College Station Little League Makes Changes
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College Station Little League Makes Changes Save Email Print
Posted: 1:15 PM Jan 6, 2009
 Last Updated: 10:50 PM Jan 7, 2009
 Reporter: Shane McAuliffe
Email Address: shane.mcauliffe@kbtx.com
71 comments
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Some praise it, others aren't so keen of it. Either way, changes are coming to the College Station Little League.

According to the CSLL website, the new name for the league will be the Brazos Valley Baseball Association and play will be sanctioned under Nations Baseball rules. Nations Baseball is different from Little League in that players with be playing in groups according to their talent level, not age like Little League does.

Little League is also a non-profit organization and according to CSLL President Craig Reed, so will be Brazos Valley Baseball. Reed told News 3 he is in the process of acquiring Brazos Valley Baseball's non-profit license.

Another big change will be who can participate. The new league opens up play to everyone in the area, not just College Station residents. Proponents say this is needed with enrollment number dwindling thanks to more specialized and competitive leagues around the state.

Some parents don't want the change and Greg Bennett, a professor at Texas A&M and Administrator to the College Station Twelve Baseball Academy says he understands why CSLL is changing but wishes Little League could stick around.

"I understand the resistance and the feeling to get rid of Little League. But I also would say we need to keep Little League and it would be a wise decision to provide for these young men the thing they need to get better on the baseball field. It's very simple and Nations is just one example of a group that can do this for these boys." said Bennett.

A meeting regarding the changes is scheduled for Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at the College Station Conference Center.
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Posted by: Little League Dad Location: College Station on Jan 11, 2009 at 08:32 PM
Now like the web-site says We have to all show up and make sure we end up with a solid group of Little League oriented parents voted on to this LITTLE LEAGUE BOARD. Parents who are dedicated to the Little League idea. Playing baseball for fun.
Posted by: Good grief! on Jan 10, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Everytime the parents get involved, something like this happens, almost everytime. God forbid that we would just sit on the sidelines, and watch our kids have fun and cheer for all the kids!
Posted by: Rules Clarifiaction Location: College Station on Jan 9, 2009 at 01:40 PM
The rule in Little League is no longer 20,000= 1 league. A few years back Little league made the change. Now it goes by the number of teams registered in your Major boys division. Bounderies are frozen and it goes by that number. Read and learn before you spout off.
Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: CS on Jan 9, 2009 at 09:17 AM
The LL board was not acting maliciously when they were looking at joining Nations baseball. It has nothing to do with income either. It all has to do with dwindling numbers (especially ages 9-12). Organizations (like the 12) have taken the All Star players and have left LL a shell of itself. If the community wants to keep LL a few changes need to occur. 1) Volunteer and coach; 2) Younger players need to stay in the LL and form their own individual select teams on the side. Say no to the 12 and other organizations that do not have your kids best interest at heart; 3) Play LL and select ball if you are a serious player. No matter what is said publically, the 12 does not want their players in LL. If that was the case, why are the older 12 kids (10-12) not signed up? It will a rough few years, but if the parents of kids 9 and younger step up, LL can be what it used to be. Take back your community and say no to the 12.
Posted by: College Softball Player Location: Bryan on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:59 PM
This is for the people who are saying Little League is NOT what HS and college teams are looking for. I started out in Little League and NEVER played on an ASA team because I wasn't 'good enough'. I played in high school and now I play in college! So much for all those people who told me I wasn't good enough and would never play in college because I didn't play select. LL is an outstanding program... as a matter of fact, EVERY girl on my team played in LL at some point. So maybe you so called 'board members' should think again when you want everyone to pay for an 'elite' team when in all reality you have OUTSTANDING players right in front of your eyes... in LITTLE LEAGUE!
Posted by: Rules Location: BV on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:41 PM
One league in CS clearly violates Little League rules. 20,000 population= 1 league. CS population is way over 20,000. Why are they allowed to have one league if they are in Little League and have a population well over 20,000? Nations doesn't have this rule thus a bigger talent pool. Do you see where this is going? I do.
