Much of what you say has no validity with me either(or a lot of other posters for that matter) as I have been around you enough, listened to you at games enough, and watched enough of your antics over the years to consider the source.
I do like however at times to investigate what and why some people think like they do whether I consider their point valid or not. I especially at times like doing this with people like you, as at times I even agree with what you are saying.
I think we are talking about 2 different things here. There are a couple of individual events that are good for the young player. But without team there would be no individual events. I have seen Ken beat this dead horse over and over. Ken it is time to face reality!!!!! Times have changed. Some individual events are better for kids then a booty but tournament that they may play in at the time. I have been a big PG supporter until I found out that the Aflac game is the same time as the Connie Mack World Series. I would like to ask PG a question. If you pick a kid that is playing in the Connie Mack W.S do you think that he should leave his team to play in your event? Plan and simple a Yes or No question, not a long explanation just a short answer.
quote:Originally posted by iluvgoodbaseball:
Much of what you say has no validity with me either(or a lot of other posters for that matter) as I have been around you enough, listened to you at games enough, and watched enough of your antics over the years to consider the source.
Antics........hahahahah......
Again, posting under an alias gives your statement no credibility.
quote:I do like however at times to investigate what and why some people think like they do whether I consider their point valid or not. I especially at times like doing this with people like you, as at times I even agree with what you are saying.
When you gain experience, you will understand.
quote:Originally posted by Newscout:
I have seen Ken beat this dead horse over and over. Ken it is time to face reality!!!!! Times have changed.
You got that right, but I don't have to like it.
Ken,
I could catch bullpens for the next 20 years and never understand you. Doesn't matter one way or the other.
Just having a little fun on the web.
I could catch bullpens for the next 20 years and never understand you. Doesn't matter one way or the other.
Just having a little fun on the web.
quote:I have been a big PG supporter until I found out that the Aflac game is the same time as the Connie Mack World Series. I would like to ask PG a question. If you pick a kid that is playing in the Connie Mack W.S do you think that he should leave his team to play in your event? Plan and simple a Yes or No question, not a long explanation just a short answer.
NewGuy
Newscout,
The simple answer is NO, but… I can’t actually answer that question that easily.
First of all, you must understand that the Aflac Game is NOT our event. We select the players and run the baseball workouts at the event. We have absolutely nothing to do when it comes to choosing a site, the scheduled times, or the television scheduling. We don’t make the rules, we just pick the players.
That said, we have given our opinion regarding scheduling conflicts. In a perfect world a talented player would be able to attend all the events. It is not a perfect world! Aflac is an individual event and the very best individual event. I’m fairly certain that any player who ever played in the Aflac Game would agree. The whole event is a charity for curing pediatric cancer.
Now… We have recommended that Aflac and Area Codes work together as much as possible. Last year several Aflac players attended the Area Codes and left early to go to Aflac. In other words they did both! Same thing will be true this year with “some” players. However, the Aflac game is just one part of the total event and its purpose. Even more important is having these talented young kids visit the Childrens Hospital and try to provide some hope to some very seriously ill children. That is more important than any baseball event IMO!
Regarding the Connie Mack World Series… We strongly recommended that players on a team should not be torn apart by this decision. The truth is that there have been several Aflac players who were flown to the Aflac Site after their team was eliminated from the CMWS. That is because it is a TEAM event. A few players have been flown in the night before the Aflac Game because their team played in the CMWS Championship game the day before. This is exactly what happened to Eric Hosmer who played for Midland last year. Michael Burgess, Justin Jackson, Kentrail Davis, and several others have all finished the CMWS before showing up at the Aflac event.
Finally the Aflac Game has only 38 players! In the past it has never interfered with any TEAM event that I know of! Unfortunately it has interfered slightly with the Area Code Games a bit at times. However it involves 38 players in the entire country! Honestly I can’t understand how 38 players from coast to coast can cause so much ruckus. Especially the year before they are draft eligible! There are always some first rounders who everyone missed at this time of year. Why not give more players an opportunity.
