What has happened to this site?

quote:

Originally posted by Ramrod:

In the end my son's BB career will rise or fall based upon his ability to get people out. If he can show that he can against the best competition, there isn't a coach in this country that wouldn't want him on their pitching staff. That I am certain of.

I absolutely could not agree with you more. What you've said in support of your son is the essence of honest competition.

quote:

Originally posted by VA_Sportsmom:
Jeez,
Some of you are PROVING Chick's point (at least the part about reluctance to post) by pouncing on him. And while I think his suggestion of a full overhaul is a bit extreme, I think there are some "issues" this community should and could deal with. Can we not proceed in the spirit of 08Dad's post? I think he's on the right track by offering some positive suggestions. Thanks, Dad...

That's exactly what i'm talking about. They hit you with all this nonsense to create a diversion to my point. What's wrong with improvement? Most people know that what I say is the truth but would rather not fight all the banter.

quote:

Originally posted by Ramrod:
Chicks, there is an entire new regime here and the old barb types very seldom post anymore.

I'm one of those who is reluctant to post anymore. I very seldom visit the site anymore and try only to leave a smidgen of information that my be of some use to a young player looking for answers.

MN-MOM has been more than fair and I'm happy to see that she is having success with this website.

I started out coaching a long time ago, probably have forgotten more baseball than most people know, but it is only useful if others want to listen.

I've seen PGStaff try many times to mediate arguments here and he has bee a good source for everyone.

Of course there are politics as usual a in all places where human interaction happens, and there are the clique members here also...but I don't take them to seriously.

There are good members that try to contribute in a positive way and those are always interesting to read, when they do speak to issues dealing with some aspect of baseball...posters like, bbscout, redbird5, frankf, PGStaff, JustBaseball, etc.

Posters that contribute and post controversial subjects like Dibble, I think try to kick-start discussions.

Posters that relish jabbing others, then feign some innocent posture about it is fine as long as it is done with humor, but so often in the past it hasn't been that way.

There is no doubt that I have had my ta-tee-tas with members, but a lot of it, I confess, was just yanking their chain since they were throwing insulting or insinuating cr*ap up against the wall and seeing whether they could make it stick.

I've been called a HM parent here, and been told my son's BB career could be dead because of that. I take no offense with that since I know, after playing and coaching that so much of what goes on here is no different than what goes on in any competitive sport.

In the end my son's BB career will rise or fall based upon his ability to get people out. If he can show that he can against the best competition, there isn't a coach in this country that wouldn't want him on their pitching staff. That I am certain of.

Trash talking and backstabbing go on in all sports, though I detest it vehemently.

Absolutely. BTW, I sent a pm to Mn-Mom explaining my thoughts prior to making the post and expressed that the decay began before she took over.

Chicks is entitled to his/her opinion. Just like everyone else.

He/her didnt do it in a malicious manner IMO.

Chicks thinks the site is decaying and the moderators need to be removed and replaced.
That is Chicks honest opinion - and we probably should all reflect on it.

My guess is most would disagree.

And life - and The HSBBWEB - moves on.

MN-MOM - Personally - I think the site is better than it has ever been - with a little less tolerance for name calling and quicker removal of insulting participants.

When all is said and done - the beauty of it is if you dont like the current atmosphere - just make your mouse (not Moose) click another site.

Great post its!

I think Chicks has every right to his views. I don't see diversions in this thread either. Many just happen to disagree that a major overhaul is needed.

For the umpteenth time - MN-Mom is a tremendous asset to this site and an outstanding, knowledgable, contributor to this fine community.

Cleveland,

It took me awhile - (I am not the brightest bulb in the world - but I am a quick learner LOL) - but I realized awhile ago thanks to Beenthere that we have - for the most part - cyber relationships here. As is true on most sites on the interent - you get your share of psychos.
It is how you deal with them that defines the quality of the site.

After being called the devils cousin - and being lectured on the meaning of 9/11 (after I watched my friends and colleagues leap out of a 100 story building), and etc.etc.etc - I finally got it.

Just have some manners and say what you want - if you get offensive - you get the boot.

It isnt very complicated IMO - and I personally think that MN-Mom is really tuned in. For the most part - it is just cyber stuff. IMO

Chicks you've been asked several times to supply specifics as to your complaints, and all you've done is to respond with quotes from two posters, VA Sportsman, and Ramrod....the only posters on this thread who seem to support your position.

Ramrod....you comment on how knowing you are of the game of baseball, but then to quote you....you are only willing to "....leave only a smidgen of information". With all due respect Mr. Ramrod I'd rather put up with attitudes/old timers/cliques anyday if they are willing to share their knowledge...wholeheartedly......

