Rake1

BC vs LCM scrimmage just got cancelled. I guess one day we will play baseball again.

[quote name="westend1" post="1179737" timestamp="1329447340"] [quote author=Rake1 link=topic=96045.msg1179724#msg1179724 date=1329445660] [quote author=westend1 link=topic=96045.msg1179685#msg1179685 date=1329443102] I've watched plenty of "complete" baseball at age 12 and under.  Get on first, take a few pitches while the runner steals 2nd and 3rd.  No real infielder work, no getting lead runners.  Even the outfielders don't learn where to throw the ball in a "real" situation.  I like select and I think the kids learn a lot from it, [color=red][b]but it is no closer to "real" baseball than little league at the younger ages. [/b] [/color]  And the crowds are nothing like little league all-star crowds.  Just parents.    JMO [/quote] Then you have obviously been missing some great baseball. The example you used is exactly what happens at the local league level, not in the higher divisons like Major (USSSA), Premier (Nations), or National (Super Series) and so on. Much higher level of play. If you really want to compare them for example go watch the little guys, 8 and 9 yr olds in Major or Premier, they will impress you no doubt. Seeing 7,8,9 yr olds turn a flawless 4-6-3 DP in a 2-1 game is a joy to behold. Watching kids execute a suicide squeeze in the bottom of the last inning, seeing a catcher completely shut down the running game, or perfectly timed pick off are all parts of the game that are missing from the LLWS. Can or do all the kids at that age do it, no, absolutely not. I'm talking about the best teams in the nation, just like what shows up at Williamsport. Again this is not a bashing thread, just a good discussion about baseball. I certainly enjoy the opportunity to discuss it because like all of us here it's what we do. With much respect, Rake1 [/quote]  No question that these elite teams have more good players, but next time you go to a tourney(i'm talking about 12 and under), [color=red][b]tell me how many steals there are each game and how many runners are thrown out.[/b][/color]  if you are honest, it will look nothing like "real" baseball. [/quote] At the big time tourneys like the Elite 24 and such you would be surprised, no doubt. Now on an average weekend at Ford Park, not so much. I'm comparing the top 8 LLWS teams to the top teams in different sanctions, not teams at the local level. The teams in different sanctions look very much like "Real Baseball".

[quote name="puddin tane" post="1179715" timestamp="1329445157"] [i]Pitchers throwing from the wind up only, little to no stealing bases, [/i] this is one reason i prefer little league..along with what wend1 said....let em focus on the fundamental stuff LL world series can't be beat [/quote] Agree with you 100% at the lower levels. Nothing worse than watching a track meet because these guys can't hold runners etc. I am talking about the best of the best, like the LLWS. The ones I'm talking about have no problem playing by major league rules and those games are far from a track meet.

[quote name="westend1" post="1179685" timestamp="1329443102"] I've watched plenty of "complete" baseball at age 12 and under.  Get on first, take a few pitches while the runner steals 2nd and 3rd.  No real infielder work, no getting lead runners.  Even the outfielders don't learn where to throw the ball in a "real" situation.  I like select and I think the kids learn a lot from it, [color=red][b]but it is no closer to "real" baseball than little league at the younger ages. [/b] [/color]  And the crowds are nothing like little league all-star crowds.  Just parents.    JMO [/quote] Then you have obviously been missing some great baseball. The example you used is exactly what happens at the local league level, not in the higher divisons like Major (USSSA), Premier (Nations), or National (Super Series) and so on. Much higher level of play. If you really want to compare them for example go watch the little guys, 8 and 9 yr olds in Major or Premier, they will impress you no doubt. Seeing 7,8,9 yr olds turn a flawless 4-6-3 DP in a 2-1 game is a joy to behold. Watching kids execute a suicide squeeze in the bottom of the last inning, seeing a catcher completely shut down the running game, or perfectly timed pick off are all parts of the game that are missing from the LLWS. Can or do all the kids at that age do it, no, absolutely not. I'm talking about the best teams in the nation, just like what shows up at Williamsport. Again this is not a bashing thread, just a good discussion about baseball. I certainly enjoy the opportunity to discuss it because like all of us here it's what we do. With much respect, Rake1

