JH
kep on keppin on
After 4 years of college summer baseball including leagues from east coast to mid west to west coast I can tell you one thing. Based on the fact that if a kid goes out of state to college, (Like ours) comes home for 2-3 weeks at Christmas and 2-3 weeks every summer(an average of 320-337 days away from home, 4 years in a row from the age of 18-22) what kid in his right mind would want to make the playoffs vs coming home a week early in summer.
They all love baseball, but enough is enough, just my opinion mind you!!!!
They all love baseball, but enough is enough, just my opinion mind you!!!!
Diamond Dog, Good point. We just received the preliminary Valley League 2012 schedule-44 games, regular season ends July 23, playoffs end August 3. All these guys should get at least 3-4 weeks at home before going back to school. Sounds entirely civilized to me! 
Will be interesting to see how Doubleday Jr handles it. We live in TX and he's a Frosh playing at a D1 in SC. He went to school in mid-Aug, will make it home for 5 days for Thanksgiving and 3 weeks for Christmas, then back to SC in early Jan until at least end of May (conference tourney)...then has signed to play in MA (NECBL) for the summer and will need to be up there in early June through early Aug. To DD AZ's point, I think he will be home for a total of 6 weeks in his 1st full year out of high school. A big adjustment for sure...it's not for everyone.
Guys it is called "building a life."
Our son left home in CA for college in TX. Three summers in OH, PA and CT playing collegiate summer ball. He spent holidays at home (Thanksgiving and Christmas) his first two years in college. The third and fourth year it was home for 10-days at Christmas before heading back for baseball.
He has been out of college for a little more than a year. He is now in Grad school and has made a home for himself in TX. He is happy, can afford his life there and sees working and living there once grad school is done.
As parents, we couldn't be happier and more proud. Through his baseball experience he has matured into a well adjusted, self-suffient, productive young man. In the end, he is happy and we feel that we have done everything we can as parents to produce a son that we are proud of.
Our son left home in CA for college in TX. Three summers in OH, PA and CT playing collegiate summer ball. He spent holidays at home (Thanksgiving and Christmas) his first two years in college. The third and fourth year it was home for 10-days at Christmas before heading back for baseball.
He has been out of college for a little more than a year. He is now in Grad school and has made a home for himself in TX. He is happy, can afford his life there and sees working and living there once grad school is done.
As parents, we couldn't be happier and more proud. Through his baseball experience he has matured into a well adjusted, self-suffient, productive young man. In the end, he is happy and we feel that we have done everything we can as parents to produce a son that we are proud of.
quote:Originally posted by ILVBB:
Guys it is called "building a life."
We are all fortunate that our kids are experiencing growing up and preparing for life as student athletes but it is healthy in any sport to shut down for a period of time and 2 weeks at a time is not enough IMHO.
That's the longest Jr has gone without throwing a ball or swinging a bat in over 4 years. Summer ball is a great experience, just a little too long in my opinion.
That's the longest Jr has gone without throwing a ball or swinging a bat in over 4 years. Summer ball is a great experience, just a little too long in my opinion.
quote:Originally posted by Diamond Dog AZ:
Summer ball is a great experience, just a little too long in my opinion.
I happen to agree, especially for pitchers.
However, the irony in it is that parents and players panic when they don't find a team then some (players and parents) feel that it all becomes too much at one point near the end. Our player took off his summer going into his sophmore year, knowing the next two seasons/summer would be a grind.
I don't think that comment was made for any other reason than in jest. It's a grind for sure.
Hope that everyone understands that this is not only part of bb but part of life. These are good lessons that prepare our players for their future as adults.
BTW, grinders usually succeed.
1 year later, I'll bump this back up and add some additional observations:
1. I don't see how some leagues play 56 games; the VBL plays 44, playoffs start around July 21, and the season is over around August 1...but every team has issues with players leaving early-in 2011, the championship series featured some position players pitching because too many pitchers left early. How do some of the other leagues keep their players for 56 games?
2. Taking time off between the college season and summer ball sounds good...but is a trap for the unwary. Hitters lose a little bit of their edge, pitching arms lose strength faster than one would imagine, and then jumping into 6 night a week baseball can really jolt the system. A better approach is to get your rest but maintain workouts.
3. Summer players do indeed get fatigued from all of the games, but they also fail to realize that doing a full workout during the day, and then tubing on the river, will sap one's energy a bit. The smart guys get their rest.
