Questions about Premier Baseball

quote:

Originally posted by cutter1:
sorry guys - checked the spelling of premier in WORD with spell check and it came up as

Arlington A's

Cutter1 you must have been using WordPerfect. Your software needs an update.

I spoke with an A’s coach and several parents of current team members as well as attended a practice before the start of last summer’s season. While it was clear they have a few kids that can play the game, it was even more clear they will also take a check from anyone who can tie their own cleats and wanted to sign up for additional lessons. Premier was not the word that came to mind.

Don’t take my word though; you can check the tournament results for their teams, but I’m guessing you may already know some of them.

Earlier in the thread someone mentioned one of the teams had slipped in recent years…

quote:

Originally posted by strandedon3rd:

quote:

While it was clear they have a few kids that can play the game, it was even more clear they will also take a check from anyone that can tie their own cleats and wanted to sign up for additional lessons. Premier was not the word that came to mind.

Sounds like the Mustangs among others

Looks like you will be stranded for a long time. Mustangs are a top notch organization...I am sorry you or your son got cut.

Make that anyone who instead of anyone that . I beat you to the purple pen.

quote:

Originally posted by strandedon3rd:
We are elated to be elsewhere and doing well thank you!

If you are doing so well, then you can shut up and move on.

quote:

Guys like Cade, Sam and Tommy have done so much for their kids. I don't think it fair that whiners get to slam them in the name of free speech. You cannot please everybody. Some people will be unhappy. If they have an issue call the offending party, don't make personal attacks on a website while being anonymous.

quote:

Appears one can only express their experiences about certain clubs and not others. But yor attitude amuses me as much as your lack of knowlege.

Would that be your knowledge?

These days choosing a select baseball team is a lot like poker. If you can’t tell who the pigeon at the table is, it’s you.

kids....kids....isn't it past your bedtimes?

Oh come on Dad, can’t we stay up just one more hour? Pleeeease…

quote:

These days choosing a select baseball team is a lot like poker

If your good at poker you only take high percentage risk's...hhmmmmm.

I for one can attest to joining a "premier" affiliated team... My son and 3 other players from our team moved from a (highly competitive) team to the A's organization. In doing this we took a downgrade in competitiveness, We could have played anywhere we wanted to!!!! (except for the Blackhawks???) We went to this organization because we feel this gives us the best oppertunity for exposure... (I also believe our new team will suprise many people)... Yes there are many organizations that will "take your money" the A's being one of them, it is a calculated risk to get the most bang for your buck!!! I can tell you i have already gotten my bang for the buck with out even playing a game.

If I had an hour, I'd give you all the whole low-down on "Premeir" baseball and the history behind it.

But really, who cares............

Once, everyone was a little leaguer.....

Then, everyone became a "select" player.........

Now, everyone is a "premier" player.........

Next, everyone might be a "fullridestud" player.

Bottom line.......same ****, different name.

As Cory Morrow sings..........

The road goes on forever and the party never ends.

quote:

Originally posted by Ken Guthrie:
If I had an hour, I'd give you all the whole low-down on "Premeir" baseball and the history behind it.

But really, who cares............

Since you want to bring song lyrics into it:

A pretty girl- she'll leave you
Leave you to dorwn in your own tears
An ugly girl... well she'll leave you too
But then again... who really cares?

"One thing I can agree with you on...who cares about your version of the history behind it"


As Cory Morrow sings..........

The road goes on forever and the party never ends.

Written and originally performed by Robert Earl Keen. Morrow is an cheap imposter.

quote:

Originally posted by screwball:


Written and originally performed by Robert Earl Keen. Morrow is an cheap imposter.

I don't know about cheap, but I agree Mr. Keen is a tough act to follow.

From what I hear more Premier teams to be added.

We are looking forward to mixing it up in Joplin MO
at the 17u Premeir National.

We are also looking forward to our first year of Connie Mack with our 18u team. This coach played in Farmington 25 yrs ago this yr. . Actually beat Midland in the semis before we won it. They have been good for a long time. What a great experience for a kid!

Anyone going to be in Joplin?

yep, we are!

quote:

Originally posted by John G.:
My son and 3 other players from our team moved from a (highly competitive) team to the A's organization. In doing this we took a downgrade in competitiveness, We could have played anywhere we wanted to!!!! (except for the Blackhawks???) We went to this organization because we feel this gives us the best oppertunity for exposure...

John G., it appears your son is on the roster for the A’s second tier team for his age group. It’s still early and rosters may still change but that team usually does not get the exposure you are talking about (or paying for). In comparison, Strandedon3rd’s son appears to be on the roster for the A’s top team. They will still lose, in all likelihood, to teams like the Houston Heat and Dallas Mustangs (where I believe he played on the second team last summer). The difference is he will be seen playing well (individually) in those big games, even if it is a losing effort by the team. The move seems to have upside potential for Strandedon3rd’s son. In addition, I believe his son already knows where he will be playing in college. I’m not sure the change works as well for your son. Unless he moves to the top team quickly, there may have been better options for him.