Posted by: OUTSIDE LOOKING IN Location: EVERYWHERE on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:51 PM
Boy what a mess! What are people calling themselves a Little League board doing even considering changeing to or adding a new League. If a group of parents or volunteers wants to start a new League or add a new League FINE. But do not say I am the Little League President and we want to form or add a new League. Present yourself as a parent or volunteer and say I want something different. How do you even show your face after being elected as a Little League official and say we want to look into other organizations.
Posted by: The Truth on Jan 8, 2009 at 07:21 PM
The dads in CSLL are all sulled up because they are getting wooped up by some small town teams and don't like it too much. CS is no longer the best of the best - the elite - or even the best. They are going to do whatever they can to make sure their boys are number one - even if it means they form a new league. It is a shame. An absolute shame.
Posted by: Another Parent Location: College Station on Jan 8, 2009 at 05:26 PM
I agree with parent at 2PM. The people that want to switch to Nations were supposed to be our Little League board. Not a "Whatever We Choose" board. Little League does not mean -any- kind of kid baseball, it means a specific organization. Directors can quit if they won't live up to their Little League oath. What the heck are they teaching our kids about how to live up to obligations?
Posted by: Thomas Location: College Station on Jan 8, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Who decides the level of talent of each child? Does each child have to go through a rigorous tryout? I do not see how this benefits children, but I can see some parents who might approve if they are pushing their child to be competitive. All kids should be allowed to play with kids their own age and just have fun. If they want so much competition, there are other ways, ie. All Stars. Changing CSLL is a very bad idea.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 8, 2009 at 03:39 PM
Why dont we leave it the way it is. Why change it? What needs to be changed is the length of practices, 3-4 hours to practice not including games and late games on school nights. I love watching my kids play as much as the next person but they will get burned out like that and they get tired. Their school work will suffer and we are loosing touch with what is really important here...THE KIDS and the fact that they play because they love the game. They do not need to be trained like Babe Ruth!
Posted by: tax payer Location: College Station on Jan 8, 2009 at 03:12 PM
HMMMM kids from outside of College Station. Will they be using the fields that I pay for inside of College Sation. If my kid wants to practice while a Nations basball team with kids from all over are playing does the kid with the tax paying parent and city rec department fees get to make them move? Just wondering.
Posted by: CS Lifer Location: CS on Jan 8, 2009 at 02:58 PM
Sammy, LL Fan-NOT, Skater - You have it nailed!!! What's wrong? Daddy's not getting enough playing time? Wayne Smith would roll over in his grave. For you Johnny Come Lately's, Wayne Smith was the driving force in organizing College Station Little League. I played for Wayne Smith. No finer gentleman existed. Coach Smith formed Little League for all the correct reasons. I've seen him walk to the stands and in his gentlemanly manner tell a Daddy he was out of line. This change mess it out of line, Little League is for the kids, not Mommy and Daddy. It's an organization for kids to have recreation, not a training ground for Major League Baseball!!!
Posted by: Unbelievable Location: Brazos Valley on Jan 8, 2009 at 02:47 PM
As a parent that has been very involved and volunteered in this organization and others over the years, I am appalled at this decision. The current LL board does sound like it considering all children, only their own. That is a sad situation and they should be ashamed. Go start your own league if you wish but leave LL alone!!
Posted by: Parent Location: College Station on Jan 8, 2009 at 02:00 PM
Why is our LITTLE LEAGUE board even talking about a vote to switch to Nations Baseball? Each board member was elected to oversee LITTLE LEAGUE operations here at LITTLE LEAGUE board meetings and they took an oath to do that. If any board member wants to turn their back on their oath and quit LITTLE LEAGUE they should resign and go get voted onto a Nations Baseball board. They have no other option. You can't get voted into the Democratic Party leadership (or vice versa) and then say you're going to vote and switch the whole group over to be a Republican Party. Who do these directors think they are?
Posted by: Anonymous Location: let the kids play... on Jan 8, 2009 at 01:52 PM
Whatever happended to allowing kids to grow socially through sports? In any endeavor, school or career, some are better than others, but it all goes together for a reason. Let's say a 6 year old is good enough to play with the 8 year olds; do you really think he'll get the playing time needed to (1) enjoy the game; (2) advance his or her skills; and (3) develop with his or her peers?
