GTBBaseball

BBHALLOFFAME. Here is what you are asking for; I have seen the following guys perform, evaluate them each inning & record their individual 'Pop' Times via the 'Stop Watch'. I personally bring home the data and report it to many college programs and professional ballclubs(When they call on Prospect Players in our Region(SETx-SWLa). I've personally seen all the following below during competition THIS season. Fans are Fans which is great to have 'Fanatics' out supporting these kids and teams....Yet Many "Fans" tend to exaggerrate at times on players, which happens for they are told bad information from the kids, coaches, or do not truly understand how to record certain aspects within the game. But its not always the person at fault for mis-information. Trust me, these numbers are done when the Ball touches the catchers mitt to when the position player catches the ball at 2nd base. These times are not just 'one-time' pop times, for they are multiple recorded times either 'between inning' throw downs or when a kid attempted a stolen base. The thing many need to understand, its like when people say we have a "90mph arm" in the area, 90 is 90, or a kid runs a 6.5 60yard dash, or a 4.5 40yard dash, I need to see for myself to see if they are recorded times by people who are "rooting" for a talented player or is the "rumors" legit. Just as the 2.0 pop time is a 2.0 pop time, some tend to see a kid do it at practice when a catcher can start early and cheat, but here is the reality numbers below recorded in ballgames. Showcases can be misleading at times for it benefits the showcase to have good numbers displayed (PR-Business) for which they allow "cheating" at times. Showcases need to place a batter in the box and take a 'missed-swing' to force catchers to realistically remain back and not 'cheat' on throws, but then again, that would be bad for business, press releases, websites, etc... Try it at home, get a stop watch and when a professional catcher throws down, you'll be suprised his times arent always as astounding as one may think, yet many in the big leagues do throw pretty amazing throw downs(1.76-1.9). The BEST Pop times I've seen this year are, Wayne Taylor Houston Memorial(1.89-2.01) and Garret Logan Sam Houston High(La)(1.88-1.96) As for a three of the kids below(Parker-Felts-Hester), we had other professional clubs timing as well and all got the same recordings. [b][i]They are all very good high school catchers [/i] [/b] [i][b]and do well for these teams for which they are playing[/b][/i].... T Parker(Jasper) - 1.96-2.08 / (80mph)(Have seen 3games) J Felts(Orangefield) - 1.92-2.06 (82mph throw)(have seen 4 games) A Babino(Nederland) - 2.06 - 2.16 (have seen 2 games) W Bingham(Lumberton) - 2.01-2.09 / (have seen 3games) J Anderson(Ozen) - 2.09-2.23 / (seen twice) J Finney(WOS) - 2.15-2.28(have seen 4 games) C Henry(Silsbee) - 2.04-2.13(have seen 2 games) K Markum(HF) - 2.07-2.17(have seen 2 games) M Menard(BC) - 2.11-2.27 / (have seen 5 games) A Morgan(WBrook) - 2.0-2.09 /(have seen 3 games) M Hester(Vidor) - 2.10-2.19(77mph) / (have seen 2 games) B Provost(PNG) - 2.11-2.27(have seen 4 games) Sanches(Memorial) - 2.07-2.19(Have seen 2 games) Budwine (PNG) - 2.17-2.22(Have seen 3 games) Adams(LCM - 2.29-2.39(Have seen twice) Anything Under a 2.1 for high school is a pretty solid time, and as you can see, many above sit at that "2.1 Bar". The only teams I have failed to see yet are East Chambers-Deweyville-Woodville-Anahuac-Barbers Hill-Sabine Pass-Kountze. Teams Ive seen yet will not post recordings, Kirbyville, Central, Livingston, Hardin Jefferson, Kelly, Buna - I'd rather not post for its only fair and consistent if I see them more than once. Chris Fackler

Darnall on mound, 3up 3 down both sides... 2nd inning KVille 3up 3 down WOS now Up 7-0, 0 outs, bases juiced....Gearhardt, Darnall, RBI's.., Looks like another blowout for WOS, I got to go so someone pick up this thread...

