2024 Youth Baseball - Every Kid’s a future MLB HOFer!!!

[Planet Houston 4943]

I’ve been tardy catching up on this thread. My boy’s 9U AAA team won their second straight tournament last weekend (we play every other weekend). So awesome to see how much each kid on the team has improved. We love our coach and the coaches he gets to help him (one of which is Jose Lima’s son), and it’s a great group of kids and families. I hope we keep this team together for a long time. 

[Murfdogg21 4480]

On 3/4/2024 at 10:58 PM, Murfdogg21 said:

7U metro team got moved from AAA to AA to balance division sizes. Beat two AAA teams this weekend 16-9 and 17-10 LOL. We may steamroll the AA and look like ring chasers. At least the boy went 5-6, 6 R, 6 RBI to open the season. Should be fun to let the kids play a ton of different positions and still win. 

We dominated while using 4 different kids at every position and a different batting order every night. Looking forward to the double jump to 8U-AAA next season. The league says they are enforcing a rule of 3 players max per team on the All-Star team. I’ve got 8 kids who would be the best player on any other team. Pretty sure an “all star” team comprised of players from the other AA squads would still get beat by my regular roster. I don’t know what argument to make would get them to bend their policy, but they clearly won’t be fielding the best team by blocking 5 kids who hit 0.750+ with good gloves in favor of kids from bottom feeders that strikeout half the time in coach pitch. 

[Dennis Taylor 19027]

Couldn't be more spot on...

 

[BrazilHorn 6651]

That video is great. Especially the roster names. 
 

My son’s team off this weekend but it works out as he will be playing with me in my baseball game tomorrow. Love when it works out where we can play together. 

[Mez2 4036]

Bat question for the group:

About a year ago my son cracked his Demarini CF (-10, USSSA) and we were able to claim the 1-year warranty on it. That has been his only non-Marucci bat ever, he pretty much exclusively swings a Marucci - wood bat, aluminum, composite, etc - we have a $350 voucher for a new Demarini bat so wanted to see if anyone had any insight or thoughts on the Zoa or The Goods, anyone like one over the other? He's not a power hitter but more gap to gap (that's what she said)

He had the CF and liked it okay but prefers his Cat X...any feedback from those who have a Demarini? Will likely move him up to a -8 also with it

[Jshep34 2381]

It pains me to see lilshep in these colors

[UTPhil2006 3828]

Great my signed ball just went down in value 

[Nigel Tufnel 200]

On 5/10/2024 at 3:18 PM, Mez2 said:

Bat question for the group:

About a year ago my son cracked his Demarini CF (-10, USSSA) and we were able to claim the 1-year warranty on it. That has been his only non-Marucci bat ever, he pretty much exclusively swings a Marucci - wood bat, aluminum, composite, etc - we have a $350 voucher for a new Demarini bat so wanted to see if anyone had any insight or thoughts on the Zoa or The Goods, anyone like one over the other? He's not a power hitter but more gap to gap (that's what she said)

He had the CF and liked it okay but prefers his Cat X...any feedback from those who have a Demarini? Will likely move him up to a -8 also with it

He is starting to get to the age where he prefers how the bat is weighted (whether he realizes it or not).   Generally, CATs are end weighted (usually what powers hitters prefer) vs Balanced, which is more evenly distributed.   That can help make the decision for him.

[Jshep34 2381]

Well the 20 innings thrown with 52k's , 2 walks, 3 hits allowed and 0 runs should help with the value.

[Jshep34 2381]

Our 11u season came to a end today. Boys went 4-0 on the weekend. Scored 32 allowed only 4 runs. It's been the best season ( fall and spring) of learning, development that we've ever had. They went from 11-10 in fall to 19- 5 in spring. Lilshep finished season out today with mvp pitcher. Kid threw a no hitter in semi finals then threw 2 more innings in title game. 6 innings 1 hit no runs 1 walk and 5 k's on the day. He really dialed in this season on pitching. Threw 26 innings in spring only allowing 2 walks. 70% strike rate on season. His team was phenomenal on defense. Also found a way to .400 on season also.

[UTPhil2006 3828]

Shephei Ohtani… without the gambling of course 

[Jshep34 2381]

2 walks in 133 batters faced. Kids get up there expecting walk or work pitch count up , it doesn't happen. He does allow ball to be put in play but he can locate off speed for strikes to.