Posted by: recreation supporter on Jan 8, 2009 at 01:49 PM
why should kids at such a young age have to be shown that they are not as good as others by being immediately split into teams by their talent? the idea is truly disgusting. life is hard enough for these kids, they know without being told that they don't measure up to others on the baseball field, the basketball court, the soccer field, etc. why do we have to put it in their faces like this? splitting kids out by talent, doing away with little league... come on here. we are teaching our kids the WRONG THING. what happened to playing for fun with their friends? what happened to playing for fun with their classmates? what went wrong with little league is that a group of pompous men began running it, stacked teams to make the National League team as good as it was when it came to All Stars, and the corruption of the group was seen. how could you expect people to want to volunteer for a board that was crooked like it has been? get real.
Posted by: are you kidding me? Location: check you facts on Jan 8, 2009 at 01:39 PM
kids do not need to start at a young age developing their athletic abilities to become high school or professional athletes. that is NOT a fact. have you ever heard of burn out? these kids are so often pushed too hard, too fast, parents trying to live vicariously through their kids, sports do not need to be so competitive. the best kids today may not be the best kids in high school. the best kids in baseball at 12 are not guaranteed to be the best at 16. sports, athletics, within youth sports has not always been taken this seriously. some of these dads and moms i see pushing their kids so hard need to start pushing themselves a little harder... hit a gym, get rid of that spare tire, get to wear you are not sweating from a light walk... if you want to talk the talk you need to learn to walk the walk.
Posted by: JustAMom Location: College Station on Jan 8, 2009 at 01:26 PM
The Little League board is out of line. And it's not the first time. Parents don't volunteer because of how they and their non-superstar kids are treated . . . and YES, I came to EVERY one of my son's games, and YES, I volunteered to be team mom and happily pitched in for concession stand duty and whatever else was needed to support the kids . . and I did it despite being disgusted with the attitude and behavior of of the board. I doubt that I'll let my child keep playing under the current "leadership." I value the kids, the game, good sportsmanship and having fun. The CSLL board values winning, being "elite," and treating 7 and 8 year olds like professional athletes. THAT is why the kids are leaving.
Posted by: Wondering Location: BV on Jan 8, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Wondering what Mike Witherwax has to say about all this? (Head of Southwest Region)And how about that guy in Brenham....Gerald Weir or is it Wier?
Posted by: Mr. Boilermaker Location: LA on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:42 AM
Give me a few brewkis and I'll coach your team... I got a niece w/ a pretty good curve ball....
Posted by: Little League supporter Location: B/CS on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:43 AM
If you want to do a league for kids more in to the game, good idea do it. But you need and are required by Little League to have a seperate board to run the Local Little League and look out for it's interest. There is a place for both organizations and they need to help each other. That being said you need to have seperate people running each organization. The statement in the College Station Little League web-site has changed it seems to be a little backing up. As far as Little League being enough for HS. Sure it is. Like the man said if you use it to it's full potential. Year long Little League for the kids who want it.
Posted by: Little League Fan Location: College Station on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:36 AM
I know for a fact that most of the small town Leagues in the surounding areas charge so much less than College Station. Usually $40 to $45. Easy to check on, just call and ask them. So please do not say LL is so expensive. Maybe College Station is but not all. All Little Leagues just received there new charters applications for the year. It is $16 to charter a team,but you also have to pay around $50 a team for the insurance cost if you go through Little League, it's well worth it. Most Little League also pay for the theft coverage again well worth it. Factor in catches gear, baseballs, softballs, batting helmets, line chalk, trophies, umpires, uniforms (about $25-$45 a kid) an much more and you have a really good deal for 12-15 games of baseball or softball. Try to go to the movies 12 times and see what you get. I can not tell you why College Station charges so much but most Leagues do not.
Posted by: Sammy Location: North Zulch on Jan 8, 2009 at 06:22 AM
"Kid would do better if the adults would drop off the equipment bag at the field and leave." --- Baseball Hall of Famer Robin Roberts. Oh for a simpler time! But now we got year round leagues with pro-style uniforms, kids on tourney teams play all weekend long. Its way overdone and its one of many reasons why we are a spoiled, soft nation lacking in the variety of life.
