FightinIllini

1.) MJ

2.) Beech

3.) H'ville

Going forward, it will be interesting, MJ has Smith, Beech has McWillams, WC has Franklin, H'ville was young and will be much better next year. H'ville showed good progress by the end of the year.

Lebanon could get much better witha good coach... Portland, Gallatin, SC ...cant see them making much noise.

MJ has had a couple of players move in, but I don't know if they are difference makers.

I think all of this ties in to the 'State of Baseball' thread. While I do think the guys have more resources than we ever did back in the day, the parents back in the day didn't push us as hard and they didn't expect a college scholarship in return. I think there's a happy medium from youth leagues on up so that players can develop and have fun at the same time. Being the 8U national champs in coach pitch baseball and playing 100 games a year won't mean anything on your resume and in the big picture, neither will the half scholarship to Jr. College if you don't wrap it up with some sort of degree. I'd like to hear exit interviews from all of the guys that went on past the high school level and see what advice they'd have to offer, cause I hear a lot of stories about guys giving it up after 1 or 2 years of college ball or minor league baseball. What factors into that?

Well lets say a player works hard and gets a scholarship to a JUCO, plays two years and move on to a Mid Level D1 .. plays a couple of more years and gets drafted... goes through the minors and ends up in the MLB ( Stephen Pryor) should he have just enjoyed his HS school days and prepared for life by going to a four year school, forgetting baseball or shoudl he had followed his dream?

MOST of all D1 and minor league players are not going to make enough money to live past baseball, but while you are young follow your dream, you have the rest of your life to go to school or work.

What about the kid that goes to college gets a business degree, and plays a few years in the minors, meets some people and ends up being a Rawlings saleman? MOST of all the guys I have talked to that played college ball or minor league ball, say they would not trade the exp. for anything

Refresh my memory......how many seniors on that team are going to play college baseball? Looks like Carter did the best with what he had.

Brandon Smith signed at Chattanooga State...... might be a couple others sign this summer.

Hitting was the issue........

My comments about players input to parents and attitude suggest that the troublesome parent may be reacting from information supplied by the player. If a player has no fault in inciting the parents behavior he/she shouldn't be used as a " bargaining chip"... however if little Johnny isn't cutting it on the field, and is crying to daddy that politics or favoritism is keeping him from starting, or that bad decisions made by the coach is costing the team wins, then it's the responsibility of the coach to put the team ahead of the problem. Kids and parents alike need to realize that the coach has the last word (right or wrong) in the decision making process where the team is concerned, and that the right thing is to follow instruction without criticism and see where it takes them. I never intended to imply that a faultless player should be punished for the behavior of a parent in order to silence them.

I agree totally with your statement, often times a player that cannot cut it on the field , makes excuses to the parent, it is easier for the parent to blame the coach. I have also seen coaches make terrible decisions, just as I have seen players make terrible decisions.

When I coached, I realized early on , that if we win, the players did a fantasitc job, if we lose, I did a terrible job coaching...

I've been reading this topic for the past few days with some interest.

 

I guess the basic question is, are the best high school umpires working the games in the state tournament? I would say the answer is no. The primary reason is because the best umpires are not always available when the state tournament is held. Work considerations, etc., and another big one. Many good high school umpires also work college baseball and many umpires are still working college ball when the state tournament is held.

 

Also, each regional high school umpire association sends representatives to work the state tournament. Are these regional umpires the best in the state? Probably not, but ask yourself this, are the teams that qualify to play in the state tournament the 8 best in the state in each division? Probably not.

 

In my opinion, you are getting the quality of umpiring that is equivilent to the quality of baseball being played. Half of the people at a game are going to disagree with a call 100% of the time. Players make errors, coaches make bad coaching decisions and umpires miss calls. Each and every one of them, players, coaches and umpires, are doing their dead level best to do the absolute best job they can.

 

It's baseball!

I was watching a game a few weeks ago, Dorris Armstrong was behind the plate, there was a weird play, I don't remember it exactly, but Doris made a call at the plate and called the player out. the third baseball coach went nuts , Doris gave him a little, when the coach kept it up, Doris said, "If you had been doing your job in the first place , you player would not have been out" it was so true, the coach blew the play resulting in the outcome being left up to the umpire.

Players leave the conversations and details of practices at the field. They don't go home and tell mommy and daddy everything that happened at practice during the day. Pretty simple really. Players play and parents support the program as dictated by the coach via the booster club, etc. If you violate the rules, you're off the team. Period.

