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This showcase will be a great introduction to baseball in the area.
Your son should meet and play with some of the better ball players in the districts.
It has been attended fairly well by area scouts.
USF, a local D-1, attends regularly along with many D-2 and D-3 and junior colleges from the area.
Good luck and have some fun playing ball.
Your son should meet and play with some of the better ball players in the districts.
It has been attended fairly well by area scouts.
USF, a local D-1, attends regularly along with many D-2 and D-3 and junior colleges from the area.
Good luck and have some fun playing ball.
Is this the showcase that's affiliated with Hitmaster?
Check the web site.
It's always best to educate yourself in order to avoid passing along assumptions.
It's always best to educate yourself in order to avoid passing along assumptions.
BOBO
Are you affiliated with this event?
Are you affiliated with this event?
Tr, you have a pm.
I already checked out the website. And I repeat, is this showcase affiliated with Hitmaster?
I do not believe it is affiliated with Hitmaster unless somehow behind the scenes. Chuck Fest and Jody Reed are the driving forces.
Here's a hint.
If Hitmaster is not mentioned on the site, it isn't affiliated.
Look at it again and tell me if the Yankees are affiliated with the showcase.
If Hitmaster is not mentioned on the site, it isn't affiliated.
Look at it again and tell me if the Yankees are affiliated with the showcase.
Bobo- If you are promoting a showcase that you think people should go to, whether you're affiliated with the event or not (and therefore making money), why do you insist on being obnoxious about a simple question asked about the event? I'm 16 years old and I'm not stupid enough to do something like that, I know that's not good business. You couldn't pay me enough money to go to any event that you support. Get a life.
Being 16, I can forgive you for your ignorance in the matter being discussed.
Student athletes attending these showcase events are nominated by their high school coaches.
This is a free showcase. No money is being made. I endorse this showcase because it is free and beneficial to the student athletes who cannot afford to attend the other showcases.
The questions about Hitmaster are a sham to open the door for this person to denigrate anything that he can. If that person had a positive interest in student athletes, he would applaud free showcases like this one.
Student athletes attending these showcase events are nominated by their high school coaches.
This is a free showcase. No money is being made. I endorse this showcase because it is free and beneficial to the student athletes who cannot afford to attend the other showcases.
The questions about Hitmaster are a sham to open the door for this person to denigrate anything that he can. If that person had a positive interest in student athletes, he would applaud free showcases like this one.
Showcase All About Second Chances
By ADAM ADKINS The Tampa Tribune
Published: Jul 8, 2006
ODESSA - Dustin Merrell was in danger of becoming the latest in a long line of baseball players pegged as never-weres. The proverbial crack so many players fall into was about to swallow the former King right-hander.
Merrell's senior season at King already was in the books. The modest college interest from earlier in the season was waning. And his baseball career was in danger of ending before it truly began.
Merrell needed someone to step to the plate for him, someone to say he was worth taking a shot on. He found a personal pinch-hitter in Jody Reed, a Brandon High alum and former major-leaguer tired of watching good players disappear without ever getting a shot.
Reed's problem solver came in the form of The Tampa Bay Showcase, an event he co-founded with Chuck Fest designed to give unsigned high school players free exposure in the hopes it leads to a chance to play at the next level.
"I think probably every person in the Tampa Bay area, either directly or indirectly, knows of a kid that probably could've - and should've - played college ball but didn't get the opportunity. You know, the perennial 'fell-through-the-cracks' guy," Reed said. "We're trying to avoid that happening any more."
The showcase, open to players from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, Polk and Sarasota counties, debuted in October 2005. After a successful debut, a summer edition began this year. The five-day event in June showcased unsigned graduated seniors and the 2007 and 2008 signing classes.
For Reed, the showcase is a chance to give back to players like Merrell, using the contacts he made through a lifetime on the diamond to benefit others. However, it also reminds him of the importance of just getting the chance to play after high school and what that chance can lead to.
"I know what it means to just get the opportunity to go on," Reed said.
As a senior at Brandon, Reed wasn't considered a blue-chip prospect. Ultimately, his size - or lack thereof - overshadowed his skills.
