Clark Griffith League

Why would a good college player want to play in a league with 3-4 teams? Even a 4 team league has each team playing 12-13 times apiece in the summer. Ugh!!

Why do the teams have to play each other 12 or 13 times?

You set up your league so that each team plays another team 6 times. You fill in the remainder of your schedule playing teams in another league.

Larry, you are correct about the scheduling. I'm sure that it can be dealt with.

My question was more of 'what's happening that a venerable league like CG is losing teams'?

quote:

Originally posted by baseballguy:
Larry, you are correct about the scheduling. I'm sure that it can be dealt with.

My question was more of 'what's happening that a venerable league like CG is losing teams'?

I don't know for sure...but when the league first got going, I saw lots of local support for each team (ie. jobs for players, improved facilities, etc...). My summer team made it a point to schedule some games against CG teams. We were outclassed on many occasions, but it was a great experience for our younger (17-18) players. The emergence of the Ripken League really hurt in my opinion. And it seemed like the same two teams were always the class of the league. Eventually that wears on the other clubs.

I'm sure you're right. But, my guess is that the two teams that are always 'the class of the league' are that way for a reason. Too bad that 'formula' can't be translated to other programs like Alexandria, or Carney Pirates....which come in for a year or two then, disband.

And, why did the So Maryland team move to Ripken? Is the Ripken league just better organized, financed, etc.?

Maybe the two 'class' teams should consider moving also? Or, combining the leagues - but, I'm sure that has been discussed and they have decided not to for whatever reasons.

OK, let me re-phrase the question -- Why would a good college player want to play the same three teams 6 times each and then play 20-22 games against lesser competition who are playing you to gain 'valuable experience' by being overmatched?

Even in the the weekend cross-over games with the teams from the MCBL the last two years the CG teams have been dominant. So again, the opportunity to improve your game by playing high quality summer wood bat baseball is diminished.

To get better, you need to play better competition. It appears that the most important component of summer baseball -good competition- has been on the decline in the CGL.

May as well stay home or on campus and train, work the weights and get a summer job instead of moving to DC area for a less than stellar summer baseball experience.

If the Vienna Senators joined the Ripken League, then three teams (along with Bethesda Big Train and Youse Orioles) who are frequently in the top twenty would be from one league. Also, two of the last three years of the Ripken, teams besides the O's and Train have been in the championship game (Redbirds last year and Rockville Express in '07) so the Ripken League has several good teams.

So...I guess you are saying is that the CG league is going away?

Why do the Senators stay?

I have no idea what the Griffith league is going to do. But with the momentum that the Ripken league has built, it would make sense to see the best from CG migrate over. I believe this year's Ripken schedule and teams are set so we'll just have to see what happens.

Too bad.

Don't know the reasons, but I always sthought the Clark Griffith League was pretty well thought of around the country. Guess times are changing....