Please understand… We hold many big tournaments where players leave their team for individual events. I don’t really like that from a selfish stand point! But it is what it is! There are several teams that will not allow there players to tryout for the USA Team. From a team perspective I can understand this. A commitment should be a commitment. However, If I want to do everything possible to help my kids and I have one who is capable of playing for Team USA, he will be excused from his committment to try out! Not saying that is the right thing to do, but it is what I would do in every case. There are always other players to replace him with! Sometimes when one player leaves another gets the chance to shine.
Sorry… I have to say this, being a wood bat believer. The only PURE baseball event is played with wood bats. That doesn’t mean that a METAL bat event can’t be unbelievable (College World Series). I know the odds of playing DI or Professional baseball, but those odds change drastically depending on which team a player is on. There are many teams in the country who have nearly all their players go on to play professional or DI baseball. The team that won our 17U tournament last night looks like U of South Carolinas entire recruiting class and others will have DI offers as well. The team they played against has nearly every player committed to DI schools including UCLA, Southern Cal, Oregon State, Cal State Fullerton, Arizona State, etc. If your on one of those teams the odds are greatly in your favor that you will be drafted or head to a national power college program. Those two teams are not alone!
Ken, Not sure what we are debating about? I appreciate and respect your opinion! Team should always come first, I’ve never believed differently! Perhaps the only thing where we might differ is that I believe team is everyone working to help everyone on the team. I believe there’s a way to accomplish both helping the player and helping the team with good communication, honesty and a little less selfishness.
I’ve written a lot here that could be picked apart I suppose. I don’t mind discussing this stuff as long as everyone has an open mind.
Well stated PG.
I also wanted to say thanks for a well run tournament in Atlanta. We were there for the 18u event and are planning to be back next yr.
I also wanted to say thanks for a well run tournament in Atlanta. We were there for the 18u event and are planning to be back next yr.
Team D... no accusations where made regarding picking up additional players. I agree that you should "dance with the one you brung" but as you stated, teams will pick up additional players due to length of tournament, injuries, etc...
My point was... it seems everyone does it at one time or another whether its the right thing to do or not.
My point was... it seems everyone does it at one time or another whether its the right thing to do or not.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:quote:I have been a big PG supporter until I found out that the Aflac game is the same time as the Connie Mack World Series. I would like to ask PG a question. If you pick a kid that is playing in the Connie Mack W.S do you think that he should leave his team to play in your event? Plan and simple a Yes or No question, not a long explanation just a short answer.
NewGuy
Newscout,
The simple answer is NO, but… I can’t actually answer that question that easily.
First of all, you must understand that the Aflac Game is NOT our event. We select the players and run the baseball workouts at the event. We have absolutely nothing to do when it comes to choosing a site, the scheduled times, or the television scheduling. We don’t make the rules, we just pick the players.
That said, we have given our opinion regarding scheduling conflicts. In a perfect world a talented player would be able to attend all the events. It is not a perfect world! Aflac is an individual event and the very best individual event. I’m fairly certain that any player who ever played in the Aflac Game would agree. The whole event is a charity for curing pediatric cancer.
Now… We have recommended that Aflac and Area Codes work together as much as possible. Last year several Aflac players attended the Area Codes and left early to go to Aflac. In other words they did both! Same thing will be true this year with “some” players. However, the Aflac game is just one part of the total event and its purpose. Even more important is having these talented young kids visit the Childrens Hospital and try to provide some hope to some very seriously ill children. That is more important than any baseball event IMO!
Regarding the Connie Mack World Series… We strongly recommended that players on a team should not be torn apart by this decision. The truth is that there have been several Aflac players who were flown to the Aflac Site after their team was eliminated from the CMWS. That is because it is a TEAM event. A few players have been flown in the night before the Aflac Game because their team played in the CMWS Championship game the day before. This is exactly what happened to Eric Hosmer who played for Midland last year. Michael Burgess, Justin Jackson, Kentrail Davis, and several others have all finished the CMWS before showing up at the Aflac event.
