travel players in the DBA

[dcba]

I like seeing higher quality players on the DBA teams. But like you, I think the distribution of these players is often questionable. 18u baseball isn't the only place this happens. I've observed it in 12u & 14u softball as well.

Regards,

David

[wyandottecoach]

in defense of wyandotte, the draft is done very fairly it is overseen by the gm of the division , as well as the president of the league, the coaches are present and every coach is given ample time to "Trade" players if they choose.and more than once ive seen coaches draft kids just because they know the family or they are friends of the coaches kid , not because of ability,and as for the travel players in the 18u there are only 3 out of the 15 kids that are travel players, every team that i have faced has had at least 2 or more kids on it that play "travel"ball.the only option is to lock out any kids that play for other teams out of the league and with attendence down as much as it is that would not be wise. there is always going to be a first place and a last place team.such as the life of baseball or any other sport. i have a good team this year but out of the 15 years ive been coaching ive had my share of 4-10 teams ,u just roll with the flow and win or lose and have fun. good luck to all in the playoffs.

[jkuzdzal]

What about South Rockwood?
They have the same record as Wyandotte1.
Thier team must be all travel too.

[dcba]

wyandottecoach,

Thanks for the information. I certainly understand that some years are richer for talent than others. That is certainly the case for S. Rockwood as well.

I suspect we will see more skilled players choosing community ball like DBA. This is a bargain compared to travel ball.

David

[ADMIN]

The issue should not be framed as whether there are good players playing on teams because, indeed, that is true throughout the DBA.

There is, however, a real issue as far as I am concerned regarding the manner in which some teams are assembled in situations in which a city has 2 or more teams. I have been in communication with representatives of the various DBA "core" cities to express these concerns. I hope continue the conversation through the winter.

There are many types of scenarios which play out in the DBA dealing with so-called "travel" or "tournament" players. Some kids play on weekend tournament teams, but play in the DBA on week nights. Some kids even play on travel teams during the week and, if the schedule works out for them, play on DBA teams on off nights. I see no problem with this, and firmly believe that the relative talent of individual players should never be a consideration in assessing participation in the DBA.

My concern is more with the building of "super teams" within the DBA. No one has made me king, so mine is only one voice. But, I think it is damaging to both individual associations and the DBA as a whole where there is indisputably clear disparity between 2 or more teams coming out of the same home association. How anyone could be satisfied with an unbeaten team in a 14 or 15 game schedule when another team from the same association either goes winless or wins only 1 or 2 games is beyond me. It has to force kids out of baseball, and out of the DBA, after they spend a summer getting crushed over and over. And, as I have said to others, what glory is there in a title won under such circumstances?

Now, before I offend anyone, I am not saying that anyone goes about any of this intentionally. What I am saying, however, is that associations may get too comfortable (and maybe a bit defensive) with the way that they always do things, and lose either the incentive or the ability to recognize faults in their own programs. My hope is that all of us will take a cooperative hard look at how we, as a group, assemble our teams to see if there are ways that we can smooth out some of the disparities that are seen.

Everyone I have ever worked with in the DBA comes at this thing in a reasonable manner and with good intentions. I am sure that our winter discussions will be fruitful.

Neill

[wyandottecoach]

what do you consider a 'super team'? 3 good players? 6 good players? 12 good players? in a sense all the teams can be 'super teams',put practices in, go to batting cages, do your homework on up and coming players,draft by abilitities not by whether ur kids best friend wants on ur team or the coach is friends with A family , draft pitchers first and then a catcher, so all teams can be "super teams" it just takes a little work.

[barbeeque]

Not sure if this is the correct subject, but just questioning, not complaining about players being added so late in season to roster. It seems that we play teams throughout the season and when it is time for playoffs there is quite a few new faces. I believe the cut for adding players is July 1, but realize that is only two weeks before playoffs start which gives coaches time to stack teams. Again, not complaining but wondering if this should be moved up to maybe sometime in June so that teams can play against each other once before seeing the new faces in playoffs.

I understand I have girls that seem to come when they want to during the season and then show up at every playoff game, it is frustrating but a team can come in first in the season and seed well but playoffs is what everyone remembers and is recognized.

I have seen this not only in my 14U Fastpitch league but have two other children and seen in it there's also.
Any Suggestions?

Barb Quednau
South Rockwood 14U Fastpitch