Showcase Day

Just wanted to say that Rodney, Coach Swanson, & the Abbey gals did a great job Sat.The softball gods were generous with the weather,& it was nice to talk to TBR friends.I thought Cometfan had went into hibernation cause we hadn't heard from him all winter.Saw some talented prospects,& for the most part everyone looked pretty good.Everyone from the staff to the parents of the Abbey team were very friendly, & that meant alot to me.Was disappointed bout the coach turnout,but we all know they are getting ready for their season to start.Want to really thank the coaches that did come,& you never know, that by you coming could weigh on a decision in the future.Good luck to the Abbey team this season,& I hope Coach Swanson wasn't to sore Sunday,he sure did hit alot of balls Sat.

 

Showcase Day/Coaches

Thanks to all the parents, players, coaches, and Abbey parents, as well as players and coaching staff. We had a great day, some fine talent, and some pretty well organized drills. The Abbey softball team and coaches went to a great deal of effort to keep track of all the skills times and speeds as well as rating the fielding ability of each camper. I hope to share this with all the campers once I have the info.
Now, I want to address this to all college coaches that read this site (some always come or tell me they can not, to U thanks). We as travel coaches work very hard to develop skilled softball players to assist your programs in improving year after year. The players work very hard to develop the skills, strength, and academic expertize it takes to make the college level. All these coaches and kids ask in return is for U to give them a chance to show U what they can do. Many of U do not seem to feel that keeping your word means anything. Seven coaches committed to attend this showcase and three attended. Last May as late as Wednesday before the Lady Blues Showcase 19 coaches told me they would come and 11 attended. I did get a call from two saying something had come up and they could not make it. I know all of U are busy and travel a great deal recruiting and have the pressure of getting your programs up to snuff but it should never keep U from keeping your word or having enough self-discipline to say U can not or will not attend. We all are busy, especially the travel coaches who have jobs, families, and other issues as well as the travel teams. Most are not compensated in anyway for their efforts other than seeing their players acheive their dream of playing college softball. Let's all work together to keep NC growing as a softball power. We have many good young, maybe raw players and they need the college coaches to just watch them some to give them more incentive to keep up the hard work. Saturday's event was 4 hours MAX. I agree with the other post their were some talented players but better yet some wonderful young ladies that would make any parent or college program proud.
I promise I will shut up after this paragraph! Coaches, U tell me U would like to see talent from other states and the better talent from NC attend the Showcase Days! If U will committ to come and honor your committment, I will do all I can to get the talented players to attend. It makes it difficult to bring kids from 3-4 hours away if they are not sure the coaches will be there. All of U know, I have never lied to U about a players skills or abilities and I never will. Let's form a partnership that benefits all parties. A partnership of trust and respect.
Sorry for my long message but I really felt bad for all the wonderful players and parents that came to the clinic. It was a great one and the college coaches lost a great opprotunity to view some wonderful kids. RET:banginghe

 

Rodney, is there a better time than others to hold this event? End of April, first of May maybe?

 

Better time

As U know we have the Blues Showcase Day near the end of May and still have issues getting coaches who committ to come to actually attend! That is my point, if committments are not met, would not matter when I had the days. The Belmont Abbey event was not at the best time, I totally understand and knew that going in but we really had no choice as our fall dates kept having conflicts. I was proud of the turnout of players and the coaches that attended had nothing but positive things to say. Also, I have asked coaches about dates etc. but get very few responses. Believe me, I understand their tough schedule attending all the showcase tourneys and Nationals and trying to keep their teams competitive. They have a very tough job and pay is marginal but many of them told me up front they could not attend, that is all it takes.

 

I would like to come to the Blues Showcase this year.. Think you can get me a pass to get in for free? lol

 

Sure

U are always welcome at any Blues event and I will even feed U! Come on down! RET

 

Can't get a better deal than that. Look forward to your updates on the event.

 

yes they did an outstanding job with this event and personally enjoyed watching the young prospects prepare themselves in order to perform well for those coaches who attended. while the number of college coaches were alittle low.......this was a early spring revision and knowing this group of folks, it will make the necessary adjustments to insure more college coaches Mark their calendars for the next Showcaser!!

As Nut said.....thanks to the college coaches that attended and i betcha a few of those young ladies are on their "prospect list" NOW.

Enjoyed watching your DD pitch again and its always great talking about the younguns coming up with you as well!! Morgan is definitely one of the best young pitchers there, imo. Best of luck to her this spring and the decisions ahead for her and your family!!

Rodney, Coach Swanson and the Lady Crusaders....GREAT JOB!

 

Thanks CF,Mo's excited bout this yr.Being in a new conference with some very good teams in it.After having her operation she feels alot better,& should be much stronger.Hopefully we"ll get to see a Mo-Danielle matchup this season at ND,that should be very interesting.Good Luck to everyone this yr. & I hope the injuries are to a minimum.

 

she looked stronger and thought she spotted up well.

watching her and Danielle would be classic duel for sure and do let us know when that or those games occur so Paul and I can mark the calendars. TIA

good luck in the conference this year and contiune keeping us here at TBR posted on that and other softball stuff!!