Best Cities For Year Round Baseball

quote:

Originally posted by jemaz:
Beginning at 14 more and more of the games are played in the spring training and other similar facilities. Even some at 13 (especially in places such as Red Mountain, which I know won't mean anything to you).

The younger groups play frequently at a facility called Victory Lane and at the new Big League Dreams. Both of these could be described as softball fields since softball is often played at at least one and each has skinned infields. However, there are many other "baseball only" facilities that are used, so it is a mix. I don't know of any events of high school age (and even a little younger) that are played on fields that are ever used for softball.

Hey thank you for the info. Just on a side note any other organizations there other than usssa that holds several tournaments a year?

OCB
Are you attempting to achieve "oldtimer" status in a single thread?

quote:

Originally posted by cball:
OCB
Are you attempting to achieve "oldtimer" status in a single thread?

LOL no , but when someone responds I try to be polite and respond back to let them know I have seen their response or to answer their post/thank them.

I did speak with a coach yesterday in Houston and was happy with what I heard about the ball in that area. It seems as though there are several different organizations there that put on tournaments. Plenty of indoor facilities, good instructors and just some good old down home southern hospitality.

To back-up what JEMAZ is saying. Victory Lane, Snedigar, Red Mountain and other like places (my kid was too old for Field of Dreams) are simply skinned fields where softball or baseball could be played. Pitchers throw off portable mounds mostly.

But, when you get to 60/90, things improve significantly.

The spring training complexes are AMAZING: Peoria Sports complex (Padres\Mariners), Surprise (Rangers\Royals), Tempe Diablo (Angels), Fitch Park (Cubs) and others that are just opening up (Reds\Indians). These are great facilities. Even Gene Autry (former Angels home) is a quality of park I NEVER saw as a youth.

To that end, many high profile tournaments are played in these facilities. USA Baseball, the Fall Classics (Senior\Junior\Sophomore), Perfect Game, Winter Nationals and many other great exposure tournaments which others travel for, occur here.

My son (HS Soph) played in the Fall Classic (Senior & Junior) this year. He actually declined an opportunity to play in the Sophomore version. I have an Outlook folder filling up with personalized emails from D1 coaches. My out of pocket for these was $50 to play the second weekend and the entry fee at the gate to walk in ($6/day). He played for the Angels scout team, which is another advantage. Lots of spring training facilities = lots of scouts based here.

Of course another equalizer was the pain & suffering incured by allowing my driver's permit kid to drive me up and back every day. Significantly disquieting, but probably beyond baseball relevance.

I talked to another parent from Washington, who was out over $3k to play in the same thing. About what I'll drop on Jr's car insurance next week.

I know many locals who got picked up to fill a spot on out of state teams. These opportunities are huge. There are also LOTS of local teams playing and many out of state teams looking to fill a hole or two, so the opportunity for exposure is huge.

It's been mentioned that we have great coaching\instruction, an absolute fact. My son takes hitting & pitching lessons at AZ Core Baseball, where one of the instructors (Desi Wilson) was the AAA hitting coach for the Cubs last season. My son hits with Victor Hall, who is probably one of the best hitting instructors out there.

I haven't been to So Cal, No Cal, Texas, FL, NV, GA, or any other area long enough to compare, but we have played tournaments in California and Navada and made contacts in both states.

Bottom line, there is good competition anywhere.

I'd provide the same advice I did when I was coaching club ball. I'd ask, What you want out of the experience? What are the goals you have? Why are you here? What do you want to take away from this in the end?

Then assemble all this information and make a choice. Obviously more than baseball, but life, work, etc.

OCB,

My son plays year round ball here in Houston and it is stocked with teams and facilities. Banditos, The avengers, Team Extreme, Dynasty and this is just on the north side of Houston. I live in Tomball which is north of Houston and where the Banditos facility is located. Nations baseball is based out of Houston and was strated by Ron Mathis and he hosts tourneys here himself. There is also a big league dreams baseball part in south houston. Baseball USA hosts a wrold series every year.

