Why is this?

Legion vs. Showcase Ball

My son and I have had experience over the past three years with both options. Showcase ball is very expensive as previously mentioned, but the level of competiton for the most part is usually very high, especially the pitching. The scoop I got on Legion ball last summer is that the pitching was subpar except for a few of the premier teams and that was reflected in runs scored. My son will be going back to Legion ball this summer after his senior year. I have seen a lot of politics in the showcase ball that didn't need to be there. No matter what level of competition we are talking about whether it be Legion, Showcase or High School I want to see I high level of integrity in the Coach. Let's make sure we always put the best nine on the field, leave the politics in the dugout. Wishing everyone a great and injury free season. PLAY BALL!!!!!!!!

 

I agree with BB man.The far superior teams such as the dirtbags,O's, Cubs will not secure you a roster spot for money. The kid has to have talent. My son's 06' showcase team placed 13 kids out of 16 into college baseball programs. Not a one played legion. The problem is the word showcase is used so "loosely". Some teams are plain and simple too watered down.Legion is great in the smaller markets, but in a market like Charlotte it is hard to compete.

 

Charlotte should have some great legion teams The Raleigh area has them.Or is this the fact that the high school coaches clash to much to have a superior legion team.

 

Homeplate

I don't think there is a simple answer to your question. First off there are 3 showcase teams locally that draw kids to play (On Deck O's, Copperheads and the Anglers - I'm sure I left some others out, I'm sorry) There are kids who choose to play for the Cubs and Impact also.

In general kids tend to play showcase up till the summer after their senior year and play legion that summer after they have graduated and signed.

Pineville legion is strong in our area - I think of the legion teams still playing in the Charlotte Area they have perhaps the largest area to draw from and the highest population base. They have done a great job of having some players who play showcase play in the summer legion, and then join showcase teams in the fall.

Saw some Steele Creek Legion and North Meck legion games last summer and the level of competition in my opinion is not near the showcase level. I'll admit that in some areas of the State legion is far more than just alive and well. One look at Catawba's facility and the job he has done with that legion program you know it's cooking.

 

i still disagree with the level of play i think legion is way above showcase unless you get into the baseball america perfect game stuff and you have to be a great player to get into that.i think showcase baseball will eventually destroy baseball as we know it. because parents can't afford to pay to play on these so called elite showcase teams. I think baseball is starting to turn into golf where the rich and wealthy can only play.this is why the baseball talent in North carolina is going down hill.

 

Homeplate

I guess you are going to believe what you want to believe but I guarantee you that there was not a Legion team in the US that could have stayed on the field with the Dirtbags or Cubs last summer or fall. Those teams are the Perfect Games-type teams you spoke of. And I don't know where you live but most baseball people think the quality of play in NC is going UP rapidly, not down as you say. The quality of play at the Legion level may be down if that is what you are referring to but not the HS level.

 

Read reports and magazines last year when Cameron maybin was a top draft pick the quote from the scouts in baseball america was it was hard to gage Maybin because he played in very weak competition in Western North Carolina. I did not say this this was in black and White.Tell me then why Rowan County's Legion team played in the east coast showcase at the university of south Carolina with only 14 players and finished 2nd after they had ten runruled everyone before the championship. i will argue this point about Legion vs. showcase with anyone. As far as people saying n.c has weak competion i disagree i want to see it improve but showcase is not the way to go unless it is in the fall.

 

I feel NC baseball is anything but going down....you can look how NC was represented in Jupiter, Fl this year against some of the Nations best players.

Look at the College recruits from last years 05 High School Class, look at this years 06 Class, look at the very strong upcoming 07 Class....I think you will draw a little opposition on this one....NC baseball is strong and well.

 

Hold on there HomePlate


I totally agree with BaseballMan


I read your article and while most of it is true, some seems to be a bit exaggerated. It doesn't cost near that much, play as much or as little as you like. Kids are chosen for ability to play showcase not their parents W-2's.You get what you pay for with showcase ball - exposure, experience and great coaching. Unlike alot of AAU ball lately where any daddy can start a team with who ever can afford it not who's necessarily good. Alot of Legion ball is kids who haven't played more than rec ball or high school. Scouts/coaches have personally told me they prefer kids to play showcase over Legion for the best competition to ready them for college. Again, assuming your kid is going on to play at the next level. If your kid just wants to travel around on a bus all summer with his friends, play Legion. If he can go all the way to the top, there's nothing better than real showcase ball. Legion's time has passed.

 

Hey tj...have you heard this argument before?