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twodown22
9 Posts |
 Posted - 08/05/2016 : 21:31:35
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Everyone needs to watch...'DRIVEN: Travel Baseball -- Chasing the Dream' debuts Sunday, Aug. 7 on FOX Sports South
FOX Sports South..Youth Travel ball debate |
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sebaseball
101 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2016 : 00:45:32
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| Ok. So, I'll start off the speculation as to how this is going to be presented. Having an educated guess about what drives rating (if it bleeds, it leads....) I'm expecting this to take the extreme right of the bell curve and create the image that playing year round with parents who push (force) their kids to play/practice/workout like a professional athlete is the norm. Traveling from state to state every weekend from February to August, playing 100 games in the spring and another 60 in the fall will be presented as the normal travel ball schedule. Further, I expect the academies, tournament promotors like TC, USSSA, & PG to be shown as only money hungry opportunists who don't care about the kids at all; just lining their pockets while they create a line at the elbow surgeon's office in the process. Basically, I'll be very surprised if it's not a hit piece. Are there some folks that fit those descriptions? Absolutely. But are they the norm? Heck no. I hope I'm wrong and that it's a well done piece that accurately portrays the industry, but I doubt it. What say you? |
Edited by - sebaseball on 08/06/2016 09:41:29 |
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bfriendly
376 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2016 : 05:49:11
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| Just set the DVR................Thanks for the heads up! |
Edited by - bfriendly on 08/06/2016 09:41:29 |
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twodown22
9 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2016 : 09:54:01
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quote:
Originally posted by sebaseball
Ok. So, I'll start off the speculation as to how this is going to be presented. Having an educated guess about what drives rating (if it bleeds, it leads....) I'm expecting this to take the extreme right of the bell curve and create the image that playing year round with parents who push (force) their kids to play/practice/workout like a professional athlete is the norm. Traveling from state to state every weekend from February to August, playing 100 games in the spring and another 60 in the fall will be presented as the normal travel ball schedule. Further, I expect the academies, tournament promotors like TC, USSSA, & PG to be shown as only money hungry opportunists who don't care about the kids at all; just lining their pockets while they create a line at the elbow surgeon's office in the process. Basically, I'll be very surprised if it's not a hit piece. Are there some folks that fit those descriptions? Absolutely. But are they the norm? Heck no. I hope I'm wrong and that it's a well done piece that accurately portrays the industry, but I doubt it. What say you?
Here are a few topics they discuss before each game
DATE TIME (ET)
PROGRAMMING TOPIC NETWORK*
Thursday, August 4 6:30 p.m. Braves LIVE! An overview of the youth baseball debate FOX Sports Southeast
Friday, August 5 7:30 p.m. Braves LIVE! Over-specialization of youth strictly playing baseball versus playing multiple sports FOX Sports South
Saturday, August 6 6:30 p.m. Braves LIVE! The increase in injuries to youth in sports and what can be done to prevent it FOX Sports South
Sunday, August 7 1:30 p.m. Braves LIVE! The positive side of coaching and development of player |
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twodown22
9 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2016 : 09:56:26
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quote:
Originally posted by twodown22
quote:
Originally posted by sebaseball
Ok. So, I'll start off the speculation as to how this is going to be presented. Having an educated guess about what drives rating (if it bleeds, it leads....) I'm expecting this to take the extreme right of the bell curve and create the image that playing year round with parents who push (force) their kids to play/practice/workout like a professional athlete is the norm. Traveling from state to state every weekend from February to August, playing 100 games in the spring and another 60 in the fall will be presented as the normal travel ball schedule. Further, I expect the academies, tournament promotors like TC, USSSA, & PG to be shown as only money hungry opportunists who don't care about the kids at all; just lining their pockets while they create a line at the elbow surgeon's office in the process. Basically, I'll be very surprised if it's not a hit piece. Are there some folks that fit those descriptions? Absolutely. But are they the norm? Heck no. I hope I'm wrong and that it's a well done piece that accurately portrays the industry, but I doubt it. What say you?