[quote name="westend1" post="1179120" timestamp="1329365667"] [quote author=Chester86 link=topic=96045.msg1178245#msg1178245 date=1329279914] I know it is early, but is there truly an elite world series for youth, outside of the organized leagues (Little League / Pony / etc.)?  I know all about the Nations / USSSA world series, and some of the open world series such as the one in Flower Mound.  Is there a youth world series that is thought more highly of, or is perhaps more well-respected out there? [/quote]  [b][color=red]There is nothing close to the Little League World Series.[/color][/b]  Period. [/quote] Gotta partially disagree with this statement. I do agree that the whole "experience and Disney like atmosphere" at the LLWS is second to none, no doubt. As far as quality of baseball I think it's very tainted due to the fact that big portions of the game are missing since it's so restricted. Pitchers throwing from the wind up only, little to no stealing bases, absence of the bunt for the most part is a turn off for me personally. Teams are built with guys who can overpower hitters from 46 feet. Most of these kids play travel ball now along with LL so they are plenty capable of playing "complete baseball". I would love to see these LLWS teams at an Elite 24 (USSSA World Series), Platinum Division Championship (AAYBA), Nations Texas State Championship in the Premier Division or one of many other top end sanctioned tournaments including Babe Ruth. That baseball is on another level from what Williamsport provides. I am by no means bashing or demeaning the LLWS, every kid with a glove wants to go there. Just an observation. The older LLWS, 13 and up, does have some really good baseball as well but it doesn't get but a fraction of the publicity. Rake1

[quote name="stigers12" post="1177785" timestamp="1329253510"] [quote author=monotone link=topic=94949.msg1177503#msg1177503 date=1329201199] No love for hf? I think they should be abouton the same level as silsbee. [/quote] Not Quite....[i][b]Who does HF have returning that's any good ?[/b][/i][/quote] Easy there big fella!! May be a little better received if you were to ask that question a little different. Something along the lines of "how many starters do they return?" or something similar. HF always has guys that can swing it. They will face the same questions and problems that most teams will and that starts with pitching. Those guys play hard and that "amusement park" they play in always makes games interesting! One of the wildest places to watch a game no doubt. Hit one off the fists to right and it may get out. Hit one on the screws to that CANYON in center and hang on! May not get over the fence but it could be a foot race for an inside the park HR. These guys will definitely be in the mix one way or another. Rake1

[quote name="adminbaberuth" post="1174112" timestamp="1328677217"] [quote author=PhatMack19 link=topic=95660.msg1174096#msg1174096 date=1328676112] [quote author=thedogs1987 link=topic=95660.msg1174083#msg1174083 date=1328675354] Not if a team is loaded with hitters who are hitting that good pitching..... You can't win a game 0-0.  Someone has to score.  If the pitchers are that good, someone has to hit, right?  No BB, no HBP which marks good pitching. [/quote] The best game I've ever been a part of was LCM-Nederland Regional Final at Lamar in 1997.  Jesse Floyd beat Beau Hale 1-0 on a passed ball to advance us to State.  I didn't think anyone would ever score the way those 2 guys were dealing that night. [/quote] [flash=400,400][Hidden Content]] [/quote] That's great stuff right there Admin !!!!

I have been foloowing this thread for a couple of days and a few things seem to jump out. 1. Every year there is a ton of "hype" about 1 or 2 freshmen who are just going to step right in and begin dominating the varsity competition. Not saying that it can't happen but usually it doesn't. Be patient and give these young guys a chance to catch up to the speed of the game, they have plenty of time to make their mark. 2. Just because a talented Freshman doesn't make the varsity doesn't mean they were not good enough. Take for example teams like Nederland, Barbers Hill, Bridge City, and others who are loaded with returning talent. It would be an amazing accomplishment for a freshman to crack the lineup and get significant playing time. In other years when the talent pool is not so deep then the opportunity for a freshman to be a factor on the varsity is much greater. Different situations and different circumstances. There will be plenty of time and it's not the end of the world. 3. Another factor that most parents don't take into consideration is the fact that the high school coaches are getting their first introdutions to these players. Select coaches and parents have had the pleasure of watching these young men play tons of games so their knowledge of what each player is capable of is far greater than a high school coach who sees them for 2 tryouts. If parents will be patient you would be surprised to see that it won't take the coaches very long to figure out who can play and who can't. I've seen a whole stand full of parents turn to look at one another and ask a question like " he's got "little Billy" hitting lead off?" After a few at bats and a game or two "little Billy" ends up farther down the order where he belongs, it almost always happens like that. Give the coahes a chance. 4. And last but certainly not least. It's been mentioned in an earlier post and it has to be some of the most useful and level headed wisdom out there. Making the varsity and not playing is NOT the way to go, period. Play a lower level and get on the field, improve your skills, and be ready when your time comes. Good luck to all the local players, parents, and coaches. Have a great season! Rake1