4. Do NOT get talked into any uniforms with white pants-they are a bear to get cleaned, and stains happen. The first lady is doing all of our post season laundry, battling with stain remover, special baseball laundry tools...and we still will end up tossing out several uniforms as just too stained. Grey is good.
5. Way too many college umpires have no sense of humor and poor dispositions. Cherish the good ones and thank 'em, they're much too rare.
6. Summer college umpires will call strikes as far as 10"-12" off of outside corner. I have no idea why. I did have to apologize to my son, who caught an ear full from me years ago whining about wide strikes-being directly behind the plate for PA duty, I see the zone that's called and it is wiiiiiide. Really wiiiiide.
7. College summer baseball is a fast game played by talented guys, and to be fair, you need umpires that are used to it. 2 umpires are likely the norm for financial reasons (ours get $135 each per game), but two guys can't see it all. Balks are really tough to see with 2 umpires.
8. Baseball players as a rule have to be the most respectful athletes around. On their own, they do their thing but around adults, it is uniformly "yes mam", "no sir", and "thank you sir". I never ever see a baseball player acting "thuggish".
9. Baseball parents are wonderful people. As the various parents came into town this summer, the appreciation for their sons' opportunity was heart-felt and getting to know such wonderful people is just a joy. It's the people we remember, not the games.
1. I don't see how some leagues play 56 games; the VBL plays 44, playoffs start around July 21, and the season is over around August 1...but every team has issues with players leaving early-in 2011, the championship series featured some position players pitching because too many pitchers left early. How do some of the other leagues keep their players for 56 games?
2. Taking time off between the college season and summer ball sounds good...but is a trap for the unwary. Hitters lose a little bit of their edge, pitching arms lose strength faster than one would imagine, and then jumping into 6 night a week baseball can really jolt the system. A better approach is to get your rest but maintain workouts.
3. Summer players do indeed get fatigued from all of the games, but they also fail to realize that doing a full workout during the day, and then tubing on the river, will sap one's energy a bit. The smart guys get their rest.
4. Do NOT get talked into any uniforms with white pants-they are a bear to get cleaned, and stains happen. The first lady is doing all of our post season laundry, battling with stain remover, special baseball laundry tools...and we still will end up tossing out several uniforms as just too stained. Grey is good.
5. Way too many college umpires have no sense of humor and poor dispositions. Cherish the good ones and thank 'em, they're much too rare.
6. Summer college umpires will call strikes as far as 10"-12" off of outside corner. I have no idea why. I did have to apologize to my son, who caught an ear full from me years ago whining about wide strikes-being directly behind the plate for PA duty, I see the zone that's called and it is wiiiiiide. Really wiiiiide.
7. College summer baseball is a fast game played by talented guys, and to be fair, you need umpires that are used to it. 2 umpires are likely the norm for financial reasons (ours get $135 each per game), but two guys can't see it all. Balks are really tough to see with 2 umpires.
8. Baseball players as a rule have to be the most respectful athletes around. On their own, they do their thing but around adults, it is uniformly "yes mam", "no sir", and "thank you sir". I never ever see a baseball player acting "thuggish".
9. Baseball parents are wonderful people. As the various parents came into town this summer, the appreciation for their sons' opportunity was heart-felt and getting to know such wonderful people is just a joy. It's the people we remember, not the games.
Hokie-
56 Summer League games would be a blessing. Son's team is closing in on 70 in Northwoods and playoffs start next week. He's well over his alloted innings for the summer but was asked to stay around and pitch in the playoffs. You can understand how some colleges were reluctant to send pitchers up there and it was known as a place where arms go to die. Some changes have occurred to alleviate concerns but it certainly is a long hot summer.
Many teams are constantly bringing in new players as some leave before season is over. Son's team is up to 50 players total on the roster.
For the most part he's fine with it and is having a good summer but was disappointed when he asked if he could go home the other day for a couple of days since he wont be pitching again til playoffs and was told no. I can understand coaches desire to win but its starting to resemble North Korean prison camp but I'm keeping quiet.
Overall Summer baseball is a great experience and its amazing how the locals and host parents are so into the whole thing and just wonderful.
I've said it before and got some interesting reactions from it, but its funny how the locals want to win everything in the playoffs but the players mostly just want to go home.
56 Summer League games would be a blessing. Son's team is closing in on 70 in Northwoods and playoffs start next week. He's well over his alloted innings for the summer but was asked to stay around and pitch in the playoffs. You can understand how some colleges were reluctant to send pitchers up there and it was known as a place where arms go to die. Some changes have occurred to alleviate concerns but it certainly is a long hot summer.
