Large Organization versus Mom & Pop teams

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Now is the time for tryouts. I need to ask a question-
Is there a difference in a Large Organization versus a Mom & Pop team?
Maybe the Large Organization gets more of a reputation than another team?
I know there are LOTS of organizations out there and there are also the 1 team organizations- can't the 1 team organization give just as much as a large organization?

Or maybe it's just the "name" that players/parents are going for.

I know lots of 1 team organizations that are great teams and have beat some of the large organization teams.

I just need your opinion.

 

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Mom and Pop teams may have one great year. But for the long run you NEED a large org. You don't get into Compuware, Stingray's, Gapss etc. on a small local team. Also, you get more draw from a larger radius. Just my 2 cents, I have been on both sides. It all depends on what you are looking for.

 

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I just think it all depends on the coaches knowledge/experience of the game. With a larger organization there is more ability to network, and if they have an actual board they can keep checks and balances of accountability of their coaches/players/parents. I will agree there are some small organizations that have a great team, that could be either good coaching, great ability of the coach to draw good talent or just plain luck. JMHO.

 

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Much depends on your DD goals: Play locally, be with friends, play only in the summer and etc....or look to play in college, travel outside your area, play in top tourneys and etc....
That being said, some larger orgs have a reputation as being geared towards college ball, and also have a reputation and relationship with college coaches. Because of their reputation they usually draw the top talent. There are a couple "one team" orgs that had success, Grand Slam and Slammers, Slammers are no longer and Goodpasture (Grand Slam) as I was told retired from travel ball.

 

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I agree that it is much, much harder for a single team organization to compete. Kind of sad as people feel they have to play for an elite "named" organization to be seen by college recruiters. However for everyone pulling for the underdog, there is the example of the Elyria Sundogs which has been argueably the best girls fastpitch softball team in Ohio for at least the last 2 years (note- I do not have a dd on the team). Of course being from Lorain County (where softball is the national sport) and having perhaps the best pitcher/hitter in Ohio in a decade has alot to do with it.

 

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Most of those large orgs. started small, and they grew to multiple teams simply because they were providing a service that was in demand. They all started somewhere. It's not the size of the org. that is so important, but rather do they provide what you are looking for.

Over the years there have been some absolute STUD "single" teams pop up. Team Coke comes to mind. The difference in these caliber teams is that the players show up "ready trained". Pretty much like a college caliber team. And THAT team could beat a Big Ten caliber team! But that was a purely college showcase team, with players to match. Don't forget another shining example - The Slammers. So if the "Pop" on the team is named Bill Lilley, you can't go wrong. Same if the "pop" name is Coke (OK - that was bad... but I couldn't resist!)

Decide what your DD wants from softball. How much time is she willing to devote to working on her skills? As parents, what is YOUR time commitment? Budget? These things will guide you to the team that is appropriate for her skill level. And make her a happier softball player.

 

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I guess the Ohio Slammers should have hung up their cleats and not applied for prestigious tourneys since they aren't an "organization" - haha.


I think it's too hard to say, across the board, that you MUST play for a large organization because it will be "better" - wayyy too many exceptions to that rule. I say play for the team you feel the most comfortable with, and make the most of every opportunity.

Mom and Pop teams may have one great year. But for the long run you NEED a large org. You don't get into Compuware, Stingray's, Gapss etc. on a small local team. Also, you get more draw from a larger radius. Just my 2 cents, I have been on both sides. It all depends on what you are looking for.

 

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I understand your point, but there is always an exception to the rule. The Slammers are one. There are not to many such exceptions.

 

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I agree that it is much, much harder for a single team organization to compete. Kind of sad as people feel they have to play for an elite "named" organization to be seen by college recruiters. However for everyone pulling for the underdog, there is the example of the Elyria Sundogs which has been argueably the best girls fastpitch softball team in Ohio for at least the last 2 years (note- I do not have a dd on the team). Of course being from Lorain County (where softball is the national sport) and having perhaps the best pitcher/hitter in Ohio in a decade has alot to do with it.

I wouldn't consider the Elyria Sundogs a "mom & pop" team. They have expanded to other age groups. The 18U from last season had girls from all over Ohio. It was a great team. They are one of the "Elite" teams of Ohio.

 

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In my opinion, being on an organization, you need to hold yourself to a higher standard. There's a board to speak to. On a mom and pop team we have had prior affiliation with, they do what they want, when they want, even sometimes if it's unethical...again, this is not speaking for all, just speaking of our own experience.

We often wondered what happened with all the money we raised and paid into the team. There were never any statements of money going in and what was going out. When we sat down and kinda figured everything in our head, we were owed a refund, and we never got one.

