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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
 Posted - 12/12/2009 : 09:00:18
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Now this sward guy seems to be a real baseball guy. I think that he is right to point out that this TD has not done anything to promote this tournament except to call and determine what type interest there would be in this type event from Coaches that he already knew and it grew from there. When he called and the teams he called seemed so excited about the tournament it mushroomed.
The TD has not made a big issue about this and most of the fallout came from it being discussed on the forum. I think all that it shows is that we are all bored to death and ready to play some baseball. Papa is not as good at the undercover work as he used to be and next thing I knew there was a Baseball Gate similiar to the Watergate scandal on the forum. Papa will stick to doing under the cover what he is good at. Where do y'all think them seven grandchildren came from if it wouldn't Papa's undercover work.
Bandits have played these Georgia Select Teams and they are another example of the type baseball being played in Georgia. Sometimes you can find Papa, Bobo, and Donnie S in our chairs but if you put a scare into us the chairs will be empty. I don't mind telling you when we played Ga. Select that they jumped on us like a trampoline early and that there was not one of our chairs being sat in. These are the times that the brains behind the Bandits take to encourage and remind the kids that every game has to be played with intensity and heart. Bandits responded with a hard fought victory over a very good team.
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Edited by - baseballpapa on 12/12/2009 10:24:56 |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2009 : 11:00:03
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| Sward's teams remind me a lot of the 6-4-3 teams. Fundamentally sound, very disciplined and very well coached. They are a lot of fun to watch play. |
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jscoda
123 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2009 : 11:24:18
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I think an elite tourney would be fun to watch.
Invites have to have some requirements and its tough to make the list.
My son will be playing some where else that weekend and I am sure having just as much fun as any 11 year old in the State. And if his team wins the Cow Patty Open, I will be just as happy for him as if they won the Elite Tourney. And if they lose, I still love him just as much as ever and hope he had fun playing baseball.
Don't take not getting invited so hard. Its just 11U baseball. |
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HITANDRUN
436 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2009 : 15:43:19
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| I think this is a great idea but why not wait and see how the teams start seperating themselves from one another before we start going on what teams did last season. Once that is established then start the invites or restract some if need be. Hold the tournament late in the season to find out who are the best teams. |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2009 : 18:13:46
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quote:
Originally posted by HITANDRUN
I think this is a great idea but why not wait and see how the teams start seperating themselves from one another before we start going on what teams did last season. Once that is established then start the invites or restract some if need be. Hold the tournament late in the season to find out who are the best teams.
I think part of the challenge with a tournament like this is getting to these high profile teams before they commit to other tournaments. I also think it helps to attract other teams when you get these bigger names to commit early. It will be quite a commitment for a team from OK or TX to attend a weekend tournament in Atlanta. Of course there's a chance that there will be other teams worthy of invites by the time the tourney rolls around but as they say "that's how the ball bounces". |
Edited by - TAZ980002 on 12/12/2009 22:06:57 |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2009 : 22:03:05
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Waiting until June or July is a good idean hit and run but truth is that when you are trying to pick the 12 best teams from a list of 100 teams that it is almost impossible and will always be subject to much criticism and debate and rightfully so.
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bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2009 : 22:15:11
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| While waiting till June or July makes a lot of sense in terms of getting a good feel for who the better teams are, it could be a logistical nightmare since most teams book these dates well in advance. I don't have all the answers, but waiting that long could produce a lot of declines due to scheduling conflicts. |
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blowinsmoke
61 Posts |
Posted - 12/12/2009 : 22:57:40
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| Well since this tourney is getting so much attention , I think if i was the TD I would look at finding more fields and get these out of state teams and get these local teams that think they can match up and GET IT ON. |
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10 BB
264 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2009 : 09:30:49
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Im so glad the TD is who he is. I don't second guess what he's done for one minute. Lots of these high profile teams are there for a reason and planning is part of that. Just like statements from the Oklahoma Rays club had they not been invited at an early date like this there would be no way they could make it. I talk with alot of teams on various sites and throughout the country and many of them already have a 2010 schedual made out. Are those scheduals subject to change, absolutly but at least they have already put pin to paper on their plans.
Is the TD doing the right thing, in my unprofessional opinion I believe so. Has he handeled it the right way, once again in my unprofessional opinion I think he has. His only mistake so far was to tell someone as passionate about baseball and his son as I am. If this is the only mistake he makes it will no dought be a tournament to remember. I think he is a great guy by just the few times we have spoke and I believe he has whats best for the kids and youth baseball at heart.
