Chatt Cyclones Love or Hate

[spillthebeans]

I used to remb. this organization being good but as of late i have heard nothing good about it. I keep hearing they (coaches) lie to the players about colleges looking at them and that its all about money and that they want to be East Cobb. I can say that many people i have talked to said the person who is over this organization charges 15 a person to get in a gate during the summer for his lousy tournaments they say, and basically uses it as a cash cow. Any how just wanted some thoughts on what people thought of this organization now...

[Tennesseesportsfan]

$15-$20 is the going rate for a weekend pass at any summer tournament.

[spillthebeans]

Correct i understand that but this was per game. It may have been 12 but i am sure it was 15 according to many people i have talked to and that is just outrageous do you not agree? I mean its bad when the parents pay so much money for the kids to play and then still have to pay that much per day. I believe a weekend pass was 35.

[randyc1]

I've been to their tournaments for 4 seasons...$9 per day or $15 for weekend pass. This is cheap for the fields the players get to play on.

[glock22]

I seriously doubt that the head of this organization, George Koontz, an attorney, needs gate fees.

 

That's ridiculous.

 

George runs the Cyclones organization simply for one reason, his love of the game.

[thegreatwhite1]

It is pure robbery to get into any summer ball tournament. A person can watch a SEC baseball game for less than it costs to attend most all of these tournaments, especially if you just go for one day. Ill give the 'clones a pass on this. One thing for sure is that the talent level has dropped from the hay day of the Cyclones (early 2000s). I don't think the quality of the tournaments they play in is what it used to be from talking to people that have known the program for a long time. So it does raise the question... have the 'clones sold out to the almighty dollar instead of pursuing the stiffest competition? Their oldest team (18U) isnt even the best team in Chattanooga.

[spillthebeans]

I agree greatwhite i wonder the same i feel like they sold out for the money and that is sad to hear considering they use to be the top team around. Maybe the talent has gone down hill? I personally believe its not the talent, its the lies and promises these young men get and it never holds true due to promoting favorites. Like i said i could be wrong its just things i have heard and it stinks to hear. Maybe things will change and somebody that knows what there doing will take over and bring back the good ole days of the cyclones. Looks like Glock is tied in with i guess Mr. Koontz who is the organizer cause it maybe the first post i have ever seen him back.

[spillthebeans]

Glock, i wish i could agree with you on love of the game my friend. However, I cannot. If you love the game you will promote all your kids no matter what at any cost. If he is a lawyer like you say then why charge people outrageous fees too play? I mean if i was a successful lawyer i would not charge any kids, who you do the same? High School baseball, summer baseball, and fall baseball are about promoting the player not charging an outrageous amount of money to play. I believe i would get more satisfaction spending my money on these young men to help them in life and as a player than charging them close to what East Cobb charges to play summer and fall. Its not as much about winning as it is teaching them to be role models and student athletes..

[HeavyHitter71]

Lawyers will get your money any way they can. Cyclones put no fear in tournaments any more.

[glock22]

I agree greatwhite i wonder the same i feel like they sold out for the money and that is sad to hear considering they use to be the top team around. Maybe the talent has gone down hill? I personally believe its not the talent, its the lies and promises these young men get and it never holds true due to promoting favorites. Like i said i could be wrong its just things i have heard and it stinks to hear. Maybe things will change and somebody that knows what there doing will take over and bring back the good ole days of the cyclones. Looks like Glock is tied in with i guess Mr. Koontz who is the organizer cause it maybe the first post i have ever seen him back.

Nope.

 

Not tied in with Mr. Koontz at all.

 

Perhaps the Cyclones talent has gone down because the state of the baseball in Chattanooga has declined. Baseball in Chattanooga is really not very good.

 

And, I never said he was a successful lawyer, but I do know he is an attorney.

 

Lies and promises? You can only promote a player up to their ability or you lose your creditbility with the college coaches you are promoting them to. You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

 

I truly believe it is the reduction in talent in our area that has led to the quality of this organization's ability to compete with the East Cobbs of the world. Who knows, the Cyclones have an annual Memorial Day tournament, maybe we should check out their teams then.

Edited May 18, 2011 by glock22