If you want year round baseball this is a nice place to be.

I'm not here to tell you how to raise your kid. My son will shut it down in December and pick it back up in late February. We play two tourneys a month in between. He has fun and that is all that matters. He knows his grades better be there or he gets to ride the pine.

Oh and mine is apoiled rotten too. Good luck in your search.

Thanks Jmoff and TxHustle I appreciate you taking the time to tell me about the ball in your areas. Both actually sound even better than here.

I do like what you have said about the tournament ball in Phoenix once the kids hit the 60/90. I also like the fact that there are scouts in that area. It doesnt mean a lot right now but if my son happens to excel in baseball then it sounds like Phoenix offers a lot of opportunities once they hit the 60/90 field.

My wife and I have talked and I know for a fact we have narrowed it down to Houston, Phoenix and Las Vegas for the baseball. Now we must research and find out which of those cities is going to be best suited for us outside of baseball as a family.

Thank God, now we can all sleep tonight.

One more thing to consider, but if interested you might want to check out how many kids get drafted from where you are considering to move.

Oh I know, you are not thinking that far in advance. He's only 10.

quote:

Originally posted by TPM:
One more thing to consider, but if interested you might want to check out how many kids get drafted from where you are considering to move.

Oh I know, you are not thinking that far in advance. He's only 10.

OCB,
You've taken a hit here and some from me, and since this thread is winding down I would like to explain why I think you have come up against some cheap shots, though I can't speak for anyone else but myself as to why I have taken offense to your posts, I think for some you have struck a nerve..
I know that you have just recently joined our community and not familiar with everyone.
I personally have known quite a few of the people here for many years, in person and in pm's. Some of us have watched our kids grow up, through HS, college, pro ball and many of us share similar experiences. We've also watched each other grow up as parents and adults through the years.
I read about your whim to move for better baseball for a 10 year old, bragging (yes it is bragging) about how good he is, how he is different than the other 10 year olds, bragging about how much money you have, how you have more than one home, how you played D1 ball, and I have to think about some of the people I know here and some of the personal struggles and tragedies they have encountered and I read what you post and yes, I have to laugh about your dilemma. I know you may not understand, but many reading this will.
I just had to post what I did, most likely because your topics and your questions asked have been some of the funniest I have read, without you being funny.
I don't profess to know everything, but somethings I have learned from the baseball experience through my player and others, baseball is life but life is not baseball.

quote:

Originally posted by TPM:
OCB,
You've taken a hit here and some from me, and since this thread is winding down I would like to explain why I think you have come up against some cheap shots, though I can't speak for anyone else but myself as to why I have taken offense to your posts, I think for some you have struck a nerve..
I know that you have just recently joined our community and not familiar with everyone.
I personally have known quite a few of the people here for many years, in person and in pm's. Some of us have watched our kids grow up, through HS, college, pro ball and many of us share similar experiences. We've also watched each other grow up as parents and adults through the years.
I read about your whim to move for better baseball for a 10 year old, bragging (yes it is bragging) about how good he is, how he is different than the other 10 year olds, bragging about how much money you have, how you have more than one home, how you played D1 ball, and I have to think about some of the people I know here and some of the personal struggles and tragedies they have encountered and I read what you post and yes, I have to laugh about your dilemma. I know you may not understand, but many reading this will.
I just had to post what I did, most likely because your topics and your questions asked have been some of the funniest I have read, without you being funny.
I don't profess to know everything, but somethings I have learned from the baseball experience through my player and others, baseball is life but life is not baseball.

TPM, maybe unlike others that have participated in this forum the cheap shots dont bother me. Maybe unlike some of the ones who fired the cheap shots, I know who I am and have nothing to be ashamed of.

