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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
 Posted - 04/11/2011 : 10:44:33
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Papa got a email that has got the wheels turning in my head and I want to get your guys opinion. It seems that the sender of the email was affliated with a East Cobb team that is wanting very badly to win a berth to Disney and that they have taken great offense against the Bandits that have already qualified.
The beef is that the Bandits are continuing to play in several Super NIT's and had the unfortunate draw of playing some Georgia teams and winning that kept them from advancing. The reason that I am writing is that I understand and symphatize with the reasoning behind the email. We just won the Super NIT in Alabama winning over Team Florida in the finals 4-3 but in the process eliminated another Georgia team that I thought was one of the best teams in the tournament and in my opinion might have made the finals if not matched against the eventual winner not once but twice. Now anyone with any common sense knows that you just play who's on the other end of the scorecard and that we have nothing to do with the schedule but I am scratching my head over this one.
We play the Super NIT's for one reason and one reason only and that has nothing to do with qualifying for anything. We play because this seems to be where the best teams in the nation are playing and we want to play the best.
We do plan on playing in Super NIT's in North Carolina, another in Alabama, Tallahassee, Florida, and Tennessee in coming weeks but not to keep anyone else from qualifying. We just want to play the best and this seems to where the best is located.
Are the Bandits wrong guys. What do you think. |
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ecbpappi
244 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 13:16:19
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| Can you transfer a qualifying bid to another team since you have 2?? Also, I think other teams should be able to get an at large bid to enter the elite 32 since the bandits will have won most of the births anyway! ;-) |
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Hiredgun
44 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 13:24:53
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Papa,
I don't see any issues with the Bandits still participating in these types of tournaments. If the Bandits win the event then the berth trickles down to the next team.
Hopefully, the ECB team can and will earn the birth. As they say, in order to be the best you have to beat the best. Good luck to them in their efforts to get to Disney. |
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Taterhater
66 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 13:41:46
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| Papa...as soon as you guys quit playing in all the SNITs that you can, you will be criticized for dodging teams...or for entering lesser tournaments taht you have no business entering. You can't win. Just keep playing the best out there and to heck with what other teams are saying. It seems to me that if one of these teams won a berth to the Elite and didn't get to go through the Bandits to get it, the berth wouldn't be as sweet. As the Nature Boy says..."to be the man, you gotta beat the man". Tell the whiners to shut up and play. |
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Lefty8
67 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 13:58:25
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| it does not matter how many Super NIT's a team win's you can only win the birth once. Hiredgun is correct. If the Bandits played in 6 Super NIT's and won all of them the other 5 would be passed to the 2nd place team and if they already won one then it would keep on passing down until no team in that tournament has won it. The team my son was on last year placed 3rd in a Super NIT and the first team already won it before so it got passed to the 2nd team who turned it down, then it came to us. |
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in_the_know
985 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 14:14:13
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| You're probably doing the other team a favor. If they can't beat you in any of the SNIT's to get to Disney, they will likely not beat you in Disney. Might be saving the team and families a small fortune. |
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ramman999
241 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 14:37:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Hiredgun
Papa, I don't see any issues with the Bandits still participating in these types of tournaments. If the Bandits win the event then the berth trickles down to the next team.
Exactly - I think that if teams have the capacity and the means, they should play every Super NIT they are able to - if the Bandits can play in and win 10, so be it. Regardless, there will still be 32 teams there in Disney via qualifying, at large or trickle down!! |
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sccapcity
33 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 14:37:41
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Papa,
Congrats on the win this weekend. The team should be proud of its accomplishments. I've always enjoyed reading your post. They are usually informative, relevant and often insightful for a parent or grandparent involved in travel ball. Unfortunately this post is none of the above. The topic could've and should've been discussed without any details including reference to an alleged email. Seriously what bearing do the details have on the basic premise of the discussion and why did you feel compelled to bring them into the General Discussion category? Are you really interested in what others think or is this an ill fated attempt to embarrass the other team. I for one will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume the details were added to "color" up the story but I'm really looking forward to reading your explanation/apology to the other team.
