Just about every college game I watch on TV most of the time the pitchers are throwing consistantly in the 80's. Many MLB games too have at least one pitcher throwing in the 80's.
The standard I prefer is the actual 'play' of the game.
Most AFLAC games are let downs in that the expected power guys usually do not deliver .
There are an extraordinary number of pass balls and wild pitches than I would expect at that advertised level of talent.
The players may all have great potential and talent each year, but they do not seem to exhibit it well in the games.
The comparison of a team playing the championship in a tournament to a single game from a fresh team of All Stars would dictate better play than delivered in my view.
Most AFLAC games are let downs in that the expected power guys usually do not deliver .
There are an extraordinary number of pass balls and wild pitches than I would expect at that advertised level of talent.
The players may all have great potential and talent each year, but they do not seem to exhibit it well in the games.
The comparison of a team playing the championship in a tournament to a single game from a fresh team of All Stars would dictate better play than delivered in my view.
Big League is Little League's (Williamsport) 18u division. Because the aging date is now May 1, you can get kids who've turned 19 in the August tournaments.
In our area, Big League was always for the guys who couldn't make their Legion teams. With the rise of travel ball the last 10-15 years, we've stopped seeing Big League around here at all.
That being said, in any of these programs you'll have teams here and there that succeed in persuading their best local talent to come out for the team, maybe with the idea that if they stock the team they might get to play on ESPN. I remember either in 2009 or 2008, there was a highly regarded D-1 bound LHP in this tourney, may even have been drafted. So you can have very talented teams in these final rounds.
But Big League on the whole is a recreational league, not an exposure circuit nor a typical outlet for the college bound player. I don't say this as an insult, just as a fact. As far as I'm concerned, if high school age kids just want to play, God bless 'em.
In our area, Big League was always for the guys who couldn't make their Legion teams. With the rise of travel ball the last 10-15 years, we've stopped seeing Big League around here at all.
That being said, in any of these programs you'll have teams here and there that succeed in persuading their best local talent to come out for the team, maybe with the idea that if they stock the team they might get to play on ESPN. I remember either in 2009 or 2008, there was a highly regarded D-1 bound LHP in this tourney, may even have been drafted. So you can have very talented teams in these final rounds.
But Big League on the whole is a recreational league, not an exposure circuit nor a typical outlet for the college bound player. I don't say this as an insult, just as a fact. As far as I'm concerned, if high school age kids just want to play, God bless 'em.
Midlo,
Around here the Big League "season" is played during 3 weeks in January. Games are usually 5 innings. Usually 10 or 12 game season, whatever the BL minimum is. In years past batters often started with 2-2 or 3-2 counts in order to "get the games in." Tournament teams are selected based not on what kids did during their "season" but also during the HS season. As you might expect, there is some politics involved.
The main goal of the league has been to put together teams for the BL World Series. When that time comes around you have kids abandoning their Legion teams to play Big League. It's all about getting on ESPN.
PS: How's your son doing? Hope to see him pitching for Wake this year.
Around here the Big League "season" is played during 3 weeks in January. Games are usually 5 innings. Usually 10 or 12 game season, whatever the BL minimum is. In years past batters often started with 2-2 or 3-2 counts in order to "get the games in." Tournament teams are selected based not on what kids did during their "season" but also during the HS season. As you might expect, there is some politics involved.
The main goal of the league has been to put together teams for the BL World Series. When that time comes around you have kids abandoning their Legion teams to play Big League. It's all about getting on ESPN.
PS: How's your son doing? Hope to see him pitching for Wake this year.
quote:There are an extraordinary number of pass balls and wild pitches than I would expect at that advertised level of talent
What's to advertise, for the most part they are the best prospects in the country. The draft results are all the advertising needed. It is one game... some kids stand out in that game while others don't. Not any different than any other game that is played. I would also say that the standard of "play" is absolutely outstanding, depending on what you're looking for. Of course, I realize that the game can look completely different to a scout than it does a fan.
