Who will represent Texas?

[Lefty's Dad]

That's the greatest BC!

[Don Quixote]

[quote="TheBucketeer"]I understand the whole concept of friendlies, that is what we do out West. But believe me, when things get this close to nationals, you want to go out and try and win and send some messages to your competition. I dont understand why you guys are so hard on Fusion. Based on all of the postings from Houston, which you guys dominate on HB, you are always tooting your own horns about how good Houston is compared to other parts of TX. Especially at the younger ages, 10U & 12U. I cant help but think that if everyone had a better showing at the "friendly" then we might hear or see more positive comments about the friendly a few weeks ago. Win with class, lose with class. Dont come on hear and talk about how you werent trying and therefore it doesnt matter. By the way, I dont recall ever referring to Fusion as being "dominant" in my last post. I simply stated they played in a round-robin and beat most teams they played. Dont get so defensive. Next time tell your coach to try harder if you are going to react this way. Also am I really supposed to take you seriously when you make the comment that the Peppers "held back" at the HOF just so they could get a berth and then make it home at a decent time? If that is the mentality, then I guess we dont have to worry about them in Normal because they will plan on playing until sometime on Saturday at the latest so they can spend Sunday driving back to Houston to get ready for the start of the new week. What top teams have the Aces played this Spring and what is their record? Most of you guys have called them a trophy hunting team because they dont chase the big dogs


my DD plays on a Houston area team that did not qualify for ASA nationals, so this is an unbiased opionion, we have played all the Houston area teams that are going to nationals and the most well rounded team from Houston is the Aces, followed closely by the Bandits, the bottom line is pitching and defense, the aces are a good hitting team and can manufacture runs as well. They are very solid up the middle and at the hot corner defensively, SS, 2nd, CF, and 3b outstanding. They have the best tandum of pitchers I have seen. Just a thought, good luck to all the teams respresenting the Houston area, we are very proud of their representation of our area.

[red_white_my_view]

I am curious, what makes the Bandits "one of the most proven teams in Texas?" What is this claim based on? Their finish at HOF? Not saying they are not a good team, but just wondered what you based your claim on? From afar, (CA) and no my team did not make the trip to HOF, the only TX teams we are aware of is the Diamonds, the old BatBuster team which is now Fusion from what we understand, and ST Riptides. Those are the only teams that have been to ASA Nationals. Both the Diamonds and the Riptides had Top 10 finishes in 10U. The Diamonds were an awesome team back then, probably the best TEAM in the whole tournament at that time, but Indiana's pitcher was utterly dominating and thats what won them the tournament. From what we gather over HB and through the softball grapevine, the Riptides are not even a factor any more and not even qualified for Normal. The Fusion/BB team seems to be a top notch team that has not played well when the lights are the brightest. Houston seems to have more quality teams than Dallas, but they all appear to be on the same level. TX Aces win a state tournament with none of the best teams in it. Other than that they dont seem to play in the same tournaments as all of the other "big dog" teams. Bandits play well at HOF but lose to 97 teams. Peppers get beat by Fusion and Diamonds. Red Hots are a first-year team but have had much success against some top teams. From what we read and hear the Diamonds are like the proverbial box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get. They kick butt in SA at the HOF Qualifier with all of the best teams from TX, but then dont play real well in OKC. Although according to reports back here, they looked real good in beating the Firecrackers. I read where Fusion beat them twice this past weekend, but then somebody else says they are injured. Also heard Fusion played in a round-robin against all of the good Houston teams and pretty much beat everybody except for Fury. TX Glory seems to be a non-factor based on what we read on HB. Not winning a single game in qualifying play but still going to Nationals sounds awfully ambitious, or dumb depending on your point of view. The bottom line is as a lot of people have stated, it really is going to depend on who is the "hottest" for that week, who plays the best defense and makes the least mistakes, and finally, who gets the luckiest in terms of the draw. Believe me, if any TX team, or team from CA or GA or TN, has to play one of these top teams on Wednesday or Thursday, you can stick a fork in them.

