Myrtle Beach Collegiate Summer Baseball League

matchbox2oh:

Well argued. I "buy" it, and very much hope that you're right for all the reasons that you and others here have mentioned.

Welcome as a contributor to ThisBoardRocks. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.

I also want to go on record as one who has never felt that Division I has anything close to a lock on college baseball talent in this country; as I actually feel quite the opposite. For this reason, I've frequently encouraged highly talented players and their families to think well outside of Division I as they consider their opportunities.

My sole reason for bringing this topic up in the first place is that I do care about the quality of summer baseball, and it has seemed for a few years now that an off season can't go by without the announcement of one or more new summer leagues. If the talent base is sufficient to support it as you suggest, then my concern evaporates.

Thanks, again, for posting!

 

Prepster basically just said what I was now thinking.
I believe it's because MB2Oh made a great case - a great case.
Alas, it is just one, single case.
And by the way, it is a tremendous one example. Romantic. Pure.

And the D-1 aspect is irrelevant to me. I have seen many players go D-1, only to come back in three months. And I have seen players out-perform (head-to-head and statistically) some future D-1s throughout high school, then, for whatever reason, not play at that same level. No matter what the number after the D - and even when there isn't a D at all - it's still college baseball. Congratulations for achieving that at all levels.

In summary...
In some respect I stand corrected; but I still think a lot of it is about money. I just doubt there are that many altruistic summer baseball start-ups out there.

Hey," Play ball!" (Just do it without calling on businesses the local high school program has received donations/sponsorships from for years...)

 

Newport RI for a college kid???

You betcha! Any college player offered a chance to play in Newport RI for the Gulls during the summer is one lucky kid. Not only are they one of the best organizations, but Newport itself in the summer is one hot spot to be for any college age kid (I'm not kidding, its loaded with talent and fun)...that being said...
I don't think (IMO) the folks in Myrtle Beach who are going to attend these games are thinking its going to rival the Cape League, NECBL, or the other top summer leagues that are mentioned in previous posts. A quick look at the list of players and their schools the league looks mostly comprised of Northern D2 and D3 players. That's Ok...these kids can play the game and will provide the fans with some good quality baseball. And in Mrytle Beach, what's a better place to play for a Northern school kid who sometimes probably should be wearing ice skates to a game versus baseball cleats. Those kids aren't going to be asked to play in the Cape league or NECBL unless they are a 6'5 lefty throwing 88 with a nasty hook. Its great that they have an opportunity to go play elsewhere in a great setting. Good for them!
I certainly don't go to the local summer SCBL games to see who might be pitching for the Red Sox in a couple of years. Not to say some won't or have an opportunity. I go to watch some good college kids from various schools play some good baseball and be entertained. I think they kind of enjoy it too....

 

Two of my favorite things:

Baseball & Myrtle Beach!

 

I understand where Prep is coming from and a trend could develop that would rival the concern one has for other amateur baseball (showcase-AAU- etc..) But Match brought out the major difference between travel ball concerns and summer collegiate leagues. There are not enough teams for the majority of players to compete. The number of players that are not invited to participate is unbelievable---really, it's staggering.

Since I'm affiliated with a summer college league, I can discuss our league's intentions and form an opinion of what we are trying to get accomplished.

With the exception of just a few leagues (Cape, Northwoods, Valley, and a very few others; although Alaska has slipped in stature), there really is not much difference in quality of play. The SCBL is one of a few that is financially supported by MLB. They like what we are doing and we have been the only league that MLB has not reduced their financial support.

Now, having said that, each league has it's own mission...and we feel ours is different than most. Before I explain why, let me state this: The majority of players are freshman and sophomores. Depending on their level of baseball, this is what you find. JUCO, D3 and D2 players are normally starters on their teams. Many of them are in their "prime" baseball-wise after finishing their season in April. The D1 guys are a bit different. Obviously they must be talented to be recruited to a D1 program; but most in our league and I suspect most other leagues, too, have not received many innings during the season. It's never a good thing to have to basically sit out a year. They're rusty and in some cases have regressed in their play.

