Hello DFP family. I would like to present a scenario to you that has played out at our local league and, if nothing else, simply get your instruction/advice to, "... just shut up and play ball." The scenario follows:
History: A legitimate and well established (i.e., group of young ladies had played together for approximately three years) team playing at the Major Division succeeds at "everything" local, advances throughout the state and ultimately to the LL World Series. Competes strong and finishes in the top five. Obviously, we are ecstatic and proud of our girls and celebration is on!!
Season ends. The group of girls comprising this team have "finished" Major Division eligibility and will therefore be moving [up] to Jr./Sr. division ... Forward through summer to the 2015 season.
A little more history: - The Jr./Sr. Division, in the year of all the Major Division success, has four teams; one of which is rather abruptly assembled, literally, the day of tryouts and, as a result does not benefit from adequate draft selection and thereby, is not a competitor in the pool of four. A second of the four teams is very young, with exception of about three players. This team also, is not a real competitor against the remaining and returning two teams.
SO ....
2015 Season gets underway: Here is where things get interesting. As the season nears, enthusiastic conversation is being had about the expectations of an exciting season amongst four competitive teams competing in the Jr./Sr. Division as a result of a strong group of young ladies coming into the draft. The weakest of teams from last season will have the opportunity to draft quality talent and build stronger, more competitive teams. The anticipated outcome is a favorable possibility that this seasons Jr./Sr. Division play will be well rounded, competitive and exciting. HOWEVER!, almost immediately, conversation of "an expansion team" begins to swirl about the park. The significance here, as I am sure many of you know, is that an expansion team (i.e., totally new team) will be given the first seven (7) picks. I've probably explained enough in detail and will therefore summarize from here -
- In an effort to gather enough participants, phone calls go out requesting that girls "come sign up." An 'executive,' if you will, stated, "We have to have at least fifty to have an expansion team."
- Numbers pulled in as sign ups were extended
- Coaching from previous season successful Major Division team moves up to Jr./Sr. Division
- Expansion team created
- Jr./Sr. Division now has FIVE (5) teams with seven (7) previous season Major Division players assembled
- Previous season lesser teams never having the opportunity to draft any of these incoming players
- Despite ONLY ONE coach from previous Jr./Sr. season returning; thus three existing teams NEEDED coaches
- WORST OF IT is that the teams that were not competitive last season did not get an opportunity to improve their team and as a result are getting humiliated on the field for yet another season.
I think you guys and gals understanding what I am describing here. My rant is this; I was the coach of one of those less competitive teams of last season and after watching them give A LOT to try and be competitive, here they are AGAIN going through another season of humiliation (and believe me, IT IS HUMILIATION) at the expense of a select few. An expansion team was not, is not and cannot be justified by any of the "executives" of our local league - no way that I can see anyway. And as some of you may surmise, the newly created expansion team - yeah, DD dad is the manager. What's that? Oh, yes, just so happens she is the pitcher.
Am I wrong to see this as completely and totally wrong on every level possible??? I have no beef with the young ladies - NONE OF THEM. But the antics and ethics of the league are just wrong in my opinion.
Lets evaluate the outcome: FIVE teams NOW in the Jr./Sr. Division with TWO that are competitive and ONE that has a little something to offer - emphasis on little. All the while, we (coaches and fans alike) watch these other two teams get humiliated and completely pushed aside with regard to being part of a [possibly] competitive team and MORE IMPORTANTLY - opportunity to have a FUN and PLEASURABLE season.
Am I wrong to be upset and disgusted with this or should I .... "just shut up and play ball."
Sorry for the length, but I had to give you the scenario. Please comment and thank you!
CH
History: A legitimate and well established (i.e., group of young ladies had played together for approximately three years) team playing at the Major Division succeeds at "everything" local, advances throughout the state and ultimately to the LL World Series. Competes strong and finishes in the top five. Obviously, we are ecstatic and proud of our girls and celebration is on!!
Season ends. The group of girls comprising this team have "finished" Major Division eligibility and will therefore be moving [up] to Jr./Sr. division ... Forward through summer to the 2015 season.
A little more history: - The Jr./Sr. Division, in the year of all the Major Division success, has four teams; one of which is rather abruptly assembled, literally, the day of tryouts and, as a result does not benefit from adequate draft selection and thereby, is not a competitor in the pool of four. A second of the four teams is very young, with exception of about three players. This team also, is not a real competitor against the remaining and returning two teams.
SO ....
2015 Season gets underway: Here is where things get interesting. As the season nears, enthusiastic conversation is being had about the expectations of an exciting season amongst four competitive teams competing in the Jr./Sr. Division as a result of a strong group of young ladies coming into the draft. The weakest of teams from last season will have the opportunity to draft quality talent and build stronger, more competitive teams. The anticipated outcome is a favorable possibility that this seasons Jr./Sr. Division play will be well rounded, competitive and exciting. HOWEVER!, almost immediately, conversation of "an expansion team" begins to swirl about the park. The significance here, as I am sure many of you know, is that an expansion team (i.e., totally new team) will be given the first seven (7) picks. I've probably explained enough in detail and will therefore summarize from here -
- In an effort to gather enough participants, phone calls go out requesting that girls "come sign up." An 'executive,' if you will, stated, "We have to have at least fifty to have an expansion team."
- Numbers pulled in as sign ups were extended
- Coaching from previous season successful Major Division team moves up to Jr./Sr. Division
- Expansion team created
- Jr./Sr. Division now has FIVE (5) teams with seven (7) previous season Major Division players assembled
- Previous season lesser teams never having the opportunity to draft any of these incoming players
- Despite ONLY ONE coach from previous Jr./Sr. season returning; thus three existing teams NEEDED coaches
- WORST OF IT is that the teams that were not competitive last season did not get an opportunity to improve their team and as a result are getting humiliated on the field for yet another season.
I think you guys and gals understanding what I am describing here. My rant is this; I was the coach of one of those less competitive teams of last season and after watching them give A LOT to try and be competitive, here they are AGAIN going through another season of humiliation (and believe me, IT IS HUMILIATION) at the expense of a select few. An expansion team was not, is not and cannot be justified by any of the "executives" of our local league - no way that I can see anyway. And as some of you may surmise, the newly created expansion team - yeah, DD dad is the manager. What's that? Oh, yes, just so happens she is the pitcher.
Am I wrong to see this as completely and totally wrong on every level possible??? I have no beef with the young ladies - NONE OF THEM. But the antics and ethics of the league are just wrong in my opinion.
Lets evaluate the outcome: FIVE teams NOW in the Jr./Sr. Division with TWO that are competitive and ONE that has a little something to offer - emphasis on little. All the while, we (coaches and fans alike) watch these other two teams get humiliated and completely pushed aside with regard to being part of a [possibly] competitive team and MORE IMPORTANTLY - opportunity to have a FUN and PLEASURABLE season.
Am I wrong to be upset and disgusted with this or should I .... "just shut up and play ball."
Sorry for the length, but I had to give you the scenario. Please comment and thank you!
CH