My son played in NECBL last summer for Newport Gulls.Teams are ran differently, so can't comment on individual teams, but the Gulls were awesome.
quote:Originally posted by doubleday:
My son (Freshman MIF @ D1 school in the Southeast) has agreed to play in the NECBL this coming summer. I haven't been able to hear any specifics on the league, just what I've been able to gather online. It looks like a well respected and well run league...any specific input from this well informed audience would be much appreciated.
The NECBL is a very good league. They always have a good crop of freshman D1 players in the league.
Son is a D1 frosh catcher who was offered a slot on an ACBL team, but I haven't seen the "contract". Good news...it would be close to home.
Son received his contract for the Prospect League today. Guess it's official now! I'm hoping he enjoys his summer away from home, and loves the day in and day out grind of the game.
Last week my son signed a contract with WoodStock in the Valley League. I'm looking forward to seeing that part of the country just up the road from hokieone and his team.
Awesome news for Jordan, congrats! Southwest Airlines from Houston-Hobby to Baltimore -BWI baby!
Let's go River Bandits.... unless playing the Express!
GED10DaD
Let's go River Bandits.... unless playing the Express!
GED10DaD
GED10, I can hardly wait! I'm already trying to figure out the best way to get there. Hope to see you as well as hokieone in person.
Fly into Dulles and rent a car, but avoid arriving between 7:00-9:00 a.m. and 3:30-6:30 p.m. to avoid rush hour traffic. Dulles to Woodstock drive time is about 65-75 minutes, I-66 West, then I-81 South. If you time it right, one conference team is Haymarket, roughly 20 minutes from Dulles so you can catch a game upon arrival.
From Baltimore, I'd take 70 West to Frederick, then over to Harpers Ferry, then Route 7 to Winchester, then I-81 South. From Baltimore to Strasburg is about 2 hours but not a bad drive at all. If you come via the Beltway, you'll hit a lot more traffic and won't get here any faster.
Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport at Staunton does have connecting flights from Dulles, and Staunton is about 45 minutes from Woodstock. The airport is no frills, but has rental car services and no crowds. (You'll walk from the plane into the terminal and your rental car will be just outside.) Staunton and Harrisonburg both have VBL teams so you can do the "land and catch a game" there too, but they're southern division teams so they play Woodstock only once near the airport.
From Baltimore, I'd take 70 West to Frederick, then over to Harpers Ferry, then Route 7 to Winchester, then I-81 South. From Baltimore to Strasburg is about 2 hours but not a bad drive at all. If you come via the Beltway, you'll hit a lot more traffic and won't get here any faster.
Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport at Staunton does have connecting flights from Dulles, and Staunton is about 45 minutes from Woodstock. The airport is no frills, but has rental car services and no crowds. (You'll walk from the plane into the terminal and your rental car will be just outside.) Staunton and Harrisonburg both have VBL teams so you can do the "land and catch a game" there too, but they're southern division teams so they play Woodstock only once near the airport.
3bagger, hope to see you at some games!
Son plays for Hokie's team.
YGD
Son plays for Hokie's team.
YGD
YoungGunDad,
Sounds like I'm outnumbered in this league!
Thanks for the directions hokieone, I'll certainly need them. Good luck to all you guys!
Sounds like I'm outnumbered in this league!
Thanks for the directions hokieone, I'll certainly need them. Good luck to all you guys!
Hello All,
Make sure to check out the Myrtle Beach Collegiate Summer Baseball League (aka The Beach League). In our inaugural season this June, The Beach League will host over 250 players from more than 115 different colleges, 32 different states, and 4 countries.
Here is a commercial recently posted for the league, one of many videos to come on BeachLeagueTV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9HccNoCbak
Please feel free to reach out with any questions: nick@mbcsbl.org
Make sure to check out the Myrtle Beach Collegiate Summer Baseball League (aka The Beach League). In our inaugural season this June, The Beach League will host over 250 players from more than 115 different colleges, 32 different states, and 4 countries.
