Fort Myers

Looking at the whole post with.out edit. I do not think he is discrediting the teams He is stating that there are many other national events that call themselves championship events. I did a little looking at the orgin of the teams. It is heavy east coast, FL had about 33 teams, spinkled wilh some mid west. Only one for the West. I think that he is saying that to be a true National or World Championship event. You need to have some type of event(s) leading to it. And those who make the grade show themselves. Now we all know that there is now only one true world series. Now, before you break this up and attack it....................
What Perfect Game and WWBA does is great as anyone can see. They help players get seen. The event is top notch. I think he just does not like the title of the event.

 

What do you think Collin will do when he finds out its actually the "World Championship"!!!!!!!

 

If you step outside of the preps forum sometime you'll recognize that I'm absolutely the last person in the world you want to be threatening, even in jest. That kind of empty bluster is simply not going to phase me, and Braves can undoubtedly tell you that you wouldn't be anywhere near my class when it comes to name-calling, so refraining is a smart move on your part. I'm actually trying to have a friendly conversation on the subject, so I hope you'll respond in that spirit.


Now you listen carefully. I'm not disparaging the tournament itself, but rather simply the practice of calling something a national championship when it is clearly not. It's a marketing gimmick, nothing more. I've been to the Ft. Myers tournament (I have close family friends who live in Cape Coral), so I know what type of talent it attracts and how good the facilities are. I think it's a great event for teams to attend. What it isn't is a national championship.

And fyi, my father coached HS baseball for 30+ years, Legion for over a decade, was one of the founding members of the NCHSBA, and head coach of a State Games. I'm also personal friends with members of Baseball America and one national crosschecker, so you're not really going to intimidate me when it comes to knowledge or experience. I'm honestly not trying to be confrontational in saying that, I'm just pointing out that my opinion is educated and valid. I'm not intending to be offensive or to impugn in any way a local team's participation in the Ft. Myers tournament. I think it's awesome, I just don't like it being called a national championship when it isn't. I think that claiming something like that which isn't true also detracts from what should be the purpose of such an event, which is to promote friendly competition and exposure between good programs around the country.

Exactly, thanks.

 

I dont know why I am even getting into this but my son has played in 2 "national championships" in the last few months, both WWBA, both in his age group. There is also Legion, Little League, AAU, USSSA, PAL, Palomino, CABA.. etc. etc... Just a couple years ago the USSSA Elite at Disney was the place to be.. It really doesn't matter. There were a bunch of great teams and players at Fort Myers and East Cobb. I hope we get to go to Jupitor next year. The only thing about this Showcase ball is there seems to be way too much taking credit for players the coaches hardly know. There are multiple sites with the same players listed. It is almost funny. Even high school teams are.... nah.. Ain't going there.. I'd get banned forever!!!

I prefer the social aspects of a team as much as the actual games. It is way too easy to recruit a bunch of great players and win. Some even lose! Look at the Yankees this year.. Ouch, that one hurt! I feel sorry for some of these kids who are getting way too much stuff and attention. There are things that one gets to do only once in a lifetime. For instance taking your first plane ride, playing on a professional field, meeting pro players, buying a first car, etc. etc. etc.. These things are happening sooner in life which leaves nothing to look forward to. Heck, high school ball is becoming a "whatever event" instead of wondering if you'll make it or not..Now it has become what high school will I go to.. Pretty sad actually..

 

Wise words

There is a lot more to the game than the game. I posted the payrolls of the playoff contenders. I stated in my post dollars or heart. A post stated talent. We all give that to these players at all levels. In the big events they all have that. I think it is who wants it? HEART. With all the talent the Yankees have. Why??? They thought they were to have it. It was not till the big guy put down the word they stated .... Out track. OAC you know where I stand. Great to hear that yours had a great time.

 

Collins...I see your point. Some people seem to enjoy the titles and it seems to give them bragging rights. Whether it is Fort Myers or Jupiter...its how you got there is important.
OldAngelsCoach...I couldnt have said that any better.

 

Collin, Great Post

Your recent post was awesome. If you wanted to be taken seriously in the first place you should have made the same type of arguement you made this go 'round. Just saying it's a Gimmick and not explaining yourself isn't nearly good enough.

I still emphatically disagree with you but don't disrespect your view. I think a reasonable arguement could also be made (by you) that the D1 College World Series does not crown a true national champion. Given the fact that the D2 and D3 teams weren't there nor were the NAIA teams or the various Club teams that play at many of the Universities these days.

With the exception of the Club teams, they each crown their own national champions at the conclusion of their seasons. Are we too assume that the D1 CWS is better than the others? Of course it is!

No different than knowing full well that the very best Showcase Teams in the country attend these WWBA tournaments and thus (with relative certainty) a national champion can be determined at various times. What is it that causes you difficulty in believing that these are the top teams in the land?

The WWBA has proven and earned its reputation. In your most recent post you mentioned Baseball America. Basically, every HS player who was drafted in 2007 was mentioned in Baseball America and competed in at least 1 WWBA event and probably several more during their HS careers. Not a coincidence by any stretch.

Sorry if I was overbearing and seemed confrontational. I just had to see you post with the "meat" that you came back with. That helps us learn and grow as TBR participants. I appreciate you taking the time to go further with your explanation. I hope you don't mind that I still think you are missing the boat.

 

Sorry

I believe you.

 

Is the World Series a Gimmick Too?

The Japanese aren't in it.
The Latin teams aren't in it.

Is claiming that the MLB champion is a World Champion a Gimmick?

 

One Last Reply

The South Charlotte Panthers were not at Fort Myers this weekend. They are certainly one of the top teams if not THE top team in the state. IMHO So we can't say all the best teams were there. There are many other examples. Bet that will ruffle some feathers!! I feel steam!!!!!! hahaha

Loosen up guys. Whoever is the best is in the eye of the beholder. I think I have had some pretty good teams in the past and am a current parent on another good team. Don't take yourselves so seriously.. Life is truly short!