2020, anyone?

BlitzkriegBob · #1 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 19, 2009, 12:55pm

Mike,

I think that is your best post ever!! That's my laugh for the day.

Thanks

BlitzkriegBob · #2 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 19, 2009, 01:08pm

I haven't weighed in on this so far, but I've been following the discussions on here and on the HeyBucket site. What I find most amusing is that on HB they keep referring to the winner of this showcase being a "national champion". What I also find amusing is so far they have made no mention of what rule set they plan to use for the tournament. Even more amusing is that I can imagine all the mommies and daddies licking their chops at the prospect of seeing their DD's on ESPN, in prime time no less, undoubtedly breaking all television ratings to see these "national champions" being crowned.

Finally, while they have mentioned that they would pay umpires twice the going rate to work games in their showcase, I for one, given the choice, would rather have the honor of being chosen to work the Gold. I know that's easy for me to say, knowing the I never will have to make that choice, but hey, it sounds good.

topper · #3 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 19, 2009, 01:30pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlitzkriegBob

Finally, while they have mentioned that they would pay umpires twice the going rate to work games in their showcase, I for one, given the choice, would rather have the honor of being chosen to work the Gold.

How many on here would choose this tournament over "lesser" Gold National, or any ASA Nat for that matter?

More convenient travel options, better weather, better pay, and better ball certainly has it's advantages. Then again there is that honor thing.

wadeintothem · #4 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 19, 2009, 01:56pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by topper

How many on here would choose this tournament over "lesser" Gold National, or any ASA Nat for that matter?

More convenient travel options, better weather, better pay, and better ball certainly has it's advantages. Then again there is that honor thing.

Actually, this tournament is a fluid thing and as more and more comes out.. so cal's show case is looking weaker and weaker.. With orgs sending one team to OKC and one team here..

Those coaches know what they are doing. They will be sending the unsigned high schoolers to the so cal show case and OKC will be rockin and rollin next year IMO.

The star pitcher in gold and last years #1 NFHS pitcher right now has one year of gold eligibility left.. but wont be eligible to be in the show case.. wonder where she will be?

If you aint beating her, you aint #1 imo.

How will so cal lay claim to the best if she is in OKC?

luvthegame · #5 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 19, 2009, 02:41pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

Actually, this tournament is a fluid thing and as more and more comes out.. so cal's show case is looking weaker and weaker.. With orgs sending one team to OKC and one team here..

Those coaches know what they are doing. They will be sending the unsigned high schoolers to the so cal show case and OKC will be rockin and rollin next year IMO.

The star pitcher in gold and last years #1 NFHS pitcher right now has one year of gold eligibility left.. but wont be eligible to be in the show case.. wonder where she will be?

If you aint beating her, you aint #1 imo.

How will so cal lay claim to the best if she is in OKC?

I agree there is a lot of fluidity. Lot's of meetings and details to take place.

As you have pointed out...there was less that 1.5 college playerss on teams at Gold last year. And there probably will be several college players in OKC again next year. But IMO the overall best teams will be sent to Premier based only on what the Organizers and Gold coaches are touting.

We will see.

From Premier Organizers:

A couple teams told me they will still send a team to Gold, the Cal teams are not going to do that and I think the others want to compete here with the best HS players they can bring. If Gold becomes completely overrun by college players maybe ASA will look ahead for a change and make Gold for college freshman and sophomores, make 23U for juniors and seniors, combine the tournaments and host that in OKC.

IRISHMAFIA · #6 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 19, 2009, 03:41pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvthegame

From Premier Organizers:

A couple teams told me they will still send a team to Gold, the Cal teams are not going to do that and I think the others want to compete here with the best HS players they can bring. If Gold becomes completely overrun by college players maybe ASA will look ahead for a change and make Gold for college freshman and sophomores, make 23U for juniors and seniors, combine the tournaments and host that in OKC.

This is the type of stuff that just continues to support my point of ignorance. These folks continue to try and relate ASA to a player's school year while it is so clear that this is not the case.

I just don't get their situation. Are they just that stupid or arrogant enough to believe if they keep on saying it, more people will believe it to be true?

And, BTW, if the GOLD becomes completely overrun by college players, that should probably produce some damn good softball. Hell, I might go visit my friends on NE 50th just to see some great ball. And those 16-17yo who can hang with them will probably get a good look and good jump on entering college.

ronald · #7 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 19, 2009, 05:14pm

Lots of outstanding umps do not go to OKC every year. So the actual pool of umps to draw from is there. The questions though, is how they would get there, help with the plane ticket, help from an umps local association.

