I hear thru the grapevine that dbat took over the titans teams for the high school age group. Kind of surprising with all the teams they've had.
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It's not really complicated is it? Numbers = $$$$
its always about money, right? We used to get the hard sell that it's for the kids, but $$$ is always number one.
I would think if a program has more than two teams at any age group you're starting to get into the teams that are just there for financial gain.
If you have 6-12 teams at a given age group then you are raking it in!
It's like some of the programs mentioned that talk about the "31 seniors that went off to college to play ball" out of said program.... they never talk about the other 65 seniors that never got the looks - that were just there for financial gain.....
BUT, if you are a parent who knows a certain program has multiple, multiple, multiple teams at different age groups and you still fall for their "sales pitch" - who is to blame?
If you have 6-12 teams at a given age group then you are raking it in!
It's like some of the programs mentioned that talk about the "31 seniors that went off to college to play ball" out of said program.... they never talk about the other 65 seniors that never got the looks - that were just there for financial gain.....
BUT, if you are a parent who knows a certain program has multiple, multiple, multiple teams at different age groups and you still fall for their "sales pitch" - who is to blame?
I may be blind, but I don't see these various organizations making that much money off select baseball, especially with the older players. Paid coaches, expensive tournaments, cost of uniforms, equipment (balls, catcher's gear, helmets), insurance, league fees, etc. Again, I may be wrong, but I don't see anybody getting rich just off having a summer team.
You guys are ridiculous!!!
If a kid doesn't get a look, it could be that he can't play.
If you don't like the cost, then don't pay it.
I would have a longer response, but I have to meet Catcher at the Benz dealership to pick up our wives new S550's, then meet our real estate broker in Highland Park for our new homes.
If a kid doesn't get a look, it could be that he can't play.
If you don't like the cost, then don't pay it.
I would have a longer response, but I have to meet Catcher at the Benz dealership to pick up our wives new S550's, then meet our real estate broker in Highland Park for our new homes.
quote:Originally posted by joedaddy:
I may be blind, but I don't see these various organizations making that much money off select baseball, especially with the older players. Paid coaches, expensive tournaments, cost of uniforms, equipment (balls, catcher's gear, helmets), insurance, league fees, etc. Again, I may be wrong, but I don't see anybody getting rich just off having a summer team.
The organizations dont pay for the uniforms and I'm pretty sure that if a catcher doesnt have his own gear, then he probably doesnt need to be catching at this level.
Look I will be the first to say that the cost to play baseball these days is steep and that it is becoming like golf and tennis where only the trully blessed can afford to participate at a high level. However, I have to agree with Van on this issue that you do have a choice which is not to pay but you will have to live with the consequences of that decision which means your son's options will probably be significantly impacted. My best advice is for the kids to become so good that they get the special perks which may mean reduced costs or no costs at all because they are so good that the travel team wants you on the roster because the kid is a blue chipper. There are two sets a rules if you are a blue chipper you get treated differently. For the rest of us, either pony up the cash or watch your kid's opportunities be limited. It is what it is.
Or go out and raise some money for yourself. Or find a program that has a scholarship program for kids.
How about organizations be honest with kids that aren't blue chippers instead of taking their money so they can afford the blue chippers on their "#1 team". All I can say is we were told we'd play around 60 games last summer for $2100 (plus uniform charges) and we ended up playing 38 games for that amount with three trips included that weren't cheap either. My son is not a blue chipper, but he can hang with any of them so we let him play at this level. And I've been blessed with the ability to pay for what he loves to do and for that I'm truely grateful as it's been a great ride no matter when his last game is. I just want organizations to deliver what they say they are going to deliver.
Agree with both of the posts below my original post. Gametimer I feel your pain. I did not have that particular issue when my son played. I agree that all travel programs should deliver what they promise. My hopes are that capitalism works in this venue so that those organizations that do not deliver will become extinct because the better run organizations are delivering on what they promise. Otherewise I would have to beleive that the market will eventually handle this issue, albeit sometimes slowly.