[Murfdogg21 4480]

7U team finished season off 16-0 with +191 run diff. The Space Cowboys let them go on the field Sunday before the game, and they got to hang with Chas McCormick, Hensley, Leon, et al. for 10 minutes and get their gear signed. Jose Urquidy was the starting pitcher. Urquidy appeared to neither speak English nor pitch baseballs well. Unforgettable experience for the boys. 
 

[WBT 20735]

12 hours ago, Murfdogg21 said:

Urquidy appeared to neither speak English nor pitch baseballs well.

He only needs to do one of those.  Get off his back.

[Mez2 4036]

Question for my Austin brethern - we're looking to play our last tournament in the Austin area and make it our "destination" trip for the year. We'd like to get a place somewhere near the potential venues, so asking what parks/location do yall typically play at?

We're typically 10U AAA, Perfect Game tournaments. 

[FigurelliPwC 115]

7 hours ago, Mez2 said:

Question for my Austin brethern - we're looking to play our last tournament in the Austin area and make it our "destination" trip for the year. We'd like to get a place somewhere near the potential venues, so asking what parks/location do yall typically play at?

We're typically 10U AAA, Perfect Game tournaments. 

Honestly it moves around quite a bit.  Field of Dreams in Henly (just west of Dripping Springs) is frequent, as is Kyle.  Round Rock, Taylor, Manor are other places for that age group.  Worst case is Temple or Burnet if you are staying in Austin.  I would recommend holding off on the hotel until they release the venue/schedule, which is typically Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.  There aren’t any venues in Austin proper for that age group.

[FigurelliPwC 115]

https://www.austinselectbaseball.com/austin
 

List of Austin tournaments - you can click on the tournament names to see the PG schedules/locations by age group.

[Spaulding Smails 1568]

8 hours ago, Mez2 said:

Question for my Austin brethern - we're looking to play our last tournament in the Austin area and make it our "destination" trip for the year. We'd like to get a place somewhere near the potential venues, so asking what parks/location do yall typically play at?

We're typically 10U AAA, Perfect Game tournaments. 

Hit me up if you land at Field of Dreams.  I have an AirBnB 4 miles from there if you're looking for a place nearby.  Played tons of games there when my son was younger.   

[Mez2 4036]

Thanks guys, that certainly helps on my end!

[HOOKEM4 5075]

I am still coaching rec league. Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in! Got voted as the Allstars head coach. I love coaching so it is a chance to keep playing and coach some more kids. Setup my team with all the best pitchers and hitters I could. Pretty sure we are 10 deep pitching. Got 3 catchers as well. Never coached kid pitch Allstars, but I am sure pitching will be key based on my select ball experience. 

I called in all favors and got a bunch of awesome sponsors. Got the boys custom boombas bags, helmets, batting gloves and a bunch of other goodies. Working to get fees to zero for the parents. I am enjoying one last run coaching before both my boys are in the select system.

Looking forward to sweating my ass off in June and hopefully coaching these boys to the top of the mountain.  If anyone else has kids in centex Allstars, reach out and we can trash talk each other! Or laugh at me for sucking as a coach!

[HOOKEM4 5075]

On 5/15/2024 at 12:43 PM, Mez2 said:

Question for my Austin brethern - we're looking to play our last tournament in the Austin area and make it our "destination" trip for the year. We'd like to get a place somewhere near the potential venues, so asking what parks/location do yall typically play at?

We're typically 10U AAA, Perfect Game tournaments. 

That division played at Lake Travis Field of Dreams this weekend. Previous tournament we played in that had 10u aaa was henly FOD. If you can wait till Wednesday/Thursday you would be smart. If you book out west and then play in Manor, you will be pissed.

DM me what location you end up at, my 9u son is playing next weekend and might be at the same facility. If so, I want to see what he needs to do next year in 10u to be worthy of a top team. If we both are at Henly, I will buy you a beer.

[Planet Houston 4943]

Another championship game Sunday for these kids (9U AAA). We are facing Bobino’s kid on the mound - lefty who works super quickly and throws lots of strikes. We are down 3-2 in the fourth with about 45 mins until the game is official. Gonna take a gritty effort to win their third tourney this spring. Fun times regardless of the outcome and a great experience for the kids. 

