by JimineyCricket » Thu Apr 03, 2014 8:29 am
I have a story to tell from the recent Civil War weekend, which I believe will help explain the reasons for the difference between the product currently put on the field in NorCal and SoCal. If you believe that there is no difference between your NorCal DD or her team and her SoCal counterparts, please don't try to convince me of that fact, just assume this story isn't meant for you.
Most of the players from my DD's team attended the Friday night clinic put on by Corona Angels coach Marty Tyson and others. In all, there were about 70 of NorCal's top 14u '00 players (and their parents) at this clinic. At one point in the night, Coach Tyson asked for an infielder to come forward to throw in a demonstration. A young lady from one of NorCal's top teams (it doesn't matter which one - this isn't about any one team) stood up, and identified herself as an infielder. Coach Tyson had her make an "infield throw" to her partner, which she did. She was very proud of herself, as were her teammates and their parents. Coach Tyson stopped her next throw mid-motion, and proceeded to point out several significant flaws in her "infield" throwing motion (she was, in essence, not making an "infield" throw at all, but rather an "outfield" throw), explained why the flaws were detrimental to her game (current and future), and then gave a very short demonstration on correcting those flaws. To her credit, the player listened and tried to change her motion, but it was obvious she was being taught something new. Coach Tyson then commented on how important it is that when your daughter practices her throws every day, she do it correctly. The parents then proceeded to argue amongst themselves about that statement, one-third arguing Coach was obviously exaggerating, and one-third arguing that Coach was obviously crazy. The final third completely missed what Coach was really saying.
With all due respect to all the geography majors on this board, IMO this story captures most of what really causes the difference between NorCal and SoCal players and teams.