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BBallManGA
48 Posts |
 Posted - 06/27/2010 : 19:54:01
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Papa:
Can you give us a report on Omaha Champions Village? How are the facilities? How is the experience? Is it the value that it appears to be? What are the teams that are playing? Who do the Bandits face? I can't find anything on teams and matchups on the website.
I am sure that I am just one of several that are anxious to hear about your experience and the competition that you are facing.
My money is on the Bandits!! |
Edited by - BBallManGA on 06/27/2010 19:55:34 |
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kingofswat
10 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2010 : 12:48:04
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I have never heard of a tournament with so much secrecy regarding the names of teams attending. No one seems to know who is playing - if they do, they are sure doing a good job keeping it to themselves. Papa and Bandit_Hawk; can you let us all know?
quote:
Originally posted by BBallManGA
Papa:
Can you give us a report on Omaha Champions Village? How are the facilities? How is the experience? Is it the value that it appears to be? What are the teams that are playing? Who do the Bandits face? I can't find anything on teams and matchups on the website.
I am sure that I am just one of several that are anxious to hear about your experience and the competition that you are facing.
My money is on the Bandits!!
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sharkball
25 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2010 : 14:09:17
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| Google omaha champions village |
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BBallManGA
48 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2010 : 15:15:44
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Ok I think I found something about the teams attending on their website. They must have just added this within the last few days. I still would love to hear from papa and the gang on the level of competition and other insight about the whole tourney, facilities, etc.
See link below for a list of teams and schedule.
http://www.hoffields.com/tournaments.aspx |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2010 : 15:51:18
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Here is the website: omahaball.com
They have finally posted the schedule and have a webcam set up on field #4 only. We play on field 4 Tuesday at 8am (9 East) and Friday at 9am (10 East).
The facility is not quite completed but probably at least 75% done. I've heard of some complaints by others who have already been here but we will see for ourselves. We checked the boys in this morning and the barracks were nice and air conditioned. Opening ceremonies are tonight at 6:30. |
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tuckersbo
25 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2010 : 17:47:55
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| go to: www.omahaball.com This site has the live webcam & schedules/scores. Fields 2 & 4 will have the webcam games. Our boys play on field 4 in the morning @ 8 (Central time of course). |
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kingofswat
10 Posts |
Posted - 06/28/2010 : 20:03:25
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Thanks for the information: B-Hawk, I don't know much about all the teams participating, but they sure are not household names (other than the Bandits). I do know about Liga Enrique Cruz or Kike Cruz as is commonly called. This is a private league of well-to-do Dominican families. They have several age groups who travel every summer to the US (generally Disney)to vacation-play baseball. The kids in the Dominican Republic who can play baseball are generally the ones that can't afford these types of trips. In fact they cannot even obtain a tourist visa. This problem is widespread throughout Latin America.
Hopefully you will face some teams that may have "loaded up" for this tournament and give you some competition. After all the money spent and all the hours driving, that is the least you can expect. Good luck.
quote:
Originally posted by Bandit_Hawk
Here is the website: omahaball.com
They have finally posted the schedule and have a webcam set up on field #4 only. We play on field 4 Tuesday at 8am (9 East) and Friday at 9am (10 East).
The facility is not quite completed but probably at least 75% done. I've heard of some complaints by others who have already been here but we will see for ourselves. We checked the boys in this morning and the barracks were nice and air conditioned. Opening ceremonies are tonight at 6:30.
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2010 : 00:04:32
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Kingofswat, one thing is always for certain with the Bandits - they will have fun and make the most of whatever situation they are in. We appreciate your well wishes and we too hope we face some good competition. The Arkansas Seminoles look on paper to be the best team out here besides us but the game is not played on paper.
Our boys did well in the skills competition placing first in the HR derby, 2nd in the Fleet Foot and 2nd in the around the horn competitions. Opening ceremonies and skills competitions were a lot of fun.
More updates to come ... |
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Shut Out
512 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2010 : 08:21:21
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| It might be me but neither of these websites appear to be working |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 06/29/2010 : 10:52:25
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| Due to work issues Papa was not able to make this trip but I am keeping the phone lines busy getting hourly updates. We just run ruled the Bucs which was the first game of the tournament. News is that the Dominican team can play some baseball and Arkansas Seminoles is known to all. Rest of field are not household names but you never know what they will bring to this type tournament. I am hoping to get up there later in the week. I am not sure but I believe that the Texas team is the one that won the NYBC last year which would make them a top team. I will let all know how my Bandits fare after each game. |
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Shut Out
512 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2010 : 10:59:21
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Papa,
Updates please.... |
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tuckersbo
25 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2010 : 15:34:43
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quote:
Originally posted by Shut Out
Papa,
Updates please....
