2004 Area Code Baseball is Coming!
http://studentsports.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=274980
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Already have the invite and the date circled!!!
It's unfortunate, but this year's AFLAC All-American High School Baseball Classic will be held the same time in August as the AREA CODE™ GAMES in Long Beach. 
WOW, so, I wonder who will win the struggle of this contest of showcase powers,
Bob Williams, the father of showcase baseball who has lost touch with the progression of baseball in the 1990's and the 21st Century or The Jerry Ford family and Perfect Game, the new up and coming power, with cutting edge, forward thinking and advanced measures in baseball today ?
My thoughts are that PG, the Ford family and AFLAC will prevail within the '05 class !!
What are other's thoughts on this situation ?
Thanks for the repsonses, it will be interesting to read what everyone thinks.
IMHO, Bob Williams had a GREAT idea many years ago when he began the Area Code Games, but, time has passed him by and he remains like the blacksmith who was left thinking, "why don't we have any business anymore ?" as he watched people riding in their "horseless carriages" up and down main street.........
Bob Williams, the father of showcase baseball who has lost touch with the progression of baseball in the 1990's and the 21st Century or The Jerry Ford family and Perfect Game, the new up and coming power, with cutting edge, forward thinking and advanced measures in baseball today ?
My thoughts are that PG, the Ford family and AFLAC will prevail within the '05 class !!
What are other's thoughts on this situation ?
Thanks for the repsonses, it will be interesting to read what everyone thinks.
IMHO, Bob Williams had a GREAT idea many years ago when he began the Area Code Games, but, time has passed him by and he remains like the blacksmith who was left thinking, "why don't we have any business anymore ?" as he watched people riding in their "horseless carriages" up and down main street.........
It will be too bad for hundreds and even thousands of kids if The Area Code Games go as some of you predict. It is the only one of the 'showcases' that does not charge the participants anything and still offers them outstanding exposure to college coaches and major league scouts. It is unfortunate that the marketing of other events which were originally designed (the American Dream, free enterprise, etc) to make the organizers money (maybe even rich).
Bob Williams, his son, and the Area Code games have not lost touch with the baseball progression in the 90s, they just refused to us the AC games as a money making venture for themselves.
Just my opinion.
Bob Williams, his son, and the Area Code games have not lost touch with the baseball progression in the 90s, they just refused to us the AC games as a money making venture for themselves.
Just my opinion.
FYI -------
IMHO on my post had NOTHING to do with $$$, it has EVERYTHING to do with the times in which we live.
IMHO on my post had NOTHING to do with $$$, it has EVERYTHING to do with the times in which we live.
baseball1---
you asked for other people's thoughts, and that is what I gave.....all the showcases are measuring the same things and showcasing players in front of the same people, the major differences are in the costs and publicity....I didn't knock anybody or any showcase events (like you did), I simply gave you my thoughts, just what you were looking for.
you asked for other people's thoughts, and that is what I gave.....all the showcases are measuring the same things and showcasing players in front of the same people, the major differences are in the costs and publicity....I didn't knock anybody or any showcase events (like you did), I simply gave you my thoughts, just what you were looking for.
Not to defend Mr. Williams, since his fine record speaks for itself, I believe that the Area Code games was "purchased" by an organization known as Student Sports a few years ago and it is not truly "run" by him as it was in the past.
Plus my observation is that many MLB teams have dropped out of the Area Code games and no longer participate so they can run their own "elite/scout" programs.
Bottom line IMO is that all these programs are great and help kids get seen, which is critical and the more the merrier since it is not always easy to travel countrywide to participate.
Plus my observation is that many MLB teams have dropped out of the Area Code games and no longer participate so they can run their own "elite/scout" programs.
Bottom line IMO is that all these programs are great and help kids get seen, which is critical and the more the merrier since it is not always easy to travel countrywide to participate.
"Hey Batter" and friends;
Yes, Student Sports purchased the Area Code Games in 2002. My responsibility is to select the best players with the cooperation of the Expos, Rangers, White Sox, Mariners and Brewers scouts. Since the games commenced in 1987, many "showcases", elite teams have appeared on the scene.
For 19 years we have always played the games early August and the baseball organizations have respected these dates, until this year.
