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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
 Posted - 02/28/2010 : 21:49:51
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Papa had a chance to meet and discuss baseball in general with ecbstix and think that I might have made a real baseball friend. We get to chasing wins and building our egos sometimes and forget what this game really means and it was good to meet some good folks this weekend that helped me remember what this game of baseball really is about.
The Bandits have far surpassed our expectations and only have one more 12 year tournament to play. I have seen what the future holds in store for our team and I have got to witness first hand what it will take for us to be ready for this future. I want to say thank you first to all the 12 year old teams that have accepted our little guys and Papa has no problem in telling the 11 under teams that the Bandits have represented our division with a lot of heart. Our guys have seen things that they are not used to seeing. The 12U Astro pitchers are better than advertised and even after our best showing ever we still lost 2-0. We might play this team for a month and not be able to score but if you check the scores we played them closer than anyone this year. I would also like to thank the East Cobb Astro Coaches for taking the time to encourage our kids as this was a real show of class by what Papa considers one the premier organizations in the nation. You didn't have to do that but you did and you can bet that the Bandits won't forget it.
We could have cut and run after the Astro loss but somehow found a way to claw ourselves to 2 wins over Easton Elite and 643 Cougars (These Cougar guys don't seem to ever go away). We then found what might be the best hitting team we have ever played in Stixx Baseball that had this kid from Nashville, Tennessee that I saw hit 2 balls over the fence that landed somewhere in downtown Woodstock about a mile from home plate. Luckily the home runs were against the East Cobb Braves and not us. But even after the bombs the Braves came back and beat the Stixx and moved into the championship games versus the Astros.
When you are winning game after game you sometimes don't know how your team might react to adverse conditions. If they have never been behind then you might never know if they can find it in themselves to mount a comback. Down 8-1 against this hard hitting team that also had great pitching we found out that our Bandits did not roll over and play dead but mounted a comeback pulling to within 8-6 before the time limit ran out. The Sitxx fan had seen enough and were yelling for the time limit to be called. I found even that little something to be satisfying and I can promise you that we put at least a little scare into them.
What a game this game of baseball is. If you play fundamental, if you play as one then even the little underdog guys has a chance. One more to go and it will be the toughest test yet. The Slugfest is stacked with the best 12U teams around and this last test will be the hardest test of all. I wish that I could say that we expect it to be a little easier when we get back to the 11U teams but from I have seen the 11U Division will be as hard a test as where we have been. Papa is prouder of his Bandits than I have ever been as I have found out that they can take a licking and keep on ticking and they will be stronger than ever because of this experience.
God how I love this game. |
Edited by - baseballpapa on 03/01/2010 08:55:44 |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 02/28/2010 : 23:05:28
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quote:
Originally posted by BaseballJunky12
I can't wait to see Team GA play the Bandits. Team GA is pretty impressive.
Team GA played the Bandits last Fall in the TC Fall State Championship. I have to admit, they looked a lot better this weekend then they did last Fall.
Hopefully, Team GA will jump into the Southern Baseball Blue-Gray tournament in Dalton. This tourney really loaded with good teams. |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2010 : 11:13:49
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| Team Georgia knows the Bandits well and Papa even caught them scouting us down the 12U field. Bandits have never been hard to find and have never backed down and we look forward to playing Team Georgia again. We know they have a great team. Everyone knows where the Bandits are playing and if Team Georgia wants to prove that they are ready then sign up and let's get in on. I promise that it will something the fans will love to watch regardless of the outcome. |
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baseballbrad
71 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2010 : 11:26:06
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Papa have the Bandits listed your schedule somewhere?
You guys played well against the older guys.
quote:
Originally posted by baseballpapa
Team Georgia knows the Bandits well and Papa even caught them scouting us down the 12U field. Bandits have never been hard to find and have never backed down and we look forward to playing Team Georgia again. We know they have a great team. Everyone knows where the Bandits are playing and if Team Georgia wants to prove that they are ready then sign up and let's get in on. I promise that it will something the fans will love to watch regardless of the outcome.
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2010 : 16:08:52
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| baseballbrad: I am working on our new web site and the schedule will be there. We know where we are playing the next several weeks that include the Slugfest at 12U, then we will move back into the 11U division playing in the Super NIT, and the Blue-Grey. I promise after playing these 12's that when we do get back to the 11's that we will be a lot more humble than when we left. We are proud of the way they have handled themselves and I feel that the kids will be better because of this experience. |
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youthbaseball
91 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2010 : 16:28:42
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Baseball Pappa, I wish I had gotten to meet you with ECBSTIX.
