What is the best Baseball organization out there today? Please list any of the new organizations that are sprouting up or any I am missing.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Any organization will only be as good as the local people behind the tournament. National brand is irrelevant. For the purpose of your poll you left out two major players, AAU and Nations Baseball.
Overall, I would have to say AABC. This is for two reasons:
1. You have to actually must have success over a sustained regular season to advance to the state tournament, which you then must win to advance to the regionals and then win again to make it to the world series. Unlike organizations such as USSSA, it is not just winning a random tournament.
2. You are free to put the best team together possible, mostly free of geographic restrictions, bringing about the highest level of sustained competition I have seen in under 18 baseball.
1. You have to actually must have success over a sustained regular season to advance to the state tournament, which you then must win to advance to the regionals and then win again to make it to the world series. Unlike organizations such as USSSA, it is not just winning a random tournament.
2. You are free to put the best team together possible, mostly free of geographic restrictions, bringing about the highest level of sustained competition I have seen in under 18 baseball.
The AABC Championship team has played in the WWBA nearly every year. Those teams have never finished in the top 8. Many times they haven't even made the playoffs.
The best players, best teams, most scouts and college recruiters, most draft picks and top college recruits... World Wood Bat Association by a land slide... Whether it is the fall Jupiter tournament or the summer Marietta tournaments.
I know some people don't consider the WWBA one of the major organizations... but we do! Then again the WWBA has teams that play in many other national organizations. However, there are some of the top teams in amateur baseball, loaded with talent, that don't play in any other organization except the WWBA.
Just thought I'd throw that out there.
The best players, best teams, most scouts and college recruiters, most draft picks and top college recruits... World Wood Bat Association by a land slide... Whether it is the fall Jupiter tournament or the summer Marietta tournaments.
I know some people don't consider the WWBA one of the major organizations... but we do! Then again the WWBA has teams that play in many other national organizations. However, there are some of the top teams in amateur baseball, loaded with talent, that don't play in any other organization except the WWBA.
Just thought I'd throw that out there.
I have to agree Jerry.
WWBA is 2nd to none in my personal opinion.
YGD
WWBA is 2nd to none in my personal opinion.
YGD
PG I agree I know of players who have gone and played in Jupiter tournament and say it is amazing.
Jerry:
You have me a little confused. I am referring primarily to Connie Mack baseball and its World Series, the winner of which -- to the best of my knowledge -- has never gone as a team to Jupiter. I know for sure that the Arizona Firebirds have never gone, even after they won in Farmington three or four years ago.
But, even if the Connie Mack winner did go, it would not be the same team since most of the players on the World Series winner typically would be graduated seniors in the summer and, thus, college freshmen by the time Jupiter rolled around.
But, I am not including the WWBA stuff in my assessment since I view that differently -- perhaps incorrectly -- but differently, which is the reason in my posting why I said "sustained" competition through a complete season since I also view the WWBA stuff as individual tournaments. I concede, however, that might be because my perspective from here in Arizona has limited my view to a certain degree of Perfect Game endeavors.
I concur with anyone who proclaims Jupiter to be the most amazing single event (along with the Area Code Games) that is out there.
You have me a little confused. I am referring primarily to Connie Mack baseball and its World Series, the winner of which -- to the best of my knowledge -- has never gone as a team to Jupiter. I know for sure that the Arizona Firebirds have never gone, even after they won in Farmington three or four years ago.
But, even if the Connie Mack winner did go, it would not be the same team since most of the players on the World Series winner typically would be graduated seniors in the summer and, thus, college freshmen by the time Jupiter rolled around.
But, I am not including the WWBA stuff in my assessment since I view that differently -- perhaps incorrectly -- but differently, which is the reason in my posting why I said "sustained" competition through a complete season since I also view the WWBA stuff as individual tournaments. I concede, however, that might be because my perspective from here in Arizona has limited my view to a certain degree of Perfect Game endeavors.