Here is a commercial recently posted for the league, one of many videos to come on BeachLeagueTV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9HccNoCbak
Please feel free to reach out with any questions: nick@mbcsbl.org
Some summer league teams with long closed rosters are now experiencing some openings-this is the time of year where injuries, grades, or girls cause plans to change. In the Valley League, most teams lose 3-5 players right around now so players looking for last minute spots should be proactive. (We've lost 3, all due to injuries, but have filled them all before I get buried with e-mails...)
If you're a player sending last minute e-mails:
(1). Don't be modest-sell yourself. Sound like you're educated. Typos and misspellings start you off in a hole.
(2). One liner e-mails are not impressive.
(3). Take the time to learn the correct name of the coach or GM and get it right when you e-mail them. I've gotten e-mails asking for an opportunity but the name of the team and my name are both wrong... not good.
(4). Pitchers-give your stats and your attributes, and realize that the word of the day is often "control". "Velocity" will get you noticed and a combination of the two will catch the eyes of summer teams.
(5). Realize that if you are young and your PT at your college has been very limited, there's not much to analyze, especially for position players, and you have an uphill climb.
If you're a player sending last minute e-mails:
(1). Don't be modest-sell yourself. Sound like you're educated. Typos and misspellings start you off in a hole.
(2). One liner e-mails are not impressive.
(3). Take the time to learn the correct name of the coach or GM and get it right when you e-mail them. I've gotten e-mails asking for an opportunity but the name of the team and my name are both wrong... not good.
(4). Pitchers-give your stats and your attributes, and realize that the word of the day is often "control". "Velocity" will get you noticed and a combination of the two will catch the eyes of summer teams.
(5). Realize that if you are young and your PT at your college has been very limited, there's not much to analyze, especially for position players, and you have an uphill climb.
Just bumping this up-recruiting for summer ball 2013 is well underway.
A lot of schools are already actively seeking to place their players, and a lot of summer clubs are now contacting the college coaches. Most schools wait till their players are back on campus but it all happens pretty quickly-rosters in the "upper tier" leagues and others get relatively full by the end of September. The "Big Dog" schools (ACC, SEC, etc.) place their Cape Cod guys first, then the rest follow by mid to late September. These coaches get a lot of calls from summer clubs so they can be pretty selective.
As is said on here often, some programs are very active placing players and others not-so-much.
Easiest players to place: pitchers, especially starting pitchers with experience. Velocity can get younger guys placed-with teams carrying 12-15 pitchers, a chance can be taken on an unproven freshman that throws 92-93.
Hardest to place: freshman position players, especially from lesser known schools. With no track record against good pitching, it's hard to judge these guys and as most summer clubs carry the bare minimum number of position players needed, the willingness to gamble is much less than on pitchers.
A lot of schools are already actively seeking to place their players, and a lot of summer clubs are now contacting the college coaches. Most schools wait till their players are back on campus but it all happens pretty quickly-rosters in the "upper tier" leagues and others get relatively full by the end of September. The "Big Dog" schools (ACC, SEC, etc.) place their Cape Cod guys first, then the rest follow by mid to late September. These coaches get a lot of calls from summer clubs so they can be pretty selective.
As is said on here often, some programs are very active placing players and others not-so-much.
Easiest players to place: pitchers, especially starting pitchers with experience. Velocity can get younger guys placed-with teams carrying 12-15 pitchers, a chance can be taken on an unproven freshman that throws 92-93.
Hardest to place: freshman position players, especially from lesser known schools. With no track record against good pitching, it's hard to judge these guys and as most summer clubs carry the bare minimum number of position players needed, the willingness to gamble is much less than on pitchers.
My son played in 3 summer leagues, Northwoods, Valley and Coastal. He was always placed by mid-September.
Coach talked to my son today. His coach wants to put him in the Prospect or the Great lakes league.
