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ecball
72 Posts |
 Posted - 03/16/2012 : 11:38:16
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Guys - I'm not sure I understand all of the negative stuff geared towards the Astros. I've taken several months off from posting but can't help but read and respond. I have no skin in the game one way or another but it doesn't make any sense. They have some very good players, are well coached and will be one of the top teams by year end.
Who's better than who? Are we still arguing about this stuff at 12U??? It should be about development. I know who many of you are and the negative comments don't make sense. The dream is dead guys! Next year the Astros will have the best 14 or 15 players around and chasing the dream of being the top team is over. In 4 months Tony will have all of the kids he wants and at that point I guess you can argue about who's #2?? Have you seen the size of the 13U Stros? Just enjoy the season, these days will go by so fast. I just laugh at the stuff I used to worry about at 10U.
I just worry about what I can control - which is my team. Ripping on the Stros isn't going to help my team get better and you don't win games on a blog.
Mike
ECBRAVES |
Edited by - ecball on 03/16/2012 11:40:22 |
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PAUL M
6 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2012 : 14:53:17
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ECBALL, Thank you for that post I have try to stay off this blog. But all that people have to say about the ASTROS is just crazy and why they say it I have no idea. Everybody please just let these kids play 12u baseball. My son plays on the ASTROS and I would never let him read this blog. You are taking shots at kids. Be a man if you are one and take a shoot at someone that can and will fight back.
Paul Milner |
Edited by - PAUL M on 03/16/2012 16:07:28 |
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FLABB
183 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2012 : 15:54:01
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Mike--Amen to that. I chimed in at how they will develop and you would of thought I had lit a firecracker somewhere special; if you know what I mean? The coach, kids and parents were a delight and a pleasure to chat with. Just another great EC group to add to the fold just like your group and the countless others at all age groups.
Good luck this weekend.
quote:
Originally posted by ecball
Guys - I'm not sure I understand all of the negative stuff geared towards the Astros. I've taken several months off from posting but can't help but read and respond. I have no skin in the game one way or another but it doesn't make any sense. They have some very good players, are well coached and will be one of the top teams by year end.
Who's better than who? Are we still arguing about this stuff at 12U??? It should be about development. I know who many of you are and the negative comments don't make sense. The dream is dead guys! Next year the Astros will have the best 14 or 15 players around and chasing the dream of being the top team is over. In 4 months Tony will have all of the kids he wants and at that point I guess you can argue about who's #2?? Have you seen the size of the 13U Stros? Just enjoy the season, these days will go by so fast. I just laugh at the stuff I used to worry about at 10U.
I just worry about what I can control - which is my team. Ripping on the Stros isn't going to help my team get better and you don't win games on a blog.
Mike
ECBRAVES
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ducktape6
12 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2012 : 17:27:31
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Good Post Coach Kirksey (From someone who has actually won something),
Mike you and I have battled for many years and you are exactly right each year whats important does change .... beating you has become more and more irrelavant because our goals were more national than local. In comparison I wonder why these posters dont see the value in the Astros program and would discredit the accomplished coaches because they disagree on the quality of players. IMHO the goal for playing at East Cobb is to play for the Astros. Many of you will strongly disagree but thats the problem with parents living their dream through the kids ... that goal is probably not most kids dream but it definantely is all of the parents dream. So im going to say that these comments may be fueled by jealousy. In addition if the kids are so terrible why didnt all the great kids try out for the team. I know why but if I type it you wouldnt be reading this post now. Weather these kids are good or not that will be left for the games and opinions .... They have one thing .... And that is a leg up on making the best 13U team next year .... The East Cobb Astros.
Now ... I was retired from the board but my son is on the Astros and he probably has won more games than most of the posters kids have played. And some of the comments on the board were specific and my 12 year old cant defend himself or his team mates so I will..... I only have 3 things to say:
1. The coaching staff and resources are far and beyond any other teams in GA .... Combine that with the polished and raw talent on the team .... It will equate to more wins than losses.