First of all let me say, you have a fantastic group of kids and coaches.
I do not see many 11u teams competing with you.
You have a great team and show a lot of class.
The Astro's did as well. But at 12 that is what they are suppose to do.
Proud to be a baseball dad when you see sportsmanship and hustle like I saw Sat.
Good luck to the Bandits this year.
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 03/01/2010 : 21:58:07
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| youthbaseball: Thank you so much and if you are a member of Travel Ball Select please take the time to read the great article with some of it dedicated just to the sportsmanship, respect, and hustle displayed in the game with the Astros. What was really special is when the 12U Astro Head Coach came to our huddle and spoke directly to our kids and told them of how they played up last year and that they should not hang their heads for anyone. Now that it is a display of class and sportsmanship if I have even seen it and I don't know who appreciated it more, the kids or their parents and especially their Papa. |
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baseballdoc
73 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2010 : 12:44:24
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baseballpapa:
Most of the competitive teams from Georgia that i have seen are coached by individuals with class. However, I must admit, it is a lot easier for the winning coach to go to the opponents huddle after the game and give them words of advice. Would the Astros coach have done the same if they had lost to the Bandits?? If the answer is YES, then I tip my hat to him!
quote:
Originally posted by baseballpapa
youthbaseball: Thank you so much and if you are a member of Travel Ball Select please take the time to read the great article with some of it dedicated just to the sportsmanship, respect, and hustle displayed in the game with the Astros. What was really special is when the 12U Astro Head Coach came to our huddle and spoke directly to our kids and told them of how they played up last year and that they should not hang their heads for anyone. Now that it is a display of class and sportsmanship if I have even seen it and I don't know who appreciated it more, the kids or their parents and especially their Papa.
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youthbaseball
91 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2010 : 12:49:34
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That is a great story because the 12u Astros gets no credit for the job he does.
Have fun this year and make Georgia proud. I am sure you will.
What Major 11u tournamnets are you playing in. I would love to come watch some of them with my younger kids.
Once again, congrats on a great 2 weeks of 12u baseball. |
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Sunshine
13 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2010 : 15:16:56
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Why would an 11U team play up in the 12s so early in the season? Why not wait until later in the season to give pitchers and hitters a chance to get a few 11U games under their belt.
Is there just no competition for the Bandits in the 11U division? |
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Frydaddy
80 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2010 : 16:03:51
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quote:
Originally posted by Sunshine
Why would an 11U team play up in the 12s so early in the season? Why not wait until later in the season to give pitchers and hitters a chance to get a few 11U games under their belt.
Is there just no competition for the Bandits in the 11U division?
I think that is about right except for the very top. I would say that this way they are getting good competition every game instead of the championship game (maybe).
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2010 : 18:48:10
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| Are you the Sunshine that played quarterback in "Remember the Titans" with Denzel Washington. Papa can answer your question by telling you that after much discussion it was decided by all of the Bandits and their parents that we would play 12U up to the Slugfest and then move back down into the 11U division. We probably wish now that we had done it a little different but hindsight is always 20/20. We believe in our Coaches and allow them to Coach. Our little guys have played extremely well and we will be proud of them no matter what happens this weekend. |
Edited by - baseballpapa on 03/03/2010 19:59:50 |
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Sunshine
13 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2010 : 18:44:08
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| Good luck this weekend papa you guys are doing something right on that team. Keep it up and we will see many of those boys playing playing D1 someday. |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2010 : 22:52:20
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| Thanks sunshine but it appears from our pool draws that the Bandits got this week and the strongest field so far that we are going to need all the luck that we can muster. I just hope that they can hold up and play some respectable baseball. We have been proud of them so far but it has been a lot harder than we imagined it would. The top level 12U teams are definitely some of the best in the nation in my opinion. |
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Sunshine
13 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 09:44:25
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| no question about it but it will pay off in the long run. no one ever achieved anything great without a lot of failures a long the way. As long as they play their best that's all you can ever really ask of those boys. we will be watching to see how this weekend goes. How's the weather looking for you all this weekend? |
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baseballdoc
73 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 11:03:13
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baseballpapa:
I will not have the opportunity to travel to Cumming this weekend and will definitely miss a very competitive tournament. I wish the Bandits the best of luck and hope they stay healthy for our meeting in Atlanta in a couple of weeks. We will play a 12u tournament next weekend as a tuneup for the Super NIT. Baseballpapa, if you take your laptop or can use the computer at the hotel, keep us posted with some details of the tournament. I hope the 'saw hits a couple over the fence! Have a safe trip to Cumming!
