Dswann, in California, baseball players cannot play for any other club from roughly February 10th till their team plays its final game of the spring season, which will vary according to the section, division and whether they make playoffs or not. This is the only time of year that high school players must play for the HS team only. At any other time of year, baseball players can play travel ball and high school related ball, i.e. fall ball, at the same time.
CIF does not regulate what happens in the summer, that's when it is a free for all.
Here is the bottom line. This guy is bitter and losing money. I have heard the excuse on the thread that coaches are now demanding their players play year around. That is bull. Most coaches I have talked to are now giving their players the summer off and starting again in the Fall. Well lets do the math and say he is making profit wise $100 per player per month and with a roster of 18 he is making $1800 a month. Now with the association rule he would have this team from September through mid February. 4 1/2 x 1800 = 8,100. Now that the coaches are giving the players summer he is losing about a month and a half worth of income. He is a liar and anybody associated with him is a liar. HE IS A LIAR AND ANYBODY ASSOCIATED WITH HIM IS A LIAR. He is no friend of HS baseball.
Some great info and experiences out there. You can find ego's that are too big at both the HS level and travel level. When these ego's get too big they lose their focus which should be on the players themselves. Ultimatums are never a good bargaining tool, so I do not understand why either coach would put a young person in that position. Do these coaches go to their employers with ultimatums( give me a raise or I quit) every time for a pay raise or do they bargain and compromise.
Sports like gymnastics and skating you may need to peak at an earlier age so I can see where someone might make the decision to concentrate solely on that sport.
Baseball on the other hand is a marathon-season and career. I tell my sons and players it takes a lifetime time to learn the game, by the time you mastered it you are too old to play. I do not believe that you need to focus solely on the sport at young ages and coaches that expect that are not being realistic and expecting too much.
My younger son had the wonderful experience of being able to play for his HS as they made a run at the state title. Every game they advanced more people form the school and community would come to watch. They made it to the final 4 and played in front of about 1000 people as he faced Jake Ordorizzi and Highland and lost 1-0. Heart breaker of a game that anyone there won't soon forget. He never had this type success at the travel level, so this was quite a thrill. This was an experience that he will be able to share with many people in our community later in life.
My older son had success at the travel level, won many tournaments. Parents were the only ones in the stands. Many to whom I do not have contact with any more as their sons have stopped playing. Though he had won, he won't have the same memories my younger son enjoyed.
So my point I guess is that there is a need for both HS and travel but not an all or nothing for either. Players should have the chance to play for their HS team with pride and when it is done for the year have an opportunity to experience traveling and and play against players that HS just can not offer.
Just some thoughts
Sports like gymnastics and skating you may need to peak at an earlier age so I can see where someone might make the decision to concentrate solely on that sport.
Baseball on the other hand is a marathon-season and career. I tell my sons and players it takes a lifetime time to learn the game, by the time you mastered it you are too old to play. I do not believe that you need to focus solely on the sport at young ages and coaches that expect that are not being realistic and expecting too much.
My younger son had the wonderful experience of being able to play for his HS as they made a run at the state title. Every game they advanced more people form the school and community would come to watch. They made it to the final 4 and played in front of about 1000 people as he faced Jake Ordorizzi and Highland and lost 1-0. Heart breaker of a game that anyone there won't soon forget. He never had this type success at the travel level, so this was quite a thrill. This was an experience that he will be able to share with many people in our community later in life.
My older son had success at the travel level, won many tournaments. Parents were the only ones in the stands. Many to whom I do not have contact with any more as their sons have stopped playing. Though he had won, he won't have the same memories my younger son enjoyed.
So my point I guess is that there is a need for both HS and travel but not an all or nothing for either. Players should have the chance to play for their HS team with pride and when it is done for the year have an opportunity to experience traveling and and play against players that HS just can not offer.
