Is Select Baseball Ruining League Baseball?

[REDBIRD99]

I here this all the time that Select is the reason League ball isnt as competitive or as fun to watch as it used to be. I'm refering to the 8-12 yr old level. I'm speaking of Regular season play for League not All-Stars. Just wanting to get some other opinions.

[Chorizo_11]

Depends on the city

[lionbaseball]

When ever I was younger I played select to gain experience and to become a better player and played in league strictly for fun and to play with my buddys

[Long Ball]

There is no doubt it's made it more weak than it was 20 years ago when I was in it...20 yrs..did I just say that..ok I fill old..anyway..Yes it's diluted league play but there's a thing about some form of local community, winning being important but not life altering @ 9,10 etc. and a small piece of simple that seems a little more filling that select just doesn’t allow for...
To the question though..NO..absolutely not..For the small minority that think their kid won't make it the the big leagues if he comes in contact with little Johnny who can't throw heat or crush then maybe but I would argue that if anything it is actually enriching the overall enjoyment, growth and appreciation for the game by more of the "masses" It's giving more kids the opportunity to play....I'm mean let's face it..The kid that might be playing right field and sitting 2-3 innings is now playing the whole game and getting a shot to play infield...I know....I know...and your thinking..BUT the level of play is not as high...Let me help you. You’re 100% right but if you’re the kid who's happy to be getting in the game or the kid who's now a ACE stud because the level of competition is lower do you care..NO you don’t. Point is it's enriching the game and they will continue to co-exist and be a great avenue to go down which ever road you choose....

[BLUEDOVE3]

Here is another example: Do you want your kid in AP classes or regular classes? This is what I find most unusual:
Nobody says a word if you put your kid in classes that challenge them academically. But try and put them in an athletic situation (Select-& personally I hate the term "select" ) that challenges them with their peers, and it's a whole new ball game of *strikes and errors* thrown at you  from dissidents. ;)

[thetragichippy]

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1148998" timestamp="1324396914"]
Here is another example: Do you want your kid in AP classes or regular classes? This is what I find most unusual:
Nobody says a word if you put your kid in classes that challenge them academically. But try and put them in an athletic situation (Select-& personally I hate the term "select" ) that challenges them with their peers, and it's a whole new ball game of *strikes and errors* thrown at you  from dissidents. ;)
[/quote]

Dove, as much as I ALWAYS disagree with you in the OTHER forum......that is about as truthful of a comment as they come. I think there is nothing wrong with challenging your kid both mentally and physically........

I honestly don't want my kid to be the best on the team......I always want him challenged and striving to do better.......

[EAGLE07]

I've never really understood "select" at ages 6-12.
Kids are still learning fundamentals of the game at this age and can learn it in league play, while they are still growing mentally and physically.
IMO, "select", at least what I would consider the top teams (SunDevils, Houston Heat, Kyle Chapman, etc. ) , are suited better for the older players (14-18) who are trying to get a scholarship. I've seen many parents (who mean well ) spend alot of money and burn their kid out at an early age.
Just my two cents.

[BLUEDOVE3]

[quote name="thetragichippy" post="1149006" timestamp="1324397933"]
[quote author=BLUEDOVE3 link=topic=93312.msg1148998#msg1148998 date=1324396914]
Here is another example: Do you want your kid in AP classes or regular classes? This is what I find most unusual:
Nobody says a word if you put your kid in classes that challenge them academically. But try and put them in an athletic situation (Select-& personally I hate the term "select" ) that challenges them with their peers, and it's a whole new ball game of *strikes and errors* thrown at you  from dissidents. ;)
[/quote]

Dove, as much as I ALWAYS disagree with you in the OTHER forum......that is about as truthful of a comment as they come. I think there is nothing wrong with challenging your kid both mentally and physically........

I honestly don't want my kid to be the best on the team......I always want him challenged and striving to do better.......
[/quote]Hippy, lets keep this on the downlow. We don't want some people to think we actually agree at times ;)

[REDBIRD99]

Thx for the input! My son is the #9 or #10 player on our Select team and usually bats #10 but I love that he has to work hard to keep up. Does he have FUN? Yes. When he played league he was probably #2 or #3 and was the lead off batter. Did he have FUN? Yes. He decided on his own not to play league anymore. He loves the tourneys, competition level, traveling, hotels and everything else that goes with select and playing both was just to much for him. I dont feel like Select is ruining League I think its just gives kids another opportunity to play @ a different Level. I think its just a matter of preference.