I still beleive that there are certain things you can and can't control. I wish all of the parents and players the best because none of this will mean a thing when they eventually hang up their cleats which happens to ALL players at somepoint. Some will be blessed to play some form of college ball while he vast majority will have to stop playng by the end of thier high school career. Enjoy the ride it goes by way to quickly. All of those things that I thought were important at the time, at the end of the day did not amount to the importance and elephant places on that pimple on the back of his A**. Believe me when I say this but if they do get to play baseball in college it is like a job and as a parent you better get used to being way in the background because the coach quite frankly is not concerned about your feelings or for that matter your thoughts. Let me say it one more time, ENJOY THE RIDE IT WILL BE OVER SOONER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE!!!
I still beleive that there are certain things you can and can't control. I wish all of the parents and players the best because none of this will mean a thing when they eventually hang up their cleats which happens to ALL players at somepoint. Some will be blessed to play some form of college ball while he vast majority will have to stop playng by the end of thier high school career. Enjoy the ride it goes by way to quickly. All of those things that I thought were important at the time, at the end of the day did not amount to the importance and elephant places on that pimple on the back of his A**. Believe me when I say this but if they do get to play baseball in college it is like a job and as a parent you better get used to being way in the background because the coach quite frankly is not concerned about your feelings or for that matter your thoughts. Let me say it one more time, ENJOY THE RIDE IT WILL BE OVER SOONER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE!!!
quote:If a kid doesn't get a look, it could be that he can't play.
It could also be the coach/club exaggerated the contacts and relationships he/they have to inflate hopes and get players signed on.
quote:How about organizations be honest with kids that aren't blue chippers instead of taking their money so they can afford the blue chippers on their "#1 team". All I can say is we were told we'd play around 60 games last summer for $2100 (plus uniform charges) and we ended up playing 38 games for that amount with three trips included that weren't cheap either.
Yep, the same relationship exaggerators are game exaggerators. And once they have control of your money as you pay it all up front, the clubs have 100% control. Be wary of the clubs that have a central party controlling the money rather than a money man on your specific team.
And for those that say it's a joke and there's no money in select ball....do the math. For the big clubs, team count times roster counts times club fees..add in "optional"/mandatory extras extended get you to a figure the President defines as rich pretty quickly. I'm not talking about individual coaches, talking club owners. That's why they want more teams....it's the only way to grow their top line.
Maybe it is Exaggerated.
Painting the entire Select World is also an exaggeration. It's simple economics. Supply and Demand.
Many help others on competing teams. I get called weekly about 2014's, because that is the age group I know. Many of us don't let the hat we wear impact what we tell the college guys about players.
Painting the entire Select World is also an exaggeration. It's simple economics. Supply and Demand.
Many help others on competing teams. I get called weekly about 2014's, because that is the age group I know. Many of us don't let the hat we wear impact what we tell the college guys about players.
Van, I really hope what you said is true of most of the travel team organizations helping players on other teams. That would be great. Baseball is trully one of those sports that it helps to have somebody in your corner. I guess that is why I have always loved watching track because it is pretty easy to determine who the fastest guy is on the track and he does not have to have somebody in his corner. However being as naive as I am, I hope that the old saying that "the cream always rises to the top" ultimately prevails.
Typically I stay out of these discussions... I’d just like to make a couple points
If parents would be honest with themselves about their players skill level they could save a lot of time and money. There are enough organizations out there that offer different levels of baseball. High level baseball tends to get more expensive because of paid coaches, travel etc. There are organizations out there that still develop players. There are also orgs out there that take high level players to places they will be seen and most of all, have contacts to get them to where they need to be.