It’s just my opinion and I offer it intending to be helpful. I hope you are still happy with your choice at the end of the summer.

KG, I apologize in advance for the individual vs. team remark.

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KG, I apologize in advance for the individual vs. team remark.

No need to apologize. Heck, I think I'm coming around to the fact it is all about the individual.

Kg- unlike most i know the formation history and why ect... but who cares .... right!!!

Line drive... In the 17U age group thier is no second tier team... the two teams have essentially the same schedule and were formed equally... They could make a very strong team out them if they choose. being on a "top" team doesn't mean you will be seen, scouted,exposed...(been there done that!) isn't the whole premise is to play well individually if you are to be seen,scouted,exposed?????? its a matter of opinion and I have expressed mine...competeing with the heat and sliders will be tough for anyone, mustangs not nearly as tough. been there done that got the W's.... Mustangs are "rumored" to be on a downslide competitively, I think that if you look at thier results (not wins) thier players get what they came for!!!

stranded,
Your incessant complaining over the Mustangs is duly noted. You've voiced your negative opinion on more then one occasion. You've moved on to a new team. It's time to focus your energy on the positive that comes from your new experience.

quote:

Guys like Cade, Sam and Tommy have done so much for their kids. I don't think it fair that whiners get to slam them in the name of free speech. You cannot please everybody. Some people will be unhappy. If they have an issue call the offending party, don't make personal attacks on a website while being anonymous.

[/QUOTE]

I agree, enough is enough.

Oh yes, remember..... you never know who is watching you play....never!

Stranded...BTW my opinions are just that, not intended to urgue or demoan someone. (except maybe KG...lmao)just based on MY experience.

If you were told something specific from Sam or one of the coaches or any organization, you should hold them accountable for it! if that is the case then say that specifically!!

Ladies & Gentlemen -- as I mentioned earlier, let's reduce the personals slams and focus on HS baseball. We've all read about (and most of us have personal experience with) the top select organizations. Your well-intended "warnings" are not necessary unless you are replying to a particular inquiry.....and then, negatives should be handled in private whenever possible.

Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by John G.:
intended to urgue or demoan someone. (except maybe KG...lmao)

That makes two of us...............

I also heard they are adding some more "Premier" teams.

Looks like some teams will be adding their D,E, and F teams.

quote:

Originally posted by Panther Dad:
Ladies & Gentlemen -- as I mentioned earlier, let's reduce the personals slams and focus on HS baseball. We've all read about (and most of us have personal experience with) the top select organizations. Your well-intended "warnings" are not necessary unless you are replying to a particular inquiry.....and then, negatives should be handled in private whenever possible.

Thanks.

Did you copy and paste that?

I hear the "E" team is for team mascots and bullpen catchers!

No JAFO, but I know it's becoming redundant. BTW, nice avitar.

quote:

Originally posted by John G.:
I hear the "E" team is for team mascots and bullpen catchers!

If I get paid at least as much as each player pays..................................

I'm in.

WOW

Glad I mentioned the A's - interesting to read.
Sorry some people had to vent (but that is their right!)

The A's like alot of teams have people who like them - and people who do not.

We all have to remember it is our kids performance that gets them where they will be. Granted the teams we sign up with should have good college & pro contacts etc. I know Sunday at practice; there were 2 scouts present, one from NY Yankee's and one from the Oriole's. Now I am not saying they were there because of the organization; but he did know them - nor do I do know who they were looking at. Since they did not have guns they were obviously some position players of interest to them. What I am saying is that thru the years - they do have contacts and so do all the others.

I hate to see some inviduals rag on other teams due to a bad experience but we are human! That was not my intention in bring up some names - only trying to have some fun! I like what I see in the organization so far - but that is obviously my opinion.

I agree with John G's opinion.

Line Drive - sorry u had a bad experience. Has your son moved on to college?

I hope everyone has a great summer experience!

quote:

Originally posted by Panther Dad:
No JAFO, but I know it's becoming redundant. BTW, nice avitar.

HS Ball being over I only thought it appropriate.

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Sorry some people had to vent (but that is their right!)

Unless you own this site, there are no rights only privleges.

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I know Sunday at practice; there were 2 scouts present, one from NY Yankee's and one from the Oriole's.