 

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Van, totally agree....

I am not slamming "Mom and Pops", I am just telling it as I see it. On the other hand, everyone was a Mom and Pop at one time............

 

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one concern (certainly not all of them...) as an org. grows it could become to bureaucratic...getting in their own way. We tend to run our team like a mom and pop and pull in the other teams and coaches as needed. Works great. We also rely on the larger size to drive larger functions like picnics, tryouts, equipment orders, discounts, and just plane ol' hangin' out. Our teams are autonomous for the most part at the same time we are trying to keep it down to a simple level and create our own farm system if you will. Pretty common I guess in these times.

Our coaches really rely on each other to make big things happen and we all have a common goal which is common across all teams: learn, teach, develop, and the have fun. Also have a strict policy of holding all monies openly so all know the scoop and refund at year's end.

 

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It all depends on the individual coach. I have seen some great coaches who just have their own team; conversely there are some large high profile organizations that have some not so great coaches. The key is finding a coach who is knowledgeable and can teach the game, is honest, and treats everyone (players, umpires, and parents) fairly. People who have good reputations generally have earned it. The key is to talk to the coach, check on their reputation, observe them at tryouts and at games, and talk to other players/parents before making a decision. You can't go wrong if you associate with good people who are knowledgeable.

 

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I haven't seen any tryout info for any Sundogs team other then the 18U this season. I was also under the impression that aside from a hitter from Keystone and a pitcher from Columbia, the girls were all from Elyria.

 

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I haven't seen any tryout info for any Sundogs team other then the 18U this season. I was also under the impression that aside from a hitter from Keystone and a pitcher from Columbia, the girls were all from Elyria.

There was a girl from West Jefferson, Ohio, near Columbus for one. Sorry, my bad on the younger teams. I was confusing the ESO teams with the Sundogs.

 

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It all depends on the individual coach. I have seen some great coaches who just have their own team; conversely there are some large high profile organizations that have some not so great coaches. The key is finding a coach who is knowledgeable and can teach the game, is honest, and treats everyone (players, umpires, and parents) fairly. People who have good reputations generally have earned it. The key is to talk to the coach, check on their reputation, observe them at tryouts and at games, and talk to other players/parents before making a decision. You can't go wrong if you associate with good people who are knowledgeable.

very true on the coach and org. Great advice on the "watch" them and figure out how they fit your current needs.

 

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The key is finding a coach who is knowledgeable and can teach the game, is honest, and treats everyone (players, umpires, and parents) fairly. People who have good reputations generally have earned it.

wow- so very important!

 

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I've seen big name organizations have less then the best coaches but still draw kids because of the name on the front of the uniform, and good small organizations with far better coaches have a hard time drawing.

Why would you take your dd to a team where she will get less coaching when you can go somewhere and get her good coaching???????????

Is it about your dd playing with her friends or is it about becoming the best player you can become?????????

 

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Big name Org's that are established with a proven track record definitely have an edge in recruiting players, and getting college looks. They are a "known entity", to all. They have earned it through past performances in most cases, and years of growth on the proving grounds. I have a lot of respect for those clubs that have held it together, grown, remained strong through great leadership.

I think there are a few newer organizations making a hard push to get to that status, right now also. The big name organizations may be different ones in 5 years. Like stated, they all started from a concept, and a few highly motivated people.

Then, there are also some individual teams (Sundogs, Slammers, Nightmare, others) that have found the formula and have done quite well on their own, in all manners.

It is clear that "it can be done" (whatever "it" is for you) from a variety of angles with focus, commitment, and direction. The bigger Org's that have established their identity are starting at least a few steps ahead though, due to past work, performance, and known success. Better to acknowledge & recognize that to understand the playing field, while it is also good to recognize that there is no copyright to their formulas for success, which is also mostly common sense in many cases. And as long as the players buy-in & believe in your systems and the name on your jersey, rather than believeing in the name on another jersey, you can do well. From past experiences, it is fun to be part of a big successful Org. But is also fun proving that you can do it on your own, your goals, your way. Just use the resources all around you ... and be prepared to WORK HARD for success ....

 

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I've seen big name organizations have less then the best coaches but still draw kids because of the name on the front of the uniform, and good small organizations with far better coaches have a hard time drawing.

Why would you take your dd to a team where she will get less coaching when you can go somewhere and get her good coaching???????????

Is it about your dd playing with her friends or is it about becoming the best player you can become?????????

There are recruiters and then there are coaches.
for families that do not have any travel ball experience it is always easier to just pick a big org.
I think the key is how much turn over is there in the org, a good coach will keep kids a recruiter will always be able to get kids.