Southland Conference Play began this week, and Southeastern and SFA both earn sweeps. #26 SELA 3-0 SFA 3-0 NWST 2-1 Nicholls 2-1 Sam Houston 2-1 Tx State 2-1 Lamar 1-2 A&M-Corpus 1-2 UTA 1-2 McNeese 1-2 The overall conference record to date is 101-75, 26games above .500, with 9 teams .500 or above #26 Southeastern La - 15-1 Northwestern La 11-3 Lamar - 12-4 Nicholls State 11-4 SFA 11-4 Tx State 8-6 This weeks RPI matchups, Tx State at Tx Tech and Nicholls at LSU.

Is anyone else having issues with the feed? what is feed addy again?

Pete Runnels Bracket Thursday @Lufkin High 1:00 / Houston Memorial vs PNG  (Memorial slips by 2-1, Reyenga Complete Game) Houston Memorial vs Lufkin Hudson Brazoswood vs Flower Mound Marcus Lufkin High vs Flower Mound Marcus Friday Lufkin High 12:00 / PNG vs Brazoswood 2:30 / PNG vs Lufkin High Houston Memorial vs Flower Mound Marcus Lufkin High vs Houston Memorial @Angelina College Brazoswood vs Hudson Saturday @Lufkin High Houston Memorial vs Brazoswood Lufkin High vs Brazoswood @Angelina College 1030 / PNG vs Flower Mound Marcus Lufkin Hudson vs Flower Mound Marcus Lufkin High vs Lufkin Hudson High

The Southland on Wednesday Night wins 4 of 5 games, Only loss was Tx St. losing to #16Rice, 5-0. Southeastern La beats UL-Lafayette. SELA is now 9-0 on the year and could start 13-0 before their first conference series hosting UTSA. Northwestern wins again and is now on 6 game winning streak Nicholls State Sweeps today and are now sitting at 5-3. Lamar Tournament begins Thursday at 7pm at V-Beck, McNeese State vs Dallas Baptist. [b][u]SLC Top 7[/u][/b] Southeastern La                9-0 Lamar                              6-1 Northwestern La                6-2 Stephen F Austin               5-2 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi    5-2 UT-San Antonio                 5-2 Nicholls State                    5-3

The Southland gets 5 wins out of 8 total games today on Tuesday with 2 of the 3 losses to Top 25ranked balllclubs. TCU beats UTSA and UTA losses to OU 4-2. Good News Sam Houston gets its first win on the year and Southeastern La receives Top 25votes, now sits ranked #24 by NCAA-College Coaches Poll and #29 in Collegaite Baseball. Also the Mitchell Kid RHP for UTA struck out 18 Missouri State Hitters in their 14 inning 1-0 game on Friday. [u][b]Lamars Cardinal Classic Tournament This Weekend[/b][/u] Penn State, Dallas Baptist(Who is loaded), McNeese, and Lamar begins this weekend on Thursday at Vincent-Beck. Penn State fresh off the BigEast-Big 10 Challenge won 2 of 3 in Florida this past weekend, beating Cincinatti, Seton Hall, and lost 10-9 to Notre Dame in 10 innings and expected to have a Top 30 ballclub by seasons end. Dallas Baptist, An Independent, is loaded again with hitters and depth on the mound sits 7-1. McNeese is 4-3 yet this will be their first true test of the season this weekend.

[u][b][u]The Southland Conference [/u] [/b][/u] had a few more big wins this weekend, and a couple of disappointing losses. Lamar wins 2 of 3 now sits at 6-1 on the season, and UTSA despite its first loss sits at 5-1. The big story would be Southeastern La(7-0) heading to Starkville to Sweep 3games from SEC foe Mississippi State. Tx State(3-3) ran into 3 tough losses to Baylor 3-2, Texas A&M, 6-2, and Western Kentucky 4-3.   UTA takes 2 of 3 from Missouri State(previously SW Missouri State), Northwestern State climbs to 4-2, Nicholls St(3-3) earns a sweep this weekend, Tx-AM Corpus sits at 4-2 with a quality win over Elon, but losses to Rice and Nebraska, yet Sam Houston cant seem to find breaks and is still winless but gets a much needed game this week  @Tx Southern to get them going. [b][u]Conference overall records[/u][/b](Conferences which draw many high school players from our SETx - SWLa Region) Southland - 45-31 SEC - 62-14 Big 12 - 42-19 Conference USA - 33-26 Sunbelt -  48-23 SWAC - 20-36 Chris Fackler