Finally the Aflac Game has only 38 players! In the past it has never interfered with any TEAM event that I know of! Unfortunately it has interfered slightly with the Area Code Games a bit at times. However it involves 38 players in the entire country! Honestly I can’t understand how 38 players from coast to coast can cause so much ruckus. Especially the year before they are draft eligible! There are always some first rounders who everyone missed at this time of year. Why not give more players an opportunity.
Please understand… We hold many big tournaments where players leave their team for individual events. I don’t really like that from a selfish stand point! But it is what it is! There are several teams that will not allow there players to tryout for the USA Team. From a team perspective I can understand this. A commitment should be a commitment. However, If I want to do everything possible to help my kids and I have one who is capable of playing for Team USA, he will be excused from his committment to try out! Not saying that is the right thing to do, but it is what I would do in every case. There are always other players to replace him with! Sometimes when one player leaves another gets the chance to shine.
Sorry… I have to say this, being a wood bat believer. The only PURE baseball event is played with wood bats. That doesn’t mean that a METAL bat event can’t be unbelievable (College World Series). I know the odds of playing DI or Professional baseball, but those odds change drastically depending on which team a player is on. There are many teams in the country who have nearly all their players go on to play professional or DI baseball. The team that won our 17U tournament last night looks like U of South Carolinas entire recruiting class and others will have DI offers as well. The team they played against has nearly every player committed to DI schools including UCLA, Southern Cal, Oregon State, Cal State Fullerton, Arizona State, etc. If your on one of those teams the odds are greatly in your favor that you will be drafted or head to a national power college program. Those two teams are not alone!
Ken, Not sure what we are debating about? I appreciate and respect your opinion! Team should always come first, I’ve never believed differently! Perhaps the only thing where we might differ is that I believe team is everyone working to help everyone on the team. I believe there’s a way to accomplish both helping the player and helping the team with good communication, honesty and a little less selfishness.
I’ve written a lot here that could be picked apart I suppose. I don’t mind discussing this stuff as long as everyone has an open mind.
I don't know what we are debating either.....
Because I pretty much agreed with everything your just wrote.
Here is a photo of the Diamond Devils taken at 10:30 last night in Marietta Georgia.
Midlo Dad:
You need to learn more about baseball in Virginia. In the summer of 2001, a Northern Virginia team, featuring Wyatt Toregas (later of Virginia Tech) advanced to Farmington and played in the Connie Mack World Series. They did not win, but did very well. So, to say that Virginia teams have not played AABC is simply not correct.
You need to learn more about baseball in Virginia. In the summer of 2001, a Northern Virginia team, featuring Wyatt Toregas (later of Virginia Tech) advanced to Farmington and played in the Connie Mack World Series. They did not win, but did very well. So, to say that Virginia teams have not played AABC is simply not correct.
Here is a couple from Farmington...
Midlo- ever heard of Virginia Barnstormers? If you are from VA and don't know them... I would question your knowledge.... that is like being from Dallas and not knowing Tigers, DBAT or Mustangs...
D-Mar; you are lost and confused.
PG- You are right about some teams have an easy walk to CMWS... though they are a great, storied program, Midland Redskins take the easy road EVERY year.... if you are from that area you know what I am talking about...
dbg- if you wanted to get seen by Dartmouth you should have gone to the Dallas Mustang Classic. Dartmouth has been coming there every year for about 6-8 years....
D-Mar; you are lost and confused.
PG- You are right about some teams have an easy walk to CMWS... though they are a great, storied program, Midland Redskins take the easy road EVERY year.... if you are from that area you know what I am talking about...
dbg- if you wanted to get seen by Dartmouth you should have gone to the Dallas Mustang Classic. Dartmouth has been coming there every year for about 6-8 years....
Did the Barnstormers play in AABC? How long ago?
Yes, I have heard of them, but did not know they'd played AABC. Did they have a league in northern VA? (They were based about 2 hours north of me.) If so, who were the other teams in the league?
FYI, the original Barnstormers don't really exist any more. A different coach is using the name for a 17u team now, but I'm not sure there is an 18u team any more.
Yes, I have heard of them, but did not know they'd played AABC. Did they have a league in northern VA? (They were based about 2 hours north of me.) If so, who were the other teams in the league?