[BrazilHorn 6651]

Alright. 14U team went 4-0 on weekend and won tournament. Headed to Houston memorial day weekend for tournament as final outing for the Spring. Looking forward to seeing how team stacks up vs HTown kids. Wish Astros were in town as we are staying at Marriott Marquis. Once more into the breach. 

[Jshep34 2381]

Good ol diamonds at daly.

[BrazilHorn 6651]

On 5/15/2024 at 12:43 PM, Mez2 said:

Question for my Austin brethern - we're looking to play our last tournament in the Austin area and make it our "destination" trip for the year. We'd like to get a place somewhere near the potential venues, so asking what parks/location do yall typically play at?

We're typically 10U AAA, Perfect Game tournaments. 

That age there was a lot at blackstar (kyle i think) or Dripping Springs @ Field of Dreams. 
Some up in Georgetown or Manor as well. 
 

There will be your choices of venues as there will be a couple of places running. 
 

I would stay like at Hill Country Hyatt to get kids waterpark vibe and then just deal with bit longer drive. Doesn’t really get you “Austin” in terms of destination but kids will have fun. 

[Jshep34 2381]

Well lilshep little league team (aggies) lost in first round last night. We were 11-0 playing a team that was 1-10. We lost due to 5 errors by our 2b and pitchers walking people. Our coach played for semi final game and managed that way. He pulled lilshep from pitching after he threw 3 perfect innings. To save him for Thursday but ultimately errors cost us. Oh well they lived up to the texas a&m legacy.

[Spaulding Smails 1568]

Most of you have kiddos much younger than me, and it's always fun to read the posts and think back when my son was that age.  But, just got some bad news on my sophomore son.  He's not a phenom by any stretch and probably wouldn't even play in college, but he's a 6'2" lefty that throws hard and has a good breaking ball.  He started to experience some elbow pain several weeks ago, so we shut him down around spring break.  He said he felt fine two weeks later, so he pitched sparingly the remainder of the season.  Long story short, we had an MRI done and he has a full UCL tear.  Tommy John surgery scheduled for June 10.  He'll miss his entire junior season, and probably 50/50 that he'll be able to play next summer.  He's absolutely devastated.  Lots of 20/20 hindsight, but it's kind of a fluke deal, so we're trying not to second guess.  Definitely didn't over-tax the arm, good mechanics, strong legs / core, good arm care routine, and there wasn't one moment where he said he felt it go.  

We'll see how much he wants to grind, but it may be the end of his baseball career.  Enjoy the time with your boys on the field, and most importantly, make sure they enjoy it while they can!

[BrazilHorn 6651]

14 minutes ago, Spaulding Smails said:

Most of you have kiddos much younger than me, and it's always fun to read the posts and think back when my son was that age.  But, just got some bad news on my sophomore son.  He's not a phenom by any stretch and probably wouldn't even play in college, but he's a 6'2" lefty that throws hard and has a good breaking ball.  He started to experience some elbow pain several weeks ago, so we shut him down around spring break.  He said he felt fine two weeks later, so he pitched sparingly the remainder of the season.  Long story short, we had an MRI done and he has a full UCL tear.  Tommy John surgery scheduled for June 10.  He'll miss his entire junior season, and probably 50/50 that he'll be able to play next summer.  He's absolutely devastated.  Lots of 20/20 hindsight, but it's kind of a fluke deal, so we're trying not to second guess.  Definitely didn't over-tax the arm, good mechanics, strong legs / core, good arm care routine, and there wasn't one moment where he said he felt it go.  

We'll see how much he wants to grind, but it may be the end of his baseball career.  Enjoy the time with your boys on the field, and most importantly, make sure they enjoy it while they can!

Sorry to hear that for your boy. Sucks. Hope he gets great recovery and adds 5mph due to bionic arm post surgery 

[hobbes2702 13150]

9 hours ago, BrazilHorn said:

Sorry to hear that for your boy. Sucks. Hope he gets great recovery and adds 5mph due to bionic arm post surgery 

Ding ding ding. He’s about to throw juice. 

[Spaulding Smails 1568]

12 hours ago, hobbes2702 said:

Ding ding ding. He’s about to throw juice. 

I hope so.  I've read that a lot of the gains are from better, more focused strength and flexibility as a result of the PT.  Not necessarily a bionic ligament.  Who knows...

He was sitting in the low to mid 80s this spring, so a 5+ mph bump may turn some heads. 

