Select teams are trying to take very good hs players and help them get scholarships, drafted, etc. In other words helping them get to the next level. They are also teaching them to be better citizens, people, sons, friends, etc.....
Why would anyone intentionally take a bunch of back ups and throw them in to the high level select ball to get their brains beat in? It makes no sense. It is one thing if you understand they are not very good and want them to develop by playing better talent, but winning, though it may not be the most important issue, it is still more fun than losing, which can be demoralizing if done constantly.
Frankly, the question makes no sense to me. I don't know why coaches would set out to intentionally breed mediocrity. There is a place for almost everyone to play, but elite, select, travel ball may not be the place for everyone. That is why there is legion, hs summer teams etc.
quote:Which of you coaches would take the backup catcher, the fourth outfielder, the third pitcher, the second shortstop..... and teach them all about life, help them contribute to their high school team, help them improve to where they can see and be seen.
The coaches that do the above should take the kids who did not make a good travel team and coach the summer hs team in a summer hs league. That would not lead to being seen much, so I would have them all go to a local juco, d2, etc, showcase.
The answer to the question by me would be, "Why do I want to take players that are back-ups and try to showcase players that people do not want to see. An elite team draws scouts and recruiters because of the talent they have and the reputation for finding good talent. If I as a coach took a bunch of mediocore or project players all the time...They would stop coming to see my team. Does that mean that I won't take a project or 2 from time to time? No I would if the talent was evident to me. I understand parents wanting to have their kids play at these levels. Parents also need to be honest about their kids talent and not push them to be something that they are not. Hopes and dreams are great and everyone should have them, but a dose of reality is something that these coaches spend a lot of time giving to the parents and not the kids. Find an appropriate level for your child. If that is D-Bat, then fine, but very few play at the level they do.
The question as it stands is loaded from the standpoint that you ask about taking back-ups and improving them to the point where they can be seen. At the same time you are asking where are those coaches. I just don't think that is a realistic combination or a recipe for success. If you settle for average talent all the time, the good talent will not come near you. So it may be a noble idea, it will be very hard to make it work. jmo