As for what you call bragging I call answering some of the dumb questions thrown my way without adding arrogance in to the mix. To refresh, I mentioned money because someone talked about we should consider the financial cost and employment of moving ( I didnt bring up money till that question ). I mentioned my son was different than most 10 yr olds based on what I have seen of kids out here and even comments other coaches have made about him having the drive and heart he does for the game and that they wished all the kids had it. As for how good my son is I never bragged on the things he can do. However since I am being accused of it lets try.

How many 10 year olds you know that can tee off on an 85mph machine and turning on inside pitches from 55ft. How many 10 year olds you know that has played against 13 and 14 yr olds that go 2 for 2 or 2 for 3 hitting and is considered by kids at that age as being a tough out. How many 10 yr olds you know that workout on a 60/90 field from SS that can make the throw from the deep hole on a line to 1st. How many 10 yr olds that play up in the 12u bracket you know that has zero strike outs in his last 43 at bats. NOW THATS BRAGGING!!!!

Now as far as me thinking about my son playing MLB sure what dad doesnt. Its no different than that dad who has a son that plays football thinking about his kid playing in the NFL. Does that mean that either dad can say right at this moment that their child will play professional sports...NO. Tell me what kid doesnt have that dream at 10 yrs old.

What about the dads who have kids playing college ball. Does that mean they can say their kid will play professional sports...NO. Do they have a more realistic view at that point YES.

You say that my questions and responses have been some of the funniest you have read here. All I can say is I am glad I could bring a little happiness in to what seems to be a pretty enclosed life you seem to have.

quote:

How many 10 year olds you know that can tee off on an 85mph machine and turning on inside pitches from 55ft. How many 10 year olds you know that has played against 13 and 14 yr olds that go 2 for 2 or 2 for 3 hitting and is considered by kids at that age as being a tough out. How many 10 yr olds you know that workout on a 60/90 field from SS that can make the throw from the deep hole on a line to 1st. How many 10 yr olds that play up in the 12u bracket you know that has zero strike outs in his last 43 at bats. NOW THATS BRAGGING!!!!

It's official. We've been had and it's not even April 1st. Does this have something to do with Halloween? Trick or treat! The only other possibility is ....



Over bridge of sighs
To rest my eyes in shades of green
Under dreamin' spires
To Itchycoo Park, that's where I've been

What did you do there?
I got high
What did you feel there?
Well I cried
But why the tears there?
I'll tell you why
It's all too beautiful
It's all too beautiful
It's all too beautiful
It's all too beautiful

I feel inclined to blow my mind
Get hung up feed the ducks with a bun
They all come out to groove about
Be niceand have fun in the sun

Tell you what I'll do (what will you do?)
I'd like to go there now with you
You can miss out school (won't that be cool)
Why go to learn the words of fools?
What will we do there?
We'll get high
What will we touch there?
We'll touch the sky
But why the tears then?
I'll tell you why

It's all too beautiful
It's all too beautiful
It's all too beautiful
It's all too beautiful

I feel inclined to blow my mind
Get hung up feed the ducks with a bun
They all come out to groove about
Be nice and have fun in the sun

It's all too beautiful
It's all too beautiful
It's all too beautiful
Ha! It's all too beautiful

For the really nostalgic ...

Itchycoo Park

When I watch this video I see a 10U player driving 85 mph fastballs.

Incense & Peppermints

RJM - I'm dating myself but these are two of my favorite R&R songs from the 60's. For Strawberry Alarm Clock, all I can say is that I have a fever.... and the only prescription is more cowbell.

More cowbell, sitar, and hip boots! Hip boots for the deep do do we are reading.

quote:

is considered by kids at that age as being a tough out.

Is that with the pitching machine ?

Bobble - You know this kid grounds out every time - or he is the dreaded FC or double play.

Guaranteed the ball never makes it out of the infield. And it shouldn't you know why? because HE'S 10 YEARS OLD.

quote:

Originally posted by BillBill:
RJM - I'm dating myself but these are two of my favorite R&R songs from the 60's. For Strawberry Alarm Clock, all I can say is that I have a fever.... and the only prescription is more cowbell.

While I would never condone dropping acid, it did inspire some great music.