[pops 7044]

Tomorrow is my kids last regular season little league game and it is bringing all the feels. I sweater God he was playing coach pitch yesterday. He's also my youngest so every last for him is a last for me. Still have the tourney in a couple weeks. And hopefully all stars. And I know there will be travel ball and all that shit,  but there is just something so pure and simple about little league. Going to miss the fuck out of these nights. Him behind the dish and me behind him calling balls and strikes. 

[HOOKEM4 5075]

We are starting allstars next week. My oldest son has played 3 seasons ever (all 12u) and went from clueless, to the best pitcher and fielder on his team. He spent the last year and a half in the backyard every night with his brother it feels like. It got to the point where I was demanding they take nights off. All that work paid off though.

He made the allstar team in his final year so we get to sweat our asses off all June. I agree, there is something so pure about little league.  Going to miss it. My youngest refuses to go back and wants to stay in select. Fmwallet.

[Planet Houston 4943]

On 5/22/2024 at 10:51 AM, Spaulding Smails said:

Most of you have kiddos much younger than me, and it's always fun to read the posts and think back when my son was that age.  But, just got some bad news on my sophomore son.  He's not a phenom by any stretch and probably wouldn't even play in college, but he's a 6'2" lefty that throws hard and has a good breaking ball.  He started to experience some elbow pain several weeks ago, so we shut him down around spring break.  He said he felt fine two weeks later, so he pitched sparingly the remainder of the season.  Long story short, we had an MRI done and he has a full UCL tear.  Tommy John surgery scheduled for June 10.  He'll miss his entire junior season, and probably 50/50 that he'll be able to play next summer.  He's absolutely devastated.  Lots of 20/20 hindsight, but it's kind of a fluke deal, so we're trying not to second guess.  Definitely didn't over-tax the arm, good mechanics, strong legs / core, good arm care routine, and there wasn't one moment where he said he felt it go.  

We'll see how much he wants to grind, but it may be the end of his baseball career.  Enjoy the time with your boys on the field, and most importantly, make sure they enjoy it while they can!

 

23 hours ago, hobbes2702 said:

Ding ding ding. He’s about to throw juice. 

[Jshep34 2381]

Tip of the hat to all the dads out there being there for thier kids.

[heso 2821]

It’s not baseball, but my 7yo daughter just started playing softball this season. It has been incredibly frustrating to watch but also fun as hell. For whatever reason, throwing a ball does not come naturally to her, like, at all. But she refuses to let me help her because “I’m not her coach”. She’s having a blast though, so that’s really all that matters right now. 

Her coach is great, he has 3 daughters, one on the team and all of the girls love playing for him. Contrast that with the team we just finished a home & home with. Also has 3 daughters, 2 on his team. Their team is on a VERY different level from our team. I think the first game we lost about 20-1,second game was a bit better, maybe 15-5ish. But every girl on that team seems miserable. He screams at them non fucking stop. Like literally every contacted ball when their team was fielding someone is getting screamed at, even if they made the play but it wasn’t perfect he’s screaming at them. 

[pops 7044]

58 minutes ago, heso said:

It’s not baseball, but my 7yo daughter just started playing softball this season. It has been incredibly frustrating to watch but also fun as hell. For whatever reason, throwing a ball does not come naturally to her, like, at all. But she refuses to let me help her because “I’m not her coach”. She’s having a blast though, so that’s really all that matters right now. 

Her coach is great, he has 3 daughters, one on the team and all of the girls love playing for him. Contrast that with the team we just finished a home & home with. Also has 3 daughters, 2 on his team. Their team is on a VERY different level from our team. I think the first game we lost about 20-1,second game was a bit better, maybe 15-5ish. But every girl on that team seems miserable. He screams at them non fucking stop. Like literally every contacted ball when their team was fielding someone is getting screamed at, even if they made the play but it wasn’t perfect he’s screaming at them. 

Wish I could double rep a post because for the second half of your post I would give the rage reactions. The coach makes such a difference, good or bad. 

[chase25 2048]

 

[Tylerocks 2557]

I really don't know what that team in the field was even doing..

