Why is this?

Few things, first to Mudcat,,, legion rules won't ever be modified to allow kids to skip a weekend and play for someone else. The rules are clear, and it promotes committment. Legion rules are flexible enough that players may actually do both (legion and showcase) during the legion regular season, but legion rules ask for players to be totally committed to their legion teams once the playoffs begin, plain and simple. I honestly don't believe this is asking too much. Some have already said that only the best legion teams get college scouts to follow them, so if your a kid playing for a sorry legion team, then either your team won't be in the playoffs at all or you won't last but 1-2 rounds,,,, so then you can showcase the rest of the summer. Problem solved.

NCBBALLFAN, you have a great idea, (I think we need to get you on our Board of Directors). Actually some legion teams already try to put together 4-5 team round robin tournaments on weekends and yes this does bring more scouts just like showcasing. Keep in mind, with the timetable to get the regular season finished and the FACT that (in legion ball) the regular season games mean SOMETHING, having more than 1-2 reg.season tournaments is difficult. Nevertheless we are in the very process of trying to put something like that together this summer involving 4 of the top teams in this area.

Guys, you all know I'm a legion guy, but I also support that theres a time and place for showcase ball too. I've never actually met AP but I commend him for all that he has done for so many just in a few years. Nevertheless, as much as some are so strongly-opinionated about showcase ball,,,, I feel just as strongly about trying to provide an opportunity with local legion baseball so that every young man in my community can play baseball for a grand total cost of $0. And because of many thanks to local business leaders, we have been able to do that here in Kannapolis. The icing on the cake is when I hear numerous players later say that their legion experience was the greatest baseball days of their lives.

Btw, some of you came to a Kannapolis legion game last summer. This year, I'd like to invite all of you to a legion game in Salisbury. Lets go to the Kannapolis at Rowan County game. Any avid baseball fan absolutely must experience Salisbury's Newman Park at least once in their lives,,,, and I'm talking about a regular season game too,,,, those of you that don't know what I'm talking about will be amazed at the atmosphere, not to mention the attendance.

 

I wont get into the Legion thing - for those that pay close attention - it should be obvious why it is dying a slow death - and in many other states where it used to be really big - it is dead and buried already.

But NCBB makes - IMO - the really valid point:

We need to remove aluminum from the game.

IMO - It is a gross distortion of the game (as bad as astroturf was) - and ultimately - does nothing more than hurt the best American players from advancing as rapidly as they should.

If you want to guess at evolution - and progression - for OUR youth players in the future - think WOOD.

IMO.

 

itsinthegame- it's always nice to have you contribute to the board. Don't be a stranger. You are always welcomed!!!!

 

itsinthegame,,, in certain communities I may agree with you that legion ball is fizzling as there are other options nowadays,,,,, but I challenge you to join us at the Kannapolis/Rowan game this summer. If you show up, I'm pretty sure you will see that legion ball is still alive and well in some parts...

 

I had a great time attending last year...including the "Townhouse...and the banana pudding". The atmosphere was great!

I'm telling you tj...some areas of Legion ball is still the greatest team sport in their communities and the players that have the privilege to play on those teams receive a special experience. It's the same type experience the players in The Cape have where the players are revered by the community.

 

TJ,

I cant provide much insight about Legion ball here - as I am a relatively new resident of this area. I do have to say - the last two years of reading about it through a variety of sources - has not been encouraging.

I can also say that I witnessed the gradual elimination of Legion Ball in the Northeast over a 20 year period. From dominance - to extinction.

Sometimes - looking at past failed models - helps in preventing the same fate.

I hope it continues to flourish here (if, in fact, that is the case) - but personally - I wouldnt be placing any bets on that.

IMO.

 

There is on BIG misconception here that most people aren't aware of with Showcase teams and tournaments. That is that the kids are going to be found there by colleges. This very rarely happens. The coaches that go to these and also to legion games are there to see a certain player or two that they already know about. This "showcase" stuff is really pushed over on the softball board and some well meaning people have unintentionally mislead parents into thinking that the showcase tournaments will get their girls in a college. Same here with the boys. Nothing could be further from the truth. Once in a blue moon they find a kid at these but not often. I know some who do the showcase thing will blast me for this but I only speak the truth. The best advise I can give is to play where you can have the most FUN. If playing in college is what you really want you need to let colleges know you are interested and you will get a look somewhere.

 

most dont mislead parents......its what works now for NC Softball and this area during this period of progression! cyclin thru......

its the Exposure the younguns, who are not on the radar yet that get seen, while that/those college coach(es) are viewing the ones already on their List and thats Important and essential.

sorry for my softball post in here!_

 

No disrespect intended, but have you ever been to a Perfect Games event? Where there have been upwards of 500+ MLB and college coaches attending. Where nearly every player attending receives some type of college athletic scholarship

I don't know nearly enough about the softball side of travel teams, but the baseball folks are pretty sophisticated about what events to attend and which ones are a waste of money.

College recruiters are challenged with their resources and they are going to go where they get the biggest bang for their bucks. Why would they criss cross the state to attend one game to observe one or two players when they can attend a highly talented "showcase tournament" where they can observe 50+ players in one weekend? or at Perfect Games World Championship with 72+ teams entered and each team has 10-15 qualified, talented players.

Another great event that is free, but well attended is the NC State Games.

 

Hey ..welcome CF. It's rare to have your presence in here, but you are always welcome to contribute. What you guys are doing for the softball folks is underrated. Where else can they go to be informed the do's and don't's of HS age Softball