I would challenge parents to do the math on how much coaches are actually making in summer ball. There are many hours outside of pre-game, game and post-game time that are spent calling scouts, coaches, looking at stats, sending emails, and setting rosters among many other things. Now I understand that you guys are talking about orgs not coaches, but big orgs have administration staff to pay... Orders, try-outs, scheduling, paper work, uniform distribution to teams, fee collections, etc don’t just happen by themselves....
Lastly, this is an outdoor event, weather permits this whole thing to work. Personally speaking if we get rained out of a tourney or multiple league games we typically go indoors.
People just need to have a better understanding of the dynamics and ask more questions at the front end before making a commitment. If a coach is not open to questions then it may not be a good fit. Communication is a huge part of the game from all aspects.
By no means am I suggesting we do things perfect and it’s all the parents/players fault for not getting what you pay for. I would just challenge parents and players to put as much thought into decisions and commitments as they do about their complaints.
If parents would be honest with themselves about their players skill level they could save a lot of time and money. There are enough organizations out there that offer different levels of baseball. High level baseball tends to get more expensive because of paid coaches, travel etc. There are organizations out there that still develop players. There are also orgs out there that take high level players to places they will be seen and most of all, have contacts to get them to where they need to be.
I would challenge parents to do the math on how much coaches are actually making in summer ball. There are many hours outside of pre-game, game and post-game time that are spent calling scouts, coaches, looking at stats, sending emails, and setting rosters among many other things. Now I understand that you guys are talking about orgs not coaches, but big orgs have administration staff to pay... Orders, try-outs, scheduling, paper work, uniform distribution to teams, fee collections, etc don’t just happen by themselves....
Lastly, this is an outdoor event, weather permits this whole thing to work. Personally speaking if we get rained out of a tourney or multiple league games we typically go indoors.
People just need to have a better understanding of the dynamics and ask more questions at the front end before making a commitment. If a coach is not open to questions then it may not be a good fit. Communication is a huge part of the game from all aspects.
By no means am I suggesting we do things perfect and it’s all the parents/players fault for not getting what you pay for. I would just challenge parents and players to put as much thought into decisions and commitments as they do about their complaints.
I had a long "document" typed out, saved it so I could post later, and come back to this and there are already a lot of great thoughts by parents and coaches. Maybe after this next 18U season (my last with this group of guys, since I've coached some since they were 9), I will post it.
Lynn and Ben are stand-up guys that have the boys best interests at heart. I think many of the coaches out there in DFW do.
One thing we all need to remember is that 25-30yrs ago when we were playing, there were very few HS select orgs to play with. After the HS season, you were fortunate to play in the summer, unless it was a local rec league you signed up for. Now, even if you are on the #5 team somewhere, at least our kids are getting to play the game they love. As was pointed out correctly... many of them are just not going to be good enough to play in college, or at least not get a college scholarship. That should not take away anything from the improved skill and enjoyment these young men are getting out of the game.
As a coach (who is also a parent), I understand the stuggles on all sides of the equation. $2100 for 38 games is very steep...especially given that most of the players on that team are not playing every game. But then again, as a coach, I don't have to charge a dime over actual cost for my select team b/c it has never been viewed as a source of income for me. I know if I had a huge facility and had to pay a lot of overhead, I would have to charge a lot more, even before making a profit.
As Lynn said, it is supply and demand... if there were more smaller orgs/independents, then chances are the cost would be less, but just as many opportuntiies for kids to play. But there are not many of us once you get into the HS age, and then many parents do not trust the smaller org for their son's skill development/recruiting opportunities/etc (which I understand, in theory). I've been fighting that since we started competing in select ball at 12U. Also, I do benefit from the large orgs, if for no other reason than I can rent their practice facilities.
