AAU SBFP at Rocky River

My first time to post on TBR, I do enjoy reading the different views.I spent 37 yrs.coaching and umpiring youth,high school and college baseball.
Six yrs. ago I started watching FPSB (I love it)
This past weekend I had the unpleasant experience of attending a AAU tournament at RR school.First, the balls that were used had the sound of a dimpled pitching machine ball.When this was mentioned to one of the AAU reps("they came straight from the Worth factory") We all know there is more than one grade of ball.
second the field was terrible moving a little sand around doesn't prepare afield.
third officiating, don't who they are with(white shirts red collars)90 degree heat same man behind the plate 3 consecutive games 1:30-6:00 pm. AAU how about spending some of the $ and you might get more quality teams
Oh yeah this is not sour grapes, the team I was interested in went 5-0

 

Are you reading this Robin?

Couldn't agree with you more; saw all the things you saw and more. When my DD's team were awarded trophy, Robin Phillips, AAU director, asked the girls to come up with 3 ways to improve tourns. and give them to the coach.
Anyone know how to forward this to the AAU director?

 

Robin

I like Robin and she trys hard. My kids like the location and want to play more AAU.

Her email is [email protected] for constructive suggestions.

John Fagala, Lady Blues White 14

 

I have been around baseball and aau softball for years, and the problem is Donnie and Robin, I have seen Donnie tell coaches at his MANDATORY COACHES MEETINGS that if you didn't like the way they run tournaments, then go play elsewhere and that is what everyone has done. I seen Robin change rules in the middle of tournaments, and her explanation
was she was the NATIONAL DIRECTOR and had the right to change rules at any giving time. I have seen her umpires dare a coach to say anything, and if they did they would threaten to have them arrested. That is why when they have a NATIONAL TOURNAMENT they can only get 5-9 teams to enter, and most of them are b-teams that can't compete in the NSA,USSSA, ASA TOURNAMENTS.Coaches talk and most have had enough of this, they have run this organization in the ground,and thats why nobody wants to play there.

 

The balls, by the way, have absolutly no markings on them at all. Sound like saftey balls. AAU also always interested in gate fees. Can play only two games on a Sat. just to make sure everyone comes back to collect gate fees on sunday and play 5-6 games.

 

AAU

Do they still make you buy those patches? The umpires at Rocky River used to have the smallest strike zone. Lots of line drives back at pitchers. I hope that has changed.

 

patches & strike zones

(PATCHES) Another way to make money. I remember a few games with your hands over your eyes because of that darn strike zone.... 13-14 yr old professionals....Thats what they expected... If you could really pitch the strike zone shrunk..