High School Fastpitch 5 (the truth)

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High School softball is what it is. Its for moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, playing with your friends, wearing your school colors, and newspaper clippings.

 

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High School softball is what it is. Its for moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, playing with your friends, wearing your school colors, and newspaper clippings.

Nailed it!

 

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I thought high school ball was for heckling opponents, second guessing coaches, complain about politics (only exists in softball), how my DD is great because she is the only player playing travel ball, telling my daughter don't listen to coaches and you can take it easy because its sedentary sport and only work on your fast twitch muscles.

 

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Lmao

 

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I thought high school ball was for heckling opponents, second guessing coaches, complain about politics (only exists in softball), how my DD is great because she is the only player playing travel ball, telling my daughter don't listen to coaches and you can take it easy because its sedentary sport and only work on your fast twitch muscles.

Nailed it ! :lmao:

 

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You mean travel ball is only for, I am a travel ball coach and I am the best coach ever so why should I even care about High school softball memories ,And I play travel softball, I just play high school softball because I am bored till I get to play with my real team in the summer thats when I will really give 100% . Since travel ball players and coaches are so much better how about this why don't everyone try to help the ones who don't play at that caliber to be better players instead of making high school softball sound like its the most miserable thing to do , I would rather go to a High school state championship game than a travel softball championship game.

 

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You mean travel ball is only for, I am a travel ball coach and I am the best coach ever so why should I even care about High school softball memories ,And I play travel softball, I just play high school softball because I am bored till I get to play with my real team in the summer thats when I will really give 100% . Since travel ball players and coaches are so much better how about this why don't everyone try to help the ones who don't play at that caliber to be better players instead of making high school softball sound like its the most miserable thing to do , I would rather go to a High school state championship game than a travel softball championship game.

Harley I dont think anyone was being derogatory towards non-TB players and I would guess that you would have to admit that a girl who has been playing year round since she was 9 may have an advantage over girls who decide in 7th-9th grade that they want to be softball players. I also would think that the girls who do participate in TB are not dogging at the HS just to pass time. If they are and the coach allows it, then the problem lies in the staff. For the most part, HS coaches are at a disadvantage because of the lack of time spent with their players and their players dedication to the game. The girls that need the extra work are generally the ones who can't,don't or won't put in the time. The TB girls do put that time in and most benefit from several different coaches / instructors. So if it may seem to you that players and coaches from TB are arrogant please realize that this is not just unfounded bragadocious but an "EARNED" arrogance afforded to them by the time and effort they put into the game! Hard work and Dedication should always be rewarded. JMHO

 

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Bill (ice_dad) ... good post ... I agree ... though believe it or not, I have seen a few (not most) high school players who were like Harley described ... especially if their team isn't very strong and not playing for a lot. There are also more than a few travel ball coaches and dad who are very arrogant about travel vs. high school, and unfortunately that rubs off on the girls sometimes.

To me, both experiences can be great in their own way for both the player and their family, and to not enjoy them for what they each are is a wonderful opportunity wasted. I know my DD cherished both experiences, even though her high school team never won the conference or made it to regionals while she was there.

 

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Harley I dont think anyone was being derogatory towards non-TB players and I would guess that you would have to admit that a girl who has been playing year round since she was 9 may have an advantage over girls who decide in 7th-9th grade that they want to be softball players. I also would think that the girls who do participate in TB are not dogging at the HS just to pass time. If they are and the coach allows it, then the problem lies in the staff. For the most part, HS coaches are at a disadvantage because of the lack of time spent with their players and their players dedication to the game. The girls that need the extra work are generally the ones who can't,don't or won't put in the time. The TB girls do put that time in and most benefit from several different coaches / instructors. So if it may seem to you that players and coaches from TB are arrogant please realize that this is not just unfounded bragadocious but an "EARNED" arrogance afforded to them by the time and effort they put into the game! Hard work and Dedication should always be rewarded. JMHO

My DD plays both TB and High School ball likes both and she has put the time in since 12 years old ,but I try to raise her to help the less fortunate talent on the team and not look down to them because they might not have the same goal as she does , unless they are on the team to just goof off, but if they are giving it there best give the player credit .The beauty of High school ball is getting the Earned Arroganced players and non TB to play together and do the best with what you have , My DDs High School team has a coach who went to college to play softball and knows the game don't see any arrogance at all in the coach , There is always someone better at the next level there could be some humbling experiences for the Earned Arrogance TB player as for TB coaches haven't met one who wasn't arrogant. Go High School softball.

