I agree with leaving names of young players out of the discussions here. However, IMO, that was impossible in this case. Anyone that reads the article (link) will see that this player is featured, even a photo, and can't be ignored. He is very much a big part of the story. I thought some might see him in the wrong light.
Playing high school or academy or high school and travel ball isn't what gets players to college ball. What gets players to college ball is talent and exposure of talent. That said there isn't a once size fits all. If a kid wants to play for the top local college in his area chances are all he has to do is play high school, Legion and attend one of the college's camps and/or a local showcase the college coaches attend. If a kid wants to play at a top ranked D1 program outside of his local area his best bet is to hit the top showcases in the country.
Everyone with a kid playing or who played college ball has their own story. They may very well fit anywhere in between the two extremes I mentioned. I know of a kid who was going to attend his small state D1 program until he attended one showcase in North Carolina. He then had the option of any D1 program in the country. He signed as the 5th pick in the draft. It wasn't about where he played (high school/Legion). It was about hitting 95 on the gun and getting exposure one time.
My son got to college ball due to his travel team. But his high school coach did offer to help. He just didn't have contacts where my son was interested in playing. The coach has helped place several of his high school players.
When my son was in middle school the high school team was in the process of seventeen losing seasons in twenty years. His midle school teammates and he had an attitude they were going to change history. Along with a new coach bringing discipline to the program and the kids talent they changed history. It's now a winning program. What if they had dodged the program because it was a loser?
I am a believer in travel ball starting at 13U. I believe travel competition prepared him for the challenge of high school ball. I believe showcase ball made typical high school pitching look easy to hit. Showcase ball exposed him to the world outside his little local world. But he he still had to work hard to make it happen. His avenue is just one of many that end up at the same destination.
I loved high school ball. I hung out with parents I had been hanging out with for years. I would go watch other local games with players from my son's travel team. My son's best friends from high school are the varsity athletes he played with, not his travel teammates. He did socialize with travel teammates away from the game in summer.
If the original post didn't incite such a relevant conversation I might consider it spam. It appears to be endorsing the academy through a talented player to get others to quit high school baseball so they can make more money.
Everyone with a kid playing or who played college ball has their own story. They may very well fit anywhere in between the two extremes I mentioned. I know of a kid who was going to attend his small state D1 program until he attended one showcase in North Carolina. He then had the option of any D1 program in the country. He signed as the 5th pick in the draft. It wasn't about where he played (high school/Legion). It was about hitting 95 on the gun and getting exposure one time.
My son got to college ball due to his travel team. But his high school coach did offer to help. He just didn't have contacts where my son was interested in playing. The coach has helped place several of his high school players.
When my son was in middle school the high school team was in the process of seventeen losing seasons in twenty years. His midle school teammates and he had an attitude they were going to change history. Along with a new coach bringing discipline to the program and the kids talent they changed history. It's now a winning program. What if they had dodged the program because it was a loser?
I am a believer in travel ball starting at 13U. I believe travel competition prepared him for the challenge of high school ball. I believe showcase ball made typical high school pitching look easy to hit. Showcase ball exposed him to the world outside his little local world. But he he still had to work hard to make it happen. His avenue is just one of many that end up at the same destination.
I loved high school ball. I hung out with parents I had been hanging out with for years. I would go watch other local games with players from my son's travel team. My son's best friends from high school are the varsity athletes he played with, not his travel teammates. He did socialize with travel teammates away from the game in summer.
If the original post didn't incite such a relevant conversation I might consider it spam. It appears to be endorsing the academy through a talented player to get others to quit high school baseball so they can make more money.
Agree with RjM
Good post RJM. And I am in complete agreement that there isn't one size that fits all.
All programs are not the same, whether it's HS baseball, travel ball or showcases. From a parent point of view I feel having alternatives is a GOOD thing and just which way to go depends very much on the situation. There can be quite a view variable for consideration when trying to decide what is the best avenue for one's son. And. . . the situations and issues are not static.
I've known families who started their boys in travel ball very early, like when their son's were 8yrs old. But I personally could never see the value in that and used Little League as a place for my son to play ball and have fun up through his age 12. We could have stayed with Little League, but my son's talent had begun to really stand out and we couldn't see the point in continuing to play with the same group as they aged and needed to raise the bar to get some idea where is talent level really was.
