Some high schools "troll" the middle school programs for athletes, in addition to any travel/elite teams that feed into the high school program. It's common practice everywhere. Never know, someone could start out in middle school and end up a big time player. Look at Michael Jordan. Got cut as a freshman in high school, went on to be one of (if not THE) greatest basketball players of all time.

Earl Monroe played soccer, not basketball, until he was 14.

Also, Hakeem Olajuwon was better known for soccer than basketball before Guy Lewis made him part of the Phi Slamma Jamma at U. of Houston. Heard he almost had a tough time differentiating the term goaltending as it applies to the two sports.

With that said would you still not agree that a rec league would be a better place to start rather than trying to go into a highly competitive league and never getting a chance to try?

Dukat, I say one word to your question: AMEN! I think it's a good idea to get involved in sports at any level. Never know if one will break it big time. There's always a prodigy out there somewhere in the rec leagues.

And let us not forget that Jim Brown was recruited by Syracuse for his lacrosse skills, not football.

Yes, certainly. And to do it, not to worry about being big time or being a prodigy.

My comment about middle school was to differentiate middle school from high school.

<b>I know for the most part around here the girls are very intense about their HS teams and Travel ball teams and the rec programs are dwindling both in talent and numbers.</b>

Some of the rec programs around here did suffer because high school coaches forbade their players to participate in rec leagues. One particularly strong league was drastically affected when dozens of good players suddenly disappeared. In this area, the travel teams don't usually pick up steam until the school season ends.

Another league does not allow travel players in its rec league. There were too many problems with rec teams being short-handed because of scheduling conflicts. But though there are no real stars in that league, the level of competition is very balanced, and they are actually developing some good players.

well i see your concern about me not knowing how to play but i know, baseball, and i was just asking since i have seen teams playing softball, because i have seen a regular sized ball, labeled softball ok? i was JUST being curious.....jeez, im not stupid at sports, but iom not an expert either....

I have to disagree
 

even if you haven't been playin since you were like 6 that doesnt mean you cant pick up the game now and improve and go on to play varsity, there are 2 girls on my varsity team that started playing just thise year and one just last year and they are picking up the game quite well, you just have to be pay very close attention and absorb everything you can about the game, dont be afraid to admit you're not sure of what to do in certain situations, put all you have into it and your bound to catch up to the other girls as far as mentally, physically, it may take a season or 2 to get to the other girls strength.

[Edited by exguard on Feb 21st, 2004 at 06:45 PM]

well i think i still have a few years till i even have the chance to try for varsity......geez...its only 7th grade

Ditto
I have a seventh grade daughter and as much as she talks, I don't think she would take the time nor the hassle of registering to enter a forum for officials to ask a softball question. I aint buying this one.

have you ever thought that maybe some peoples kids are serious about their life, and i bet, some have 1?? maybe its not my fault that your child isn't serious, and thats your problem....

Elizzy,

All I've gotta say is:

<font size=4>You Go Gurl!!</font>

Keep the hip-hop a-rockin and the softballs a-poppin.

And lay off the high ones. :D

SamC

Guys,

I am sorry I started this off with a not so respectful
answer. However, I think it is time we consider Elizzy
as being serious in her interest towards wanting to learn
more about the game.

Her first post did seem off beat, but lets give her the
benefit of doubt.

Elizzy - you got questions, we will hopefully have some
serious answers for you.

Sam,
Like your last post.