College Commits / ClubTeam vs HS

This topic may aready have been addressed in a previous thread, but will bring it up again anyway, when a kid commits to a college program why do we list the HS and leave out the club team as if it didn't matter in the process. I am of the opion that more kids are recuirted through the club ball than any HS program, and we ignore that sorce time and time again.

Most of us that are playing club ball would like to know what kids from what teams are getting to play at the next level. Even if the kid got his shot playing Legion Ball it would be nice to reconized that as well, those of us that are trying to get our kids oppurtunities to play at the college level would like to know what programs are working the best.

I understand that the HS is an identifing name that we all can relate too, but it usually is not the reason for the college offer, and in most cases can be a deterent for a player, if that player is in a small classifcation such as 1A-2A

Trying to get props where props are due !!

 

I agree Hammer. I think it's for a number of reasons

- Depends who posts it. If it's his Summer team or not

You brought up a big reason. The HS is the constant identifier, while the summer and fall teams can change from year to year or season to season. Some people may find posting the current team as the source for his development and success not accurate.

To be honest I wish the kids would reply to the threads remarking about their achievements. I know they read it. That way they can give out the accolades to the people that were helpful during their journey.

As far as high school coaches are concerned, there are some excellent one's that play a huge role. I'll remark about one, Coach Hal Bagwell at Ardrey Kell. I'll re-post his interview and let others determine his role.

I like to see all coaches recognized for their role in a player receiving athletic scholarships, but for it to be accurate, it would take the players to remark who they were.

 

softball

I notice on most college softball rosters they usually name the club team in the player's bio.

 

Huge difference between the two sports though. Softball is dominated by TB. HS softball is the sport they play "out of season."

 

Braves.. I would agree this is the case concerning softball in the vast majority of cases... ACHS being one exception. Having gone down the road with my DD and now with my son I think you will see showcase ball becoming more and more dominant on the baseball side.

I think at present one of the greatest differences is the degree of interest state games generates from college and on the baseball side pro scouts. State games on the baseball side has scouts lined up from dugout to foul pole as you know. On the softball side I have never seen more than a handful of college coaches in attendance at state games.

I do not mean to upset anyone with this but strictly in terms of playing at the next level HS sports in general is becoming less and less relevant IMHO. This is the trend and I see it continuing... across all sports.

 

I agree. Having a son and a daughter, the state games do not compare in recruiting. Excellent point BSD

 

No doubt States Games for baseball is very popular. It's been popular before there was Showcase baseball and has grown tremendously in importance each year. Give state games in softball some time. It is relatively new to the fpsoftball world...and overall importance of baseball and softball HS can't be compared between the two. One sport has an excellent reputation in coaching experience while the other one can struggle finding quality coaches (I understand there are exceptions.)

But getting back to Hammer's point, there are HS coaches that do both (showcase or Legion and their school teams.) They've played a major role in the player's development. But if you follow the path of the players joining many different teams throughout their young careers, for the majority the one constant has been their high school they attended.

Many years ago I asked a HS coach if it upsets him that his players were signing the NLI with their Showcase team vs at the HS. He said he didn't care who gets the credit for his player's success. He said he knew what role he played in their lives...and they always prove it by coming back to help with his future teams, or calling him if they need some advice. For him it was about the relationships that were created.

I think about Ron Vincent of Greenville Rose that plays a role with his players since they were 8 yo all the way through high school. Coach Mills of Conley and Danny Hignight of Providence that are both showcase and HS coaches that use their position to develop excellent contacts with the college scouts. When they call a coach...it is answered. There are tons of these coaches all over our state in baseball. Unfortunately, it's not that way in softball.

High School baseball will never be irrelevant. The school pride, the rivalries, the long lasting friendships and the community pride one gets from playing for your school is not found anywhere else.

Wow....I touched on many topics in this post...sorry.