Christmas TBR Reflections....

Since we have so many new members, I wanted to take the time to reflect on where TBR started and where we are now.

First, Prepster, NC (Pops), rc and myself started this board because the only other place to gather HS information in Charlotte was at Charlotte.com. That site quickly deterioated into a name calling, trashtalking board and we felt that there was a lot of information that needed to get out to parents and players. We started with the mission to promote the players around Charlotte in a friendly environment; To provide information to the families to help them prepare for the next level.

For awhile it was only the local people posting, so to keep it entertaining we did a lot of crazy things on this board. The TBR fishing contest, the TBR bus...teasing each other's school, etc., etc. For awhile it seemed that only the same few people were posting, so it became easy to develop personal relationships with the few Charlotte posters.

Then...BAM...we started getting posters from the foothills and mountains, so Mudcat came on board to keep us informed of that area, then... BAM...we were getting responses from the Winston/Salem area, so NC-Dad joined us to help with that area.

I started getting private messages from some scouts and college coaches, letting me know they were reading the board...then I found out that most HS coaches were reading it also. We decided that maybe we had to tone down the comedy (wasn't very funny anyway) and focus on information and promoting players. We made a conscious effort to expand our members statewide and have been fortunate to gain ss-05 and soon to be Caroliner as our moderators. As moderators, we very rarely have to edit anything, so we can enjoy being posters like everyone else. We just inform about players and schools in our areas.

During the school season, it is great to come on here to check scores of the day's games and get a recap before reading abouit it in the newspapers. I have found our members share one thing in common...they have a passion for the game and for the players that play it.

Second, I'd like to thank Coach Evans, "O", Catamount36, Caroliner and Sugarjet (the parents) and now Coach May for their insights from a coach's perspective.

We have taken this site from a tiny Charlotte messageboard to what I believe to be the best site in our state. I knew we had made it when a scout was telling me about TBR one time and he had no knowledge that I was connected to it. (I never told him either) or the time I was attending an out of city game and these parents were discussing this site. It amazes me how quickly we have grown, but I always keep in mind that you guys/gals are what make it successful....Thank you!!!

Merry Christmas to all...TBR rocks!!!!

 

2nd!

Kudos! :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

 

Great Job

I know there are a lot of people involved with the posting but I think Braves and NCBBALL do a great job of keeping everyone in line. It is a class job that they do and for the most part everyone falls in line. I don't post a heck of alot but I do enjoy reading the threads and learning about High School and College baseball on this site. It has truly helped me understand much of the recruiting process. Great job guys!!

 

Thanks to the tireless, extraordinary efforts of this board's Moderators, it has become exactly what those of us who had a hand in forming it had in mind: an honest, reliable, source of information about scholastic baseball in the Carolinas; one that players of any age (and their parents) could read and from which they could learn.

One of our principal goals at the time was to create a resource for players in the Carolinas; one they could use to educate themselves and their families about the recruiting process. We felt that the region had been under-served in that regard; that, if we could raise the level of awareness of the opportunities to play past high school that were out there...and how to go about accessing them, a higher percentage would go on to the next level.

My overall sense is that each year more area players play past high school; and, while there are other factors at work as well, I think this board's Moderators ought to take a good bit of pride in knowing that they've contributed to that end.

Hats off to those who have guided this board so exceptionally well...and to those who will continue in their footsteps!!
:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

...and, finally, hats off to those area players who love and respect the game sufficiently that they prepared themselves to play at the next level. The qualities that put you there will benefit you in many ways both inside and outside of baseball in future years!
:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

Happy Holidays!

 

Those were some very nice and well spoken words, Prepster. I must say that you were the most influential person in the direction this board went. While NC and I were discussing the benefits of purchasing a new TBR bus, you kept people informed of the timelines for the recruiting process. While NC and I were talking about the importance of cheerleaders at baseball games, you kept the board focused on how a player should prepare himself beyond HS baseball. You have helped many families with your wisdom and advice.

Thank you Prepster for all that you have done for TBR and hope that you will continue to post your thoughtful responses in the future.

 

Guys ....

This seems like a very appropriate place to say this .....





















.....about those CHEERLEADERS !!!!!!!!!!! We must open up that discussion again.

 

I dunno Pops...I think our suggestions are ahead of it's time

 

I just wanted to wish all the folks here a Merry Christmas - and thank you all for the great information. It is very gratifying to read about all the talented and motivated young men pursuing their dreams.

IMO - this site is a great asset and the people who make it so successful are people that I truly admire.

Braves - thank you so much for making me feel welcome from Day 1 and a very special thanks to NCBBFAN - your efforts in helping my son will never be forgotten. I can only wish that someday I can help you as well.

Again - my best to you all and your families for a joyous holiday season.

 

hmmmmmmmmmm...

cheerleaders? What about those Red sox? NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hey Guys!!

Thanks for a GREAT YEAR!! I just hope this season is as much fun for you as I think it will be for me, just to be on the field with a great group of guys!!