State Games Registration/ HS Softball

Timing

Is there any chance it could be moved to next week ? Like Micweiser my DD is also going to be at beach for senior week, along with several others. If my DD was not signed already you betcha she would be playing in Dynamites. This venue is one of the biggest showcases in Southeast. Coaches from ACC, SEC, Big 10, etc are always there. This does need to be considered, as the serious players will probably be in Columbia, SC. By the way Loveofthesport, you somehow left out the Cobras in your list of TB teams. In 18u nationals, they made it to Sat., not two & out in bracket play.

 

Why is all of this so dramatic for the softball crowd when baseball has been doing it successfully for ages? Around 70 college and pro scouts show up for the 4 day event. Pick whatever you want to play in and that creates opportunity for others. It's unfortunate its the same time as a major tournament, but get over it.

 

State Games

Good post Dawgswood: I attended every game I could and really enjoyed all the games. Just wish we could have had this type of venue when my DD was playing HS. I thought Coach Rivers & Chip Simmons and their crew did an excellent job of putting this on. All of the coaches involved showed that they were there for the girls, remember this is for the girls to be recognised more for the honor of being selected and having fun playing softball than showcasing. If showcasing is what you want by all means go there

 

This topic

has now been beat into the ground. I think we've read enough viewpoints from both sides of the fence. So.....each player needs to decide for themselves what is more important. Being seen in the Dynamites by tons of college coaches, or playing in State Games for the honor and recognition. 'Nuff said.

Now...onto some of the games/scrimmages that will begin this weekend. Good luck to everyone with their seasons, and I hope everyone can stay injury free.

Play Ball!!!!!!

 

Theres a time and place.....

..for all of this "where to be" stuff. 1. The HS State is a must in my opinion. Does the fact that a kid choosing to play in such an event have consequences? Yes, not only for her personally, but also the kids in TB who either didn't make the cut or chose not to be considered or just wanted TB period. No Slander!. NOW! GET over it folks! If a senior beach trip is important to a kid who has built a life traveling the TB circuit, then I say, Go Have Fun! 2. Yes the TB tourn. Dynamites etc. are all that, No slander on them as well. But heres my gig on the "choosing thing", let these kids grow up on there own. For one, most of these coaches at the TB tourn. are selectively looking at players. Cool! And once in a blue moon a kid will step up and be seen by some coach that had no clue that they even existed. 3. Do your homework, ....camps, emails, etc., show an interest in a program and if your'e fortunate enough to fit there mold, you will get there attention. As for the dates/timing of the HS event, well, its hard to argue that well point blank it interferes with the talent base. I truly hope that all of this crap will work itself out with the Patience and Support of the TBR crowd.

 

The topic of the state games is almost a religious battle. I did have a chance to see the several of the games last year and there were some good games. I would not say all the best players in the state attended the games but most of the teams had a lot of talent. The issues that I see are:
1) This event should not try to compete with the major TB showcases. This only hurts the players. When you make a player make that kind of decision, there can be hard feelings on both sides. Keep in mind this is for the players, not the coaches, parents or schools. Also most players develop their skills in TB with some quality coaches. That should not be overlooked like last year or taken lightly. At the end of the day most parents and players know who is really helping them and has their best interest at heart.
2) Hold the event as close to the state finals or end of school as possible. Maybe the weekend after. I know that some will say that is the beach weekend, but if they choose the beach vs playing the state games what does that really say about the respect for the state games. Another suggestion I heard was hold it the same time as the state finals at the same location. That would draw a lot of college coaches. If that were done you would have to be careful not to take away from the finals, but to add or complement the event.
3) Take the politics out of the state games. Yes it was full of politics from the beginning. I know that this may be impossible, but it can be lessened. Let college coaches, not high school coaches or dads coach the teams. There are several coaches in the state that would be great at helping this event.
4) Set a minimum playing time for every player on the roster. This is supposed to be a showcase of the states best talent. It is hard to showcase your talent on the bench. Remember, you are asking a player to usually make a decision between her TB team and state games. If they do not receive fair playing time you are building bad blood. At the Burlington Showcase the majority of the talk was not about the talent or event but the politics and how certain players did not see the field that much. That is not the kind of publicity that you want for this event.

The concept of the event is a great idea, but considerations need to be made to not conflict with the major TB showcases. I know you cannot avoid all conflicts, but by not working in a vacuum you can enhance the appeal of the games. Like most great ideas, communication, planning and modifications need to be made to make them great events. To the people putting this event on, thanks for the idea and effort. Let us hope it grows by building on the concept through cooperation and not competing against other venues. This is for the players.

 

I can't believe that you have to pay to try out and then another fee if you are selected to play. Why? Do other sports do this?

Since you have to pay to play then would you not get more bang (exposure) for your buck going to a real showcase tournament.

 

agree totally

You know this subject is exhausting, but it sure is nice to see that others have similar opinions.

 

HMMMMMMMM, sounds like sour...

...grapes to me Pirate. If your DD was the stud pitcher on the mound would you have the same opinion? I doubt it. And as for the "best talent" selected? Yes, without a doubt there were kids who did not participate who were capable of playing. Maybe they were at the beach or with their boyfriend or sick or at a TB event, BUT, why one or another chose not to be there OR DID NOT MAKE THE CUT, is not to be interpreted as the State all-star HS games being not important. Butting heads with you is gonna be easy if you bring ridicule to the table without proof or the knowledge to give it. I'll give you an A for spelling and dictation.

 

That being said.....

...welcome pirate! You do have some good points, actually most of them are cool. But you crossed the line with the talent blast and the sitting on the bench, HS/dads coaching slant. I repeat here, what I posted earlier, the team that my DD was on would beat ANY TB team in this state. Yes, they could lose to the best as well, hell, our TB team could play head to head with them. Cobras, Blues, Cardinals, Flames, etc. are the TB teams that have made the kids in HS now what they are today. I hope that this event will prosper and that all of the "talent" has an opportunity to attend. HS V. TB is only hurting the very thing that ALL of us wish for in the fastpitch game. Positive reinforcement and having eachothers back to help make this game move forward. Sorry Pirate for my last post blast, thats just the fishman, you obviously have the smarts to help the game.