quote:
Originally posted by baseballpapa
Thanks sunshine but it appears from our pool draws that the Bandits got this week and the strongest field so far that we are going to need all the luck that we can muster. I just hope that they can hold up and play some respectable baseball. We have been proud of them so far but it has been a lot harder than we imagined it would. The top level 12U teams are definitely some of the best in the nation in my opinion.
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 11:43:52
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| Better than last weekend I am told but last weekend was so bad that it couldn't be too hard to beat. |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2010 : 23:41:49
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| baseballdoc: You certainly missed a great first game. Bandits almost was forced to play with 8 players but we patched together enough to win 4-3 against a major Signature Park 12U team. Our shortstop didn't make it to the field and with some sort of virus might not make it at all tommorrow. Our other shortstop and pitcher was forced to play second base as he had tendonitis in his throwing elbow and our centerfielder almost had to leave the game hurting his arm diving for a line drive. We will be walking wounded for the Stixx game but with the win tonight should have a 50/50 chance of getting a decent draw in the bracket. We should use a little luck. This 12U stuff has been brutal. Jags won over the RoadRunners in what looked like a really good game and the Astros stolled over their opponent. The Astro pitching is fun to watch. |
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baseballdoc
73 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2010 : 16:09:46
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I am following the tournament cybernetically, and did notice that you won a close game last night. Good job! Hopefully, none of the other kids will catch the shortstop's virus. One of the disadvantages of carrying only 10 players is what happened last night. However, when all are healthy, it sure helps getting through the lineup and not having many kids complaining regarding playing time.
Give us an update when you get back to the hotel. You will likely play at 9AM tomorrow morning. Stay healthy! I know you can beat Stixx Baseball, I have seen them play and I know the Bandits well. You will need your pitcher to have good outings. Good luck.
baseballdoc
quote:
Originally posted by baseballpapa
baseballdoc: You certainly missed a great first game. Bandits almost was forced to play with 8 players but we patched together enough to win 4-3 against a major Signature Park 12U team. Our shortstop didn't make it to the field and with some sort of virus might not make it at all tommorrow. Our other shortstop and pitcher was forced to play second base as he had tendonitis in his throwing elbow and our centerfielder almost had to leave the game hurting his arm diving for a line drive. We will be walking wounded for the Stixx game but with the win tonight should have a 50/50 chance of getting a decent draw in the bracket. We should use a little luck. This 12U stuff has been brutal. Jags won over the RoadRunners in what looked like a really good game and the Astros stolled over their opponent. The Astro pitching is fun to watch.
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baseballdoc
73 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2010 : 21:52:03
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baseballpapa:
Congratulations! I told you that you could beat Stixx! Now you can "sleep in" tomorrow morning. Next week there is going to be a potential matchup that I can't miss. It is possible that the East Cobb Astros will face MBA Pride Red 12u. I hear that the East Cobb team has a flame thrower. MBA Pride has a pitcher which many experts claim is the best lefty in the country. When they see him pitch, they'll realize it's not an exageration. Good luck tomorrow - I would not be surpised if you make it to the championship game [unless you run out of pitching]. If you get there, the pressure will be on the other team.
baseballdoc
quote:
Originally posted by baseballdoc
I am following the tournament cybernetically, and did notice that you won a close game last night. Good job! Hopefully, none of the other kids will catch the shortstop's virus. One of the disadvantages of carrying only 10 players is what happened last night. However, when all are healthy, it sure helps getting through the lineup and not having many kids complaining regarding playing time.