The "All Star" game mentioned is to be played August 6, 2004 and the Area Code™ games will be played August 3-9, 2004. Fox TV will film the Nike Area Code "All Star" games during this schedule. Each team will play 6 games, a total of 49 innings. This will be a "great" year for the players who attend the Area Code games.
Each player invited will receive an "experience of his lifetime" and an opportunity in 7 days to learn the art of "creativity" and the "inside game of baseball" from professional scouts/coaches and former Major League players.
The Dodgers and Angels have "elite" teams, which is a decision of their scouting staff and provides the Los Angeles players additional opportunites. We have and will continue to cooperate with their programs.
The States of California, Hawaii, Nevada are the Milwaukee Brewers and they will form 2 teams from their three tryouts. Arizona, Utah, Colorado players have been invited to the "Scouting Combine" tryouts June 21-23 at Blair Field.
As always, it is necessary to emphaize the opportunity for "teaching" in our"scouting combine" program. We are all teachers of baseball and of life.
Thank you, I am hopeful this will answer your questions.
Bob Williams
Yes, Student Sports purchased the Area Code Games in 2002. My responsibility is to select the best players with the cooperation of the Expos, Rangers, White Sox, Mariners and Brewers scouts. Since the games commenced in 1987, many "showcases", elite teams have appeared on the scene.
For 19 years we have always played the games early August and the baseball organizations have respected these dates, until this year.
The "All Star" game mentioned is to be played August 6, 2004 and the Area Code™ games will be played August 3-9, 2004. Fox TV will film the Nike Area Code "All Star" games during this schedule. Each team will play 6 games, a total of 49 innings. This will be a "great" year for the players who attend the Area Code games.
Each player invited will receive an "experience of his lifetime" and an opportunity in 7 days to learn the art of "creativity" and the "inside game of baseball" from professional scouts/coaches and former Major League players.
The Dodgers and Angels have "elite" teams, which is a decision of their scouting staff and provides the Los Angeles players additional opportunites. We have and will continue to cooperate with their programs.
The States of California, Hawaii, Nevada are the Milwaukee Brewers and they will form 2 teams from their three tryouts. Arizona, Utah, Colorado players have been invited to the "Scouting Combine" tryouts June 21-23 at Blair Field.
As always, it is necessary to emphaize the opportunity for "teaching" in our"scouting combine" program. We are all teachers of baseball and of life.
Thank you, I am hopeful this will answer your questions.
Bob Williams
Mr Williams, my son was at the Area Code tryouts last year in Naperville, it was a very well run event.
We have also attended PG events and probably will again, but there is no way that my son wants to miss this years AC tryout. Thank you for what you do for the kids.
We have also attended PG events and probably will again, but there is no way that my son wants to miss this years AC tryout. Thank you for what you do for the kids.
Mr. Williams if a player attends the June 19th Expos' clinic can he be invited to the tryout on the 20th or is the clinic only a tryout for the the Australia trip? Thanks.
NYC pitcher;
Absolutely. The Expos professional scouts will select players for the 20 June tryout.
This is the objective of the Nike 6th Tool Clinics - "to teach" and "to evaluate".
Please have your questions ready "how can I get better". What can I do to improve my tools?
Bob Williams
Absolutely. The Expos professional scouts will select players for the 20 June tryout.
This is the objective of the Nike 6th Tool Clinics - "to teach" and "to evaluate".
Please have your questions ready "how can I get better". What can I do to improve my tools?
Bob Williams
Baseball1- What do you gain by putting others down in the fashion that you did? Without people like Bob Williams, you and I (along with Jeff Spelman, the Fords, etc.) would not be doing what we're doing now.
Rob,
I was merely stating fact, I was NOT putting anyone down!!!!!!!!
Wake up and see what is going on in the world.
Bob Williams provided a GREAT beginning into showcase baseball, however, he has not "changed with the times" and is getting lost in the shuffle, as you will see evidenced by the continued lack of participation in Area Code Games.
Be it clear to you and everyone else, this is NOT a BASH, it is truth. Why don't you stop countering EVERY post, action or statement I make in this cyber arena (and everywhere else) and just work to get along ?
I was merely stating fact, I was NOT putting anyone down!!!!!!!!
Wake up and see what is going on in the world.
Bob Williams provided a GREAT beginning into showcase baseball, however, he has not "changed with the times" and is getting lost in the shuffle, as you will see evidenced by the continued lack of participation in Area Code Games.
