Coach_Gonzalez wrote:First of all, for everyone so angry with my blog, why reply or even open it knowing I wrote it? Second of all, I was drafted, and played minor league ball until blowing my knee out, post germany's unification. And lastly I am not denying anyone the opportunity to play softball. I think all of the good travel ball coaches should coach public league, where they can actually teach players how to play. A real travel team should be filled with talent so there is no need for that kind of coach, so all of you GREAT people, go coach in house and help the population. Second, what are you teaching any kid when you just find somewhere for them to be accepted? It took me until I was a junior year in high school before I was invited to play travel ball and I earned the challenge. I would like to see every player get the opportunity to learn the game, and do it SAFELY. Do I believe that any player who is "old enough" is competent enough to face some of the scary fast pitching in softball from a mere 40 ft away? NO! And there are players I would not put on a field to be in harms way of some big hitters. The players who make travel ball what it is. But hey, I am a dumb kid right. Sorry. I provide for every player I meet and then some. I give my lessons, I coach my 1 travel team, I train 3 in house teams, and I also coach for the special olympics to TEACH kids the great game of softball. But Im a dumb kid. Keep arguing, but when kids are getting injured on the field because they should not be there, dont say I didnt tell you so. Teach your kids, dont just give them an opportunity, make them earn it, 11 months a year.
You should really read your post before hitting the Submit button. Personally, I've never coached an Elite team....but I have coached some kids that are playing D1 softball and some that will play D1 along with D2, D3 and NAIA. Those kids might not have been afforded that opportunity had it not been for the travel teams I coached and the many teams that they played against. I'm pretty sure that those kids earned their scholarships.
Safety is rather unclever straw argument. Players get hurt at every level of competition. Heck, even minor leaguers blow out their knees. I'm wondering if you blew out your knee because you "should not be there."
If the elite baseball players play in the Major Leagues....why do they have minor league ball? Why does the NCAA have different divisions? Why wouldn't girls softball attempt to model themselves in much the same manner?
I don't think you are a dumb kid. I think you are ignorant and somewhat of an elitist. I'm sure you know that many minor leaguers are drafted not because of what they have done, but what they have the potential to do in the future. Players are developed in the minor leagues....to prepare them for a shot at the major leagues. We provide the same opportunity.