16U Fast Pitch College Showcase TX

[al-e-do]

Lefty...
FW Batbusters showcase
80 teams total $12,000 donated

showcase at 3 fields
Southlake 18 Gold invite only ($150 per team $35 at plate)
Walkers NRGSL 18 gold and a few 18 ($250 per team $35 at plate)
Keller 16u only ($165 per team and $35 at plate)

all for cancer $150 from each team donated to cancer fund
http://www.shoutoutshowcase.com/

Southlake donated fieldss and ligths for tournament
Keller donated field but charge $15 per team for lights
NRGSL charged $100 per team for field and lights

http://www.fortworthbatbusters.com/

[Joe]

A college "showcase" that is a month away and they finalized the team list with only 16 teams? Small complex? Single day? What gives?

I'm pretty sure this event is by invitation only and is modeled after the Southlake event the same weekend. Only 24 gold teams were allowed at Southlake with six fields, 16 (16U) teams in Keller with 4 fields and I believe 40 or so in North Richland Hills w/ 11 fields.

From what I understand, it's a format that moves away from the 100+ mega showcase "zoo" where quality is the priority over quantity. This format has worked very well in Southlake for the last 3 years and they've decided to expand for younger age groups, but still trying to keep it to limited number of teams. I know the college coaches appreciate the more intimate environment

The fee at the Southlake event is $150 + pay at the plate, and I believe it's the same at the other complexes. All proceeds from all groups will go to the Ovarion Cancer Coalition. Neither Southlake, Keller, NRH, or the Batbusters make a dime on this event.

We'll see how it goes this year with the expanded age groups, but I think they're doing this for the right reasons...exposure plus giving something back to the community.

[Lefty's Dad]

See, now that clears it all up. That's much better than anything I read on here previously and the email I received back that stated "tournament is full". Really wish we could have gotten in on this, the list of 16's is a pretty good list and its a benefit tournament which is always a good thing.
Not sure the 16's was an "invite only" as well though. I like that thought process but it looks like a couple of fillers got in.

[Joe]

Lefty, who are the fillers?

[Lefty's Dad]

This isn't 10u or even 12u. I'm not callin anyone out, those that have played them will know it and those that play them that weekend will see it. No big deal, I just don't think the 16's were an invite only. Most teams are very good though, which is why I was hoping we could get in Oh well

[Joe]

This isn't 10u or even 12u. I'm not callin anyone out, those that have played them will know it and those that play them that weekend will see it. No big deal, I just don't think the 16's were an invite only. Most teams are very good though, which is why I was hoping we could get in Oh well

Okay...not gonnna call anyone out? This is good! Not gonna hurt though if you tell us who you would bring in. Go ahead.

[Lefty's Dad]

As far as NTX and Centex, it looks good. From Htown the following teams I would think should be included:

Texas Hawks
Texas High Voltage
Texas Rebels
Texas Storm (Raley)

IMHO

[93players]

Having checked out both the 18U and 16U Showcases this weekend, the 16U is a disappointment. No college coaches today as far as I saw. Weaker umpire crews. I saw some pretty bad calls when looking at some of the games between the top 16U teams. Charity invitationals are a great idea, but they probably should be held outside of the recruiting season. It would have been better to play in the 18U tournament.

[ChangeUP]

Good Idea.....great cause, but I agree with lefty......looking at the final list there looks to be at least 3-4 teams that could have made a huge difference to the quality of the field of teams that attended.....not by much though.......Houston area could have been better represented with their top teams there. But then again they could have chosen to play in other Showcases instead.
Can anyone confirm quality of play there this weeknd?
Umpiring crews were probably stretched thin this weekend.........with Showcase tournaments being played at multiple complexes !!

[93players]

The Glory teams, Batbusters, Demarini played some great softball.