Just some thoughts
I am sure you are right about that Bum. I am sure we all have seen it all over the years.
quote:Originally posted by socalhscoach:
Here is the bottom line. This guy is bitter and losing money. I have heard the excuse on the thread that coaches are now demanding their players play year around. That is bull. Most coaches I have talked to are now giving their players the summer off and starting again in the Fall. Well lets do the math and say he is making profit wise $100 per player per month and with a roster of 18 he is making $1800 a month. Now with the association rule he would have this team from September through mid February. 4 1/2 x 1800 = 8,100. Now that the coaches are giving the players summer he is losing about a month and a half worth of income. He is a liar and anybody associated with him is a liar. HE IS A LIAR AND ANYBODY ASSOCIATED WITH HIM IS A LIAR. He is no friend of HS baseball.
Touch a nerve?
Here's a thought. try replacing "most coaches" with "all coaches". Most coaches supports the LIARS position. Additionally to increase "His" BOTTOM LINE. Do what the boys "guy" did at the end of his freshman year before transferring. Have a friend not associated with the school run a mandatory conditioning / skills camp between mid June and the end of Aug. by the way, mandatory means. "Participate or don't play in the spring". After nunerous calls and emails to confirm this, with no response by the "guy" to confirm or deny. the boy chose to transfer. Of course "He'll" still have to pay the associate a stipend, but if If "He" plays "His" cards right, "He'll" be up a cool 10k tax free using your formula and still have the summer off.
Yeah my kids a P**** for not submitting to the jack booted mind set of this "guy". Fortunately for him he had options and choices and transferred out. Many of his buddies did not have the same options available and quit the team and yeah their probably a bunch of P****'s to. Some still play in the summer and fall and while you don't need HS bb to play in college, I think not to do so, compromises your bb resume.
Here's the good news. The HS coach at the new HS is a man character, with a passion for the sport and is more interested in how the kids develope into men than the box score or his wallet. The word mentor comes to mind. And he still manages to field winning teams. He consistantly refers kids to programs(not his own,he doesn't have one) during summer and fall that will help challenge them as ball players. We are blessed. My son has been very fortunate over the years in his baseball walk to be associated with a number of fine coaches. And yes one "guy".
Over the years I have always felt the word "Coach" was thrown around a little to freely. In my mind it's a huge responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Even in the LL days when I helped out with the team it made me uncomfotable, so much so I had the kids refer to me as Mr... In my brief exposure to hsbbw there are many fine "COACHES" who have posted their opinions.
You sound like "the guy"
EOR / End Of Rant
Dswann,
If your comparing me to your son's old coach you are way out of line. I do not run any type of program and have numerous players that branch out and play travel ball and play for me at the same time. Sorry you had a bad experience but don't take that out on people who do their job. My interest is in my players, not being a "guy". I move my players on to college and try to get them lined up to play on established travel ball teams. However, yes, this bull in the Spring is not being friendly to high school baseball
If your comparing me to your son's old coach you are way out of line. I do not run any type of program and have numerous players that branch out and play travel ball and play for me at the same time. Sorry you had a bad experience but don't take that out on people who do their job. My interest is in my players, not being a "guy". I move my players on to college and try to get them lined up to play on established travel ball teams. However, yes, this bull in the Spring is not being friendly to high school baseball
coach,
I thought your first post in this thread was a bit unfair.
On the other hand, this last post gets me to thinking.
Though we have no involvement in what is going on, our name still is somewhat attached. I would love to hear your thoughts on all this, privately. (PM)
It's obvious by your last post that you are most interested in your players. I simply want to be more informed without any anger involved.
I hope you understand.
I thought your first post in this thread was a bit unfair.
On the other hand, this last post gets me to thinking.
Though we have no involvement in what is going on, our name still is somewhat attached. I would love to hear your thoughts on all this, privately. (PM)
It's obvious by your last post that you are most interested in your players. I simply want to be more informed without any anger involved.
I hope you understand.
It's very simple. If some guy wants to run and promote club baseball that directly competes with high school, then so be it. The better student/athletes will be smart and stick with HS baseball while others such as dumbell students who could care less about their grades. Of course we know where priorities should be for flunky students but that's each kids parents business to deal with. Club ball can be an option for those student/athletes who play another school sport, but are also good baseball players and club baseball could offer them a choice they wouldn't get in high school.