I concur with anyone who proclaims Jupiter to be the most amazing single event (along with the Area Code Games) that is out there.
jemaz,
I assure you that Midland has played in our tournaments in Marietta with the same roster they took to Farmington. The East Cobb Astros have played every year in the WWBA in Marietta with their entire Farmington roster. These two teams have dominated the Connie Mack Championships over the years. One or the other wins nearly every year. Since 1997 California teams have won it twice, Arizona once, East Cobb Yankees won it 5 times and Midland has won it 5 times. Midland has won it several other times as well.
The Connie Mack World Series is a great event. It draws big crowds and it is a spectacular event. The two teams mentioned above are very good every year. However, the truth is, from a talent standpoint, the East Cobb Yankees aren't even the most talented team in East Cobb Georgia,let alone in the entire country.
I fully understand how great the Connie Mack is and why it is a focal point for many outstanding programs. I also know that there are differences between the WWBA and other organizations. My point is strictly from a talent and scouting standpoint, only Connie Mack (AABC) of those listed in the original post is even close. And we do see nearly all of those teams that qualify for Farmington at the WWBA tournaments. It's just that, so far, they haven't done that well in the WWBA tournaments. There's just too much talent at those events in addition to those teams. When it gets into the playoffs the competition is tougher.
I assure you that Midland has played in our tournaments in Marietta with the same roster they took to Farmington. The East Cobb Astros have played every year in the WWBA in Marietta with their entire Farmington roster. These two teams have dominated the Connie Mack Championships over the years. One or the other wins nearly every year. Since 1997 California teams have won it twice, Arizona once, East Cobb Yankees won it 5 times and Midland has won it 5 times. Midland has won it several other times as well.
The Connie Mack World Series is a great event. It draws big crowds and it is a spectacular event. The two teams mentioned above are very good every year. However, the truth is, from a talent standpoint, the East Cobb Yankees aren't even the most talented team in East Cobb Georgia,let alone in the entire country.
I fully understand how great the Connie Mack is and why it is a focal point for many outstanding programs. I also know that there are differences between the WWBA and other organizations. My point is strictly from a talent and scouting standpoint, only Connie Mack (AABC) of those listed in the original post is even close. And we do see nearly all of those teams that qualify for Farmington at the WWBA tournaments. It's just that, so far, they haven't done that well in the WWBA tournaments. There's just too much talent at those events in addition to those teams. When it gets into the playoffs the competition is tougher.
Jim,
Rereading some of my comments. I need to say that I personally have gone on record as saying the Connie Mack World Series is the greatest event in amateur baseball. I still feel that way. And many of the teams that qualify are among the very best including, of course, Midland Redskins and East Cobb Yankees. Both those teams do have a ton of talent every year. Midland, especially, has a couple Aflac all americans most every year. However, a team like the ABD Bulldogs, East Cobb Braves and others have had many more.
Also, it's not really that hard to qualify depending on what region you're in. In Texas, it is very tough. In the southeast it is tough. Maybe it's tough in Arizona, Illinois or California, too. Now there are some additional qualifiers which are a good idea IMO. Some teams, on the other hand, have a fairly easy time in qualifying for Farmington. There are a few teams who don't belong every year for that small and elite of a tournament.
Guess I got caught up in the original list of organizations in this thread. What we do is much different than the other organizations. Yet, the WWBA really is a "baseball organization". In fact, the WWBA runs the biggest tournaments played on full sized fields in baseball history. I'm fairly certain the WWBA draws more scouting and recruiting interest than all other organizations. Therefore, if we are talking about the best baseball organizations at least at the older ages.....
Rereading some of my comments. I need to say that I personally have gone on record as saying the Connie Mack World Series is the greatest event in amateur baseball. I still feel that way. And many of the teams that qualify are among the very best including, of course, Midland Redskins and East Cobb Yankees. Both those teams do have a ton of talent every year. Midland, especially, has a couple Aflac all americans most every year. However, a team like the ABD Bulldogs, East Cobb Braves and others have had many more.