Many teams are constantly bringing in new players as some leave before season is over. Son's team is up to 50 players total on the roster.
For the most part he's fine with it and is having a good summer but was disappointed when he asked if he could go home the other day for a couple of days since he wont be pitching again til playoffs and was told no. I can understand coaches desire to win but its starting to resemble North Korean prison camp but I'm keeping quiet.
Overall Summer baseball is a great experience and its amazing how the locals and host parents are so into the whole thing and just wonderful.
I've said it before and got some interesting reactions from it, but its funny how the locals want to win everything in the playoffs but the players mostly just want to go home.
I guess I have a different take here. If players were underutilized, people would complain about that too. The time to play baseball is in the summer and yes, just about everyday in the summer is a good day to play it. Kids who love the game look forward to playing it and not how soon can they go home.
I think the problem can be solved. Get more players on the roster
For those that don't play as much early, let them play more later in the season when some kids are tired and may want to go home. Maybe come up with a rotation - some kids play the first half of summer go home and some kids replace them and play the second half. Does this create host family and other management issues? Sure but that is what managers do - they come up with solutions. Maybe some kids are willing to foot some of the bills in exchange for the opportunity to play.
This much I know... every year here on the hsbbweb we tell people that rosters are limited and what an honor it is to play in the college summer leagues and how you have to be scouted, recommended, etc, etc. Well, rather than complain about the number of games, maybe we should open it up and maybe the complaints would go down. I am guessing there are many kids who missed out on these summer league opportunities, would love to have the opportunity, and who would not be complaining right now about the lengthy schedules. Another solution is simply to scout harder for baseball players and not guys who are concerned about resting in the summer time.
I think the problem can be solved. Get more players on the roster
This much I know... every year here on the hsbbweb we tell people that rosters are limited and what an honor it is to play in the college summer leagues and how you have to be scouted, recommended, etc, etc. Well, rather than complain about the number of games, maybe we should open it up and maybe the complaints would go down. I am guessing there are many kids who missed out on these summer league opportunities, would love to have the opportunity, and who would not be complaining right now about the lengthy schedules. Another solution is simply to scout harder for baseball players and not guys who are concerned about resting in the summer time.
Makes sense to me.
Different perspectives certainly and I do get it that making some honest points about Summer baseball that aren't 100% glowing can sound like complaining about gifts left under the tree by Santa on Christmas day.
The fact is Northwoods League has a long reputation, due the length of its season, of over-throwing pitchers. This concern is legitimate. Also in my son's case he will have thrown over 120 combined innings this Spring-Summer which is pressing it a bit, imo, and other players-parents should be aware of putting a reasonable limit on pitchers arms.
Finally again fwiw, its been a great memorable summer but selfishly, he goes back to school in less than 3 weeks and I frankly miss him at home. If that comes across as an ungrateful dad, that's not my intent but he'll be gone til Christmas and I would like to see him.
Of course he gets it better than I do, saying if trucking around the minors is in his future then this is a good learning experience for that.
The fact is Northwoods League has a long reputation, due the length of its season, of over-throwing pitchers. This concern is legitimate. Also in my son's case he will have thrown over 120 combined innings this Spring-Summer which is pressing it a bit, imo, and other players-parents should be aware of putting a reasonable limit on pitchers arms.
Finally again fwiw, its been a great memorable summer but selfishly, he goes back to school in less than 3 weeks and I frankly miss him at home. If that comes across as an ungrateful dad, that's not my intent but he'll be gone til Christmas and I would like to see him.
Of course he gets it better than I do, saying if trucking around the minors is in his future then this is a good learning experience for that.
igball - I think my post came across as a criticism of you and I did not mean it that way - only that there are other perspectives.
Prepster - couldn't help but notice that UNCW logo. I went to their website and see they are recently minus a pitching coach... well... I'll let you fill in the blanks
Prepster - couldn't help but notice that UNCW logo. I went to their website and see they are recently minus a pitching coach... well... I'll let you fill in the blanks
You know, CD, the longer your son hangs around the game, the more you realize that you need plenty of storage space on the cloud for additional logos.
Frankly, it would have been preferable that it had shown up first on UNC-W's website ; but, Aaron Fitt's tweet at "Baseball America" let the cat out of the bag.
