Tournament Results

Dogleg, I think that team is actually from Ohio. Maybe the coach is from Lisle IL (or maybe it's a misprint), but it looks like the players are from Ohio. I didn't recognize any of their names, but I did recognize some of their schools.

I didn't get a chance to see them play, but they beat two excellent teams in the playoffs.

Mike F

The coach is from the Chicagoland area. The players are from all over, Texas, Kentucky, Florida, Ohio etc.

Then this team seems like it would be a great team to play. I think by playing against/with kids from different regions you get a chance to measure your skills. Does anybody know how to get ahold of the coach? Or is it by invite?

Dogleg,
I am the Head Coach of the "Black Sox Scout" Team. I am also the owner of Major League Beginnings LLC. based out of Chicago Illinois. My company MLB has managed multiple National Championship Teams. We recently won the Tripple Crown Nationals in Las Vegas as the Black Sox Scout Team. We successfully defended our Kernals Foundation Championship from last year by winning as the "Mattingly Bat National" team. The Season prior we quallified for Jupiter as the "Perfect Game Midwest" Team.

We have been increasing our recruiting on a national level over the past couple years and do accept players and referrals from anywhere in the country. Our roster presently represents over eight different states. Our National Travel Program, the 18U Black Sox Scout team now has its sights on Jupiter Florida and the WWBA World Series.

As MLB we also manage a very competitive 17U & 15U traveling organization in the state of Texas called the Hurricanes. Our 14's placed 8th last year and our 16's placed 3rd at the World Series in Peoria Arizona.

We do not hold open tryouts but rather investigate and scout each refferal and player prior to making an offer to play. Any questions or referrals concerning any of our teams or organizations can be directed to myself or for more information please see us at www.majorleaguebeginnings.com

Interesting quote at the end of the statement:
"Stress Produces Adaptation and Change"

Makes you wonder.

I went on the website, and it makes you wonder. It seems like htey are offering a comprehensive program, but the is no address, no actual programs to sign up for, no real way to "purchase" any services if you were so inclined.
They say they are Chicago based. Where? Why are their teams from Texas? What are they trying to accomplish with the kids? Getting a national team and winning some tournaments. For what purpose? O suppose to sell their system, and promotion. But, as I said, there is no information on how to get involved.
Have any of you heard about their showcases,named the Midwest Cross Checker" . They had a list of familiar names, yet the site doesn't say where or when the showcases are held.

Makes you wonder.

Our team attended the 2006 Midwest Cross Checker tournament/showcase. It was very well ran with outstanding competition. The one field was sub par but that was of no fault of the tournament director. The scout representation was outstanding with over 40+ college's there that I saw personally. I would recommend this tournament to any team looking for outstanding competition and exposure.

"... adaptation and change."

Also interesting choice of team name: The Black Sox ... perhaps the biggest black-eye in baseball's rich history.

Thank you for the info. Where and when was the showcase held? Are they for certain aged travel teams?

Coach 03,

I see you're a new member. Hmmm. I've been at PG national events in Florida that didn't have 40+ colleges in attendance. I travelled with my son and his 17U team this summer to some tremendous events including the West Coast Summer Series in San Diego which had every top west coast team playing and there weren't anywhere near 40 college scouts at his games. That includes games against NorCal and teams of that caliber.

We attended the much heralded Stanford Camp and counting all the college coaches working at the camp and those who show up just to scout the talent I don't think there were 40+ schools represented.

Edited per request

If this team isn't made up of Illinois players then maybe this thread belongs in Texas or Ohio, where the players are from.

I have a son on the Black Sox. We are from Illinois. I have to say that the experience has been wonderful.

I couldn't tell you how many scouts attended the showcase, just that there were several. There have been scouts at all of the events we have participated in over the past year.

The team is made up from kids from all over the country. That is probably what I like best about this group. They come from all different backgrounds. Although they might not be from the same school or the same county or the same state, they all share the same love and respect for the game. It has been a positive experience that I hope will continue.

I think it is understandable for people to question the motives of an organization, but unfair to make assumptions. As a parent, I am happy that my son is where he is at.

If anybody would like more info from a personal perspective, please send me a PM. As for where this thread should be posted, I can't help you with that one because I didn't start it. I much prefer to surf these pages anonymously.

Very well stated. Fair enough.

itsrosy,
Throughout the tournament and showcase held at Oakton Community College I saw over 40 different college coaches. I didn't intend to imply that 40+ college coaches were at one single game. This tournament/showcase had coaches coming and going throughout the entire weekend.

Coach03,

Now I know better. Sounds good. Welcome to the site.

