I Would Be Careful !!

I have gone back and looked at some these POY's / All-Conference / All-State Players that are playing college ball ,and did a study on some of them in college looking at their stats. We need to be careful of putting any kid on a pedestal, because they don't keep those stats in college even my own kid with her 3-triples,2-doubles, 6-singles, 1 HR this year, I told her not to expect that next fall. There have been over the past few years a lot of the mentioned above that have fell from grace, and some of the studs in the game that were toting .500 batting averages in high school are now carrying .150 batting averages in college. It is hard for a kid to fall from atop a high standard if we put them there. We all know that the majority of high school teams don't even come close to an average college team, so in college we really get to see what type athlete we have sent to the next level...stats don't lie and parents don't keep the stats anymore in college... Superstars as we knew them in high school sitting the bench, because in college there isn't that many local newspaper heroes anymore, they are all treated the same....It's okay to shine in high school, but reality will set in the fall of their freshman year. Of course there are kids like Chelsea Leonard who will probably shine thorughout her collegiate years, but the majority will be slapped in the face when facing real situations..If you don't believe me go to a college website and look at your heroes stats..I did and I just shook my head...

Guru

 

Amen and thank you.

 

Had this exact discussion w/ fastpitchndad a couple of weekends ago.

Just remeber this, you've ALWAYS been the best player on your team. Whether at TB or HS, you were the one everyone looked to that knew the game.

In college you're surrounded by the BEST players on THEIR teams for the same amount of years.

Humility goes a llllloooonnnnnnnggggg way!!!

 

I hear you, my friend. Although all college players were stars on their HS team, it does not guarantee that a player in HS will transfer those skills to the next level.

However, this being a HS forum the interest a player performs at this level is the only thing important. And the forum was never developed for recognizing only the stars. It should be about a player that did something extraordinary for the team. It could have been the 12th player that rarely gets PT, but had the game winning hit or catch. For many, this may be the only time in their life they can or will be recognized for their accomplishments.

Some people may exclaim the "next big star" and project them to be the next Jenny Finch before they even finish HS. That's something you hear from some parents at every game that one attends. I don't take it seriously and realize it's a parent that loves their DD.

But I understand what you are saying. Building up the reputation of a player can lead to many side effects and some are not positive---including causing problems of chemistry. But hey....if someone wants to post about a player they've seen that stands out among others, please let us know. They deserve the attention and it's fun to follow their career, regardless wherever that road leads.

Keep in mind that the purpose of creating this forum was simply to have a place to recognize players with their achievements...and doing so in a friendly environment. Where else will they find that?...the Charlotte Observer?

Again, I understand where you are coming from and it's a great point. It's disheartening to watch someone "fall from the mountain top." But too many variables can cause that to happen. It shouldn't stop us for recognizing the talent they display now. It's up to them to continue to improve.

 

I can't speak for softball and that might be one of the reasons Guru posted this, but in baseball the best players tend to be the most humble, too.

 

Agreed, But You Still Have To Be Careful !!

Those that know my daughter personally would tell you that she could care less about accolades; usually it isn't the kid ,it's the insecure parent that post these things, or gets somebody else to post for them. I have been guilty of this in the past,and I'm man enough to admit it, but no more, my days are over my daughter has signed,and I'm just worried about the upcoming kids that have to live up to these pedestals that their parents have put them up on. It isn't healthy in the long run, I've seen one kid fall in the past couple of years,and the story isn't pretty... but her name will remain untold by my lips !!

Guru

 

Very true and well said thats why you are the Guru.

 

However, this being a HS forum...

Completely agree, this is a HS forum and ANY player that shines should be recognized whether they are the star player or any player that does something extroardinary on the field. Most HS players that go on to play college ball that play on TB teams know the reality they face after playing HS ball, especially pitchers, that it's an up hill battle and they will have to work hard to keep a spot on the field, most have a year to even get used to playing at the college level and MOST were HS stars. Girls are recognized on this forum all the time as stars and as long as they can back it up then bring it on, that's what this is all about, not to bring anyone down saying they may not be the same player in college. That's a different level and a different day!

 

Hey

What took you so long ?? Gosh I wonder who this might be ??? Nobody is bringing anybody down, but if you pump a kid up so much that their head can't get through the door then they might have a problem with reality down the road. Remember only you can stop forest fires !! And you are right this is a forum not the HALL OF FAME.... New on the board ???...WELCOME !!! One more note I think it's more than just pitchers that have to keep their game up to date. It takes 9 players to field a team last time I checked...JMHO

Guru

fo·rum (fôrm, fr-) n. pl. fo·rums also fo·ra (fôr, fr) 1. a. The public square or marketplace of an ancient Roman city that was the assembly place for judicial activity and public business.
b. A public meeting place for open discussion.
c. A medium for open discussion or voicing of ideas, such as a newspaper, a radio or television program, or a website.

2. A public meeting or presentation involving a discussion usually among experts and often including audience participation.
3. A court of law; a tribunal.

[Middle English, from Latin; see dhwer- in Indo-European roots.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
forum [ˈfɔːrəm]
n pl -rums, -ra [-rə] 1. a meeting or assembly for the open discussion of subjects of public interest
2. a medium for open discussion, such as a magazine
3. a public meeting place for open discussion
4. a court; tribunal
5. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (in South Africa) a pressure group of leaders or representatives, esp Black leaders or representatives
6. (Historical Terms) (in ancient Italy) an open space, usually rectangular in shape, serving as a city's marketplace and centre of public business [from Latin: public place; related to Latin foris outside]

 

I'll help up you out......it's softballcoach2.....lol

Seriously, I do know what you mean. It's tough on the player to build them up to levels they may not be ready for or a true validation of their skills. Most of the time I look at who posted it to determine the validity. Then you always have to see for yourself.