Frankly, it would have been preferable that it had shown up first on UNC-W's website ; but, Aaron Fitt's tweet at "Baseball America" let the cat out of the bag.
Cleveland Dad,
Some good points! In the VBL, we carry 28 players. Our team carried 27, 12 position players and 15 pitchers. By season's end, we could have truly used more pitchers.
Position players never like to sit unless they are exhausted, in which case they will sit out one game and pronounce themselves healed, then want to start every game until again exhausted. Pitchers seem to eventually get their innings, based upon their abilities and needs.
I'd die if I had to process 50 players in a season. Some teams do a lot of cutting and adding. Our theory is we sign guys to play all summer, not to be cut, so we only added 3 players all season, all injury replacements.
Some good points! In the VBL, we carry 28 players. Our team carried 27, 12 position players and 15 pitchers. By season's end, we could have truly used more pitchers.
Position players never like to sit unless they are exhausted, in which case they will sit out one game and pronounce themselves healed, then want to start every game until again exhausted. Pitchers seem to eventually get their innings, based upon their abilities and needs.
I'd die if I had to process 50 players in a season. Some teams do a lot of cutting and adding. Our theory is we sign guys to play all summer, not to be cut, so we only added 3 players all season, all injury replacements.
Now if we can just get the school to build a car wash in the shower room....
^^^ Then soak those white pants overnight in Iron Out (the industrial size is found in the plumbing department at Walmart). It works on gray pants, too.
"igball'
Question: do you desire for your son to succeed in College?
Do you know the President of the Northwoods League?
Dick Radatz Jr is the President. His father was one of the "great" Boston Red Sox relief pitchers. Bob Gibson, Dick, Ron Perranoski, Dick Howser and 30 other future ML players played in the Basin League.
Thousands of college players would have sacrifice to play in this league.
The information I received from the opposing pitchers was "priceless" for later years. MSU won the Big 10 and we went to College World Series because of a Ohio State pitcher who pitched the previous year in this league.
His pitching patterns did not change in the next year and I was successful
as a hitter.
Pitchers also develop a "book" on hitters, who they may see again in College or Pro baseball.
This is the value of Summer baseball! "Get the edge".
Bob
Question: do you desire for your son to succeed in College?
Do you know the President of the Northwoods League?
Dick Radatz Jr is the President. His father was one of the "great" Boston Red Sox relief pitchers. Bob Gibson, Dick, Ron Perranoski, Dick Howser and 30 other future ML players played in the Basin League.
Thousands of college players would have sacrifice to play in this league.
The information I received from the opposing pitchers was "priceless" for later years. MSU won the Big 10 and we went to College World Series because of a Ohio State pitcher who pitched the previous year in this league.
His pitching patterns did not change in the next year and I was successful
as a hitter.
Pitchers also develop a "book" on hitters, who they may see again in College or Pro baseball.
This is the value of Summer baseball! "Get the edge".
Bob
in response to hokieone,
do your players wash their own uniforms during the season? If so, tell them to buy Fels-Naptha soap. Wet the pants, scrub the soap on, let it sit for a few minutes. Then, under running water, scrub the places that need attention. Right after they do this, throw them in the wash. Takes really good care of those tough stains. As for a mass washing technique, better listen to the other guys.
do your players wash their own uniforms during the season? If so, tell them to buy Fels-Naptha soap. Wet the pants, scrub the soap on, let it sit for a few minutes. Then, under running water, scrub the places that need attention. Right after they do this, throw them in the wash. Takes really good care of those tough stains. As for a mass washing technique, better listen to the other guys.
No disrespect intended Bob, but after reading first sentence or two my first response was "no but I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night."
Really, a simple comment that you might like to see your son for a couple of days before he heads back for another full year of baseball was met with with, I really don't know what that comment was intended for?
Please note Baseball America list of players leaving the summer leagues now for home and I guess those guys are missing the edge? Or better yet, their dads are missing the edge. Personally I know I'm missing an edge or two and if you have any suggestions where I could find them please let me know.
Really, a simple comment that you might like to see your son for a couple of days before he heads back for another full year of baseball was met with with, I really don't know what that comment was intended for?
Please note Baseball America list of players leaving the summer leagues now for home and I guess those guys are missing the edge? Or better yet, their dads are missing the edge. Personally I know I'm missing an edge or two and if you have any suggestions where I could find them please let me know.
Bob, in response to your question about succeding in college. Are you saying they will or they won't because of the Northwoods league? Please.