ItsRosy, All I was doing was asking about information about the team and to see if they had roster spots for others and you go off like that! Why? There are obviously others who feel that they are getting the best experiences playing for this organization. Why can't you just accept it rather than throw this organization under the bus. I have been on this site for three days now and you come across as very critical. You need to relax and find an organization that fits you(if you are a player) or find one for your child that will make HIM happy. Let's all have fun and enjoy a sport we all love, and not get all crazy like that!!

dogleg,

My last two posts should make it clear, after reading the comments from 07pddad and Coach03 that I may have been too judgemental without knowing all the facts. (I can't believe I did that, what a shock! LOL).

My doubts about the organization were not based on any personal experience, but after having spent more than a few waking moments on this board I've learned that there are, indeed some charlatans out there who take advantage of the boys and their parents and simply don't deliver the goods.

If the boys are happy, and if the parents are happy than that is really all that matters.

Well, Its Rosy who do you play your summers with? Can they play against this Black Sox team?

As founder of Major League Beginnings, I am based out of the Chicago land area. I was born and raised in Lombard IL. I volunteerd as a coach at my old school Glenbard East for four years before getting into travel baseball. Since I have heavily recruited the Illinois area landing some of the biggest prospects over the past few years. As the competition has increasingly gotten better at the larger National Tournaments, we have extended our recruiting efforts to a National level as well. I am biased to the Midwest and especially the Chicago land area, but will set no boundaries on how far we will go to find a good team mate to help us win a World Championship one day. Chris Gambs, VP of MLB also resides here in the Chicago land area. Hope this helps.

lets not wonder and guess and make assumptions...Rosy I have made it easy for you. Go to my website @ www.majorleaguebeginnings.com and see our "MCC Showcase Standouts" which is a partial list of players who have come to our showcases and or tournaments that we have been able to keep track of who went on to sign shortly there after. Also see "Coaches Registry" and I tell you exactly who checked in to our recent showcases and value our efforts and product. otherwise next time just ask?

Thanks for the info on your organization. I looked at your web site and I was very impressed with the number of schools that attended your events in the past, as well as the amount of kids who have gotten college opportunities after attending those events. MLB#33, I have sent you a PM with all of my son's information, I hope you have availability to just take a look at him.

It sounds like another hard-working organization with nice events, however I believe that it would be unfair to say that those kids got their opportunities due to those events. I recognize many of those names and they attended scads of events besides those mentioned.

Their exposure came through playing HS, Summer Travel any many showcases I'm sure along with college camps and showcases on campus.

Who cares!!! If this company can pull 40 colleges at any given time to an event, they got my vote. Wouldn't you be excited to see 40 scouts during one weekend tournament. I know I would.

We are not taking credit for all these players but want to note the standout players we noticed at our events. We have a long list of players who we did help directly, if it matters. The important thing is that we are trying very hard to get as many kids as much exposure as possible. If you care to criticize, then please explain what it is that you personally are doing to help the local players. If you are not investing your own time and money to help as well, how do you figure you can criticise those in the industry that are at least trying to help your kids. Get with the program Fastball.

Hey there Mr. Puffer...

I'm sure your organization is an outstanding one. My comments had only to do with the FACT that to their credit those lkids have worked hard and for a long time to get where they are. Although I'm sure there are certain events where a player sort of "comes out" or is seen by the right guy at the right time, but more often it is after being seen several times at many different places and events.

I'm with the program.....anyone who helps is great as far as I can see.

I did say it (ML Beginnings) sounds like a hard working organization and good luck (and get with the program) LOL

I've talked to many people who believe that ML Experience is obviously a great thing, baseball people who come up through and worked in college programs are often top-notch as well.

Good luck #33, the more, the merrier.

Thanks a lot for the compliment Fastball Dad...This is an awesome game, and I would be lost with out it. I really would like to see more programs in Chicago especially working together towards a common cause. This is very hard work, and it takes lots of time, but when we all have the same goals and good intentions we can accomplish anything. If you ever have some time or ideas to share, please contact me, we have open arms here at MLB. Just pm me and ill send you my phone number....thanks again and god bless...

I have seen the Black Sox play and they are strong fundamentally and seem very well coached. JMO

My son has played for Major League Beginnings for the past two summers and it was a great experience for him. His Coach, Aaron Puffer, helped him to be seen by many college coaches and ultimately helped him get into a D1 college to play baseball. Aaron Puffer is probably the most honest person I have ever met in baseball. Most college coaches will LIE to you just to keep you hanging on and then you probably won't ever hear from them again. Coach Puffer runs a professional team and has been a very positive influence in my son's life. The only problem is that my son won't be
able to play for Coach Puffer any more! We will all miss that very much. GO BLACK SOX!!!