I agree with you in theory but do you really think that players from the age of 14-18 are not going to tell their parents what is going on at practice? I can see maybe college players doing this...

I would expect my children to be comfortable in coming to me with any aspect of their life they are struggling with and being able to discuss it without fear of being "kicked off the team"

Maybe coaches should have a parent/coach conference day like the teachers do. wow that would be fun.

I think someone else mentioned this earlier, but a big issue is making sure the individual player knows his role.... If he/she is accepting of his role then there will be less whining at home to parents.

And I agree , most parents have a lofty idea of their players abilities.

I guess the best thing about all this is that parents are coaches do care about the student/athletes or there would not be so much dicussion on it.

I know when my children talk to me about their coaches, I don't always agree with what a coach does, but I tell them to control what they can control, attitude, hard work, making themselves a better player, encouraging teammates and look at it from the coaches point of view. and I also remind them to enjoy their time and just like players, coach come and go as well.

So much for talking about social media and its impact on high school sports and what the guidelines should be, which was the intent of the thread.

These days the responsiblities of the parents include raising money for these programs, running the concession stand, and working on the field. Coaches roles include making sure some of the wealthy boosters are taken care of. Less time is concentrated on teaching the game and game strategy. Each year I see more and more sacrifice bunts not laid down than ever. Fundamentals of the game are being neglected. Just my opinion! Players are tweeting everything that happens in their lives instead of going outside and working on the game they play. I see coaches more focused on running than working on the skills that make you a better player. It is easy to make Johnny run some poles but it's a lot harder to explain what a "firm front side" means as far as hitting goes.

I agree , if players would work on their game rather than posting and tweeting that would help alot.

Or, go back to following the old saying of, "what you say here, what you see here, let it stay here, when you leave here." No gray area there, follow these rules or don't play.

Don't quite follow you, but it sounds like a good idea...

I agree, if a player cannot stay within the guidelines that the coach has set forth, then the player should be punished. I do feel that those guidelines should be clearly stated so there is no gray area. For instance, there might be a difference in tweeting personal negative comments about another team, or person, as opposed to tweeting about the game or the outcome of the game. how much of the players personal life does the coach control?

"In the instance of a parent causing problems, there are many variables to consider such as the players input to the parent, players attitude, ect... but as a final solution, players being benched or even suspended would have to be a viable option to rectify the problem."

I could not disagree more and any coach that took this route would be in my opinion abusing his position....As far as parents are concerned, if a parent disrupts games, practices, then the parent is to be dealt with not the player.... Their are AD's and Administartors taht can handle a parent.....as long as the player is doing what is asked of him, he has no control over a parent and should not be used as a bargining chip. Players cannot pick their parents and should not be punished for a parents actions.

Can you explain "there are many variables to consider such as the players input to the parent, players attitude, ect... "

With all the responses and opinions let's take this further, what are the roles, responsibilites of the parent , player, coach. This seems to be the biggest issue in high school sports today. It seems less time goes into teaching the game and more managing the expectations of parents.

What would the reaction be if the coach posted negative comments on social media about mistakes made by players or the actions of parents?

Is there a coach from Kentucky in the mix?

redsman why don't you take the job......

"Here is the problem with you all at MJ. You use the game of baseball and that program as a status symbol among your friends and family. You all want instant gratification and to use your sons to make you look good. It's no different than buying a $500,000 home but not having furniture in it. You want to be perceived on the outside.

At games, I hear the MJ "CREW" questioned why coach didn't steal, and if he did steal, would question that too. That's one example.

The bottom line is this: Parents on Twitter or Facebook blasting a high school baseball coach for any reason is BUSH LEAGUE!! Thats called cancer and it will eat an entire program from existence. Parents' roles are to support and care for, not analyze, or stir the pop........unless its a chili pot in the concession stand.

I rather lose with hard working, great helping and caring people than win and it be a blood bath or stressful pack of wolves. In five years nobody will know the starting lineup or the team record or actually won't and should care. MJ is a great program. Has great players. Juggernaut I can't say that. At the end of the day it's about the lives you touched and the lives you positively touched. It's about the relationships you build, not how many wins or rings you have on your finger. Those things are not gonna impress Peter at the gates.