Posted by: Loser Police on Jan 8, 2009 at 06:19 AM
This is a good idea.
Posted by: Why so much? Location: Brazos Valley on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:13 PM
Why are the fees so expensive for LL? per the following from the LL website, the league pays a certain amount per chartered team. Charter Fees Reduced – For the first time in Little League’s 68-year history, the fees paid by the local volunteer organizations to become “chartered” Little Leagues will decrease for every division of play. In 2006, charter fees were $18 per team. In 2007, fees have been lowered to $16 per team, representing a savings of more than $300,000 per year for local leagues. With the amount of money in the account now, plus monies generated from sponsors and concessions, I don't understand the need to charge so much to register. I do understand that the league does provide the cap and a shirt, but as with most leagues, they get a price break for ordering in bulk. I may be wrong, but it just seems the amount is a little steep.
Posted by: It's a baseball thing on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:47 PM
To Little League Fan posted at 2:19pm: You said some things I would like to address. First off, wait until HS baseball starts, ask around and I guarantee you, most of them play on select teams, and you will know who those kids are. As far as Williamsport goes... Do some research and again, you will find that majority of those kids play more than just LL. I also know for a fact that the young men who represented CS National at the LL World Series years ago, the majority of those guys played on select teams as well. That, is a fact. I can pretty much guarantee you that the ones that were not on those elite teams did not see much playing time. It is a fact that to play at the next level, you need to start at a young age. If that is not what a child wants to do, good for him. Keep him playing for fun. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. You can still do that under Nations.
Posted by: LL Fan-NOT Location: cs on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:31 PM
To TOO Funny, I made the All Star team and my mom did not paint her car up and I asked her why, and she told me no need to show off, brag, or throw it in their faces, we know you did good and made it and that is all that matters. Everyone knows who makes All Stars-no need to be a show off. Nobody ever thinks how the other kids that did not make it feel every time they go to town and have to see the cars all painted up and feel bad because they were not good enough for their mom to be able to paint theirs.
Posted by: WOW Location: College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 06:17 PM
I just listened to an interview on the Radio with the President of College Station Little League. Talk about doing some back tracking. He said they never wanted to do away with Little League. UMM wrong I heard him say it with my on ears. The web-site stated plain as day. We want to move to a league playing under Nations Baseball. What an idividual.
Posted by: K Location: Bryan on Jan 7, 2009 at 04:33 PM
My son plays on a select team. We are not board members and we do not have a lot of money. We do not donate to the leagues nor coach. We are at every practice and game to support the kids. He was chosen for his talent, no more. When LL starts up again, he will play there as well. Most select teams try to work around the LL schedules and football schedules too!
Posted by: LL MOM Location: Brazos Valley on Jan 7, 2009 at 03:31 PM
In reality, both organizations can work, but they must operate independantly of one another. If there are kids that want to do the Nations thing,,,that is great. Just don't take away the LL option from those who enjoy LL and look forward to the opportunity to play All Stars. I also believe that any monies given to CSLL belong to LL. A board can't vote to use that money for non LL things. I don't care if the vote is 17-1 or 1700 - 1, you can't do it. It states such in the Little League rule book. I think that is a big part of what has people concerned as well. Citizens of CS need to get together and find a way to freeze the funds until this is settled.
Posted by: Little League Fan Location: Callege Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 02:19 PM
To Baseball Parent @ 11:20am. I do not think the media is misleading anyone. Yes College Station Little League Board is attempting to drop LITTLE LEAGUE. You see LITTLE LEAGUE is an organization of Chartered teams from arround the World out of WILLIAMSPORT. A youth baseball organization under any other name is not LITTLE LEAGUE. You can have Nations Baseball, Pony League Baseball( and yes pony league covers all age groups not just 13&14 like the old days) Texas Teenage, and many other leagues but they are not LITTLE LEAGUE. And you sir are wrong about Little League not being enough for High School. You see man Just because the Little Leagues around here do not fully participate in the Little League process does not mean you can't. Little League is a year long sport for some communities. Yes you can get special games permits to play any Little League teams in any state or Country through out the year and many do. Watch the Little League World Series your Elite kids can't compete.