VA Sportsman had a good point when he mentioned that the site could appear insular to newbies...but that would be very difficult to correct. I remember being a "newbie" and being intimidated about posting...but know what....too bad about me. The purpose of the board is to help young players not old Moms.....any parent posting should keep in mind what their goal really is...to help their player.

Bottom line...newbies... forget about seeming silly, asking wrong questions....this is a great site, granted it's not perfect (what is?)....but it does have lots of people willing to help you....so help your kid....ask away....and if you get an ugly post/response...forget it....post on....ask more questions.....take the good, ignore the bad.....learn, and help your son.

Chicks....thanks for letting MN-Mom know that she is appreciated. I second it.....

I just don't see a "decay", just the same old site....with it's characters....it's cliques.....it's "heated" disagreements, and mostly a bunch of people posting and trying to help each other out.

I'm glad I found this site. It calmed my nerves, helped me out and at times added to my confusion. I don't think I would be where I am in the "process" without this site. Thanks to all who have helped!

bagsbaseball:

Same feelings here!

I've been a member for 2 years or so now, and I have noticed somethings that have been mentioned by various people in this thread and I also have not noticed somethings touched upon in here.

But I must say, for myself this site has kept me sane while I'm going through the uncertainty of being able to play again. It is absolutely amazing the amount of knowledge that can be found here and the 'friendships' that are built over one common interest.

But one thing I'd like to throw out as to why there aren't alot of 'new' people posting could be the fact of people creating aliases. This point was brought to my attention in the coaches forum by itsinthegame, over the matter of a poster having numerous identies over the years. Just a thought.

Another could be that people are first overhelmed by everything that is coverd in theses forums. When I joined, I read alot first to get aquianted with the structure of the forum, and to see the type of forum it was. There is a lot of reading to do, and it can be scary at first. Once I felt I was comfortable with it then I started to post be it questions or answers.

As itsinthegame and others have said, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and this just happens to be Chicks thoughts on the subject matter.

Doc K,

IMO - You just keep asking those questions - and keep thinking critically. And give your opinion too. We dont get enough - IMO - players opinions. That is one thing I would like to see more of here.

Every once in a while you will get a psycho response - just be polite, stay focused and let the moderators take care of the wackos.

Chicks,

I have been around a long time; I was even a moderator in the early days when Bob was driving this bus. I used to post a lot more than I do now, I am not sure why; but MN-MOM is doing a great job.

I have noticed that topics sometimes get going in the wrong direction in a hurry, but that was going on before Bob turned over the keys to the bus. I think almost everyone that belongs to this site has forgotten a time or two that posts' on this site are opinions nothing more, nothing less. When we forget that fact and take it as a personal attack, that is when things get sideways in a hurry on here.

There are some brilliant baseball folks on this site whether they be moderators or just regular posters. I have been around baseball now as a player or coach for 42 years and good, bad or ugly this is by far the best baseball website around anywhere.

O42

its

I'm more then happy to give a players opinion and thoughts on any aspect, that I feel knowledgeable in or have been apart of somehow, Don't worry about me, I'll be on here forever, noones gonna scare me off anytime soon!

Bullwinkle’s confused…..What happened to this site? When I click the do-bobbie on the do-hickey, and hsbbw comes up.

At this site we all have in common one thing. We love or boys and love to watch the game they love. We all want their dreams to come true, and we hope that maybe there might be a small morsel of information in here that might help.

Linear/rotational/semantics/mechanics/
commitment/conditioning/dedication/recruiting/
Div1/travelball/congratulations/prayer/
politics/eastcoast/westcoast/draft/cut/hurt/health/woodbat/weightedballs/.

Views can be different; ideas can be trashed or valued. This site is no different now as it was five years ago. Poster say hello, its tries to shoot me, some posters think I’m a clown, others think I’m the best thing since a slider in the dirt for a swinging strike three, it really doesn’t matter, but overall we all have that common hope. Remember why you are here, look for that small piece of cheese.

Go home and hug you son and remind him that you love him.

Bullwinkle is now a little Verklempt, just a moment…..Please talk among yourselves. Subject: 'The Prince of Tides' was neither about princes nor tides. Discuss……

I would have never guessed that the Moose was a Barbara Streisand fan.

I too - am Verklempt.
As soon as I recover though - I am going moose hunting.

Just a quick note to say that I've been reading this thread and I think it's an interesting discussion. In case anyone wonders, I'm not offended - folks should feel free to express their concerns!

One other thought on my mind: I love mooses!

Ummmm, just to clarify: Not for dinner!

Bullwinkle:

About that piece of cheese...I have been looking for it but I can't find it...I can smell it alright but just can't find it!

MN-Mom - tell the whole truth:

You love mooses - in a nice bearnaise sauce.