As Ben said correctly... none of it is perfect. It just doesn't exist. Go with your gut, make sure your son is improving in the physical and mental side of the game, getting playing time on the field, and having the time of his life. Do your level best to be as objective as possible about where he fits at the collegiate level. This is easier said than done, and often the parent is seeking the counsel of a trusted coach to help with this evaluation, I understand. Don't wait for the colleges to come to you... choose a few "wish list" ones, and then work your way down from there. Contact the college coaches yourself. Go make a campus visit. Make sure they have a copy of your summer schedule in your hand (regardless of which team you are on, if a coach is interested in your kid, he will come watch your son play).
Sorry ... most of this is repeating others above, and this was longer than I meant for it to be.
Lynn and Ben are stand-up guys that have the boys best interests at heart. I think many of the coaches out there in DFW do.
One thing we all need to remember is that 25-30yrs ago when we were playing, there were very few HS select orgs to play with. After the HS season, you were fortunate to play in the summer, unless it was a local rec league you signed up for. Now, even if you are on the #5 team somewhere, at least our kids are getting to play the game they love. As was pointed out correctly... many of them are just not going to be good enough to play in college, or at least not get a college scholarship. That should not take away anything from the improved skill and enjoyment these young men are getting out of the game.
As a coach (who is also a parent), I understand the stuggles on all sides of the equation. $2100 for 38 games is very steep...especially given that most of the players on that team are not playing every game. But then again, as a coach, I don't have to charge a dime over actual cost for my select team b/c it has never been viewed as a source of income for me. I know if I had a huge facility and had to pay a lot of overhead, I would have to charge a lot more, even before making a profit.
As Lynn said, it is supply and demand... if there were more smaller orgs/independents, then chances are the cost would be less, but just as many opportuntiies for kids to play. But there are not many of us once you get into the HS age, and then many parents do not trust the smaller org for their son's skill development/recruiting opportunities/etc (which I understand, in theory). I've been fighting that since we started competing in select ball at 12U. Also, I do benefit from the large orgs, if for no other reason than I can rent their practice facilities.
As Ben said correctly... none of it is perfect. It just doesn't exist. Go with your gut, make sure your son is improving in the physical and mental side of the game, getting playing time on the field, and having the time of his life. Do your level best to be as objective as possible about where he fits at the collegiate level. This is easier said than done, and often the parent is seeking the counsel of a trusted coach to help with this evaluation, I understand. Don't wait for the colleges to come to you... choose a few "wish list" ones, and then work your way down from there. Contact the college coaches yourself. Go make a campus visit. Make sure they have a copy of your summer schedule in your hand (regardless of which team you are on, if a coach is interested in your kid, he will come watch your son play).
Sorry ... most of this is repeating others above, and this was longer than I meant for it to be.
As a parent of a player going into his last year of HS Ball - Ben, Wes and Lynn are dead on target with their comments. I think that many teams and coaches make promises that they can't keep such as getting your son on a college team. I have come to find out that if your son really wants to play there is a college out there where they can play. It may not be in Texas, it may not be a Divison I program, you may not get a scholarship (D3) and once you get there it might be in a back up role.....but your kid is playing college baseball (if that is what you are trying to accomplish). We were blessed by our team and the network of coaches from other teams that we knew that helped get my son's name out. Ben is correct that many people don't understand the amount of time that most of the dedicated coaches in the metroplex spend making contact with local scouts, colleges, JC's and even competing teams to help get their players more exposure in tournaments at the end of the year or showcases that might be tough to get into. As stated if your kid is a blue chip player you don't have as much to worry about as the rest of us, but having that blue chip player on your team also brings scouts and coaches to watch that player and others get noticed that weren't on the radar.
My only other comment is don't leave your kids future in the hands of your summer coach or hs coach (work with them and develop a gameplan), you as a parent/player have to be prepared to do just as much work to get noticed - sending out informational flyers, schedules of when you play, video if asked for it (not just the highlights, they want to see mechanics and repetition of the basics). Find the camps that produce coaches who attend - The Complete Showcase is one of the better ones for under $200, find colleges that have resonable fees for thier informational camps (UTA has one for about $80) vs. the ones that are charging hundreds of dollars and the coaches in attendence are graduate assistants.