Club ball could find it's place if it's competing with the high school season but IMO, it would be foolish to try and lure players away from their school teams.
Bottom line is club ball during HS season should be an alternative for those who can't play HS ball for whatever reason. HS ball should be #1 for the student/athlete.
As for high school coaches dictating off-season baseball to their players, those coaches are flat out wrong. Now they can suggest that they play for a summer team but they can't be making them or threaten their status by not playing for a certain team. Maybe some players have to work a summer job and might pick up the game in the fall. As long as they stay in shape and work in the off-season program, that should be enough. Now if a high school coach wants to set conditions based on his off-seasoning conditioning reqirements at the school, that's fine. The last thing you want is a player coming into tryouts/spring scrimmage season out of shape, unprepared and ripe for injury.
Club ball could find it's place if it's competing with the high school season but IMO, it would be foolish to try and lure players away from their school teams.
Bottom line is club ball during HS season should be an alternative for those who can't play HS ball for whatever reason. HS ball should be #1 for the student/athlete.
As for high school coaches dictating off-season baseball to their players, those coaches are flat out wrong. Now they can suggest that they play for a summer team but they can't be making them or threaten their status by not playing for a certain team. Maybe some players have to work a summer job and might pick up the game in the fall. As long as they stay in shape and work in the off-season program, that should be enough. Now if a high school coach wants to set conditions based on his off-seasoning conditioning reqirements at the school, that's fine. The last thing you want is a player coming into tryouts/spring scrimmage season out of shape, unprepared and ripe for injury.
quote:Bottom line is club ball during HS season should be an alternative for those who can't play HS ball for whatever reason. HS ball should be #1 for the student/athlete.
zombywoof,
Agree! That pretty much says it all!
Our Customer Service Manager is the Freshman Coach @ local HS. He shared a email from the AD that I thought would be of interest. From the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association. Topics are broken down into issues and interventions. This is just a summary.
Topic #1 Club Sports: Specifically, What types of club sport issues and other out of season distractions have you had to deal with, and what types of interventions have worked for you in easing these particular situations.
Issues, Club V Ball affecting G Bball.
Middle level Bball, Dual participation.
Facilities use.
Movement of students to new districts due to club affiliations.
Club baseball players led (3 of 6) led their teams to State.
College Scouting is being done more @ the club level than @ schools.
Some sports being played year round.
Overuse of athletes, Injuries and burnout.
Multi-sport athlete numbers a decreasing.
Coaches just want to deal with ONLY the top athletes.
Club S****R/Middle school Bball conflict.
Financial burden on families.
Unrealistic expectations caused by club success.
Missing school practices.
College recruiters calling clubs instead of HS coaches.
AAU equals scholarship mentality.
Out of season leagues occurring and AD's are not aware- Rules and eligibility broken without AD knowledge.
Interventions,
Early interventions and open line of Communication between clubs and HS. Sharing and coordination of schedules and facilities.
Educate parents of the benefits of being multi sport athletes.
Communicate WIAA out of season contact rules to coaches.
Inform and involve coaches associations in interventions.
Convince Coaches to set summer, be summer/ minimize summer activities.
Find ways to recognize and reward multi-sport athletes.
Teach realistic expectations with regard to scholarships.
Establish unity among HS coaches vs. club coaches and how to handle school/ club athletes.
WIAA transfer rules, Lose of eligibility if athlete transfers to another district.
Meet with athlete and parent if the athlete misses a in season contest, due to club commitment.
Instead of focusing on the negative impact of club sports, turn the focus to the positive of participation in school sports and find ways to communicate this among the athletes.
WIAA maximum # of interventions for out of season leagues.
Possible 2 week moratorium with NO CONTACT.
The WIAA has a lucrative TV contract for HS Boys Bball in March. If the best players in the state DO NOT participate in HS but Club, Will that contract and funds go away??
Topic #1 Club Sports: Specifically, What types of club sport issues and other out of season distractions have you had to deal with, and what types of interventions have worked for you in easing these particular situations.