Still unbeaten as of now; play again in a few minutes. Boys will play @ 11 (cdt) tomorrow on field 4 (should be on the webcam) |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2010 : 16:03:06
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| Bandits still undefeated handling the Dominican team with ease and run ruling 2 other teams. Brackets start Friday night and we hope to see some of the other teams best. |
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kingofswat
10 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2010 : 19:14:55
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How many of the kids from the Dominican team appeared to be greater than 11 years of age? In the Dominican Republic there are 2 types of ages: (1) chronological age and (2) baseball age. My son's 8u team from the USA travelled to the Dominican 3 years ago and participated in an 8u tournament in Punta Cana sponsored by AAU. The great majority of the players they played against were at least 10 years old. One of the main reasons this occurs is because each team thinks that the other team has illegal players. It really is a shame. By the way, this problem is also prevalent in many other countries, it is not exclusive to the Dominican Republic.
Latin ball players with "age" problems have also been noted frequently in the minor and major leagues.
quote:
Originally posted by baseballpapa
Bandits still undefeated handling the Dominican team with ease and run ruling 2 other teams. Brackets start Friday night and we hope to see some of the other teams best.
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tuckersbo
25 Posts |
Posted - 07/02/2010 : 23:08:33
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quote:
Originally posted by kingofswat
How many of the kids from the Dominican team appeared to be greater than 11 years of age? In the Dominican Republic there are 2 types of ages: (1) chronological age and (2) baseball age. My son's 8u team from the USA travelled to the Dominican 3 years ago and participated in an 8u tournament in Punta Cana sponsored by AAU. The great majority of the players they played against were at least 10 years old. One of the main reasons this occurs is because each team thinks that the other team has illegal players. It really is a shame. By the way, this problem is also prevalent in many other countries, it is not exclusive to the Dominican Republic.
Latin ball players with "age" problems have also been noted frequently in the minor and major leagues.
These boys seem to be "legal" 11U players. Most of them are the same size as our boys. The players speak fluent English and our Bandits have made friends with several of them. I believe they would be considered a AAA team in Georgia.
quote:
Originally posted by baseballpapa
Bandits still undefeated handling the Dominican team with ease and run ruling 2 other teams. Brackets start Friday night and we hope to see some of the other teams best.
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2010 : 08:26:00
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| The way we have hit the ball they are probably wanting to check our birth certificates. The last few tournaments the Bandits have been on a hitting binge. Up to this year we were known more for our pitching and defense but lately our hitting has been one of our strongest points. It does not seem possible that this year is almost over. |
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tuckersbo
25 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2010 : 09:23:12
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| When Troy left our hotel last night, he was not sure who we play @ 11. There will be three games today...the first and last will be played on field 4 (webcam). Game times for field 4 games are 11 & 5 CDT. |
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kingofswat
10 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2010 : 13:01:28
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quote:
These boys seem to be "legal" 11U players. Most of them are the same size as our boys. The players speak fluent English and our Bandits have made friends with several of them. I believe they would be considered a AAA team in Georgia.
As we all know, size does not equal age. Danny Almonte, the infamous Little Leaguer who as a 14-year old competed against 12-year olds at the Little League World Series, was the same size as the majority of his counterparts.
Affluent Latin American kids, who travel to the USA on vacation and participate in tournaments such as Omaha and Disney are usually of legal age. In addition to be "usually" of legal age, many, if not most, speak English very well. They also are good at computer games such as PSP, Nintendo, and X-Box. Their baseball skills, for the most part are equivalent to those of average AAA or mid-levle Major teams in the US. However, the economically deprived youngsters from Latin American countries are not able to speak English, rarely if ever have played computer games, but are absolutely great ball players. Most of the Dominican players in the major leagues come from the latter group. Just to name a few active players from this group: Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Ubaldo Jimenez, Vladimir Guerrero,Albert Pujols, Hanley Ramirez, Robinson Cano, Jose Bautista, etc.
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bmoser
1633 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2010 : 17:00:49
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Papa,
Ask the D.R. boys if they know BMoser! Bill Moser Sr is a Coach for the DR National Junior Golf Team. Those youngsters too are extremely affluent and speak English fluently. They arrive at the golf course each day in Limos' with body guards in tow. |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2010 : 21:16:02
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"THE FINALS ARE IN" and Papa's Bandits take home the Gold. Not only did we take down all comer's we appear to have had one of the best times the boys could have hoped to experience. They will be able to tell their grandchildren that they watched the last game of the College World Series held at Rosenblatt Stadium and that they were able to see one of their home grown SEC teams take home the title.
And just for good measure they scored 102 runs and allowed 1 unearned run in a little place 18 hours from home called Omaha, Nebraska. That's impressive numbers for any team in any age group at any level. The last 4 weeks of this season could not have gone any better for the Bandits than it has and it will be hard to forget the final few weeks of this season and the way we played.
Papa is so proud of these young men and the way they play this game of baseball. But I must give a lot of credit to Georgia Baseball as we are one of the lucky few teams in the nation that need not travel much at all to find the very best baseball competition in the entire US of A and facing you guys day in day out only makes us harder to deal with when we play away from home.
