My two-cents

jt,
great post. hits the nail on the head. coach 27 i agree that you have to work hard to get that respect and feeling of pride. sometimes it may still be undermined by the me, me, me, attitude. i think a great deal comes from the parents attitude at home, or the "what have you done for me latley" attitude of today's society.

 

Not sure is

this a loop. It has been said that showcase teams put together and let them play. Most do not have weekly practice or did I just miss something in that thread?????

 

You nail a twist here

 

Ok – I went to a wedding in Cleveland this weekend. I didn’t have access to a computer and when I checked back today, BAM, lots of responses, questions and “turns, twists, bumps” etc.

I currently do not coach anywhere. I stepped away from HS ball to spend the last two years as a volunteer assistant at the collegiate level. It was an itch I had to scratch. I was getting to the point in life where I still had some questions about what I wanted to do. After two great years as a volunteer, I had to make a decision. My wife, my baby boy and “real job” (teaching) were suffering. While coaching at that level was loads of fun and challenging, my gut told me that my place in the game of baseball was elsewhere. I do hope to be back in HS baseball soon in any capacity – assistant coach, head coach, whatever.

Coach 27 – I feel as if you might have misunderstood my position or thoughts. Your post was great. And I agree with most all of it.
I did, however, say in my original post……”It is up to me, to create relationships and influence those around me”. On top of that, my legion program and high school program were well respected and successful. I don’t bring up these issues based solely on my experiences, but on those of my family, friends and fellow coaches. Your program is not the norm. It does sound as if it should be considered the model of what we should all strive for. Matter of fact, if I land another HS job, I’d love to play you. Any team would benefit from competing against a program like yours.

I think my main point has been missed a bit. I actually sought out to explain why many HS coaches question the motives of showcase and pay-to-play programs. Let me try like this –

HS coaches – most made a lifelong commitment, again, at an early age to help young people. This is there one sole focus, job and passion. I know many of these coaches, in many different sports, begin to question the motives of others who all of the sudden, pop up on the radar screen, with a new summer team, fall team, program or organization. I think is reasonable for them to question why they are doing it.

I am certainly not saying that the motives for coaches, who coach outside of HS, are not as sincere or as genuine, simply due to the fact that they may work in the private world and not in education. I mainly use this as a point for fall/summer/showcase coaches to better see/understand why some HS coaches have issues or questions about some of these outside teams and coaches. Lets be honest, these opportunities are everywhere for young kids and these opportunities are costing families a lot of money (by choice). And the trend is only getting bigger. I have no problem with anyone helping kids achieve dreams and become better people. HS teaching and coaching is certainly not the only way to do this. But as a parent of a future ball player (I hope), we are getting almost pushed into this pay-to-play world weather you like it or not. And so many people out there know this and use this to their advantage – dollar bills. It is a good business.

Again, I’m trying to offer insight to the thoughts and frustrations of some, not all. I am also fully aware that some of the most admirable coaches with the purest desires coach summer ball and showcase ball. And some of the worst I’ve seen are high school teachers and coaches.

Agian - just some of my thougths

 

Coach- I have no doubt of your sincerity and fondness of coaching HS baseball, but as you have mentioned, "pay for play" is a choice...and there are quite a few alternatives.

For many, they do not have interest to play beyond HS baseball. For others that do and have the ability, we have mentioned many different routes to take to get exposure...and many are minimum or no fees.

The concern that I have is when the families have a greater expectation for their kid than is reality. The families will pay and afford thousands of $$$ to follow their son's summer baseball team and then get upset and angered at the team, the coach, the monies they spent, when his talent did not allow him to go further in baseball.

To your point about Summer teams and their coaches, if you are referring to the older group (HS age players), the opportunity that the players have to be coached by ex-pro, college coaches and some current college players (due to injuries) is outstanding. I'm not sure where you were wanting to go with this, but I don't know why a HS coach would be concerned with the coaching abilities at the showcase or legion level....or to imply they are in it for the money. You may point to some of the tournament directors as "money machines", but not the coaches. They share the same care and concern...and in some cases, even more.

