TR.....please tell me what I misread.
As the other two posters have shown us, sponsors can assist kids and families lacking finances do have fewer opportunities.
I see very clearly. I don't need any of your advice to do so.
This topic is in heated discussion on another site I belong to but regading softball. To condense that thread, softball is no longer a sport where high school athletes are being recruited from their high school teams. In short, you have to pay to play on elite teams that make it to elite tournaments that have elite coaches who have elite contacts. Naturally you have to PAY and PAY and PAY... I don't know that I agree with all of this but thought it ironic that substitute softball for baseball and these threads (this site and the other) are almost identical even down to the race issue. WOW!
The same goes for volleyball and golf.
quote:Originally posted by CoachB25:
This topic is in heated discussion on another site I belong to but regarding softball.
CoachB25: There is a softball site like this???? Do tell!!!!
There is probably a horseshoe and bocci site like this if you search deep enough
Same with elite summer basketball. Pick your sport, if you want to play it at the elite level against national competition it is very expensive. It is a matter of who pays for it.
A friend of mine will travel to 16 different cities
across the country to play basketball this summer at
elite tournaments. I can't even imagine the cost! He can't afford it, but somehow finds a way. Most of these tournaments are "sponsored" by the likes of
Nike, Addidas, Mcdonalds etcc.. Maybe that's how, I never really asked.
I totally disagree with the notion that African-American decline in mlb baseball is due to lack of money. Furthermore, I have NEVER EVER seen a player turned away from an elite team because they couldn't
afford it. There are so many ways to help a kid out so he can play. If you are good enough you will play.
A friend of mine will travel to 16 different cities
across the country to play basketball this summer at
elite tournaments. I can't even imagine the cost! He can't afford it, but somehow finds a way. Most of these tournaments are "sponsored" by the likes of
Nike, Addidas, Mcdonalds etcc.. Maybe that's how, I never really asked.
I totally disagree with the notion that African-American decline in mlb baseball is due to lack of money. Furthermore, I have NEVER EVER seen a player turned away from an elite team because they couldn't
afford it. There are so many ways to help a kid out so he can play. If you are good enough you will play.
TR: hshorseshoe.com 
quote:Originally posted by play baseball:quote:Originally posted by CoachB25:
This topic is in heated discussion on another site I belong to but regarding softball.
CoachB25: There is a softball site like this???? Do tell!!!!
NO, I haven't found one just like this as of yet. I have found many though. I belong to several sites and so, on one of them, they have a "softball forum." It isn't frequented by many and yet, it has 147 responses to the topic of Money. When I get a chance, I'll pm you some of the softball sites I do post on. Some are not bad.
quote:Originally posted by CoachB25:
When I get a chance, I'll pm you some of the softball sites I do post on. Some are not bad.
I'd appreciate it very much. Thanks!
Money is useless unless we spend it on the things we love. Like Poptime, I want to see the sparkle in my son's eyes and help him realize HIS dream. I do the same thing for my daughter who will go to law school soon to realize HER dream. I hope I am there to see her eyes sparkle too. Meanwhile, my son, who will play college baseball this Fall, may or may not make MLB, but it sure is fun watching him while he tries. There is way too much blood, sweat and tears involved in both of their quests to be just about a parent "living" through their kids.
When its all said and done, it will be money well spent as long as they both understand they have to support their own children's dreams one day.
When its all said and done, it will be money well spent as long as they both understand they have to support their own children's dreams one day.
I'll be honest, I've spent a small fortune on my son's baseball. It didn't start that way. Up until about age 10 it was rec ball. He did extra work hitting and throwing at the park and at my gym. Then, at age 11, his long-time coach started an "elite" travel team and excluded my son.
He said my son wasn't good enough. It was a motivator, for sure. OK, I'll show him.
From that point on, the game began to get progressively more serious: Travel teams, lessons, fall ball, showcases, camps, travel and hotels, scout teams..
And now, I'm happy to say my 2008 son has committed to pitch for a Division I Pac-10 school. And the funny thing is, each and every one of those "elite" players that were better than my son at the age of 10 are now out of baseball. Except the coach's kid. He's still pitching relief at a B High School.