Posted by: too funny on Jan 7, 2009 at 02:04 PM
To LL fan-NOT: Those LL moms did nothing short of supporting their kids. They were proud, as I have been. If it was nothing but a popularity contest, CSLL would not have gone as far as they did in years past. They all earned their spots. My son happened to be one of them. Pony Baseball? Not THAT was a true joke. Most of that was because the kids that weren't good enough to play tournament ball had no choice but to play Pony. There is a huge difference between the 2 levels. And it showed in HS.
Posted by: Baseball Mom Location: College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:47 PM
I applaud the board for actually trying to make some changes. If it can be implemented correctly maybe it will work. If all the board/coaches were involved for the right reasons, LL would not be in this mess to begin with. How many years has there been a "stacked team"? Now, those who want to stack, can have their team! Maybe there will rules put in place for the coaches as well. Until it's run by an unbiased individual or board, there are going to be problems, but this may eliminate some. For a successful program,look at CS basketball league. It seems to work -no hidden agendas, coaches are held accountable for their "on-the-court" behavior, usually the teams are all somewhat competitive(1/2 2nd graders & 1/2 1st graders on one team)...it is someone's job! The volunteer board is on their way to making changes, they have a long way to go, but unless you want to be involved, show your support. Isn't baseball suppose to fun? Let's make it fun and quit arguing over it.
Posted by: Baseball Parent on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:45 PM
To "Curious" about asking how many people want to be involved with the board: VERY, VERY WELL SAID! Parents will be the FIRST to complain, but when it comes to asking for volunteers to do their part, everybody seems to be too "busy". I can not tell you how many times I was out there watching and supporting my kid on that LL field at SW Valley and would look around and see half of the kids parents not even cometo watch their kids play! Countless times I have heard "we don't do fundraisers", "we're too busy to bring snacks" and then when the game is over, the coach, yes, a dedicated dad, has to wait for about 30-45 minutes for a parent to even show up to pick their kids up! Now, everybody wants to complain about taking away the fun. These parents took away the fun a long time ago when there was no one there to watch their kids play FOR FUN.
Posted by: Bryan LL Parent Location: Bryan on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:30 PM
To comment on LL in Bryan. 3 of the leagues in Bryan(East,North and Bonham) are working very hard to be able to combine to 1 league to fight the dwindling numbers issue. I have been very hands on in the process and can promise you that the "Nations plan in CS" was never even mentioned in any of our conversations. Each time we met it was only to discuss saving LL in Bryan as we all see the value it brings to ALL the kids of our community. One issue I have is with Hardy Nevill the LL District Administrator allowing CS to combine down to 1 league in order to save it and seemingly fighting us all the way. My only conclusion would be that we didn't throw a temper tantrum and threaten to shut down, but rather came to him with a clear plan to save LL in Bryan!!!
Posted by: LL Fan-NOT Location: CS on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Sounds like a bunch of LL moms are scared they will not get to paint their suburbans up like a hippie mobiles and drive around town for a month showing off and throwing in the other 100 kids face that where not popular enough and that "Lil Johnny" made All Stars and his name will be in the paper. I played Little League and the whole concept was a joke, especially in CS. Now Pony baseball was an absolute blast. Go Pony CSLL Board, It rocks.
Posted by: Baseball mom Location: CS on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Most of the board members kids play for a select/tournament team - now which kids are in their best interest - all kids or just their own?
Posted by: kim Location: cs on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:49 AM
again.... I JUST WANT MY KID TO PLAY AND HAVE FUN. I don't care if it's Little League or Nations or "Kim's Backyard Club" - all this complaining, and I agree with Curious - stop complaining and get off your butt and do something. Complaining does nothing - get out there and get your kids involved in WHATEVER is available and focus on them. Unless you volunteer your time, you cannot do anything about it!
Posted by: rc Location: bryan on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:24 AM
in response to (bb) does nations baseball have a mandatory play rule(Little League). If not then all that means is the kids that are not very good will never get to play they will signup and pay and never get to play and least in little league they get to play some.The people in college station have always thought they were better than everybody else and now all they are doing is taking the little rich kids and forming their own league.I hope someone else takes over and keeps Little League and nations baseball is a big flop.