Pictures of Matchstick Men

Purple Haze

White Rabbit

Light My Fire

I just read this entire thread.

OCB I agree with the others who state you are way over the top with this potential move for 10 yo baseball. You have received many comments and suggestions from many wise baseball parents who have seen it all.

The one thing that strikes me the most is when you say that your area of Florida is about "your son vs. my son", and the "coaches sons play the infield postions". If you think this will be any different in other areas of the country you are showing how naive you are.

IT'S THE SAME EVERYWHERE.

Until your son plays for a team that is not coached by parents it doesn't matter if you live in Florida, Arizona or Alaska.

One more thing. Here in New Jersey players and teams, of all ages, have many options for tournaments. AAU, USSSA, CABA to mention a few. How can an area of Florida have only one option?

I was really hoping that last post wouldnt come. I was fearing it would and it did. It speaks loud and clear and leaves no doubt. Close this thread. There is no need to continue.

Coach May-

OCB- You are one of a kind. Go see a therapist.

Strawberry Alarm Clock

Coach May,
You knew it was coming, we all did. Waiting for the Dad telling us about his wiz kid that does it all.

Predictable.

quote:

How many 10 year olds you know that can tee off on an 85mph machine and turning on inside pitches from 55ft. How many 10 year olds you know that has played against 13 and 14 yr olds that go 2 for 2 or 2 for 3 hitting and is considered by kids at that age as being a tough out. How many 10 yr olds you know that workout on a 60/90 field from SS that can make the throw from the deep hole on a line to 1st. How many 10 yr olds that play up in the 12u bracket you know that has zero strike outs in his last 43 at bats.

Danny Almonte?

Perfect Game's first 10 yo with a 10 rating?

quote OCB: "How many 10 yr olds you know that workout on a 60/90 field from SS that can make the throw from the deep hole on a line to 1st.."

The more I think about that statement the more ridiculous it sounds. For those of you on the fence with this guy I hope that paragraph pushed you over.

I would love to see this kids recruiting website video

Laugh all you want but the guy is just doing what he thinks is best for his kid. He has the resources to do things that most of us have no chance of doing. How many parents of gymnist move to Cali or TX to get the best training? How about figure skaters or hockey players? It happens in life in other sports. How many people have moved their kids to a better school when they had the money to pay for a private school when the public school is just down the block?

How many of you bought a $400 bat, $200 glove, paid hundreds for tournaments or lessons? My brother thinks I am insane when I buy my son a $200 bat and spend an entire weekend at the ball park. It is all perspective.

Just because he can do things that most cannot do is no reason to make fun of him. I wish I could do it. A lot of you just sound jealous.

quote:

How many of you bought a $400 bat, $200 glove, paid hundreds for tournaments or lessons? My brother thinks I am insane when I buy my son a $200 bat and spend an entire weekend at the ball park. It is all perspective.

Yea I did all those things but never did I claim my kid was hitting an 85mph fastball at 10.Thats where the humor is

quote:

Originally posted by Doughnutman:
Laugh all you want but the guy is just doing what he thinks is best for his kid. He has the resources to do things that most of us have no chance of doing. How many parents of gymnist move to Cali or TX to get the best training? How about figure skaters or hockey players? It happens in life in other sports. How many people have moved their kids to a better school when they had the money to pay for a private school when the public school is just down the block?

How many of you bought a $400 bat, $200 glove, paid hundreds for tournaments or lessons? My brother thinks I am insane when I buy my son a $200 bat and spend an entire weekend at the ball park. It is all perspective.

Just because he can do things that most cannot do is no reason to make fun of him. I wish I could do it. A lot of you just sound jealous.

Jealous, I don't think so.
Let me ask you, when was the last time you have heard anyone talk about their financial state here on the HSBBW? Or have any of us spoken about the attributes our boys had at 10?
Who really cares what our kids did at 10, that's the whole point, it doesn't REALLY matter and neither does year round baseball for 10 year olds.

