all) players and parents see themselves at a much higher level than their talent really is....that's where the good High School Coach, the Andy Partins. On Deck's come in to play to help them see the right fit.

 

Like I said earlier, it depends on where you are... That may be the casein Caldwell County, but it is not all over the state. In some places, it has become watered down. Why then did the High School League develop in the central part of the state? Think about that. In some areas it thrives, in some, it has faltered.

Showcase players do play for their schools, families, etc... they also play for personal pride.

I ahve spoken to several college coaches and they conclude with what has already been said, it is about economics. Unless that 1 player is great, they will go to a venue where they can see more than 1-2 players.

 

dbacks, there is not one thing that you said I would disagree with...other than if I was paid a fee...oh, say $500...I'll tell you exactly where I would see your son fit.

...and in your case dbacks, I would recommend that your son has MLB potential and I would encourage you to let him take the pro route now and have them tack on a $100,000 college tuition as well.





















please send your check to "Braves Scouting Service"...matter of fact, don't send a check, send cash...no paper trail.

 

In the Middle

After playing both in high school and going on to college to play and also coaching both showcase and legion i think there are positives to both experiences. Legion Baseball was some of the best times i have ever had, riding on a bus, playing with guys you grew up with in the county every night. It does cost to enter the games at most places but proabably not as costly to the parents as showcase ball for the most part. How can you blame players that play for subpar legion teams for going to these showcase teams to be seen. However, i love legion ball and feel that every kid should play during the summer if they are good enough. If players want to be seen more in the fall showcase baseball is the ideal way to do it. From a coaches standpoint though, if i am scouting would i want to go to a legion game and see maybe 4-5 prospects in a day or go to a tournament and see 100 prospects? With budgets that college baseball coaches have to deal with its not surprising they choose the showcase route. Then there is always the side where everyone thinks they can start a team and do it better than someone else and this is how everything gets so diluted.
From a players experience i enjoyed both. In my opinion if you are going to play all year and you want to have the best experience possible, play high school, play legion and then play showcase in the fall. There has to be some comprimise from all ends to make the best opportunities for the student athletes!

 

My recommendation as well. As long as there is a legion team that is competitive in your area.

Ryan Morris taught me this and he received the best opportunities from both worlds.

In the last few years I've become a huge fan of legion baseball; especially in selected areas.

 

Huh? He might be drafted, but scouts at a showcase couldn't have seen his talent in 4 innings of work?