JUPITER UNDERWAY

Thanks for the great feedback P. Those are especially nice words about our boys.

Any comments from Jerry Ford that you care to share with us?

 

Jupiter thoughts and impressions

First of all it was a great experience. I got the opportunity to see the SCP play twice. They were outstanding. They were as good as anyone down there the only difference being the dept in dominant arms. The On Deck O's had a great showing as well. I got the chance to see them play as well and they played very well. The DB's pitchers showed up bigtime as well as the defense. Every game was a nail biter and two games went into the "tie breaker" situation. We got the "throw them the soft pitching treatment" and we struggled with it. But we still found a way to get to the round of 16 by playing great defense and great pitching performances. In our final game in the round of 16 we got one gutty performance from Chad Rothlin. Chad came in the 3rd and flat out pitched his heart out. Because of the time limit the game was called after 6 innings with the score tied 3-3. We actually had a great chance to win the game in the bottom of the 6th when May hit a fly ball to left with one out and the winning run on third. The left fielder for Tri State Arsenal threw an absolute seed head high to the plate and on the money that ended in a bang bang play at the plate. The runner Andrew Rash was called out and the game went to the tie breaker which I absolutely hate. Each team starts the inning with the bases loaded and one out and then you play untill one team scores more runs than the other. We ended up losing 4-3. Our guys played great baseball and have nothing to be ashamed of. Finishing in the final 16 in an 80 team tourney is not to shabby. Of course we wanted and expected to win the whole thing. The SCP On Deck O's and DB's all advanced to the championship round. I saw the championship game today and the Braves Scout Team won 4-3 over the Orlando Scorpions. All three of the NC teams were as talented as any team down there. Sometimes you need some breaks and you get them. And sometimes you dont get the breaks. Thats baseball as they say.

 

T - I think the most telling comment he made about the NC teams was that we always come down and play well.

No fancy analysis - just simple and honest statements from a very experienced baseball person who I respect alot.

Our NC teams always go down to the best youth tournament in the country - and play well.

Simple as that.

The only thing I would add is that all of our teams - play the game the way it is supposed to be played IMO.

They pay hard nosed, tough as nails baseball - they dont whine and moan - they look like real players and they act like real players - and they win and lose with dignity.

That is the way the game is supposed to be played - and our boys do it all really well. IMO

Perhaps it is a reflection on their coaches - perhaps it is a reflection on their parents and their upbringing - but I think it is mostly a reflection of their own character - and drive and passion for the game.

And that is that. IMO.

 

Who showed well? Any Surprises?

Of the unsigned players that went down there, who came up BIG? Not trying to start a riot on any sorts, but was curious to find out who put themselves on the map with the D1/pro scouts. Any surprises from kids that we don't always read about? 09s? 10s?

And, honestly, I'm not affiliated with ANY of the teams....I just like to follow NC players in the box scores and see how they do.
DDD

 

What I heard

Alex Wood Richie Shaffer Nick McBride Chris Munnelly Sean Pope
Chaz Frank. Itsinthegames son Kyle looked great as well. He plays for the On Deck O's. As far as 08's Jim Leggett was outstanding again.

 

Coach...where do these kids play high school? I know Schaffer is at Providence....been a lot written about him the last few months.

And, I read that J Messer played with the Braves Scout team. What exactly does that mean? Is the Braves Scout team actually sponsored by the Braves organization or is it "just a name?" Do the pro teams actually invite players that they might want to draft to be on their scout teams? Are the "scout teams" theoretically loaded with better talent? How does that work?

Again, not trying to stir any pots, just trying to understand the way it all works. And, while I'm at it....it sounds like the NC teams did really well and that the rain spoiled some of the play. I'm sure all would have liked to have gone further, but based upon the scores I saw, ALL the NC teams played really competitive ball. Good Job!

 

BB would probably give a better summary of Braves Scout Team, her son played for them...and perhaps we can get Jimmy Messer to comment, too.

It is run by the pro organizations. They invite players that they like to get a closer look.

Are they loaded with better talent? Well, they think so. They certainly have more depth, but this has been my experience. Although some of the National teams are loaded, in some cases the teams have not developed the chemistry. You take a team like the Heat with players that have played together all summer and fall, they tend to do better in the tournaments. I am speaking in general terms. There are always exceptions.

A few years ago, an unheralded team from Miami snuck up and beat everybody and won the PG World Series. Those players grew up together and they were very talented. I believe they ended up having 5 players selected in the first 3 rounds off that team....and talking about team chemistry!!! They not only had team chemistry...they had fan chemistry!!! You definately knew when the Miami Sluggers were playing. They were fun to watch

 

Nick McBride is a part of the Ragsdale baseball program.

 

I thought Nick McBride played at West Forsyth? He lives in Lewisville?