Top North Texas teams to watch in '08

[3Bsnag]

360, Sudden Impact and Impact Gold are 2 different teams. From what I hear, both are contenders.

Let me add too, they (Fusion) were a newer team and only have 3 seniors. I think they will only get stronger from here since they can recruit a higher caliber. Now they have name recognition from that 14U team and it won't be long before some players from that team will be ready for Gold ball. I think we'll start to see some top prospects off that team in the next couple of years if he can get them into bigger tournaments like TNJ and Surf City. Again, not a huge pool of great Gold teams in this area.

[3Bsnag]

Lori,
You do realize that Fusion has some of the same coaches from Texas Elite, as in 5th place at nationals in '04 (12U) and '06 (14U)? Same holds true for the current 14U team, most players & coaches came from Texas Elite.

Just give it time. I think we'll see the evolution, again and again. It's usually the same organizations that rise to the top, falter, and rise up again. I'm just ready to pack the truck and spend my weekends at the ballpark!

[yellow ball]

I think we will all look at the tournaments played and see the Fusion name at the top of most tournaments that they have played in, regardless of age group. The more they win the more the top players will want to be a part of this organization. Don't get me wrong The Glory's and the Batbusters and the Elite's of the world are also good organizations also, but with the current leaders at the helm, they will be at the top. My opinion only. Lets play ball.

[Fastpitch360]

I really don't know about the Impact Organization except they are always on or near the top every year. But I would like to bring up the point why have 2 or more Gold teams in the same organization?? Wouldn't it not be smarter to consolidate your best talent and have one strong Gold team. But we still aren't as bad as the Dallas area where some of their top organizations have 2,3 or even more Gold teams in the same Organization and most of them are weak. If it is not for anything except look at me or how big my organization is I have no idea why they do it. Do you not agree 3B that if it wasn't for the ego's and or money why have a 10-20-30 team organization?? Shouldn't they be trying to but the best teams on the field in each age group. We have nothing like that in the Houston area...I really think if it is the fault of the big organiztion why Dallas Fastpitch Softball is so water down. I might just be just favoring my area but I think Houston from top to bottom has alot better teams.

[Lori]

ALRIGHT---EVEYONE GET OFF MY BACK!!! LOL--Just Kidding

After more research, I realize that I, yes ME, was wrong..I had the Fusion (McGovern) team in mind..I apologize..I am sorry..please forgive me!! lol

That McGovern team couldn't hit their way out of a paper bag!!! And now he is in the process of forming a "new" 16u Team Texas out of Fort Worth..with most of the same players from Fusion.

AGAIN--I meant no disrespect--please don't put a contract out on me....lol

I too cannot wait to get back on the dirt..I am itching for sand in mt sneakers!!

[Fastpitch360]

Hey Lori,

I love talking the sport and I see you do too. I was reading some of your post and i take it your from the Metrplex. I also saw that your daughter played for the Batbuster years ago so I assume she is in high school. Also you mentioned Texas Glory was watered down so once agin I assume your daughter doesn't play for a Big organization.

So what is your feelings on big organizations and do you think going with them adds to watering domn the area?

[3Bsnag]

Lori, LOL, I was just having fun with you. It's always fun to talk softball with people from around here!

360, yes I agree with you on the large # of teams in an organization. I look at some of the big SoCal organizations and they aren't structured that way. San Diego Renegades, Lakewood Ladies, OC Batbusters, Victory USA, Corona Angels, etc- none of those organizations have more than 2 teams in each age. Bigger is definitely not better and how would you like to go to a local 12U tournament and be competing with 5 or so teams with the same name? Not so special anymore, are they?

It will all be different when I rule the world. JK!

[Lori]

360--My daughter has graduated already and playing softball at Northwestern. She actually made her rounds through the ranks before settling down with Glory,and then scholarshipped to Northwestern. When we played for the batbusters, it meant something..we were good. After we left, they started expanding and picking up every team that wanted the name. Batbusters had there day, but now it means nothing special to say you play for the batbusters..seriously.

Point in case..I volunteered last fall to coach in a local rec association..12u...and none of these girls had ever played select. We were a very good rec team, so I signed us up for 1 tourney in FW to show the girls what select was about. We came 1 win away from placing in top 5...beating 2 12u batbuster teams in the process. So make your own assessment of the watering down process.

I personally think it is great to get the kids involved in travel ball, but there is probably too many right now, especially in the 12u division. We need more "c" tourneys to accomodate the talent level, but that all starts with the coaches too realizing what thier teams potential is.

I posted earlier on another board about teams playing up in age when they absolutely do not need to. Look at the 16u tourneys listed so far this year--thet are filling up with 94 and 95 teams who cannot win at their own age division---WHY?!!?

TD's ought to put a stop to it (teams who cannot compete at a higher leverl playing up) I do not have a problem with teams that can handle it, don't get me wrong!! again..lol

[yellow ball]

Lori,
How did these big organizations get as big as they are. They were able to train and teach the girls how to play ball. Now because they are able to teach, the more teams means more girls are getting quality coaching and training, I am sure you don't have a problem with that do you?. Teams that play up are not looking for trophy's, they are looking to get their girls ready for Nationals. so when they drop down they are a better team and can compete with the California teams. For the true softball player it is not about winning it is about the future. It is about High school and college. We all have to grow the game of softball, but it has to be done in a manner that benefit the players, so the bigger the org. the more girls are playing ball and staying out of trouble. Have a great day

[aka7]

Yellow ball, I agree every girl that wants the oppurtunity to play ball should be allowed, alot of the time the top players at 10, 11, 12 aren't always the best at the higher levels. Depends on a player desire and dedication, as well as how she has been coached.

The problem with playing up is that now you have teams (ie 95 teams moving up to play all 14U when they never competed well with their own age group.) They are doing this because they couldn't fill a 95 team and added probably a few weaker 94. What good is this doing the 95 kids or the 94's.

I don't think anyone is complaining about elite teams playing up to prepare for Nationals. (ie Texas Fusion (Sidwell), BB (Montoya), 94 Texas Peppers) all three of these teams play up 16U and not only compete but win tournaments. They all have the pitching, hitting, and defense to compete with anybody.