He could open the field for more teams but in doing so it lessons the value for the teams. He will only have two age groups with 12 teams in each so that he may provide the best tournament experience for all parties involved. Every team out there works hard but at least this tournament will be another incentive for teams across the southeast to get that invite to what will hopefully become one of the most sought after tournaments in the country. |
Edited by - 10 BB on 12/13/2009 14:26:53 |
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HAWKS8
70 Posts |
Posted - 12/13/2009 : 17:13:13
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| Jim, As you know I have lost a few boys from last year. I have, in my opinion, put together a much stronger team this year. We have decided to play a AAA/Major schedule only as to play the best competition around. You know all of my players and you have been around long enough to see the level of teams we will be playing. Any predictions...:-) From what I have seen in tournaments I have been to, I believe the talent in this area is as tough as anywhere. I am just going to take it one tournament at a time and if we are fortunate to win a game or two...great. Like most of you, I will let the boys prove what type of team they are, I won't have to. Just my opinion is there will be teams that may beat us, but I believe they will know they were in a battle. Thats all we want. |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 12/14/2009 : 10:58:40
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quote:
Originally posted by HAWKS8
Jim, As you know I have lost a few boys from last year. I have, in my opinion, put together a much stronger team this year. We have decided to play a AAA/Major schedule only as to play the best competition around. You know all of my players and you have been around long enough to see the level of teams we will be playing. Any predictions...:-) From what I have seen in tournaments I have been to, I believe the talent in this area is as tough as anywhere. I am just going to take it one tournament at a time and if we are fortunate to win a game or two...great. Like most of you, I will let the boys prove what type of team they are, I won't have to. Just my opinion is there will be teams that may beat us, but I believe they will know they were in a battle. Thats all we want.
I don't know anything for sure but I have a feeling you guys will enjoy tournament ball a lot more than GGBL. As long as you guys continue to hit like you did last year, you will be in every fight til the end. I hope you guys will play in some of the TC events. They are a great mixture of teams, including all of the stronger ones. Their pitching rules tend to be the great equalizer. |
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bmoser
1633 Posts |
Posted - 12/14/2009 : 17:18:01
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Season,
I'm having a hard time understanding your point of view.
Are you saying that despite a rigid and politically charged Gwinnett county travel ball system, that occasionally some teams persevere and still manage to build a better than a AA caliber team?
Are you saying that the 3 Gwinnett teams you and I see as the best right now should be invited to this Elite tourney?
I see all 3 of these teams as being above AA caliber, and they have already shown the ability to knock off Major caliber teams, but I cant see any of them upsetting Elite teams just yet.
They'll get their chances this season to prove me wrong, and I'd love to see it. The obstacles these teams have to overcome to break the glass ceiling are only known by those who have played there. I had to sneak out the back door, and I took their advice by not letting the door hit me in the $%& :( Lot's of great folks there, and I always pull for them at tourneys.
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Edited by - bmoser on 12/14/2009 19:57:50 |
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kbuck
33 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2009 : 00:50:51
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I know the TD fairly well and I will say he will do everything in his power to make this event the best it can be for the teams involved. He has had two kids play through travel baseball at the top level in their age group and he has made a ton of contacts across the country through the years. If anyone can do this he can. This is one of those animals that will continue to grow and there will be a lot of teams benefit. He has his heart in the right place.
As far as picking teams, this guy has seen, been apart of and put together some of the best teams in the country. He knows talent. I don't know but I would guess he has not personaly seen each of these teams play but I can guarantee you that he has done his homework on them. He has a reason for inviting certain teams. Lets give him a chance to show us what he can do with this event and hope it is a success and grow to one of the best events in the country right here in our backyard.
Thanks for listening |
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Skipper
20 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2009 : 10:42:04
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| How many spots are left, and who deserves them? |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 12/15/2009 : 13:33:18
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quote:
Originally posted by Skipper
How many spots are left, and who deserves them?
We could probably start another thread to answer the 2nd part of this question !! |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2009 : 08:46:33
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| There aren't many teams that play every week out there that doesn't deserve one of these berths. There are so many good teams out there that could play in this tournament and do well but there are only 12 spots and I say again that it is an impossible job for anyone to get this exactly right but after talking to this TD I believe that he will make every effort to do the best he can. He will most likely make a few mistakes in the selection but I really believe that he is doing the best job possible. |
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HAWKS8
70 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2009 : 10:36:48
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I was talking to TD just the day and I believe he has some ideas that will enable any deserving team a shot at this elite tournament. I trust he will give the Elite teams great competition.
