What's with teams playing up?

[Noneofmybusiness]

What is the benefit of having a team playing up? Especially jumping from 40ft to 43ft! I can see how i't could benefit some top teams with top talent and coaching, going up from 12's to 14's, like the OC Batbusters-Briggs and Firecrackers-Quarles. Realistically though, most teams that went up and played in side show friendlies and tournaments, like Team Watley-Young, Artesia Punishers-Freeman, and So Cal Pumas-Black to name a few, got their asses handed to them when it counted (two and a bbq at PGF). So, are they doing it to develop the kids? And help them become better softball players, or is to inflate their own ego's? The obvious answer is better competition, pitching, etc... etc...

If they don't have the talent and or coaching aptitude, why?

[Makina]

I'm very confused by your question. 14's pitch at 40 ft not 43 ft. Did you mean a 14U playing up to 16's? If so, I really don't understand why you would do it either. At 43 ft the hitters have more time to see the ball, so when they go down to 40 ft, it's actually harder to hit the ball. And the best pitchers that are age eligible 16u are usually playing 18's anyways, except the premier teams like BB, FC's A's etc.

[stars99]

Mostly because everyone else in their division is playing up so nobody wants to get stuck playing a team in their own division and blowing 3 teams out rather than having a good game and being challenged. Going from 14 to 16 though is stupid, has to mess with the mechanics of pitchers and catchers moving 3 feet back and definetly hitters getting an extra 3 feet to see the ball makes no sense unless you plan on playing Nationals at 16. Mizuno Young is already playing 16 friendly and they are mostly 99 team so that tells you what he thinks of his team but then again his team didnt do well at all even with his own age group at Nationals. Maybe he should give his kids a break and just sign up for a friendly with some good 14 teams rather than get their ass kicked at 16s in their 1st friendlies of their new season. To me, seems stupid, mistake by the big name coach

[Baller]

Our 12u team is 4-2 in the last couple of weeks in 14u friendlies. However; our wins weren't against quality opponents. I'd really like to see how we'd fare against top 12u teams. We are playing 14u again this weekend. We have yet to play 12u. I think beating quality 12u teams would give us more confidence.

[Franchise]

You know some people really need to do there homework before they get on a public site posting things that they really have no idea about. First and formost Coach Young has 5 National championships and has been coaching for 25 years plus, so (noneofmybusiness) when you talk about coaching abillity I dont see how he does not in your words have the "Aptitude" to coach. The second thing is all true travel ball parents know that everyone plays up to allow there players to develop at a more elite level. These coaches are not concerned with trophy hunting as much as they are getting there players Recruited. There are several 14 year old freshman that received D-1 Scholorships this past year and I can tell you that they are more then qualified to compete at 14u, 16u, or 18u. So rather if you play up or in your division it depends on the team you have and the coaches judgement as far as what they feel they have talent wise. Its just so frustrating watching grown ass people bash young kids about there talent level. If you have an issue with a coach then keep it between you and them. Team Watley girls were very talented last year. They did lose early in PGF but that is 1 Tournamnet and that stuff happens. When teams have cold bats you cant win. They had 2 points scored on them out of those 2 games so I dont call that getting your ass handed to you. Maybe this year Coach Young should combine with Briggs for PGF and roll everybody up like the firecackers Roman. Maybe that is the more honorable way to win Nationals.

[Noneofmybusiness]

Franchise... I never implied that coach Young lacked coaching "aptitude". And by the way, are you his PR person? Also, how did you interpret me bashing young kids?

The point I'm trying make is this. Let's use Batbusters-Mcnee for an example. They're going to carry 21 kids on their roster this fall.... They're also going to play up in 16's, along with a slew of other 14u teams, Young's team included. Many of these so called "top teams", will carry 14 to 21 girls. How does playing up help those kids? Especially if your daughter is not in the top 9, and is number 13, 14 or 21. If said team is playing up for better competition and " development", let's assume that the games would be closer. In a closer game "that means nothing (friendly)", do you think these coaches are going to risk losing by clearing their bench? I don't think so. Instead of blowing out some 14u team in their own age group, where maybe their third or fourth pitcher can get some work and you can bat everyone. Which would make the majority (including parents) on said team happy, because everyone is playing and "developing". Right?..... There are a lot of very strong teams in 14u, and some "decent" teams as well. Who, these "top teams" don"t want to face, for risk of losing to them. If they lose to an older team, it's no big deal, because their suppose to lose. So what motivation does an older team have in playing a younger team? What sense does it make to host a 16u friendly and let 14u teams play? I saw one coming up with three primarily 99 teams and one 98 team. What a joke, why not play in 14u friendly? Look, if a kid can play up, which I know many that do, and can contribute. More power to them.... But, taking your whole team up?..... Again, there are a few teams that can make it work.

In my opinion, the biggest problem with "most" travel ball coaches at any level, is the lack of communication they have with families who blindly open their wallets to these guys. Albeit to say, that these organizations they represent do help facilitate, in opening a dialogue for some kids, with perspective D1 schools. But, remember travel ball at an elite level is a business. And if you for one second think that these guys are doing it out of the kindness of their heart, your wrong. Every month your paying for dues, lessons, and you help fund raise. Plus, most families do all the leg work when it comes to getting their own DD recruited. This is investment of time and money, and it's really hard to measure the return until your DD signs. I'm sure coach Young has coached many girls who played or are playing D1 ball.... He probably made a huge impact on many of their lives, but if you talk with those parents. I'd venture to say, that the sacrifices most of them made out weigh what any one coach has done for their own flesh and blood. In other words..... THEY DON'T WALK ON WATER. Well maybe one does

[ICMTM]

It's easier to find better athletes in older kids than traveling for kids your same age that are your equal. Now this only applies to a few teams. The rest are doing it for their own ego???

[PDad]

2nd-year 14u teams play up to prepare their girls for the HS season.