Got to see the 2 games in Sulphur. 3 great pitching performances. The Pennick kid from Sulphur, sat at 85-86mph, had a Perfect Game thru 5 and lost it to a single by PNG pinch`hitter Tanner Jorgensen in top of the 6th. In the second game, Sulphurs Cade Andrus and PNG's Blake Reyenga battled to a 2-0 game thru 5, PNG eventually won 6-1. Blake had a 1hitter when he was replaced on the mound. What a tremendous facility Sulphur Parks and Recreation has over there. Double deck seating, seats around 1500fans and a mirror field directly next to it. Sulphur now has 3 infield turfed fields and in the process of making its 4th by summers end. The goal there is to bring in time all state final games, as we do in Round Rock for Texas Baseball, and I personally hope the state votes and gives Sulphur a chance at hosting. It would be great for all of us here to get across the border to see all La state finals just a stones throw away in May. C Fackler

For the record Iowa is a solid ballclub. They are a State Top 10 Ranked 3A. Even though I wouldnt necessarily call this a "tourney" more a round robin on turfed fields. They run out college Prospects in Chapman and Deshotel. Sweetenham's pitching and the Offense got after em early so Iowa saved its arms due to tournament play. Iowa went out and beat Sulphur in Game 2 in the nightcap. Iowa was state champs in 3A in 06. PNG should feel good about getting after those kids early, especially being a local club who went out of state to carry the SE-Tx brand, good job by Coach Stone and the PNG Kids. Now PNG plays a 5A in Sulphur who is just ok, few good arms in Miller, Pennick, and McCann, average offense, solid defense on the turf.

Lamar went over today and beat Rice 13-7 SFA goes over to Tx A&M, beats the Ag's 7-6 LSU gets by McNeese in Baton Rouge 2-1 with 8th inning homerun by Gibbs. Last weekend Texas State 3game sweeps University of Houston.  Texas State runs out RHP, soph-closer, 95-97mph. Northwestern, Lamar, Southeastern all sit 4-0, Texas State 3-0, and Tx A&M Corpus and UTSA sit at 2-0, Conference overall sits 25-13 after its first week of play. The true test of all teams across the country is bullpen development and when week 2 into week 3 the scouting reports begin to circulate on players & team tendencies.... The Southland Conference should be "Proud", starting out overall....besides Sam Houston being swept by TCU, the conference has opened the season rather strong. [b][u]Breakdown of Top Conferences Week 1[/u][/b] Pac 10 - 30-4 SEC - 34-5 ACC - 30-13 Southland 25-13 Sunbelt - 22-13 Big 12 - 22-10 Conference USA - 12-19 Chris Fackler

Lamar opens up the season this Friday at 6:30, Saturday 1pm, Sunday at noon. They will host 7 time College World Series Participant "Maine Black Bears". Id like to once again express why our local high school players need to involve themselves with viewing college baseball locally. 1) It will Expose the local player to what the college game is all about (Batting practice is always 2 hrs before scheduled game time, defensive work 40min before gametime) 2) Go absorb the speed of the game and the type of athletes it takes to be a NCAA Division 1 college baseball player. You WILL LEARN THINGS that you can apply to your own game now, to bring an awareness to improve your skill level and presence on the ballfield when being recruited. So many players want to travel to watch a Univ Tx, or LSU, Texas A&M, Rice, which is a great to see as well, yet how many of our locals sign with these major conference schools. There has become a slight trend the past couple years of "parity" in College baseball, so overall there isn't such a huge gap anymore between mid-majors and power conferences as in years past. Get out, Go watch mid-major college baseball. A larger percentage of our local players receive scholarships at JuCo's and Mid-Majors, and see where you fit personally as a player "now" against those who are on the field playing for these college teams. 3) [u][b][i]Support local high school graduates [/i] [/b] [/u] who have moved on the next 4 years to play locally at a Lamar. Here is what I think you will see this weekend. Local PNG Grad Eric Harrington toeing the rubber game 1, local Vidor Grad VJ Bunner at shortstop, also freshman Sam Houston High(Lake Charles)Tyler Theriot splitting time with Bunner in the middle. Nederland grad Matison Smith pitching as a starter on Saturday, and future major Pro Prospect Jonathan Dziedzic from Atoscocita LHP Sunday(An outstanding looking prospect, 90-93mph Left handed pitcher) . Lamars top Relief pitchers, Kelly High Grad Jake Henderson, Hamshires Spencer Cuniff, PNG's Taylor McInnis. Including impacts made by the Roebuck boys from Hardin Jefferson High, Cameron Campbell from Baytown, and Jude Vidrine from Nederland. Lamar has 3 new "Treat" type players to watch this season, LHP Dziedezic(His stuff is explosive), 2B Buchanan(GalvestonJC), little left handed lead off hitter, 5'6" 135lbs, yes 135lbs, but can flat out do it, and Theriot SS-3B, 6'1" 209 SS, 6.67-60)from Sam Houston High in Louisiana.   I cant express enough, get your son out to a a few college games during the season, if its a goal that he aspires towards, then he needs to develop the "vision" of what it takes. View Lamars schedule at: [Hidden Content] If we dont support one another within the Golden Triangle, then who will? We owe it to the community to "push" our kids to support one another and "promote" local players regardless if they play for your own personal high school team, select team, or not. When giving the opportunity, always pass on a name of a local kid to others. And I think it is great, that we are fortunate when we are able to say we have good kids attending college programs all around this portion of the country. Chris Fackler