As far as pitching staffs go it's awful hard to look past Nederland, those guys are loaded and young! They should have plenty of arms to go around for pre-season tournaments. Several other big arms out there to watch for as well. Swan-LCM, Lemoine-BC, Jenkins-Silsbee, Livingston has a few, PNG-has some live young arms, and I know Barber's Hill has some as well. I know there are others I have overlooked so I apologize up front.

[quote name="AggiesAreWe" post="1164989" timestamp="1327417924"] Beaumont Central vs. Beaumont Ozen High Island vs. Sabine Pass [/quote] AAW has his finger on the pulse of "ALL" of SETX! Greatness!!

Looking at the newly posted schedules for the upcoming season it appears there will be some great games and match up's that will be worth watching. With the amount and depth of quality pitching in our area all the baseball fans can expect to see some great pitching duels as well. The early season tournaments will be fun to watch in my opinion since you get those games between folks from different districts playing. When the playoff teams from 4A meet up with 3A playoff squads it's always interesting. Anybody got a game or two they "can't miss"???

Congrats Coach Landry!

[quote name="Tigersvoice" post="1095939" timestamp="1319739925"] [quote author=Rake1 link=topic=90493.msg1095841#msg1095841 date=1319733357] Goodness I was hoping someone would please call this technique by the correct name but that has yet to happen. This straight forward style of kicking is called "conventional". Where in the world did "straight toe" come from? That's terrible! Conventional kickers like Tom Dempsey (NFL record 63 yard FG) and Mark Mosely of Washington were two of the best ever at the technique. I can remember when they actually marked the difference between kickers when describing them on the pre-game shows, soccer style or conventional. Whew! I feel so much better now that I have that off chest. You may now return to your regular scheduled activity. :) [/quote] Remember too about Tom Dempsey - his kicking foot was deformed.  I think I remember that he did not have fully developed toes on that foot; they were more like nubs.  And the shoe on his kicking foot was "square" across the front.  [color=blue][b]Research it before you use it in sports[/b][/color] trivia. :D [/quote] Please oh please Tigersvoice let me know what I what I need to research!! You have to be kidding me, right? Dempsey kicked using the conventional style Yes or No? The answer would be "yes" genius, no need for further research. Demepsey was not called a "square toe kicker" so you are the one who needs some research. Yes, Dempsey did have a deformed foot but he still used the conventional style of kicking. Almost every kicker who kicked conventional style used the squared toe cleat so that's not a giant fact you have uncovered. Please enlighten us some more when you have something truly important to say. "Research it before you use it in sports trivia" well here you go brainiac. How about Russel Erxleben from the University of Texas who, for your information, shares the record for the longest field goal in NCAA history was a conventional style kicker and yes that means he wore a square toed cleat. Let's try "conventional kickers for 400.00 Alex". How about George Blanda, another one of those "square toe cleat wearing players". Blanda still holds NFL records. Shall we go on......?? Rake1

Goodness I was hoping someone would please call this technique by the correct name but that has yet to happen. This straight forward style of kicking is called "conventional". Where in the world did "straight toe" come from? That's terrible! Conventional kickers like Tom Dempsey (NFL record 63 yard FG) and Mark Mosely of Washington were two of the best ever at the technique. I can remember when they actually marked the difference between kickers when describing them on the pre-game shows, soccer style or conventional. Whew! I feel so much better now that I have that off chest. You may now return to your regular scheduled activity. :)