FYI, the original Barnstormers don't really exist any more. A different coach is using the name for a 17u team now, but I'm not sure there is an 18u team any more.
quote:if you wanted to get seen by Dartmouth you should have gone to the Dallas Mustang Classic.
Mr. Deviled Egg,
Your response helps me illustrate the value of showcase or camp events. The DM Classic is a team event. Unless your team is invited you can't play. Sam really wasn't inclined to cooperate with the management of the team my son played on. So this was never an option.
Seriously though, there are few things less important than bickering over a few players who get to attend AFLAC, Area Code, or Jr Olympic tryouts.
Midlo:
The Barnstormers are the team to which I was referring. They were very good. If they don't exist any longer, that's a big loss to baseball in Virginia.
The Barnstormers are the team to which I was referring. They were very good. If they don't exist any longer, that's a big loss to baseball in Virginia.
PG,
That was a great answer. This is the reason that you guys have been successful and the other Top Guns, Midwest best have folded. The only thing is why can’t all you guys schedule these event in the middle of August? It would save a ton trouble.
That was a great answer. This is the reason that you guys have been successful and the other Top Guns, Midwest best have folded. The only thing is why can’t all you guys schedule these event in the middle of August? It would save a ton trouble.
I am late to this thread, but will put my two cents in. The experience my son had with Connie Mack last summer was unbeatable.
quote:Originally posted by KellerDad:
I am late to this thread, but will put my two cents in. The experience my son had with Connie Mack last summer was unbeatable.
Newscout,
We do not schedule anything that conflicts with the Connie Mack World Series, Area Code Games, East Coast Pro, Tournament of Stars, etc.
We do not schedule the Aflac Game... We simply pick the players and run the workouts. Many think we have something to do with the conflicts, but that just isn't true.
That said... I agree that everyone should work together for the benefit of the players involved. Unfortunately there is a very small window to hold these events without any conflicts. Football and start date of school creates problems with the Aflac Game. Several states have rules that disallow players to attend any type of all star game once their school has officially started. Sonny Gray (Tennessee) couldn't play in the Aflac Game last year because of this rule in that state.
I sure wish something could be done about these conflicts between great events.
We do not schedule anything that conflicts with the Connie Mack World Series, Area Code Games, East Coast Pro, Tournament of Stars, etc.
We do not schedule the Aflac Game... We simply pick the players and run the workouts. Many think we have something to do with the conflicts, but that just isn't true.
That said... I agree that everyone should work together for the benefit of the players involved. Unfortunately there is a very small window to hold these events without any conflicts. Football and start date of school creates problems with the Aflac Game. Several states have rules that disallow players to attend any type of all star game once their school has officially started. Sonny Gray (Tennessee) couldn't play in the Aflac Game last year because of this rule in that state.
I sure wish something could be done about these conflicts between great events.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
Newscout,
We do not schedule anything that conflicts with the Connie Mack World Series, Area Code Games, East Coast Pro, Tournament of Stars, etc.
We do not schedule the Aflac Game... We simply pick the players and run the workouts. Many think we have something to do with the conflicts, but that just isn't true.
That said... I agree that everyone should work together for the benefit of the players involved. Unfortunately there is a very small window to hold these events without any conflicts. Football and start date of school creates problems with the Aflac Game. Several states have rules that disallow players to attend any type of all star game once their school has officially started. Sonny Gray (Tennessee) couldn't play in the Aflac Game last year because of this rule in that state.
I sure wish something could be done about these conflicts between great events.
Hmmmmmmm.......
AFLAC- "PG, we sure are excited about you picking our players for the event. Please let us know what talent will be attending."
PG- "Thanks AFLAC, we sure are excited too. It's a been a pleasure to send you such great players over the years. Although we have one small request. We would like to propose a new date to accomidate our baseball leagues and tournaments across the country. I'm sure you would be on board with this and no drastic changes are needed. Just a slight calander adjustment."
2 ways this could turn out...
#1...