Issues, Club V Ball affecting G Bball.
Middle level Bball, Dual participation.
Facilities use.
Movement of students to new districts due to club affiliations.
Club baseball players led (3 of 6) led their teams to State.
College Scouting is being done more @ the club level than @ schools.
Some sports being played year round.
Overuse of athletes, Injuries and burnout.
Multi-sport athlete numbers a decreasing.
Coaches just want to deal with ONLY the top athletes.
Club S****R/Middle school Bball conflict.
Financial burden on families.
Unrealistic expectations caused by club success.
Missing school practices.
College recruiters calling clubs instead of HS coaches.
AAU equals scholarship mentality.
Out of season leagues occurring and AD's are not aware- Rules and eligibility broken without AD knowledge.
Interventions,
Early interventions and open line of Communication between clubs and HS. Sharing and coordination of schedules and facilities.
Educate parents of the benefits of being multi sport athletes.
Communicate WIAA out of season contact rules to coaches.
Inform and involve coaches associations in interventions.
Convince Coaches to set summer, be summer/ minimize summer activities.
Find ways to recognize and reward multi-sport athletes.
Teach realistic expectations with regard to scholarships.
Establish unity among HS coaches vs. club coaches and how to handle school/ club athletes.
WIAA transfer rules, Lose of eligibility if athlete transfers to another district.
Meet with athlete and parent if the athlete misses a in season contest, due to club commitment.
Instead of focusing on the negative impact of club sports, turn the focus to the positive of participation in school sports and find ways to communicate this among the athletes.
WIAA maximum # of interventions for out of season leagues.
Possible 2 week moratorium with NO CONTACT.
The WIAA has a lucrative TV contract for HS Boys Bball in March. If the best players in the state DO NOT participate in HS but Club, Will that contract and funds go away??
I would like to hear what goes on in that meeting. If you look at this as a business, the schools should look at themselves with some of these questions and figure out IF (or what) they can do better.
quote:
The WIAA has a lucrative TV contract for HS Boys Bball in March. If the best players in the state DO NOT participate in HS but Club, Will that contract and funds go away??
Then how is Little League so successful and has the big TV contract even though club ball has exploded at the 12U level? I'm sure many of the best players are being pulled away from LL to play on club teams but yet LL is still the number 1 game at the youth level inspite of all that is said about LL in comparison to club ball.
I see high school as the LL equivalent to LL as far as what's #1 for each level in spite of the good and bad that each deals with.
In response to a few things discussed, here are some facts. I say facts because I am involved first hand (and have been for the past seven years) - in setting our HS team fees and in overall funding to replace district budget cuts, and I discuss with other HS boosters, so I know what they do also. We are in So Cal, fairly affluent area. Our specific district gets fewer state dollars than all others in our area because we "can afford" to fund on our own.
1. Fees ("donation" really) in our area (including other districts) are around $400-700 per player. Fees is the wrong word, because payment is not mandatory (indeed CIF precludes mandatory fees), but voluntary - a donation really. We fund/absorb the costs for those that cannot pay, but nearly 100% of the parents understand the need and make their voluntary donation. No player is negatively impacted in any way because they are unable to donate. What this money is used for varies by school in any of the districts. Some use it for uniforms, some use it for field work, some use it for gear like hats, practice shirts, socks, and other essentials. It is a mix, but the districts cannot and do not fully fund athletics and the shortfall comes from the parents' pockets. I do a spread sheet every year before fees are set, and every penny is accounted for. And for us, this fee does not include fundraising - fundraising is on top of this money (players raise on average about $200 per player). For example, our district cannot afford to keep our field up, our fencing, etc. We assist in paying for that. We only get new uniforms every 4-5 years, so we cover things like practice gear, hats, the things kids get to keep.
2. Our principals have told parents in our district that programs will be cut, period. For the first year, they will fortunately be able to look to the overall booster club for funding, but after that....Programs that will be cut include sports. Specifically for baseball, our baseball program can fund a one year cut, but beyond that..... If our lower level baseball programs eventually go away, under the ABD system, those players can play somewhere, and return for the V level.