[quote name="MBaller#1" post="1094644" timestamp="1319638607"] Look man I really don't think schedules or any of that matters when these 2 get together yeah Silsbee gave up a lot of points against other teams that's been happening for years and really the reason we haven't advanced father in the playoffs but this years defense is a little different the offense will be fine as west orange will see people must not forget [color=red][b]we beat ourselves[/b][/color] against bridge city 6 ints and only 6 points and we still [color=red][b]could have won[/b][/color] with our backup quarterback if Silsbee runs more of a west coast type of offense against west orange and use their running backs correctly they will win [/quote] That's a bunch of "could'a would'a should'a" right there!! [quote author=MBaller#1 link=topic=90254.msg1094691#msg1094691 date=1319642496] My thing is sometimes some teams have all the big stats in the game and still not win stat we killed bridge city and they did not cross mid field the whole first half and we lost our QB in the first half we had costly [color=red][b]penalties at the 2 yard line that stopped us from winning[/b] [/color] so that's on us it will be a defensive game and either of these teams could win west orange had lots of trouble with Hampshire fannet and orangefield too so this is an evenly matched game good luck to both teams [/quote] Something tells me BC's defense had a hand in that outcome as well. You make it sound sound like Silsbee played "The University of Phoenix On Line" and that the other team had no say in the outcome. No you didn't play your best game but did you ever think BC made the plays it needed to make in order to win the game?? The exact same thing can be said for BC against WO-S. The Mustangs did just enough to win and nothing can change that outcome no matter how you decide to rationalize it. Rake1

What if..... Silsbee loses to WO-S and ends up with 2 losses in district BC loses to OF and ends up with 2 losses OF beats BC and ends up with 2 losses You go to a tiebreaker with points to decide it? Who has the edge??

[quote name="CATS80" post="1092716" timestamp="1319464319"] [quote author=Kville_Kats link=topic=90305.msg1092666#msg1092666 date=1319461986] Orangefield will take this one...Little to much for HJ.... [/quote]I would have to take OF by at least three touchdowns or better. [color=red]And I also would love to see Orangefield take down BC and get a spot to the playoffs[/color]. It could happen. It would be tough but hey Those guys are scrappy at OF. Good luck OF and good luck HJ [/quote] Silsbee needs to worry about taking down WO-S and not anyone else. The loss to BC has made the Tigers game against WO-S almost a must win game to keep playoff hopes alive. If I were from Silsbee I'd be pulling for BC.

Great game tonight, certainly lived up to all the pre-game hype. Good luck to both squads for the rest of the season and beyond. Rake1

[quote name="APanthers" post="1089468" timestamp="1319232372"] Does his son play for bridge city ? [/quote] Grandson.

The "horn" should be ready for tonight!! (well rested from last week) Good Luck Tigers!

WO-S 7th A vs BC 7th A was a GREAT junior high game. Very enjoyable all the way around. Each group has a really bright future because there are some talented young players on both sides. Bridge City was big and physical while WO-S was very impressive with the sophisticated offense that they run at such a young age. Nice job by all these young men. Rake1

