Skip to main content

The thread started a year ago was awesome...great advice...great stories.
http://hsbaseballweb.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2706080091/m/6121027881

Now it's a year later. Where is everyone's sons heading for next summer?
(I should be able to post some news within the next week, as soon as the contract is signed).
********************************************** Baseball players don't make excuses...they make adjustments.
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Too funny, the last post is from DK's Falmouth folks. Big Grin

A good example of how great the summer experience is, we still keep in touch and they came to watch Dave play this year.

They were our connection to all that was happening that summer, reports from the field when he was pitching, reports after games, and after the summer sent all of the article from the newsppapers. The highlight of our cape trip was spending the weekend with them.
My son is going back to Kitsap Bluejackets (West Coast Collegiate Baseball League) in Bremerton, Washington, right across from Seattle. He signed his contract for 2008 before he left in August this summer. Great coaches, great team, great owners, the best host parents, wonderful weather, great experience. Great place for parents to vacation!

For an idea of what summer wood bat is all about, see this link for a video.

http://web.kitsapsun.com/1newsroom/545/bluejackets/index.html
Still Learning,

You'll be almost in my back yard as my office is in Woodstock, and our home is in Strasburg, 15 minutes away. Feel free to PM questions to your heart's content.

My son will be playing Valley League as well, but I'll wait till he signs his contract before saying where. This will be our fourth summer with a son playing in the Valley League.

Great league, and the Shenandoah Valley is a wonderful place to be for the summer.


H-1
My son.. a freshman pitcher at U of Toledo... will be heading off to play for the Winchester Royals in the Valley...heard great things about the league as a whole with fan support and treatment of players..as well as competition...I know mom was hoping he'd stay closer to home but you only get one shot and this is where his coach wants him. He's already got it figured out that he'll be sampling some east coast seafood...especially those crabcakes...on a daily basis.
Rick K, those crabcakes are best about 90 minutes to the east in Baltimore. The Valley's seafood eateries aren't bad, but not at the level with the seafood places on the coast. Best bet in Winchester is 220 Seafood...

Winchester gets very good local support, good crowds; the only drawback is that gosh awful "Are You Loyal to the Royals" song they play every night-it's dreadful, but sticks in your head, making it even worse.

Tell da momma that games are on the internet nightly, and Winchester has loads of hotels and food when you visit.
quote:
Originally posted by tcw_17:
Quick question

How often are DII and DIII players placed on these mid to upper level summer league teams and if they are placed do they recieve the same playing time as DI guys?


These are good questions. I would say it is fairly often in my experience. I think the most important factor is the ability of the head coach to get his players placed. I believe some D3 coaches get more of their kids placed than some D1's.

Playing time seemd like it was distributed fairly in my experience but I am aware of situations where some kids did not get to play as much. I noticed as the summer wore along, that the more productive players started to get more time. Initially it seemed kids were given more chances to show what they could do. Injuries take a toll on almost every summer team and usually there are many opportunities to play sooner or later.
quote:
Originally posted by tcw_17:
Quick question

How often are DII and DIII players placed on these mid to upper level summer league teams and if they are placed do they recieve the same playing time as DI guys?


tcw, in our experience at the DIII level, playing in summer leagues has a lot to do with the DIII head coach. Some believe fervently in placing players and others don't.
To be honest, the only league where I have seen the DIII player have trouble getting playing time is the Cape. On the other hand, you just don't see many DIII's get a contract in the Cape.
For the most part, DIII players get to compete equally for playing time once the summer games start. If you play well, you play more.
If you looked at the results of the Green Bay team in the Northwoods this summer, you will see several DIII players and they played a lot and at a very high level.
Our son played 2 summers in the NECBL and was treated quite fairly by each team. He was given an opportunity to show he belonged and then when he performed well, talent and production were the only factors. Being from a DIII wasn't important.
Last edited by infielddad
In the league (SCBL) my son (D3) is going to, here is the rundown based on last year's rosters...courtesy of my crack research team:

D1...56 players. Ranges from 3 to 14.

D2...41 players. Spread out pretty evenly among the teams. High of 10 on one team.

JC...30 players. Range of 9 to zero.

D3...16. No more than 3 on any roster.

NAIA...15 players. High of 7 (NAIA area and plays at NAIA school with the coach from an NAIA program).