Here are a few topics they discuss before each game
DATE TIME (ET)
PROGRAMMING TOPIC NETWORK*
Thursday, August 4 6:30 p.m. Braves LIVE! An overview of the youth baseball debate FOX Sports Southeast
Friday, August 5 7:30 p.m. Braves LIVE! Over-specialization of youth strictly playing baseball versus playing multiple sports FOX Sports South
Saturday, August 6 6:30 p.m. Braves LIVE! The increase in injuries to youth in sports and what can be done to prevent it FOX Sports South
Sunday, August 7 1:30 p.m. Braves LIVE! The positive side of coaching and development of player
http://www.foxsports.com/south/story/driven-travel-baseball-chasing-the-dream-debuts-sunday-aug-7-on-fox-sports-south-072716
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Crazyforbball
391 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2016 : 10:09:44
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| I saw some of the previews and it appears it COULD be a hit piece but it features Guerry Baldwin and Jamie Crane..are they really going to portray their organization unfavorably? As well as Dansby Swanson who played at ECB...doubt they're going to bash travel ball either...but I guess it's all in the editing and if they take what they say out of context. I think most all our kids play multi sports and now with pitchsmart and the new high school rules, there really won't be an option to overuse, even for the rare crazy parent who insists on year round play. |
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catmando
107 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2016 : 10:24:52
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| So we can watch smoltz bash east cobb and travel ball |
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dad4kids
109 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2016 : 15:14:48
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| I watched the show and was not impressed. Lots of rambling and invalid speculation by those who haven't studied the complex subject of arm health and injuries. And they had no one with expertise offering any insight (other than 15 seconds from Dr. Andrews). Apparently, lack of knowledge doesn't stop them from masquerading as experts about the subject for a clueless tv audience. The old saying "often wrong but never in doubt" certainly applies here. |
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CaCO3Girl
1989 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2016 : 10:26:53
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| Anyone else see it? I missed it, I'd love a recap. |
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TaxiMom
149 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2016 : 11:03:26
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quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
Anyone else see it? I missed it, I'd love a recap.
I agree with dad4kids. It was 30 minutes I can't get back. They stuck the end of a pinky toe into "the debate" with very little substance. |
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ofs13
48 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2016 : 12:17:37
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quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
Anyone else see it? I missed it, I'd love a recap.
Recap...
Is travel baseball bad for kids?
Yes, it is.
No, it's not.
Yes, it is.
No, it's not.
Yes, it is.
No, it's not. |
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ChinMusic
126 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2016 : 12:38:38
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I didn't see it, but hope to catch it soon. Seems like pretty basic concepts.
My .02
- Travel baseball isn't bad, but year round baseball could be bad for developing kids and young men
- Kids give their 'baseball' muscles a break when they play other sports in the fall/winter. They also can become better overall athletes by playing other sports
- Travel baseball has turned (for some) into a money grab
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CaCO3Girl
1989 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2016 : 13:44:35
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quote:
Originally posted by ChinMusic
I didn't see it, but hope to catch it soon. Seems like pretty basic concepts.
My .02
- Travel baseball isn't bad, but year round baseball could be bad for developing kids and young men
- Kids give their 'baseball' muscles a break when they play other sports in the fall/winter. They also can become better overall athletes by playing other sports
- Travel baseball has turned (for some) into a money grab
And the understatement of the year goes to....... |
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Crazyforbball
391 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2016 : 16:30:41
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| I think it's become a money grab largely due to the oldest economic principal in the book..supply and demand. Guerry Baldwin even alluded to how this is east cobb started in the first place. Competitve players wanted more than rec ball had to offer hence the beginning of travel. Where it's turned into the money grab is where 8 or 10 rec games in the fall and spring just didn't give kids what they wanted and often high school teams were so politicized kids couldn't get a fair run. Travel ball met all these needs. Where it has gotten pricey is where parents are WILLING to pay whatever they think it will take to get Johnny to the next level, even when it's WAY too early to know, or WAY past when it's become clear he's not the next Derek Jeter. Then, like big houses and fancy cars, the whole status symbol thing comes into play. Parks and programs are merely SUPPLYING a product for which there is a great DEMAND. As long as someone is willing to pay for it (and this applies to every thing in life not just baseball, right folks?)..there will be someone ready to take your money to give you what you want. Hence, dilution, so called false dreams and hopes, etc. Much of the "money grab" could be solved by parents simply taking the blinders off and taking a realistic look at their child's skill set. And for the hundreds, or thousands, of players who won't play D1 or pro ball but still love the sport and can't get enough of it, until rec offers MORE, it still meets a demand for those wanting the experience despite the outcome. Unless the organization GUARANTEES success (and I don't think a single one does) no sense resenting the money grabbers, just choose not to play! |
Edited by - Crazyforbball on 08/08/2016 18:53:24 |
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CaCO3Girl
1989 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2016 : 07:58:21
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Baseball universally is a money grab, and people are willing to pay so their kid can look "cool".
