Looking for ratings and recommendations for high school fall leagues.
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Speed,
Don't believe there are fall leagues for Illinois high schools..Please correct me if I am wrong..
Don't believe there are fall leagues for Illinois high schools..Please correct me if I am wrong..
http://teutopolisschools.org/pages/uploaded_files/Fall%...ll%202006.pdfUsually one of the better teams. I think they are using wooden bats this year as well.
CF Swingtown runs a fall league. I ran a team in the North Division a few years back. Fox Valley Sports Academy has one too. Harvey Foster used to run one up in Arlington Heights but that was for actual school teams. Swingtown is individual and not sure about Fox Valley. I think the Sox Academy has one too.
There are certainly a number of opportunities to play in the fall.
There are certainly a number of opportunities to play in the fall.
The Sparks 2007 team will be looking to play games throughout the fall. Please let me know if you know of a team (travel or high school)that might be interested in some games. We did this last year and were able to play in front of a few college coaches most weekends.
We have access to high school fields, and we will try our best to play on some local college fields as well. Also, because a number of our players will be playing football, we would be interested in adding a couple of players to our fall roster. We intend on playing in the PG event in Iowa, and we will travel to one more out of town tournament at the end of October. This is the most important fall season for the 2007 grads. If you are not already on the colleges' radar, this would be a great opportunity to put yourself on the map.
Whether you play for us, or against us, fall ball could be the best opportunity you have to get noticed. Even if you simply become a spring follow up, you may put yourself in a position to attend college AND play baseball.
We have access to high school fields, and we will try our best to play on some local college fields as well. Also, because a number of our players will be playing football, we would be interested in adding a couple of players to our fall roster. We intend on playing in the PG event in Iowa, and we will travel to one more out of town tournament at the end of October. This is the most important fall season for the 2007 grads. If you are not already on the colleges' radar, this would be a great opportunity to put yourself on the map.
Whether you play for us, or against us, fall ball could be the best opportunity you have to get noticed. Even if you simply become a spring follow up, you may put yourself in a position to attend college AND play baseball.
Gus21, you have a pm
Gus21,
you have a pm
you have a pm
from my experience, the fall leagues like the white sox wood bat league are not the best option. A good place for a high school player to go would be the Norwood Blues, Kenosha indians, or the lakeside cardinals. All are solid teams and they go to colleges almost every weekend and play in showcase events, exposing players.
Play on a team that travels to colleges, plays with wood bats and plays high level of competition. It doesn't hurt to get with a group that has some solid college and pro contacts. Indiana Yankees, Midwest Blazers, St Louis Pirates, Indiana Bulls, etc...
Fall is actually the best time of year for college coaches to see you. They have nothing going on and usually will travel to watch a good number of events.
Fall is actually the best time of year for college coaches to see you. They have nothing going on and usually will travel to watch a good number of events.
Good post, Blazer.
The top level of competition will attract scouts and recruiters.
With all due respect,especially due to a lower level of competition,the Blues,Cardinals and Indian's can't compare.
The top level of competition will attract scouts and recruiters.
With all due respect,especially due to a lower level of competition,the Blues,Cardinals and Indian's can't compare.
Isn't it hard to schedule playing in a fall league (usually on weekends)around college visits? If a kid takes 4-5 visits and assuming they make him an offer, most schools aren't going to leave it hanging out there until the end of October, are they?
We carry a big roster for that exact circumstance.
That being said, nothing says you have to vist a school on Saturday/Sunday. You could leave on a Friday afternoon and be done with your visit in time to play with your team on Sunday. We've had plenty of players do that in the past. College coaches would prefer the recruits to come in for the big football weekends but it doen't have to happen that way.
That being said, nothing says you have to vist a school on Saturday/Sunday. You could leave on a Friday afternoon and be done with your visit in time to play with your team on Sunday. We've had plenty of players do that in the past. College coaches would prefer the recruits to come in for the big football weekends but it doen't have to happen that way.
Ouch on the dig at the Cardinals, Blues and Indians... how can you say "with all due respect" they don't play good competition when they ARE each other's competition? Not very respectful at all... are you saying coaches aren't smart enough to spot a good player if they aren't playing against the best teams? Our boys have always been told to look sharp from the minute you walk on the field - look like you know what you're doing, act like you want to be there, hustle on and off - and coaches will notice you. We've attended showcases where the main emphasis was on your warm-ups.