[Dennis Taylor 19027]

8 hours ago, chase25 said:

 

Needs Yackety Sax playing in the background 

[BrazilHorn 6651]

Good day for the Austin boys 14U here in Houston. 
Went 2-0 on day, got 1 seed and my son (Catcher) got the PG player of the game. Threw 4 kids out trying to steal 2nd and got one out on home ok a cover from wild pitch. 
Good day at office 

[BrazilHorn 6651]

Welp. Son’s 14U team came in 2nd and went 4-1 on weekend. Starting P in 1st game Sunday went out in 1st with back pain so it threw entire rotation off and left team in championship game going with kids that hadn’t pitched much at all. Good game and proud of boys as it was hot as shit in Houston Sunday. 
 

Rough tally for weekend and my son as catcher tallied 7-8 base runners thrown trying to steal 2B, two guys out at 1B on back pick, a guy baited into stealing from 1B and my son ran from catcher spot and froze guy who was already on 2B and then got guy that left 1B out (hard to explain), then got two guys out that were getting cute on 3B doing the whole fake run during pitchers release and then were a little slow getting back to third and got a guy out on a cover from a wild pitch. 
 

All in all like 13-14 outs from behind home plate over 5 games.  Just stellar defensive performance by the kid. 
 

On to summer. 

[Dennis Taylor 19027]

 

 

[F250 28942]

On 5/11/2024 at 9:48 PM, Jshep34 said:

It pains me to see lilshep in these colors

Gross.

When one of my kid's joined an organization that had just been recently taken over by a new head coach their uniforms were switched from aggy colors to blue.

The head coach played for Texas and during the first practice he said he would never coach a team wearing aggy colors. He said something like "the first thing I did was get rid of the aggy colors. I will not coach a team wearing those colors." Two of the instructors were Moldenhauer and Gurwitz.

[Mez2 4036]

Follow up from earlier post, we're in Dripping Springs this weekend at Field of Dreams. For those who've been, any insight or things to be aware of so I can pass onto my parents? 

We've played at the on in League City multiple times, I assume it's like that? Seating, shading, etc?

[gsoda3 3285]

Thought i'd put this in here. Any Austin or Dallas surlsters have a lightly used 30 inch bbcor or (preferably) usabat they're looking to sell?

[TejasPedro 1864]

9 hours ago, Mez2 said:

Follow up from earlier post, we're in Dripping Springs this weekend at Field of Dreams. For those who've been, any insight or things to be aware of so I can pass onto my parents? 

We've played at the on in League City multiple times, I assume it's like that? Seating, shading, etc?

BYOPB or bring some nose plugs.
Try the brisket nachos.
No bleachers, so bring chairs 
It’s a long walk to fields 7 and 8.
No batting cages.  
No shade, and always windy

[Mez2 4036]

Bring your own pabst blue ribbon?

 

J/k - thanks for the heads up, appreciate it!

[TejasPedro 1864]

5 hours ago, Mez2 said:

Bring your own pabst blue ribbon?

 

J/k - thanks for the heads up, appreciate it!

Bring your own piss bucket/bottle

[BrazilHorn 6651]

22 hours ago, Mez2 said:

Follow up from earlier post, we're in Dripping Springs this weekend at Field of Dreams. For those who've been, any insight or things to be aware of so I can pass onto my parents? 

We've played at the on in League City multiple times, I assume it's like that? Seating, shading, etc?

Have them keep their heads on a swivel. Foul balls come flying at fans fast and furious as the fields are right on top of each other. We all call this place "Field of Nightmares". Very little cover or shade so I would encourage umbrellas or big straw hats as they will bake. There also jack shit out there in terms of places to eat unless you drive 20 off minutes back towards DS.

[Spaulding Smails 1568]

22 hours ago, Mez2 said:

Follow up from earlier post, we're in Dripping Springs this weekend at Field of Dreams. For those who've been, any insight or things to be aware of so I can pass onto my parents? 

We've played at the on in League City multiple times, I assume it's like that? Seating, shading, etc?

I live 5 minutes from there.  And spent more than my fair share at Field of Screams watching baseball.  The first game we played out there after the "renovations", a kid playing CF collided with the stone block outfield wall and broke his arm.  

Everything above is correct.  Bring chairs and bring shade.  No batting cages.  Fields are right on top of each other and not much room in the middle.  Backstops are super close, so not much scoring on passed balls.  

Two decent restaurants 5 minutes west.  Boil Shack is a fun hang and kids can run around in the back area.  Typical fried / boiled shrimp, fish, etc.  El Rey #2 is in the little strip center next to the gas station in Henly.  Decent Mexican food.  Otherwise, Dripping for food options.