Be it clear to you and everyone else, this is NOT a BASH, it is truth. Why don't you stop countering EVERY post, action or statement I make in this cyber arena (and everywhere else) and just work to get along ?
baseball1
PM please
PM please
Both the AFLAC game and the Area Code games are free to the player. The AFLAC game also includes transportation to/from the event for the player.
Both are great events. Our son was fortunate to do both last summer. I doubt he will forget his great experiences from both events for a long time...I know his parents won't.
Unfortunately, there are so many conflicts throughout the summer now, that any event is finding it hard to be conflict-free. Remember last summer when the AFLAC had to bench the Florida players due to some Florida HS Baseball rule? Then there's the Connie Mack World Series which features a number of the absolute top players trying to win a national championship in the late summer and in conflict with other events too.
The "system" or "business" appears to be growing to me, and while it is expanding, there will be growing pains. Sounds like this is one of them. I can see different types of benefits from both of these events and would be hard-pressed to say which one we would have chosen if the conflict existed last year...even knowing the aftermath of both.
Bottom line, if you have an opportunity to go to either, I don't think you'll be disappointed from the experience.
Both are great events. Our son was fortunate to do both last summer. I doubt he will forget his great experiences from both events for a long time...I know his parents won't.
Unfortunately, there are so many conflicts throughout the summer now, that any event is finding it hard to be conflict-free. Remember last summer when the AFLAC had to bench the Florida players due to some Florida HS Baseball rule? Then there's the Connie Mack World Series which features a number of the absolute top players trying to win a national championship in the late summer and in conflict with other events too.
The "system" or "business" appears to be growing to me, and while it is expanding, there will be growing pains. Sounds like this is one of them. I can see different types of benefits from both of these events and would be hard-pressed to say which one we would have chosen if the conflict existed last year...even knowing the aftermath of both.
Bottom line, if you have an opportunity to go to either, I don't think you'll be disappointed from the experience.
Mike- Comparing somebody to a blacksmith wondering about people in their horseless carriage is not bashing? Furthermore, I deal with what is going on in this world of baseball every day. I'm trying to help those kids that have been in my program for the last 12 years balance Perfect Game nationals, Area Codes, Team One, Jr. Sunbelt, Joplin, etc. while still having them play in a team setting and not get burned out. Regarding countering every post, you asked for feedback. I thought your take was classless and unneccessary. I had a nice talk with Steve M. a few months ago about this exact issue and told him I wouldn't even bother to react. This is my last post directed to you. I will not bother as nobody wins. We will always be polar opposites in our philosophy about summer programs. I know why I do it and how I do it and can sleep at night. Good luck to you.
Rob, you DA' MAN !!!
hahah!!
Unfortunately, this requires a reply.
First, Perfect Game's involvement in the AFLAC Classic includes nothing more than selecting the players and running the workout portion of the event. That is what was asked of us and that is all we do.
Perfect Game has nothing to do with the Television schedule, the Stadium arrangements, or the dates associated with the event. Perfect Game does not profit "a dime" and in fact, we spend several thousands of dollars just trying to help out this great event.
PG did advise regarding the conflicts with the Area Codes and the Connie Mack World Series. The Connie Mack World Series decided to change their starting dates in order to work with the AFLAC Classic. They agreed that the AFLAC Nationally televised event was a great thing for the game of baseball.
We have absolutely no reason or intent to hurt the Area Code Games. We have always told talented players, who have asked, that the Area Codes and the East Coast Pro are among the very best events they could possibly attend. And they still are!
We tried (unsuccessfully) to get the dates changed for the AFLAC Classic. Contracts (National Television and Stadium) had been established. To change the AFLAC date would have meant losing the National Television date.
AFLAC players pay nothing to attend, nothing for lodging, travel, meals, equipment, etc.
All proceeds from the event go to the "Children's Hospital for Pediatric Cancer". The players visit the Children at the hospital during their stay. Last year at the players banquet, Stan Musial was the featured guest. I think Cal Ripken and others will be involved this year.
Perfect Game is involved because this is a great promotion for high school baseball and baseball in General. "Millions" of people will see highest level high school baseball. It is GREAT for the game of baseball as well as the talented players involved.