Best of luck to everyone.
My only other comment is don't leave your kids future in the hands of your summer coach or hs coach (work with them and develop a gameplan), you as a parent/player have to be prepared to do just as much work to get noticed - sending out informational flyers, schedules of when you play, video if asked for it (not just the highlights, they want to see mechanics and repetition of the basics). Find the camps that produce coaches who attend - The Complete Showcase is one of the better ones for under $200, find colleges that have resonable fees for thier informational camps (UTA has one for about $80) vs. the ones that are charging hundreds of dollars and the coaches in attendence are graduate assistants.
Best of luck to everyone.
Marcusdad and Tx-Husker,
I started up and ran the Titans organization and I am a head baseball coach in a 4A program I also teach and try to be a husband and father when time permits. Sometimes things are not about money... It came down to a simple decision for me to turn over our teams and become a part of the D-Bat organization. This move would free up some time for me to be at home and with my family. Money can not replace the time I have missed with my son the last 2 years running this program outside of my main job. Trying to be a teacher, coach, and run a small business plus be a father and husband can be challenging. The amount of money we made was not a trade off for the amount of time I had to spend away from my kid. Not many people understand the time committment a high school coach makes. That was the final decision for us as a family. It was not about money... I can promise you that.
Knowing Cade and Shayne it was a no brainer where to take our teams/coaches and make sure they were in good hands. Thanks for posting your inaccurate information. Might want to go to the source next time before posting on a topic you are uncetain about.
I really have enjoyed reading some of the responses as the thread has progressed though.
I started up and ran the Titans organization and I am a head baseball coach in a 4A program I also teach and try to be a husband and father when time permits. Sometimes things are not about money... It came down to a simple decision for me to turn over our teams and become a part of the D-Bat organization. This move would free up some time for me to be at home and with my family. Money can not replace the time I have missed with my son the last 2 years running this program outside of my main job. Trying to be a teacher, coach, and run a small business plus be a father and husband can be challenging. The amount of money we made was not a trade off for the amount of time I had to spend away from my kid. Not many people understand the time committment a high school coach makes. That was the final decision for us as a family. It was not about money... I can promise you that.
Knowing Cade and Shayne it was a no brainer where to take our teams/coaches and make sure they were in good hands. Thanks for posting your inaccurate information. Might want to go to the source next time before posting on a topic you are uncetain about.
I really have enjoyed reading some of the responses as the thread has progressed though.
quote:Thanks for posting your inaccurate information.
My comments were about the "acquiring" side not the "divesting" side, as to why clubs looks to add more teams and get bigger. The comments are very accurate.
I called and asked the question and here is the answer I got. The Mustangs have gotten a lot smaller in the past two year. Going from ages 8-18 with 62 teams in 2010. Sam, Cade, and Shayne decided to get small in 2011 by design and went to 38 teams. With Sam going back to Dallas Mustangs and taking 8 teams they will even be smaller this year. I nephew plays on the 14U Slayden team and the total dues are $585.00 for the spring. That covers three sets of uniforms, practices, bat bags, helmets, coaches gear , and a bunch of other equipment. I would agree with joedaddy, I just dont see the profits in this. I asked his dad point blank is the $585 all you pay and he said yes. I wonder if its even worth it???
Nothing inaccurate here either. Was curious what seememd like a sucessful organization with teams in many age groups going to another club.
Best of luck
Best of luck
quote:Originally posted by nttitans:
This move would free up some time for me to be at home and with my family. Money can not replace the time I have missed with my son the last 2 years running this program outside of my main job. Trying to be a teacher, coach, and run a small business plus be a father and husband can be challenging. The amount of money we made was not a trade off for the amount of time I had to spend away from my kid.
big thumbs up to this! All the best to you and your family.
newscout I am a little confused when you mentioned the slayden team. not having a kid playing travel ball let alone 14u which organization does yur son pay for? because that is a really great price.