I'm gonna ask my original question to you or FightinIllini or any other person in the MJ Baseball ring know......I mean Gold"

First of all, my post started with a topic about social media, the coaches role, the players role the parents role at the high school level and the college level, since I happen to lucky enough to have both.......

I never mentioned what it would take to make me happy , a particular coach school or anything of the sort. OrangeCrush mentioned MJ........ then a bunch of you took off on that..

If you read my post in this thread I try to go back to the original topic. Again if a player obviously makes an error in judgement, he should be dealt with... If a parent cannot control their behavior then they again should be dealt with.. I do disagree with punishing a player for what a parent has done.... that is bad policy at any level.... ( watch Hoosiers)

As far as the parents roles you mentioned, everyone has their opinion, I'm sure most parents help out in the conession stand ...The only thing I "personally" care about is becoming a better baseball player, the health and well being of my son and winning...

I have heard many many coaches talk about building relationships, making memories etc... and that's fine too, but that is between the players and the coaches.....not me..... I personally do not have to or need to have a relationship with anyone of the coaching staff. If I do have a freindship with them that's fine, but if I dont that fine as well.

As far as second guessing a coach, that's part of the game, that's part of being a fan, there is nothing wrong with looking a another parent or fan and saying hey I would have bunted in that siuation, or man that pitcher is ready to come out..... sure I have heard all of that and said it myself but you act like there's a mob of fan's yelling that the coach is a bum or something.....

As far as " at the end of the day its about lives you touched ....blah blah blah your a coach right,.....? you want to win right ? . I assume you coach at some high school around here.... you lose the arguement when you start to attack people.

as far as mother talking about their sons not getting to play and how they cannot assess talent, they are mothers... get it..... mothers....who cares what they want to say to make them feel better about it.....

as far as the parents only thinking it's about D1 and my kid is D1 " or what ever you were talking about ........ sure everyone parent wants that for their son if that's their sons dream..... Oh and by the way my son is a D1 prospect so does that mean it's ok for me to say it but not anyone else?

I think sometimes coaches feel guilty about the things they said, didn't do etc.... and then they come on this board and want to teach all the parents how they feel they should act...

Spend your teim coaching and teaching the game of baseball .... and stop worrying about the parents.....

Man you guys are sensitive... asked a question because it seemed a lot of players came from one area....... I am not unhappy about this event..... I have no reason ...... Redsman where do you coach at?

Glad you guys had a great time, I hope it was a great event and everyone was happy. Sorry I could not make it.... sounds like there was a lot of good talent there....

" Some parents don't seem to understand that they come and go, the programs last forever..... "... they will always make more kids and more games...

The is a typical response form a lot of coaches I know. I have heard many times coach make comments like " well this group of players will be gone soon" we'll get a new group... a coach can mess up an entire season, and then hit the reset button every season....

Players have a short window and they don't get to do it all over again...

I stick to my opinons if a player breaks the conduct code he is to be punished, if a parent breaks the conduct code they should be punished, but you cannot punish the player for having a bad parent.

I will say this as much as I disagree with how some parents act, there is a common denominator with regards to MJ , Farragut, Collierville and Houston they all win.

This is true. However, after sitting in the stands for a couple of MJ games, they do act like a bunch of nutjobs.

I for one did not act like a nutjob ( have in the past) and know alot of parents that didn't..... mine did not have any problems , played and played well.... maybe next year will be better for him..

I mean have you been to a Houston or Farragut game?

Agree 100% Leatherballs. From what I heard MJ was a three ring circus this past year with the parents. Illini, know would be the one that would know more than me, but I heard a parent actually laid hands on Coach Carter. Also, I heard Carter was escorted from the field a few times because he felt threatened. Unfortunately, I would be forced to dismiss all players who's parents could not act civil.

Stories always get bigger everytime they are told...... I don't know if any of those things really happened or not.

I would say "Yes Sir!" High schools sports is not public education, it is an elective activity. A player's right to play ends at the tip of his or her head coach's nose.

 

You don't like what a coach does, do the right thing. Talk to him or her face to face, in private. Social media is for cowards. Please note that I use my name on comment websites....

I agree with you, face to face... and I post my name and email address for all to see.

The First Amendment is applicable between us and our government. A lot of people can not seem to grasp that..... My employer or a baseball coach is not the government - you agree to their rules when you agree to work or play for them.