Posted by: Baseball Parent on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:20 AM
I think the media has midlead the public. I don't think CSLL is being dropped. It is being renamed. Kids will still have to oppotunity to play for fun, with no traveling involved. I am not a "superstar wanna be dad". My son made his own choices. We told him whatever he chose to do, he needs to give it 110%. All we are guilty of is supporting his choices. I do know that if, by some chance, a child wants to play in HS, LL will not be enough. Yes, Nations have a different set of rules, but those litte guys really think they are something when they are playing for fun, but playing with the same rules as the "big boys". What is wrong with that? I am proud to say that my son played CSLL and tournament baseball at the same time. He now plays in college on a baseball scholarship. That would have never happened with LL alone. But he is playing in college because that is what HE wants. But if that is not an option, then play for fun. Under Nations.
Posted by: Skater Location: cs on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Sorry kids!Dads pretty competitive.
Posted by: Youth Baseball Fan Location: College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:45 AM
People, this is a volunteer organization and I think the 20 board memebers have the kids of Brazos Valley's best interest. Everyone is reacting like their property taxes are going up! It's a sport for their children. Little League will remain for this 2009 season. This has turned into a media frenzy, and people need to quit assuming and learn the facts.
Posted by: Little League Fan Location: College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:08 AM
To bb : You are just flat out wrong man. In Little League you can re-enter a kid. Once the other kids have met a mandintory playing time. You see in Little League they want let Dad pull anyone untill he has had a chance to bat also. Metro has not mandintory play. And please do nto refer to them as Little League board volunteers they do not want to be Little League baord members. They want to be BVBA(nations basball) board members. The differnce in Little League Minor and Major and Elite is nto every kid can play in Elite Nations Baseball. Every kid can play in Minor and Major Little League. What about the pitch count rule do you believe in innings or number thrown. HAHAH Real Baseball are you joking. Does Nations have a World Series that actually includes THE WORLD?
Posted by: Little League supporter Location: College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:52 AM
After hearing the so called Little League president on the radio and reading the article I am really ashamed. Does this person actually want us to believe this is about base running rules. That is what he said on the radio interview. You sir are not the Little League president if you do not keep the charter going. If you want to be over the BVBA(Nations Baseball) fine. Step down from your Little League post so people can elect a new President. If you do not like the rules LEAVE. Do not tell us that Nations Baseball has a similar league, it's just not true. Metro Ball the so called league ball in Nations baseball is not even close to what Little League has to offer. Go on the Nations Baseball web site and try to find the end of season tournaments for the Metro Ball league. Has the College Station Little League Board already used money slated for Little League to make improvments and changes to a facility to accomodate this new organization? Lets find out.
Posted by: Nations Fan Location: Houston on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:51 AM
We changed from LL to USSSA 5 yrs ago & to Nations this last year here in Houston, mainly due to majority wanting something better for ALL the kids & dwindling numbers & interest. After the first year, we surveyed the kids & parents & asked do they want to go back to LL, 99% of the kids said NO WAY, THIS IS WAY MORE FUN!!. 5 yrs later numbers are up 40% & the complaints are down 70%. Even some of the kids that had quit LL came back & started playing League ball again. I recommend the opponents to change sit down & talk with your kid & ask him would he like to keep playing LL with their crazy playing & substitution rules or would he like to try & play baseball like the Big Boys do with lead-offs, steals, pick offs, play in an end of season Tournament format playoff, & where every kid & team has a chance to play in the post season, not just 12 most popular. I think you will be surprised at THEIR answer. What I read here people are uneducated on the Nations concept, get educated
Posted by: If want a voice join the Board Location: College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Ok people who want to set back and do nothing but complain, for your information yes Nations is a for profit organization but just because you play by nations rules dosen't mean you are a for profit organization the league has to pay nations x amount of dollars to belong to their organization as does the league have to pay Little League to be in their organization hmmm. If you do your reaserch Humble, Klein, Katy, Cy Fair ect play nations leagues about 14 games all non profit organizations. League play is exactly that league play about 12-14 games during the season and then if a team wants to go play in tournaments or play year around that is up to that team has nothing to do with the league in the league all kids are drafted just like Little League and play a season just like Little League only difference is the rules the play by.