"I was literally 5-5, 135 pounds when I graduated," Reed said. "I was a good little player, but at 5-5, 135 pounds, you're not getting too many looks, you know what I'm saying?"
Manatee Junior College took a chance on Reed. And the rest, well, is history.
Reed hit the "only growing spurt in my life," growing three inches and gaining 20 pounds during the summer. Two years later, he transferred from Manatee JC to Florida State.
After two seasons at FSU, Reed was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1984. He enjoyed an 11-year career in the major leagues, playing for the Red Sox, Dodgers, Brewers, Padres and Tigers.
But without Manatee taking a chance, Reed knows none of it ever would have happened.
"Looking back, they were taking a shot at a kid who simply loved the game and who played hard," Reed said.
Merrell also needed that shot.
As a senior, he went 8-2 for the district champion Lions, earning Tribune All-Hillsborough County second-team honors. But his prospect status wasn't overwhelming.
He received modest interest from Santa Fe Community College throughout the season, but the school's longtime coach of 22 years, Harry Tholen, retired at the end of the season. That happened before Merrell was extended an offer, leaving his baseball future in limbo.
But Reed watched Merrell at the showcase, and he knew Merrell could play somewhere. So Reed stuck out his neck for one more local high school player, hoping he could help Merrell catch a break.
And he did.
The combination of Reed working the phones and Merrell's performance at the showcase led to an offer from Pasco-Hernando Community College, opening a door that almost was closed.
"I know the PHCC coach called him and asked about pitchers in the area and he mentioned me. That's what the coach told me," Merrell said. "I'm ecstatic. You're always hoping you'll just get to play somewhere next year. That's what I was hoping, that something would come out of it, that I would catch someone's eye.
"Jody's good about that stuff. He wants everybody to go everywhere."
That's what the showcase was designed to do. Reed knows everyone can't play college baseball, but he wants to help as many from the area as possible.
"It's one more young man you've helped, one more life you've impacted and one more opportunity you've helped create," Reed said.
"Isn't that worth it?" he asked rhetorically.
"Absolutely."
By ADAM ADKINS The Tampa Tribune
Published: Jul 8, 2006
ODESSA - Dustin Merrell was in danger of becoming the latest in a long line of baseball players pegged as never-weres. The proverbial crack so many players fall into was about to swallow the former King right-hander.
Merrell's senior season at King already was in the books. The modest college interest from earlier in the season was waning. And his baseball career was in danger of ending before it truly began.
Merrell needed someone to step to the plate for him, someone to say he was worth taking a shot on. He found a personal pinch-hitter in Jody Reed, a Brandon High alum and former major-leaguer tired of watching good players disappear without ever getting a shot.
Reed's problem solver came in the form of The Tampa Bay Showcase, an event he co-founded with Chuck Fest designed to give unsigned high school players free exposure in the hopes it leads to a chance to play at the next level.
"I think probably every person in the Tampa Bay area, either directly or indirectly, knows of a kid that probably could've - and should've - played college ball but didn't get the opportunity. You know, the perennial 'fell-through-the-cracks' guy," Reed said. "We're trying to avoid that happening any more."
The showcase, open to players from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Manatee, Polk and Sarasota counties, debuted in October 2005. After a successful debut, a summer edition began this year. The five-day event in June showcased unsigned graduated seniors and the 2007 and 2008 signing classes.
For Reed, the showcase is a chance to give back to players like Merrell, using the contacts he made through a lifetime on the diamond to benefit others. However, it also reminds him of the importance of just getting the chance to play after high school and what that chance can lead to.
"I know what it means to just get the opportunity to go on," Reed said.
As a senior at Brandon, Reed wasn't considered a blue-chip prospect. Ultimately, his size - or lack thereof - overshadowed his skills.
"I was literally 5-5, 135 pounds when I graduated," Reed said. "I was a good little player, but at 5-5, 135 pounds, you're not getting too many looks, you know what I'm saying?"
Manatee Junior College took a chance on Reed. And the rest, well, is history.