 

http://www.britannic...First-Amendment

 

"The First Amendment, however, applies only to restrictions imposed by the government, since the First and Fourteenth amendments refer only to government action. As a result, if a private employer fires an employee because of the employee’s speech, there is no First Amendment violation. There is likewise no violation if a private university expels a student for what the student said, if a commercial landlord restricts what bumper stickers are sold on property it owns, or if an Internet service provider refuses to host certain Web sites.

 

Legislatures sometimes enact laws that protect speakers or religious observers from retaliation by private organizations. For example, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans religious discrimination even by private employers. Similarly, laws in some states prohibit employers from firing employees for off-duty political activity. But such prohibitions are imposed by legislative choice rather than by the First Amendment."

Thanks for the claification, my opinion is at the college level parents , fans who ever can voice their opinion within reason. Just as the media does 24 / 7 of course I do not agree with personal attacks. I'm talking about about rehashing the game, wondering why they made a pitching move, or didn't that kind of thing.

Interesting responses, Mavbe we should break it down a little.... the difference between HS and college.... and the difference between player and parent.

since I asked the question, I will give my opinion.

( High School player) If at any time a player is disrespectful to a coach, during a game, in a locker room, during the school day, or on social media, then by all means dismiss the player.

( High School parent) If at any time the parent becomes a distraction on social media or on schoold grounds to the point that it is detremental to the health of the team then the parent must be removed.

I do feel that parents have the right to comment on social media, for instance this thread, as long as it's not a direct attack on an individual player or coach.

(College player) I'm sure it is written down what the expectations are

( College player parent) you should be able to excerise your 1st ammendment right ... just like ESPN does every single day as long as it's not a direct attack

threatened to dismiss a player from the team if he felt comments made by a player or player parent on social media sites such as twitter, coacht and facebook were deemed to be negative?

At the HS or college level?

Clarksville is well represented..... maybe a little too well who decides the rosters?

My take on it. I agree due to the rising cost of travel ball, some players cannot afford to play travel ball and it does limit their exposure... but does not kill it entirely. Life's not fair..... so some lose out due to not having parents who can afford it.... it's like that in all areas of life..

When my sons first started playing travel ball , only the very best players played. Now travel ball is watered down especially in the 12-16 years ages.

The problem is mostly due to parents not realizing their own sons ability and athletism . Parents feel that if my 5'10 160 pounder make a travel team that they are going to colege to play baseball...... not the case.... but a fool and their money will soon part.

So when there is a need for players to play travel ball, there will be travel teams willing to take them, tell them what they want to hear.

Parents think they can "buy" their way on to a college team just does not happen.... If you are 6'4 190 throwing 90 in high school "they" will find you.... if you are a 5'10 160 throwing 80 ...well you know

I heard John Smoltz speak a few months ago. He said he doesn't know any major league players that played travel ball as kids. He said he would not let his kids do it. He was definitely against young kids doing it.

 

If a player is good enough, colleges & scouts will find them. Many kids getting burned out way before high school.

then he has not heard of R.A Dickey or David Price, or Rex Brothers .... all played high level travel ball

Then that should attest to the overachieving this season at MJ. How many seniors did they have, 12? And only one is moving on to the next level?

maybe a couple could have moved on if they had pursued it.... no D1 action this year.

If you admit they overachieved this season, you aren't one of the crazy parents, LOL. You know the ones I'm talking about (some aren't even parents).........team lost quite a bit from 2012 and was literally one timely base hit away from making the state tournament.

 

I am a huge Purvis fan from a coaching and accountability (baseball wise) perspective. The only reason he isn't coaching is because of himself. I hate it, but that's the way it is. Baseball at MJ is on another level as far as expectations go, and it's hard for anyone who has never actually done it, or seen it, to understand it.

 

I'm not 100% sure that Carter is leaving (like anyone else, I just hear through the grapevine).....but it wouldn't suprise me. The job itself I'm sure just takes a toll on you. As for anyone in coaching high school athletics.......I think you are much better off being the guy who follows the guy who follows the legend (in this case Purvis).......than being the guy that follows the legend. I also think with the politics and demands on these high school coaches.......you are better off being the guy who builds a lesser program into a winner (see LHS athletics the past decade), than taking a job at an established program (like MJ).......makes for a long season when you have deal with parents that think "Little Timmy" is going D1 based on his high school career..........

I only know of one Sr. that is continuing his baseball career from the MJ 2013 class.....