I think how some Define the word FUN is the reason why the majority of your top players leave league Ball. My definition of FUN is everytime you step on the field (practice or Game) you: always give 100%, never give up on a play, hustle on every play, be a great team mate, show great sportsmanship, stay focused on the game, always be competitive and most of all try to WIN! When players do this no matter win or lose then Kids, coaches, parents and fans will have FUN! FUN is not playing in the Dugout, running back to mommy and daddy for something from the concession, picking flowers, kicking dirt or caring less if you win or lose. In LL you are going to see more of the latter.

[LumRaiderFan]

[quote name="EAGLE07" post="1149013" timestamp="1324398698"]
I've never really understood "select" at ages 6-12.
Kids are still learning fundamentals of the game at this age and can learn it in league play, while they are still growing mentally and physically.
IMO, "select", at least what I would consider the top teams (SunDevils, Houston Heat, Kyle Chapman, etc. ) , are suited better for the older players (14-18) who are trying to get a scholarship. I've seen many parents (who mean well ) spend alot of money and burn their kid out at an early age.
Just my two cents.
[/quote]

This post is dead on...select at 13-14...you'll still have plenty of $350.00 bats to buy!  >:( ;D

[BLUEDOVE3]

[quote name="LumRaiderFan" post="1149348" timestamp="1324436047"]
[quote author=EAGLE07 link=topic=93312.msg1149013#msg1149013 date=1324398698]
I've never really understood "select" at ages 6-12.
Kids are still learning fundamentals of the game at this age and can learn it in league play, while they are still growing mentally and physically.
IMO, "select", at least what I would consider the top teams (SunDevils, Houston Heat, Kyle Chapman, etc. ) , are suited better for the older players (14-18) who are trying to get a scholarship. I've seen many parents (who mean well ) spend alot of money and burn their kid out at an early age.
Just my two cents.
[/quote]

This post is dead on...select at 13-14...you'll still have plenty of $350.00 bats to buy!  >:( ;D
[/quote]Select  benefits the athlete who is 12 years old with a very high skill level above his age group and really benefits playing older players. If you haven't attended a national level competition, some of you would never understand. ;)

[REDBIRD99]

[quote name="LumRaiderFan" post="1149348" timestamp="1324436047"]
[quote author=EAGLE07 link=topic=93312.msg1149013#msg1149013 date=1324398698]
I've never really understood "select" at ages 6-12.
Kids are still learning fundamentals of the game at this age and can learn it in league play, while they are still growing mentally and physically.
IMO, "select", at least what I would consider the top teams (SunDevils, Houston Heat, Kyle Chapman, etc. ) , are suited better for the older players (14-18) who are trying to get a scholarship. I've seen many parents (who mean well ) spend alot of money and burn their kid out at an early age.
Just my two cents.
[/quote]

This post is dead on...select at 13-14...you'll still have plenty of $350.00 bats to buy!  >:( ;D
[/quote][quote author=LumRaiderFan link=topic=93312.msg1149348#msg1149348 date=1324436047]
[quote author=EAGLE07 link=topic=93312.msg1149013#msg1149013 date=1324398698]
I've never really understood "select" at ages 6-12.
Kids are still learning fundamentals of the game at this age and can learn it in league play, while they are still growing mentally and physically.
IMO, "select", at least what I would consider the top teams (SunDevils, Houston Heat, Kyle Chapman, etc. ) , are suited better for the older players (14-18) who are trying to get a scholarship. I've seen many parents (who mean well ) spend alot of money and burn their kid out at an early age.
Just my two cents.
[/quote]

This post is dead on...select at 13-14...you'll still have plenty of $350.00 bats to buy!  >:( ;D
[/quote] Do U feel the same about 8-12 yr olds taking lessons?

[tlandry]

My son played league until he was 11. At first we thought league was the best option. He came to me and said "Dad we have a good team, but no-one cares"(this wasn't something new).He went select. It was the correct call and I didn't regret it.
:D

[REDBIRD99]

Sorry for the Duplicate :o Still trying to figure out this system. I was asking Eagle07 if he felt the same about 8-12 yr olds taking lessons?