From looking at other rosters, it appears the CPL starts leaning more to D1...with D2 and D3 dispersed on teams, but not as concentrated as the SCBL.

Next one I looked at was the Valley League...with a much higher percent of D1. Hokieone can comment on that league, though.

Now...what I have heard from one D3 coach, is that it is getting harder to place some of the D3 guys...that the teams would rather have a D1 redshirt or sub who rarely played, as opposed to a D3 guy that starts. That, I am sure, is just one impression of the situation. Of course, another way to look at it is...
..."How hard do the D3 coaches work to place their better players, worried about them getting snagged up by larger programs?

(now back to you regularly scheduled thread for the 08 placements)
JT.......very good research.

One would think the JUCO players assigned are the ones maybe on the transfer radar screen. It would be interesting if your crack staff tracked a few from your database to see if they are enrolled in a D1 currently.

D2/3 and NAIA distinguishment never meant much to me as far as talent. Just based on the Draft and watching games, ALL COLLEGIATE levels of baseball have tremendous talent. There are so many college baseball spaces available, so the best get them regardless of classification/division, in my opinion. Ohio has Marietta, rich in history and baseball tradition who could beat anybody on any given day.

I have read various reasons why kids get summer assignments, with opinions from both sides of the spectrum. One person says the kid needs the PT because he didn't get much in Spring? Another says the privileged get the assignments? Others say the coach assigns them just to keep playing?

If the summer leagues are meant to emulate what minor league baseball is like, then one would surmise that a coach assigns kids who may have a shot at that, so provides them the added exposure.

TPM said something that caught my attention. Some kids are recruited and expected to only be on the college team for 3 years, then get drafted. Me thinks based on that, summer assignments are a tool college coaches use to expedite that process as well as getting their own players more time on the field.

Summer assignment or not, most diamond rats will find a place to play in the "off-season"
OS,
Many college players at some schools going into their third year don't even get summer assignments. Mine got two summer assignments, his first, he didn't go, second year he went and third he wasn't placed or offered. Wonder why, because they didn't expect him or the others that were drafted to be available in the summer. If you were drafted and not sure as to what to do, they will place you in a summer league for you to show your stuff a bit longer until you decide what you want to do.

I don't think this is unusual.
quote:
Originally posted by OLDSLUGGER8:
TPM, confused on your reply???

would he have pitched for a summer league in 2007?
Smile


Most likely bewen asked to, but maybe not due to pitch load.

To your post above, summer league assignments can be used as a way to get players more playing time, or to help show them off to scouts, especially where schools don't get a lot of scouts in attendance at all games.
Last edited by TPM
quote:
Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:
quote:
Originally posted by OLDSLUGGER8:
TPM, confused on your reply???

would he have pitched for a summer league in 2007?
Smile


Most likely bewen asked to, but maybe not due to pitch load.

To your post above, summer league assignments can be used as a way to get players more playing time, or to help show them off to scouts, especially where schools don't get a lot of scouts in attendance at all games.


I think I said that? Anyway, I owe you an edit.

Would he have pitched in the Cape again? Cool
Last edited by OLDSLUGGER8
quote:
In the league (SCBL) my son (D3) is going to, here is the rundown based on last year's rosters...courtesy of my crack research team:

D1...56 players. Ranges from 3 to 14.

D2...41 players. Spread out pretty evenly among the teams. High of 10 on one team.

JC...30 players. Range of 9 to zero.

D3...16. No more than 3 on any roster.

NAIA...15 players. High of 7 (NAIA area and plays at NAIA school with the coach from an NAIA program).


That is interesting. Could your crack research team check the break outs for the Valley League and the Coastal Plain (CPL)? I believe you may find more D3 players in the Valley and more D2 players in the CPL. Two summers ago, the pitching in the Valley League was unbelievable. The first game my son played there, a freshman pitcher from Auburn threw a perfect game - that is right, a perfect game. My son was the only kid on the night to even work a three ball count and I was proud of him for it Smile The families we met in Virginia were wonderful to him.