Reed hit the "only growing spurt in my life," growing three inches and gaining 20 pounds during the summer. Two years later, he transferred from Manatee JC to Florida State.
After two seasons at FSU, Reed was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1984. He enjoyed an 11-year career in the major leagues, playing for the Red Sox, Dodgers, Brewers, Padres and Tigers.
But without Manatee taking a chance, Reed knows none of it ever would have happened.
"Looking back, they were taking a shot at a kid who simply loved the game and who played hard," Reed said.
Merrell also needed that shot.
As a senior, he went 8-2 for the district champion Lions, earning Tribune All-Hillsborough County second-team honors. But his prospect status wasn't overwhelming.
He received modest interest from Santa Fe Community College throughout the season, but the school's longtime coach of 22 years, Harry Tholen, retired at the end of the season. That happened before Merrell was extended an offer, leaving his baseball future in limbo.
But Reed watched Merrell at the showcase, and he knew Merrell could play somewhere. So Reed stuck out his neck for one more local high school player, hoping he could help Merrell catch a break.
And he did.
The combination of Reed working the phones and Merrell's performance at the showcase led to an offer from Pasco-Hernando Community College, opening a door that almost was closed.
"I know the PHCC coach called him and asked about pitchers in the area and he mentioned me. That's what the coach told me," Merrell said. "I'm ecstatic. You're always hoping you'll just get to play somewhere next year. That's what I was hoping, that something would come out of it, that I would catch someone's eye.
"Jody's good about that stuff. He wants everybody to go everywhere."
That's what the showcase was designed to do. Reed knows everyone can't play college baseball, but he wants to help as many from the area as possible.
"It's one more young man you've helped, one more life you've impacted and one more opportunity you've helped create," Reed said.
"Isn't that worth it?" he asked rhetorically.
"Absolutely."
Bobo- I can apologize for one thing. Good that it's free. I'm sorry for making that assumption. But maybe bigbbfan heard of a showcase affiliated with Hitmaster and was simply wondering if this is the one. So tell me Bobo because I didn't seem to see it clearly on the website. Are the Yankees really affiliated with the showcase?
Excuse me for asking stupid questions too. My son has been to a few showcases . . . some were good and some weren't. For that reason, I am reluctant to pay my money for c r a p. And when someone is vague about a direct question, it makes me think they have something to hide.
Just more typical BOBO tapdancing--I am still waiting to get an answer as to whether or not he is associatedwith the event
JH
You now show that not only do you speak from a position of ignorance but further show arrogance in your continuation in a discussion where you have no knowledge.
bigbbfan
You know exactly what and whom you are trying to attack. If you have a vendetta with HitMaster and the people associated with it, start a thread that addresses your vendetta.
TR
You just continue to prove that you are an attention seeker. I ignore you on a regular basis because your remarks are worthless. You have asked me every time this event has been mentioned if I am associated with this event (all three times). The first time I gave you the benefit of the doubt and answered but you just continue to ask the same stupid questions.
Grow up.
You now show that not only do you speak from a position of ignorance but further show arrogance in your continuation in a discussion where you have no knowledge.
bigbbfan
You know exactly what and whom you are trying to attack. If you have a vendetta with HitMaster and the people associated with it, start a thread that addresses your vendetta.
TR
You just continue to prove that you are an attention seeker. I ignore you on a regular basis because your remarks are worthless. You have asked me every time this event has been mentioned if I am associated with this event (all three times). The first time I gave you the benefit of the doubt and answered but you just continue to ask the same stupid questions.
Grow up.
Here is the bottom line. No, this Showcase is not associated with Hitmaster! Second, the Showcase is FREE! Only those wishing to come watch must pay an entrance fee.
Willie . . .
You don't know ANYTHING about me. So don't make assumptions. You don't like me because I have made negative comments about people accused of not playing by the rules. I won't apologize for that.
I am not trying to point the finger at anyone. My son has attended showcases that turned out to be a waste of time and money. One of them was Hitmasters. Do I or don't I have the right to voice my opinion about that???