After all this is baseball - you can play an entire weekend without getting an actual play, against a good team or otherwise.
After all this is baseball - you can play an entire weekend without getting an actual play, against a good team or otherwise.
Good luck my3sons.
How many D1 recruiters and MLB scouts were at your games last fall?
Did you go to Jupiter?
Like I said... there is really no comparison.
How many D1 recruiters and MLB scouts were at your games last fall?
Did you go to Jupiter?
Like I said... there is really no comparison.
Speaking from personal experience, soxnole is pretty much on the money. My son played in one of those programs. It was more about making the "director" look good than the kids.
I don't get it... how does it make the director look good if players don't get recruited by top programs?
I am aware there are "better" programs than the three that were mentioned - my son also played for one and we definitely saw both sides of the coin. But, we did play some very good teams and there were D-1 recruiters there - I know because several were there to see my son. MLB scouts - probably not, but who knows... do they announce themselves? My comment was directed at the "with all due respect" which really wasn't all that respectful when you think about it. Just a pet peeve of mine I guess. Just say what you think - don't try to soften the blow.
And Soxnole, somehow I don't really think you mean it when you say "good luck"... it felt more like a pat on the head. I think you mean to say I'm naive about the baseball world. I'll admit I know very little, but I'm learning. And one thing I have learned is that some people think that all that matters is getting drafted or getting into a D-1 program. For many players - in fact MOST if you look at the statistics - the more important thing is finding a good academic/athletic match and for many, that means a D-III program. So to imply that a fall ball program won't fit the bill for a player if they don't travel to Jupiter or have MLB scouts in attendance is a rather elitist attitude in my opinion. Some players want and need to be seen by the D-IIIs - certainly nothing to feel bad about.
And I am already lucky - one son was educated for free at a D-III program where he got a great education and saw five teammates drafted. He's now graduated and has a job he loves and lots of great memories to look back on... which is all that most college players will have, regardless of what level of ball they play. Son #2 is attending a top engineering school on an academic scholarship where he will also have the opportunity to continue to play a sport he loves. He'll graduate with a great degree and all kinds of opportunities ahead of him. And in both cases, they chose schools where they would continue to thrive and be happy even if baseball were to end tomorrow. So we have experienced it, we recognized our sons' abilities for what they are, and we encouraged them to achieve to their full potential. Oddly enough, son #2 was a turn off to D-I programs because he was TOO smart... imagine that. They don't want anyone who plans to work too hard at school.
On the flip side, I can relate lots of stories of teammates who went to "big, important" programs over the years who were very unhappy to find themselves sitting on the bench and with very little hope that things would change in the future. These were highly recruited players who played for "top" summer and fall teams. They ended up with a poor match and were miserable. Several have transferred more than once. For us, finding a school that offered an opportunity to play right off the bat (pun intended!) was more important than what level of ball they played.
I'm not offended by your comments in any way. I just wanted to offer a different viewpoint to parents who may be reading this and wondering how to know what program is best, whether it be a summer or fall team. My advice would be to find out where they play and what coaches/recruiters are likely to attend... and then confirm the information yourself. Most coaches, we found, were happy to respond to an email query about whether they would be at a particular event or not. And if you have schools that you're interested in, let the coach know where YOU will be... they just might show up. And in any case, play your heart out - you never know who's watching.
I am aware there are "better" programs than the three that were mentioned - my son also played for one and we definitely saw both sides of the coin. But, we did play some very good teams and there were D-1 recruiters there - I know because several were there to see my son. MLB scouts - probably not, but who knows... do they announce themselves? My comment was directed at the "with all due respect" which really wasn't all that respectful when you think about it. Just a pet peeve of mine I guess. Just say what you think - don't try to soften the blow.
And Soxnole, somehow I don't really think you mean it when you say "good luck"... it felt more like a pat on the head. I think you mean to say I'm naive about the baseball world. I'll admit I know very little, but I'm learning. And one thing I have learned is that some people think that all that matters is getting drafted or getting into a D-1 program. For many players - in fact MOST if you look at the statistics - the more important thing is finding a good academic/athletic match and for many, that means a D-III program. So to imply that a fall ball program won't fit the bill for a player if they don't travel to Jupiter or have MLB scouts in attendance is a rather elitist attitude in my opinion. Some players want and need to be seen by the D-IIIs - certainly nothing to feel bad about.