 

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This week I will have 6 practices of 2 hours for a total of 12 hours. I have a full gym available along with a batting cage and a field should the weather break. This is available to my team for the next three weeks without interruption and then we start our games. We had the same facilities available to us since january in the open gyms.

I doubt there is many travel teams that can match the practice time available to the average high school program. The ratio of practice time to game time in hIgh school is better than 4 to 1. Very few travel teams even approach 1 to 1. As both a high school coach and a travel ball coach I can see no basis for any criticism as to lack of time. HS simple has much more time for teaching and a greater need.

The only disadvantage that HS has is that I can't steal 12 really great players that someone else has taught and take the credit. I have to take what walks in the door and form them into the best team possible.

Give the High Schools a break.

 

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Harley ... lol on the renaming of travel ball players to "earned arrogance" players ... but you and I both know that players who work hard year-round on their game, and who love it, can't help but be frustrated at times with the girls who show up once a year to play softball and who aren't serious about really getting better. Just as you have trained your daughter, they need to make the best of it and be a leader to help the others. So I more or less agree with you on that.

On the other hand, while you may not think you have met any travel ball coach who weren't arrogant and some absolutely are, but there are many out there who are not, and anyone who knows me or my daughter would put us in that group as well. I have also seen some high school coaches (including ex-players) that are every bit as arrogant, and many of them think that the travel ball coaches ruin their high school players. There are good and bad in both groups ... it's great that you have a good one at your high school.

 

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Personally I find the biggest issue for travel ball kids going into high school ball is Travel ball parents are use to being involved in the team and team activities. Then suddenly boom, their involvement in the operation of the team is neither needed and in some cases not welcomed. Some people have a hard time with that.

 

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but you and I both know that players who work hard year-round on their game, and who love it, can't help but be frustrated at times with the girls who show up once a year to play softball and who aren't serious about really getting better. Just as you have trained your daughter, they need to make the best of it and be a leader to help the others

Well said

 

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My DD is so excited to play for her HS it is crazy.

She is a freshman and will definitely make the Varsity. I am not even sure there will be enough girls to make a JV. And the talent is pretty weak. But she loves the girls and knows over half the team from playing with them on school teams and such. We have no pitching....like literally no pitchers and she knows the team will be weak. But she just loves playing and figures they will get better and win some games.

I am probably the bigger problem. I have grown accustom to watching very good travel ball. And I am not sure I will be able to withstand 4-5 errors a game and multiple walks.....there I go again being a snob......I am just bummed because it may be a 4 year pull of bad teams. But the school is great and my kids love it there. It just has a really poor softball team. Good coach just not enough talent. And they play in a good league so at least my DD will see good pitching.

 

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My DD is so excited to play for her HS it is crazy.

She is a freshman and will definitely make the Varsity. I am not even sure there will be enough girls to make a JV. And the talent is pretty weak. But she loves the girls and knows over half the team from playing with them on school teams and such. We have no pitching....like literally no pitchers and she knows the team will be weak. But she just loves playing and figures they will get better and win some games.

I am probably the bigger problem. I have grown accustom to watching very good travel ball. And I am not sure I will be able to withstand 4-5 errors a game and multiple walks.....there I go again being a snob......I am just bummed because it may be a 4 year pull of bad teams. But the school is great and my kids love it there. It just has a really poor softball team. Good coach just not enough talent. And they play in a good league so at least my DD will see good pitching.

you may need Xanax for next 4 years since you have absolutely no pitching.
definately wear a hat so you don't pull ll your hair out. Worst games are when there is no pitching and game is boaring with all the walks and hit batters, good luck.

