Hey Coach

There is a great debate. If it wasn't for TB, HS teams would be doo. If that is true does it give coaches a license to schedule TB tournaments during the HS season? I understand the need to be able to get a team ready, but it's HS season. I was surfing around the softball websites and I see these 14/16/18 TB teams that have HS players rostered, play tournaments during HS season. Somehow, even though I understand the importance of TB, I see that as a slap in the face from one coach to another. It just seems disrespectful to the HS coaches who put alot of time in to being good coaches at the HS level, for the kids, school spirit, the many things that playing a school sport represents. One good thing I'm so proud of that my DD learn from softball is the value of commitment. She said last season that if she made HS varsity as a freshman she still wanted to play TB, but that during the HS season the school team came first. Her coach selected her, she's committed to it, even if it costs her an opportunity to play TB during the Summer. Needless to say she didn't find a team that believed in that philosophy, but she did get to guest play. Is her level of commitment a bad thing?

 

Sounds to me like she is right on track. She is being honest and up front with all parties, what more could you ask from her. I am having my first meeting with prospects today. We start officially March 1. Now this is only middle school ball but my girls will know that school ball must take 1st priority. If not then don't try out. Life is all about choices and I think these girls are old enough to make choices and therefore should be taught how they work.

 

I often times wonder when I come on this site why there's not more activity. It might be the type of responses that some threads receive.

The purpose of this site I believe is to stimulate ideas and thoughts on fastpitch softball.

No way does "get a life" contribute to the positive advancement of our sport. Where in the world did that come from?

As far as commitment goes, I tell the kids to try to be better tomorrow than they are today. Use others as benchmarks if you like but try to be better than you are now instead of better than someone else is now.

And above all, encourage others, support others, help others learn. It will make you a better person.

scal's DD is a perfect example of a kid who keeps trying to better herself. She may not end up being a Caitlin Lowe but she will learn much by trying to better herself. That's a life!

 

Her level of commitment is fine and will serve well in all areas of life. Now for the HS, Travel ball debate. IMHO school ball comes first during their season. There are no showcase tournaments of value I believe until the second weekend in June, and HS will be finished most likely for all by then, barring something unforseen. And if we are talking regular open travel ball tournaments absolutely not, there is nothing to gain but maybe a 5$ trophy. Practice on the weekend with TB is fine you are continuing to develop for the summer and fall seasons ahead.

 

Hey

You sound like me 2 years ago...Are you trying to take the Guru's job stirring the pot???...Ray put me on house arrest back in the fall, so I must be good so I can continue posting on TBR---Bad Guru / Bad Guru



Guru

 

No....Not really (trying to stir the pot). We've made some nice friends along the way and sometimes they'll mention "...that would make an interesting thread on TBR...". People know who we are know what we do comes from a good place, but I guess maybe not everyone see's it that way. I don't take it personal but I guess some do. Only thing I wish people would realize is when I see comments made regarding what my DD does out her trying to do something she really loves and busting it, it's not just her you put down but it's all the other girls out there doing what she does. Coaches disrespecting coaches, other members bashing a hard working kid. I don't see how that builds up the game.That puts me on house arrest so be it.

 

thks

Thanks Cheeze.... We need to encourage productive content within this board.

We will never all agree on certain topics and choices, but well thought out discussion is healthy for those participating, and for those who are just reading the threads.

As for comments like "Get a Life". This is no place for intimidation behind a screen name.
My suggestion to the poster; follow your own advice.
I feel sorry for your DD.

 

Comes up every year

But it seems the discussion always seems to get sidetracked somehow doesn't it.
I usually abstain from posting, but this hits a nerve every year.

There is no wrong or right opinion. It's the good ole USA!
I personally like my HS kids to play TB if they wish. IMO, it only helps them get better if the TB coach works them correctly. Game time to me is more valuable than some of even my HS practices.(and I work my HS kids pretty hard)
Unlike some others, I don't dictate to my HS players when, how much, or what they play.

Questions this discussion brings up in my mind:
Do we make players quit playing TB whlie the BB? If so my kids would miss some very prestigious showcases.
Do we make them quit TB while playing VB?
Then why do we keep bringing up HS SB vs TB. They should compliment
each other.
Look at the top HS teams in NC. They are usually loaded with TB players. Why are they so good. Game time! that TB gets them.
IMO, in the end, it is up to the kid what road they wish to pursue. We need to quit debating it and let them make the choice.

 

Well, obviously the HS v. TB gig will go on forever.

What is best for a kid is for the parent to decide....not the HS coach, and not the TB coach.

No slander to the coaches.

For either coach, HS or TB to demand their program over the other is pure bullsh*t.

....and all of ya'll know it!

There is a mutual, common, ground for both HS and TB to live in with eachother without implementing team policies that cookie cut what their players have to do.

Example: Lets say a kid wants to play ball at ECU, and is hell bent and determined to go to every camp, lesson, and also email the coaches with TB info, etc. to the ECU coaches.

During HS season, the coach calls for a practice on a Sat. and ECU has a hitting clinic or a scrimmage for the TB team that this kid plays for....

What would you do?

Go to practice or go to ECU?


Fishman