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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
 Posted - 02/01/2009 : 10:04:19
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Men, We have discussed at length the things that make our area great and even our failures as coaches and parents. I would like to discuss the building points in greater detail of this national type "TEAM GEORGIA" team that has been mentioned for all age groups but mainly the younger groups 8-12.
I would like to research the secrets for building a national type team in several age groups that would be able to compete in any tournament in the nation. It seems that we can compete on the local, state, and even regional levels and excel but when it comes to the elite national events struggle although there have even been some success on the national level although not as much as we would like to see.
What are the Florida, California, and Texas national teams doing that we are not. Have they torn their local programs apart building these national teams and if they have is it worth the cost for us to do the same.
I am torn on this one and hope maybe you all can shed some light on the pro's and con's of this topic.
Questions are "What do we gain", "What do we lose", "Is is the best thing for the kids", "Who would coach such a team", "Could Georgia compete", (just put this one in for the controversy") "This team would have to come from a large area and practice would be almost impossible due to time and transportation issues." "Is the gain in talent worth the loss in team unity etc." These issues have been discussed since the beginning of baseball but since it is cold and wet this talking stuff is a good way to pass the time until we can all get back out on the fields.
I am older than some and some of my greatest memories and moments have been on and around the baseball diamond with my grandsons. My dream is to see them play and compete with the best this great country has to offer but I would also like to see them compete on a level playing field and if we have chosen the national field then what I am asking is it time to play like them. Before you say yes or no lets all listen to not just the good things we would get from it but the bad things that would happen also.
"LET'S GET IN ON AND MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS FOR OUR KIDS" |
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Learnpatience
69 Posts |
Posted - 02/02/2009 : 10:57:36
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I don't think that we are far from it now. Just look at Art Evan's 12U East Cobb Astros. They are clearly one of the top 3 teams in the nation and have been so with great coaching and good local players (mostly within < 25 mile range).
Good things: The obvious? They win. They are respected.
Bad things (splitting hairs here): They have 15 or so players. However, the kids each understand their roles as a TEAM and they make it work.
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 02/02/2009 : 15:16:07
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[quote]Originally posted by Learnpatience
I don't think that we are far from it now. Just look at Art Evan's 12U East Cobb Astros. They are clearly one of the top 3 teams in the nation and have been so with great coaching and good local players (mostly within < 25 mile range).
Good things: The obvious? They win. They are respected.
Bad things (splitting hairs here): They have 15 or so players. However, the kids each understand their roles as a TEAM and they make it work.
This is certainly true and the 12U Chiefs are in the same group although they come from a larger area that makes it harder to practice and prepare for the caliber of teams they face every weekend. But they do it and do it consistently. If you notice the 12U Astros and Chiefs dodge no team and play mostly in the most elite of national touraments and more than likely one of these two will end up competing in the finals of most tournaments they enter sometimes against each other.
Another local team that made an impact on the national level in the 10U division was the Bandits out of Ringgold, Georgia. This team was 96-6 and only lost to 2 elite 11U teams, and twice to the San Diego Stars at Disney and put quite a scare into San Diego in the final game. This team is comprised of kids within 20 miles of Ringgold, Georgia and all go to the local schools. They did not pick up any players for Disney.
One of the things I saw last year was players from several states on the same team. 10U San Diego had two great baseball players, one a pitcher and the other a hitter from Florida that helped them win the Disney tournament. Being on the short end of the stick it hurt to lose, but what San Diego did was honest and legal and I harbor no ill feelings. Just glad to have the opportunity to be able to play the game. I greatly admire our Coach that chose to play with the same guys all year long. Not one person added to the roster, Not one player carried to help with the pitching. He prepared what he had and got the maximum effort of what he brought to the dance and this was all our parents and grandparents were looking for. My final thought is this. Each team can only play nine players at a time and with solid pitching and good fundamental defense and a solid game plan you can win with local kids and this means, locally, regionally, and nationally. |
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whits23
596 Posts |
Posted - 02/02/2009 : 18:52:04
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| curious..where do you find these rankings at, i know last year we played in some tourneys with paulding, and some other big teams from the ga/nc/sc/fl area but i am not seeing east cobb astro's 12 from last year or the 13u from this year listed on travelball select rankings, usssa rankings. I am just wondering where one can find this at? I have no doubts they are as good as you say as i have spoken to a few teams who know them. I am sure we will see them do well in wake forest this year. |
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coachdan06
433 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2009 : 00:39:56
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quote:
Originally posted by coachdan06
quote]Originally posted by baseballpapa
I greatly admire our Coach that chose to play with the same guys all year long. Not one person added to the roster, Not one player carried to help with the pitching. He prepared what he had and got the maximum effort of what he brought to the dance and this was all our parents and grandparents were looking for.
What you are describing is
(1) integrity VS lack thereof bringing in outside players who dont belong in a authentic team concept
(2) a proven way of building a team that lasts year to year not a flash in the pan group that dissolves from problems not the least of which arise when outside kids are brought in for some extra game wins.
