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Bravemom
204 Posts |
 Posted - 04/19/2015 : 21:50:39
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Any info on any of these two programs would be great. Specifically, the current 11u program. Considering these programs for 12 u next year.
Feel free to pm.
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LittleDawg
91 Posts |
Posted - 04/21/2015 : 16:23:43
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@Bravemom I can't speak directly to either because my son currently plays for a different program however have family friends in each organization.
Nelson: Very good program. They really like the coach and the team is competing in all the tournaments they enter. They are very happy thus far.
Next Level: This family too is very happy. They admit that the program was slow to get going due to it being a first year organization in this area. But they have nothing but positive things to say about the team and the coaching. As I understand it, the focus for the 11U team was development and they are VERY pleased.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I have had my son take lessons from Kirk Doyle at Next Level. I figured that if his Dad was a Yankee and his Uncle is the current hitting coach for the Rockies, he might know a thing or 2. Bottom Line: I HIGHLY Recommend him whether your son plays in his organization or not.
I am sure that these programs, like all others have their Pros/Cons and it would be worth contacting them to find out if they are good fit for your son and family. |
Edited by - LittleDawg on 04/21/2015 16:36:26 |
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brball
615 Posts |
Posted - 04/21/2015 : 23:27:52
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Not with either, but know about both.
Nelson = established program and have very good teams at the older levels
Next Level = 1st year program
With that said, I would start with Nelson and go from there. Keep in mind there are many other programs in that area, so don't limit your selection to those 2.
Good luck! |
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Bravemom
204 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2015 : 05:59:58
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Thank you both for sharing. The information has been very helpful. You mention other programs? I am aware of 643, East Cobb and Titans...and anything in Alpharetta/Cumming is too far.
These programs seem to have a strong focus on winning...nothing wrong with that. I want the focus to be development. I have a AA kid who has potential, but needs development. These programs seem to carry Major teams with an occasional very high AAA.
Thanks!! |
Edited by - Bravemom on 04/22/2015 09:06:22 |
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CaCO3Girl
1989 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2015 : 09:19:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Bravemom
Thank you both for sharing. The information has been very helpful. You mention other programs? I am aware of 643, East Cobb and Titans...and anything in Alpharetta/Cumming is too far.
These programs seem to have a strong focus on winning...nothing wrong with that. I want the focus to be development. I have a AA kid who has potential, but needs development. These programs seem to carry Major teams with an occasional very high AAA.
Thanks!!
As with all teams it comes down to the coach. There are teams in the academy type situations that you mentioned that are Major and play at high levels, sometimes a level above their age groups. However, there are also lower level teams.
Not saying who is right and who is wrong, but this is what I have gleamed from the academies.
643 tends to have 3 teams, that's it, so your AAA/Major theory would be correct. Same for Titans, they typically put out 1-2 teams a season. ECB on the other hand currently has seven 11u teams and six 12u teams....they are not all AAA and higher. Some of those teams don't even practice out of ECB in Marietta, so that is something to be aware of while talking to coaches. You should specifically ask WHERE they will be practicing out of.
All three seem to vet their coaches ability/background well, they have a baseball brand and need to have knowledgeable people there who are good examples of that brand. and therefore they will be able to provide proper fundamentals for a current AA player. Another thing to keep in mind is Cooperstown for next year. If that is important for you best to ask up front if the coach plans on attending. Lastly, all 3 have an open tryout that anyone who pays can attend. 643 and titans typically have "baseball camps" in the summer as well so you can see where your child is comfortable. Why don't you take your son in July to all three tryouts, for the experience if nothing else. |
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SuperStar
257 Posts |
Posted - 04/22/2015 : 17:28:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Bravemom
Thank you both for sharing. The information has been very helpful. You mention other programs? I am aware of 643, East Cobb and Titans...and anything in Alpharetta/Cumming is too far.
These programs seem to have a strong focus on winning...nothing wrong with that. I want the focus to be development. I have a AA kid who has potential, but needs development. These programs seem to carry Major teams with an occasional very high AAA.
Thanks!!