I have paid for Select orgs since my kid was about 9 or 10. He now has 75% of his college paid for by a baseball scholarship. Do the math I would gladly pay the select fees to have his college paid for.
Golden not my son my nephew played on Dbat Mustangs Slayden this past spring. According to my brother-inlaw all ages 14U and under it is $585 to play.
quote:Originally posted by Newscout:
Golden not my son my nephew played on Dbat Mustangs Slayden this past spring. According to my brother-inlaw all ages 14U and under it is $585 to play.
I bet that's for a brief fall season. No way that could cover spring/summer.
He must be a blue chipper at 14U. Uniforms for dbat cost over $300 if I'm not mistaken.
quote:Originally posted by Newscout:
I called and asked the question and here is the answer I got. The Mustangs have gotten a lot smaller in the past two year. Going from ages 8-18 with 62 teams in 2010. Sam, Cade, and Shayne decided to get small in 2011 by design and went to 38 teams. With Sam going back to Dallas Mustangs and taking 8 teams they will even be smaller this year. I nephew plays on the 14U Slayden team and the total dues are $585.00 for the spring. That covers three sets of uniforms, practices, bat bags, helmets, coaches gear , and a bunch of other equipment. I would agree with joedaddy, I just dont see the profits in this. I asked his dad point blank is the $585 all you pay and he said yes. I wonder if its even worth it???
This info is 'partially' correct.
$585 is just the FEE that goes to DBAT.
This doesn't COVER paid coaches fee, & tournaments.
So make sure you are getting the full sum before you think it's cheap to pay/play for any of the bigger baseball org's.
I think I can safely say between $1500-$2500 is normal range you can expect (low-high) & 2500 is probably a little inflated. However, factor in gas/hotel/equip/shoes/... & it's a nice chunk of change for Spring. Then there's Fall costs (lower), so over a course of year (Spring/Fall) you are easily in range of $2000-$4000 spent.
And I've heard of almost TRIPLE that high end of $4K for a kid(s), yes over $10K/Spring mostly from coaches fee per kid, verified, and travel to exotic ports of call (LOL) during Summer.
Hope this helps.
BEST advice ever......... GED10DaDquote:Originally posted by ttredraiders1:...don't leave your kids future in the hands of your summer coach or hs coach (work with them and develop a gameplan), you as a parent/player have to be prepared to do just as much work to get noticed - sending out informational flyers, schedules of when you play, video if asked for it (not just the highlights, they want to see mechanics and repetition of the basics). Find the camps that produce coaches who attend - The Complete Showcase is one of the better ones for under $200, find colleges that have resonable fees for thier informational camps (UTA has one for about $80) vs. the ones that are charging hundreds of dollars and the coaches in attendence are graduate assistants.
I was a little confused because my son played for DBAT/Mustangs with his last summer being the summer of 2010 and if my memory serves me correct we paid approximately 2000 to 2100 dollars. This of course did not include travel related expenses. So when you said $585, I was a little confused.
And, gentlemen... just as a point of reference, club volleyball for girls is typically more $$ than baseball for boys. My daughter plays on a top-15 team (out of ~130 teams in the N TX region...they don't have AA/AAA/Major... its all together, and they actually have a true ranking system, much better than USSSA or the like). We pay $2800, for 7 months of practice/play, 9-10 tournaments. This is 15U. As with baseball, this does not include any travel expenses. The top-5 teams pay $3200+. But volleyball (and I'm sure other sports, too) does it like baseball... in that there is very little, if any, difference in the cost to play based on what team you are on within a given club. Our club has three teams per age group (many larger ones can have 5), and both teams pay the same. The larger clubs with more teams per age group will typically charge a little (but not much) less if you play on a lower-level team.