If not, then the pool is diminished to Cal umps and whoever else is relatively close, I assert. Now are there enough quality ones on that given weekend or are they at nats that same week somewhere. With 20 teams you do not need 40 great ones, only a third of that. Can probably get that.

I heard but may have it mixed up with something else but if so someone will correct the following. Fircracker showcase helps with plane tickets to the tune of 250 bucks. W

luvthegame · #8 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 19, 2009, 02:30pm

This pissin match is getting way to wet...reminds me of the saying "don't wrestle with pigs in the mud...everyone gets muddy but the pigs enjoy it, (not calling anyone a pig) and pretty soon you can't tell either apart!!

IMO, and many others, it is another affiliation holding their own "National Championship" (which is already being done by others).... other people think it is just another showcase....semantics!!

The fact that this affiliation will include the best teams at one (or 3) particular levels playing in an elimination bracket that leads to an eventual champion of the tournament is indisputable. That this tournament wil include teams from all over the nation makes it a "national" tournament? It will eventually include qualifiers...but if you already know that the recognized (based on their finish at Gold this year) best of the best will be competing against each other...those other qualifiers can be developed in a timely manner, and probably will. This is in it's infancy.

This particular affiliation requires a grade specification...other affiliations require age specifications to determine eligibility...so what?? That is their prerogative.

That it is not being held under the authority of a particular affiliation, (no matter what level of loyalty we have to that affiliation...how much we love that affiliation, how important that affiliation has been in our life, what position we hold or have held in that affiliation).... is out of our control!!

As has been noted:

The best teams will be there
The weather will be comfortable
The location will be easily accessable and affordable
The umpire pay reportedly will be substantially better
There will be plenty to do in the area if officials, players, parents and relatives so desire. (although Brick Town was nice)
Many are quite sure the quality of officiating will be outstanding (we will see)
Sponsorship and media exposure will be outstanding
No gate fees for spectators
Reasonable concessions food and prices

Sounds like this could make it very enticing to alot of people...again...IMO!!

IRISHMAFIA · #9 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 19, 2009, 03:19pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by topper

How many on here would choose this tournament over "lesser" Gold National, or any ASA Nat for that matter?

More convenient travel options, better weather, better pay, and better ball certainly has it's advantages. Then again there is that honor thing.

Well, like everything else, it is just a matter of preference and priorities of the individual.

wadeintothem · #10 (**permalink**) Wed Aug 19, 2009, 03:29pm

Being a good HS player showcase team and a Championship level ASA Gold team are two different things.

Always has been.

Good luck with your showcase.

I admit, for awhile you guys had me worried about the Gold division in ASA.

Its looking OK by the more recent info to come out.

luvthegame · #11 (**permalink**) Fri Aug 21, 2009, 07:15pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by topper

How many on here would choose this tournament over "lesser" Gold National, or any ASA Nat for that matter?

More convenient travel options, better weather, better pay, and better ball certainly has it's advantages. Then again there is that honor thing.

I looks like there alot of very good umpires that have chosen this tournament...knowing this probably terminates any chance of working ASA Nat again. If past actions are any indication...they will effectively excommunicate them from championship play...another process that alienates good umpires from an affiliation.

wadeintothem · #12 (**permalink**) Fri Aug 21, 2009, 07:17pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvthegame

I looks like there alot of very good umpires that have chosen this tournament...knowing this probably terminates any chance of working ASA Nat again. If past actions are any indication...they will effectively excommunicate them from championship play...another process that alienates good umpires from an affiliation.

Oh that is horse hockey.

Just stick to mimicking Gary's talking points and dont do any independent thinking. Jeez.

luvthegame · #13 (**permalink**) Fri Aug 21, 2009, 07:40pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

Oh that is horse hockey.

Just stick to mimicking Gary's talking points and dont do any independent thinking. Jeez.

Witnessed over and over .....seen with my own eye's in emails from leadership to some of your UIC's concerning events in competion.

And that's not horse hockey!!

Ask some of your collegiate friends of the threats and pressures!!

I don't mean to be critical of you specifically ....but there is a real world outside our little bubble sometimes.

wadeintothem · #14 (**permalink**) Fri Aug 21, 2009, 07:47pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvthegame

Witnessed over and over .....seen with my own eye's in emails from leadership to some of your UIC's concerning events in competion.

And that's not horse hockey!!

Ask some of your collegiate friends of the threats and pressures!!

I don't mean to be critical of you specifically ....but there is a real world outside our little bubble sometimes.

Oh, youare so full of BS. I've sat in on national selections for 3 years in our area, never heard anything like that. National selections are a very localized thing. Your blanket invented statement is total bunk. Seen with your own eyes "in emails"

Thats idiotic and shows you were never there.