Potential TBR softball tournament

Tournaments

Hey Guys,
First off, thanks for all the positive comments about our tournaments. We couldn't make them what they are, without the quality people/teams who come.

While I am a big fan of showcase type tournaments we're in a little bit of a dilemma. Nearly every weekend, during the summer months, are already taken by a showcase somewhere in the NC, SC, and VA. We also have to consider the HS All-Star weekend when looking at tournaments. We all know at the 16/18 level, the showcase is the draw for those teams and colleges.

We, ASA and the Cardinals are also looking into the possibility of hosting a top level Gold/18A tournament on July 4th weekend to compete with CO. There have been several colleges contacted and they all agreed that the expense of traveling to CO is getting very high. This tournament is being discussed for a Raleigh venue.

Now, all that said, 23U or a 19 and over tournament might draw a few teams. I know this has been discussed by several of us on many occasions. The folks in VA ASA also are trying to push the 23U level. We could probably make a 19/over or 23U tournament work, maybe even within an exisiting tournament, and have TBR folks run that portion of it with our help if needed. I am open for suggestions as I would really like to see 23U take off in NC.

 

Rick, sounds like a great idea to put on a huge event to compete with Colorado. Perhaps the Cards could team up with TBR and more sponsors to help with it....just a thought.

 

I would rather see it done as tournament ball and not as a big time showcase. While they are good for a select group of teams the big showcases are not what the "majority" of the teams want. If your doing it for the majority of teams and girls just do a good weekend tournament open to everyone with A and B divisions. If it is for the couple really good Elite teams around here then a big showcase tourney would be the way to go. Now while we'er talking here about what TBR should do I like the local tourney concept best. With that said I would like to see someone put on a big time 18u Gold show case here in NC so we could go watch some of these elite teams play

 

Just to let everyone know. This is not something we are looking to do to become Showcase giants and to become dominant in the showcase circuit. Nor is it to become a business to make a profit. I like the idea of awarding scholarships and any profit that is made would be plugged in towards keeping this place running.

The things I would like to accomplish are many:

- We have another website that I would utilize to give recaps, stories and updates at the tournament. We are also setting it up to have selected games streamlined on to the website.

- It is a great way to get the TBR name out there across the state and perhaps region.

- The tournament would have to make sense. It should be something that is needed. (and that is open for debate). We're not interested in competing against the Card's tournament or any others that are well run. But if there is a time, place or inferior tournament that we need to upgrade, then I'm all for it.

I can say this with confidence. Whatever we decide to do, the purpose will never be about making profits, but affording another opportunity for someone in a well organized tournament with the intent to invest back into the players. Like I said, I really like the idea of scholarships and I am open for other ideas. But don't get me wrong. We want to make a profit and lots of it. It would be nice not to have to beg our members each year for support to keep this place running.

 

Now this makes sense!....

....sweeeeet! This is an excellent idea. It might take a couple of years or so to convince some of the college coaches and/or TB teams to participate for the simple reason of whats considered a "strong talent base". Now don't get me wrong here folks, we in the East have proven what our talent base is all about. Not only NC , Cards, Cobras, Blues, Storm, Flames, .....stop...I can't list all of US but you get my point. Now take SC, GEORGIA, VA, etc...add these states premiere talent to the mix, and BAM!....we've got leverage!
Build it and they will come!

Nice job RM.