Cutter 1 I don't recall the yanks scout name, but the other was longtime scout Ray Crone. They were there to see organization/players in general...


collikar.. I agree it is a privilige,

It is my opinion that most of the time when people have had bad experiences with a team/organization it is because of perseptions,assumptions, or mis-understandings. occasionally mistakes happen but that is not common. I would not hesitate to play for most of the well known organizations (except for one)as long as they are a good fit and goals are spelled out. Even on thier "E" team!

quote:

Originally posted by John G.:
Kg- unlike most i know the formation history and why ect... but who cares .... right!!!

Line drive... In the 17U age group thier is no second tier team... the two teams have essentially the same schedule and were formed equally... They could make a very strong team out them if they choose. being on a "top" team doesn't mean you will be seen, scouted,exposed...(been there done that!) isn't the whole premise is to play well individually if you are to be seen,scouted,exposed?????? its a matter of opinion and I have expressed mine...competeing with the heat and sliders will be tough for anyone, mustangs not nearly as tough. been there done that got the W's.... Mustangs are "rumored" to be on a downslide competitively, I think that if you look at thier results (not wins) thier players get what they came for!!!

RESULTS?....MUSTANGS/16U/SHARP....we won't even talk about the list of wins last summer. These are a remarkable group of young players who all are result driven! Many of them recieved district awards, invitations to Area Code tryouts, and lets not forget they are just Sophomores!

As for the downslide comment....Tim Maitland (offensive player of the year in 5-5A has left the Tigers to join up with Mustang/Carpenter group...That is the same team that Chase Reid will pitching for....oh by the way he is on his way to Vanderbilt - currenly No. 1 in the nation...and will more than likely be a high draft pick in June...how is that for RESULTS.

Collikar--I would not hold my breath waiting for a positive comment....Go Mustangs!

quote:

Originally posted by PAW-FECT:



That is the same team that Chase Reid will pitching for....

...and will more than likely be a high draft pick in June...how is that for RESULTS.

It is more than likely both may happen, but also more than likely both cannot happen.

I am a little surprised that some of you feel so compelled to defend a particular team or another. The top organizations will continue to have outstanding rosters, including many kids that have already committed. It seems unusually late to have kids jumping from team to team, but I guess that's all part of the process. Personally, I'd like to see the Mustangs compete on a regular basis with the other groups, rather than the few times they clash in Connie Mack qualifiers and such. Don't read too much into that comment....it's just an observation....I understand the dynamics.

[Quote]Cutter 1 I don't recall the yanks scout name, but the other was longtime scout Ray Crone.[Quote]

The scout who signed me 26 years ago!! Very nice man. Has forgotten more baseball than most of us will ever know.

quote:

Originally posted by Panther Dad:
I am a little surprised that some of you feel so compelled to defend a particular team or another. The top organizations will continue to have outstanding rosters, including many kids that have already committed. It seems unusually late to have kids jumping from team to team, but I guess that's all part of the process. Personally, I'd like to see the Mustangs compete on a regular basis with the other groups, rather than the few times they clash in Connie Mack qualifiers and such. Don't read too much into that comment....it's just an observation....I understand the dynamics.

PD,

I think everyone defends their organization. When ill-will type posts go up, it tends to trigger some emotion. I dare say every organization has had numerous situations where players left and were unhappy with the team/club after they left. And I guess they can post their comments here if it makes them feel better, but I think all clubs do all they can to help, provided the player is actually skilled enough to take the next step.

I am very familiar with Mustangs-Sharp 16U and there are some incredibly gifted players on that team...and T-Bird son plays on it too. I would love to see them play any other 16U team. They would win some and they would lose one or two , but, as you pointed out, things are as they are.

He is proud of his Mustang team and organization, so is PD with DBAT, and so is Dtiger with the Tigers, etc. If you are happy with your team, be happy and don't feel compelled to to criticize things you left behind.

I agree with your points. MANY kids leave these teams and find success in other situations. From my perspective, that's good news for everyone.

OK, I have been trying my best not to post to this thread but this has gone on to long.

On every team coaches have there type of players or favorites. This includes HS and Select, and goes back to LL and travel ball before some of us understood select.

The good ole boys still have the good ole boy's sons or brothers or former players playing on there teams....but the apple really doesn't fall to far from the tree.

The Premier League (Association) teams here in Dallas are the originally Good Ole boy network and they told me so.

The Mustangs and the Marshals for example are part of that network, they both play in the Lone Star League. Other than playing each other the "league" games were weak period. Yes, my son played in that league last year. But when they traveled they played the best of the best in Texas and in the Premier World Series..or what ever it was called we saw very good talent from around the region.

Last January coming out of basketball was when we found out about summer ball for U15's. Most teams had already been set, we had to scramble to get a spot on a B level team that wanted to be an A level team and was going to play them in the "Premier BBI League".