MMSLB, I personally think the purpose of this site should be based on those who have traveled that "baseball development" road before to offer significant and relative information to aid those who are in the process of different aspects of the game. To offer information to those who are in need of their questions being answered. To 'tell your story and experiences" if you will, to those parents who's children are going through the progressions within the game as each year passes. Also to bring an awareness of these young men locally who are doing well and attaining goals, be it athletic awards, academic awards, and/or earning scholarships or professional contracts. And I carry the hopes we can continue to steer these "posts" in that direction and remain on path. Chris Fackler

Thanks Mac, I know after texting yesteday you didnt really care to write on this site, but thanks for spelling it out. Will Henderson from Lamar played independent, Derek Blacksher(Bridge City-McNeese) who's had 2 tremendous seasons the past 2 yrs pitches up in St Louis, Kevin Millar worked the same path, Mike Trahan recruiting coach at ULL, played for SCHUAMBERG. Sean Obannion from Vidor High played as well.  So it may be a small percentage who get to sign MLB Franchise contracts coming out of independent ball, yet its still an opportunity for those who get somewhat overlooked by the 'MLB amatuer' draft coming out of college.

When I get home I am going to research this all in much more depth. If I am reading your post correctly, it says a "workout" for team managers, GM's, etc...as I stated in the previous Post. What I am wanting to now know, is there an actual amateur draft, or is every player signed as free agents. My personal relationships with GM's, coaches, and players within these independent programs has always been through "free agent signings" without a draft. But I want to look into this more. If there is a draft, is it stricly based on those who attend the workout and these clubs are solely "drafting" players in attendance? If I was a borderline kid with the passion, heart, personal funding, and aspirations to continue chasing that dream, I would think attending one of these workouts would enhance the chances of making a club and signing a contract. I'm going to make some calls,(One call being to McKeller) to get more insight, and try to spell it out for all of us to better understand in the coming days. Good job finding the website, Fackler

Also, As for as Lamar's 18 locals and the aid they might receive, I cant answer that accurately, nor would I even try to speculate. However I do know if they receive athletic funding, they MUST receive minimum of 25% mandated by the NCAA. Since the schools have tripled out of state tuitions(there are waivers for a small percentage who qualify), and are now mandated each athlete must be on a 25% minimum  scholarship(if on athletic aid) AND with a NCAA mandated maximum locker room size of 35 players, it also has a hand to do with all schools recruiting much more locally as well. Its easier on a college staff to sign a local, have him commute from home and use a larger portion of overall baseball aid(11.7) to sign a player from a distant high school or juco. Our golden rule in college was to give the money to Pitchers and do your best at signing position players with academic funding, or those from wealthy homes... I coached collegiately in Louisiana, for we had the TOPS program which allowed us to put "Position players" on TOPS if they qualified and jump in the recruiting war for quality pitchers, offering a higher percentage of financial aid to sale yourself against another schools scholarship offer. The recruiting world is a monstor and when you sit on the other side of the desk trying to create a competitive ballclub, it is a 24-7 challenge to make it work every season. You had to really be creative at times to establish a ballclub to not only be competitive, but placing your club in position annually to win championships. Fackler

