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The North Texas Titans are looking for high school baseball players to form high school level teams to work on development and play a 20 game schedule this spring, 2011. If you are interested in developing your baseball skills, playing a competitive high school schedule, and continuing to play when circumstances may have left you out of your high school program; please contact us for a "2nd Chance" opportunity to plaY.
CONCEPT
To build a baseball organization that is available to players that have been cut from their high school teams and/or their schools do not provide baseball programs. Many good ball players are left behind each year from schools that could be playing if they were given that "Longer Look" or "2nd Chance" during tryouts. By forming teams, these players can greatly benefit from practicing regularly and playing a game schedule against area schools. "2nd Chance" players would have the opportunity to develop and apply their skills to increase their chances of making their school teams in the future.
MISSION
To offer more opportunities to more baseball players to learn, develop, and apply skills, determination, and desire on the playing field as well as to create a competitive environment that replicates a high school program/season in an effort to pass on the true essence of the great game of baseball.
ROSTER
The team will consist of committed players who are dedicated and determined to continue pursuing their dreams of playing the great game of baseball. The goal is to field teams of high school players that will practice regularly , work on speed and agility drills, and strength and conditioning in order to become a better athlete.
SEASON FORMAT
Players will play by High School Baseball rules. All lineups, substitution rules, and uniform policies follow exact High School baseball rules. The spring will consist of 20 game schedule against private schools and home school teams.

Contact John McKenzie at coachjohnmckenzie@yahoo.com
Original Post

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quote:
Originally posted by Ken Guthrie:
quote:
Originally posted by Catcherz_Dad:
What a great concept.


Is it really? Could it be another great marketing plan?

Honestly, I don't know.

But there are some things to think about here.


Why not give them the benefit of the doubt that their motives are altruistic? I don't have a player in this situation or an affiliation with the NT Titans, but it seems like a good idea. The Titans don't seem the type to chase a buck by signing up as many players/teams as they can. And these players wouldn't appear at first glance to be the type that would be advertised as scholarship receipients on many club's websites. So I'm not really sure what type of marketing plan could be spun from this.

I have heard of HS frosh/sophomores that have been been playing baseball all their young lives, have a passion for it, and have hit a wall talent-wise or for athleticism (or other) reasons and are hit pretty hard emotionally when cut. For the vast majority, playing baseball ends at about the age of 18. Why not give these guys the benefit of the doubt that they are helping a certain population continue their passion, if only for a few more years. It beats these kids becoming Xbox 360 gurus, or worse.
This does seem like a good idea. Many kids do develop later than others. I have seen some athletes get passed over at freshmen tryouts only to end up as a starter their senior year because they didn't quit pursuing their goal. This creates an avenue to keep playing without having to sit around and wait for summer.

Good luck with this program and ignore the posts that question your motives because their organization didn't think of it first.
2nd Chance Baseball was developed by Houston Power Baseball in Houston in 2007. Check out the Success Stories from each season at www.houstonpowerbaseball.com We have 2 Seniors this year that have signed to JC and NAIA schools. It has proven to be a viable alternative to baseball players that do not have programs at their schools as well as for the "cut" players. North Texas Titans is a top notch organization that will truly implement the 2nd Chance Program the right way. Dallas area players now have a team that can assist those players that need that "longer look". High School coaches have a tough time placing every good player and North Texas Power will help spot those players that truly need/want it.
quote:
Originally posted by Ken Guthrie:
Swinging bunt,

Putting it that way, I think it may be a good idea.

Anyone know the cost?


Glad to see you come around on it Ken.

I don't have a player in this situation, but if I did, what a great way to keep them pursuing their goals. Always remember that participating in a sport will 100% of the time be a better way to go than sitting on your tukus.
quote:
Originally posted by Catcherz_Dad:
quote:
Originally posted by Ken Guthrie:
Swinging bunt,

Putting it that way, I think it may be a good idea.

Anyone know the cost?


Glad to see you come around on it Ken.

I don't have a player in this situation, but if I did, what a great way to keep them pursuing their goals. Always remember that participating in a sport will 100% of the time be a better way to go than sitting on your tukus.


I'm open to anything that has a sound basis.

My suspect on anything comes from the long list of thieves trying to make a buck from those with pipe dreams and the uninformed.

I guess in the end, it really doesn't matter as long as those spending the money are content with the product.

I hope this one works well for all involved.

Good luck.
Last edited by Ken Guthrie
If you take a more optimistic point of view about there being enough teams to host the number of high school kids that want to play then there should be no issue with how many teams the Mustangs, Tigers, Patriots or organizations have.

There are so many high school kids that want to play. If each organization only had 2-3 teams then many kids would be left out. That frosh or soph may not get the chance to grow and improve if he didn't play club ball. And teams hosting kids that may have been cut, like the Titans 2nd chance team, are great.

What is wrong with having a place for kids to play regardless of which organization? Kids and parents have different goals. Some want to work hard and have a shot in college. Others just love the game and want to play and are realistic about their skills and options. As long as they are not misled by someone telling them they will be college or pro material when all they really want is money. I assume that is what some of you are referring to.
quote:
Originally posted by Tx-Husker:
quote:
My suspect on anything comes from the long list of thieves trying to make a buck from those with pipe dreams and the uninformed.


I've heard Dbat has 29 high school aged teams next summer. How do you balance that with your comment?


First off, I have no knowledge of how many teams any organization has.

If you can prove what you "heard" as fact, I can/will comment. But I've learned long ago... don't always believe everything you hear.

Last, my comments solely come from my thoughts and opinions and do not reflect the stance of any particular organization, including the DBAT Mustangs.
On the surface it seems like a great opportunity for kids who are passionate about the game and parents that have invested time and $$. Keeping kids involved at this age is positive thing. The marketing side of this seems like a mismatch knowing the personalities involved with this organization and further demonstrates egos involved with "select" ball. If they just want to keep playing, what is wrong with playing in a rec league?

Even better, since so much of the excess "talent" comes from bigger high schools, it seems like the right solution would be to create multiple JV or freshman teams. Could the admin and field time really be that rough for another 10-12 players at 5A school when they seem to do it for every other sport? There were some attempts at this 3-4 years ago, but coaches complained about taking field time away and problems with scheduling. Given the demand in the area, seems like it's worth revisiting. After all, one local 5A school had 30 players on the varsity roster last year. For now, I guess all the private schools are happy to get the big school castoffs.

I am sure there would still some little Johnny's left off the HS roster in those scenarios too -- making this a circular argument anyhow in today's "select team decal" culture.
Rounding 3rd,

Have you looked into how many rec leagues are out there for HS-age players during the spring? From the limited research I've done out of curiosity... seems like they are few and far between. Again, my research is limited.

Otherwise, I don't doubt a rec league would work ok as a bridge to the summer season.

You're right...at the larger schools, there are a lot of kids who either don't make a team, or sit on the bench all year, who are solid players.

I think you nailed it regarding the limits of field time for additional teams. The facilities and to a certain degree staffing, even at the larger schools, are so extremely limited compared to football.

It looks like a good program to me.
Last edited by Allen Wranglers

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