So, at his age 13 we hooked up with a good travel ball program that not only made an effort to develop player skills but also recruited good players and they made a point to try and play against other top teams as part of their development scheme. As he played with a group of players that were all playing at a higher level than the group he used to play with, he was able to bring his game up to a higher level. This turned out to be a great decision in my son's case and I am so very glad we had the avenue of a travel ball team to do this. It really did prepare him for the next step. Oh, and that preparation was not totally smooth as player and parent learn to deal with various coaching issues, yet. . .all part of the preparation.
As we prepared for High School, we considered our options as the public HS he had to attend didn't have a very good baseball program and the talent coming into the program was much the same as what he played with in Little League. And since the school itself really wasn't attractive from the way the school was administered, we looked to private prep school alternatives and weighed the value and our ability to go that route. The private prep schools in our area are HIGHLY competitive over the public schools in general, particularly in the main prep school league here, and tend to enroll the better players from around the greater area. . . if the families can afford it. So, not only because of the better baseball program, the better academic environment was what we wanted to put our son in as an effort to again raise the bar. Sending our son to the private prep school was a big disappointment to the local high school baseball coach, but out interest was our son and we wanted to do our best to provide the best possible environment for our son to grow and achieve.
In the public school, he certainly would have been the Big Fish and going to the prep school there was a question mark as to how he might stack up. Though I hadn't thought about it much then, going to the public school would not have given him much exposure, maybe some headlines, due to the school and the league being so short on top talent (a lot having to do with certain local demographics, IMHO). Whether he performed well enough or not, being in this Prep-HS would expose him to a much higher level of competition AND also expose him to scouts that often attend these prep-school events.
As my son entered HS, our involvement with travel ball became less mostly due to him playing other sports and the need to stay in classes and do homework. So, traveling away for tournaments (particularly out of the local area) didn't fit into the prep school calendar. Travel ball play was relegated to summer and maybe a tournament here or there during a holiday break. While the prep-school's baseball coach did organize a summer travel ball schedule for player's wishing to participate, it wasn't mandatory. So, my son stayed with his travel ball team since that team tended to play at a higher level in travel ball tournaments.
While at the prep school, my son rose the top once again starting in his Freshman year where he became a starter on the varsity team and was a top hitter on the team. We initially had concerns as to whether he should even play on the varsity team for fear of not getting enough playing time. But he wanted to do it and the rest is history. If it wasn't for him being involved with a good travel team, I feel sure he would not have got off to such a good early start in this HS.
Because his HS baseball team did so well his Jr. and Senior year, and the attention while participating in the travel ball during the summers, he was invited to participate in different showcase events and also to play on a Scout Team. So, I would say that the success of the HS team didn't do it alone and it wasn't the travel ball organization alone either. But, his travel ball team participation was a huge help and a lot of credit goes to the organizer of the travel ball team and its coaches. And the HS BB coach was also huge in advising him and help him all along the way to where he had LOTS of college choices, was drafted and instead went to a top D1 school where as a Freshman, he was a starter in every game.
HS was a fantastic experience for my son (and for his parents as well)and the choice to not go to the local public school was the RIGHT ONE for us. At the same time, having him play travel ball too was also the right choice. . .though, we probably could have bowed out of that a little sooner and had the same results since the HS BB team did so well.
Certainly, not everyone can take the same path. HS baseball is not going away any time soon and obviously, neither is travel ball. What we as parents have to do is choose the path that will work best for our circumstances. In some cases, HS BB alone can get the results we want. In other cases, the better option is using travel ball. And in other cases, using both will work best. Choose whatever combination that fits. . . but choose wisely, I say.
All programs are not the same, whether it's HS baseball, travel ball or showcases. From a parent point of view I feel having alternatives is a GOOD thing and just which way to go depends very much on the situation. There can be quite a view variable for consideration when trying to decide what is the best avenue for one's son. And. . . the situations and issues are not static.
I've known families who started their boys in travel ball very early, like when their son's were 8yrs old. But I personally could never see the value in that and used Little League as a place for my son to play ball and have fun up through his age 12. We could have stayed with Little League, but my son's talent had begun to really stand out and we couldn't see the point in continuing to play with the same group as they aged and needed to raise the bar to get some idea where is talent level really was.