3. Other districts in our area have already cut programs. Several HSs have already cut lower level teams - baseball included. Our teams have to travel further distances to find teams to play, which drives our transportation costs up. There is one school this season that we play that has no lower level teams so our lower level guys had to find another game to play for that slot. This will happen more often next year. If we cannot find teams to play (or have to travel to far to play), under the ABD system, we would have teams to play - even if pick up games/scrimmages.
4. Every year we have many more players try out for teams than can make a team - and our coaches do all in their power to place every kid they can. The reality is, kids get cut. Under the ABD system, those kids can play somewhere.
5. Acadmics - well, again players will have a place to play.
6. Consistency - players will be able to maintain consistency and play year round for the same team. But this does not mean too much to me. I fully support the HS system, but if it does not exist, what is there to support????
7. We fortunately play for a HS coach who does not prohibit kids from playing travel, doing camps and showcases. However, he still wants the player to give him time (understandable, right?). I do know coaches that cut players from their HS teams for doing this.
8. Travel ball and Scout ball, well, yes. My son played both. We felt it provided exposure necessary to take him to the next level. Did our HS coach help? Yes, he did in a big way, but he has those kinds of contacts to help. Not all HS coaches do, or are willing to. Remember, a walk on coach is worth his weight in gold - by that I mean, he probably makes about $1 and hour.
Bottom line...the financial situation of our country has, I believe, created a situation where alternatives must be available for the game to survive and make it through until full HS programs can be revived.
1. Fees ("donation" really) in our area (including other districts) are around $400-700 per player. Fees is the wrong word, because payment is not mandatory (indeed CIF precludes mandatory fees), but voluntary - a donation really. We fund/absorb the costs for those that cannot pay, but nearly 100% of the parents understand the need and make their voluntary donation. No player is negatively impacted in any way because they are unable to donate. What this money is used for varies by school in any of the districts. Some use it for uniforms, some use it for field work, some use it for gear like hats, practice shirts, socks, and other essentials. It is a mix, but the districts cannot and do not fully fund athletics and the shortfall comes from the parents' pockets. I do a spread sheet every year before fees are set, and every penny is accounted for. And for us, this fee does not include fundraising - fundraising is on top of this money (players raise on average about $200 per player). For example, our district cannot afford to keep our field up, our fencing, etc. We assist in paying for that. We only get new uniforms every 4-5 years, so we cover things like practice gear, hats, the things kids get to keep.
2. Our principals have told parents in our district that programs will be cut, period. For the first year, they will fortunately be able to look to the overall booster club for funding, but after that....Programs that will be cut include sports. Specifically for baseball, our baseball program can fund a one year cut, but beyond that..... If our lower level baseball programs eventually go away, under the ABD system, those players can play somewhere, and return for the V level.
3. Other districts in our area have already cut programs. Several HSs have already cut lower level teams - baseball included. Our teams have to travel further distances to find teams to play, which drives our transportation costs up. There is one school this season that we play that has no lower level teams so our lower level guys had to find another game to play for that slot. This will happen more often next year. If we cannot find teams to play (or have to travel to far to play), under the ABD system, we would have teams to play - even if pick up games/scrimmages.
4. Every year we have many more players try out for teams than can make a team - and our coaches do all in their power to place every kid they can. The reality is, kids get cut. Under the ABD system, those kids can play somewhere.
5. Acadmics - well, again players will have a place to play.
6. Consistency - players will be able to maintain consistency and play year round for the same team. But this does not mean too much to me. I fully support the HS system, but if it does not exist, what is there to support????
7. We fortunately play for a HS coach who does not prohibit kids from playing travel, doing camps and showcases. However, he still wants the player to give him time (understandable, right?). I do know coaches that cut players from their HS teams for doing this.
8. Travel ball and Scout ball, well, yes. My son played both. We felt it provided exposure necessary to take him to the next level. Did our HS coach help? Yes, he did in a big way, but he has those kinds of contacts to help. Not all HS coaches do, or are willing to. Remember, a walk on coach is worth his weight in gold - by that I mean, he probably makes about $1 and hour.
