Are we seeing a shift???

[pbj2000]

Looking at the makeup of NTX teams it looks more and more like teams are being created under big name organizations. It used to be select teams were created because kids outgrew the rec system and dads decided to play their kids in a more challenging environment.

Nowadays it looks like a new 10U or 8U team is born every week (who knows if these teams were ever even competitive in the rec system), with coaches names you've never heard of and players you've never seen before. The difference is these teams are now carrying Elite status team names.

Many of these so called elite teams carry the names of these big time organizations for the simple fact of recruiting is easier with a big name. What ever happened to coaching just for the love of the game.

Are we seeing a shift? Are we seeing more big name organizations willing to take on anyone with a pulse just to boast their sheer numbers? "Look at us we have 8 teams in our org"..."No look at us we have 12 teams in our org"...etc without ever doing any research on these coaches? No offense to AF, but they picked up 3 new teams and only one of those teams is an actual competitive team...so why do it? Maybe i'm wrong, but I thought being a part of a big time organization was something you earned. Maybe the shift is these big time organizations are wanting to give back, take on teams that aren't as good so they can help them...who knows? But this last couple of months has definately shown one thing...the more the merrier!

[justawatcher]

You are correct in that there are more organizations now doing what the Batbusters were once the kings of. Elite, Fusion, etc. are all taking on lots of teams. None is worse than what has come out of the Adkins group though. I'm not sure what the motivation is here. My guess would be recruiting players to join the organizations. It's certainly much easier to recruit with a name like Fusion on your jersey. Unfortunately it give a lot of players and families a false sense of what their team really is. Heart, determination, and hard work will make a good player great. Putting on a "brand name" jersey will not. I always make it a point to go watch these so called "elite" teams. It's very disappointing. Many of them have such great history, and some of them still have great operations at the top. Watching these younger teams however, it is very clear that these organizations will let anyone coach a team.

[Gameday]

Of course it could be that the sport itself is expanding. And as more young athletes enter the fold the natural evolution is to expand the big tent. That only makes sense.

Looks to me like you two are Star Bellied Sneetches.

[pbj2000]

Ha at the above post...just trying to spark some conversation on the bucket about the shift in the softball culture.

I'm not sure I agree that there are just so many teams that all the elite organizations need to expand.

Seriously, two years ago you still had the same amount of teams being created, they just had one off names like Diamond Divas, Swat, Smash...etc...now all those new teams are called Glory, Freedom, Batbusters, Elite...etc

And no jealousy here my kid plays for one of the above mentioned orgs...just interesting to see the shift in the culture...the needing to "belong"

[justawatcher]

Looks to me like you two are Star Bellied Sneetches.

What is God's name is a Star Bellied Sneetch?

[CULater]

Dr. Suess reference!

This story is an allegory for prejudice and discrimination, and also offers a lesson of materialism and entrepreneurship.

Sneetches are a group of vaguely avian yellow creatures who live on a beach. Some Sneetches have a green star on their bellies, and in the beginning of the story the absence of a star is the basis for discrimination. Sneetches who have stars on their bellies are part of the "in crowd," while Sneetches without stars are shunned and consequently mopey.

[onedownonetogo]

I'm confused. Are you saying that the best organizations like Glory, Freedom, Batbusters, Elite, should not take on younger teams unless those younger teams already have established themselves as the best teams in an age group. Or, are you saying these organizations should take on younger teams and help the coaches, players, parents get prepared to play at the higher age level?

It seems to me that these good organizations have a responsibility to try to develop talent - both players and coaches - rather than just raiding teams not affiliated with an organization. A younger team affiliating with a good organization that is willing to work with its younger teams can definitely benefit from that relationship.

[pbj2000]

i'm not saying either, i'm saying that is what I am seeing...but I think we also need to be realistic...some are just taking on teams to take on teams, period.

[taking2]

Which of the big organizations actually helps their younger teams? If so, how?

I haven't seen it. If someone can elaborate, my kid will tryout immediately.

[Battle]

Which of the big organizations actually helps their younger teams? If so, how?

I haven't seen it. If someone can elaborate, my kid will tryout immediately.

First, you will have to define "helps their younger teams". Second, how young are we talking about?