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OP just my opinion but I believe the responsibility that involves housing 15 and 16 year old players carries a greater level of care; not that any age would not carry a hugh responsibility but the lower ages might be the exception. Additionally, parents of the younger age groups may not be ready to allow their kids to be housed with people they do not know.
Last edited by SWAC
Thanks Natural! Hope you and other fellow DBAT supporters can make it to some of the games.

and SWAC doesn't just believe housing 15/16 year olds carries a greater level of care, but mister SWAC knows how great that level is. He's had a house-full this summer! We are thankful for his hospitality as well as other families associated with the team for their willingness to house players all summer long.
Last edited by Dillon
quote:
Originally posted by Natural:
My bad - how could I forget the glove Dr?!?

Hats off to Lance as well...


I'm telling you, that's the best assistant coach anywhere. LP is the glove doc/hitting guru/catching master/batting practice machine/fungo wizard, and even more than that. He's in this for the absolute right reasons...getting these boys to excel in baseball, and helping them get to the next level.

He's a big reason behind this team's success, no question.
Last edited by Dillon
When the series first started playing in McKinney in '96, they tried to get host families. Just didn't work out for us. Couldn't get enough to house up to 160 players at that time. It works in Farmington for several reasons: 45 years of hosting, and what else does it have to compete against?

So far........

Frozen Ropes
Dallas Patriots
All-American Prospects (Florida)
Carolina, Puerto Rico
With all due respect to McKinney, the numorous volunteers, and excellent staff... I believe the possibility of moving the MMWS should be looked into.

Although the people responsible for putting on the MMWS have done and incredible job over the years, I don't think the event will gain luster until it's moved into a small town environment.

For example, Farmington obviously examplifies a very successful WS event. There are many reasons why the town rallies around it and the event gains such huge support from the town folk.

1. Finacial gain and impact.

-Farmington needs this finacial stimulous in their community. Promotion is taken to the highest level to maximize the potential revenue. Hotels, resturants, and businesses need the CMWS for revenue.

-McKinney has turned into a major DFW city. The potential revenue gained shares little significance in impacting the cities infrastructure.

2. Community acceptance and involvement.

-The city of McKinney has numerous entertainment opportunities within miles of it's limits. Frisco Rough Riders, TCL, Texas Rangers, Frisco's MLS, etc. With events such as these with simple attendance, it's easy to see why a 16 year old baseball event won't carry the luster for the community outside of baseball.

Also, as noted, McKinney hasn't shown the desire to host players and teams that attend the event. With a larger city comes more crime. The reluctance of families to take in an unknown is certainly understandable. Constant reports of teen trouble can be reported within a large metro area which contributes to the fear.

-Farmington has had long standing relationships with families that host players. Hundreds of examples show hosting players can be beneficial for the player as well as the families involved. There are repeat families offering their help year after year. Most of these families have small children which creates an excitement within the household.

I believe with discipline comes success. The teams that reach Farmington have done so with well rounded individuals that examplify respect. Families are willing to take in this type.

3. Climate

-Farmington is in a mountain desert region. Climates are mild and day time temps. are pleasant.

-McKinney in July? Do I have to say more?

4. Atmosphere

-There is just something about that small town atmosphere. Simple events easily become the talk of the town. Folks start revolving their schedule around an annual event such as the CMWS.

-I work in an office within spitting distance of where the MMWS takes place. The man who the field is named after also offices out of the same building. 99% of the folks in that office have no clue an event is going on just outside it's doors. It's not because of lack of effort by the event staff, it's just because most folks in a large city such as McKinney can't appreciate these type events.

In saying all of this, to move the MMWS would create challenges. The staff in McKinney is experienced and understands the challenges involved. Moving the event would force the hand of unexperienced baseball people to take over.

Off my soap box, just food for thought.
quote:
Originally posted by theygrowupfast:
Are you suggesting the foot hills of Valley View Ken? Big Grin


That will only be possible when the Field of Dreams is completed.

Right now, it looks like we are on target for completion around the year 2022.

There is a small town close that may present intrest though.

How about Graham, Texas? Although this doesn't solve your climate problem.
Last edited by Ken Guthrie
As mentioned before, the host family thing was tried in the beginning, it just never took off.

You are dead on about the competition though. There are just too many other things people around here are going to spend their money on for entertainment. Weather, yeah it bites. I still never understood why they didn't put shade over the entire seating area. Although when I went with Coach Adair with his team in 1994 to Scottsdale, AZ, it was much, MUCH worse. The fields were hard as a rock. You can't put enough water on them to do any good because it pretty much evaporates out of the hose. We even played at the Scottsdale minor league stadium where the Giants had their, I think AAA affiliate. Nice park, but no fan support there either. I've said all of this and I have yet to mention being in Arizona in AUGUST!!!!!! Dry heat my behind. It's down right miserable. I gotta add, we had a great team. In fact one of the players on that team gave up a very memorable home run last year to a certain home run hitting player who might have been on some kind of medication. Wink

Farmington has the tradition and a long time relationship with the CMWS. The man whose name is on the field and has the office less than a mile from the MMWS site actually umpired MANY times in Farmington. I was usually our summer vacation back in the late 60's early 70's. If my memory serves me, they put us up in a mobile home for the week. Kinda neat for me and the family.

So Ken, where? I've heard not so good things about Waterbury, CT, it's location for many years. It's got too much competition here. Arizona is the devil's air conditioning. For a long time it was in Sherman, but that's been a few years back. Would you switch it with the 15's venue in Oklahoma?

I hope it doesn't happen, however, you make some very valid points. Big Al and Lindsey worked really hard to get it here and David is working his behind off trying to make it work now.

If you see Big Al at the games next week make sure you say hello. He loves talking baseball with anyone who will listen and has some awesome stories.
I got it....

Somewhere in Montana

Played there during my minor league tenure and it would be a perfect place.

Much like Farmington, the towns are small yet have the accomidations.

Climate is great.

They have great stadiums and the towns are used to hosting players as they do so for the Pioneer League for 3 months.

And, the best part, the fly fishing is great just like Farmington.

How about it?

Helena, Billings, Butte, Great Falls
Last edited by Ken Guthrie
MMWS,

I believe I read where the Santa Ana Stallions won the California MM Tourney, so I assume they are headed to McKinney.

Looks like these guys are in so far:

All-American Prospects (FL)
Dallas Patriots (TX)
D-BAT (TX)
Frozen Ropes Titans(TX-host)
Puerto Rico (PR)
Santa Ana Stallions (CA)

Any word on the other teams? Is Midland going to make another appearance in their navy blue baseball pants Big Grin? Where else would teams come from?
Last edited by Dillon

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