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lovethisgame
5 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 15:00:03
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| If you hand a team the berth what good is it. Should they be there? Unlike Lefty8's sons team who should be there by placing 3rd or if the ECB team placed 3rd and it got passed to them. The point is BBpapa the Bandits will always be a target for criticisms and jealousy. Keep on chucking and hitting that little white ball wherever you go and represent the state of Georgia well. Win as many SNIT's you can as that is the only way to shut the rest of them up about who is #1. |
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Spartan4
913 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 16:45:34
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| I don't feel an apology is neccessary....If Papa is wrong then the original sender of the email is WRONG as well....Seeding in the Elite 32 is based upon how many USSSA points you have been awarded and to my knowledge Super NITs are a great way to get a lot of points quickly. It is simple, when entering a Super NIT that the Bandits are in, the opposing team needs to do whatever it can to finish 2nd. I hate losing but in this case 2nd place would be a victory, it just so happened y'all played the same team twice....Bad luck for them... |
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 17:13:30
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sccapacity: I sometimes do tend to let my mouth overload what by rear can carry but I can assure you that the post was made more out of concern that we were not doing the right thing by keeping other teams from qualifying due to us playing them early in the bracket play and I really wanted everyone to know that this was not the reason it was being done and the that reason we wanted to play was simply due to the fact that this is the venue where the best teams are playing.
I think that you are most likely right that I should not have mentioned the email or the team but all that know me know that I have the utmost respect for all opponents and regardless of how you took it, it was not meant to embararss the other team
I sincerely apologize for the insensitivity and hope that all will accept the apology as given. |
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ECAstros12U
7 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 18:24:41
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| This is Wes Fields, head coach of the East Cobb Astros. I do not participate in these forums because by and large I find them to be quite silly. I've little interest in grown men speaking in third person and taking credit for children's success. I'm only on here and responding because a friend brought the above to my attention and I care very deeply about my team and its players. That said, I'll be brief: I don't care who shows up at any event we play in. We will play anyone, anywhere, anytime. If, and I stress IF, someone associated with the Astros sent said email, I apologize. However it is in no way indicative of the attitude of my team or East Cobb Baseball. We want to compete with and against the best. So please feel free to join us in Tallahassee and Auburn. Thank you. |
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Jacked-up
59 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 20:00:19
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From another perspective....In girl's fastpitch, once a team earns their Berth to ASA A Nationals (highest level possible), out of respect to other GEORGIA teams, they no longer play in them. Based on brackets, you could negatively impact their ability to win the berth. Once at Nationals, all of the GEORGIA teams support each other.
After getting the berth, those teams play up an age group or 2 to see better competition..Or they do friendlies with the other Berth winners...
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baseballpapa
1520 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 21:28:43
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Mr. Fields: I apologized earlier and will now personally apologize to you if I offended in any way. But I will also say that I have never taken any credit for any success of the children but I will take credit for supporting and encouraging them every bit as much as you or any Coach out there like you. I have the great privelege and pleasure of attending every single game that I can and they number in the 100's with some of them being 6-8 hours away not to take credit but to let them know how much I love them and want them to have the opportunity to succeed.
And as for me speaking in the third person that is the way that I have always posted and will continue to do so regardless of what some might think. And if you find the forums to be silly then it's a simple choice of not reading them but for some the forum is only another way that we can reach out and support something that we care deeply about.
I love the game of baseball and have a deep and abiding respect for the game and feel that the game teaches our children much more than just baseball. It is obvious from your post that you know very little about me. Thank you for the challenge and if the Bandits can work it into our schedule you can bet that we will be there. |
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sccapcity
33 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 22:19:09
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| Thanks Papa for setting the story straight and clarifying the intent of the original post. For the record I agree with the approach but found the use of the details offensive (I do not have a son in the age group nor any affiliation with the team referenced above). With that behind us I would play wherever and whenever irrespective of a previous win, qualification or someone else's opinion. SNIT's attract the best regional competition and are the only tournaments where the Bandits will be challenged on a regular basis so it stands to reason you should play there....not to mention the kids have fun playing out-of-state teams from time to time. I would be shocked if anyone has a problem with this. |
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Spartan4
913 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2011 : 22:27:13
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| Are fastpitch world series events seeded based upon points?? It happens every year that a good team who fails to secure points for the elite 32 has to play a top 3 team early in bracked, sometimes twice. I think securing points for your team should be a priority for any team who plans on competing in the Elite 32. |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2011 : 10:34:33
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quote:
Originally posted by ECAstros12U
This is Wes Fields, head coach of the East Cobb Astros. I do not participate in these forums because by and large I find them to be quite silly. I've little interest in grown men speaking in third person and taking credit for children's success. I'm only on here and responding because a friend brought the above to my attention and I care very deeply about my team and its players. That said, I'll be brief: I don't care who shows up at any event we play in. We will play anyone, anywhere, anytime. If, and I stress IF, someone associated with the Astros sent said email, I apologize. However it is in no way indicative of the attitude of my team or East Cobb Baseball. We want to compete with and against the best. So please feel free to join us in Tallahassee and Auburn. Thank you.
