How'd the weekend go???

[whatever]

Coolstuff,
Good point!! Some of the fans acted like it was a National Tournament! You want them to play well, but come on!! It's oct/nov!!! peep,peep!!

I've got to say our team had parents that were supporting pretty loudly. This was my first weekend w/dd's new team. Anyway, I thought it over the top but I've got to say that a lot of coaches stopped to watch and/or turned around to see what all the commotion was about. I even commented to dd over the weekend about it. Coach rec'd an email from Big 10 coach yesterday saying how she enjoyed watching our team and liked the enthusiasm of our fans - that it was fun to watch everyone get so excited.

BTW - this was our first time to St. Louis and I was impressed with the number of coaches watching our games in Chesterfield - even with the lousy weather. They were there at 8pm Sat night but when we started at 9 I didn't see any. But Sunday morning for 8am/9am games they were there.

[Justathought1]

There has been some great info and opinions posted on this topic. I was not at this tournament so I can't give my .02 cents worth on how it was ran. I would like to convey my opinion on a few of the post, regarding how kids play, and how coaches coach. I am in agreement that coaches should give the college coach's what they want to see in individual kids. If they want to see a pitcher or catcher run bases ect. then keep them on base so they can see them run. But to limit the exposure games to just swinging away? I don't necessarly believe that is what every coach wants to see, other than if your a slapper. I feel if a sac bunt is warranted on a certain play, then it should be used. Unless a college coach wants to see the batter hit away. I believe that this also shows a player, that was called on to sac, is a team player. And did a job for the coach that benefitted the team. I would be impressed if i seen a girl that was asked to sac and afterwards she grabbed her bat after the play and smiled and hustled off the field. I would think " That is a team player, and did what was asked of her". Plus you have also put the ball into play so a runner could demonstrate base running and the fielders had to demonstrate defensive skills. I believe that is a win, win situation for all girls just not 1 girl.
I can see both sides to it but I say play the game the way it's supposed to be played using ALL the players on the bench, and if a college coach request something then do it. JMHO.

Thanks,

Michael

[ntheknow]

The bottom line is these college coaches should be thankful that so many ignorant parents are willing to foot the bill for these "showcases".

This gibberish just cracks me up. You "travel dads" created this monster, so I don't see how you can complain about anything!

[Blind Squirrel]

The bottom line is these college coaches should be thankful that so many ignorant parents are willing to foot the bill for these "showcases".

This gibberish just cracks me up. You "travel dads" created this monster, so I don't see how you can complain about anything!

Based upon your experiences, what changes do you think should be made to the current system?

John

[looking in]

ntheknow,
How long were you ignorant till you burnt all your bridges???

[bucketboy]

Squirrel, grab your #^*@ and head back to your tree. Take your boy too!

Bash all you want, but untill you identify yourself you have no credibility and by the way you still owe me a hurricane net are you going to pay up? Should I send you my home address to you in a PM so you can have it delivered?

Keep hiding behind your screen name but do us all a favor, keep your bashing and hatred directed to the adults and don't bash a kid for the college she chooses unless you know all the reasons as to why she chose that particular school. Since you chose to bash mine in a post that you removed I will be more than happy to give you her email address so you can ask her directly why she made the decision she did so you may be a little better informed.

Just so you do know John's daughter is currently attending a PAC 10 school on a softball ride. She received very high honors in national publications last year and his advice is very sound as she was very highly recruited so John as always please keep sharing with us Hoosiers and send us some So Cal sunshine would you please.

[ntheknow2]

Just so you do know John's daughter is currently attending a PAC 10 school on a softball ride. She received very high honors in national publications last year and his advice is very sound as she was very highly recruited so John as always please keep sharing with us Hoosiers and send us some So Cal sunshine would you please.

Congrats John! But Bboy, is John your hero or something? We've got enough girls right here in Indiana to talk about. We have plenty of coaches, trainers that are doing it the right way.
IMO the midwest has already passed up the west coast.

[gunshy]

I love a good healthy debate, just like I love the softball product we are upgrading and producing in the Midwest. BUT I am not sure I am ready to hear that we have passed the West Coast, in terms of cutting edge softball. I know my team elevates it's play every time we play anyone from California and talks fondly of beating any Cali team, but I doubt whether Midwest teams strike the same chord with the West Coast teams. I seriously doubt that many West Coast teams list beating an Indiana team among their signature wins. I hope we are able to change that soon, but I don't think we are there yet.
Also, good to see Bucketboy spunky and fired up. This board is MUCH more interesting that way!

[bucketboy]

Not a hero, but just somebody I met while our DD's were attending a camp together.

I asked questions and got advice on the recruiting process as his DD was a year ahead of mine. He and his wife have kept in touch and I have been following their daughter thru the web as she begins her college career. Great family and they shared some great advice with us.
It's called giving back to the game that has given us all so much.

C'mon gunshy me get fired up and spunky I thought you said I have mellowed. LOL well maybe on the diamond anyway.

I still have this mental picture of Jim in the plastic razorback hat screaming the sooeee cry!!!! There's a mastercard commericial for you Priceless!!!!

Can't wait to hear about who else verbals from your team in the months ahead as well.

If that hurricane nets shows up at your house let me know and I will run by and get it.....

[killerbee]

I'll take 12 hard working, passion filled, corn fed hoosiers any day.
I want a kid that loves to play, not one that has to play. So much is true to clubs outside of our area.
Many teams outside our area have multi year contracts with the players. That would never fly here..
I know of left coast organizations that travel to 12u and 14u nationals to recruit, just as a college would do for there program.
We're pretty good for what we do here and I'm proud to have been apart of Indiana Softball but we're still a bit behind of what others are doing.
HERE, we've closed a deal, if we convinced a family to spend $250 on team fees and one overight at the Merrilville La Quinta.