Among the many things we are involved with, the most important part of our mission has always been "to promote the game of baseball to the best of our ability" The AFLAC Classic is a great promotion of the game.
This is not a Bob Williams vs Jerry Ford thing. This is not a Area Codes vs Perfect Game thing. My sincere hope is that something in the future can be worked out so there are no conflicts.
I will agree with Bob regarding the lack of teaching creativity. The AFLAC Classic or Perfect Game events are not involved with teaching creativity. In fact, we teach at our clinics and give instruction elsewhere. At our showcases and tournaments, we are there to see how good the players are and to evaluate tools.
However, the players that attended the AFLAC Classic last year surely learned a lot. Things that will help them greatly as they continue their baseball careers. This year, the players will learn even more important things, such as the proper way the sign a baseball, handle interviews, and other baseball related items.
In closing, PG's #1 goal is to promote baseball. We have no interest in stepping on any toes or creating enemies. The people who run the AFLAC Classic are the same people who run the "McDonalds All American High School Basketball" event telivised each year on ESPN. They are very good at what they do and they chose us to be the selection group for the event. Other than that we have "no say" in the operation. While it is an honor when some think we run the AFLAC Classic, nothing could be further from the truth. If we did, there wouldn't be any scheduling conflicts.
Thank you
First, Perfect Game's involvement in the AFLAC Classic includes nothing more than selecting the players and running the workout portion of the event. That is what was asked of us and that is all we do.
Perfect Game has nothing to do with the Television schedule, the Stadium arrangements, or the dates associated with the event. Perfect Game does not profit "a dime" and in fact, we spend several thousands of dollars just trying to help out this great event.
PG did advise regarding the conflicts with the Area Codes and the Connie Mack World Series. The Connie Mack World Series decided to change their starting dates in order to work with the AFLAC Classic. They agreed that the AFLAC Nationally televised event was a great thing for the game of baseball.
We have absolutely no reason or intent to hurt the Area Code Games. We have always told talented players, who have asked, that the Area Codes and the East Coast Pro are among the very best events they could possibly attend. And they still are!
We tried (unsuccessfully) to get the dates changed for the AFLAC Classic. Contracts (National Television and Stadium) had been established. To change the AFLAC date would have meant losing the National Television date.
AFLAC players pay nothing to attend, nothing for lodging, travel, meals, equipment, etc.
All proceeds from the event go to the "Children's Hospital for Pediatric Cancer". The players visit the Children at the hospital during their stay. Last year at the players banquet, Stan Musial was the featured guest. I think Cal Ripken and others will be involved this year.
Perfect Game is involved because this is a great promotion for high school baseball and baseball in General. "Millions" of people will see highest level high school baseball. It is GREAT for the game of baseball as well as the talented players involved.
Among the many things we are involved with, the most important part of our mission has always been "to promote the game of baseball to the best of our ability" The AFLAC Classic is a great promotion of the game.
This is not a Bob Williams vs Jerry Ford thing. This is not a Area Codes vs Perfect Game thing. My sincere hope is that something in the future can be worked out so there are no conflicts.
I will agree with Bob regarding the lack of teaching creativity. The AFLAC Classic or Perfect Game events are not involved with teaching creativity. In fact, we teach at our clinics and give instruction elsewhere. At our showcases and tournaments, we are there to see how good the players are and to evaluate tools.
However, the players that attended the AFLAC Classic last year surely learned a lot. Things that will help them greatly as they continue their baseball careers. This year, the players will learn even more important things, such as the proper way the sign a baseball, handle interviews, and other baseball related items.
In closing, PG's #1 goal is to promote baseball. We have no interest in stepping on any toes or creating enemies. The people who run the AFLAC Classic are the same people who run the "McDonalds All American High School Basketball" event telivised each year on ESPN. They are very good at what they do and they chose us to be the selection group for the event. Other than that we have "no say" in the operation. While it is an honor when some think we run the AFLAC Classic, nothing could be further from the truth. If we did, there wouldn't be any scheduling conflicts.
