_visitor_

Not "they", me.  I answered a question asked on this thread.  It bothered me that it looks like I hijacked the thread, honestly, that was not my intention. My apologies.

[quote name="JRidge" post="1425078" timestamp="1376742016"] [quote author=Mr. Glove link=topic=113080.msg1424736#msg1424736 date=1376666829] [quote author=AV8 link=topic=113080.msg1424704#msg1424704 date=1376659940] I think they may still be doing private tryouts. [/quote] I heard the kids who took lessons from the coach have made the team, how many more spots will they fill for the elite team and also the premier team? [/quote] That just might be the case! My son ran the fastest time, fielded outfield and infield well with strong accurate throws and even pitched well, hitting was average that day for a 3 week layoff! My other son fielded 1st base really well digging out everything, pitched well and is a very good outfielder, hitting was average and running! They surprisingly did not make the team and they were better than most of the competition! Oh well, what God has for them is for them so I guess this isn't there time!  [/quote] What was a good time for the running portion?

[quote name="PhatMack19" post="1424658" timestamp="1376627847"] I have a question since y'all keep bringing them up in this thread.  How are the Sundevils different than any other select organization now that Chip quit footing the bill? [/quote] The way I understand it: The SDs facility is open to any baseball player 5 days a week to work out with other players and coaches for a monthly fee. If you are on a SD team or at least the 13 year old team the monthly fee is included in your monthly team amount. The idea is to teach kids to work on their skills to be a good fit on any team and build on their tools for later scouting which SD strives to get their players in front of.  If lesson are needed they are available like every other facility for a price. The SDs have 2 practice fields, both manicured with nice equipment. They also have multiple cages and bullpens. This is as close as you will come to a college environment, it is very relaxed.  It doesn't seem any more expensive than any teams we have played, especially for what is offered. When I visited recently there were 14-15 year olds  working, and the 12 or 13 year old kids were fielding for them. Later I saw the same 15 year old throwing to the younger kids for bp and the coach was giving help when needed.  Not a bad way for kids to get comfortable facing the bigger guys they will be facing. I believe it is run professionally without the focus on money but focused on scholarships and higher. Yes, there has to be a financial side, it costs lots of money to run a facility and teams. My son has played on 4 different select teams hopefully the Sundevils will be the next. The Sundevils approach to practice reminds me of martial arts. If you throw 1000 punches and kicks a week, who has the better chance of protecting himself on the street?  The guy who practices all the time. I believe there may be some frustration from folks with the new SD 13u team getting kids. Can't blame them, but kids changes teams. I think this is a great opportunity for anyone who gets on any of their teams. I have not heard of anyone who puts kids in better positions to be looked at than Matt Thompson. More expensive, maybe you get more for your money.

[quote name="sportsfan2020" post="1424627" timestamp="1376614657"] If they wanted to play for them they would have come to tryouts.  No first class coach calls kids committed to other teams.  We chose to stay where we were.  We didn't want to pay more money, for less coaching & a less competitive team. [/quote] Just say no thanks.  I would bet there is no list of committed kids floating around, if so, he could call the uncommitted ones? Reality Check.. I receive calls from headhunters weekly trying to get me to jump ship from my current position. I say......no thanks,  and no feelings are hurt. That is good business.  Eventually, I may get a call that sounds good and may lead me to other opportunities.  I take those calls just for that reason.  I think it is a compliment for a coach to feel strongly enough to ask. It sounds like you have a top notch player, congratulations and good job.  Different opinions.

I hope, we one day get a call from the Sundevils. I wonder if they are calling from the phone book, maybe hanging out at LL park taking down names?  No, my guess is, these kids tried out. SDs don't take players, (that would be kidnapping) players leave their old teams on their own accord. In the real world there is competition for food, jobs and [b]even sports[/b].  Players or parents are open to make the decision as to what best suits them to build a future for their son. If my son wants to play college ball or higher, I will work to find a team that will give him the chance to build his skills and broaden his horizons through tryouts and hopefully be picked up by a great team.  How ridiculous are the above conversations?  No competition by teams for kids, thats not how a free market society works. Maybe we should do away with scoreboards?  Every team leaves tournaments winners!  Reality check..

[quote name="Keith Stone" post="1423783" timestamp="1376371708"] My son has had lots of interest from several 14u teams. However, I would like to keep him in this age group.  IMO this is the team for him.  He could make this team better than it already is.  Pitches at 62mph, with a nasty split finger, and drop ball (with great control, he's been throwin them since he was 9).  He didn't hit any home runs this year, but he was focusing on hitting line drives in the gaps. I know he has power, cause he drops bombs when we go to the field and hit. He is sound defensively at 1st base.  He has been doing the Tom Emanski videos since he was 6, and they are really starting to pay off.  Great all around player, and from what I have seen, prob a top 5 player in the area for his age. [/quote] [quote author=XDOG link=topic=113151.msg1423791#msg1423791 date=1376385031] Rounder I can tell you just from reading his post your gonna want to stay away from this one.  :o [/quote] KS,  you should request a private tryout at any facility in the area teams are looking for great talent, and may still need a first baseman with an amazing, forthright, gracious and magnanimous, dad such as yourself :o. I believe there are numerous folks that would love to meet you at the same time >:(. With such an upstanding individual such as yourself ;D, I am sure your kid would get a better shot at a position on a top team in the area. Good luck to your son, and we all look forward to meeting you.

Mr. Smith, Who are the Sun Devils and what is the difference between your group and others. I am familiar with the name and location, but never have seen them at any of the local tournaments.  I drove past your facility and it seemed very impressive. I sent you an email for the tryout and look forward to meeting you and Matt Thompson. Thanks

Congratulations to the West End Reds for their tremendous win over the North Beaumont Reds! I am proud of both teams, a game well fought. We are on the lookout for a suitable "Mom" and saving our pennies to be the best we can be ::).

My son is moving up to Majors next year and I would like to make sure he is on a team like the Reds.  We watched most of this seasons games played by the Reds and we were impressed with the quality players they were able to get. There were awesome players on every team but the Reds had far more high level players. What do we need to do to make sure my son gets on a team like that?