Coach, after seeing the Astros in action several times now, I have to tell you that I am very impressed with the way they are coached. I've also gotten the chance to meet a handful of your parents and players. You guys truly have the makings of a great team. Your reputation as a great baseball coach has preceded you and I can see why.
What I don't understand is why you feel it is necessary to alienate others by being so abrasive with your actions and comments. This is supposed to be a fun, learning experience for these 11, 12 and 13 year old boys. Sometimes being "silly" is fun. And, for the record, Baseballpapa is so full of energy, excitement and personality that he has to refer to himself in the third person - one person couldn't possibly contain all of that enthusiasm !! |
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Alter-Ego
802 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2011 : 11:48:11
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Dennis,
I have struggled with this over the last couple years when we were playing Super NIT's. There is no answer that works for everyone.
When trying to qualify for Disney, getting the berth trumps trying to play all comers. Once the berth is gained, it's back on with playing the best competition.
For a team that has qualified, to not continue to play the best is shorting your players from getting the development they need to compete in Disney.
To play in other Super NIT's will almost always result in a team getting knocked out that has a good shot at qualifying.
I don't think you are ever doing a team a favor by blocking their way to Disney, and avoiding them getting beaten when they get there.
The Elite WS is about the experience and 31 teams leave without winning it.
If memory serves me correctly we did not play any additional Super NIT's after qualifying the past two years. We played up to get the additional competition. By doing so, even the average teams an age group above were beneficial competition.
Everyone has their approach and it is unfortunately when a team that has quaified knocks out a team that has not, but as you said "you don't make the brackets."
Just keep playing what you feel will make your players better. |
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Jacked-up
59 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2011 : 12:54:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Spartan4
Are fastpitch world series events seeded based upon points?? It happens every year that a good team who fails to secure points for the elite 32 has to play a top 3 team early in bracked, sometimes twice. I think securing points for your team should be a priority for any team who plans on competing in the Elite 32.
Good point - no points for ASA Nationals. They do break up the brackets based on Regions to avoid local teams from seeing each other in at least 2 rounds. A berth equals a berth and no weighting. |
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gasbag
281 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2011 : 13:13:09
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Papa - Gassy here, if you've already qualified and truly are seeking a higher level of competition, just play up an age group at 13U. I believe the field dimensions are the same but I could be wrong. This will accomplish a few things: 1 - continue to challenge your players to get better by playing higher age competition 2 - You won't get labeled by some of the more opinionated folks as "dodging the competition". 3 - Gives some additional GEORGIA teams some bragging rights and allows our state to qualify more teams for Elite in Disney.
It's just a thought....BTW, I have not seen you at the ballparks lately which leads me to believe you A - don't like me anymore B - your mad at me C - after living more than half my life ( +- 26 years )in the south, you still consider me a danged buckeye ! D - you are dodging me cause I have those pictures of you swinging from the chandelier attempting to kiss the wall mounted moose at our last gathering or E --- all of the above !
I think my last feeling just got hurt !!!!! |
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EastsideBB
44 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2011 : 13:57:29
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| I think it's very beneficial to play in mulitple SNIT's - even after you earned a berth if your goal is to win the Elite 32. You earn more points that would get you a very high seed and possibly put on the opposite side of the other top team in pool and bracket play. You get to see and play the best teams in your age group which will help you prepare for the Elite 32. You may see a player or two who you would want to pick up for the Elite 32. IMHO go for it and good luck. I would love to see the team win it all. |
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in_the_know
985 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2011 : 17:59:50
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Field dimensions change.
