I noticed some recent threads on the Cape Cod League and the Northwoods league. Anyone have any perspectives about the Cal Ripken league?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Nephew played for the Bethesda Big Train for three years. Loved it. I never got to watch him play there though. I do know that the team was very active in the community. All the games were streamed, which was nice.
My son also played in the league for three years.
It is a respectably middle-ish summer league. The players are a mix of rising sophomores still establishing themselves at major conference schools and older players from less prominent schools, including a smattering of D2/D3/JUCO.
In terms of organization and player support (and usually wins/losses, too), the class of the league is Bethesda, which basically creates a complete minor league game experience, has terrific community support, and fills its nice stadium (800 or so seats, I think) nearly every night.
There are a smattering of prospects in the league each year, with an occasional big deal prospect (Hunter Renfroe tore up the league the summer before he was a first rounder), so some of the games are scouted.
Some of the other teams are run much more casually, but they can also be a good experience for the players. My son played for one of those teams and enjoyed it.
PM me if you want to know about particular teams or venues.
Best wishes,
We live in the area of the CRL. NOVA is a nice area with plenty to do. Probably not a bad place to spend a summer. Country to the south. DC to the east. Best of both really.
Thanks all for some perspective. Son will be rising Sophomore next year and this is relatively close for us so selfishly will be good to see him play some!
Thanks!