Posted by: hotwheels77845 Location: College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:16 AM
We need to support Little Leagues everywhere, like it has been here for our kids year after year. Come to the meeting and show your support for something that is good for the kids. That is what Little League is all about.
Posted by: Curious Location: College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:40 AM
To all of the people complaining about the decisions that the Little League Board is making----please, PLEASE tell me how many of you have volunteered to be on the board. LL does not have people knocking the door down to coach, manage, etc-much less be on the board. If you want your complaining to make a difference-STEP UP AND GET INVOLVED!!!! Funny how people always want to give their 2-cents but never want to help out where it's needed.....
Posted by: John Location: CS on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:33 AM
No matter what they think they are doing to help the participation levels increase by abandoning LL, it just won't matter. Those kids that are playing on the select or tournament teams will no more participate in this than in LL. To say it opens up participation to all is eronious. People could not afford to pay registration fees in LL, and now they expect kids to be driven in from out of the area and still pay registration fees. Nations is all about making a profit, so how does one obtain a non profit license when the governing body they have to pay is for profit? What should have been done is for the LL members, including the CSLL board, and the city of CS is to do a better job of promoting LL in our area. They certainly did not do enough for the under-priveledged and minority kids to get them involved. Go to a CSLL game, and tell me how many minorities are playing. Football and Basketball, and soccer do a much better job of promoting thus more participation by minorities.
Posted by: Been There Location: not in College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 07:55 AM
Sounds like the kids with the superstar wanna be dads are trying to push the kids that play for fun out of the picture. I was involved with LL for about 10 years and it was always the same. The kids with the wanna be dads were always trying to bend the rules to put together a championship team that would win the league with all the good players on one team. The board was elected to represent Little League, not to disband the league. If they want to form another league the superstars need to resign from the board and then form their on league. One comment was about the money in the LL account, if the existing board uses those funds that were donated to LL, I would think that that would be theft of money from a nonprofit organization and Brazos County would have another trial to deal with. The parents need to contact the LL district representative and see what needs to be done. Don't lets the superstars change things now when they won't be around in a few years
Posted by: Little League Mom Location: College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 06:16 AM
If the College Station Little League board votes to change from Little League to another league they are in fact no longer the Little League Board. You can not be the Board of a League that does not excist anylonger. Fine they no longer want to be on a LIttle League Board then we have the right to elect a Little League Board. But they can not tell us what is operate as a youth baseball league in College Station. Let them start a new league if they want. Did the City Of College Station give them the authority to decide what League operates in College Station? Did williams port give them the authority to tell us we can have a Little League Charter? UMMM NO and will they be allowed to take Little Leagues Money?
Posted by: Tiger Dad Location: College Station on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:43 AM
Why did the current league authorize to spend money on Sue Haswell? Why did they also add board members from Bryan? What will happen to Challenger baseball? (for the special needs kids)
Posted by: bb Location: CS on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Response to (Little League Fan)From Nations website: Nations Baseball Offers 4 divsions of play * Metro - This division is your recreational league play teams. These teams are typically teams full of players who register individually and are DRAFTED by a local league. I also read in the rules where teams can have free substitution in games, unlike LL where a kid can only be substituted for by one kid and when removed he can not play anymore in that game (boy that really looks out for the kids) Also, every kid and or team can play post season, not just the 12 most popular kids or dads kids that have the most influence or money in CS. Also, what is the difference between Metro, Elite in Nations and Minor, Major currently in Little League. Both are classifying kids due to ability and give the kids a chance to compete at their level and if so move up. It is time to move to 20th century like all the other growing cities and play REAL baseball. Great Job CSLL Board volunteers.
Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: College Station on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:51 PM
My oldest child now in college grew up playing CSLL, rec soccer, competitive soccer,baseball and high school football. Been there done that. Now we have a younger child with 2 years of t-ball under his belt. No doubt someone without a clue will determine his ability to perform at the ripe old age of 7 or 8 under this new for profit organization. Give me a break. This decision is simply disgusting and selfish. Heaven forbid we allow kids to play for fun anymore and have parents cheer for ALL the kids. I hope the CSLL board will think about what statement they are making to our youth with this decision.