We loved every game we attended in the CPL. It was a true minor league experience. We visited Columbia, Fayetteville NC, and Florence SC. It was neat to be able to drink a beer at a game for the first time. The highlight of the summer was playing Team Japan and we beat them with a walk-off homer in the ninth by a D2 player from Francis Marion named Greg Phelps. My son got the pleasure of facing Yuki Saito who is supposed to be the next great one out of Japan and he had a base hit and rbi off of him to tie the game late.
Last edited by ClevelandDad
Our Freshman is going to play in in the Coastal Plains League (CPL). Anyone have experience with the CPL?

Also, any ideas on what the cost to us will be over the summer? I read on this thread that we might be required to pay the host family for housing? Also, I assume the host family would not feed their young men? Do most guys get a part time job or something?

Thanks!
quote:
Originally posted by jonr12:
Our Freshman is going to play in in the Coastal Plains League (CPL). Anyone have experience with the CPL?

Also, any ideas on what the cost to us will be over the summer? I read on this thread that we might be required to pay the host family for housing? Also, I assume the host family would not feed their young men? Do most guys get a part time job or something?

Thanks!


jonr - my son loved the CPL. Several of the games had over 5,000 in attendance and the players were treated to nice meal spreads both before and after games both home and away. They traveled in nice buses and stayed in nice hotels when necessary. One of their destinations was the Outer Banks where the Wright brothers had some success. Many of the stadiums were current or former minor league parks.

Both in the Valley and the CPL, my son's room and board was provided by the host family. I am not sure if every team or family associated with the league operated this way.
quote:
Originally posted by jonr12:
Our Freshman is going to play in in the Coastal Plains League (CPL). Anyone have experience with the CPL?

Also, any ideas on what the cost to us will be over the summer? I read on this thread that we might be required to pay the host family for housing? Also, I assume the host family would not feed their young men? Do most guys get a part time job or something?

Thanks!


It depends 100% upon the host family. You likely won't know until your kid shows up at the host family house. My son didn't pay for anything except eating out and movies etc. I think many host families decide after the kid arrives!! Make a good first impressionSmile
Last edited by CollegeParentNoMore
My son played in the Valley League on the New Market Rebels last summer and will again this summer. He had a GREAT experience. The Best host family you could ask for--great fan support--made some good friends. He is quite happy to be going back. My only complaint: the internet broadcasters were sometimes BRUTAL! They would get lost in their conversation and forget to tell us what was happening in the game!
As a parent, I highly reccommend the Valley League, and I think my son would say the same as a player.
We have hosted players in the Coastal Plain League for the past 6 or 7 seasons. They have come from all over the country..... California, Georgia, New York, Florida, Puerto Rico, etc. We have enjoyed each of them and still keep in touch with some of them. We have always provided food when they are home, but they are on the road a great deal of the time. The team provides meals after each home game, but it has not been uncommon to wake up at 2:00 am to the smell of something cooking in the kitchen. They "do" get hungry!! None of the host families that I know of charge anything or ask for money for food. We volunteer to host them and yes, the grocery bill does increase substantially in the summer, but we knew that it would going into it.
My son is headed to Northwoods league this summer. Last year he stayed & played at home for a Texas Collegiate League team but since there was some question about how many teams they would end up with this summer the coaches want him to go where he'll see a larger variety of hitters. He's excited about the opportunity and I'm excited to experience some sub 100 degree games. We hosted a player last year and had a great time, hopefully that will bring good kharma ...
Congrats Hintite! My son will most likely return to the Northwoods League again this coming summer. He played for the Thunder Bay Border Cats and had a great time. There was some worry as to whether the team would remain in Thunder Bay, but has since sold the franchise to a Thunder Bay businessman and they would really like to resign our son. Your son should have a great time, like our's did. The bus rides can be long, but this will be the closest he'll get to the minor leagues while in college in terms of play, logistics, number of games, etc.

Do you know what team he'll be playing for? I also understand another poster's son (iheartbb) will be playing for the LaCrosse Loggers.

Again, Congratulations!
Younger son signed his contract today to play with Front Royal of the Valley League, after playing for New Market last summer. Nothing but good things to say about New Market, Front Royal, and the Valley League. Excellent competition, good fans, all located in the Shenandoah Valley...and not the least of blessings, several teams located within 25 minutes of our front door-no 3 hour drives as we have with the college regular season games.
quote:
Originally posted by hokieone:
Younger son signed his contract today to play with Front Royal of the Valley League, after playing for New Market last summer. Nothing but good things to say about New Market, Front Royal, and the Valley League. Excellent competition, good fans, all located in the Shenandoah Valley...and not the least of blessings, several teams located within 25 minutes of our front door-no 3 hour drives as we have with the college regular season games.


hokie - I agree! Front Royal has a beautiful new stadium and we really enjoyed our time and the people there. Congrats to your son!