So, at his age 13 we hooked up with a good travel ball program that not only made an effort to develop player skills but also recruited good players and they made a point to try and play against other top teams as part of their development scheme. As he played with a group of players that were all playing at a higher level than the group he used to play with, he was able to bring his game up to a higher level. This turned out to be a great decision in my son's case and I am so very glad we had the avenue of a travel ball team to do this. It really did prepare him for the next step. Oh, and that preparation was not totally smooth as player and parent learn to deal with various coaching issues, yet. . .all part of the preparation.
As we prepared for High School, we considered our options as the public HS he had to attend didn't have a very good baseball program and the talent coming into the program was much the same as what he played with in Little League. And since the school itself really wasn't attractive from the way the school was administered, we looked to private prep school alternatives and weighed the value and our ability to go that route. The private prep schools in our area are HIGHLY competitive over the public schools in general, particularly in the main prep school league here, and tend to enroll the better players from around the greater area. . . if the families can afford it. So, not only because of the better baseball program, the better academic environment was what we wanted to put our son in as an effort to again raise the bar. Sending our son to the private prep school was a big disappointment to the local high school baseball coach, but out interest was our son and we wanted to do our best to provide the best possible environment for our son to grow and achieve.
In the public school, he certainly would have been the Big Fish and going to the prep school there was a question mark as to how he might stack up. Though I hadn't thought about it much then, going to the public school would not have given him much exposure, maybe some headlines, due to the school and the league being so short on top talent (a lot having to do with certain local demographics, IMHO). Whether he performed well enough or not, being in this Prep-HS would expose him to a much higher level of competition AND also expose him to scouts that often attend these prep-school events.
As my son entered HS, our involvement with travel ball became less mostly due to him playing other sports and the need to stay in classes and do homework. So, traveling away for tournaments (particularly out of the local area) didn't fit into the prep school calendar. Travel ball play was relegated to summer and maybe a tournament here or there during a holiday break. While the prep-school's baseball coach did organize a summer travel ball schedule for player's wishing to participate, it wasn't mandatory. So, my son stayed with his travel ball team since that team tended to play at a higher level in travel ball tournaments.
While at the prep school, my son rose the top once again starting in his Freshman year where he became a starter on the varsity team and was a top hitter on the team. We initially had concerns as to whether he should even play on the varsity team for fear of not getting enough playing time. But he wanted to do it and the rest is history. If it wasn't for him being involved with a good travel team, I feel sure he would not have got off to such a good early start in this HS.
Because his HS baseball team did so well his Jr. and Senior year, and the attention while participating in the travel ball during the summers, he was invited to participate in different showcase events and also to play on a Scout Team. So, I would say that the success of the HS team didn't do it alone and it wasn't the travel ball organization alone either. But, his travel ball team participation was a huge help and a lot of credit goes to the organizer of the travel ball team and its coaches. And the HS BB coach was also huge in advising him and help him all along the way to where he had LOTS of college choices, was drafted and instead went to a top D1 school where as a Freshman, he was a starter in every game.
HS was a fantastic experience for my son (and for his parents as well)and the choice to not go to the local public school was the RIGHT ONE for us. At the same time, having him play travel ball too was also the right choice. . .though, we probably could have bowed out of that a little sooner and had the same results since the HS BB team did so well.
Certainly, not everyone can take the same path. HS baseball is not going away any time soon and obviously, neither is travel ball. What we as parents have to do is choose the path that will work best for our circumstances. In some cases, HS BB alone can get the results we want. In other cases, the better option is using travel ball. And in other cases, using both will work best. Choose whatever combination that fits. . . but choose wisely, I say.
quote:by:Truman
Good post RJM. And I am in complete agreement that there isn't one size that fits all.
Certainly, not everyone can take the same path.
quote:by:RJM
Playing high school or academy or high school and travel ball isn't what gets players to college ball. What gets players to college ball is talent and exposure of talent. That said there isn't a once size fits all.
RMJ and Truman while I only took a snip from both, they were both great reads.
In Texas it's the exact opposite. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) that oversees high school athletics in the State has banned kids who play club s****r from playing high school s****r. I hope they don't get the bright idea to do a similar thing for baseball...what a joke. 
[/QUOTE]
I don't think this is correct. The kids who play on these elite "club s o c c e r" teams are prohibited to play for their high school. The sponsors of these club teams have so much money invested that they don't want them getting hurt on the HS team. Our HS lost four players because of this. My friends son was one of them, so the source is pretty good. UIL does not ban them.