Bottom line...the financial situation of our country has, I believe, created a situation where alternatives must be available for the game to survive and make it through until full HS programs can be revived.
(/QUOTE) Then how is Little League so successful and has the big TV contract even though club ball has exploded at the 12U level? I'm sure many of the best players are being pulled away from LL to play on club teams but yet LL is still the number 1 game at the youth level inspite of all that is said about LL in comparison to club ball.
I see high school as the LL equivalent to LL as far as what's #1 for each level in spite of the good and bad that each deals with.[/QUOTE]
Zombywolf,
Parents have not completely lost their minds yet at the LL level. Many/some parents are not even aware of the clubs until their kids are exposed to little league. In my area club level explodes after little league. I've seen normal LL parents turn into highly competitive, traveling, $$$ spending baseball gypsies after LL. I'm guilty myself. The progression of LL,Juniors,Seniors,Babe Ruth,Am. Legion has been decimated since my youth. I can't say this is good or bad, it's just the way it is and I'm sure it's a little different everywhere. LL will have the advantage of being an "Institution of our youth" and will prosper from that for a long time. Even Orel Hershiser (I think it was him) acted suprised and dumbfounded by the cost of an aluminum bat that is used in todays youth baseball(last years LLWS broadcast). He wasn't even aware of what's happening in youth baseball until he was exposed to LL on this broadcast.
I see high school as the LL equivalent to LL as far as what's #1 for each level in spite of the good and bad that each deals with.[/QUOTE]
Zombywolf,
Parents have not completely lost their minds yet at the LL level. Many/some parents are not even aware of the clubs until their kids are exposed to little league. In my area club level explodes after little league. I've seen normal LL parents turn into highly competitive, traveling, $$$ spending baseball gypsies after LL. I'm guilty myself. The progression of LL,Juniors,Seniors,Babe Ruth,Am. Legion has been decimated since my youth. I can't say this is good or bad, it's just the way it is and I'm sure it's a little different everywhere. LL will have the advantage of being an "Institution of our youth" and will prosper from that for a long time. Even Orel Hershiser (I think it was him) acted suprised and dumbfounded by the cost of an aluminum bat that is used in todays youth baseball(last years LLWS broadcast). He wasn't even aware of what's happening in youth baseball until he was exposed to LL on this broadcast.
Socalhscoach
My point, simply stated. There are inept coaches and PITA parents. My sons experience was exactly how I described it. And frankly, like it or not, many others have experienced the same. Your knee jerk reaction per your original post paints us as liars.
My sons experience is a moot point. And for those quick to judge. He earned a Varsity letter as a freshman for his role as a closer.
If your son was disatisfied with the math program at his HS, he could transfer to another school and compete on there math olympiad team no questions asked. If your looking to make a change because he's not satisfied with his baseball experience. Forget it, your stuck. A HS sport, in every sense of the word is extracurricular, why are these restictions in place? Bad coaches, albeit a infinitesimal minority, for whatever reason are beyond reproach in a public school system. You don't have a bad coach, what you have is a PITA parent. Of course it cuts both ways. Some will be drawn to alternative programs for other resason's. Just two more examples on why MS's venture will succeed
Thanks for clearing up any misconceptions with your second post. I would expect nothing less from a HS coach.
Here's a D*** high hangin change-up for the coaches. What PITA parent tendencies are your worst nightmare?
My point, simply stated. There are inept coaches and PITA parents. My sons experience was exactly how I described it. And frankly, like it or not, many others have experienced the same. Your knee jerk reaction per your original post paints us as liars.
My sons experience is a moot point. And for those quick to judge. He earned a Varsity letter as a freshman for his role as a closer.