Its
I know you are a big Liza Minnelli fan, so y'all have that in common at least.

Maybe if I slip on these 'moose-colored' glasses I'll be better able to find that cheese!

LOL

Liza. God help me.

My style is more Joan Jett and Patti Smith than Liza.

Man oh man, you leave for a few hours and all #@*& breaks loose over one post!

Chicks,
You have been away for awhile. I am wondering if you had been lurking before you posted? Or did you just post? This site is better than ever, thanks to MN-Mom. In my opinion, you saying it has declined is unfair. The same way you attached us "Old Timers" forcing many very good posters with valuable information to stop posting on a regular basis. You are entitled to make a point, but I don't really understand what it is.

Please explain.

As far as moderators, I know it tells you who they are, but if you asked me who was and who wasn't I would have no clue. I in no way feel they have any more say over a topic than anyone else or if I might not see eye to eye I am gone. I do expect them to remove any derogatory remarks towards a specific individual or a group.

Maybe MN-Mom could explain what she expects from the people who moderate and exactly why they are moderators, if that would make you

I look at it this way, we are like roomies here. We "see" each other every day. We get on each other's nerves now and then when opinions clash or we take up too much space with our opinions. But the flame wars have definetly subsided since we have a new leader and I look at that as a good thing. The posters who come to irritate have either gone or have changed their ways.
I do know one thing though, your post has definetly brought unity to the HSBBW, for today, anyway.

quote:

Originally posted by itsinthegame:
MN-Mom - tell the whole truth:

You love mooses - in a nice bearnaise sauce.

I have a Moose recipe I'll cook for you P ...
It starts with "Take a box of Crayola's ...."

Chicks - Welcome back and thanks for starting such an interesting thread. I tend to post on the 'fringes' now more than on the content side, probably because my son is away at school and I don't see him enough to analyze every twitch he makes on the mound(for which he is supremely grateful). I still spend way too much of my work time (like now) reading through the threads, and find either 'the cheese' itself or perhaps the aroma of cheese, almost every time I visit.
I've had the pleasure of meeting several posters live (including a fabulous Ladies weekend in San Francisco last year)and hope to meet more over the years to come. Some of you have become good personal friends, and I look forward to seeing others on opposing fields

I think that TPM captures it correctly by comparing us to roomies. I also agree that in my opinion, the High School Baseball Web is the absolute best example of what an online community is all about, that I have ever seen.

MN Mom has done an outstanding job keeping the best of the old and bringing her own 'stamp' to this site. We owe her continued thanks for having chosen to take on this commitment in such a positive way.

ENOUGH of THAT!

JBB,
NCAA needs to ban that mascot, for the sake of all species of trees.

.
JB...

So may ideas.....but I think the photo pretty well speaks for itself.

.

Well, I've seen the tree kick the bear's a$$ (or was it the other way around? ).

I’ve been reading this thread since it started and as a father of a baseball player and a user of the HSBBW I would like make a few comments. First I’d like to thank Bob Howdeshell for making all this possible with his vision and his dedication to helping his son and all the players that play the game ...no matter where they were from or what their talent level. I would also like to thank MN Mom for continuing the tradition of the HSBBW. One fine lady! I would also like to thank the 6,700 registered members that are the heart and soul of the HSBBW. One thing we should all be aware is the agenda of the HSBBW is determined, not by MN-Mom or the moderators, but by the topic starters and those that add their comments about the topics. I think MN-Mom will be the first to tell you this is not her house or the moderators’ house, but the thousands of registered members of the high school baseball web. MN-Mom pays the bills and keeps the lights on. She will greet you at the door, invite you in, show you the podium and hand you the microphone. Moderators seldom do anything. If you think about it, moderators aren’t criticized for moderating; they are simply criticized for BEING moderators.
As the father of a pre-high school player I really liked the information about high school baseball and what it took to make the high school team. As the father of a high school baseball player I appreciated the information about the showcases and the travel teams, the official visits to colleges and the opinions about the different programs. I learned whether or not my son should ice after he pitched. How many innings he should throw and how much rest did he need. I learned to appreciate the LHP and even tried to swing a bat in a linear manner to see if that worked. I can say I kept learning when I became the father of a college player and then a pro player too. The HSBBW has been a wealth of information.
After years of being emotionally involved in my son’s games I can now kick back and enjoy the conversations about the young players, their parents, and their quest for the next level. I know how they feel. I feel their frustration and I feel their joy. I love to watch their careers unfold. At this stage I am relegated to just being a spectator. For that reason I start very few topics on the HSBBW but I still enjoy reading.
Chicks, you say you want change. Changing the moderators or even the head cook and bottle washer will not change the HSBBW. The HSBBW is controlled by you and thousands like you. It’s about you, your son and his baseball. If you have a problem with the direction of the HSBBW, or the tone of a particular post, I suggest that you have the ability to change it the way you want it to be. The HSBBW is constantly changing and it is at the mercy of each and every poster. EVERY single post you or anyone else makes influences the HSBBW and modifies its direction and its character.
Thanks,
Fungo

.
Fungo....