I don't think this is correct. The kids who play on these elite "club s o c c e r" teams are prohibited to play for their high school. The sponsors of these club teams have so much money invested that they don't want them getting hurt on the HS team. Our HS lost four players because of this. My friends son was one of them, so the source is pretty good. UIL does not ban them.
Some good points of view made in this topic.
I don't think that anyone should speak negatively of a player or anyone for the choices they make.
Those "oldtimers"
that picked up on the real purpose of the OP's intention probably were correct. He didn't write the article, but he wanted us here on the HSBBW to know that if you live in CA there are other alternatives.
This player seems to be pretty good, probably didn't matter (in his case) where he played during his HS years because maybe, this player might not even make it to where he signed! But reality is that he had to sign somewhere for draft leverage.
Good point made by bsbl247, I do believe this is more about the draft than anything else.
I don't think that anyone should speak negatively of a player or anyone for the choices they make.
Those "oldtimers"
that picked up on the real purpose of the OP's intention probably were correct. He didn't write the article, but he wanted us here on the HSBBW to know that if you live in CA there are other alternatives.This player seems to be pretty good, probably didn't matter (in his case) where he played during his HS years because maybe, this player might not even make it to where he signed! But reality is that he had to sign somewhere for draft leverage.
Good point made by bsbl247, I do believe this is more about the draft than anything else.
The ABCL league is a great "option" for those who feel this is a good fit for them. I've seen a starting varsity player,good kid, get cut because the new coach said he was not good enough for varsity and too good for jv. This league provides a chance for this player to keep playing. You pay to play ABCL and you pay to play HS. Nothing is free.
Sadly,its harder to endure hs in CA when districts have to hire teachers with little or no coaching experience. I can see why some players might choose to opt out of high school...maybe for the exact same reasons some choose to stay in high school...to have fun and just enjoy playing the game!
Sadly,its harder to endure hs in CA when districts have to hire teachers with little or no coaching experience. I can see why some players might choose to opt out of high school...maybe for the exact same reasons some choose to stay in high school...to have fun and just enjoy playing the game!
quote:The kids who play on these elite "club s o c c e r" teams are prohibited to play for their high school. The sponsors of these club teams have so much money invested that they don't want them getting hurt on the HS team.
To my point exactly...it's all about the money...
The problem I'm going to have is I won't be able to afford travel ball in the near future.
I was hoping that high school baseball would take the financial pressure off of me but if high school ball becomes irrevelant than only the wealthier kids will have the chance at pro-ball.
I just hope my kid can throw 95 mph when he is in high school.
I was told by an ex-NFL player and now college coach that if a high school player is elite than he will be found.
I was hoping that high school baseball would take the financial pressure off of me but if high school ball becomes irrevelant than only the wealthier kids will have the chance at pro-ball.
I just hope my kid can throw 95 mph when he is in high school.
I was told by an ex-NFL player and now college coach that if a high school player is elite than he will be found.
I was able to listen to new Cardinals manager Mike Matheny talk yesterday and wish everyone could have heard it. The basic message...we have to get kids back to playing baseball for the game and not as simply a means to an end. Sometimes we need to sit back and think about why the kids are playing. It is more about the parents and there goals or the kids? Most will not get scholarships, and that's ok. If one's childhood is spent investing on that chance most will fail. The one's that fall in love with the game and play it with a passion because they simply love it, will excell. Another little secret, they do not have to play on some elite travel team if they are good ballplayers. Send them to college camps, send schools videos, and write letters. You will save thousands and have the same outcome. Baseball designed as scholarship factories is flat out wrong. High school ball is about so much more, it is about shapinng young men. I am sorry if some of you are stuck with poor coaches, that sometimes happens. But sometimes they are viewed at poor because they don't meet your agenda as a parent; remember this is about the kids and the kids only. I do not mean to ruffle feathers. My point is we ALL need to step back and remember what this is all about and how it should work. Play baseball, develop as young men, chase a dream but don't beat it over the head, and enjoy every minute of the ride.
Nice post coach!
quote:Originally posted by MDteX:
I think there are two paths a kid can follow.
1 - Play high school ball because you love the game, like playing with your friends and playing for the school.
2 - Play summer ball because you love the game and are interested in getting noticed for the possiblity of playing at the next level.
