Why TCS?

[Makina]

I find it very interesting that you would be posing this question. This question should be given to the Manager of your team and if you don't like the answer, then move onto a team that just plays friendlies. I'm not sure what your expectation is for a 14u team but this is what I have experienced in So Cal TCS. BTW - I would let TCS know that your field was not taken care of, as this is a legitimate concern.

18u - Has the most college scouts and will typically play 3 out 4 weekends in the Fall season
16u - Only the highest quality teams attracts scouts and quality of play in general is very average. Most of the best players are playing on 18u teams.
14u - Quality of play with top teams is very high in general, but there is alot of teams with 8th graders that are moving up from 12U and also alot of new teams forming. Only the top stud pitchers are being watched by college scouts. When attending a showcase event for a 14u team, don't expect college coaches to be watching your team. Most teams probably play in these tournaments because they want to get better by facing higher caliber teams. I saw teams from AZ, NV, No Cal, - which you won't face in a So Cal friendly. I was also amazed at the # of HR's hit over a 200 ft fence at the 14u level, I could go on and on, but TCS has done a wonderful job at securing facilities and offering these tournaments and now rotating their Championships to San Diego. They clearly understand that the majority of their clients (teams) reside in So Cal and are making smart business decisions, BTW this is a business!

As far as your comments on umpiring - unless you are expecting professional full time umpires or only college umpires for your games, then you are not going to get them! Unless you want your entry fees to triple, yes they do cost more and there are fewer available. Not sure how long you have witnessed travel ball, but sometimes the calls do not go your way or a mistake is made. Unfortunately this is the human aspect of the game that is not going to change. This is how I see the best teams handle a call that does not go their way!! They just move on and play the next inning by smacking the heck out of the ball! They control their own destiny and actions and don't worry about all the things that they can't control.

[tbjd33]

Ha ha ha ha! Lol!

Man I remember when I was first posting. I too thought the sky was falling and all that. All I can say is blow it off, find a good cooler, comfortable chair w/ umbrella and chill.

I am a blessed one. Despite all my "issues" my DD found her dream school. I understand the odds and with DD #2 already taking a different approach.

Again... Relaaaaxx!

College coaches truly don't care about the fields. Heck most of them grew up playing in these very same crappy fields so they get it. Also, they always find the talent. So just relax and get your DD in a strength program, encourage her to hit daily and play friggen catch with them...

Just sayin...

[aispuroaj]

For showcasing tournament, I'd prefer to attend either PGF or USA Preps. Your moneys goes a long way...

[00softballgirl00]

USA Preps is a joke. website looks great and looks like you will see a lot of schools. I've been to these events and half the time the coaches are on their phones texting or taking calls not even paying attention . also, most of them are not even paid coaches. that's why they do the USA preps events to make a little money on the side. also, USA preps lists a whole bunch of schools on the website and then the week leading up to the event, you start to see the list drop off.
USA Preps has raised there prices just like everyone else. plus the camps are mandatory.

PGF is PGF. if your not in the good old boys club, you can get placed 20-30 mins away from the main fields.

my experience with TCS has been fine for the most part.

[tbjd33]

USA Preps is a joke. website looks great and looks like you will see a lot of schools. I've been to these events and half the time the coaches are on their phones texting or taking calls not even paying attention . also, most of them are not even paid coaches. that's why they do the USA preps events to make a little money on the side. also, USA preps lists a whole bunch of schools on the website and then the week leading up to the event, you start to see the list drop off.
USA Preps has raised there prices just like everyone else. plus the camps are mandatory.

PGF is PGF. if your not in the good old boys club, you can get placed 20-30 mins away from the main fields.

my experience with TCS has been fine for the most part.

Spot on...

Understand the teams/orgs loyal also get the choice fields. Not just the good ol'boys. Winning gets you there too. Can't expect to pay money and play top teams off the bat...