If your son was disatisfied with the math program at his HS, he could transfer to another school and compete on there math olympiad team no questions asked. If your looking to make a change because he's not satisfied with his baseball experience. Forget it, your stuck. A HS sport, in every sense of the word is extracurricular, why are these restictions in place? Bad coaches, albeit a infinitesimal minority, for whatever reason are beyond reproach in a public school system. You don't have a bad coach, what you have is a PITA parent. Of course it cuts both ways. Some will be drawn to alternative programs for other resason's. Just two more examples on why MS's venture will succeed
Thanks for clearing up any misconceptions with your second post. I would expect nothing less from a HS coach.
Here's a D*** high hangin change-up for the coaches. What PITA parent tendencies are your worst nightmare?
I hate to bring up an old thread. but the spring Arizona leagues are starting to advertise locally again. "For players, not playing HS ball."
http://www.flhsbaseballreport....rial.php?edit_id=429
Here we go, a sliden down the slippery slope with our little snowball!!
Did they play HS sports during the last depression?
If the Dow is at 3500 this time next year Spiers will be the only billionaire.
Here we go, a sliden down the slippery slope with our little snowball!!
Did they play HS sports during the last depression?
If the Dow is at 3500 this time next year Spiers will be the only billionaire.
I love this topic because it really strikes a nerve in both dugouts, HS and select ball. I coach select baseball in Houston, Tx. and I find that many HS coaches don't mind select ball at all and, if not encourage, at least don't have much of a problem with their players playing with select clubs during the summer and fall. I think they see it as an opportunity for the players to get better, play tougher competition, and receive additional exposure as well as possibly bringing college coaches and scouts back to their HS games so that other players may get exposure. On the other hand there are many HS coaches who despise select baseball and see it as nothing more than a waste of time and money because those coaches believe that "THEY" are all a player needs to make it to the next level. I look at it this way, both HS and select have their place in the development of the high school baseball player. For a HS coach or a select coach to think they are the only reason a player is being "seen" or getting college scholarship offers is insane. Every person that has contact with that player from parents to HS coaches to select coaches to instructors plays a role in the players development. I've heard from players about HS coaches that threaten to bench players for playing select ball during the summer instead of with the HS summer team. That puts the player and his parents in a real tough spot because HS baseball still maintains a significant position on the baseball landscape. As a select coach it irritates me that a HS coach would do this to a kid.
Since we all have a role here is the way I'd like to see it work. The HS coach has his HS players from Feb. till their HS season is over, usually May or early June in Texas if the team makes it to the State Championship. Any players that get selected to play select ball should get that opportunity without hassle from his HS coach. Any players that don't get picked-up by a select team should play with their HS summer team to continue to develop their skills and build team chemistry for the following HS season. Since high schools in Texas don't play fall ball this would serve as an off season for players that don't make a fall select team or any players that just want to take a break until the next HS season. I think this benefits all players and all programs.
A few things I know for a fact: 1) There is more practice time during the HS season and most 16-18 year old select teams don't practice because players come from all parts of town. 2) Select ball offers much more exposure for a player than HS baseball due to the fact that the colleges are playing at the same time as the high schools and since the HS coaches and pro scouts can't be everywhere, they tend to go where they can get the most bang for their buck. 3) The competition at the select level is better than at the HS level.
In the infamous words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along".
Since we all have a role here is the way I'd like to see it work. The HS coach has his HS players from Feb. till their HS season is over, usually May or early June in Texas if the team makes it to the State Championship. Any players that get selected to play select ball should get that opportunity without hassle from his HS coach. Any players that don't get picked-up by a select team should play with their HS summer team to continue to develop their skills and build team chemistry for the following HS season. Since high schools in Texas don't play fall ball this would serve as an off season for players that don't make a fall select team or any players that just want to take a break until the next HS season. I think this benefits all players and all programs.
A few things I know for a fact: 1) There is more practice time during the HS season and most 16-18 year old select teams don't practice because players come from all parts of town. 2) Select ball offers much more exposure for a player than HS baseball due to the fact that the colleges are playing at the same time as the high schools and since the HS coaches and pro scouts can't be everywhere, they tend to go where they can get the most bang for their buck. 3) The competition at the select level is better than at the HS level.
In the infamous words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along".