I appreciate ttredraiders input... right on the money. Have your son promote himself! This gives him even more ownership in the process too, which I believe is a good thing. You don't need to pay a videographer $300 for a video, either. Simple skills, drills video will show a college coach what he needs to see. My wife did the one for my son, and I did one for two of my players who asked for help. It is nothing fancy, but the video is clear and the camera remains steady. All three got positive responses from the schools they were looking at... two have committed to this point(one to a D3). The hold-out is my kid, actually (who will play D3, if he decides to continue with baseball). The one who got a scholarship offer (Seminole JC) was seen in person this fall at MSL.
My team last summer had some college coaches from various programs come out to watch us play b/c the player let the coach know our schedule. Sometimes the coach would contact me to confirm, sometimes he wouldn't. I'd say even if you are going to some "prestigious" tourney where you know certain scouts will be... have your son send the coaches of those schools an e-mail with your particular team's schedule. It doesn't have to be some brown-nose thing... just a simple greeting to the coach, telling him you are interested in his program, who you play for, your schedule for the week/weekend, your graduating class and what HS you attend.
I appreciate ttredraiders input... right on the money. Have your son promote himself! This gives him even more ownership in the process too, which I believe is a good thing. You don't need to pay a videographer $300 for a video, either. Simple skills, drills video will show a college coach what he needs to see. My wife did the one for my son, and I did one for two of my players who asked for help. It is nothing fancy, but the video is clear and the camera remains steady. All three got positive responses from the schools they were looking at... two have committed to this point(one to a D3). The hold-out is my kid, actually (who will play D3, if he decides to continue with baseball). The one who got a scholarship offer (Seminole JC) was seen in person this fall at MSL.
My team last summer had some college coaches from various programs come out to watch us play b/c the player let the coach know our schedule. Sometimes the coach would contact me to confirm, sometimes he wouldn't. I'd say even if you are going to some "prestigious" tourney where you know certain scouts will be... have your son send the coaches of those schools an e-mail with your particular team's schedule. It doesn't have to be some brown-nose thing... just a simple greeting to the coach, telling him you are interested in his program, who you play for, your schedule for the week/weekend, your graduating class and what HS you attend.
Gotta laugh at the post relating money spent on baseball to his savings on college tuition.
I've always compared the money and time spent putting my kid through baseball, not as saving money spent on college tuition, but money not spent on bail.
In all honesty though, if you save yourself the $4000 per year, add to that the $ummer family vacation$ that revolve around "national championships", from the time he's 10, to the time he's 17... you coulda bought your own college
I've always compared the money and time spent putting my kid through baseball, not as saving money spent on college tuition, but money not spent on bail.
In all honesty though, if you save yourself the $4000 per year, add to that the $ummer family vacation$ that revolve around "national championships", from the time he's 10, to the time he's 17... you coulda bought your own college
Golden your killing me. Please read my message. That is the charge for teams ages 8-14. I am sure the HS teams are more. You can go to their website and see Youth registration for $585 for entire season.
Sorry Newscout you the man. I am a little slow. (smile).
quote:Originally posted by Texas Crude:
Gotta laugh at the post relating money spent on baseball to his savings on college tuition.
I've always compared the money and time spent putting my kid through baseball, not as saving money spent on college tuition, but money not spent on bail.
In all honesty though, if you save yourself the $4000 per year, add to that the $ummer family vacation$ that revolve around "national championships", from the time he's 10, to the time he's 17... you coulda bought your own college
Texas Crude University....and I always thought it was Texas Christian
Another tired thread. Same thing, different year. Pretty simple. All players could start their own league, have a dad coach, and get after it. Of course, the only scholarships out there come from Premier or East Cobb. Just keep that in mind. Sam has always had the best team. Why is anyone chasing the dream if you can't play on that team anyway. College coaches only care about 1 thing, hitting 90mph or hitting bombs. Just hit one showcase and do either, and bang the rest. And all this Vanlandingham for president stuff wears me out. Tommy built that team and served him a gift. Now he's a good coach? Please. Best coach out there is Kermit Dow. Dude knows baseball hands down.