Anyway, I didn't mean to change the subject, just responding to your comment earlier.
Bottom line... I don't see anything wrong with any kids playing baseball on national television. It is all good! I didn't see the game this year, but I would bet that there were some very good players in that game. We have had WWBA Championship games with a mid 80s pitcher on the mound. Sometimes the top pitchers are used up before the championship game. Not to start another velocity debate, some mid 80s pitchers are outstanding!
I believe there are times some posters on this site forget there are some good high school baseball players who aren't interested in playing college ball. They just want to get in 25-30 games in the summer and have fun playing the game.
quote:I believe there are times some posters on this site forget there are some good high school baseball players who aren't interested in playing college ball. They just want to get in 25-30 games in the summer and have fun playing the game.
And that is great! I don't think its so much forgetting about it, but what do we talk about?
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Quincy:
There are an extraordinary number of pass balls and wild pitches than I would expect at that advertised level of talent.
QUOTE]
You ought to get out to some milb games this summer.
Wild pitches often times are the result of the catcher not able to hang onto the ball due to tremendous late movement, which is why those pitchers and players are there in the first place, their velocity and movement is top talent stuff.
The AFLAC is a showcase of the best HS players in the country ad we've had some websters sons play there as well.
Remember this game is played at summer's end, when arms are tired and so is everyone else. Plus, teams are together for a short time pitchers are with catchers who may have never caught them. You will often see this when new pitchers and catchers are working together.
Regardless, if it's the BLW series or Aflac or any other game, not sure why we have to put down anyone.
Not sure if this is true, but heard recently that in one state where they play the BLW series finals to move ahead, local coaches are out in full force. So how can that be a bad thing?
BTW, you will not find RHP or even LHP pitchers throwing mid 80 in a ML game unless they have had years of experience, to make up for loss of velocity.
There are an extraordinary number of pass balls and wild pitches than I would expect at that advertised level of talent.
QUOTE]
You ought to get out to some milb games this summer.
Wild pitches often times are the result of the catcher not able to hang onto the ball due to tremendous late movement, which is why those pitchers and players are there in the first place, their velocity and movement is top talent stuff.
The AFLAC is a showcase of the best HS players in the country ad we've had some websters sons play there as well.
Remember this game is played at summer's end, when arms are tired and so is everyone else. Plus, teams are together for a short time pitchers are with catchers who may have never caught them. You will often see this when new pitchers and catchers are working together.
Regardless, if it's the BLW series or Aflac or any other game, not sure why we have to put down anyone.
Not sure if this is true, but heard recently that in one state where they play the BLW series finals to move ahead, local coaches are out in full force. So how can that be a bad thing?
BTW, you will not find RHP or even LHP pitchers throwing mid 80 in a ML game unless they have had years of experience, to make up for loss of velocity.
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
What I want to know is why people are knocking these kids ?---they are doing something that others are not--give the kids credit AND they are on ESPN
THEY ARE ON ESPN ON A NATIONAL FEED PLAYING BASEBALL FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!!
How many times has your son been on national television playing baseball?
Shout to all of the people who applaud the kids who got a once in a lifetime opportunity to play in the Big League World Series on ESPN. I wish my son had played it 2010 when most of the garbage printed here was labeling these kids as rec players. That is totally untrue in 2014F and I am sure it was in 2010. The competition in this tournament was top shelf. There were many players ranked in the top 500 by perfect game and numerous draft picks playing. Many of the players on the 2014 championship team from Clearwater played for several highly regarded perfect game teams. Don't let the Little League label fool any of you. This was Perfect Game level baseball in Easley. Most of your "AAU" teams would have had your butts kicked by the Puerto Rican team which contained many Perfect Game ranked kids also. If you have a chance to get involved in Big League Baseball after the high school season ends do it. It is awesome competition and a great experience. If our sons were playing college ball we would be glad to invite you to Clearwater for a game. Play Big League Baseball. It rocks