The Golden Rule is a common sense guideline for success !
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2009 : 08:54:11
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| The teams you are referring to were 11U teams last year and will be 12U this year. The East Cobb Astros are ranked 2nd in the year ending polls and the Chiefs are ranked 6th. Both teams consistently compete and win against the top 5 teams in their age group. |
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WaltDem
51 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2009 : 16:34:52
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quote:
Originally posted by coachdan06
What you are describing is
(1) integrity VS lack thereof bringing in outside players who dont belong in a authentic team concept
(2) a proven way of building a team that lasts year to year not a flash in the pan group that dissolves from problems not the least of which arise when outside kids are brought in for some extra game wins.
The Golden Rule is a common sense guideline for success !
I like this its really that simple if you want it to be
Coach6 do you know you also answered the title question of the post :
What are the building blocks of a great team |
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743
215 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 07:04:30
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I am curious how many of the 10U Boynton Bandits were on the team at 6U? If any have left that team, how many and why? I wonder as we watch this extremely good team in the future, how many will stay together and how many will move on. Will most go to the same highschool or be seperated? I think we will learn alot from watching what happens with this team and it's players. When they hit 13 and 14 physical makeup might force position changes. I think this team would make for a great book that we can all learn from. Pull for them or against them, I think they make baseball around here alot more fun and that's what it should be about anyway.
Another question I have is have the Boynton Coaches considered doing Little League when they are 12?
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bmoser
1633 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 10:12:08
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I always root for the Bandits, unless they're playing us! First time I saw them, I was shocked to see how small they were. So many Coaches select big boys at tryouts, it was nice to see small boys doing so well. I watched them tear through a huge East Cobb team last year like a Poulan chainsaw in a balsa wood forest. When they shook hands afterwards, each EC player was a whole head taller than the Bandits. Too many Coaches place way too much emphasis on size, particularly pre-12U when the boys haven't hit their big growth spurt yet.
quote:
Originally posted by 743
I am curious how many of the 10U Boynton Bandits were on the team at 6U? If any have left that team, how many and why? I wonder as we watch this extremely good team in the future, how many will stay together and how many will move on. Will most go to the same highschool or be seperated? I think we will learn alot from watching what happens with this team and it's players. When they hit 13 and 14 physical makeup might force position changes. I think this team would make for a great book that we can all learn from. Pull for them or against them, I think they make baseball around here alot more fun and that's what it should be about anyway.
Another question I have is have the Boynton Coaches considered doing Little League when they are 12?
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 11:04:28
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[/quote]
At least 5 of the original 6U Bandits are still with the 10U team. From my observation of this team there is no or very little changes made once the roster is set during the current playing year. In other words the coaches give the same type committment that they expect the players to give. They are attempting to keep this group together and there is a good possibility that all that make it to the high school team would be playing together. I think that would be awesome if they did. If you looked in the dictionary under the work "FUN" you would probably see a picture of the Bandits. They have the most fun just playing and enjoying the game. I will give you an example. During warm ups of the big game, the impressive group of opposing players were going through their drills and stretching while the bandits with their hats on backward were having the time of their lives playing wall ball with their little sisters and brothers. Boys this is what the game is about at this age. The Bandits are blessed that they are able to have so much fun with each other and still win games.
Funny that you asked about Little League. The Bandits are more than interested in pursuing this option and with of our players within 20 miles of Ringgold, Georgia there is a distinct possibility that this might be done legally. |
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coachz
38 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 12:21:06
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| Papa, You MUST have the right parents too!!! They are as much if not more important. If the parents aren't committed, doesn't matter how good the player is, you will be fighting a loosing battle. That would be one of my top building blocks! |
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tombstone
30 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 14:12:02
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| hey pop, it is all about chemistry,you can have the 10 best 10 year olds in the country but if they dont jell together you are wastin your time.it is just like major leagues ,you can have the highest payroll in mlb but that doesnt mean you will win the world series.get you 10 good all around players with COMMITTED parents and with some good coaches that want to teach and commit to every kid to make them better then you will be on your way to being a great team. |
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toprank
138 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 14:34:17
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I actually thought more than 5 of the original Bandits were still playing, but I only saw them a few times at 6 and believe most of the better players stayed on.
Can't wait to see these guys play this season and seasons to come. Should be fun. |
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bmoser
1633 Posts |
Posted - 02/04/2009 : 18:05:18
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I'm seeing psychological make up becoming a larger factor as we transition from 9 to 10. The teams that have the most "gritty" and smart players, plus tough Coaches seem to be gaining ground. The Bandits are a great example...very determined players and Coaching staff.
I'm also seeing size at this juncture becoming less important because the smaller kids are faster, excel at total bases, and are becoming smart and accurate enough to pitch around the big boppers. You better have several giants, because 1 or 2 wont be seeing anything to hit in elimination games.
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What are the building blocks of a great team