The team was the Drillers, we were promised to be the #1 pitcher, #1 first baseman and to bat DH if he wasn't in the game pitching or playing first. Those were the words I heard the coach say to my son. Oh yeah, and then he said he would only carry 14, maybe 15 players with the extra guy being a pitcher only.

The season started, 17 man roster. BBI didn't let the 15 yr team in the Premier division and in the first 5 games, he started one game at first and didn't start on the mound. We left.

The Marshals had some boys get hurt and one leave to go to a "higher" level club. My son had played with the nephew of the Marshals head guy and we were very fortunate to get brought on to an excellent team. He pitched well and hit well but he was never the "coaches" pick if you know what I mean. At one point it didn't appear the Marshals would "qualify" for a AABC spot....well the good ole boys ...well they qualified. And if for not being double dipped by a very good Mustangs Sharp team....a team they beat earlier in the tournament.. they would have won the Regional.

All and all, played great competition and grew into a better player.

Committed to playing for the Marshals for U16 summer because we were told he would play for the U17 Fall team, mostly pitch. Some conflict came up, HS coach wanted him to pitch for the HS team, he still wanted him to play for the Marshals in the Fall also, that didn't happen.

So he could get some at bats in during the fall we went to several try-outs, he was asked to join the Dallas Patriots for the fall. He had a good fall season for both the HS team and the Patriots.

Yes, the Patriots are a pay to play club but you get what you pay for and having my son play for Logan Stout was a privilege. This was a real option for this summer. We might have even went back to the Marshals if opportunity didn't knock.

The HS coach encouraged my son to take lessons from a guy, he happened to be teaching at DBAT at this point. During his lessons the DBAT guys liked what they saw and they had conversations with my son...directly with my son.

I was tired of making team selections for him ( or with him). I stood back and watched the process. Yes, I offerd my advise to my son but in the end I told him to make the choice. He chose DBAT.

Just in the last 18 months we are $5K to $6K into select teams and lessons.

This is about playing for a team, premier or BBI or first tier ot second tier it doesn't matter. Play for the team and try to get better as a player. If something happens...it happens.

Cream rises, always has and always will. But if you aren't in the mix...you can't rise.

Every team we have been affiliated with had some good points, Nick at the Drillers knows baseball but wanted so badly to be part of the Good Ole Boy group that he forgot to focus on baseball. Good Coach. The Marshals are excellent, Shane Currin is building a great organization but his needs didn't fit ours at the right time. Logan Stout and the Patriots are a solid group and get their kids noticed.

DBAT, well DBAT is DBAT and it is home for as long as they will have him and I think that will be all the way through 09.

SO STOP WORRYING ABOUT PREMIER THIS OR THAT, GET THE YOUNG MAN INVOLVED, DO YOUR HOMEWORK, UNDERSTAND THAT IF A COACH SAYS YOUR SON WILL PLAY EVERDAY...IT MIGHT NOT HAPPEN OR IT MIGHT. PLAY THE GAME, BE A PART OF A TEAM AND GIVE YOUR BOY A CHANCE TO GET BETTER AND GET NOTICED...and make sure he has fun along the way or he just might stop playing.

PD - CLOSE THIS THREAD PLEASE.

PD,
This thread did start with a specific request for information about the Premier teams. I understand the desire to remain positive but there comes a point where a lack of balanced information makes the whole thing useless. I hope I didn’t cross the line, but you get to call that shot if I did. I was not trying to slam the A’s. I simply added to what Strandedon3rd said about the Mustangs. If you are not on the top team for your age group, you are unlikely to get all the benefits of playing for a top organization, but you still pay all the same fees. My son and I were very unimpressed by the A’s presentation so he played with another team. We did discuss our concerns with the A’s before making a decision. We avoided what could have been a bad summer for him, but we know many kids who play there and it seems to work for them. That was the point. Ask tough question, know exactly what you are getting for your money, and make sure it fits your goals for the summer.

John G.,
Maybe things are different this year but last summer they were not teams of equals and didn’t play the same league schedules or tournaments. A quick glance at the current 17U & 18U rosters shows some varsity starters, some varsity players who didn’t see playing time and some JV players. I also saw one who isn’t even on his high school team. The mix did not look even to me. However, that does not mean you won’t get what you want from the organization. As I said before, I hope you do.

Cutter1,
I intended no harm to you either. I was just having a bit of fun too. (WordPerfect software update, etc.) Thanks for asking about my son. He has one more year before going off to college. He is currently looking for a college with the right balance for his baseball dreams and academic ambitions. His older brother’s playing days have been over for a while but he did just graduate from TCU with two degrees. Score one for higher education!

MeatsDad,
Very good input, with the possible exception of the part about closing the thread. Sometimes we have to wade through some BS to get to the good stuff. Maybe this thread has finally run its course but if it closed any earlier, we would have missed your perspective.