Thank you
While the AFLAC game sounds great in theory, it has a few problem last year.
scheduled in July in Maryland then moved to August in Florida and bring problem that all the FL players could not play or about 1/3 the roster.
this year head to head against Area Code Games and Connie Mack World Series. A number of MLB scouts have been saying that was a big mistake and very poor planning by AFLAC.
this is gonna make players have to choose between area code and aflac
scheduled in July in Maryland then moved to August in Florida and bring problem that all the FL players could not play or about 1/3 the roster.
this year head to head against Area Code Games and Connie Mack World Series. A number of MLB scouts have been saying that was a big mistake and very poor planning by AFLAC.
this is gonna make players have to choose between area code and aflac
Or Connie Mack.
If your son play summer ball for a Connie Mack team going to the World Series, what he is going to do?
I think that scouts are gonna have to split time, and the talent, the same. About Area Code? It's ok for kids from the west, we got the East Pro in the east.
If your son play summer ball for a Connie Mack team going to the World Series, what he is going to do?
I think that scouts are gonna have to split time, and the talent, the same. About Area Code? It's ok for kids from the west, we got the East Pro in the east.
The same thing goes for the East Coast Pro Showcase...it used to be in August after the summer schedule was over...now its in July forcing some players to deside on their summer long comittment and this showcase....?
There is a solution...as AFLAC, Area Codes, East Coast Pro organizers need to get together well in advance and plan strategic dates in August and early September to have their events. Now summer comittments will be over and the individual spotlight can happen for these players.
Will it happen? We will see!
There is a solution...as AFLAC, Area Codes, East Coast Pro organizers need to get together well in advance and plan strategic dates in August and early September to have their events. Now summer comittments will be over and the individual spotlight can happen for these players.
Will it happen? We will see!
Attending Area Code games, Connie Mack World Series, accepting an invitation to Aflac is all about choices and thank goodness our kids have choices. Many thanks to all of these organizations for allowing our sons to have experiences that will remain with them forever.
I understand winning a chance to attend the CM world series is an incredible experience.
My son was invited to Area Code games, was hoping to make the Aflac team but didn't, team lost championship to go on to the CMWS. In other words he didn't get to attend either of the three.
Doesn't matter, he signed in the fall and now being scouted for the draft.
I understand winning a chance to attend the CM world series is an incredible experience.
My son was invited to Area Code games, was hoping to make the Aflac team but didn't, team lost championship to go on to the CMWS. In other words he didn't get to attend either of the three.
Doesn't matter, he signed in the fall and now being scouted for the draft.
The Connie Mack World Series is the baseball experience of a lifetime for the players and teams.
Just in case some may have missed this comment earlier. AFLAC/Connie Mack players will be able to do both.
Also, playing on National Television with and against the top players in the country with millions of viewers watching, could be described as an "experience of a lifetime", too.
quote:
The Connie Mack World Series decided to change their starting dates in order to work with the AFLAC Classic. They agreed that the AFLAC Nationally televised event was a great thing for the game of baseball.
Also, playing on National Television with and against the top players in the country with millions of viewers watching, could be described as an "experience of a lifetime", too.
How well scouted by colleges and MLB scouts was the 2003 AFLAC game . keep in mind they did not have area code games as competition like they will in 2004
I don't know Andy. How well are your events scouted? Other than by you.
The 2003 AFLAC had well over 100 MLB scouts and many of the top college programs in the country, and they were there watching the workouts 2 days before the game.
Most of the MLB scouts were Scouting Directors, Cross Checkers and other front office personel including General Managers.
Why would anyone think that 40 of the very top players in the country would not draw the National level scouts? If you live in Georgia, ask the Braves scouting director where he will be. The Braves draft as many high school players early as anyone.
I think all 30 MLB clubs will have several high level scouts at both the AFLAC and Area Codes. The question is where will the Scouting Directors be? I think there might be a lot of flights from Baltimore to LA and Farmington NM on August 7th.
Most of the MLB scouts were Scouting Directors, Cross Checkers and other front office personel including General Managers.
Why would anyone think that 40 of the very top players in the country would not draw the National level scouts? If you live in Georgia, ask the Braves scouting director where he will be. The Braves draft as many high school players early as anyone.
I think all 30 MLB clubs will have several high level scouts at both the AFLAC and Area Codes. The question is where will the Scouting Directors be? I think there might be a lot of flights from Baltimore to LA and Farmington NM on August 7th.
The AFLAC game last year was not in competition with Area Code Games, it is now. Players can't be two places at once, neither can Scouting Directors or Cross Checkers.
Why do you think PG asked them to move the date?
Why do you think PG asked them to move the date?