He is a Sophomore Left handed pitcher. Freshman year he was one or two on the staff with a 1.86 ERA in 58 innings pitched. I know ERA is not the best indicator but it is what I have. My perception is that these two leagues are very similar talent wise depending on the team. The Great lakes has a shorter season so that is his coaches preference but he is leaving it up to my son.
What is others opinions? If it was your son what league would you prefer?
He is a Sophomore Left handed pitcher. Freshman year he was one or two on the staff with a 1.86 ERA in 58 innings pitched. I know ERA is not the best indicator but it is what I have. My perception is that these two leagues are very similar talent wise depending on the team. The Great lakes has a shorter season so that is his coaches preference but he is leaving it up to my son.
What is others opinions? If it was your son what league would you prefer?
Perfect Game ranked the two leagues fairly close this summer (9th for Prospect and 12th for Great Lakes), so quality of baseball is probably comparable.
Looking at the geographic footprint of the two leagues, if I were a dad living in Ohio, I'd push for Great Lakes so I could see more games.
Best wishes,
Looking at the geographic footprint of the two leagues, if I were a dad living in Ohio, I'd push for Great Lakes so I could see more games.
Best wishes,
quote:Originally posted by Swampboy:
Perfect Game ranked the two leagues fairly close this summer (9th for Prospect and 12th for Great Lakes), so quality of baseball is probably comparable.
Looking at the geographic footprint of the two leagues, if I were a dad living in Ohio, I'd push for Great Lakes so I could see more games.
Best wishes,
Is that premium content. I went out to PG's site and could not find it. If it is not premium content could you include a link?
If you can send me the link too, that would be great...I looked around too but couldn't find it...
My Son played in the Prospect League in 2010 & 2011, and was invited to play on another team in that league last Summer. He decided to go to the Great Lakes League primarily for the shorter season and much less travel.
Prospect League just went to 60 games this last Summer, which IMO is too many. It was basically a move to increase revenue, as 2 teams folded the year before, and a couple others were hurting.
I might rank the Prospect League a bit higher maybe on overall talent? Great Lakes League was more balanced, though, and I think my Son only had 2 or 3 overnight trips.
If my Son was a pitcher and I lived in Columbus, Ohio, it would be a no-brainer for me. Great Lakes League.
PM me if you want more info.
Prospect League just went to 60 games this last Summer, which IMO is too many. It was basically a move to increase revenue, as 2 teams folded the year before, and a couple others were hurting.
I might rank the Prospect League a bit higher maybe on overall talent? Great Lakes League was more balanced, though, and I think my Son only had 2 or 3 overnight trips.
If my Son was a pitcher and I lived in Columbus, Ohio, it would be a no-brainer for me. Great Lakes League.
PM me if you want more info.
Bishop,
My son is a pitcher and has played in both leagues, and if he was forced to choose, he would choose the Prospect League.
Talent wise, the leagues were very similar Both leagues had their share of MLB-prospect type players. A pitcher from my son's Prospect League team was drafted after the summer season started and left the team to sign. I can't speak to the quality of the coaches throughout each league, but I know that my son preferred his Prospect League coaches to the Great Lakes coaches. He just preferred their attitude about the game. GL coaches more or less had the attitude of "hey, this is summer, let's have some fun", while the PL coaches, while not pressuring the players, make it clear that they expected to win.
With the talent level being equal, the thing that really sold it for my son was the atmosphere. PL teams mostly play in stadiums, with a few teams using college facilities. GLL teams mostly use college facilities, with a few using high school fields. I think the difference mainly lies with the fact that you have to buy a ticket to see PL games, but not GLL games. My son's team's average attendance was just over 1,500. Not all teams in the league had attendance numbers that high. I would guess the league average was between 800-900.
Overall, I think the PL experience was much closer to a minor league experience than what you will find in the GLL. The other posters to this thread all had valid points, its just a matter of what you and your son expect from the summer. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
My son is a pitcher and has played in both leagues, and if he was forced to choose, he would choose the Prospect League.