 

Braves - not sure you understood my last post. Probably my fault. Thought I'd respond to yours though.

I agree that pay to play is a choice.

Also - I am quite certain, (please reread my post) that I never questioned the "coaching" abilities at the legion or showcase level. (remember, i have coached both) However, in regards to that comment, you yourself have stated that many showcase teams show up and play. No practice, little "coaching" other than during the game, just play tournaments. I haven't metioned this fact. You are highly respected on this board. If someone were to read your post and skim mine, I think they may feel I'm bashing thier coaching abilities. I've yet to speak on that.

However, there is a charge to be on many of these teams. Not all of them, but many. My last segment also recognized that there are many showcase coaches and summer/fall etc. that do great things. Just as some high school coaches do not.

I know that the recruiting game for college coaches has changed, and that it is better for them to attend these large events. It is more practical. But let's all rememeber that showcase teams, started showcase tournaments. College coaches didn't decide to gather at a field and hope that a bunch of teams would show up at once so they could watch them all play. Yes, the big money may go to the directors, but to say little or none is made by the others is a bit off the mark as well. I never made a blanket statement to the fact they were "in it for the money". I simply said, that through conversations with family, friends, coaches, etc. Some question motives. Finally, my last post was to give insight to others, outside of HS baseball, why some may do this questioning. I never said this is the way it is. Only offered some thoughts.

One of the hardest things for humans to do is to admit failure or to be accountable. Many parents and players alike, will always blame others for thier shortcomings. No matter what level they are playing.

 

I believe this is what I was addressing. There really are not that many Showcase teams. There is probably 6 that have a statewide reputation. With the exception of On Deck (and that's a different situation. It's a year long development academy), the prices are nominal and in some cases free. And in those cases I wouldn't call them "Pop ups on the radar screen"

Again, I'm not sure why this would be a concern with HS coaches. Legion Baseball has very few practices as well and many of those are coached by HS coaches

If I had to predict the future I would say the total of "real" showcase teams will be smaller in numbers. The growing trend is "free" baseball to the stud players that make these teams. You will find the "other' showcase teams will be using the term "showcase" in name only. Just like what many saw in AAU; it will be come watered down, as many have already stated.

So, the opportunty to play showcase may increase, but the opportunity to play on an "elite" team will decrease.

Perhaps at the AAU level. But we are speaking of HS players. I bet if you asked Freddie Suggs with the Copperheads or Don Hutchins with South Charlotte Panthers if it has been a good business for them, you may not be able to stop them from laughing. Again, the expense is with the travel of families [a choice], not with the kids playing baseball.

Coach- I'm not discounting your opinion. It is highly valued and you echo many points that others feel. I still stand by my statements that most of this kids are developed before they reach Legion or Showcase ball...and who has developed these kids? In many cases, their HS coach and/or their father. And I agree with you that they pick up "little things" from others. As a coach what I would be concerned about is having his summer/fall coach change the big things. (If the kid was good enough to make your team, he more than likely did not need big changes). Sometimes you will find S/F coaches mean well, but their motive is to play a "role" in the kid's success. So they will change something to put their signature stamp on him (I hope you know what I mean?) That type of thing drives me N-U-T-S!!!!

Coach, please don't read into anything I said as being challenging to your post. Sometimes the written word comes across that way unintentionally. But correct me if I am wrong, you are looking at this with two pair of glasses. As a HS coach and as a parent looking to the future of your young son.

You're ahead of the game with your experience in college and HS, but there are some mighty savvy experience members on here that continue to give good advice; I just happen not to be one of them.

 

The growing trend is "free" baseball to the stud players that make these teams. You will find the "other' showcase teams will be using the term "showcase" in name only. Just like what many saw in AAU; it will be come watered down, as many have already stated.

