Let's Start a New Team!!!!!

.......Go back to NY? Does anyone find this to be disturbing? lol

 

Maybe we like how we do things down here? I kind of like it!

 

Subject

Let's take a new twist on subject, quality players are leaving NC teams and going to other states to play on "better quality" teams, why? Seems they feel there is better exposure with those teams. I think this may have been mentioned in a previous post but it continues today! The majority of post are correct about watered down teams, just look at all the post for tryouts.
Before anyone calls me out, I am not against any person starting a team but all the girls in NC could benefit if there were teams in each age group made of the best talent available with the love and drive and work ethic to play at the next level. Those teams could compete with any teams from any states at regional and national events and the other teams as have been described could play local travel ball, rec leagues, and other competitive ball to enjoy the game and get ready for middle school and HS ball. All win and we quit taking pot shots at each other! Believe it or not many of us in travel ball have discussed this concept to the point of combining for large national tournaments and qualifiers if allowed. We do have many fine teams in NC, no question just providing some food for fodder!

 

I can see where different sides of this are coming from. I don't think I quite fit either side (nothing new).

I like the idea that there are enough teams to allow anyone to play. I realize that it dilutes the strength of the teams overall but I believe by the time they reach 16 or 18 the stronger ones will stand out and probably move to stronger teams. The more girls we teach, the stronger we will become.

Like Gman13'sdad's said, there are various levels of competition. There are few levels in TB also. The competition is hotter than you realize at some of the "lower level" tournaments. The ones needing to make adjustments for the level of competition are the fans--the girls love the competition when it fits their current level of play.

I don't have a DD playing ball now. I can adjust to whatever level I happen to be watching. I love watching the girls play. I'm just as happy to see a HR at Nahunta as I am anywhere. Or a good single for that matter. It's all about the girls. Right?

 

Not trying to argue here but your post is kind of contradictory it seems.

First, you seem to be saying that some of the kids shouldn't be playing every minute of every game and then the last paragraph you are saying it's wrong if they are benched by better players.

You can't have it both ways. And that is one of my weaknesses (among many) and one of the reasons I can never be a head coach. A head coach has to make those tough decisions. I coached with a head coach who can and does make those tough decisions--Windmiller. I realize that that is the only way to have a winning team but you have to be tough to do it. An assistant doesn't have to deal with all the collateral damage. As an assistant I'm still an sob but the parents don't say it out loud (usually).

 

Softball phreak:
Maybe I worded it wrong. What I meant was, there is a certain coach who has his team set in the fall. During the spring he starts raiding teams (promising more pitching time, etc). He promises that we are an "A" level team. While he keeps bringing in players during the season, he starts ostricizing the players who made the team (starters). They are now sitting the bench doing nothing and eventually leave while looking somewhere else to get playing time.

Gman:
What I meant about players having a 3.0 GPA to get recruited. I was talking mainly softball. Not Basketball, baseball, football, etc. Just softball. I have gotten this information first hand from the coaches of the college teams in the Triangle. So I am sure most of the teams in the country follow suit.

And for all others: I am not looking to leave a team where its just because my daughter is batting 9th. There are other things that I really don't want to get into, but I am sure you can read between the lines.

 

trooper, are you referring to the DI schools in the Triangle?

 

The point of my initial post was not to say that anything in New York was better than North Carolina (or any other state for that matter). The problem as I see it is not necessarily that we have A, B, and C level teams, but that as these new teams are formed, "Dad" has to go out and beg to put together 9-11 players that will participate on this new team.

Typically when these new teams start up, it is really difficult to get the last half (i.e. 4-5) players. What I don't understand is what drives people to start new teams? Explain what the problems are with existing teams? I would venture to say that with all of the teams out there, many of whom are always looking for players, it is not necessary to start a new team.

The proof is in the results. Look at the ASA Nationals results each year. For the most part, it is the teams that have been established, and from established organizations, that rise to the top. It is my opinion that getting your daughter on an established team of the proper skill level would be a significantly better option than starting a new team so she can be the starting pitcher. If a girl isn't challenged to get better, what is the point of her playing travel ball?

Oh, and Marlinfan1 - didn't mean to "disturb" you...

 

The more competitive teams seem to be teams that are part of an organization. Like the NC Challengers, Triangle Lightning, Cardinals, Fuquay Bombs, etc.

The organization is the main thing that helps make better teams. The kids play together longer, the organization name recognition attracts players, there is more cooperation between coaches, you can afford to bring in outside coaches from professional coaching, etc.

The same things that make organizations strong though are the same things that sometimes tear them apart. There are levels of skill that are developed during the organizational lifetime of a coach. Coaches are by nature usually highly competitive. This can and does lead to coaches branching out and forming their own teams. This usually ends up in strong teams but with a short lifetime. The organization is where the strength is. The organization should outlive the breakaway teams.

But the problem of having too many teams will solve itself when there are not enough players. In the meantime we'll just have to find a way to make every player strong! If we all try to do that we won't have time to worry about how strong we aren't.

Bottom line is it's for the girls. We work for the girls. ALL the girls that WANT to work to be better. You can't look at beginners and tell what they will become. Make a place for a kid and you will be rewarded!!

 

Bingo! There is a saying in minor league baseball... "Don't like it? Then get better!"