Top 12u team in NorCal?

[mr.flamboyant]

There's more to this game than what happens at game time... Like teaching kids responsibility and commitment. Being part of a team. Finishing a season with the team you signed up with. This is happening more and more. Dads yanking their kids off teams and showing them how you can quit and go somewhere else when things get tough. This is 14s and 12s. Unbelievable how into yourself you are without any thought for your child long term. (The person responding to this portion in a "It's okay to quit a team and move to another team mid season" attitude will be the guys that actually have done it!) Most people know your reputation before you walk into a room. There's not just one of you either. It's a game and these girls are still young. Stop expecting your kid to play out your dream of olympics. You had your chance and missed it.

Those NorCal teams that make it to Nationals: Go and make it a great experience for your DD. Set your own expectations low and be pleasantly surprised if you win some games. Doesn't matter if you think you're ranked 1, 2 or 3.

Here's to hoping it's a great weekend filled with great games, no injuries, lots of fun! Thank God they don't sell alcohol during these games.

Very well said! 2-3 girls/sets of parenets come to mind right away. Every season you see these girls they have a new uniform on. Some even a couple different teams in one season. I mean they are litarally running out of teams cuz they already played for everbody already! One is even making her second rounds on organizations! I wonder if they ever consider if the player wants to leave her teamates (wheather she likes them or not) before they say "c'mon we're leaving..AGAIN"!!

[Iluvblue]

IN all fairness to any players that leave, consider what they are leaving. I always say if kids are leaving teams, coaches need to first look in the mirror. It isnt always because the parent is some crazy.

I am often told by people that "Oh, you dont want that kid on your team, that parent is crazy!"
I never listen to it. I judge the parent based upon what they do with us, not what they did with coach XXXX. There are many coaches out there that have no idea what it takes to runa team and keep the group happy. Then when things fall apart, they never stop to think of the stupid crap they did as manager/coach.

[mr.flamboyant]

IN all fairness to any players that leave, consider what they are leaving. I always say if kids are leaving teams, coaches need to first look in the mirror. It isnt always because the parent is some crazy.

I am often told by people that "Oh, you dont want that kid on your team, that parent is crazy!"
I never listen to it. I judge the parent based upon what they do with us, not what they did with coach XXXX. There are many coaches out there that have no idea what it takes to runa team and keep the group happy. Then when things fall apart, they never stop to think of the stupid crap they did as manager/coach.

Absolutely..i agree 100%. That even goes both ways with coaches. You often hear "Oh ,you dont want to play for that coach cuz..____(you fill in the blank)." But I judge the coach based on MY experience having DD play with him not a bunch of disgruntled ex parents. Keeping all fairness in mind theres always gonna be parents that leaves teams for legitimate reasons (such as maybe it just wasent a good fit,etc) but what about the parents that pull their kids off teams during mid season multiple times (2 or more), play for a new team every year and every time its the same result..it cant be every coach from every team. In those cases I think the parents need to look in the mirror at some point

[style]

Ncdad when who ever takes their daughter out to a tryout you evaluate the situation, you hear how good the coaches are, how they got their own daughter in to college, how great a hs coach they are ect. To me right now at a young age the #1 goal is to teach these kids the fundmental of the game ( practice) teach the girls how to run a pickle so the kids don't stand at the bases and throw the ball back and fourth to each other, take the time to teach your catcher how to drop and block a ball instead of yelling at her and saying that being lazy. Teach the girl to think on there own so you don't have to be a basecoach and pretty much be the base runner. Those are just some examples I can go on for ever but I won't you get my point. To me going to national and hoping to get a win or two is crazy to take your family across a couple of states hoping for a couple of wins. Right now at the young age the girls need to be playing as much as possible. May it be in your own backyard or going down south or at practice were the girls are being taught. You get these coaches that want to run a 12u team like it's a gold team, not good for the girls or there future

[luv2teachthegame]

ILB...totally agree. Had a kid come tryout and other parents were saying all these things they heard about never being able to satisfy those parents....and sometimes it is true....other times it is the complete opposite. One kid we grabbed turned out to be one of the best competitors we could ask for, and all they wanted was an environment where there DD was going to be pushed and taught.

Personally, I wouldn't let my daughter play for someone who couldn't teach the fundamentals of hitting, fielding, baserunning, pitching, etc. There are many ways to teach the game right that may sound different and even look a little different, but still right. There are also terrible things that I have seen coaches teach their players that make NO sense and it shows that they have no clue of what they are talking about.

I think there are times that it's ok to leave a team, but there are also ways to make good decisions about where you choose to go so that doesn't have to happen. I love to see the teams that are able to keep a majority of their girls and build as they move up the age groups....some true friendships, families enjoying it, and building relationships with these kids that last.....and even more....LOYALTY.

I think it is something that I see beginning to give out a little in our game. Some just looking to find a place where their DD can be the starting SS instead of playing for a better team and playing 2B or OF.

[Iluvblue]

3 years ago we had a kid come to us for tryouts and I had multiple people tell me she was trouble, Both her and her parents.

Fast forward to regionals in Vegas we are playing Mizuno Pride and we are down 3 runs in last inning. This kid was on FIRE all weekend. We make a comeback and we are now tied with runners on 2nd and 3rd. Different kid is on deck and as the batter before her gets to bat, she walks over to her and says "Get on base somehow, because I am winning this game!"

That batter walked to load the bases and this kid comes up and jacks first pitch into LC field to win the game and send us to the 16u final game of regionals. As she reaches first and game ends, she is pumping the fist and letting out screams of excitement.

That is a moment I will never forget, and the reason that the kid was absolutely the kind of players I want on my teams. She was NEVER trouble on our team, she was just an extreme competitor that needed the right situation.

Oh, the parents....... they were great as well:)

[Giantfan]

This is my top 15 in NorCal JMHO if you think its wrong state your case. 6/15

1. Storm 97
2. Grapettes SN
3. Lady Magic
4. Sorceress 97
5. San Jose Sting 97
6. AASA 97
7. Cal Breeze
8. So. Bay Stars
9. Clovis Rockets
10. EC Hot Shots-R
11. CC Krush
13. Strikkers
14. Sudden Impact
15. Outlaws

[mr.flamboyant]

This is my top 15 in NorCal JMHO if you think its wrong state your case. 6/15

1. Storm 97
2. Grapettes NW
3. Lady Magic
4. Sorceress 97
5. San Jose Sting 97
6. AASA 97
7. Cal Breeze
8. So. Bay Stars
9. Clovis Rockets
10. EC Hot Shots-R
11. CC Krush
13. Strikkers
14. Sudden Impact
15. Outlaws

Clovis Rockets??

[FanMan]

Have the Grapettes NW won anything other than the 6 team RR GOLD tourney awhile back?..seems they make a lot of early Sunday exits whether they plau 12's or 14's..you guys must be drinking the same thing..IMHO

[numberonesdad]

who is sudden impact? what have they done or who have they beat,where have they played?
also on the grapettes are you talking about SN cause can't find a NW