Pick Johnson top ten post of all time. You hit it on the nose. Same post every year. People hating on organizations, select ball, money being made, blah, blah, blah. Anyone that says "Numbers mean $$$" in a negative way probably voted for Obama and loves government handouts and possibly on one now. If numbers DON'T mean dollars in your business and you look at that as a bad thing your probably not a guy I would ever want on my team. Pick you said it, if you don't like it go start your own team and have a dugout full of dads. My question is if you are a dad coach do you still get paid? Does anyone know anyone that can answer that question?
Numbers = $$$$s is a fact. There's a limit on how much anyone can charge to play, so the only way to grow the top line is through more numbers. How is that negative?
quote:Originally posted by Newscout:
Pick Johnson top ten post of all time. You hit it on the nose. Same post every year. People hating on organizations, select ball, money being made, blah, blah, blah. Anyone that says "Numbers mean $$$" in a negative way probably voted for Obama and loves government handouts and possibly on one now. If numbers DON'T mean dollars in your business and you look at that as a bad thing your probably not a guy I would ever want on my team. Pick you said it, if you don't like it go start your own team and have a dugout full of dads. My question is if you are a dad coach do you still get paid? Does anyone know anyone that can answer that question?
And you don't want a dugout full of dads b/c you won't trust someone's dad to coach your kid in the fundamentals or get him the looks he deserves... I understand.
Oh, and then there is the "daddy ball" stigma b/c every dad who has ever coached can never in 100yrs be objective about his own kid's ability.
Trust me... I understand. Really, I do (even though I am a coach, who is also a dad).
And Newscout... I agree. If you are doing this for a living with even the most basic business model, you absolutely HAVE to make some $$.
It's a quandry, and there is no perfect storm. You want your kid to get proper fundamentals taught at a younger age, have these reinforced at the HS level (and a good enough coach to see mechanical flaws that _do_ occur even to the best players... otherwise the pros wouldn't have hitting/pitching coaches), and then have a coach/org who can get a _deserving_ player the opportunities to be seen by college/pro scouts. Pick mentioned Kermit... and if you're playing for him, Sam, and some others... then you're an elite player who is getting looks. Those are outstanding coaches with tons of connections. If my kid was good enough to play for one of those guys, he'd be playing for them.
As we have all seen, by the time the guys get to HS, most dads do not coach any longer. A guy I really respect (who I will not name here, but many of you know him) told me that one reason he stopped coaching at this age had nothing to do with his team not competing... they were very good at 14U... but b/c he wanted his son to be coached by someone else. I completely respect and understand that decision.
I don't know how every other org does it, and I hesitate to even call our club a true "organization" b/c we only have 3 teams total (12U, 16U, 18U), and except for the head coaches who know each other, all of them operate independently. But I do know the coaches have never taken a dime. Total cost gets divided by the total # of players, including any player who is related to a coach.
It's unique, and it doesn't work for everyone...I'm the first to say that. Our "dads" who are coaches didn't play D1 college ball or pro ball. However, I do think we have been able to _teach_ the game well, be fair and objective when it comes to playing time and opportunities for all the players, and then do our best to network with others to get the boys the looks they need to play at the next level, if that is what the player desires. There may be a few parents/players who have spent a season with us that would disagree... I think they would be in the vast minority. At the same time, as of right now we have just one D1 signee on our team, too, so all of the dads out there would not consider us to be worthy to play for or be at the level of the elite programs.
In the end, you just have to go with your gut and the best opportunity you believe is out there for your son. If your'e on a #1 team from a large org, be thankful... your decision was easy.
Newscout I have always enjoyed and respected your posts but throwing the political comments into it makes me want to reconsider my opinion. Politics and religion are two areas, especially on a baseball forumn are probably best left off this forumn.