 

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Some great posts! Talking with a top h,s, coach who does both, our feelings were exactly the same...h.s. ball is tough cause of the pressure...score in paper daily, facing peers at school etc. alomg with only getting to redeem your selfmin a day or two, not 6 games in a weekend...win a big summer tournament, anyone outside your circle never knows about it
IMO. Kids averages drop usually 50-100 points in h.s. plat due to this grind...both have value in what they do, but pride of representing your school is unequaled, to me.

 

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How many non TB girls can anyone name that work 12 hours or more in the off season??? How many school teams not loaded with TB girls will ever see a state championship??? I know there are some bad apples out there, but that doesn't ring true for the majority of TB players. Many of the girls are simply misunderstood by non TB coaches and players. These girls are much more competitive than the avererage kid. These kids walk the field with SWAG, not arrogance. These girls do speed and agility 3 times a week, hit twice a week and have TB practice 4 hours on the weekend. When they aren't doing homework or studying, they can often be found in the basement or garage doing Tee work, or just going through their matrix...and this is their off season. I know some of these girls have offered to help others at open gym, only to be snapped at. Some girls that don't play TB, and don't put in the work will be jealous and act accordingly when they are cut, or bypassed by an underclassman. Sometimes what is seen as arrogance is just a hard working girl ignoring something (or someone) that may hold them back. Bottom line...most of these girls aren't arrogant at all, they simply walk to a beat most will not understand unless they've been there. JMHO.

 

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In no way am I putting anyone down regardless of their experience. There are good and bad parents, coaches, and players on both sides. I personally believe there are far more good than bad across the board. It's sad that the bad ones are who we remember.

 

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How many non TB girls can anyone name that work 12 hours or more in the off season??? How many school teams not loaded with TB girls will ever see a state championship??? I know there are some bad apples out there, but that doesn't ring true for the majority of TB players. Many of the girls are simply misunderstood by non TB coaches and players. These girls are much more competitive than the avererage kid. These kids walk the field with SWAG, not arrogance. These girls do speed and agility 3 times a week, hit twice a week and have TB practice 4 hours on the weekend. When they aren't doing homework or studying, they can often be found in the basement or garage doing Tee work, or just going through their matrix...and this is their off season. I know some of these girls have offered to help others at open gym, only to be snapped at. Some girls that don't play TB, and don't put in the work will be jealous and act accordingly when they are cut, or bypassed by an underclassman. Sometimes what is seen as arrogance is just a hard working girl ignoring something (or someone) that may hold them back. Bottom line...most of these girls aren't arrogant at all, they simply walk to a beat most will not understand unless they've been there. JMHO.

Thank You for your post General, you have clarified my thoughts even if inadvertently. Just so some of the posters know the phrase "Earned Arrogance" is a psychological / sociological term defined loosely as "...... is not an individuals verbalization or bragging of their own worth or ability but rather a perception placed on them by others due to their self-confidence, ability, preparation,etc. in endeavors they undertake or professions in which they perform." To sum it up in one word SWAG. I by no means am saying that the HS experience or the players therein are of less importance than TB experience or players. I am sure although they are different journeys they both can be fullfilling.

 

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As a side note.

I am very curious how my DD will handle the losing.

In travel when you lose it is followed by misery (OK so maybe extreme by my wife is the coach and losing is a 4 letter word). So my DD is used to being pushed and well yelled at when they lose. And she is also used to girls when they go 0-? in a game, to be hitting of the tee between games and being a bit edgy. I have gone to many of our HS games and I am not sure these are the traits of many of the girls. There are many that are truly just having fun. So I am very interested how the DD will handle this kind of commitment. I have not really said much because her mother played at this HS and when she/we started this softball thing it was all about getting good and helping the HS to a State Championship (wife lost in quarters and semis...when she was there). So she still has that dream. I think she realizes it is not going to happen this year but I do not think she has realized they may never get out of District in her 4 years.

This is going to be an interesting 4 year ride.