American Legion Changes in Charlotte

Hope that Legion stays around

I do hope that Legion can stay around. As Braves said and as I remember growing up in Shelby, you have a community that comes out to see the local guys play. A community simply does not support nor come out to watch a showcase or travel ball game. Not sure but wonder if this loss of community relates to a drop in community interest and attendance at high school games.

The frustrating part for those in metropolitan areas is not enough teams to support all the kids in the area and with total population limit at 5000 as well as large schools in these areas (school of 2500 to 3000), you are lucky to have kids from 3 schools so fielding a good team is difficult. Also, a high school coach may get frustrated that his short stop doesn't play short in Legion so he decides to start a high school summer team and not allow players to participate in Legion.

Some areas also suffer because the Legion posts can no longer support the teams. With field rental charges from schools and other expenses, team costs can get expensive.

As far as sportsmanship is concerned, my concern for showcase is that it may expand and become like youth AAU where sportsmanship is not at its best.

 

I blame Dbacks....................for posting this in the baseball forum

 

Very good points

 

A few comments.

I hope Legion continues. Many boys i speak with enjoy playing with their school teammates. Not that people don't enjoy their showcase teammates. They do. But they're usually not from your HS team.

For years I have heard how all the college coaches like showcase, how it is more convenient for them. Well, my son has taken a few visits and at every school the college coaches were not high on showcase. Many of them had other suggestions, such as Legion and then attending selected individual showcases. Many commented that it was too much baseball. Some felt it did not teach team play.

One thing that appears to be happening just like football is more schools want to see you on their campus, at their camps. I have had several schools tell us they would prefer this over seeing a kid in a showcase event. Baseball camps are starting to get more flexible also. Football camps will let you come just for the day and work out. More baseball camps are offering this flexibility.

I just found it interesting to hear comments straight from college coaches. I realize not every coach shares these opinions.

 

Braves, I agree, I told Dbacks its his fault...

One Putt, one reason some college coaches like to see kids play legion is simply because of the daily schedule, which can be a short version of what the player will see in a college schedule.

 

legion ball does compare better to the college schedule and even more so to the summer collegiate leagues... which are more on the par with minor league ball.

Putt, I can see where the college coaches would rather have their signees play something like legion verses showcase. One, for the reason you stated, but also it will more likely keep them away from those pesky scouts that may want to draft them!
The college guys do seem to like the showcase format for finding and identifying prospects. That's why they show up at these events in bunches.

 

Wow.....

OK Braves....

Time to put the lid back on the can....

Can't we just get along....

Play ball whenever and whereever you can...

 

College summer baseball is not what many think it's cracked up to be. Most college players use the summer to relax and perhaps work on things....but most are tired of baseball by the end of the summer...they are more than ready to come home. For them it's fun...not something they look at to improve their stock in the draft. Most of the games are rarely seen by pro scouts.

There is an exception...Cape Cod

There are a couple of other organizations that are considered elite summer ball, but even in those circumstances, the guys playing are relaxing and trying to have fun. Most of the players are coming off of intense fall and winter workouts, then a 60+ game season. The last thing they want is to go into an environment that is intense and demanding.

If I completed my freshman year, I would much prefer to go back to my community and play with my buddies, sleep in my own bed and eat my Mom's cooking. You have plenty of time and opportunities to impress a pro scout if you have the tools

But that's me. I'm sure others feel differently

 

I'm sorry, can we get back on topic....geez...what was it?....oh yeah, rules change

 

At least you guys ain't bored anymore......."Thank You Dbacks", we needed something to get the blood flowing again...