You would be surprised Bravemom. Not all of the ECB teams focus on winning. Some strictly go through the motions of playing baseball. It just depends where you want your son to be. So you could get on one of the weaker ECB teams and it would be a good fit. JMO. |
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Critical Mass
277 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2015 : 08:18:50
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Nelson is a good program and is the "anti" academy. Focus is learning the game and the way it should be played, not the jersey/uniform or the badge. Younger teams are getting better. Son played for them for 4 years 15-18 and is moving on to D1 baseball on scholarship. What i like most about it for him is the relationship my son has with Brian, his main coach and the friends he's made along they way. PM me with any questions. What i liked about it for the fam is the local aspect of it , playing competitive teams without traveling all over the country and it's affordable...its not about 5 unis and a pair of orange and white reebok cleats.
No nothing about next level. 1st year team "could" offer access to playing time?
I would not recommend an academy team if your son is a AA player looking to play while improving his game, he will get lost and probably wont play. Their main focus is winning. Tryouts, for the most parts are fundraisers...don't get caught thinking he can make the team from there, "most" teams are pre-selected before the tryout.
Beware, there are lots of Dads coaching at East Cobb and the bias comes with the package. What was "once" the best show in town with a few top level teams is now those few select teams who win national titles and a bunch of dad ran, fundraising entities called travel teams that carry the ECB badge. That badge has zero to do with the level of coaching your kid will receive, zero.."most" are placeholders for dads, with like-dads coaching who are placeholders for their 3-4 kids who attempt to fill out the roster and watch their kids play while they wear the ECB gear to church on Sunday.
I know at 14-15-16-17-18 EC has a "best" team coached by one guy since the beginning of time and the rest of the pack who are typically dads, again....or they leave ECB and go elsewhere because their kid isn't good enough to play on said elite teams. That is shame....a serious walk of shame, son.
As the man in black or widely know as Dread Pirate Roberts said to Inigo Montoya in Princess Bride...most parents need to "Get used to disappointment."
I do not believe NBS has dads coaching, he usually pays ex NBS players who are in college, post college or in milb post milb to coach his teams. |
Edited by - Critical Mass on 04/24/2015 08:38:41 |
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mikepayne
173 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2015 : 09:22:33
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| I have seen a huge improvement from the beginning of the season until now in the 12u Nelson team. If my kid was a free agent, Nelson would be a place I would have him tryout for. |
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CaCO3Girl
1989 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2015 : 10:23:12
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quote:
Originally posted by Critical Mass
Nelson is a good program and is the "anti" academy. Focus is learning the game and the way it should be played, not the jersey/uniform or the badge. Younger teams are getting better. Son played for them for 4 years 15-18 and is moving on to D1 baseball on scholarship. What i like most about it for him is the relationship my son has with Brian, his main coach and the friends he's made along they way. PM me with any questions. What i liked about it for the fam is the local aspect of it , playing competitive teams without traveling all over the country and it's affordable...its not about 5 unis and a pair of orange and white reebok cleats.
No nothing about next level. 1st year team "could" offer access to playing time?
I would not recommend an academy team if your son is a AA player looking to play while improving his game, he will get lost and probably wont play. Their main focus is winning. Tryouts, for the most parts are fundraisers...don't get caught thinking he can make the team from there, "most" teams are pre-selected before the tryout.
Beware, there are lots of Dads coaching at East Cobb and the bias comes with the package. What was "once" the best show in town with a few top level teams is now those few select teams who win national titles and a bunch of dad ran, fundraising entities called travel teams that carry the ECB badge. That badge has zero to do with the level of coaching your kid will receive, zero.."most" are placeholders for dads, with like-dads coaching who are placeholders for their 3-4 kids who attempt to fill out the roster and watch their kids play while they wear the ECB gear to church on Sunday.
I know at 14-15-16-17-18 EC has a "best" team coached by one guy since the beginning of time and the rest of the pack who are typically dads, again....or they leave ECB and go elsewhere because their kid isn't good enough to play on said elite teams. That is shame....a serious walk of shame, son.
As the man in black or widely know as Dread Pirate Roberts said to Inigo Montoya in Princess Bride...most parents need to "Get used to disappointment."
I do not believe NBS has dads coaching, he usually pays ex NBS players who are in college, post college or in milb post milb to coach his teams.
Okay Critical Mass, just tell us how you feel quit beating around the bush!
Obviously Critical Mass has had, or knows someone who has had, a very bad experience at ECB, I have heard similar stories and then very different stories, so as stated earlier...depends on the coach.
I know of one team who has a dad coach and they don't even practice out of ECB...so it very much is a "I want the ECB Jersey" team. Then again I know several kids who attended the open ECB tryouts and made various teams, and I also know 3 of the 13u coaches and none of them have their own child on their teams, they are paid knowledgeable coaches.
