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14 replies

HSBBW - Perfect Game - Others?

P PGStaff10,000+ posts
Posted last night in a different forum.

I’ve received many emails regarding the closing of this great website. I thought I would post the following so that people understand that I truly do care! And to mention some issues that are a concern. I’ve always tried hard to obey all the rules and only now am I breaking a rule regarding the “announcement” forum. Please forgive me, but this seemed like the best spot for this.

After finding out that Bob was closing the site I emailed him. Basically to say thanks for all he has done and to offer our help in any way in order to continue this very valuable site.

I was honored that when Bob first announced the closing he recommended the Perfect Game site for those who wished to continue posting or reading. I will go on record as saying we will do anything within reason to continue the HSBBW.

One thing that needs to be addressed is the fact we are a business and the thing that always was most impressive about this site is the fact that it was a labor of love for Bob Howdeshell. He never got involved for financial gain, he just wanted to help people. I believe Bob’s reasons for starting HSBBW were just as important as his dedication for the success of this great site.

I imagine there is going to be a big interest from many businessmen who can see the obvious advantage in securing the amount of interest that this site creates. Afterall, this is a very popular site that could be a big boost to many organizations. I think it might be the busiest site in Amateur Baseball.

So here is the dilemma… Perfect Game or any other business’ site will never have the same impact as HSBBW. To be honest I wouldn’t enjoy the site as much if it were a Perfect Game site. For the last few years I’ve purposely tried to stay out of discussions about showcases and other business related things on the HSBBW. I can honestly say that I’ve never once cut down any other business or person on this site. And I’m proud of that! Because I’ve wanted to many times! I don’t want a Perfect Game HSBBW… I just want a HSBBW! Just like now… separate from everything else.

If we were to “take over” the site it would have to have no affiliation or favoritism to Perfect Game or any other business. Any favoritism shown towards any showcase company or scouting service would have to come from the members. Everything needs to come from the members.

Next, I wouldn’t do a thing without Bob Howdeshell’s personal blessing. And I would want him to be proud of what was being done to carry on what he started. Anyone who would just take this and run with it, without Bob’s input is off on the wrong foot. In my estimation he has earned all the respect we can give him.

I’ve talked to TRHit about the situation and plan to talk some more. I’m hoping to hear back from Bob before long to see what he thinks. And I’m more than willing to talk to others.

Anyway, as of now, we plan to add a HSBBW type message board that is run by the members and maintained by us. Of course, once again this will be, only if we have Bob’s blessing. We will also try to either “take over” (I don’t like that word) the HSBBW completely or transfer the volumes of info on the HSBBW. Once again, only if it’s OK with Bob.

We do have the resources and full time computer people to make all of this happen. We would greatly appreciate any input from the many members of the HSBBW.

I hate mentioning names of key people (posters) who unknowingly have become part of my life. The reason I hate mentioning names is I always forget some very important people when I do that. I’m fully aware that there are people involved on this site that can and will make a big difference in others lives. Just as they have been doing for several years.

This is the greatest site going and if we do get involved, everyone has my absolute word that we want to keep it as close to what it is now, as possible. For those who have read my posts in the past, I’m sure you understand that my major interest is in helping others whenever possible and not in promoting Perfect Game. We have our own website for those purposes.

I know others have offered to help and I’m not trying to demean any one with good intentions. I just know we have the ability, manpower and resources to do a good job. If nothing is done by the time HSBBW stops, please check our website for updates. I know there will be one interview coming on the PG site that will interest you all.
www.perfectgame.org

Anyone with any ideas or suggestions please feel free to contact me.
pgjerry@qwest.net

If nothing ends up working, allow me to say… I don’t know everyone who posts here… I do know who many of you are… other than a very few instances… I’ve enjoyed it all… Best of luck to everyone.

Thank you,
Jerry Ford
PGStaff
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MWR-VAMWR-VA1,000+ posts
PG...

After knowing you for a few years and what Perfect Game has done for so many players as well, if ANYONE continues the forum of the "World Famous" hsbbweb, PG should be the one that receives this honor of continuing what Bob Howdeshell has built for the thousands of young baseball players of today and beyond.
Last edited by MWR-VA
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
I agree completely. The volumes of information is very valuable and I would hate to see it disappear.

Problem is, we won't do anything until we have Bob's OK.

It might sound corny, but I truly enjoyed the message board because it was kind of an escape from the day to day Perfect Game work. I think many of you feel the same way about the HSBBW being a break in the action.

I especially enjoyed topics that had nothing to do with showcases or Perfect Game. It always amazed me how many good baseball people would unselfishly give of their time in order to help others.

If nothing can be done, I will still have fond memories of many people who have been involved here. The day will come when the major leagues has many players who gained a lot from the HSBBW. More importantly, forget baseball, there are going to be a lot of great human beings who had parents that were once involved with this great site. Bob Howdeshell is a "legend" in my book.

Thank you to everyone.
Florida Baseball GuyFlorida Baseball Guy500+ posts
The big key here is Bob allowing people like Jerry Ford and Tom Rizzi to take over his site; rather than close it.

I know both gentlemen very well and I believe they both have one thing in common - they both care about baseball players and want kids to do well whether it is the pros or college. To me that is good enough to let them run this site.

In all the years that Perfect Game (Jerry Ford) and College Select (Tom Rizzi) have been around neither party has ever used posts here to promote their organization. They might be the only two that haven't. In addition, they have both offered numerous times to help kids at no costs. All they did was make a phone call.

To me those are the people that need to run this site - two gentlemen.

As for PG not waiting to take the content off of this site and put it on another site I'm guessing it is because of copywrite laws. Whether we agree with it or not, if PG takes anything from this site without Bob's permission they will be breaking the law - something I know PG won't do (rightfully so).

Hopefully this can be resloved with TRHit and PG running this site for all the younger generations of ballplayers coming up. The ball is in Bob's court.
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
Never once have I detected any self-interest on the parts of PG or TRhit. They have demonstrated countless times their genuine love of the game and their absolute willingness to share baseball knowledge. This would be an excellent solution to the problem we are now facing. We'll have to wait to see what happens.
I have also seen other proposed solutions that I believe would also be acceptable over time, albeit in a slightly different format.
RacabRacab1,000+ posts
I am really Sorry Bob can not run this site any more. I will thanks him for ever for give us the opportunity of interact and exchange knowledge and experience for the good of our kids. At the same time, there is not better combination to keep the site alive than PG and TRhit. My unconditional support to Jerry and Tom.
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
Wow, just what you'd think. Today I received over 100 emails pertaining to the HSBBW closing. I'm going to make sure every last one of them that required a reply gets answered. Please be patient.

As impossible as it might be, my goal is to somehow talk Bob into to continuing the HSBBW. The problem is that he's very busy right now and it's impossible to communicate. I know TR is trying to get in touch with him.

We're still not going to do a thing until he gives it the OK.

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