You don't know ANYTHING about me. So don't make assumptions. You don't like me because I have made negative comments about people accused of not playing by the rules. I won't apologize for that.
I am not trying to point the finger at anyone. My son has attended showcases that turned out to be a waste of time and money. One of them was Hitmasters. Do I or don't I have the right to voice my opinion about that???
lets go. Group hug. 
quote:Originally posted by WillieBobo:
The questions about Hitmaster are a sham to open the door for this person to denigrate anything that he can. If that person had a positive interest in student athletes, he would applaud free showcases like this one.
I do support the positive stuff. But I am also skeptical of the vague, borderline or rip-off showcases that prey on the hopeful trying to make it to the next level. It seems like everybody has their hand out these days. If your showcase is legit, I apologize.
Skepticism is always healthy.
I posted the site because it is informative. It explains the who's, the why's and the where's.
It may behoove you to visit the site and learn more about this showcase since it is local to seven counties in the area.
There is a short video explaining the goals of the founders. There is a scrolling list of student athletes who were signed as the result of the exposure at the showcases. (36 is pretty good for only two events.) There are pictures and links to answer any questions.
Take a look. You may appreciate that some people are willing to lay out their own money to benefit area youth.
I posted the site because it is informative. It explains the who's, the why's and the where's.
It may behoove you to visit the site and learn more about this showcase since it is local to seven counties in the area.
There is a short video explaining the goals of the founders. There is a scrolling list of student athletes who were signed as the result of the exposure at the showcases. (36 is pretty good for only two events.) There are pictures and links to answer any questions.
Take a look. You may appreciate that some people are willing to lay out their own money to benefit area youth.
WillieBobo- if that is the case then thank you for posting a site about a showcase that will help the youth that want to pursue baseball at the next level.
However, I don't think it behooves you to consider me ignorant at all. Has there been a point during the post where I was ignorant? No, not at all. If I was ignorant to things, I wouldn't be writing this right now. Just because I'm 16 years old doesn't cause me to be lesser of a thinker and a maker of opinions than yourself. I posted originally because I know where bigbbfan is coming from even if I don't know him personally. A lot of showcases are c r a p like he said. Those that aren't need to be seeked out and are difficult to find. So asking a simple question about a simple showcase, IMO, deserved a simple answer. And when that answer comes out as arrogant, well then you'll find yourself getting an arrogant response quote from yours truly.
However, I don't think it behooves you to consider me ignorant at all. Has there been a point during the post where I was ignorant? No, not at all. If I was ignorant to things, I wouldn't be writing this right now. Just because I'm 16 years old doesn't cause me to be lesser of a thinker and a maker of opinions than yourself. I posted originally because I know where bigbbfan is coming from even if I don't know him personally. A lot of showcases are c r a p like he said. Those that aren't need to be seeked out and are difficult to find. So asking a simple question about a simple showcase, IMO, deserved a simple answer. And when that answer comes out as arrogant, well then you'll find yourself getting an arrogant response quote from yours truly.
The fact is that you felt compelled to comment on your assumption, but were ignorant of the intent of the question.
Further, your arrogance shows when instead of seeking information in order to comment from an informed position you maintain the childish ignorant posture that lead you to involve yourself in something of which you had no understanding.
Had you and he taken time to visit the site, your question would have been answered.
When you become more educated you will know that sponsors are listed for their contribution to the event. If they aren't listed they aren't affiliated.
Life will be much easier for you if you try education in order to know and understand what is being spoken of and whether you can comment from an informed position.
Arrogance will not get you much further than a small room in a place you won't care to be.
While you are looking up the definition of the word 'ignorance' also look up the word 'humility'.
Further, your arrogance shows when instead of seeking information in order to comment from an informed position you maintain the childish ignorant posture that lead you to involve yourself in something of which you had no understanding.
Had you and he taken time to visit the site, your question would have been answered.
When you become more educated you will know that sponsors are listed for their contribution to the event. If they aren't listed they aren't affiliated.
Life will be much easier for you if you try education in order to know and understand what is being spoken of and whether you can comment from an informed position.
Arrogance will not get you much further than a small room in a place you won't care to be.