Talent wise, the leagues were very similar Both leagues had their share of MLB-prospect type players. A pitcher from my son's Prospect League team was drafted after the summer season started and left the team to sign. I can't speak to the quality of the coaches throughout each league, but I know that my son preferred his Prospect League coaches to the Great Lakes coaches. He just preferred their attitude about the game. GL coaches more or less had the attitude of "hey, this is summer, let's have some fun", while the PL coaches, while not pressuring the players, make it clear that they expected to win.
With the talent level being equal, the thing that really sold it for my son was the atmosphere. PL teams mostly play in stadiums, with a few teams using college facilities. GLL teams mostly use college facilities, with a few using high school fields. I think the difference mainly lies with the fact that you have to buy a ticket to see PL games, but not GLL games. My son's team's average attendance was just over 1,500. Not all teams in the league had attendance numbers that high. I would guess the league average was between 800-900.
Overall, I think the PL experience was much closer to a minor league experience than what you will find in the GLL. The other posters to this thread all had valid points, its just a matter of what you and your son expect from the summer. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
quote:Originally posted by OH BBMom:
Bishop,
My son is a pitcher and has played in both leagues, and if he was forced to choose, he would choose the Prospect League.
Talent wise, the leagues were very similar Both leagues had their share of MLB-prospect type players. A pitcher from my son's Prospect League team was drafted after the summer season started and left the team to sign. I can't speak to the quality of the coaches throughout each league, but I know that my son preferred his Prospect League coaches to the Great Lakes coaches. He just preferred their attitude about the game. GL coaches more or less had the attitude of "hey, this is summer, let's have some fun", while the PL coaches, while not pressuring the players, make it clear that they expected to win.
With the talent level being equal, the thing that really sold it for my son was the atmosphere. PL teams mostly play in stadiums, with a few teams using college facilities. GLL teams mostly use college facilities, with a few using high school fields. I think the difference mainly lies with the fact that you have to buy a ticket to see PL games, but not GLL games. My son's team's average attendance was just over 1,500. Not all teams in the league had attendance numbers that high. I would guess the league average was between 800-900.
Overall, I think the PL experience was much closer to a minor league experience than what you will find in the GLL. The other posters to this thread all had valid points, its just a matter of what you and your son expect from the summer. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
As mentioned in my previous post,my Son played in both leagues also.
First of all,the GLL Coach we had was super-competitive and played every game to win. Not sure I saw any opposing Coach who had the attitude you describe?
Actually, the PL Coach he had for 2 years was super laid-back.
Admission is charged at several GLL stadiums. S.Ohio Copperheads averaged over 800 fans, and play in a great facility.
Thanks to all who replied, I have reviewed these with my son. I would be happy if he plays in either league. Looks like more than likely that he will end up in the GLL. His coach prefers the shorter season. He is young for a sophomore, just turned 19 a few days ago. His coach wants the shorter season because he is a pitcher and he wants to make sure he does not over use his arm. He pitched a lot last spring and this summer and anticipates that he will pitch a lot this coming spring.
As I get more info I will most likely PM all of you.
As I get more info I will most likely PM all of you.
My freshman son's coach has already talked to him about summer ball and he is already pretty certain where he will be playing. It seems so soon...school started just two weeks ago, but I understand that is they way it is!
I also appreciate all of the feedback from those of you who have been there.
Thank you!
I also appreciate all of the feedback from those of you who have been there.
Thank you!
News from the Great Lakes League, after 14 years, the Stark County Terriers are suspending operations in the GLL beginning with the 2013 season. Financial concerns were cited for the reason. They will still continue to field a team in the Tri-State Collegiate league, as well as 18U and 16U high school teams.
That puts the great lakes league at 10 teams.
Can anyone give us some insight into the PGCBL? Son, junior D1 catcher has an offer but we don't know much about the league. Thanks!
The PGCBL is a good league. There are about 5 or 6 leagues that I would consider "better" ones, but it's a good league.
Looks like son will be playing with the Licking County Settlers in the Great Lakes League. We are very excited for him.
Our son has signed his contract for the Fayetteville SwampDogs of the CPL for coming summer! East coast here we come!