Hitman, I obviously stand corrected on this "draft" issue and with you being an ex player, email me sometime. Also, "Semi-Pro" was a term used back many years ago, now the term "Independent ball" means Paid emplyment to play for teams who are of non-affiliation with MLB Teams, and semi-pro is now a term most use for those "adult" league type teams, etc... But to be accurate, yes Semi-Pro was the term used for minor leaguers in a sense. Locally many years back we had the Beaumont Exporters etc...a minor league team in the 30-40-50's. Tell me more about the "Independent draft". I personally want to learn more about the drafting aspect. Ive worked directly aiding players who signed with such independent teams as the SCHAUMBURG FLYERS and FARGO-MOREHEAD REDHAWKS, but was completely unaware a "formal draft" for these independent players. My relationship with GM's of that league for which I communicated, had faxed in the players mutual contract to my office directly. They also have roster guidelines on requiring players who have professional baseball experience as well as adding new players coming out of college, but as the years go by, qualifications and league rules change as well. The top tier Independent League for years was the Northern League, ie; St Paul Saints, etc...a team JD Drew and Darryl Strawberry played for at one point. They signed directly with the Saints and weren't in a draft. But I suppose after reading your thread, there can be free agent signings and a "draft". If Im correct on this, I believe the Durham Bulls were orginally an independent team before getting affiliation with the Tampa D-Rays It used to be stricly upper Midwest states who had strong independent ball, but now they have added teams from Pensacola, Shreveport, La etc.... Id like to be know more about the draft and how it unfolds and the process, and do ALL league players go through a draft process now. This is Interesting. Or is it a draft thats conducted after a "League-Tryout" with all teams within the league in attendance? I guess to relate it would be like that of which we all basically were evaluated as in a Little League, community baseball tryouts per say, where all players attend the tryout, all players are evaluated by all league team coaches and general managers, then they conduct a draft after the workout?  Id think it would be good knowledge for all to read. And if your a former player, email me, Id like to hear from you. [email protected]

Ben Broussard was a supplemental round draft pick in 99 by Cincy, a "Senior Sign" after MSU, not out of high school. Ben suited up 5yrs with Cleveland, 2yrs with Seattle, and 1yr with the Rangers.... also signed a 'AAA' contracts with Cubs, Yankees, and believe this past season with the White-Sox. And now a rising star in the music industry, who has his 2nd CD out, check his site at www.benbroussard.com Fackler

Hitman, You point out some things that may have changed at LU and your possibly not aware. Out of the 35men he has in that locker room, 18 are locals, thats over 50%....Even one of the coaches is a local, Matt Gore LCM. The weekend rotation will be all three from our area(Harrington-PNG / Smith-Nederland / Dzedzich Atoscocsita), the 3 starting middle infielders(Bunner Vidor / Theriot Lake Charles / Vidrine Nederland) are locals, not counting the bullpen depth of locals(Morse HJ, Henderson Kelly, McInnis PNG). Im pretty sure Two of the young men on roster are HJ guys. Maybe its just an oversight on your side and you can take some time to forgive-forget the past to see some changes made at Lamar with recruiting. The indifferences about his recruiting philosophy may be of opinion and noteworthy, but personal attacking Coach isnt necessary is it? Just a respected suggestion, At least Sign Your Personal Name.... Also out of curiosity, you say McNeese's #1 arm from HJ, I been around MSU since 85, wondering what arm was McNeese #1 from HJ? McKeller did really good things there as well as Ben Broussard who we coached at 15-17 and signed at MSU. Bens numbers were sick at MSU, an amazing 2 seasons he had under Bianco. McKeller we helped after 1yr off a redshirt year at Lamar and Mac would be the first to say he needed the mental side developed which he got at Angelina. Both kids were in need, coming out of HJ, the first 24months or so with learning the grind & speed of the game, then both became very, very solid impact guys. . .Who is this kid you mention? Also, there isnt a Semi-pro draft, I believe you meant Independent ball, which means no affiliation with a MLB club, and yet there isnt a draft there neither, its a free-for-all free agent signings. So being a #1 draft pick in semi pro ball is baffling me at the moment. Try this website for its informative to people to learn on Independent baseball, a route Kevin Millar took after Lamar. [u]www.independentbaseball.net [/u] Anyways, I would like to see this initial post/topic you began stay on path, its been really good stuff! This Topic has been informative for many parents and kids and I hope continues to include others experiences and channels what they went through to get their son in a college uniform. Its been one of the better post for kids and parents to read on the SETx Site, and its fantastic to see so many understand certain aspects of the internal/business/academic aspects of the game. Ill say, these comments by parents are right on par and they are given these parents coming up and kids coming up the right information from what I have read thus far. Now to your question, players can, what we term "double-sign", meaning sign with a Juco and D1-or-2 program, meaning sign with one then opt out for the other with no penalties. Chris Fackler