11u & 12u = 50'/70
13u = 54'/80
14u & up = 60'/90
quote:
Originally posted by gasbag
Papa - Gassy here, if you've already qualified and truly are seeking a higher level of competition, just play up an age group at 13U. I believe the field dimensions are the same but I could be wrong. This will accomplish a few things: 1 - continue to challenge your players to get better by playing higher age competition 2 - You won't get labeled by some of the more opinionated folks as "dodging the competition". 3 - Gives some additional GEORGIA teams some bragging rights and allows our state to qualify more teams for Elite in Disney.
It's just a thought....BTW, I have not seen you at the ballparks lately which leads me to believe you A - don't like me anymore B - your mad at me C - after living more than half my life ( +- 26 years )in the south, you still consider me a danged buckeye ! D - you are dodging me cause I have those pictures of you swinging from the chandelier attempting to kiss the wall mounted moose at our last gathering or E --- all of the above !
I think my last feeling just got hurt !!!!!
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AABB16
17 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2011 : 19:44:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Bandit_Hawk
quote:
Originally posted by ECAstros12U
This is Wes Fields, head coach of the East Cobb Astros. I do not participate in these forums because by and large I find them to be quite silly. I've little interest in grown men speaking in third person and taking credit for children's success. I'm only on here and responding because a friend brought the above to my attention and I care very deeply about my team and its players. That said, I'll be brief: I don't care who shows up at any event we play in. We will play anyone, anywhere, anytime. If, and I stress IF, someone associated with the Astros sent said email, I apologize. However it is in no way indicative of the attitude of my team or East Cobb Baseball. We want to compete with and against the best. So please feel free to join us in Tallahassee and Auburn. Thank you.
Coach, after seeing the Astros in action several times now, I have to tell you that I am very impressed with the way they are coached. I've also gotten the chance to meet a handful of your parents and players. You guys truly have the makings of a great team. Your reputation as a great baseball coach has preceded you and I can see why.
What I don't understand is why you feel it is necessary to alienate others by being so abrasive with your actions and comments. This is supposed to be a fun, learning experience for these 11, 12 and 13 year old boys. Sometimes being "silly" is fun. And, for the record, Baseballpapa is so full of energy, excitement and personality that he has to refer to himself in the third person - one person couldn't possibly contain all of that enthusiasm !!
BanditHawk: i figured it out your formuala you have a balance of 11,12 & 13 year olds on your team. I assume they are mostly 13 and the bat boys are the 11 & 12 year olds!!! Just pulling your chain and taking your own words out of context!! |
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TAZ980002
831 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2011 : 07:07:33
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quote:
Originally posted by AABB16
quote:
Originally posted by Bandit_Hawk
quote:
Originally posted by ECAstros12U
This is Wes Fields, head coach of the East Cobb Astros. I do not participate in these forums because by and large I find them to be quite silly. I've little interest in grown men speaking in third person and taking credit for children's success. I'm only on here and responding because a friend brought the above to my attention and I care very deeply about my team and its players. That said, I'll be brief: I don't care who shows up at any event we play in. We will play anyone, anywhere, anytime. If, and I stress IF, someone associated with the Astros sent said email, I apologize. However it is in no way indicative of the attitude of my team or East Cobb Baseball. We want to compete with and against the best. So please feel free to join us in Tallahassee and Auburn. Thank you.
Coach, after seeing the Astros in action several times now, I have to tell you that I am very impressed with the way they are coached. I've also gotten the chance to meet a handful of your parents and players. You guys truly have the makings of a great team. Your reputation as a great baseball coach has preceded you and I can see why.
What I don't understand is why you feel it is necessary to alienate others by being so abrasive with your actions and comments. This is supposed to be a fun, learning experience for these 11, 12 and 13 year old boys. Sometimes being "silly" is fun. And, for the record, Baseballpapa is so full of energy, excitement and personality that he has to refer to himself in the third person - one person couldn't possibly contain all of that enthusiasm !!
BanditHawk: i figured it out your formuala you have a balance of 11,12 & 13 year olds on your team. I assume they are mostly 13 and the bat boys are the 11 & 12 year olds!!! Just pulling your chain and taking your own words out of context!!
Dangdong it !!! You figured out our secret. Coach Troy is going to be really mad at me for letting it out ... |
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QUALIFYING FOR ELITE 32 IN 12U