Your son will love playing at the Swamp! My son spent 3 seasons there, I would have to say that those seasons were some of the most enjoyable. Make an effort to go. Their 4th of July event, usually the Friday before the 4th is huge with 6000 fans.
A great experience awaits your guy!
A great experience awaits your guy!
floridafan,
Thanks for the info! We intend to fly out for a few days this summer. This will be his last year of summer ball. It will be bittersweet, I'm sure.
Thanks for the info! We intend to fly out for a few days this summer. This will be his last year of summer ball. It will be bittersweet, I'm sure.
Anyone know if the Cal Ripken League will be expanding again this year -- adding the Gaithersburg Giants to the League?
Im gonna go out on a limb here but, if you already know the name of a new team it would seem you know something already about an expansion team.
I a bumping this up. The summer leagues are coming to an end but will soon start looking for players for next year.People should realize that this process starts in the Fall, but players may be able to find a place as late as spring.
I know a pitcher that had a very successful summer in the Great lakes as a relief pitcher who was not placed till after the season started.
Good luck to all.
The process actually is already under way somewhat for 2014. We've had calls from 2-3 college coaches about placements for 2014. And the Valley League 2013 season just ended last night...
Originally Posted by hokieone:
The process actually is already under way somewhat for 2014. We've had calls from 2-3 college coaches about placements for 2014. And the Valley League 2013 season just ended last night...
Congratulations to the Express on making it to the championship, Hokie.
My son had a wonderful experience with the Florida Collegiate Summer League. It's a small league, six teams all relatively close to Orlando. Many of the coaches were scouts or had other MLB experience. The championship game was held at Tropicana Field.
Bumping this up. Recruiting is well under way most places. A number of schools, typically your "higher level" types such as ACC, SEC, etc. like to get their players in and have a couple weeks of practice before figuring out summer assignments. These schools are normally well known to have serious talent so they have the luxury of having summer teams "hold a spot", kind of like the college version of a "player to be named later". We're holding 4 spots for a couple top 20 programs and have no doubt they will be well filled. For the players and parents, know that many schools are very active (some send a bulk e-mail with detailed write-ups on available players), while others literally do nothing. Good pitchers can always find a spot-93 is 93 no matter where you play, but position players less so, and position players with no college track record (frosh) are the hardest to place. College Coach, and sometimes an MLB scout, recommendations are huge. If you are placing yourself, and some players have to do that, make your e-mails catchy and informative, and sell yourself a bit. I literally receive this in my morning e-mail:
"Interested in trying to find a place for summer ball for next year. I play at XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX University. I am a sophomore outfielder."
Describe your best tools and show a little personality, and put contact info for your coach. Most e-mails like this one get ignored. (FYI: I'm not totally heartless-I am responding suggesting how this kid needs to jazz up his offering)
I have a question about this. I know at my son's school - a D2, they don't really look into placing pitchers until the season is done or close to it. I think they want to wait and see how many innings a pitcher pitches during the season. If it's not a ton, they want the player in a summer league. If they pitched a lot, I think they would rather have him rest. Is this common? Will some of the more premier leagues hold open spots for pitchers in this situation? My son played this past summer in a local summer league and it wasn't a problem for him to hook up with a team, but I'm wondering about the more prestigious leagues and how they handle this.
Most pitchers with high inning counts are rested during the summer but some play with strict inning limits. Pitchers are signed all year and as most teams care 12-17, a good pitcher can always find a spot. It is not unusual for a pitcher to sign but then be withdrawn if their spring innings are high. Summer teams watch the spring innings closely and if a signee starts looking iffy, you just adjust. More pitchers seems to cancel out in the late spring than any other position. We had 5 players come up lame last spring that had signed and 4 were pitchers. Many college coaches talk with the summer teams and get a clear understanding as to work load limits. (We've had coaches be so specific it almost wasn't worth signing a kid-for example, "No more than 65 pitches, at least 5 days between appearances" was one request.)