Where's the coaches...

Don't you know, there are no backups.

All "select" players are getting DI scholarships or getting drafted.

Is that sarcasm Peanut?

Should I take that as a YES or a NO?

This is a great question to which I will say I was one of the coaches that took the other kids and tought them about the fundamental game of baseball and life. Back when the Texans (great teams) in BBI would have 40-60 kids at tryouts and I would have 15. The great reward as you say, was when the local kids I tought grew up and made there high school team. And then 7 of them went on to play college ball. I was fortunate to witness one of my oldest son`s college game in which there were (6) starters for both teams that got there start with me. This was one of the neatest moments to see along with there parents. But back then there was no organization`s that had mutiple teams. It has now skyrocketed and is a pretty big business. Face it, no one wants to play for dads anymore, parents want someones name (that has played this or that) to attach there sons name to. And believe me there are some great dad coaches around the metroplex. Whats funny??? most of the (has played this or thats) that everyone seeks out were tought by the DADS out here. That is if you grew up in the DFW area from which I`m familiar with.

Hey "pal"

First of all, it is not a loaded question. It's an honest question wanting an honest answer. You are obviously reading what you want into the question and then degrading (sub-par),(leftovers) who are not the best of the best. Who said these kids were nothing? You! Obviously there already something if they are on their high school team. Please do not put words in my mouth. I would not insinuate that they are in it for only the elite players. By the way, I do not coach anymore, and if I did, little league would be just fine! Later pal!!

Ok theygrowupfast, I will answer your question or at least give you my theory.

What I enjoy about coaching is......

making an "elite" player think he is a "back up" while maintaining confidence. As a coach, if you can do this with a player.......then you really got a "baseball player".

Hopefully that helps you.

Select travel teams are not set up to take average players and try to make them better hs players. That is rec ball and the parents job. They can do it by getting private insturction, etc.

Select teams are trying to take very good hs players and help them get scholarships, drafted, etc. In other words helping them get to the next level. They are also teaching them to be better citizens, people, sons, friends, etc.....

Why would anyone intentionally take a bunch of back ups and throw them in to the high level select ball to get their brains beat in? It makes no sense. It is one thing if you understand they are not very good and want them to develop by playing better talent, but winning, though it may not be the most important issue, it is still more fun than losing, which can be demoralizing if done constantly.

Frankly, the question makes no sense to me. I don't know why coaches would set out to intentionally breed mediocrity. There is a place for almost everyone to play, but elite, select, travel ball may not be the place for everyone. That is why there is legion, hs summer teams etc.

quote:

Which of you coaches would take the backup catcher, the fourth outfielder, the third pitcher, the second shortstop..... and teach them all about life, help them contribute to their high school team, help them improve to where they can see and be seen.

The coaches that do the above should take the kids who did not make a good travel team and coach the summer hs team in a summer hs league. That would not lead to being seen much, so I would have them all go to a local juco, d2, etc, showcase.

The answer to the question by me would be, "Why do I want to take players that are back-ups and try to showcase players that people do not want to see. An elite team draws scouts and recruiters because of the talent they have and the reputation for finding good talent. If I as a coach took a bunch of mediocore or project players all the time...They would stop coming to see my team. Does that mean that I won't take a project or 2 from time to time? No I would if the talent was evident to me. I understand parents wanting to have their kids play at these levels. Parents also need to be honest about their kids talent and not push them to be something that they are not. Hopes and dreams are great and everyone should have them, but a dose of reality is something that these coaches spend a lot of time giving to the parents and not the kids. Find an appropriate level for your child. If that is D-Bat, then fine, but very few play at the level they do.

The question as it stands is loaded from the standpoint that you ask about taking back-ups and improving them to the point where they can be seen. At the same time you are asking where are those coaches. I just don't think that is a realistic combination or a recipe for success. If you settle for average talent all the time, the good talent will not come near you. So it may be a noble idea, it will be very hard to make it work. jmo