I don't see how it would hurt to go to the open ECB tryout, see if any coaches approach you and ask the question...do you have a kid on the team? Worst case scenario your kid gets a tryout experience with other kids in his age group. |
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UK2017
1 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2015 : 10:42:52
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| I want to echo Critical Mass's comments about NBS. Look at his website to see the number of boys that went on to college (including mine at a DII) and the articles from PG. He and his coaches love the game and they know how to develope their players so that they are consistent winners. My son played for NBS 3 years and his 18u team had a great summer in being ranked #14 in the US and #3 in GA as well as the runner up in PG's WWBA. But most of all the boys and families had a great time! He has a first class organization but don't look for the thrills --- a couple of jerseys and a cap will be their uniform but they will beat the ECB teams on a regular basis and love doing it :). |
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O-fer
16 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2015 : 20:57:06
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| I will echo the statements about NBS. My son has been playing on the older teams for a couple of years now. The older coaches played for Brian and have a love for the program. They coach fundamentals, will make you a better player and put you in a position to play after High School.......And yes it fun watching them compete and win against the "other" teams in the area. |
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GeorgiaBaseball
21 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2015 : 15:39:44
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Ditto the positive comments regarding NBS! Brian Nelson is an excellent coach and outstanding person. He works hard to get his talented high school players recruited to play in college and beyond.
The younger teams are coached by young, enthusiastic, guys with college and professional experience. I appreciate their focus on fundamentals and the "right way" to play the game.
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Edited by - GeorgiaBaseball on 04/28/2015 16:05:46 |
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21BS21
28 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2015 : 17:12:56
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I have heard nothing but good thing about NBS and coach Nelson. If my son was not happy with where he is at now that would be a place we would look to try and fit in.
The main reason I wanted to comment though is to say that there are NEVER enough Princess Bride quotes.
Thanks Critical Mass
"Anybody want a peanut?" |
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itsabouttheboys
31 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2015 : 13:44:32
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Its great to hear that such quality programs are getting the recognition they deserve. 12U is possibly the funnest season you and your son will ever have, and the trip to Cooperstown is easily my favorite memory of my son's life in baseball. So obviously, its important to make a good decision here.
In full disclosure, I was one of the parents that helped start the 12U Nelson team three years ago that launched the youth program at NBS. Each player had experience with other major programs including ECB, 643, RBI, JCS and others. As parents, we wanted a place where we could come together as a family and allow the boys to really have fun during the season when they would all go to Cooperstown together. I will tell you without hesitation that it was a complete success!! Mission Accomplished! Our boys had a great season, got better every day, and took 3rd place overall during the first week at Cooperstown. Beyond all that, they had a ton of fun and have become great friends.
Since 12U, 8 of the original 11 boys are still with the team, setting a winning tradition at 13U and now 14U. NBS has added a couple boys each season and they currently carry 12 players. This allows lots of playing time for development of every player, one of Nelson's key philosophies. They are very competitive (15-4 this season), beating some of the best teams in the area, and going toe-toe in every game they play. The boys plan to stay together all the way through High School and want to be one of the top teams in the country.
One of the most attractive things about this program is the pitching and defense. On defense, they put in a ton of time on perfecting their game. This has allowed them to win many games due to double plays, circus catches and other amazing defensive shows. On Pitching, there is a very strong focus on good form, so as to protect their arms and allow the players to develop properly. Through development and coaching, this team now has 5-8 bracket pitchers that can get them deep in a tournament.
NBS now has multiple teams in the youth program, and is focused on making those teams among the best in Georgia. They have partnerships with Big Shanty and JCS, ensuring field time and indoor practice time. Their coaches all have college or pro baseball experience, and are all young enthusiastic guys that the boys really bond with. None of the Head coaches are parents, and these Head coaches manage the teams, practices, rosters, schedules, games, etc., restricting favoritism and eliminating daddy-ball.
Naturally, NBS gets my highest recommendation. You cannot go wrong getting your son into this program. Best of luck to him!
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Edited by - itsabouttheboys on 04/29/2015 15:54:45 |
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Bravemom
204 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2015 : 21:51:11
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| Thank you everyone! I appreciate the feedback! |
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Nelson baseball and/or Nextlvl Baseball