PS - There is a funky dinosaur exhibit down the road from FR. Let us know what's inside if you should happen to check it out.
spizzlepop,

He will have a great time on the Forestors. Very talented team, good competition, great area and good coaching. One of my players that I coached in the CMWS is going to play there.

You will have a blast visiting and you can listen to all the games via webcast.

I see you have the rainbow icon - did you play there? I almost played for them about 30 years ago for Coach Murakami.

Best of luck
Redstormdad, thanks! He's playing for Brainerd and in looking at the maps, I could tell there will be long bus rides. Look like a portable dvd player may be under the tree...glad to hear good things! Looks like there are some lakes around Brainerd so he's hoping to get some fishing in. He's excited about the crowds in NWL - that will be a new experience!
.
Hey Sizzle..

Regarding the Forresters...Know the coaches, know the program, know the league (Mine had two fun summers in that league, and played the Forresters a bunch)...great opportunity for your son and fun for you! Class organization, well funded. And a trip to SB is not to be missed.

Forresters play down the street from us a few times a year...maybe we'll connect this summer.

Cool 44
.
spizzlepop,

We hope to be fortunate enough to return. Farmington is the greatest experience.
The people in New Mexico are so friendly and the Farmington community and foster families are the absolute BEST. Our boys are still getting letters and care packages from their foster parents.
Hope to see you next time around.
quote:
Originally posted by Hintite:
My son is headed to Northwoods league this summer.


My bucks are on all of 'your son's' having the greatest of greatest experiences of their amateur career and young lifetime from the Northwoods League (unless the experiences include the College WS at Rosenblatt).

The Northwood League is "How the game should be played."

Hurrah for the Duck Pond, and the Great Dane Beer Batter!

cheers
Bear
Last edited by Bear
just a question. my son looks like heading to a JC next year, but wondering how do they get placed on these summer teams? i dont think the JC does this. he has senior legions but dont think that will be competitive enough and would like to find out if there is way for a jc player to get placed. anyone have any ideas would love to hear them so I can begin to do the research or let my son. thanks
fanofgame,

These type of leagues are for college players, until your son steps foot on a college campus he is not a college player (any level). There are some leagues that do allow for those entering, but not sure how competitive they are. Maybe someone out yuor way has some insight, or contact one of the websters from your state who post often.

When your son chooses where he wishes to attend, I would suggest that he speak with coach about a summer team before he enters, he may have a preference.
If you ask the JC coach which teams allocate him some spots he can tell you.
Summer league teams tell your coach they need X players from him and he fills those spots. Most are freshnen and sophs so after your son's freshman year he is eligible to fill a spot if the coach recommends him. Your last eligible year is after his JR year. They generally offer spots in the fall but many also in the spring. Lots of turn over due to injury etc.
quote:
Originally posted by TPM:
fanofgame,

These type of leagues are for college players, until your son steps foot on a college campus he is not a college player (any level). There are some leagues that do allow for those entering, but not sure how competitive they are.


TPM, actually the Northwoods league does accept players during the summer after high school graduation and before they start their freshman year.

fan, many of the JC programs in Northern CA actually run their own summer program. While it has some "distance" from the JC, it is pretty much the same players. You would want to check with the JC coach/program in your area to determine if they do run a summer program for their players.
If not, many JC players do get placed around the country, if the JC coach believes in it and works at it. Takes a lot of phone work and contacts but you will find a number of California JC players on rosters from New England to Alaska.
quote:
Originally posted by fanofgame:
tpm,

I was just asking ahead of time. like once he plays for a year. do the college coaches do this or is there another way?


Oh ok, I thought you meant before. Usually coaches do the placing, based upon your son's season and his circumstance.