And I am already lucky - one son was educated for free at a D-III program where he got a great education and saw five teammates drafted. He's now graduated and has a job he loves and lots of great memories to look back on... which is all that most college players will have, regardless of what level of ball they play. Son #2 is attending a top engineering school on an academic scholarship where he will also have the opportunity to continue to play a sport he loves. He'll graduate with a great degree and all kinds of opportunities ahead of him. And in both cases, they chose schools where they would continue to thrive and be happy even if baseball were to end tomorrow. So we have experienced it, we recognized our sons' abilities for what they are, and we encouraged them to achieve to their full potential. Oddly enough, son #2 was a turn off to D-I programs because he was TOO smart... imagine that. They don't want anyone who plans to work too hard at school.
On the flip side, I can relate lots of stories of teammates who went to "big, important" programs over the years who were very unhappy to find themselves sitting on the bench and with very little hope that things would change in the future. These were highly recruited players who played for "top" summer and fall teams. They ended up with a poor match and were miserable. Several have transferred more than once. For us, finding a school that offered an opportunity to play right off the bat (pun intended!) was more important than what level of ball they played.
I'm not offended by your comments in any way. I just wanted to offer a different viewpoint to parents who may be reading this and wondering how to know what program is best, whether it be a summer or fall team. My advice would be to find out where they play and what coaches/recruiters are likely to attend... and then confirm the information yourself. Most coaches, we found, were happy to respond to an email query about whether they would be at a particular event or not. And if you have schools that you're interested in, let the coach know where YOU will be... they just might show up. And in any case, play your heart out - you never know who's watching.
those are the same words ive been saying on here for months, get an education and let someone else pay for it, im all over thatquote:in any case, play your heart out - you never know who's watching.
mythreesons:
That was one of the best posts I've ever read!!!!
That was one of the best posts I've ever read!!!!
mythreesons,
You have a PM.
Elgin Klu
You have a PM.
Elgin Klu
my3sons,
I do mean "good luck". If D3 is your quest then more power to you. In that case, I'm not sure PT would be plentiful at 1 of the "top summer programs". May I ask which D3 program had 5 player's drafted? That is a big # for the best D1 program's in the country!
My kids have had very similar experiences...at top schools and at a D2 school. It's whatever fit's the young man best!
My point is that Blazer is right on the money, if your looking to be seen by a greater # of scouts and D1 recruiters.
Btw, I believe seedthrower was alluding to the very weak (by comparison) schedule that the Blue's for instance, play. That kind of schedule will certainly make the man in charge look good in terms of won/lost record.
I have had 2 son's play for the Blue's and they both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. With great respect for what the team has accomplished over the years, it has been equally dissapointing that the "exposure" is far less than what is available with the Yankees, Bullet's and Blazers!
I do mean "good luck". If D3 is your quest then more power to you. In that case, I'm not sure PT would be plentiful at 1 of the "top summer programs". May I ask which D3 program had 5 player's drafted? That is a big # for the best D1 program's in the country!
My kids have had very similar experiences...at top schools and at a D2 school. It's whatever fit's the young man best!
My point is that Blazer is right on the money, if your looking to be seen by a greater # of scouts and D1 recruiters.
Btw, I believe seedthrower was alluding to the very weak (by comparison) schedule that the Blue's for instance, play. That kind of schedule will certainly make the man in charge look good in terms of won/lost record.
I have had 2 son's play for the Blue's and they both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. With great respect for what the team has accomplished over the years, it has been equally dissapointing that the "exposure" is far less than what is available with the Yankees, Bullet's and Blazers!
Five players drafted in four years would be a big deal at a top D-I school? I don't think so. I read ASU had five drafted this year alone. Many parents don't realize that players are drated from D-II, D-III, NAIA and JC programs. What many people also do not realize is that being drafted does not guarantee you will ever play a day of MLB... it's a start, and a great honor, but still a long road. Something like 1600 players were drafted this year - obviously far more than there will ever be spots for.