Well Lodi,
If you never bragged about your son then you are the most humble baseball parent I ever met.

TPM,
I said a lot of you, not all of you. And I have read many peoples posts about what they do for a living. We have many lawyers and businessmen on here and they are not shy about mentioning it.

What a 10 year old does doesn't matter a whole lot. But it definitely matters a whole lot to the parents. I never cared what other 10 year olds did. But I really cared about what my 10 year did.

Never said I didnt brag,but I never laid out there anything obsurd like that.On a line to 1st from deep in the hole at SS on 60/90? Half the SS in the bigs dont do that.

Just a matter of degree Lodi. Take everything you read with a grain of salt. This site is about education not humiliation. Or at least that is what I always thought.

More like an ocean of salt!

Doughnutman if you feel the need to stand up for OCB thats fine its your right as a fellow poster. And if others feel the need to call him out for reasons they feel he should be called out for that is their right as well.

No one is humiliating OCB. He has done that all on his own. If a parent wants to brag on their kid that is fine. If the people around the parent want to go behind the bleachers and gag afterwards they are certainly within their right to do so as well.

For me there is nothing worse than having the "my son" parent catch up with you or corner you. "Did you hear about my son?" "Have you seen my son?" "He is alright but have you seen my son?" "Hes not that good my son .........." etc etc etc.

I have known people here for several years who have never one time been a my son parent on this site. They didnt have to. I spent 2 years talking to a guy in the chat room before I found out by accident his son was a first round draft pick. When I meet a "my son" baseball parent I run like he ll. And I would be willing to bet most of the parents on this site do the exact same thing.

There are classic signs of a "my son" parent. Just read this thread they are all there. The final nail in the "my son" coffin was hammered with that last post by OCB. It was only a matter of time before it had to come out. Of course asking everyone where the best place to move for year round baseball is probably not a clue , is it?

You can post whatever you want to post , defend anyone you want to defend I could careless. Thats your right. So lodi , TPM , myself and anyone else has the same right to call it as they see it. How do I see it? Read above post again. The fastest way to turn someone off about your son is to be one of these parents. For goodness sake if they can play everyone is going to tell you they can play. If you got to tell everyone your son can play - Hmmm......

Doughnutman, I appreciate the support but what some of these guys will never understand is that I was being accused of bragging about my son from the get go. This was the furthest thing from the truth. So since I was being accused I decided H$$ lets give them what they were accusing me of.

You hit the nail right on the head as well Doughnutman. Like you I assumed this site was about education not trying to humiliate those who didnt agree with this forums supposed ambassadors.

Now for those that dont believe and according to your responses you dont. Anyone interested in a bet? I will take the video camera to the academy along with a radar gun and video tape him hitting off the 85mph machine. If he doesnt I will never return to this forum and make a contribution. If he does any of you willing to do the same as well as issue a public apology before you go??? Come on now dont let me down. Put your balls where your mouth has been with every response you have made. LOL. Lets see who is full of BS. Trust me I am confident enough to make this bet because I already know the outcome.

Doughnutman I am also glad you said it and I didnt but it does seem whether true or not based on some of their responses that there is some jealousy there with a few of them.

PS: To those that have tried to answer the thread question and been helpful I apologize for the direction this thread is taking but some of these posters expect to sling mud and not have any slung back

Read Coach May's point. No one cares! It's one thing to post about your kid in relation to a topic as it relates to the experience. I do that. But you made your son's talent the topic. If some kid makes a Team USA or commits to a college program, great, tell us about it. But you're talking about 10U ball. The two best arms on my son's 10U team had their journey end by 14U when they weren't the biggest, strongest kids anymore and their arms were toast. One of the posters in this thread has a son in a powerhouse program where there there were four kids remaining at 16U from the 13U team.