I appreciate the emails and remarks on the List, but I am not getting locations and FEES all these guys charge, and Id like to see that included. If you could send that, it would be helpful. Thanks.

Polanco could be your 250 a-b guy with Bourne hitting in 2hole at times, allowing ya to move Derosa to 2nd and put a left handed bat at 3rd at times. Blum is the other 200a-b guy who can fit in at 3rd from the left side. to switch Derosa in and out in the 6th hole....But who do you bring in to catch, Bard, Barajas, Torrealba, Zaun who??? Interesting thing came my way few days back, A kid I spent time(coached his brother) sent me a text, the Sox made move on him, he is a 2nd baseman, proven .300hitter from Seattle who was in a trade for Ben Broussard 2 seasons ago...he was traded because he was stuck behind Kinsler ....meaning, is Pedroia possibly jumping to the other side of the bag...?

Like to see the Astros make some moves: Re-Sign [i][b]Valverde[/b][/i] and [i][b]Tejada[/b][/i] Go get [i][u][u][b]Chon Figgins [/b] [/u][/u][/i] for lead off spot and sign [b]Marlon Byrd [/b] from Rangers for CF. Get [i][b]Ankiel(LH)[/b][/i] added to Pence, Lee, Bourne(LH), with Byrd. Sign [b][i]Rich Harden [/i] [/b] as your #2 behind [i][b]Oswalt[/b][/i], bump [i][b]Wandy [/b] [/i] to #3, for he'd win 16 games as a #3 since he is so inconsistent facing #2's on the road. Try to get [i][b]Garland[/b][/i] as your #4 from LA, and go find an experienced low income lefty #5starter. Sign [i][b]Derosa[/b][/i] at 3B-2B from Cubs, and go get [b]Bengie[/b] or [b]Javier Molina[/b] to catch and develop the staff, cause the staff struggled overall and remained the same, not much adjusting, all season. Since Ausmus left, it hasnt been the same managing a staff, I-Rod in certain-circles wasnt always applauded developing pitchers and pitch calling(exception in Florida but dang he had Becket during that WS Run). But I-Rod didnt get much done in Texas nor in Detroit. It was Oswalt who got Ivan Rodriguez to Houston after the World Baseball Classic, and Roy begged for I-Rod cause he knew what Houston had behind the plate in 09. Also go sign [i][b]Polanco[/b][/i], Mr Reliable from Detroit who brings a Left handed bat for the infield behind Figgins and that makes for a solid contact offense with pop from Tejada, Berkman, Lee, Byrd, Pence, and Derosa for Derosa is tremendous hitting in Houston over his career. Molina can hit 200, who cares for he will have the arms keeping a staff below a 4.5era. Sprinkle in relievers, with locals[i][b] Sanches [/b] [/i] from Marlins(Nederland) and [i][b]Condrey[/b][/i] from Phillies(Navasota) and Eyers(Phillies) Wouldnt be too much of a high payroll, and Houston is the 4th largest city in the U-S, they need to act like it sports wise, yet they conduct themselves as a mid-market club financially. I think with those names suiting it up in Minute Maid on a daily basis, the crowds will sit at 75-80% consistent capacity and those names will sale jersey's and tickets.  Make that 1 or 2 yr commitment to all the above for stability, plus they'll play hard to keep contract offers, for most have experience with good clubs and know the grind of a major league season being accountable hitters in line-ups getting 500at bats annually with experience. And get rid of those guys who only give the 200ab's per season with minimal results, just to save innings for starters. Its a slap in the face to the Houston fan base. All the above(except Sanches) are free agents, I get reports(from Rockies) each morning so all those guys above ARE available. When will they receognize its time for the GM to step up, and Drayton, for the owners in Houston fight for front page press time(Rockets-Astros-Texans) and the Rockets are the poster child for the city right now for a city in a state which is a baseball-football state. How ironic was it last season that Coop got fired 2 days after the Rockets were getting front page press during their big playoff series to the Lakers last year....Coop was the scape-goat when Berkman should have taken the lead just as a Jeter, Pujols, and other franchise guys do for their clubs. Berkman and Cattle rancher Lee are too soft to lead a ballclub, so give the club to Tejada, Pence, Molina, and Figgins, guys proven that play hard daily and can lead ballclubs. Chris Fackler