While you are looking up the definition of the word 'ignorance' also look up the word 'humility'.
Willie,
I thoroughly viewed the website and the video. I recognized some of the names on the list as boys who played with my son in Little League, AAU and high school. Some of those boys were also at the Hitmaster showcase. That is what prompted me to ask you about Hitmasters.
Can you please quit being so defensive when people ask you questions. Especially when it is something you posted to begin with.
I thoroughly viewed the website and the video. I recognized some of the names on the list as boys who played with my son in Little League, AAU and high school. Some of those boys were also at the Hitmaster showcase. That is what prompted me to ask you about Hitmasters.
Can you please quit being so defensive when people ask you questions. Especially when it is something you posted to begin with.
quote:Originally posted by bigbbfan:
Willie . . .
You don't know ANYTHING about me. So don't make assumptions. You don't like me because I have made negative comments about people accused of not playing by the rules. I won't apologize for that.
I am not trying to point the finger at anyone. My son has attended showcases that turned out to be a waste of time and money. One of them was Hitmasters. Do I or don't I have the right to voice my opinion about that???
Had you actually viewed the site you would have known that it is a free showcase. Yet you continued making reference to money.
You wanted a stage to rant about HitMaster. Start a thread and rant all you want.
I thought I already explained myself. What is your problem???
www.dictionary.com:
Ignorance- The condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed.
Humility- The quality or condition of being humble.
The only thing I was uninformed about was the specific showcase in question. My post(s) have not been about this showcase, I have already recognized that this is a free showcase and you are promoting it simply because you feel it is a good thing to do. I already apologized for jumping to that assumption and thanked you for promoting what you believe is a good event. In my book that's called humility. If I'm wrong, I'll give you my AP English teacher's e-mail address and you can discuss what we prepare for the SAT Vocab portion with in class.
My posts have solely been an answer to your posts. Someone inquires about a showcase that you are promoting, whether or not you're making money off it, have friends running it, whatever, there is no need to be sarcasm and obnoxious in return. So once again I'll state that is not good P.R. and business or whatever you want to call it in this scenario.
I viewed the site thoroughly last night. It seemed like a good showcase. I never asked a question about the showcase. I live in NY I don't plan to attend. So whatever question you were talking about in your last post certainly didn't come from me.
Just because I decide to back up a fellow poster on the site does not mean I am ignorant, cocky, obnoxious or any of the adjectives that you've listed above.
The only thing I was uninformed about was the specific showcase in question. My post(s) have not been about this showcase, I have already recognized that this is a free showcase and you are promoting it simply because you feel it is a good thing to do. I already apologized for jumping to that assumption and thanked you for promoting what you believe is a good event. In my book that's called humility. If I'm wrong, I'll give you my AP English teacher's e-mail address and you can discuss what we prepare for the SAT Vocab portion with in class.
My posts have solely been an answer to your posts. Someone inquires about a showcase that you are promoting, whether or not you're making money off it, have friends running it, whatever, there is no need to be sarcasm and obnoxious in return. So once again I'll state that is not good P.R. and business or whatever you want to call it in this scenario.
I viewed the site thoroughly last night. It seemed like a good showcase. I never asked a question about the showcase. I live in NY I don't plan to attend. So whatever question you were talking about in your last post certainly didn't come from me.
Just because I decide to back up a fellow poster on the site does not mean I am ignorant, cocky, obnoxious or any of the adjectives that you've listed above.
JH,
I think he's directing most of the negative comments to me.
What he's really upset about is, I made some negative comments on another site about a coaching buddy of his who was fired for illegal recruiting. This coach and his brother used to be affiliated with Hitmaster. But last I heard, the brothers are barely speaking and the coach is no longer at Hitmasters.
I guess he just assumes that I wanted to bring up Hitmasters because of his buddy's connection.
I think he's directing most of the negative comments to me.
What he's really upset about is, I made some negative comments on another site about a coaching buddy of his who was fired for illegal recruiting. This coach and his brother used to be affiliated with Hitmaster. But last I heard, the brothers are barely speaking and the coach is no longer at Hitmasters.