After Coach May's comment, who is probably one of the top five respected posters on this site, you post .....

quote:

Now for those that dont believe and according to your responses you dont. Anyone interested in a bet? I will take the video camera to the academy along with a radar gun and video tape him hitting off the 85mph machine. If he doesnt I will never return to this forum and make a contribution. If he does any of you willing to do the same as well as issue a public apology before you go??? Come on now dont let me down. Put your balls where your mouth has been with every response you have made. LOL. Lets see who is full of BS. Trust me I am confident enough to make this bet because I already know the outcome.

If you don't know who Coach May is, you would consider it an honor and a priviledge for your son to play for him someday. It won't be until he really is gunning the ball from the shortstop hole.

Basketball fans will get this ....



"10U ball! We're talking about 10U ball!

quote:

Originally posted by RJM:
Read Coach May's point. No one cares! It's one thing to post about your kid in relation to a topic as it relates to the experience. I do that. But you made your son's talent the topic. If some kid makes a Team USA or commits to a college program, great, tell us about it. But you're talking about 10U ball. The two best arms on my son's 10U team had their journey end by 14U when they weren't the biggest, strongest kids anymore and their arms were toast. One of the posters in this thread has a son in a powerhouse program where there there were four kids remaining at 16U from the 13U team.

After Coach May's comment, who is probably one of the top five respected posters on this site, you post .....

quote:

Now for those that dont believe and according to your responses you dont. Anyone interested in a bet? I will take the video camera to the academy along with a radar gun and video tape him hitting off the 85mph machine. If he doesnt I will never return to this forum and make a contribution. If he does any of you willing to do the same as well as issue a public apology before you go??? Come on now dont let me down. Put your balls where your mouth has been with every response you have made. LOL. Lets see who is full of BS. Trust me I am confident enough to make this bet because I already know the outcome.

If you don't know who Coach May is, you would consider it an honor and a priviledge for your son to play for him someday. It won't be until he really is gunning the ball from the shortstop hole.

You know RJM, I am sure coach May is maybe an important person and well respected in the baseball community. But when you sling mud, put words in to some ones mouth, accuse without thought and make assumptions, does it really matter who someone is or isnt when you are being insulted?

Now even though coach May has disagreed with me he has yet to my knowledge or remembrance slung any mud, unlike you and a few of your bunker buddies. I personally can have a discussion with some one who criticizes my opinions when they do so in an adult like manner. However I am human just like the rest of you and at some point I will start to respond in an alienating way as well.

Knock of the jealousy ****, will ya.

OCB,
No one said your son can't do it, the way I see it there are many young players who will outshine their peers at 10,11, but eventually they all catch up, and DM has been around long enough to know this is a discussion we have often about players moving ahead of those who were studs as little guys. I agree with Coach May, you have brought on the negative stuff yourself. You put down parents for exactly the same you are doing, it's all about making johnny happy, well tell me that isn't what you have done.
You felt the need to defend yuorself, in actuality, you could have posted and walked away or not responded, that was your choice.
I thought this topic was winding down it just gets more bizarre.

DM,
That only that should matter to a parent about their child at any age is that they are happy and healthy, not this stuff.
Would you move your entire family (unless it intails a job opportunity and other things to consider) just for better baseball? If so, then I understand your support of him but don't blame it on jealousy.
OCB,
I do hope that you have not told your son that you are moving so he an play better baseball. What's gonna happen at 15,16 when he doesn't want to play anymore, play for mom and dad because tehy moved so he could have a better opportunity.

I always believed you make the most of what you have to work with, a player who loves the game and is talented is gonna make it happen no matter where he lives, despite geography or year round baseball (which has been proven to be unhealthy for young players of any sport).

quote:

Now even though coach May has disagreed with me he has yet to my knowledge or remembrance slung any mud, unlike you and a few of your bunker buddies.

If you look at the first few pages of the two threads I offered advice or asked questions to gain more information. As you got absurd I had fun with it. From having been there and done it with two kids I've seen my share of dads like yourself. It's entertaining. Rather than video your kid and post it, print out the two threads, save them someewhere, then pull them out in five years and have a good laugh at yourself. Trust me, you will.