Also, it's not really that hard to qualify depending on what region you're in. In Texas, it is very tough. In the southeast it is tough. Maybe it's tough in Arizona, Illinois or California, too. Now there are some additional qualifiers which are a good idea IMO. Some teams, on the other hand, have a fairly easy time in qualifying for Farmington. There are a few teams who don't belong every year for that small and elite of a tournament.
Guess I got caught up in the original list of organizations in this thread. What we do is much different than the other organizations. Yet, the WWBA really is a "baseball organization". In fact, the WWBA runs the biggest tournaments played on full sized fields in baseball history. I'm fairly certain the WWBA draws more scouting and recruiting interest than all other organizations. Therefore, if we are talking about the best baseball organizations at least at the older ages.....
When you say best what do you mean by it? Best – most competitive. Best – bringing in the most kids. Best – most organized. Etc, etc.
When I think about best I believe the standard should be the organization who introduces and nurtures kids in their love of the game. If this is best then it must be Little League, PONY and Babe Ruth. These leagues are scattered throughout the US and introduce young kids and their communities to the game.
All of the kids playing WWB, Connie Mack and in other organizations would never be there if it were not for the T Ball starts all of our kids had at LL, Pony or Babe Ruth.
When I think about best I believe the standard should be the organization who introduces and nurtures kids in their love of the game. If this is best then it must be Little League, PONY and Babe Ruth. These leagues are scattered throughout the US and introduce young kids and their communities to the game.
All of the kids playing WWB, Connie Mack and in other organizations would never be there if it were not for the T Ball starts all of our kids had at LL, Pony or Babe Ruth.
quote:All of the kids playing WWB, Connie Mack and in other organizations would never be there if it were not for the T Ball starts all of our kids had at LL, Pony or Babe Ruth.
an understatement, inho. i know more than a few guy's who had a 4 yr baseball career that ended at 12, that still love the game. it all started in LL.
Only six votes?
I voted for Little League.
I voted for Little League.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
Jim,
Rereading some of my comments. I need to say that I personally have gone on record as saying the Connie Mack World Series is the greatest event in amateur baseball. I still feel that way. And many of the teams that qualify are among the very best including, of course, Midland Redskins and East Cobb Yankees. Both those teams do have a ton of talent every year. Midland, especially, has a couple Aflac all americans most every year. However, a team like the ABD Bulldogs, East Cobb Braves and others have had many more.
Also, it's not really that hard to qualify depending on what region you're in. In Texas, it is very tough. In the southeast it is tough. Maybe it's tough in Arizona, Illinois or California, too. Now there are some additional qualifiers which are a good idea IMO. Some teams, on the other hand, have a fairly easy time in qualifying for Farmington. There are a few teams who don't belong every year for that small and elite of a tournament.
Guess I got caught up in the original list of organizations in this thread. What we do is much different than the other organizations. Yet, the WWBA really is a "baseball organization". In fact, the WWBA runs the biggest tournaments played on full sized fields in baseball history. I'm fairly certain the WWBA draws more scouting and recruiting interest than all other organizations. Therefore, if we are talking about the best baseball organizations at least at the older ages.....
Jerry- Pretty simple. This is a youth (under high school) thread. They are wondering where the best baseball is for youths- not high school.
you left off Dixie League.
I think this depends on your definition of "best"
At the younger ages (11u and younger)there are some developmental roadblocks in typical Little League, such as closed bases, no balks, etc.
I am afraid I am not familiar with the rest here in the Carolina's so I will speak on what I am familiar with - we play mostly USSSA and Nations here
At the younger ages (11u and younger)there are some developmental roadblocks in typical Little League, such as closed bases, no balks, etc.
I am afraid I am not familiar with the rest here in the Carolina's so I will speak on what I am familiar with - we play mostly USSSA and Nations here
quote:Jerry- Pretty simple. This is a youth (under high school) thread. They are wondering where the best baseball is for youths- not high school.
That is a good point! Not sure that I know the answer in that case.
It's all relative to your part of the country.