.

Fungo:

You hit it out of the park...again!

I posted for the first time on the HSBBW back in '01. Since then I've read some great articles and received some great responses on recruiting when my son was going through the process. It was and is a good place to come to when things get crazy because it is such a unique community of folks who really have "done that" and are willing to share their experiences. It's a place that helps new parents going through the process to know that they are not alone! So, now that son is in college, I'll probably not post as much in the future but will keep coming back for at least as long as I "took" knowledge, to gladly give back what I can from our experiences.

IMO, I really don't see that much of a change on the HSBBW over the past 5 years. There have always been a small group of frequent posters, with most of our members getting their information by reading the articles and the posts from others. There has always been calm posters and flame-thrower posters on the site! There have always been those members who can ignore posts they don't like and those that must argue 'til the moose come home! And, Every year the "tone" of posts change as the baseball season winds down and as we go into winter depression and cravings for a baseball fix! And yes, every year someone posts that the site is "CHANGING" and wonders what can be done to save the HSBBW! So I guess the more things change the more they stay the same!

All I know is this is a wonderful and unique place in cyberspace and I'll keep coming back!

quote:

Thanks everyone. This is the kind of information that you can't divine from the school website. That is what makes this site so valuable.

Slambovich offers another perspective.

I first found this site by doing a Yahoo search for HS baseball information. I looked around in each forum and read a few posts. Before I even registered I got to know Fungo, TRHit, Bob, PGStaff, PIAA_Ump, and more. I even met a young lady that lives about a 100 miles from me. We finally met in person at a tournament over the Summer. It was a pleasure. Her son is at a college that he loves. She found info to help him out here. I have found info that has helped me along the way. And no matter if my son ends his career in HS, college, or beyond I'll still visit this site as long as it is here. I do have another son that plays and I'll need info to help him out as well. I'll get it here, if you don't mind.

I belong to another discussion board where posts are made at a "feverish" pace. And the first thing that I will tell you about it, is that about every other discussion is "high jacked". There may be a good discussion going on and then someone comes in and makes a few jokes and the discussion ends there. I know that some discussion are high jacked here as well, but they aren't in every other thread.

Earlier this year when Bob announced that this site would no longer excist, I was heartbroken. I wouldn't be able to read the posts of my friends (You included TR), or add my so called incite to a post. And when MN_mom announced she would help to keep the HSBBW going I sighed a big sigh of relief.

Bob, thanks for making this site possible. You are a saint to us baseball parents.

MN, thanks for keeping this site here for us all to enjoy. You are a saintess (is that a word) to us baseball parents, as well.

Let's enjoy what we have here, no matter if we disagree on some things or agree on others.

Once again Fungo's post pretty says how I feel about this site. I'm from a small town and when I found this site about 4 or 5 yrs. ago, I was amazed to find there was a whole other baseball world out there! I mostly read and absorb the info I find on this site, sometimes much to my son's dismay as I will tell him frequently about something I've learned on here. Back then I was amazed to hear about showcases and travel teams. They are few and far between where I live. I was of the mentality that if you were good then they would find you. Sending out letters to coaches? Who woulda thought!
If not for this site, I would have just assumed my son would be playing for a DI school down south and not known about how your GPA is the most important factor in determining what level he could be. I wish I would have found this site about 2 yrs. earlier just for that fact alone. Luckily, things have worked out for him but if I would have sat back and assumed that the HS coach had all the answers to his future, we'd probably be wondering why he never got to play ball in college. Thank goodness for the knowledgable posters on here.
For the newbies, no question is a dumb question and people here love to share what they've gone through. The one thing I've learned tho is to stay away from the religous, moral and political topics! Anything else I'm not afraid of.

Great post, Fungo...

...now, please join me over on the umpire message board.

Topic of the day: Whether or not eye exams ought to be mandatory.

Im sure you both will be very welcome there......just buckle your seat belt as it might be a bumpy ride.....!!

As a realtively new member of this site I think it is a great place. I also believe the Moderator is doing a fine job with the transition.

Now about posting? Many answers can be found using the search function of this site. So of course the postings will go down when you have a question regarding anything. I mean I didn't have to post anything until I wanted something specific.

- rotational vs linear

- weighted balls

- etc. If you do a simple search there is no need to post. So I really do not think the site is decaying in any way. I just believe people sign up and can find many things using the SEARCH option.

baseballbum:

All very good points.