[EAGLE07]

[quote name="BLUEDOVE3" post="1149364" timestamp="1324437317"]
[quote author=LumRaiderFan link=topic=93312.msg1149348#msg1149348 date=1324436047]
[quote author=EAGLE07 link=topic=93312.msg1149013#msg1149013 date=1324398698]
I've never really understood "select" at ages 6-12.
Kids are still learning fundamentals of the game at this age and can learn it in league play, while they are still growing mentally and physically.
IMO, "select", at least what I would consider the top teams (SunDevils, Houston Heat, Kyle Chapman, etc. ) , are suited better for the older players (14-18) who are trying to get a scholarship. I've seen many parents (who mean well ) spend alot of money and burn their kid out at an early age.
Just my two cents.
[/quote]

This post is dead on...select at 13-14...you'll still have plenty of $350.00 bats to buy!  >:( ;D
[/quote]Select  [b]benefits the athlete who is 12 years old with a very high skill level above his age group and really benefits playing older players. [/b] If you haven't attended a national level competition, some of you would never understand. ;)
[/quote]

I can agree with this. A select few fit into this category.....My son played league ball until 13, local "select team at 14, and then with the Houston Heat. Attended many national competition, mostly all of the WorldWoodBat tourneys, Jupiter, EastCobb, etc.  Will be entering his senior year of college ( 80% paid for thru baseball ) as one of the weekend starting pitchers again.....Not trying to toot anybody's horn but yes, we do have an understanding.
BlueDove, [b]if [/b] I rememeber correctly you are a basketball guy. My thoughts/opinions regarding select are somewhat different when it comes to basketball.
just my two cents....well maybe four cents.  ;)

[EAGLE07]

[quote name="REDBIRD99" post="1149405" timestamp="1324444486"]
[quote author=LumRaiderFan link=topic=93312.msg1149348#msg1149348 date=1324436047]
[quote author=EAGLE07 link=topic=93312.msg1149013#msg1149013 date=1324398698]
I've never really understood "select" at ages 6-12.
Kids are still learning fundamentals of the game at this age and can learn it in league play, while they are still growing mentally and physically.
IMO, "select", at least what I would consider the top teams (SunDevils, Houston Heat, Kyle Chapman, etc. ) , are suited better for the older players (14-18) who are trying to get a scholarship. I've seen many parents (who mean well ) spend alot of money and burn their kid out at an early age.
Just my two cents.
[/quote]

This post is dead on...select at 13-14...you'll still have plenty of $350.00 bats to buy!  >:( ;D
[/quote][quote author=LumRaiderFan link=topic=93312.msg1149348#msg1149348 date=1324436047]
[quote author=EAGLE07 link=topic=93312.msg1149013#msg1149013 date=1324398698]
I've never really understood "select" at ages 6-12.
Kids are still learning fundamentals of the game at this age and can learn it in league play, while they are still growing mentally and physically.
IMO, "select", at least what I would consider the top teams (SunDevils, Houston Heat, Kyle Chapman, etc. ) , are suited better for the older players (14-18) who are trying to get a scholarship. I've seen many parents (who mean well ) spend alot of money and burn their kid out at an early age.
Just my two cents.
[/quote]

This post is dead on...select at 13-14...you'll still have plenty of $350.00 bats to buy!  >:( ;D
[/quote] Do U feel the same about 8-12 yr olds taking lessons?
[/quote]

Not at all...just don't over do it.
Need lessons...my son is home for Christmas break  ;)

[Indianforever]

i am new to this select stuff, but i was wandering how do i get my son on a select team. we live in port neches and he is 7 yrs old. i would love for him to have the experience

[thetragichippy]

[quote name="indianforever" post="1149464" timestamp="1324477190"]
i am new to this select stuff, but i was wandering how do i get my son on a select team. we live in port neches and he is 7 yrs old. i would love for him to have the experience
[/quote]

Look on this board for 7U or 8U teams and ask for a tryout.....

[thetragichippy]

[quote name="EAGLE07" post="1149013" timestamp="1324398698"]
I've never really understood "select" at ages 6-12.
Kids are still learning fundamentals of the game at this age and can learn it in league play, while they are still growing mentally and physically.
IMO, "select", at least what I would consider the top teams (SunDevils, Houston Heat, Kyle Chapman, etc. ) , are suited better for the older players (14-18) who are trying to get a scholarship. I've seen many parents (who mean well ) spend alot of money and burn their kid out at an early age.
Just my two cents.
[/quote]

I respect but disagree with your statement, ,my kid is 10 and I wish we would have started younger.  As I mentioned in another post, the coaching in select is at a much higher level than LL (only speaking from my experience, there may be exceptions). So, I feel if your going to dedicate the time, put them in a program that will benefit them the most.