AFLAC- "Well, that sounds reasonable. Whatever date you propose is likely a good one. Knowing the knowledge you have in amatuer baseball events, we will adopt the date you suggest. After all, your hard work and efforts are sending us these players which makes the event."
#2...
AFLAC- "Well I'm sorry PG, but we just can't change. Please keep your opinions to yourself and just keep sending us those players."
PG- "For the benefit of the amatuer baseball community, PG will now host it's own AFLAC type event on a different date. Best of luck finding your players and I wish you all luck."
Seems pretty easy to me.
Ken,
I wish it were that easy. There are several other problems including Live National television scheduling and securing dates when an appropriate venue is available.
I see the problem as no one is willing to budge in the interest of the players or amateur baseball. It becomes somewhat of an ego thing in some cases. I do know there has been communication with other events, but no one seems to want to change their dates or even talk about that.
I think they are all wrong about this and something does need to be done. No one owns any date!
This started before Aflac held an event. Why is the CMWS and Area Codes the same dates? The Aflac Game only involves 38 players. If someone wants to attend Area Codes or stay with their team, they can and probably should, especially stay with their team. We would simply select a different player. There are many more than 38 players who are good enough to play in the Aflac Game. I know of a couple that we would select right now if we didn't have to turn in the names so early.
Though I understand what you're getting at... Once again it is not our event and we do not call the shots. We (PG) are not as powerful as some people think.
I do have to say... Aflac bends over backwards to help these players in most every way possible. All the proceeds go to Childrens Hospitals in the interest of finding a cure for pediatric cancer. The game is really about much more than the kids who play baseball. I'm sure every player who has ever attended completely understands that. We are very proud to be associated with this event! With or without the conflicts!
I wish it were that easy. There are several other problems including Live National television scheduling and securing dates when an appropriate venue is available.
I see the problem as no one is willing to budge in the interest of the players or amateur baseball. It becomes somewhat of an ego thing in some cases. I do know there has been communication with other events, but no one seems to want to change their dates or even talk about that.
I think they are all wrong about this and something does need to be done. No one owns any date!
This started before Aflac held an event. Why is the CMWS and Area Codes the same dates? The Aflac Game only involves 38 players. If someone wants to attend Area Codes or stay with their team, they can and probably should, especially stay with their team. We would simply select a different player. There are many more than 38 players who are good enough to play in the Aflac Game. I know of a couple that we would select right now if we didn't have to turn in the names so early.
Though I understand what you're getting at... Once again it is not our event and we do not call the shots. We (PG) are not as powerful as some people think.
I do have to say... Aflac bends over backwards to help these players in most every way possible. All the proceeds go to Childrens Hospitals in the interest of finding a cure for pediatric cancer. The game is really about much more than the kids who play baseball. I'm sure every player who has ever attended completely understands that. We are very proud to be associated with this event! With or without the conflicts!
Jerry,
I appreciate your approach in discussing this topic.
As I've said before, PG and staff have my respect. For whatever that's worth.
It's just nice to see someone discuss this in the open. And reading your responses gives me a different outlook on how things are done in regards to AFLAC.
I still think schedules need to change but to what lengths is unknown.
Keep up the good work and let me know if I can ever do anything for you.
Ken
I appreciate your approach in discussing this topic.
As I've said before, PG and staff have my respect. For whatever that's worth.
It's just nice to see someone discuss this in the open. And reading your responses gives me a different outlook on how things are done in regards to AFLAC.
I still think schedules need to change but to what lengths is unknown.
Keep up the good work and let me know if I can ever do anything for you.
Ken
Ken, you might ask Jerry if he needs any help at his showcases warming up pitchers between innings. I understand that typically pitchers at the showcases typically only throw an inning or two so I would think there would be some use for your skills and experience there.
Sorry but I couldn't help myself.
Sorry but I couldn't help myself.
quote:Originally posted by iluvgoodbaseball:
Ken, you might ask Jerry if he needs any help at his showcases warming up pitchers between innings. I understand that typically pitchers at the showcases typically only throw an inning or two so I would think there would be some use for your skills and experience there.
Sorry but I couldn't help myself.
I don't get your point?