I agree "AdminBabeRuth", The initial list has some very good instructors and more not, good role models to have your children developing aspects of the game from each week. What grabs me personally is when I was making this list, I realised I've coached alot of these guys who train now, or that they came aboard to help with one of my select team staffs, kinda kicks ya in the rump that Im not getting any younger, Lol. ...But I must say, without any hesitation, the years of hard work you guys do with the Babe Ruth program has made as much if not more of an impact locally than any of us above have ever made over the long haul. Theres alot of history in that BR Program. We can do all the training we want, but without that Babe Ruth stage, high school coaches support, and the Select weekend games, we cant see the instant results with what we are developing within each kid. The entire Babe Ruth Program has done some tremendous things on a consistent basis for many a years and guys such as yourself put in alot of unselfish time with passion and should be applauded for it year in and year out. Chris Fackler

I've been curious to know who are the local baseball instructors who teach isolated aspects of the game with training session, developing area youth players. It would be good to see the amount each instructor charges, the length of time spent training each kid, and what locations these instructors train. I think its a great avenue for all local kids to use at times, bringing an awareness towards those who train/develop kids locally. If for some reason I do not have you listed as an instructor, please add a thread, or email me, and Ill add you to this list. Here are the instructors I am aware of below and I apologize in advance for mispelling an instructors name or mis-information on the aspect you predominately train. Chris Fackler - Hitting/Fielding ($40 - $60 per 75min-90min session)(Private Indoor Facility in Bridge City) Sam Moore - Pitching/Hitting (Hitters Inc - Bridge City) Roderick Robertson - Hitting/Great Coach/Umpire (Hitters Inc - Bridge City) Jacob Walton - Hitting/Pitching/Catching(Catchers)(Westbrook High) Kyle Green / Pitching (Vidor High) Morgan Walker - Hitting(SE-Tx Baseball Academy) William Delage - Pitching(Hitters Inc - Bridge City) Ryan Brauninger - Hitting(Hitters Inc - Bridge City) Jeremy Green - Hitting (Grandslam - Orange) Skip Buccholz - Hitting/Pitching (Lumberton) John Patterson - Pitching(Grandslam - Orange) Josh Gray - Pitching Dustin Hood - Hitting(Hitters Inc - Bridge City) Jimmy Neal - Hitting (Sundevil Facility Beaumont) JR Barden - Hitting (Sundevil Facility Beaumont) Jason Tyner - Hitting(SE-Tx Baseball Academy) ($50 for 45 minutes - (one on one) Matt Thompson - Hitting (Sundevil Facility Beaumont) Jeff Moye - Pitching(SE-Tx Baseball Academy) Trey Rinando - Pitching(SE-Tx Baseball Academy) Wes Coch - Pitching(SE-Tx Baseball Academy) Jed McBride - Hitting(SE-Tx Baseball Academy) Pat Ford - Hitting/Catchers(SE-Tx Baseball Academy) Chris Kingrey - (SE-Tx Baseball Academy) Derek Spivey - (Gladiators Basseball) [font=Georgia][b][u][email protected] [/u] [/b] [/font]

2 quality events coming up that we all in the baseball community should jump aboard, JASON TYNERS CAMP and COACH WALTONS GOLF TOURNAMENT. Knowing these 2 guys, both events will be well structured and professional. Chris Fackler