When I say the Bandits are a proven team, I am going on what they have done so far this past fall and spring. I am very aware that does not mean much to you outsiders who have been to nationals and placed in the top 3. I know what it takes to compete at the national level and therefore I think they can compete. Thats all I am saying. As for the Aces being trophy hunters, that statement comes from a big rival who has 3 times the losses as they do wins against the Aces. All top teams have been in the same tournament and the Aces came out on top. I do beleive all teams have played in a weak tournament or 2, sometimes thats all that is available. As for the Diamonds, I think they have a good team, but come on, you are talking about what they done 2 years ago I am looking right now. Just my view

[denver_dog]

I understand the whole concept of friendlies, that is what we do out West. But believe me, when things get this close to nationals, you want to go out and try and win and send some messages to your competition. I dont understand why you guys are so hard on Fusion. Based on all of the postings from Houston, which you guys dominate on HB, you are always tooting your own horns about how good Houston is compared to other parts of TX. Especially at the younger ages, 10U & 12U. I cant help but think that if everyone had a better showing at the "friendly" then we might hear or see more positive comments about the friendly a few weeks ago. Win with class, lose with class. Dont come on hear and talk about how you werent trying and therefore it doesnt matter. By the way, I dont recall ever referring to Fusion as being "dominant" in my last post. I simply stated they played in a round-robin and beat most teams they played. Dont get so defensive. Next time tell your coach to try harder if you are going to react this way. Also am I really supposed to take you seriously when you make the comment that the Peppers "held back" at the HOF just so they could get a berth and then make it home at a decent time? If that is the mentality, then I guess we dont have to worry about them in Normal because they will plan on playing until sometime on Saturday at the latest so they can spend Sunday driving back to Houston to get ready for the start of the new week. What top teams have the Aces played this Spring and what is their record? Most of you guys have called them a trophy hunting team because they dont chase the big dogs.

Not having a book of win/loss records at best I can recall, The Aces have never lost to the Bandits, are up bout 6/2 on Peppers, up on wins against Fury, Have no losses to C Tx. teams and about even on w/l with the Thunder. I do know if they have played any NTx. teams. They are a good all around team that really pull together when it really counts. That does not mean they are better than any of these teams mention or better than any NTx. team. But I am sure they can compete as well as any team playing the week of nationals. Again, you folks don't get mad if I didn't get it right. I know I am close.

[Dy No Mite]

So if the Aces are the most well rounded team, what does that make the Redhots? Considering I have been getting the scoop on the Houston teams and I heard the Redhots have beaten the Aces every Time but once. Not sure how many times they have played, I'm just sayin'................

[Dy No Mite]

Oh and my vote goes to the Bandits on making it the furthest in Normal.

[ReadAllAboutIt]

So if the Aces are the most well rounded team, what does that make the Redhots? Considering I have been getting the scoop on the Houston teams and I heard the Redhots have beaten the Aces every Time but once. Not sure how many times they have played, I'm just sayin'................

It makes the Redhots a very competitive team. We all know that there's a team each team has a hard time with. The Aces, so far, have the RH as a thorn in their side. Don't start me to lying, but I would guess the RH are up 3 t 1 on The Aces. That being said, I remember as a 1st year 12u we played our best against the best. And ever one knows who has that bullseye on their back.

[Mighty Mouse]

You boys and girls will see what 96 Fusion is all about!

Nuff said!

[TheBucketeer]

Enlighten me please with your vast experience at ASA "A" nationals, what does it take to compete at the national level? Also, how many games in tournament play, since friendlies and round-robins dont count, because those are just for practice, have the Aces faced the Bandits, Peppers, Red Hots or Thunder this Spring/Summer? Based on what I read on your TX boards, I thought I was basing my opinion of the Diamonds on (1) what I saw 2 years ago, but also on (2) what they did in SA 6 weeks ago against what sounds like was the best and strongest tournament field of any tournament held to date in TX. Also, based on what I am reading, it sure sounds like Fusion is a team to watch out for if they are beating up on the Diamonds all the time. But hey what do I know, after all, I guess Fusion could be the Diamonds kryptonite just like the 97 Red Hots are to the best team in TX...the Aces. And for you Gonadmaster Flash, I heard the Diamonds lost their starting catcher and pitcher. Oh wait, my bad, I was thinking of another team.

[soreshins]

Concerning the 14U division. I doubt that any Texas team will crack the top ten at ASA Nationals. No Texas team finished in the top 8 at the Hall of Fame (I believe the best finish was 12th).

Concerning the Texas Hawks. It is inaccurate to say "several" of their players came from the '94 Peppers. I am aware of 2 (both are very fine players) and they have not played for the '94 Peppers since 2007.

Concerning the '94 Peppers. They lost a lot of impact players. However, any top first year 14U team is going to lose some of their best players to gold ball or 16U the following year. Parents get the "exposure bug" and the players move on.