12U Spring/Summer Ranking

[Tenshun]

Not really sure why this thread has gone on so long, other than the simple fact that it involves Team Norwood. Not sure of the reason, but no other team in Norcal seems to draw neither the praise nor the ire that her team consistently receives. Might be due to the fact that Norwood friends and foes are much more vocal on this board with updates and announcements than most teams. A very interesting phenomenon indeed. Some in the businesses would say all publicity is good publicity. But it definitely comes with its costs.

[PitchersDad99]

Holy Crap!!!!
I had to work out in the field for a couple of days, so I haven't been checking out the Bucket and apparently the world has came to an end.

Everyone step away from the edge of the cliff. It's not worth jumping to your "Wiley Coyote, death" over.

First off, anybody associated with this years version of the Norwood 12U team knows that they won when she was pitching. Without her they are more vulnerable and definitely not near as good. Players like that especially a pitcher, make life so much easier for a coach to win and be a genius. So, yes they are pissed that she is gone.

Second, the AASA coach should be ashamed, more for his actions during and after that championship game a week and a half ago than for this. Any parents that are willing to take their kid to someone who shows total disrespect for an umpire, the game or for his players (with the verbal tirade that came from his mouth ) are IMHO not looking out for their kids best interest. But, I am fairly sure this was in the works for a while and should have been seen coming.

This is just another example of the "rat race" parents of the next superstar have turned softball into. So quick everyone run to fill the void, I guarantee your kid will get a "Full Ride" to UCLA, Arizona, Tennessee, etc.......

Remember if your kid doesn't make it by 12U, they better start planning to get into college the old fashioned way.

[justwin2k10]

!

[GameTime23]

Chetto......You missed the bus on JM...

Shame on you AASA for taking a player off a Team that is in mid-season. This is something that I would expect from RR, not AASA. I have lost the respect for their coach (JM) for his actions. I thought he was a stand up guy doing a great job with his kids. What he has done, IMHO, is disrupted his chemistry and bringing on baggage. I can't imaging that there are alot of girls happy about this, if you think I'm lying, wait for the grumblings after a couple of tournaments (playing time). This is not directed at the girls themselfs, but the coaches and parents

Dude you have know no clue on JM. I've known this guy for years and he loves the game of softball. Top young (strike zone,Sting & AASA) up and coming coach. He is straight up with his kids and parents. This is the reason he has little turn over every year and able to recruit players from other teams. He is hard nose and works his kids, but it's only to make them better players.

No way JM called this kid. They came to him if rumors are true. JM carries only 11 players and who would pass on #1 pitched in 12's?

I would be asking why they left? maybe issues with coach, parents , players, pitching too much or not enought. I don't know.

The kid went from #1 pitcher in 12's to baggage? Cheeto you have no clue...Grapes, Smash, Sorcerer all have lost players the last two weeks.....Please don't blame JM when the next player leaves the Grapes...

[Cheeto]

Gametime, I never said he wasn't a good coach. I actually stated that he was. Players are going to move and that's the nature of the beast. I know that and get that. Here is where I have my problem and you are free to disagree. I have absolutely no problem with a player "leaving" a team for another. Provided that player (and I'm talking parents) have notified that Team, prior to joining another. From all accounts, this did not happen. Accounts are that there have been conversations for weeks. That's what I'm talking about. Sure, the next question is why would a player leave a team without having a place to go? If they were that unhappy, being as good as she is, no problem finding a Team to play for. That goes for anyone. May not be the Team you want, but there are plenty of places to go. For NW (or any coach) to be blindsided mid season is wrong. It does happen and happen alot. But that is my opinion. I wish both teams the best of luck working through this.

[Iluvblue]

I am not in the 12u world, dont know the players, parents or even most teams for that matter. I dont go to pitching lessons, dont go to hitting lessons, and besides coming on here, I generally am not much in the loop to what is going on out there. That being said, even I heard at least 3-4 weeks ago that a certain pitcher was probably leaving.

So if I heard the grumblings, others HAD to know, or at least should have known this was in the works. Go back on heybucket alone, i remember a thread about said pitcher going to the dirt dogs if I remember correctly.

And why does this thread exist?? This isnt really about this particular player or team... this stuff is about ALL PLAYERS and teams. That is why so many people talk abou tit, because it pertains to everyone.

This is just the latest example of it happening. Didnt this same AASA team lose their start pitcher not long ago to an older team??? Same thing.

[GameTime23]

Cheeto...I get your post and understand it now when you put it that way.

This has nothing to do with JM or AASA.

It sucks for this to happen to a team by a parent, but many coaches do the same thing to players. They say what it takes to get them to signed, fees paid and things change.

I think this issue goes both ways for parents and coaches. I can't stand stand when coaches pay games with kids playing time and position threw hidden messages or always looking for the next best thing. And then choches want to hide from the parent questions and now the parent is wrong.

Softball is a dirty little game, but we all seem to love it.

[lovesoftball22]

Good Laugh! Joe Mello out Recruiting 12U prospects! LOL Anyone who truly knows the man knows

A) He doesnt have time (5 wonderful kids and all)
B) watch who he talks to at tournaments--Other Coaches--His intensity on game day doesnt really allow for much socializing.

If this player or any player goes to AASA the contact was one way ...all the way...Most of the players on that team either called him or came to his tryouts...he just doesnt strike me as having the glad handing/recruity thing down.

Funny

[Cheeto]

Gametime, Thanks and do appreciate it. Sadly, yes alot of that does happen, there are good things happening out there as well. That was the only point I was trying to make.

[lovesoftball22]

Cheeto Your funny

Truth is what Truth is

What did you say " Accounts are conversations for weeks" and wasnt it you that said disappointed and think less of a coach because he took said player...Yeah..maybe once you truly define your position you should then let us know---- as you keep refining it and clarifying it differently. I interpreted you posts as mad/disappointed because you think a coach has stolen/recruited a player out from another team...thats what is there...If I could do a quotything I would put it here:

I do know the "Joe" You got me ...OMG alert the presses...Hello!!! look at my past posts...as far as my kid...You have no business calling out...as it has nada to do with it...Bring on competition...if my kid cant play well enough to stay on the dirt/grass she deserves to sit...and we do our share!

I only post as I dont think its right that a coach is called in question because this "time" people want to write about it...Coaches do a lot --put in the time, greif, heart and they deserve to be respected--as I luv blue said....its hard to do what they do period and this crap of throwing them under the bus damages reputation and that is hard enough to come by without the heresay and bs. So I stand up-OMG write the presses a parent supports their Coach...Sorry yours didnt!