I guess he just assumes that I wanted to bring up Hitmasters because of his buddy's connection.
Why don't you try being honest with yourself?
You know that the people now affiliated with HitMaster are the same people the you have spread heresay about.
One of those people participated in this event while a coach. That is what you were looking for a stage to rant about.
Your attempt to tarnish the good intentions of the founders of the showcase is what I find disturbing.
You know that the people now affiliated with HitMaster are the same people the you have spread heresay about.
One of those people participated in this event while a coach. That is what you were looking for a stage to rant about.
Your attempt to tarnish the good intentions of the founders of the showcase is what I find disturbing.
Fair enough bigbbfan... Willie- He's just asking a question. I'm out of this convo go ahead and bicker among yourselves. bigbbfan- good luck
Thank you for your support JH
Willie, I am not attempting to tarnish THIS showcase. I don't know anything about THIS showcase except what was on the website.
But thanks for the info on the coach. That IS something I didn't know until now.
Willie, I am not attempting to tarnish THIS showcase. I don't know anything about THIS showcase except what was on the website.
But thanks for the info on the coach. That IS something I didn't know until now.
Now you can go out and spread more rumors.
Whatever . . . feel free to think whatever you want.
I don't know about you but I find it weird when a poster uses an alias in doing his work on a website--certainly tells me something about him as a person
Did my homework and unless I miss my guess we can say welcome Charlie from Tampa Bay Showcase
Am I correct Bobo ?---please correct me if I am wrong
That aside, and I know JH does not need my support as he is a very intelligent young man, Bobo you are wet in what you say about and to JH. He is one great kid and I am proud to say I know him personally
Did my homework and unless I miss my guess we can say welcome Charlie from Tampa Bay Showcase
Am I correct Bobo ?---please correct me if I am wrong
That aside, and I know JH does not need my support as he is a very intelligent young man, Bobo you are wet in what you say about and to JH. He is one great kid and I am proud to say I know him personally
TRHit- thanks for the kind words. I don't deny WillieBobo is an intelligent man and has very good intentions for the helping of youth, etc. The approach to the original question just bugged me, how he immediately assumed bigbbfan was making a "mockery" or spreading rumors or however you'd like to say it. Despite the unknown understanding that bigbbfan and WillieBobo had an encounter on another site, IMO it doesn't give anyone the right to jump to conclusions about any comment, especially and specifically a question as simple as the one originally asked.
Once again I don't deny that WillieBobo is probably a good person and obviously very smart judging by the advanced vocabulary he has used (I was particularly fond of "behooved" and I actually remember it from reading Shakespeare last year in sophomore English class). Sometimes people don't like something someone says. TRHit, I know for a fact I've said some things you haven't been too fond of. But no one always agrees, that's just the way of life.
Once again I don't deny that WillieBobo is probably a good person and obviously very smart judging by the advanced vocabulary he has used (I was particularly fond of "behooved" and I actually remember it from reading Shakespeare last year in sophomore English class). Sometimes people don't like something someone says. TRHit, I know for a fact I've said some things you haven't been too fond of. But no one always agrees, that's just the way of life.
JH
So true but we are friends and respect each others viewpoint
How is the fall baseball going?
So true but we are friends and respect each others viewpoint
How is the fall baseball going?
Absolutely.
Good, things are run differently now with the split squad situation and with Ian running the show... I don't think we've lost a game yet and we've probably played 10, which is good considering there's a lot of new guys. We have a tournament in Brooklyn this weekend and then at Baseball Heaven next weekend. He mentioned something about Jupiter at the end of Oct., but we'll see. Right now I'm just getting my innings and running in.
Good, things are run differently now with the split squad situation and with Ian running the show... I don't think we've lost a game yet and we've probably played 10, which is good considering there's a lot of new guys. We have a tournament in Brooklyn this weekend and then at Baseball Heaven next weekend. He mentioned something about Jupiter at the end of Oct., but we'll see. Right now I'm just getting my innings and running in.
This thread has run its course.
FLADAD
FLADAD