I think my son is on both paths, (at least I hope he is as the love of the game and the fun and camradarie are the reasons he is willing to put in the time to get better).
My son plays baseball because he loves playing baseball. It isn't a mean to an end, it is what he enjoys doing in the moment.
He wants to play in college, so we have a plan for attending showcases, camps, etc.
Now that he is entering his junior season, I am getting a different perspective on the value of high school baseball. He has such an opportunity to be a leader. The best pitcher on the team isn't someone he particularly likes, but as the starting catcher, he has to make it work.
There are kids who say they aren't going to play this year because they don't like the coach. My son's answer? "Then they don't love baseball".
He also plays travel ball and fall ball. Each has had a different impact on him, both as a player and a person. By being on different travel teams, he has met a lot of people. He has had different instruction than what he would get if he only played on one team. He has had to play through daddy ball. He's learned the value of making a good first impression. He's played on championship teams and cellar dwellers.
All good. All baseball.
He wants to play in college, so we have a plan for attending showcases, camps, etc.
Now that he is entering his junior season, I am getting a different perspective on the value of high school baseball. He has such an opportunity to be a leader. The best pitcher on the team isn't someone he particularly likes, but as the starting catcher, he has to make it work.
There are kids who say they aren't going to play this year because they don't like the coach. My son's answer? "Then they don't love baseball".
He also plays travel ball and fall ball. Each has had a different impact on him, both as a player and a person. By being on different travel teams, he has met a lot of people. He has had different instruction than what he would get if he only played on one team. He has had to play through daddy ball. He's learned the value of making a good first impression. He's played on championship teams and cellar dwellers.
All good. All baseball.
Nice posts hsballcoach and twotex! (And quite a few others too!)
I wanna make some things clear about my view of this...
1. I am NOT against travel ball...both of my sons who have or do play college baseball played on pretty elite summer/fall travel teams...and some not-so-elite ones too. As twotex says, "All good. All baseball."
2. I am NOT against HS-aged leagues that are put in place during the HS season for kids who didn't make their team or have no HS option.
3. I am NOT criticizing...in any way...the player named in the article. I know nothing about him other than he is apparently a very outstanding ballplayer. I wish him nothing but the best.
4. I am NOT against good people making money in baseball through instruction, coaching, showcases, travel teams and camps. We utilized them all ourselves.
5. I AM AGAINST efforts to draw kids out of HS sports, during the HS season, by making it seem that is THE NEW WAY to greater glory while having a financial interest at stake. HS season should be left alone.
Yes, I know that families are free to make their own decision. But while the option may be available for other reasons initially (i.e. kids who didn't make team), I would not promote it using a headliner kid (who is unable to reap any tangible benefits himself) through newspaper articles and website postings. The organization promoting it has a long history of highly successful and elite travel teams...nothing wrong with that IMO...but the end goal for this 'in-HS-season' venture seems obvious to me.
Some things just shouldn't be tread upon...HS sports, with all of its warts including bad coaches, is one of them in my opinion.
I wanna make some things clear about my view of this...
1. I am NOT against travel ball...both of my sons who have or do play college baseball played on pretty elite summer/fall travel teams...and some not-so-elite ones too. As twotex says, "All good. All baseball."
2. I am NOT against HS-aged leagues that are put in place during the HS season for kids who didn't make their team or have no HS option.
3. I am NOT criticizing...in any way...the player named in the article. I know nothing about him other than he is apparently a very outstanding ballplayer. I wish him nothing but the best.
4. I am NOT against good people making money in baseball through instruction, coaching, showcases, travel teams and camps. We utilized them all ourselves.
5. I AM AGAINST efforts to draw kids out of HS sports, during the HS season, by making it seem that is THE NEW WAY to greater glory while having a financial interest at stake. HS season should be left alone.
Yes, I know that families are free to make their own decision. But while the option may be available for other reasons initially (i.e. kids who didn't make team), I would not promote it using a headliner kid (who is unable to reap any tangible benefits himself) through newspaper articles and website postings. The organization promoting it has a long history of highly successful and elite travel teams...nothing wrong with that IMO...but the end goal for this 'in-HS-season' venture seems obvious to me.
Some things just shouldn't be tread upon...HS sports, with all of its warts including bad coaches, is one of them in my opinion.