2. Most of the commentors teams cant beat the Astros as they are now .... Outside of the proven winners Braves, Longhorns and Stealth I like the Astros against anyone else in the state anytime ... anyplace .... And Braves, Longhorns and Stealth Im not conceeding anything either.
3. And last .... All the Stros need is a little "DOG" in them .... And Coach Fields could have coached on the southside any day so the dog is coming .... But you all know im the best dog breeder in the State .... So please dont wake a sleeping giant and have me call a team sleep over on Camp Creek before next weeks tournament.
Good Luck to all GA teams in the Super NIT ..... First one I missed in 6 years .... Hold the home turf down (Junebug, D-bow, D-Money, Trell, Turbo, Hatchett and our brother from another mother the "STAR" from Woodstock.
Shout out to Coach Tae!!!!! |
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BravesFan
533 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2012 : 17:43:36
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I only see a couple of posters who have posted anything negative towards the astros and that came after a certain parent began posting about how well they were going to do in tournaments. Many comments were positive and perhaps the astros won't be the top dog in this age group but does that really matter? Most of us knew they weren't going to be dominate but perhaps they could develop into one of the top teams around after some practice.
They will be well coached but I think most question some of the personnel decisions and game day strategy they have exhibited early in the season but that's their deal not that it matters to me. Plus, it's the 1st time some of us have seen their coach in action, a little over the top but definately someone you have to want to play for. |
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Grandcoach
21 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2012 : 18:31:54
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I very seldom respond to these posts, and probably should not now, but I also agree that most of you are being unfair to the Astros and the expectations you have not only of them just because of the name they have, but also some other teams. This is not college ball or the major leagues. I think all of their players and most of the other teams are 12 year old kids that just want to play baseball because it is fun. They will play as hard as they can, and try to win if they can every time they go out there, just like the other teams around. No kid want to strike out, make errors, throw balls or any of the other mistakes that you have in baseball. If they win or lose they will go off and play with the kids on the other team in some kind of game that the parents are not involved with. They will forget it, and move on quickly if left alone, and that is what a lot of the adults should also do. I have been doing this for a long time, and can assure you that it will not matter a short time later to them, and not at all in a few years. If you are going to play baseball, or any sport, then you have to have a very short memory because the game has a lot failures in it, and the sooner you can get over it the better off you will be. Very few 12U kids fail to give it all they have every time they are out there. Some are bigger, stronger and better at this age, but that is no predictation of the future. This is and should be one of the most fun times for the boys, but the adults can ruin it for them by setting unrealistic expectations for them, and feeding their own egos for bragging rights by wanting them on a particular team or class and so on. The kids will not remember how many games they won or lost in a few years, but they will remember if it was fun, and who the adults were that made it fun for them. I am not sure that many of you really understand that to get better it is necessary to learn how to also lose a game,feel the disappointment, and then work harder to be better the next game. They will face a lot of disappointments throughout life, and need to learn how to deal with them. Look for the improvement in the kids, their development, and see that they being treated fairly and having fun. Before some of you get on me for a rec ball attitude, I can assure that is not my position and I know it can be both competitive and fun for them! A kid should play at the highest level he can and still have fun! As my grandfather told me: :"The sun does not shine on the same dog's butt all the time"! Relax and enjoy this journey with the kids, and let them have fun for they will be adults for a very long time. You had your time at baseball greatness (How did you do?), and now it is theirs. Let them enjoy it! Sorry if I offended anyone, but many of you are missing a great time in life. Worry about checking bats and safety, etc., and do something to improve the game. Very few of those coaching have their paychecks depending on the win or loss situation. They will also make mistakes. I learned a long time at a much higher level that the fans are with you, win or tie - Just don't tie too many! Have a good day.
Herb Stover
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BB301
24 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2012 : 20:31:13
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I agree, it is 12u baseball, it should all be about development. Having said that, after being in Lake City last week and watching the Astros, they are a very good team and can play with anyone. In the game they lost, they ran across a good fundamental team that had a pitcher that was having a very good day. The Astros will be just fine and will win games that people don't think they will.