[quote name="kicker" post="1088332" timestamp="1319127119"] [quote author=Rake1 link=topic=89886.msg1088087#msg1088087 date=1319081871] [quote author=kicker link=topic=89886.msg1087993#msg1087993 date=1319073875] [quote author=Rake1 link=topic=89886.msg1087645#msg1087645 date=1319040476] [quote author=mustangfan2 link=topic=89886.msg1087634#msg1087634 date=1319039308] You know critter maybe contact sports aren't bridge city's game, I know lets have a cross country meet! [/quote] Cross country would be a safer bet for WO-S than a math contest with questions like "when is your birthday?" ::) (my apologies, couldn't help myself) [/quote]. You know,your comments are down right rediculous. I don't even have a reply. Others see your agenda so its not worth my time. [/quote] No Kicker, what is "rediculous" is your spelling! ;D No agenda here, just a jab at those who continue to throw crazy comments out there. I have been nothing but respectful when talking about the players and the game, go back and read the thread. I put one comment out there and all of a sudden I have an agenda? That's what is "ridiculous" (notice the proper spelling). Once your done reading the thread grab a ladder, get down off of your high horse, and quit taking yourself so seriously. What a joke. [/quote] I got you Rake. I see your sarcasm, you just come across in a different way than you mean. No biggie. And the spelling is my stupid phone. I tried to text my wife I loved her yesterday and it came out as "I like aborigines" lol. And the ladder? With my knee, I don't even climb up them much less come down. lol. [/quote] Kicker, it's all good and in good fun. Man this is a terrible time to be down with a knee ailment, we had you pegged to win a car with the KOGT halftime Punt,Pass, and Kick. You were a lock!! On a different note I hope everyone looking for some good football doesn't miss the sub varsity games tonight! Especially that barn burner 7th grade A team match up! I'll be there for sure, these young guys can play. The Merlin Broussard family should be proud for a variety of reasons, both on and off the field. Looking forward to some good football. Rake1

[quote name="kicker" post="1087993" timestamp="1319073875"] [quote author=Rake1 link=topic=89886.msg1087645#msg1087645 date=1319040476] [quote author=mustangfan2 link=topic=89886.msg1087634#msg1087634 date=1319039308] You know critter maybe contact sports aren't bridge city's game, I know lets have a cross country meet! [/quote] Cross country would be a safer bet for WO-S than a math contest with questions like "when is your birthday?" ::) (my apologies, couldn't help myself) [/quote]. You know,your comments are down right rediculous. I don't even have a reply. Others see your agenda so its not worth my time. [/quote] No Kicker, what is "rediculous" is your spelling! ;D No agenda here, just a jab at those who continue to throw crazy comments out there. I have been nothing but respectful when talking about the players and the game, go back and read the thread. I put one comment out there and all of a sudden I have an agenda? That's what is "ridiculous" (notice the proper spelling). Once your done reading the thread grab a ladder, get down off of your high horse, and quit taking yourself so seriously. What a joke.

[quote name="mustangfan2" post="1087634" timestamp="1319039308"] You know critter maybe contact sports aren't bridge city's game, I know lets have a cross country meet! [/quote] Cross country would be a safer bet for WO-S than a math contest with questions like "when is your birthday?" ::) (my apologies, couldn't help myself)

Wow!!! This has become border line comical!! I can completely understand where the Silsbee faithful are coming from, the loss to BC stings like all get out and it makes you feel better to justify the loss with a myriad of excuses. "We had 6 INT's, our QB got hurt, we dominated the stat sheet, BC should thank their lucky stars", etc etc etc and so on. I'm sure if the shoe was on the other foot it would be a similar situation but it's not, it's over and it's not going to change. Now there are a few of the WO-S faithful who are chiming in since the Mustangs have now shown to be a "little bit" vulnerable while some other teams in the district are playing well. Trust me when I say WO-S is far from being dead but they are also far from being viewed as invicible like they once were. The Mustangs have a very talented group of athletes who have the capability, when all on the same page, to play with anyone and beat most. The Mustangs struggles have been well documented in the "ZILLIONS"  of pages that a few of their panic stricken fans continue to perpetuate on this site. On Friday night if you don't expect to see WO-S come out extremely focused then you are fooling yourself. On the other side of the field will be an equally talented group of focused players from Bridge City. For whatever reason this squad has been given very little respect yet they continue to play well despite what a few of their past opponents say. One can only hope that the game lives up to all the hype that has been generated. Yes there was plenty of hype last year and WO-S went to BC where Darius Mitchell ran wild. That could certainly happen again this year as Lindsey is a really tough customer. You may also see BC play well enough to win while being led by a very talented group of seniors. I would not be shocked if either one of the above scenarios happens. I will however be shocked if this thread continues without some more of these ridiculous statements that keep popping up. To all of the gracious fans out there, enjoy what could be an outstanding game. To all of the blindly devoted and angry folks who continue to stir up hate and discontent, have a nice day and enjoy some great Friday night football. Rake1