Good post TD and Twotex!
quote:Originally posted by Coach Bob
To my point exactly...it's all about the money...
I think I would have worded this differently because it's very often NOT "all" about the money.
quote:Originally posted by tradosaurus:
I was hoping that high school baseball would take the financial pressure off of me but if high school ball becomes irrevelant than only the wealthier kids will have the chance at pro-ball.
If the author of the article really means "irrelevant", then I think he is really just simply wrong. And so, by saying that HS BB has or is becoming "irrelevant" in this article, it seems more of a ploy to promote the organization. If not, then it all should have been said differently.
quote:Originally posted by hsballcoach:
remember this is about the kids and the kids only.
That's EXACTTLY right.
And the choices made should be for the kids and as great as HS BB can be for a great many kids (and I know how great it can be), there are options that can provide a better experience for certain kids and so can be better choices for some of these kids.
quote:Originally posted by justbaseball:
5. I AM AGAINST efforts to draw kids out of HS sports, during the HS season, by making it seem that is THE NEW WAY to greater glory while having a financial interest at stake. HS season should be left alone.
IMHO, HS sports are vital to kids either as participants or as spectators for their development as well rounded people. I would be totally against doing away with the sports programs with the idea that participating in sporting activities outside of HS could function as the same. And when a student participates in a sport outside of their HS and none in their HS, that student may be gaining something with regard to that sport, but it missing out on a whole lot that a student-athlete experiences in the HS program.
Athletic programs outside of HS should augment what kids do in HS, not replace it. . . .much like outside academic tutoring does. IMHO
It seems to be often viewed, or expressed so, that most people putting their kids in a travel ball program do it solely the agenda of the parents. Based on my experience and observations, I don't see this as the norm. Yes, there are parents, and some very overbearing parents (and I've seen and talked with some), that really push their own agenda at the expense of the kid's agenda. But they're a small minority. The great majority of parents do their best to give their kids more options and enable them to explore their limits. This is what these outside athletic organizations bring to the table.
That fact that these organization exist and are participated in means they can be abused by parents and that those running the organizations can also be abusive and self indulgent. While these things are problems, let's not throw out the baby with the bath water.
HS programs and outside private enterprises should work in concert when dealing with our kids. It shouldn't become an us vs. them situation. HS coaches who are too ridged and outside private organizations who are too ridged are focusing too much on themselves and not so much on the kids. Pride and money can get in the way and as fallible people we do stupid things on occasion. Use what work, discard what doesn't. . . and I find that more often than not, that has to be done on an individual basis.
That fact that these organization exist and are participated in means they can be abused by parents and that those running the organizations can also be abusive and self indulgent. While these things are problems, let's not throw out the baby with the bath water.
HS programs and outside private enterprises should work in concert when dealing with our kids. It shouldn't become an us vs. them situation. HS coaches who are too ridged and outside private organizations who are too ridged are focusing too much on themselves and not so much on the kids. Pride and money can get in the way and as fallible people we do stupid things on occasion. Use what work, discard what doesn't. . . and I find that more often than not, that has to be done on an individual basis.
Everyone has gotten so brainwashed over exposure I could honestly vomit. You would think the game isn't baseball anymore unless there are colleges sitting there watching. When I read this article, I figured it would pop up on a message board. And here we are.
Where are these kids PRACTICING? If the high school fields are in use and the college fields are in use, where are practices taking place? You know, that thing you do to get better? It's all about exposure now. What a joke.
Where are these kids PRACTICING? If the high school fields are in use and the college fields are in use, where are practices taking place? You know, that thing you do to get better? It's all about exposure now. What a joke.
quote:Originally posted by CoachCarter:
Where are these kids PRACTICING? If the high school fields are in use and the college fields are in use, where are practices taking place? You know, that thing you do to get better? It's all about exposure now. What a joke.
Well, to be somewhat specific, when my kid's elite travel team and scout-team practiced it was on JUCO fields and even some college fields, and they played games on JUCO and some D1 college fields (some of which weren't really all that great) and even played games against some JUCO teams. All fields are not in use all the time, so. . .???
And I strongly disagree that is "all" about exposure now. On my kid's teams, and the organization as a whole, the emphasis was on development first and foremost and then exposure. Sure, there are organizations that emphasize exposure more than development and it's fair to say THEY are all about exposure. But let's not lump them "all" together. huh?