I agree with Bandit, he is a stand up guy and I believe his intent is to bring the best teams in one location and had the contacts to do so. I am not sure I have seen any other organization that has been able to make this happen. I wish him the best. |
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Whitlow
211 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2009 : 11:51:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Season
Agree Gwinnett County should be represented, only 3 pure / authentic travel teams in Gwinnett County:
Collins Hill Green
Wildcats (Duluth)
Millcreek
These teams are taking the best players and not portraying themselves as "feeder HS teams" which is a result of Assoc Board positions secured to self appoint themselves a travel coach to get their son on, daddy ball grows as a result and non travel level players fill bottom half of rosters which then dilutes the nearly 1M pop. County teams with AA and/or glorified REC level Baseball. This explains why over the years great ballplayers have fled to Cobb Co Baseball, until now with the emerge of real travel teams - Collins Hill Duluth Millcreek
I'm not sure about Duluth, but Collins Hill and Mill Creek are mainly made up of kids that have always played at their Parks. HAWKS8 can correct me if I'm wrong about Mill Creek. I think Collins Hill was just lucky to have enough good players come out of Peewee AllStars to form a good travel team. Mill Creek is loaded with talent because of the number of kids playing baseball there. Collins Hill's numbers have been dropping every year. Collins Hill did pick up one player from outside the Park for the Spring but every other player had played at Collins Hill rec baseball in the past. In the fall Collins Hill picks up players to fill in for those playing football. |
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HITANDRUN
436 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2009 : 12:37:21
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quote:
Originally posted by baseballpapa
Waiting until June or July is a good idean hit and run but truth is that when you are trying to pick the 12 best teams from a list of 100 teams that it is almost impossible and will always be subject to much criticism and debate and rightfully so.
I agree Papa you can't wait, I didn't realize it was only 12 teams.
It would just stink if a team for example from Valdosta came to our area and starting beating some of the better teams around here. I would hate for them to miss out. I guess that is why they have qualifiers some times for tournaments. Either way I can't wait. |
Edited by - HITANDRUN on 12/16/2009 15:16:30 |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2009 : 18:54:30
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| I think that if a team came from anywhere and beat us that it would be good for us and any other team. The better the teams you play the better you will eventually become. If you keep playing AA then that's all you will ever be is AA. The hard thing about travel ball hitandrun is that it is expensive for Valdosta to travel to East Cobb and play and expensive for the Bandits to travel there and play. I wish that we could find some way and I mean any way to get as many of the great teams in one tournament. In this type tournament all the teams will win in that all should get better not because of the win or loss but because of the experience. |
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BROOKSTEAM
145 Posts |
Posted - 12/16/2009 : 21:11:56
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not sure if they are staying together or if they would travel for this, but you need to check out this team:
North Texas Bulldogs, they won that elite 8 thing last year where Sandtown made it to Semi's. I saw them play and they are good:
http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=northtexasbulldogs
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scorpion4
31 Posts |
Posted - 12/17/2009 : 08:42:25
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| Will the teams playing, the tournament location and dates be announced publicly? I, as a coach in a younger age group and as a huge fan of youth baseball would love to come and watch this one. If I didn't know better, I'd think I am coming to watch the next generation of pro ball players the way you guys are talking. |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 12/17/2009 : 09:07:26
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quote:
Originally posted by ESEC2100
not sure if they are staying together or if they would travel for this, but you need to check out this team:
North Texas Bulldogs, they won that elite 8 thing last year where Sandtown made it to Semi's. I saw them play and they are good:
http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=northtexasbulldogs
From what I have heard, some of the N. TX players have combined with some of the Marshals to form Team Rawlings. |
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bmoser
1633 Posts |
Posted - 12/17/2009 : 09:29:58
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The Bulldogs I'm keeping my eyes on are not from Texas, they're from the Sunshine State...Florida. Pembroke Lakes Bulldogs ended last year ranked higher by ussssa's National power rankings by a few spots than the Texas version, and they must have picked up some more talent, because they are beating other Elite teams down there this Fall like MBA and West Pines Cobras. These Elite teams (and Team USA Boltz)are gaining momentum because they are playing each other a lot this Fall, which is making them stronger.
I think the Bandits and Sandtown need to be scrimmaging each other when the weather allows. |
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10 BB
264 Posts |
Posted - 12/17/2009 : 10:37:56
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bmoser; I hope you remember I've told you about this team, they are a scrappy team coached by retired major league pitcher Alex Fernandez. I have seen them play and think they reminded me alot of the Bandits. They have a big lefty first baseman that is a top notch pitcher. They have a very sound D also. I feel like the Bandits would beat this team 9 out of 10 times but it's that 1 time that could make a major difference in a big tournament.
I have also seen the North Texas Bulldogs and think that they are a good team but the P L Bulldogs would beat them 7 out of 10 times. I can't tell you about the newly formed Team Rawlings but if they are a mixture of Mckinny Marshals and NT Bulldogs then they should be very tough. The Marshals had a good showing at Disney.
MBA did do poorly at the WOOD BAT Tournament. I spoke with head coach Mervyl Melendez and he said (not making excuses) that they were missing two key players in that tournament but that they were just not playing good baseball wood bat or not. He said that when you play like they did you deserve to loose. He also said that they had been on a good role and that loosing some games were dew. He felt like loosing is never fun but some good lessons were learned and that good things would become of it. |
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