I have been around the game my entire life starting with my dad, my brother ( who actually got drafted and played in the minor leagues a few yrs before career ending surgery), my husband, myself and our children.
My brother played on 1 of the most dominant teams in Ga in the 90's that represented the south side of Atlanta. He hit in the bottom half of a stackedddd lineup that practically dominated everybody that they played. As they got older the cost of the game became more of a factor in some decision making for his teammates and there parents. His team began losing players because they couldn't afford the rising expenses associated with playing the game they dominated and loved... In addition to the fact that some chose to play football and basketball in HS which brought out more " girls" to the game lol...At least half of his team would have been drafted with him if they continued to play.
I have to laugh( & smh) every time I read a blanket post about how the north side teams will just dominate baseball in a few yrs. due to better coaching and kids catching up.
In my opinion, not to say that north side baseball isn't stout because it is.... there are clearly some real underlining factors that lead to the unbalance of power that are never discussed.
South side coaches & parents, try to find a way to keep your boys playing baseball and watch how the conversation changes. I know for a fact it wasn't easy for my parents either coming from a big family but my brother made the best of his opportunity and I plan on doing the same for my children.
...although, I do have to admit there is something special about a good football game under those "Friday Night Lights" |