I bet if you asked Freddie Suggs with the Copperheads or Don Hutchins with South Charlotte Panthers if it has been a good business for them, you may not be able to stop them from laughing. Again, the expense is with the travel of families [a choice], not with the kids playing baseball[/quote]


This is confusing. What are some of the differences in Teams like On deck. Megastars, Impact, South Charlotte Panthers and Copperheads and others? Which are the most affordable, what are the advanages? how are players chosen , who coaches, how are the tournaments different and what is the future? If the "trend" is free baseball to studs that play on "free baseball" then the direction that showcase baseball is going is about the money. Is it parents or kids that are choosing this?What other benefits are there? Maybe everyone else should just stick to High school baseball. I hate to see high school baseball becoming a big business.

 

Is you kid good enough

to play on one of these teams? The Dirtbags or Panthers etc just dont put kids on the roster because they have money. It does not work that way. They try to get the best HS players they can find. They want to win everytime out. The players want to be on the best team with the best players. They want to win. The coaches put them in front of the college coaches for exposure. Hopefully they will show the college coaches what they want to see and get a scholley to play at the next level. The college coaches like it because they can go to one site and in one weekend see alot of talented players from all across the state. And they get to see them compete against other talented players. Showcase has nothing to do with HS baseball. It does not compete with HS baseball. Showcase is played after HS baseball is done. If a kid is good enough , wants to play , then that is up to him and his family. If not then fine. If you feel that your son is being left behind and you wish showcase would just go away well thats just not going to happen. As long as there is someone out there that is willing to coach kids that are talented enough to get the college coaches out there to see them its going to exist. Take a look at the Dirtbags roster. Look at the schools that these guys have committed to. Can there be any doubt that it helps kids? Would all of these kids played college ball even without showcase baseball? Im sure they would have. Would they have had the options to choose from that they did without it? NO WAY. Now you tell me how that is a bad thing. Surely if one of these kids is yours its not. No one is stopping anyone from doing what is best for them. Im not sure why so many seemed so concerned with what others are doing that feel it is the best thing for their kid. HS baseball is HS baseball. Your playing for your HS team and your school / community. Showcase baseball is about competing with and against the best players you can find. And its about getting exposed to as many baseball options at the next level as possible. Whats the problem?

 

You named some of the best. There is very little difference in their programs. If one plays for those teams, you are playing with some of the best.

This is irrelevant because each family have their own priorities. It's what they believe is best for their son. Some of the programs are based on year long development, some are based on summer only, while others are summer and fall.

Wow that is a lot of questions to answer in detail in one post:

- Invitation
- Ex-pro players, ex-college players and some are HS coaches
- Many of them play at the same tournaments. They all plan on making PG's event in the summer and in the fall their premiere target.
- Who knows, but I gave my prediction. If you think about it. If premiere teams are offering free fees and you are invited; how long will it take you to decide.

I really don't understand your conclusion. Free baseball is free baseball. Can you further explain your position further?

- I'm sure it is both. Everybody would like to play against the best competition that they can, while doing so in front of college recruiters.
- Too long to address this question about benefits. But I still have to chuckle about people's reluctance to the showcase concept. It was just a few years ago people were upset that there were not enough teams to adequately fill the needs of the quality players across the state. Now people are complaining about the concept...you can't have it both ways. Either you like the idea of playing on a team with guys that share your same competitive desire and talent and to do so in front of many college recruiters each weekend...or you don't. But don't criticize the one's that do.

Why...we have always had summer baseball. All of the options we had before are still here. Now we have many more. It's a great thing to have as many options to play baseball as one can have. Personally, I don't care what level one is playing as long as they are playing.

I don't think you mean that. High School baseball is the same. It's outside of HS that baseball has changed. Some think for the better, some think not. Personally, I think for the players that are talented enough to play at the next level, Showcase baseball is the best thing that has ever happened in amateur baseball.

I know this sounds cruel and I sincerely don't want to come across that way, but this is the truth. If you are a parent with a son that is a good HS player, but may not be college material....get some feedback and opinions from trusted sources just how much ability does your son actually have. That answer may save you thousands of dollars....and showcase baseball may not be the best route to take. It was designed for the elite players across our state. Does that mean that every elite player plays showcase? Of course not...some choose other options or play other sports

I know this with no uncertainty. Whatever path a family decides to take, it is never too expensive. It's what you can afford. And you can not put a price tag on one's family experience with their son.