Our kids coming up now will be the first generation that did not necessarily start playing baseball in league ball.
My son played league t-ball from 4U-7U but never played spring kid pitch in a league. At 8U, he started travel baseball exclusively.
In our area, USSSA and Triple Crown have the strongest hold on travel ball. USTBA and Nations Baseball are trying to get into the action. Some teams play a little CABA but mostly the state and World Series.
Very few leagues here are sanctioned by Little League anymore. Dizzy Dean has taken over. They seem to do a good job.
Our kids coming up now will be the first generation that did not necessarily start playing baseball in league ball.
My son played league t-ball from 4U-7U but never played spring kid pitch in a league. At 8U, he started travel baseball exclusively.
In our area, USSSA and Triple Crown have the strongest hold on travel ball. USTBA and Nations Baseball are trying to get into the action. Some teams play a little CABA but mostly the state and World Series.
Very few leagues here are sanctioned by Little League anymore. Dizzy Dean has taken over. They seem to do a good job.
The best place for any preteen to play is where they have fun, learn basic fundamentals (hitting, fielding, throwing) and build a passion for the game.
It definately depends on your area. Pony and Cal Ripkin/Babe Ruth are the big dogs in this area. Little League is represented but not as much as in other states.
I do honestly believe that it is based a lot on leadership in each area.
I do honestly believe that it is based a lot on leadership in each area.
One vote here for PONY Baseball.
As many in the thread have already noted, "best" is relative to the criteria you establish. To me, for 12 and under "youth baseball" in our area, I have to agree with the posters favoring what I call "community baseball" including PONY and Little League.
We switched from LL to PONY at 9U and really enjoyed the league competition and the summer All-Star experience. The children get a real sense of merit when they are selected following open tryouts. As a parent, the best part has been family friendships formed and the really strong sense we share that through our efforts and support, WE are the local baseball community. I've never felt so good about volunteering in my life.
There are certainly select, travel, and academy teams available down to the 9U level in this part of the country. But according to the man who runs one of the best and most respected academies in the Seattle area (IMHO), the skills saturation level only begins to provide competitive AABC play at the 13U level, so why hurry into select?
I enjoy the posts from folks in other parts of the country whose children were able to start their travel experience young, with good competition and coaching. It crtainly sounds like a rush to be around so much good baseball so early in your child's life. But I wouldn't trade our PONY years for anything.
As many in the thread have already noted, "best" is relative to the criteria you establish. To me, for 12 and under "youth baseball" in our area, I have to agree with the posters favoring what I call "community baseball" including PONY and Little League.
We switched from LL to PONY at 9U and really enjoyed the league competition and the summer All-Star experience. The children get a real sense of merit when they are selected following open tryouts. As a parent, the best part has been family friendships formed and the really strong sense we share that through our efforts and support, WE are the local baseball community. I've never felt so good about volunteering in my life.
There are certainly select, travel, and academy teams available down to the 9U level in this part of the country. But according to the man who runs one of the best and most respected academies in the Seattle area (IMHO), the skills saturation level only begins to provide competitive AABC play at the 13U level, so why hurry into select?
I enjoy the posts from folks in other parts of the country whose children were able to start their travel experience young, with good competition and coaching. It crtainly sounds like a rush to be around so much good baseball so early in your child's life. But I wouldn't trade our PONY years for anything.
You left out THE best organization from your poll - AAU.
Up here in New England, there is no other youth travel baseball organization of any significance besides AAU.
AAU is very easy to work with when it comes to insurance, registering players and teams and scheduling. Plus, the level of competition is unparalleled. That's why the NEAAU League has grown from 101 to 550 teams in the past 5 years.
Visit the NEAAU website at: www.neaau.org
Up here in New England, there is no other youth travel baseball organization of any significance besides AAU.
AAU is very easy to work with when it comes to insurance, registering players and teams and scheduling. Plus, the level of competition is unparalleled. That's why the NEAAU League has grown from 101 to 550 teams in the past 5 years.
Visit the NEAAU website at: www.neaau.org