Give us an update when you get back to the hotel. You will likely play at 9AM tomorrow morning. Stay healthy! I know you can beat Stixx Baseball, I have seen them play and I know the Bandits well. You will need your pitcher to have good outings. Good luck.
baseballdoc
quote:
Originally posted by baseballpapa
baseballdoc: You certainly missed a great first game. Bandits almost was forced to play with 8 players but we patched together enough to win 4-3 against a major Signature Park 12U team. Our shortstop didn't make it to the field and with some sort of virus might not make it at all tommorrow. Our other shortstop and pitcher was forced to play second base as he had tendonitis in his throwing elbow and our centerfielder almost had to leave the game hurting his arm diving for a line drive. We will be walking wounded for the Stixx game but with the win tonight should have a 50/50 chance of getting a decent draw in the bracket. We should use a little luck. This 12U stuff has been brutal. Jags won over the RoadRunners in what looked like a really good game and the Astros stolled over their opponent. The Astro pitching is fun to watch.
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 03/06/2010 : 22:16:00
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| baseball doc: We not only beat the Stixx but should have run ruled them minus a couple of errors. The Stixx now must face the Georgia RoadRunners. We were down to Sharon Springs Blue 6-4 in the last inning with 2 outs and made a furious 2 out rally to prevail 9-6. We have no pitching left at all but Papa learned a long time ago to never count out these Bandits. We now stand 3-0 in what has been called the best 12U major teams thus far so we can walk away with our heads held high no matter what happens the rest of the way. There are some great teams left but there are also some great teams that already in the house. |
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baseballdoc
73 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2010 : 10:18:36
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baseballpapa:
Did you have to go into extra-innings? Your 1 pm game doesn't appear to be too difficult, although you never know. Good luck today. Say hello to Wade and Troy.
baseballdoc
quote:
Originally posted by baseballpapa
baseball doc: We not only beat the Stixx but should have run ruled them minus a couple of errors. The Stixx now must face the Georgia RoadRunners. We were down to Sharon Springs Blue 6-4 in the last inning with 2 outs and made a furious 2 out rally to prevail 9-6. We have no pitching left at all but Papa learned a long time ago to never count out these Bandits. We now stand 3-0 in what has been called the best 12U major teams thus far so we can walk away with our heads held high no matter what happens the rest of the way. There are some great teams left but there are also some great teams that already in the house.
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2010 : 17:55:14
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| Bandits win 4 and lose 1. baseball doc hit the nail on the head. There are no excuses being made here but we did not have one of ace pitchers and two great inning burners were also down. We ended up pitching our centerfielder that hasn't pitched a long while. But they never gave up until the final out and we are very proud of the effort. Reaching the final 4 in the Slugfest is similiar to making it the NCAA Final Four in Basketball. Astros and one of the Sharon Springs are playing for the championship. Should be a good game if the Bandits didn't use up the SS pitching. |
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baseballdoc
73 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2010 : 20:34:19
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baseballpapa:
The Bandits made a very strong showing at the 12u Slugfest. You accomplished what you set out to do: face good pitching and let your top pitchers face strong hitters. Next weekend there is a tournament in Plant City in which we were supposed to "play up". Unfortunately they have taken 10 teams and placed them in a different bracket which includes mostly 12AAA teams and 3 Majors from the 11u [MBA, Tampa Boltz, and Bullets Baseball]. I guess it is better than playing an 11u tournament prior to our trip to Atlanta. In the 12u Majors bracket [they're playing double-elimination]the East Cobb Astros will be tested twice on Saturday: after they win their first game, they will likely face a strong Florida team [Orange County Outlaws] and the game to follow will likely be against MBA 12u Red. That will be a game I won't miss! We're looking forward to the Super NIT in Atlanta and a chance to play some of the best 11u teams in Georgia. Since we have already won 2 Super NITs this year, I would think that the pressure is not on us. I'm sure we will be discussing the Atlanta tournament during the next several days. However, in the meantime we need to travel to Plant City and play well. When you get back home and rested, give us a synopsis of the Forsyth Slugfest.
baseballdoc
quote:
Originally posted by baseballpapa
Bandits win 4 and lose 1. baseball doc hit the nail on the head. There are no excuses being made here but we did not have one of ace pitchers and two great inning burners were also down. We ended up pitching our centerfielder that hasn't pitched a long while. But they never gave up until the final out and we are very proud of the effort. Reaching the final 4 in the Slugfest is similiar to making it the NCAA Final Four in Basketball. Astros and one of the Sharon Springs are playing for the championship. Should be a good game if the Bandits didn't use up the SS pitching.
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ecbstix
115 Posts |
Posted - 03/07/2010 : 21:01:16
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| Great job Bandits! You done youself proud. And don't worry, the 'Stros took care of'em for you! |
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