LEGION vs SHOWCASE BALL?

It seems to me that there is increasing competition between Showcase teams and American Legion Programs for players. What do you guys think about this, and which is better for the kids?

 

A passionate topic that is sure to generate passionate replies.

And ... the answer may be different in different parts of the state (or even the county).

 

You are Right. Depends on the area

you play in. Legion is still huge in some areas, drawing the top players to great competition. In other areas, legion is nothing more than an extension of the high school season. Take the Fayetteville area for instance. Spring Lake= Pine Forest and Terry Sanford, Stedman=Cape Fear, Fayetteville=Westover and Seventy First, Hope Mills=South View and Jack Britt. None of these teams were remotely competitive on a state level last year. A top player from that area would certainly be better off playing on a top showcase team. Of course, they can play both for a portion of the summer but would have to make a choice come playoff time.

 

I agree, you will get a lot of different responses on this one. I'm going to add my worth.

I think you can do both...my son last year played Legion in the Summer and Showcase in the fall.

Legion gave him a lot of playing time both in the field and on the mound...more importantly he got a lot of AB's.

Showcase gave him a lot of GREAT exposure in the fall...I think the added benefit that Legion made for Showcase was he was at the top of his game when it came time for performing in front of the coaches/scouts at the Showcase tournaments.

In my opinion the reps he got during the summer made the difference in preparing him for the fall....I also feel this had a large impact on why schools are looking at him as a "2 way player" versus just looking at him as a pitcher.

 

"Showcasing" is something that continues through college. Even for a HS senior that has already commited, I still believe a player should be on the best team that he can play for....whether that's legion or others. Recruiting never stops, even in college. One never knows that the coach that signed you may move on to another school; sometimes even before you have stepped on their field for the first time. One never knows that the school you selected has decided that you don't 'fit in' with their program or plans.

So, one never stops showcasing. Just find the best team you can play for...Legion or others.

 

Best Fall Showcase Teams in NC

What do you guys think are the top showcase teams in the Carolinas and why? The ones I am aware of are Anglers, Dirtbags, Diamond Devils, Carolina Cubs. Anyone have any experience on any of these? Others?

 

NCBBALLFAN said it best,,,,, this question has always generated heated conversations because everyone thinks "their way" is the best way. I've personally been around and involved in legion ball for quite awhile (some 28 years), but I've also noticed the increasing arrival of showcases and I like the concept. From what I've gathered about showcases, a weekend showcase with 200 kids is simply more convenient for a college recruiter to come watch your son play ball. And lets face it, I agree that legion ball isn't too hot in some areas of the state. So there's obviously a "PLACE" for showcase ball and I see it getting more and more popular. However, and this is a big however, legion ball is STILL extremely HOT in certain legion hotbeds around North Carolina and (in those specific communities) legion ball is simply the way a baseball fan spends his/her summer. Growing up in places like Rowan County or Caldwell County, a kid literally DREAMS of wearing that legion uniform one day. In certain areas of the state, legion ball provides local rivalries with neighboring communities and the ballplayers are community celebrities. As for getting recruited in legion ball, players never had any problems getting recruited before showcases came along, and (if your good enough) the scouts will still find you in legion ball today.

I agree with those of you who say that a player can do both,,,, play legion ball in the summer and showcase in the fall. Keep in mind that legion "ABSOLUTELY MUST" have rules in order to protect the integrity of its game, and one of the rules is that players cannot participate in any other sanctioned function (other team, showcase, etc) once the legion playoffs begin. This is a "sticky subject" for some certain showcases that are held in mid-summer. I simply wish players were not forced to "CHOOSE" and they could still do both,,,,, because afterall all these things are "SUPPOSED" to be "FOR" the players. These players will have memories the rest of their lives when they played baseball,,,, I just hate to see a kid give up a year of legion ball because "someone" convinces him its in his best interest to do something else. Players should be allowed to do both and the leaders of both legion ball and showcases should try to be more understanding instead of making kids "CHOOSE" one or the other... Just my 2 cents...

 

Braves...I agree 100%. Talent will come out and coaches will find you no matter if it is a Legion or a Showcase team.

Another thing to consider is make sure you play for a team where you are going to enjoy being there and have fun....a lot of these guys choose Legion or Showcase because they are with players that they have been friends with or played with all of their young baseball life.

No right or wrong answers here...just play for the Team that can best help you get to the next level you are looking for.

 

Great post tj...and as always you are correct. I remember a post by the Caldwell County player describing what it is like to play for his team. It was unbelievable how their county supports that team. Quite honestly, if my son had a chance to showcase or play for Caldwell County...no question what he would decide. Just the memories alone would have been worth it.

 

Thank you Braves,,,,, (except the part about your son playing for Caldwell County),,,,, if players could really pick and choose teams like that, hopefully your son would pick Kannapolis Post 501 instead...