[EAGLE07]

[quote name="thetragichippy" post="1149491" timestamp="1324479906"]
[quote author=EAGLE07 link=topic=93312.msg1149013#msg1149013 date=1324398698]
I've never really understood "select" at ages 6-12.
Kids are still learning fundamentals of the game at this age and can learn it in league play, while they are still growing mentally and physically.
IMO, "select", at least what I would consider the top teams (SunDevils, Houston Heat, Kyle Chapman, etc. ) , are suited better for the older players (14-18) who are trying to get a scholarship. I've seen many parents (who mean well ) spend alot of money and burn their kid out at an early age.
Just my two cents.
[/quote]

I respect but disagree with your statement, ,my kid is 10 and I wish we would have started younger.  As I mentioned in another post, the coaching in select is at a much higher level than LL (only speaking from my experience, there may be exceptions). So, I feel if your going to dedicate the time, put them in a program that will benefit them the most.
[/quote]

That's fair enough....My opinion is probably influenced by the fact that I played baseball and felt I had enough knowledge to teach mine at least the fundamentals. Once I knew/saw he had a chance to be a decent pitcher...things changed some..Started taking pitching lessons and then started playing select. I also coached 2-3 years of little league.

[Dayton Transplant]

Wherever you play, just make sure the fundamentals are taught correctly. That's your foundation for his/her future play. The rest will come in time. Good fundamentals in hitting-throwing and receiving the ball. They will build muscle memory and will make it much easier on them along the way. Eagle07 will agree with me on this.

[thetragichippy]

[quote name="Dayton Transplant" post="1149552" timestamp="1324486013"]
[b]Wherever you play, just make sure the fundamentals are taught correctly.[/b] That's your foundation for his/her future play. The rest will come in time. Good fundamentals in hitting-throwing and receiving the ball. They will build muscle memory and will make it much easier on them along the way. Eagle07 will agree with me on this.
[/quote]

Thats my point.....TRUE Story.....My son's 2nd year of LL, the coach walked up with "Coaching Youth Baseball the Ripken Way"......never played and never coached.. ;)

[EAGLE07]

[quote name="Dayton Transplant" post="1149552" timestamp="1324486013"]
Wherever you play, just make sure the fundamentals are taught correctly. That's your foundation for his/her future play. The rest will come in time. Good fundamentals in hitting-throwing and receiving the ball. They will build muscle memory and will make it much easier on them along the way. Eagle07 will agree with me on this.
[/quote]

You are spot on with that, Dayton.  It's funny, when my son struggles with control, or whatever, even as a college senior, I tell him..."You need to go back to the basics...remember what Ryan taught you (his 1st pitching coach)...It's actually one of the few things he will listen to me say.  ;D  ;D  ;D

[EAGLE07]

[quote name="thetragichippy" post="1149616" timestamp="1324492893"]
[quote author=Dayton Transplant link=topic=93312.msg1149552#msg1149552 date=1324486013]
[b]Wherever you play, just make sure the fundamentals are taught correctly.[/b] That's your foundation for his/her future play. The rest will come in time. Good fundamentals in hitting-throwing and receiving the ball. They will build muscle memory and will make it much easier on them along the way. Eagle07 will agree with me on this.
[/quote]

Thats my point.....TRUE Story.....My son's 2nd year of LL, the coach walked up with "Coaching Youth Baseball the Ripken Way"......never played and never coached.. ;)
[/quote]

That would be funny if not so sad....we were fortunate to have  a league that had some knowledgble(?) coaches...

[EAGLE07]

[quote name="thetragichippy" post="1149616" timestamp="1324492893"]
[quote author=Dayton Transplant link=topic=93312.msg1149552#msg1149552 date=1324486013]
[b]Wherever you play, just make sure the fundamentals are taught correctly.[/b] That's your foundation for his/her future play. The rest will come in time. Good fundamentals in hitting-throwing and receiving the ball. They will build muscle memory and will make it much easier on them along the way. Eagle07 will agree with me on this.
[/quote]

Thats my point.....TRUE Story.....My son's 2nd year of LL, the coach walked up with "Coaching Youth Baseball the Ripken Way"......never played and never coached.. ;)
[/quote]

Tragic,  check your personal messages