For us, it has all been worth it. He has stayed out of trouble, is healthy and athletic, and he'll be going to college. For some, I guess there is time when you have to face reality. The right choice for one might not be the right choice for all. But in the meantime, my son and I have great memories on the diamond, great road trips to remember, and there is still more to come!
He said my son wasn't good enough. It was a motivator, for sure. OK, I'll show him.
From that point on, the game began to get progressively more serious: Travel teams, lessons, fall ball, showcases, camps, travel and hotels, scout teams..
And now, I'm happy to say my 2008 son has committed to pitch for a Division I Pac-10 school. And the funny thing is, each and every one of those "elite" players that were better than my son at the age of 10 are now out of baseball. Except the coach's kid. He's still pitching relief at a B High School.
For us, it has all been worth it. He has stayed out of trouble, is healthy and athletic, and he'll be going to college. For some, I guess there is time when you have to face reality. The right choice for one might not be the right choice for all. But in the meantime, my son and I have great memories on the diamond, great road trips to remember, and there is still more to come!
Here in CT, you have to pay to play on a travel team. There aren't any that are sponsored travel teams that I know of. That being said if a family can't afford to pay to play on a travel team they won't. End of story. If playing travel ball gives kids more opportunities (to get noticed and improve), then you can assume that the kid who can't afford to play on a travel team won't have the same opportunity as a kid who can afford it. It doesn't matter if the kid is black , white, red, yellow or tiel.
yesterday I had a conversatin with an old baseball acquaintance. He said any more it is pay to play. What does that mean? We talked about players we had coached in the 70's and 80's. Back then there was not this elite showcase travel select mentality. somehow they survived. Many went on to college careers and yes professional.
On another occassion I talked to a parent who was complaining how his son was on this travel select or whatever team payed a nice sum to play went to a tournament and only got a couple at bats etc etc etc. His rationale was I payed therefore I play. Maybe it does not matter that a kid is better?
I am out of coaching at the high school level for 8 years. I have seen a dramatic change in the mindset of coaches players parents. Somehow they equate what they spend on how good one will be.
I have worked camps and still am affiliated with lessons and clinics. so in a way I am benefitting from parents wanting to make their kids better. Nothing wrong with that. But to think that what you spend on equipment etc guarantees success is foolish.
Common sense is the key.
On another occassion I talked to a parent who was complaining how his son was on this travel select or whatever team payed a nice sum to play went to a tournament and only got a couple at bats etc etc etc. His rationale was I payed therefore I play. Maybe it does not matter that a kid is better?
I am out of coaching at the high school level for 8 years. I have seen a dramatic change in the mindset of coaches players parents. Somehow they equate what they spend on how good one will be.
I have worked camps and still am affiliated with lessons and clinics. so in a way I am benefitting from parents wanting to make their kids better. Nothing wrong with that. But to think that what you spend on equipment etc guarantees success is foolish.
Common sense is the key.
Baseball like all sports or hobbies has many levels. You can do it for many reasons. And you can spend lots of money or you can spend little or no money. Does spending money create opportunities --- Those that spend money and make money doing it will say “absolutely!!” but I question the impact money has on opportunity. Let me give you examples of players from our area that are my son’s age and including him are the only three that are currently playing professional baseball. My son attended showcases and camps and played on an 18u nationally recognized travel team for 3 years. He took professional lessons and played in the SEC. He had all the high dollar gloves and bats and sunglasses. He was drafted in the 6th round of the 05 draft. You could say all the “I” s were dotted and the “t”s were crossed in his baseball. He comes from a two parent family that spent more money than most on baseball but not as much as some. Currently in A ball for Toronto
Another player played with my son on his high school team. Had limited exposure (I took him to one local showcase). Played locally and attend a JUCO for two years before transferring to Baylor. Parents are divorced and father lives in another state. While his fathers supported his baseball efforts it was long distance. They spent some money but not a great deal. The majority of lessons he received were free because I gave the lessons. He was drafted is in the 8th round after 3 years of college (2 JUCO and 1 D-1) and is currently playing AA ball for the Houston Astros.
The third player was drafted out of high school in the 15th round of the 2001 draft. Did not attend any showcases or took lessons (to my knowledge) and only played Legion Ball. He is currently playing AA ball for the Oakland Athletics. He comes from a single mom family that probably spent little or no money on his baseball.