I think it's also important to differentiate between "top school" and "school with top baseball program" - they aren't always the same thing. Anybody cheer for Harvard, Yale, Princeton or Brown this year in the CWS?
I think it's also important to differentiate between "top school" and "school with top baseball program" - they aren't always the same thing. Anybody cheer for Harvard, Yale, Princeton or Brown this year in the CWS?
my3sons....
My bad...thought you meant that they were drafted in the same year.
My bad...thought you meant that they were drafted in the same year.
Just wondering...what are you refering to when you write about Jupiter. (16 year old USA Baseball Junior Olympics are played in Jupiter but that's during the summer not the fall).
speed...they are referring to the fall wood bat tournament, usually at the end of October held on several fields in Jupiter and presented by Perfect Game.
Since i dont have the option of playing on some of the teams mentioned in this thread, i was thinking about playing in the white sox wood bat league. Does anyone have any opinions on the league that they could share.
I played in the white sox league when i was 15 years old. i was in the junior varsity division. I consider myself a player who loves competition. in that league there was none. there might be a couple of good players, but the teams are terrible. no coaching. most players dont even care to be there. i would try to find a different league.
The Swingtown League is a good league. I coached the last 2 years and because im living in Atlanta now I will not be able to this fall.
Its a great league and I think its a great opportunity for kids to work on things, thats what fall ball is about. I had my kids work on different pitches, different approaches and so on. Its high level but its also fun and a great learning experience. I had some good ball players, Justin Fitch, Ryan Meehan,, Charles Davidson just to name a few. A few of my kids also went to the Arizona showcase
The only thing I didnt like was it was just games
Triton College has a league that plays every weekend but there is also an instructional side. You get a few hours of drill work with not only the coaches, but all the players
If you have any questions let me know. Mr Flannigan and Coach Torg are both great guys and run a class league, so either would be great
Its a great league and I think its a great opportunity for kids to work on things, thats what fall ball is about. I had my kids work on different pitches, different approaches and so on. Its high level but its also fun and a great learning experience. I had some good ball players, Justin Fitch, Ryan Meehan,, Charles Davidson just to name a few. A few of my kids also went to the Arizona showcase
The only thing I didnt like was it was just games
Triton College has a league that plays every weekend but there is also an instructional side. You get a few hours of drill work with not only the coaches, but all the players
If you have any questions let me know. Mr Flannigan and Coach Torg are both great guys and run a class league, so either would be great
Does anybody know of the Illinois Sports Academy, and if so how are their fall ball/travel teams supposed to be?
Found info on Coach Torg's fall league online. Heard he is fielding a high school team summer 2007. Any info on where and when he is having a tryout.
Is anyone, or has anyone played in the Norwood Blues fall program? If so, can you give me some information on what it's like, pros, cons etc..., and thanks in advance.
Anyone...?
CGbball,
you cant go wrong with any of the Lakeside League teams. They are in it for the right reasons and have good programs. Norwood, Lakeside, Lombard, ect..No particular order.
you cant go wrong with any of the Lakeside League teams. They are in it for the right reasons and have good programs. Norwood, Lakeside, Lombard, ect..No particular order.
CGball....many Cary-Grove kids have played with Norwood over the last few years and several of them were posters here. They all seemed to be pretty loyal to the program. Ask around C-G and see what they think.
Thanks for the posts deuce and fastballdad. I would ask around CG but unfortunately there are only 2 players there that play on Norwood still, and I haven't got much info out of them. Basically I was just wondering what kind of schedule they play during the fall.
I think hoffman and luedtke both played for them out of cg also igara from jacobs along with luering, they carry a big squad.
any of them could probably give you info.
any of them could probably give you info.
Yes Hoffman, Leaudtke and Smith all played. Leaudtke is going to college, and I have spoken to Hoffman and he wasn't sure about the schedule at the time, so I will just check with him again sometime soon.
Does anyone know if the Swingtown league is visited by college coaches?
Go to the Norwood Blues websight, call Coach Pildes. His number is listed. He has had a great relationship with CG players and could give you more info.
Is Coach Hall, Lockport High School, coaching a Swingtown fall team?
Soxnole, My beloved University of wisconsin Oshkosh had five players drafted in a single season and they just got a huge chunk of money from Jared Washburn to build a new facility that was completed last year.