It's time to hang up the baseball cleats get in some quality time with the families. Thanks to Georgia baseball and the 11U Bandits for making another lasting memory in the mind and heart of ole baseball papa. There is a lot to be said about the way a story is told and before I get through telling about this season there will be folks waiting in line to film a made for TV movie. |
Edited by - baseballpapa on 07/03/2010 22:45:35 |
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Mom of Kelley23
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2010 : 02:12:47
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| Way to go Bandits! CONGRATS |
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BBallManGA
48 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2010 : 15:42:36
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| I second that congats!! I knew you were the ones to beat. I just wish you guys were going on to play the elite 32 this year. I think it was yours for the taking! I would still love to hear about the overall quality of the experiene ( outside of winning and attending the CWS game.). Would you recommend it to other teams? The cost per kid seems to be a good bit less than Cooperstown so I just wondered how it compares. Thanks for another great year Bandits! |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 07/04/2010 : 20:20:38
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BBallmanGa. Papa didn't get to attend the event but from talking to the kids it appeared that they truly enjoyed the experience. The parents thought that once the place gets finished that it will be a top notch facility. The distance was one of the greater drawbacks. Since I didn't attend I will leave it up to Bandit Hawk to describe the event for you.
I do want to talk about the Elite 32. As most of you know Georgia is one of 4 states that starts school the same day as Disney. As parents and grandparents we decided before the year started that we did not want the kids to miss school especially since some of them would be jumping from elementary school to middle school which is a big transition. I want all to know that the Bandits have tried to get an at large berth and in my mind earned a berth and have the email from the Alabama director to prove it but it was not given. Now a team from the BOSS of USSSA out of Louisiana with a 12-28 record got a berth which really proves that Elite means politics. Elite means the best the game has to offer and a losing record from any team is not Elite. I want to thank Bubba Smith from the bottom of my heart for his efforts. If they would give Bubba the opportunity and the authority I believe that he could be a pill that would make USSSA better but as long as the current administration is running things USSSA will continue to die a slow death in Georgia.
The Bandits are looking forward to next year and Papa has heard the same rumors as all of you. We have a ton of respect for the East Cobb Astros and even more respect for this storied program but I can assure you all that the Bandits will be back as the Bandits and will be much improved because if you stand still in the world of travel baseball you will go backwards. |
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momof12
20 Posts |
Posted - 07/05/2010 : 15:40:02
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I'm writing this reply on my blackberry so please overlook any typing errors. We are still traveling home from Omaha. We stopped in St. Louis and spent the fourth of July. Thank you for the congrats.
As for the overall experience I can tell you that it is hard to compare to Cooperstown. OCV is new. The fields are nice but could be nicer. The mounds were an issue. They were dirt and were not real firm. Seemed to give some of the boys trouble at first but they adjusted quickly. The dugouts do not have the mist system as advertised but probably will soon.
The food was not very good overall according to the boys. They will also perfect that soon. They were very interested in the boys suggestions. I'm sure the boys told them more than they wanted to know.
As for the competition it was definitely not what we are used to. However it did give us the chance to see some different teams and meet new people. The level of competition will improve as the tournament gets s few years under its belt.
I know that I may have a different perspective on things but for what it is worth I do recommend the tournament. I enjoy playing good competition as it only makes my son a better player but this week allowed him to meet players and coaches in areas of the country that he has never met before. My ultimate goal in all of this is to get him a good college education with a good scholarship to pay for it. Hopefully now he has made a few more contacts in that respect as well. I also realize that with all the money we have spent on baseball we could have put a huge dent in a college education but he/we wouldn't have had near as much fun as doing it this way. So I would say give the tournament a shot. It can only get better if we continue to send good teams there to play and we all know GA has some of the best around!give it a try; after all Cooperstown wasn't built in a day!
This was overall one of the best times we have had as a group. The CWS was awesome and the parents had as much fun as the kids did there. Those are the things that will not soon be forgotten. |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2010 : 09:53:59
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Bballmanga, I would say that the Omaha Champions Village tournament is like "Cooperstown Light". Most of the same Cooperstown events and format are part of the Omaha experience.
Being the first year of the tournament, the competition wasn't as good as we would have liked but the team had a great time anyway. The facilities are very nice and the staff did a great job running the tournament. I would expect that some things will be ironed out and other things improved or added next year.
Our coaches and players tend to make the best of every situation and Omaha was no exception. The dorm experience in particular is something that our head coach really makes the most out of. He is like a big kid among the players instigating all sorts of mischief. The kids think he is the coolest coach in the world and I tend to agree with them.
We took the whole crew to the last game played at Rosenblatt Stadium and watched USC clinch the College World Series Championship that night. There are vendors set up in tents outside the stadium and a large tailgating atmosphere that everyone also enjoyed. Omaha has a really great Zoo also for the little ones to enjoy.
All in all, a great experience. |
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