I think they will succeed in college has more to due with the work they put in not due to the northwoods or cape or whatever other league you want to mention.
As far as knowing the president of the league what does that do for you other than slipping in a few more players.
Have seen plenty that are there that have earned it and some that have been connected, oops I know that doesn't happen in baseball.
Maybe we should discuss the area code process next. Lol
Don't get me wrong these are fine leagues and many talented players but it is not the only reason some of these players move on to the next level.
I think they will succeed in college has more to due with the work they put in not due to the northwoods or cape or whatever other league you want to mention.
As far as knowing the president of the league what does that do for you other than slipping in a few more players.
Have seen plenty that are there that have earned it and some that have been connected, oops I know that doesn't happen in baseball.
Maybe we should discuss the area code process next. Lol
Don't get me wrong these are fine leagues and many talented players but it is not the only reason some of these players move on to the next level.
Two Bagger:
Success in College is based on many factors.
The summer college league is one of the factors.It provides the player the opportunity to play "every day"and learn the game from his coaches, teammates and opposition.
The Northwoods league is one of the opportunities for a player's physical and mental development. There are many other very good summer college leagues.
There are many other very strong leagues in the USA. Dick Radatz Jr. has created a successful program of player development and support by the "fans" is outstanding.
The old Basin League, Alaska and Southern Minnesota League were the models for this success.
Bob
Success in College is based on many factors.
The summer college league is one of the factors.It provides the player the opportunity to play "every day"and learn the game from his coaches, teammates and opposition.
The Northwoods league is one of the opportunities for a player's physical and mental development. There are many other very good summer college leagues.
There are many other very strong leagues in the USA. Dick Radatz Jr. has created a successful program of player development and support by the "fans" is outstanding.
The old Basin League, Alaska and Southern Minnesota League were the models for this success.
Bob
That is all fine Bob, and I agree they learn plenty from the games everyday against some good competition.
However as far as develpoment from the coaches and such I ask every player I know or have worked with when they come home from the cape or northwoods or where ever they play. Pretty much the same answer, all games no real development from the coaches, practice. Good competition and games yes, coaching not much of a factor.
Nice experience just the same and most drafted, but think they would have been anyhow. jmo
However as far as develpoment from the coaches and such I ask every player I know or have worked with when they come home from the cape or northwoods or where ever they play. Pretty much the same answer, all games no real development from the coaches, practice. Good competition and games yes, coaching not much of a factor.
Nice experience just the same and most drafted, but think they would have been anyhow. jmo
Please ask your son "what phases of the game" would he like to learn.
The player should talk to the coaches. This is "self-development"
1. How do I handle the "cut off", the bunt situation, the short fly ball.
2. what adjustments do I make when I am batting?
3. What adjustments do I make when I am pitching, fielding, sliding.
4. What is the coaches strategy early in the game, late in the game.
5. How can I learn to "read the bat".
6. If I am "pick off" 1b, do I go into 2b standing or sliding?
7. How do I read the outfield fence [angles] and the entire ball park.
8. Why should I keep a "diary" on every pitcher if I am a hitter.
9. If I am not playing today, how do I keep myself focused.
10.Every minute know the score, the # of outs and the inning.
We have a Mariners "playbook" with 20 times this info.
Bob
The player should talk to the coaches. This is "self-development"
1. How do I handle the "cut off", the bunt situation, the short fly ball.
2. what adjustments do I make when I am batting?
3. What adjustments do I make when I am pitching, fielding, sliding.
4. What is the coaches strategy early in the game, late in the game.
5. How can I learn to "read the bat".
6. If I am "pick off" 1b, do I go into 2b standing or sliding?
7. How do I read the outfield fence [angles] and the entire ball park.
8. Why should I keep a "diary" on every pitcher if I am a hitter.
9. If I am not playing today, how do I keep myself focused.
10.Every minute know the score, the # of outs and the inning.
We have a Mariners "playbook" with 20 times this info.
Bob
These are college guys right Bob? Yes I do understand it is self development so Like I said it is up to the player not the league.
Hopefully the Mariners will pick this stuff up soon. Sorry I could not resist.
Hopefully the Mariners will pick this stuff up soon. Sorry I could not resist.
quote:This is "self-development"
[quote]
I agree with this in many aspects.I think a player has to set goals at every level and at every turn in their careers.
Making adjustments is a key aspect of being able to stay in this game for a longer period of time.
Go into the summer with a plan: better at bats,see more pitches,foul off that borderline outside strike that got you in the Spring,ect etc.