I would like to think I spent my money wisely because thing turned out great --- but I also have to think ---- since these other parents didn’t spend as much and things turned out great for them is it possible they spent their money MORE wisely???
Another player played with my son on his high school team. Had limited exposure (I took him to one local showcase). Played locally and attend a JUCO for two years before transferring to Baylor. Parents are divorced and father lives in another state. While his fathers supported his baseball efforts it was long distance. They spent some money but not a great deal. The majority of lessons he received were free because I gave the lessons. He was drafted is in the 8th round after 3 years of college (2 JUCO and 1 D-1) and is currently playing AA ball for the Houston Astros.
The third player was drafted out of high school in the 15th round of the 2001 draft. Did not attend any showcases or took lessons (to my knowledge) and only played Legion Ball. He is currently playing AA ball for the Oakland Athletics. He comes from a single mom family that probably spent little or no money on his baseball.
I would like to think I spent my money wisely because thing turned out great --- but I also have to think ---- since these other parents didn’t spend as much and things turned out great for them is it possible they spent their money MORE wisely???
Great post Fungo. I guess it all boils down to what you feel is best for your child. Like you I think we are spending our money wisely. I also believe that talent will create some opportunities on it's own. (i.e. getting picked for an all-star team). That kind opportunity is usually created w/o any significant financial impact. I guess it also comes down to common sense and the reality that you don't have to "break the bank" to let your child live his dream out when it comes to baseball.
quote:I would like to think I spent my money wisely because thing turned out great --- but I also have to think ---- since these other parents didn’t spend as much and things turned out great for them is it possible they spent their money MORE wisely???
I mean that is the 64,000 dollar question but I think the question can be asked differently and the answer (something other than money) can also explain the various outcomes.
What do I mean?
It just may get back to talent and all the money in the world will not change that. Talent gets noticed and word gets around.
I suppose another way of looking at things is that possibly your son would not have had the success he had if you wouldn't have nurtured him as such. If that were the case though, how do you explain the other two kids who spent less? I guess you could say if they would have spent more money they could have been drafted in a much higher round? Very hard to say.
I think if it makes a parent feel good buying their kid a $300 bat or glove, and they feel it is the proper thing to do for the child, then they ought to go ahead and do it. Will it improve that child's chances for success in baseball?
quote:MONEY!
quote:MONEY!
Does anybody have any that they can spare. Please!!
Hey Bud, Got any spare change??
I'm never going to be able to Retire.LOL
EH
Turning back the hands of time, knowing the time, energy, and financial commitment I was about to sacrifice for my kids; would I do it all over again? A MILLION TIMES OVER!
Oh my God!...fungo, you made me figure how much I have expended in my three kids baseball in the last twenty something years. Wao....lot of money.
Furtunatelly, I also know about friends who their sons didn't play any sports as kids, that have expended a lot more money than me. Bail bonds, lawyers, psychologist, sending son money to their countries after deportation, and at least one of them in his son funeral after he was killed.
I am sure that the money we have expended in our kids baseball activities is a bargain, like some of the poster have said, pricelees.
Furtunatelly, I also know about friends who their sons didn't play any sports as kids, that have expended a lot more money than me. Bail bonds, lawyers, psychologist, sending son money to their countries after deportation, and at least one of them in his son funeral after he was killed.
I am sure that the money we have expended in our kids baseball activities is a bargain, like some of the poster have said, pricelees.
quote:I think if it makes a parent feel good buying their kid a $300 bat or glove, and they feel it is the proper thing to do for the child, then they ought to go ahead and do it. Will it improve that child's chances for success in baseball?
Believe it or not, it just might improve the kids' performance -- not necessarily because it's a superior product, but because it positively affects the player's confidence. I remember buying our son an expensive new bat after he had endured a 2-month-long slump. Bingo! Slump over, and in a heartbeat.
Another aspect to consider is the talent level the player has. If he got a 9 or 10 rating at a Perfect Game showcase, he likely has to do very little to gain attention. The scouts will come and find him. But say he got between a 7 and an 8. There are hundreds, if not thousands of kids, who are in the same boat and are competing against him for college scholarships. Will spending extra money for weekly lessons and a higher-quality select team that provides more exposure give him a leg-up on his competition? I would bet the answer would be yes. If so, the money would be well-spent.