Good luck to the Astros and keep working hard. It will all be worth it in the end. |
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Gwinnett
791 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2012 : 23:45:38
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The only expectation was set by the team itself by getting a automatic birth to the TBS. My understanding is the tournament was for the top 16 teams in the country. Those top 16 were/are determined by there record of winning against other top teams. How can that be determined when you haven't played any games? Doesn't seem right? I guess it doesn't really matter because it's 12u baseball. I don't see how they won't be a great team with all the talent on the team. Some really great kids and family's!
IMO no one has said BAD things about the kids or family's. Some have high lighted there wins and losses and what there up to and that's about it. I sat and watched there practice the other night and WOW it was impressive. I'm sure the coach could care less what others think. Like they say baseball is about failing more than succeeding. No doubt this team will rise at some point with the coaching and talent! Good luck with the rest of your season Astros. |
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BballNut
73 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2012 : 00:06:59
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I'm not sure that I understand all of the sensitivity over a specific team. For the record, I agree that the Astros are well coached and will probably end up wiping the fields with most teams by the end of the season. They absolutely have some of the best talent in 12U baseball. Having said that, while this blog is supposed to be positive and informative, every other post is about a team that should have won, but didn't -- a stud pitcher that either had a good game or not, the top teams getting easier draws and being able to save pitching, the Braves being No. 1 or Stealth possibly not being as dominate as they were last year, blah, blah, blah -- all of it being utter nonsense. So, why are the Astros exempt from these mindless posts that in the bigger scheme of things don't mean a thing? We all should know by now that most of these posts are from dads who are living vicariously through their sons and needing to feel good about their kid or team. Occasionally, we might actually read a post that is meaningful and allows us to garner something that might help our kids or team.
This post should have been geared towards all 12U teams. They are all kids giving 110% and trying their darnedest to win every game they play. The Stros are no different in that regard. What is different is the hype that is perpetuated by the name, these posts, etc. So, the hooplah continues because we are all still curious about the would-be/should-be heirs to the top 12U team throne. Most of it is not being negative. It is simply curiosity killing the cat. There is a big difference between curiosity and negativity.
So, I would say every team should be exempt from negative posts and kid bashing not just the Stros. It serves no purpose whatsoever. |
Edited by - BballNut on 03/19/2012 09:03:59 |
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peashooter
297 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2012 : 15:08:55
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I got to see the Astros play this weekend. Man what a team of talent from 1-12. Baseball instinct is what really sets those kids apart. I have a few kids with that type of instinct, but 12 players with that type of instinct will be tough to beat. I am glad they still wear the same ugly uniforms I had to wear for the Astros, when they were the ONLY ECB team. haha.
FYI we also played the ECB select this weekend. Good team, but I really like that coaching staff and the amount of work they do at the park and during the games. Of the 50 coaches I have seen over the years they are some of the few who actually teach the kids at all times. Kudos to their staff.
I still think most posters miss the point of 12U baseball.
Good story.. We lost to Barrett baseball at 11PM on Saturday. Their pitcher was on, and we didn't hit at all. My hardest throwing pitcher probably gave up 5-6 runs (I don't even care or track it), and maybe 1 hit while striking out 5 or so guys. The point was that through his outing he honestly threw some pitches in mid 70's on the inside black (called a ball by the umpire which is hysterical at 12U...I mean the catcher doesn't move the glove and he has the guts to call a 75mph pitch on the inside black a ball where the catcher doesn't move!!!) Yes I know I used to throw in the 90's so stop right there and saying I am crazy. When it was all said and done, my pitcher was all upset, and I brought him back to earth saying how monumental tonight was becuase he is starting to learn how to throw hard and agressive, and I could care less about the runs...those 4-6 75 MPH pitches on the black gave me a grin from ear to ear. I am still thinking of those pitches and laughing to myself.
Good luck all!