I know the team my son played for had payed for a gym membership.There were several guys who did their work set up usually by their college programs.I know there were some that did not.Nobody will make sure you do it like in college.
Its kinda like the minor leagues in that respect.You get to the field early and you can do nothing.or you get your early work in before the game.Nobody forces you unless its a mandatory practice.
It does take a fair amount of self motivation.
quote:Originally posted by Bob Williams:
Please ask your son "what phases of the game" would he like to learn.
The player should talk to the coaches. This is "self-development"
1. How do I handle the "cut off", the bunt situation, the short fly ball.
2. what adjustments do I make when I am batting?
3. What adjustments do I make when I am pitching, fielding, sliding.
4. What is the coaches strategy early in the game, late in the game.
5. How can I learn to "read the bat".
6. If I am "pick off" 1b, do I go into 2b standing or sliding?
7. How do I read the outfield fence [angles] and the entire ball park.
8. Why should I keep a "diary" on every pitcher if I am a hitter.
9. If I am not playing today, how do I keep myself focused.
10.Every minute know the score, the # of outs and the inning.
We have a Mariners "playbook" with 20 times this info.
Bob
I'm wondering if the MLB greats such as Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle just played the game without clogging thier minds up with so much stuff? Basically did they play in the moment?
Ted Williams was a pioneer in studying pitchers and the art of hitting.
Boston;
The great players learned from the veteran players.
They ask the veteran's constant questions relative to the game.
"Inquisitive" was their asset for learning.
Mantle and Williams also asked their teammates if they knew the opposing pitcher.
How many inches did the ball "move"? What did the pitcher throw 3-2 count; 2-2; 3-1; 2-0
JH: Great Ted Williams photo, a classic hitting lesson.
Bob
The great players learned from the veteran players.
They ask the veteran's constant questions relative to the game.
"Inquisitive" was their asset for learning.
Mantle and Williams also asked their teammates if they knew the opposing pitcher.
How many inches did the ball "move"? What did the pitcher throw 3-2 count; 2-2; 3-1; 2-0
JH: Great Ted Williams photo, a classic hitting lesson.
Bob
quote:Originally posted by 2bagger:
Hopefully the Mariners will pick this stuff up soon. Sorry I could not resist.
That comment was priceless.
I think this topic got off track somehow. IMO only a small percentage of college players will ever go onto play the game at the next level. Even smaller at ML. There are many many players in pro ball who never went to college or played summer collegiate baseball.
Summer ball does give the player the opportunity to play the game everyday. When you play everyday you get better. I am not sure that instruction plays as big a part as does playing everyday. From my understanding most college coaches prefer that instruction be left to them and that they adhere to innings pitched for pitchers as per their recommendation. I hear some leagues and some teams pay no attention to that. To me, what makes a good collegiate summer league is one that provides a different opportunity than college provides. Not overuse. 70+ innings in the summer after 70+ for some college players can be a disaster for overuse.
I think that igball has brought up some good points, regarding summer ball and pitchers. I am pretty sure that he is not the only parent here that may have concerns about pitcher overuse in the summer. The negative part I see in it is that at some point the pitcher has to shut down, and that is usually fall, a good time when the pitcher most likely should be in instruction with his pitching coach to further his development.
And I agree whoever said come end of long summer the players just want to pack up and go home for a few weeks before college begins is 100% correct.
I like that idea of opening up the leagues to more players. Hey, if you want to compare this experience to proball the roster is constantly changing from day to day.
Hokie thank you for all the information about running a summer collegiate team.
A great resource for summer ball is back on line: John Leonard had a web site called "All Things Valley League" and he tracked former VBL players in the pros, a huge undertaking. John has been doing missions work in Kenya for a couple years and had to shelve the site but he's back, now on Facebook under "All Things Valley League" and has a blog, http://www.allthingsvalleyleague.typepad.com/.
If your son played in the VBL and made it to pro ball, or if teammates did and you want to keep up to date, you will like these resources.
FYI, John does all this simply because he loves baseball and the Valley League. He's a great guy, for many reasons!
If your son played in the VBL and made it to pro ball, or if teammates did and you want to keep up to date, you will like these resources.
FYI, John does all this simply because he loves baseball and the Valley League. He's a great guy, for many reasons!
Just a hey for the Newport Gulls of the NECBL.Son played with them last year.They won the entire NECBL championship last night.Go Gulls!!!!Such a first class organization.