IFD,
Thanks for that info. Now if I do recall, some drafted players have played the summer in some leagues before they begin, especially if negotiations are a standstill and the player wants to prove he's worth more in signing bonus.
My son played in three summer leagues during his college career, Northwoods, Coastal and Valley. He always knew by October at the latest where he would be playing the following summer. Most college coaches are aggressive in getting their players placed but an individual can make contact on their own. Summer teams will sign upwards to 35 players for a 22-25 man roster knowing some will be drafted, injured or remaining behind to attend school. However, I do know of instances in the Valley where guys took JUCO courses at Virginia JCs and still played.
infield dad,

how would son get ahold of this league you are talking about, otherwise this summer he will play senior legions and then some tournament ball to round out summer, then after next year at the JC. we will ask the JC coach about this. is it the collge coaches that place them? i know the D3 my son was considering was sending out parework in the early fall to find places for their kids.
BB -
It do not believe that it is mandatory to have a foster family. Some players might stay with a relative or in a dorm with some other players. My son will be playing in the CICL for the DuPage Dragons about a 30 minute drive for me. Therefore, jr. will be residing at home for half the season.


Let's get this heat turned up and get started. It's freezing here in Chicago

Good luck to everyone on a great 2008 summer
My son played in the NYCBL last summer. Hada great time and met some great people. The league was well run and most of the facilities, especially Gelns Falls were top notch. They played 6 games a week (Mondays off)almost all night games.

I know for a fact that the NECBL and the NYCBL did not require players to live with a host family. It actually saves them work. The Danbury team was looking for players locally who did not require housing.

My son lived with 3 other players last summer and I felt that was too much. Especially being a position player living with 3 starting pitchers who won't be playing every day. Some late nights...
Coach,

making me feel old... I have 2 players from our team last year heading out to Watertown for next Summer. One kid is in College in Kentucky and the other is in Arizona. They get to reunite in the Summer this year.

Reason it makes me feel old... That was my first home Pro park with the Watertown Pirates a couple moons ago. Actually roomed with Orlando Merced and Moses Alou there. (And no, I never saw the pee pee on the hand thing,must have gained that knowledge later in life)) Worst thing about my experience with WT was I had to wear those rediculous Pittsburgh Pirates hats from the early-mid 80s. Looked like a darn train conducter on the field..lol.. good memories though.
Another question about placement, JT you would probably have some experience with this. I'm headed to an ODAC program next year, and I was wondering how to get placed on a summer team for the summer after my freshman year? I've heard from others that at many small schools it is essentially up to freshman to market themselves to summer teams, but any advice or personal experiences would help.
.

cadKID#2 is playing in the Cal Ripken League for the Silver Springs Thunderbolts... how funny is that? Oldest son is nicknamed Lytening and everyone knows thunder follows lightning... oh well...

Only difference is that the kids from Navy are also taking summer school... CalcII. They're in the classroom from 7AM til about 1, then off to the ballpark at 3, done around 11PM, 45 minute drive back to "the Yard", and then study in time to get up again and start all over again.

But they're the first to play summer ball from USNA, and are loving it.

cadDAD

.
quote:
Originally posted by jerseydad:
Anyone have any insight on the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate League? (Baltimore / Washington DC area)

Jerseyson gets his first start with the Youse's Maryland Orioles on Friday. Should be interesting to see him go up against college players!


My son played on the express last year and had a great time. Enjoyed his host family, competition etc. All-Star game was done 1st class.
quote:
Originally posted by AcademyDad:
.

cadKID#2 is playing in the Cal Ripken League for the Silver Springs Thunderbolts...

.


I had the pleasure to see AcademyDad's son (cadkid#2) and Jerseyson go toe to toe tonight in the Cal Ripken Collegiate league.

1st at bat Jerseyson was able to get CK2 to ground into a double play. 2nd at bat CK2 smashed a double against Jerseyson. Unfortunately the game was stopped because of lightning so I didn't get to see the rubber match between the two. I'll guess we will call the night a draw between the two. Fun stuff!
Last edited by jerseydad
quote:
Originally posted by JT:
WHEW...
...summer finally over. JT, Jr experienced living away from home for the first time and had a blast. The team struggled, but I think the lad had a great time and for the most part a good experience with the Chaos. Now he has a well-earned 6 week break before fall ball.


We're still playing... regular games through this coming Sunday and then possibly a tournament that could last up to two weeks (until August 15)!

Add Reply

Post
.
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×