Does a $350 dollar glove make a high school player play better than a $50 glove? Does a 15u kid need a $400 new BBCOR bat, wouldn't a $50 used bat be okay? Should we really spend more than $50 on a wooden bat that is designed to break? Do we need 4 Jerseys per year? Isn't one hat enough? What is the purpose of a matching warm up jacket, don't all the kids have sweatshirts? Do the kids need to all have matching bags with their name and number embroidered on it? Doesn't the batting helmet from last year still fit?
Youth baseball players in the Atlanta area spend a LOT of money on looking very cool but I'm not sure what that has to do with playing baseball. |
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OPHornets
135 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2016 : 08:44:19
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quote:
Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
quote:
Originally posted by ChinMusic
I didn't see it, but hope to catch it soon. Seems like pretty basic concepts.
My .02
- Travel baseball isn't bad, but year round baseball could be bad for developing kids and young men
- Kids give their 'baseball' muscles a break when they play other sports in the fall/winter. They also can become better overall athletes by playing other sports
- Travel baseball has turned (for some) into a money grab
And the understatement of the year goes to.......
Just for spits and giggles, I looked back at what I paid to participate in U$$$A tournaments a few years back.
7/14/2009 = $184
4/24/2012 = $250
4/21/2014 = $375
4/17/2016 = $425
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bfriendly
376 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2016 : 10:24:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Crazyforbball
I think it's become a money grab largely due to the oldest economic principal in the book..supply and demand. Guerry Baldwin even alluded to how this is east cobb started in the first place. Competitve players wanted more than rec ball had to offer hence the beginning of travel. Where it's turned into the money grab is where 8 or 10 rec games in the fall and spring just didn't give kids what they wanted and often high school teams were so politicized kids couldn't get a fair run. Travel ball met all these needs. Where it has gotten pricey is where parents are WILLING to pay whatever they think it will take to get Johnny to the next level, even when it's WAY too early to know, or WAY past when it's become clear he's not the next Derek Jeter. Then, like big houses and fancy cars, the whole status symbol thing comes into play. Parks and programs are merely SUPPLYING a product for which there is a great DEMAND. As long as someone is willing to pay for it (and this applies to every thing in life not just baseball, right folks?)..there will be someone ready to take your money to give you what you want. Hence, dilution, so called false dreams and hopes, etc. Much of the "money grab" could be solved by parents simply taking the blinders off and taking a realistic look at their child's skill set. And for the hundreds, or thousands, of players who won't play D1 or pro ball but still love the sport and can't get enough of it, until rec offers MORE, it still meets a demand for those wanting the experience despite the outcome. Unless the organization GUARANTEES success (and I don't think a single one does) no sense resenting the money grabbers, just choose not to play!
Thats right brother......and if no one paid it, it would have to go down to what it needed to be for folks to again pay it. It really would be considered a "Luxury Item" in a budget, now wouldn't it
Best post I have read on any forum in quite a while NAILED IT! Some folks dont understand Supply and Demand..........It is the true Equalizer! BTW-Value is determined by the buyer.
If anyone thinks we(US) are a true Free Market place, they are highly mistaken.........it has not been for a long time |
Edited by - bfriendly on 08/09/2016 10:26:18 |
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zspopop
4 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2016 : 11:32:36
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| Saw the program.Seems to me that if you don`t play at ECB you are just wasting your time and money.That`s what my grandson got out of it also. |
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zspopop
4 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2016 : 11:41:05
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| The only thing that made any sense to me was the comments by John Smoltz. |
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Crazyforbball
391 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2016 : 12:05:30
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| Thanks bfriendly. Caco3 I agree except for maybe the 1 hat...we need 2 that 1 can get pretty nasty LOL |
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bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2016 : 13:53:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Crazyforbball
Thanks bfriendly. Caco3 I agree except for maybe the 1 hat...we need 2 that 1 can get pretty nasty LOL
Couple of my son's college teammates wore the same hat all 4 years. Got a new one every year, but wore the same. Not saying it was pretty at the end, but it was the same... |
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Crazyforbball
391 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2016 : 23:10:36
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| Lol I guess the hat may fall in the lucky charm category! |
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CaCO3Girl
1989 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2016 : 07:51:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Crazyforbball
Thanks bfriendly. Caco3 I agree except for maybe the 1 hat...we need 2 that 1 can get pretty nasty LOL
Grab one plastic container with lid, big enough for hat, fill with soapy water, insert hat, put on lid, shake for 2 minutes, rinse with tap water and let dry.
Repeat whenever you can smell your kids hat....from across the room! |
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Crazyforbball
391 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2016 : 09:08:17
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| ^^^^^^now THAT has me LOL! |
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Driven Travel baseball
