Prepster's- Something to think about

Braves, there are some good ideas here. So far I've read that better youth league programs would help, mentoring programs like 27 and I mentioned (Aggies & RBI) and the tightening of transfers. I think anyone that loves the game would love to see more minorites in the sport. As to your transfer comment, I could care less who transfers and who doesn't. It's just a topic of conversation for me. As long as a transfer doesn't jeopardize the status of the team (illegal player that leads to forfeits) I don't give a damn. I don't care for some topics all the time either but some are hot topics with people looking to this site for help/advice/answers. Maybe it says something about where the game is now and where it's headed.

Hell, I thought we were having a good discussion.

 

Lets See

"You can say transferring schools is not a factor, it certainly is when you have a team that has transferred in players to build a team that wins games , and they play a team that has no talent. Its hard to watch."

What teams have transferred in players to build a team that wins games?

"This will prevent teams from stacking players and give these other teams a chance."

What teams are stacking players? And who are these players?

"Its hard to watch".

So your saying you have actually witnessed this happening?

I see so many posts about transfers and I just felt someone might want to go ahead and call Chapel Hill and get this taken care of. If anyone is aware of illegal transfers , people stacking teams , instead of constantly posting these allegations why dont you just CALL CHAPEL HILL! They will be glad to take your complaint and investigate it. If your not talking about illegal transfers then whats the problem. I thought we agreed that as long as it was legal nobody got hurt?

 

Two thoughts

- this topic had nothing to do with transfers. If it did I wouldn't have posted it.

- I have about had my fill with the so called "hot topics". It is not why I started TBR. I have lost many contributing posters because of the way this board has turned from celebrating the players and providing useful information to the parents, to one of people using this website as a platform to discuss their gripes and rants. We lasted 5.5 years of people enjoying the company and building friendships along the way. Now, I have members that will no longer post and coaches that refuse to post in fear of someone attacking them or questioning their motives.

There are plenty of other websites for those that like that type of discussion. How do I know?...I see some of the same people entering the same conversations over there.

I don't care if anyone doesn't like what I'm trying to do here. I have made my point clear many, many times what TBR is about.....but I'll tell you the same thing that was said to me when I didn't like what was being said on another website 6 years ago...if you don't like it, start your own.

 

Well, I have made a few friends here and love the site. I get the impression this site is about promoting players and providing answers/advice to anyone who needs it. That's what i get from the site and have been very pleased.

As to the "hot topics", you know where I stand. I'm not fond of either but I also realize it's what some of us are faced with. I hate it as much as you but I'm not going to stand on a soap box (not saying you are) and fight city hall either. My son will have to learn to deal with the currrent environment. And he'll be better for it.

 

BTW Braves, this site does provide great info. This has been the most useful site I have ever read on a continous basis. I don't know anyone that would argue that.

 

Ditto

This site is very helpful to families helping their boys learn about opprotunities at the next level. Once you leave the world of AAU/USSSA and reach showcase, high school, and college topics, it's not easy to locate information. TBR has been a valuable resource to refer to when learning from those who have older kids or coach older kids. Thanks!

 

Braves,

Thanks for the reminder of what this board should...and shouldn't...be. For those of us who were around at its outset, it was formed largely because we thought area players and their families could benefit from the input of those who'd lived through high school baseball and its attendant recruiting aspects. Consistent with that, one of its principal goals was to enhance the opportunities available to area players who aspired to play beyond high school.

It's important that it never be used as a platform to deride or defame other players, their family members, or their programs. There are all too many sports message boards out there to fill the need of those who feel compelled to do that sort of thing.

Many thanks to you and the rest of the monitors for keeping it true to its intended course. As a result, countless players and their families have benfitted since the board's inception.

 

Sorry guys for venting, but it does get very frustrating at times. Remember, I'm the one that receives the angry PM's. I'm the one that goes to tournaments and have to spend a lot of time hearing people voice their concerns why they don't post on here as much.

The number one reason that people get turned off is when we start talking about "Hot topics". I understand that people would like to discuss those things, but it is rarely handled well on a message board and somebody always gets offended or angry and when it comes to TBR...its not worth the risk of alienating members. Does that make us vanilla? Yep. But I would rather be vanilla then lose any member because they are uncomfortable about threads being discussed, attacking fellow members, or an argument involving who is best? American Legion vs Showcase baseball.

I have had some great interviews that I thought would be of value to parents and players, but the interviewee decided they did not want to risk being subjected to jealousy or attacks from their teammate's parents or members opposed to showcase. They weren't doing this for themselves. They were going to do it because I convinced them that our members would benefit from their experience.

It used to not ever be a concern....that's why I like the board to be considered vanilla. We will get better information and we will all benefit from it.

There are so many topics that can be discussed that will aid a player, parent or coach. There are some topics that may make you smile or laugh. There are some that are entertaining. There are some that are heart rendering. There are some that are personal....but they are all helpful to someone. But when one wants to find warts in HS baseball and wants to discuss it on here...who is it helping? What information is it providing that will help a player and their family? How is it shining a light on a player that will get the attention of a recruiter? How is it shining a light on a player that is not a stud, but will make him feel just a little bit better that someone recognizes his effort.

See, Larry Davidson and I developed this site to "shine the light" on a sport that received little or no recognition. We want to promote the players and teams that did something well with the purpose of helping to provide exposure to HS sports in an environment that is positive. We want to encourage participation from HS coaches and college recruiters in an environment that is not known for their participation.

Why would they do that? Because they feel comfortable that the opinions they share will be received in a positive way. They feel they are sharing their experience and giving something back. But there is a reason they do that on here vs another website. They feel comfortable and they feel they are helping. But if they feel uncomfortable or awkward...they are gone faster than dbacks plate of food. They don't need or want the aggravation. So who is the real loser when that happens?

I made a decision from the beginning what I want TBR to be about...and when I feel it is changing I become frustrated because in the long run, it will be our loss.

 

Prep- I'm sorry I didn't see this until after my reply, but I sincerely appreciate your support. You are a very humble man and would never admit to this, but you, singularly, provided the direction and mission of this board.

We came from one that promoted and encouraged trash talking and attacking of members to a point where we said, "there must be something better".

We've done alright for the last 6 years, I just hope we can continue it for another 6 with the same principles

 

Braves,

Dont get too frustrated! I think you and Bruce and Prep - and the rest of your friends that started this site have done an outstanding job. Educational - interesting and fun.

And most importantly - it has helped the kids who play this great game.

Frankly - that is ALL that really matters as far as I am concerned.

I have only been reading this site for about 4 years - but let me tell you - I read just about everything and I am really grateful that I have had the chance to do so.