Here is what makes us different. First, we play a shorter season. We believe all players should be able to spend time during the summer with their families. Our league has 45-50 games and ends mid July, while others can last into the 2nd week of August. Second, we have a great relationship with the college coaches. They will ask us if we will work with their players on a particular weakness, such as secondary pitches, switch hitting or play a different position. We will always try to accommodate their wishes. The third thing we do is try to attract the hometown talent. There are so many outstanding college players that reside in our state. Yet many our shipped out to areas that are, quite frankly, a long distance from home. The families don't get to watch him play and many times the players get homesick. To play in our league many of the roster kids, particularly in Charlotte, get to stay at home and eat Mom's home cooking. It gives the family a chance to reconnect with their son who was gone all school year (admittedly, some kids may prefer to go out of town for that reason )

However, in a span of just a few years, we have attracted many outstanding players from home and across the country; we get the support with major league baseball with their scouting and it appears all of the players have enjoyed their summer.

The bottom line is we have created additional opportunities for players that may not have had that opportunity a few years ago. Oh...and one other thing. The SCBL has created a nice sense of rivalry since most teams are close in distance. It's fun, it's exciting, it's entertaining...and hopefully, rewarding to everyone that participates--that's players, volunteers, host families, community, player's families and owners.

I know the sense of accomplishment getting involved with a summer college league and I know that the Myrtle Beach folks will feel the same way. I wish them all the best!
Whew...have I abducted this thread?

 

Anyone else here?

Am I the only one here intrigued by the Beach League and what they are doing? Look on their website at their list of players. By my count, they look to be one of, if not, the most diverse league in the country. They play in fields all within about 20 minutes of each other too. Finally, no more long car rides for team fans to see their team play and no more long bus rides for players. And after researching some of their players, it looks as though they have some pretty strong talent. They have really embraced the concept of a short summer season along with an awesome location.

Braves, in regards to your point about recruiting hometown talent: there is obvious value in that, yes. Fans like to see their boys come back and show what they can do after a year of college ball under their belt. And it’s different watching them play as college players than when they were the local high school guys. However, I really like this diversity approach. If I am from Myrtle Beach and I am going to a game, I am pretty excited to see new players that I haven’t seen and who are from schools from all around the country. Furthermore, in a location like Myrtle Beach, at least half of the fan base will change almost multi-weekly. This is due to the fact that Myrtle Beach is so packed during this time of year with very short-term visitors. Therefore, it’s likely that there are fair amounts of people from out of town that are visiting Myrtle who would be excited to see kids from a wide variety of schools rather than the local homegrown talent (considering that those local kids are unfamiliar to tourists/visitors/etc.). I’m excited to see what these guys can do.

 

It will be interesting to see how they do. There is a lot of competition at Myrtle Beach to gain the attention of those "weekly" visitors...and you have the Pelicans as well.

I really would like to see them have a successful league. There is no doubt that players would love to play in Myrtle Beach. If I was a player and I wished to play outside my area, Myrtle Beach would be my 2nd choice for summer college baseball. My first choice?.........










Hawaii Summer League

 

On a personal level, I love college baseball...all of it. NCAA, NJCAA, NAIA...and any other alphabet. I just love watching kids at that stage play baseball. And I love watching players from around the country participate in summer ball....and to participate in the SCBL. However, we are mindful of the value of inviting "local" kids and the Charlotte area, in particular, has an abundance of talented players looking to come home. But do you know who are the best fans- the best supporters of summer baseball?...it's the host families!!!!! And we are mindful of that!

But I agree with ya matchbox...I like the diversity.

 

Beach League Q&A

http://www.baseballtrenches.com/201...league-first-pitch-will-be-in-summer-of-2012/

 

IMHO

I haven't been on in a while and have missed the opportunity to chat.... Here's my take on it. If the quality of play merits scouts to attend, then they will be there. I still believe if the player is good enough then the scouts will show up.

I also believe while it is a good idea, baseball at MB, I have to think from a business standpoint that there are too many entertainment options to compete with. I may be wrong, but you must think about that too. I wish the league well and as a college kid, a summer in MB would indeed be very lively, baseball or no baseball....