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ecb7
100 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2012 : 17:47:52
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| I'm going to have to agree with peashooter the Astros squad after give a few tournaments to gel will be a force to be dealt with. Maybe after this weekend can we start to give EC Select a little respect after taking East Cobb Astros down to the last pitch before being defeated. Maybe I'm a little bias since my son plays on the team, someone said that 9th Inning Royals were so much better than us but last time I checked games are won on the field not with talk especially on a blog. FYI: We Beat them 16-1 in 3 innings and the only run they earned was because on pitcher balked home a run.. Good Luck Astros you guys have a great amount of talent and the championship was a great display of coaching and playing at the 12U level. |
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ecball
72 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2012 : 18:54:26
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This is my last post on said topic. Gwinnett - I get your frustration but you do realize that when you come to ECB, the team that will get to pick their kids is the Astros so try-out for that team or don't get worked about stuff you can't control. I was fortunate that the coach let me keep my kids.
As for the national tourney you are referring too, we had to beg to get in so I understand. All we did was win 47 in a row going back to May 30th until Hobgood got us 3-2 last weekend. We had won multiple national titles and every state championship we have entered since 8U, yet we still had to beg. Nobody said travel ball was fair.
Again, I just don't see why anyone would care where some other team was or wasn't playing on a given weekend. |
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BangTheBox
121 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2012 : 21:20:38
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Next year when they pick the team. It will be kids you do not expect as of right now to make the team. And fill me in why the Astros get first pick.
quote:
Originally posted by ecball
This is my last post on said topic. Gwinnett - I get your frustration but you do realize that when you come to ECB, the team that will get to pick their kids is the Astros so try-out for that team or don't get worked about stuff you can't control. I was fortunate that the coach let me keep my kids.
As for the national tourney you are referring too, we had to beg to get in so I understand. All we did was win 47 in a row going back to May 30th until Hobgood got us 3-2 last weekend. We had won multiple national titles and every state championship we have entered since 8U, yet we still had to beg. Nobody said travel ball was fair.
Again, I just don't see why anyone would care where some other team was or wasn't playing on a given weekend.
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Gwinnett
791 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2012 : 21:26:01
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Ecball, my point is all the folks I have spoke with are feeling the way I explained and it sounds like it was a little frustrating for you as well. It sounds like your team EARNED that birth? My second point is -- Every other team should have to do the same. Wouldn't you agree? Don't worry the only thing I can control is getting my son to practice and games. It's really not THAT important to play in the TBS! Don't get me wrong it would be a incredible experience but its more suited for teams that got to have it at 12. I had no idea the Astros could take players from any EC team they choose--WOW! Yes, Hobgood was a challenging team this weekend in the SNIT but we wanted a slice of Central Fl Gators and were hoping to meet you in the ship. Maybe in a couple weeks?
I can tell you the team we're on is just as great as any other team on any given weekend.
Let's not forget this is a blog/forum for us adults to act like kids. I could care less about some of the nonsense that is spewed on here. I do love the great info I get from time to time. Also have met a lot of great parents from this forum! It might help to not take things so seriously on here? This site can be VERY entertaining at times.
Ecb7, no one said 9th inning royals were a better team. They were chose to win. Sometimes you take the high odds.....lol. Sometimes I choose teams just because I can. We all had a VERY good idea the Astros would win? So my choice may have made a team feel good. Honestly, I'm surprised anyone cared what I said? With a win like that maybe you should play some tougher competition?
quote:
Originally posted by ecball
This is my last post on said topic. Gwinnett - I get your frustration but you do realize that when you come to ECB, the team that will get to pick their kids is the Astros so try-out for that team or don't get worked about stuff you can't control. I was fortunate that the coach let me keep my kids.
As for the national tourney you are referring too, we had to beg to get in so I understand. All we did was win 47 in a row going back to May 30th until Hobgood got us 3-2 last weekend. We had won multiple national titles and every state championship we have entered since 8U, yet we still had to beg. Nobody said travel ball was fair.
Again, I just don't see why anyone would care where some other team was or wasn't playing on a given weekend.
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Edited by - Gwinnett on 03/19/2012 22:45:25 |
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mstimpson
57 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2012 : 22:40:34
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Wow peashooter, 75? Better watch that kid! People will be banging the door down trying to get him! I agree with just about everything that has been said about the Astros. I know some of the coaching staff and several of the families on that team. Great group all around. However, one poster wrote (can't exactly remember whom) that these 12U Astros have a leg up on making future Astros teams. That could potentially be true with this talent laden 12U team, but the Astros draw from all over after this season.
When it all comes together, the Astros will be tough. However, after seeing what I saw in the S-NIT this weekend! I came up with an "aha" observation. Ready for it? These boys are 12! From Team Florida to the OP Sharks! It is great that we are at the level where the team that catches the ball and throws the ball the best wins. We should be praying every night that we are blessed that we have healthy boys that get to play this game and we have the means to provide this experience for them. They provide us with memories we will cherish forever. Blink and it will be gone before you know it. Can we now leave the Astros and talk about how talent rich Georgia is in baseball? Oh and how this state, not one organization has some of the best coaching around. I saw it first hand all weekend!
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BballNut
73 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2012 : 08:45:05
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I second that! The beauty of playing baseball in Georgia is that there are so many great teams around with great coaching. That's what makes the anticipation of "any given Sunday" so much fun. I call them the sleeper cells, because when the giant in 9-11 players on these teams wake up and they all show up to play at the same time in a game, they can really cause upsets.
quote:
Originally posted by mstimpson
Wow peashooter, 75? Better watch that kid! People will be banging the door down trying to get him! I agree with just about everything that has been said about the Astros. I know some of the coaching staff and several of the families on that team. Great group all around. However, one poster wrote (can't exactly remember whom) that these 12U Astros have a leg up on making future Astros teams. That could potentially be true with this talent laden 12U team, but the Astros draw from all over after this season.
When it all comes together, the Astros will be tough. However, after seeing what I saw in the S-NIT this weekend! I came up with an "aha" observation. Ready for it? These boys are 12! From Team Florida to the OP Sharks! It is great that we are at the level where the team that catches the ball and throws the ball the best wins. We should be praying every night that we are blessed that we have healthy boys that get to play this game and we have the means to provide this experience for them. They provide us with memories we will cherish forever. Blink and it will be gone before you know it. Can we now leave the Astros and talk about how talent rich Georgia is in baseball? Oh and how this state, not one organization has some of the best coaching around. I saw it first hand all weekend!
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M. Bare
26 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2012 : 09:31:40
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| 13u Astros is when all the craziness begins. They can pick and choose who they want on their team. Does being on 12u Astros give you a leg up? Perhaps but only 5 of last years 12u team is currently on the 13u Astros. |
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peashooter
297 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2012 : 10:37:43
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| I was laughing on Saturday...Can you imagine if you take the 12 best players from Marietta, Canton, etc. Put them on 200' fences, 45' mound, etc and let them battle it out in little league. They would literally kill the LLWS winner..Final score would be like 20-0. |
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T13
257 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2012 : 13:59:44
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| Peashooter, If you go to Miami and recruit 12 players you could also beat the LLWS champion.... |
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vols
14 Posts |
Posted - 03/20/2012 : 15:40:27
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quote:
Originally posted by peashooter
I was laughing on Saturday...Can you imagine if you take the 12 best players from Marietta, Canton, etc. Put them on 200' fences, 45' mound, etc and let them battle it out in little league. They would literally kill the LLWS winner..Final score would be like 20-0.
They would not be allowed on the same team as little league uses boundries. And if the league is to big they would have to have multiple divisions which would divide them up. But yes you would be correct most major travel teams would beat them. |
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peashooter
297 Posts |
Posted - 03/21/2012 : 11:59:07
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| I know, I guess my point was really that Little League is dead because they didn't adapt. I would love to see the TV coverage move to a more competitive 12U league/ affiliation. How much more exciting would it be to watch the 12U studs play real baseball on TV. |
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