Posted by: Little League Dad Location: College Station on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:38 PM
UHHH OHHH Timmy must not have made the ALL-STAR team. Time to change leagues.
Posted by: Little League Sponsor Location: College Station on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:29 PM
Can someone make sure I have this right. I am asked by the Local Little League to help out with a sponsorship from my buisiness. I think back on all the good times I had involved in Little League and think say " what a good idea" . Man what a wonderful organization. Now I hear and read about a local Little League board elected to represent the interest of Little League are going to take my money. Hahah they say there going to start a new organization. WITH MONEY THEY COLLECTED REPRESENTING LITTLE LEAGUE.
Posted by: Parent on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Little League works very hard to put rules into place to protect the players. Nations Baseball does just enough to say they have rules to protect a player. Example Little League has a pitch count rules. Little Johnny can only throw a certain number of pitches in a game then he has to stop for a certain number of days in Little League. In Nations Baseball they put a limit on the number of innings no matter that one innings may last for 100 pitches. He can still pitch another. Any honest coach or sports medicine professional will tell you there is a need at youth baseball level for a pitch count limit. Big differnece in just this one rule as to what organization is out for the kids and what organization is out to win at all cost. Do you want a pumped up Dad coaching a 10 year old to decide if he has had enough or a rule saying he has. Just study the difference in the rules and decide for yourself who has the kids best interest at heart here. Some one in CS does not like the rules.
Posted by: Little League Location: Parent on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:41 PM
Listen close parents Nation Baseball can draw kids from any place they want. Do not for a minute fall for this line of forming BVBA and playing under Nations Baseball rules. Is the College Station City Council going to let kids from allover who happen to make one of the Select or Elite teams have access to the fields in front of a Little League organization that is from with in the College Station boundaries. If the current Little League Board in college station decides not to renew the Little League charter then any volunteer can pick up and renew it elect a new board and form teams. Will the City Of College Station try to stop Little League from playing on the city fields. Please parents do not show up at the meeting and argue about this. Get together form a group and continue the charter. Make the politicians decide to vote for BVBA (Nations BaseBall) or a world wide respected organization like Little League. Can you imagine the political pressure of voting no to Little League.
Posted by: DR Location: CS on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:04 PM
I played LL when t-ball was not around, we atrted in Peewee on up to Senior League. I would say after 13yr old league that the Select Ball would be a good way to go but or playing Select while LL was not in session. But to have different classes in youth sports is not the way to go. You will definitely push away a number of youth. Many athletes do not develope, whether it be skills or physically at the same speed and timeframe. YOu may have one kid that is tremendous at 10 and this average once in high school and vice versa. I beleive all should play together whether what the level of talent, experience or how developed they are. Everyone plays in LL in the community and then if they want to play Select ball on the side and after LL so be it.
Posted by: Little League Fan Location: B/CS on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:03 PM
There seems to be a big piont being missed here. CSLL Board does not have the authority to close down a Little League charter. Any parent or other volunteer can contact Little League in Williamsport and continue the charter. It's that easy. You can hide and say we are forming another non-profit if you want. The fact is Nations Baseball is a profit making company. Nations Baseball is broken into Metroball, SelectBall, and EliteBall. What they want you to believe Nations Metroball will take the place of Little League and be for the seasonal (not so talented kids) and the rest will move to SelectBall or EliteBall. It's easy to varify go to Nations Baseballs web site. Little League has a set of rules that protects kids reguardless of who they are or where they are from. Some people do not like these rules. In Nations Baseball you can take kids from anywhere no boundries. Your tax dollars being used for whom ever the coach decides to pick up. THERE IS NOT DRAFT IN NATIONS BASEBALL.
Posted by: kim Location: cs on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:07 PM
there are leagues galore for baseball and soccer - all for "older" kids. i just want to find something for my 3-yr old son without pulling out the phone book and calling every organization listed to find out the number is no longer working or the kids have to be at least age 5.
Posted by: Matt Location: Bryan on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:50 PM
So who's hairbrained idea was this ? Let's get real, this is a step in the wrong direction, and certainly not fair to the kids.
Posted by: The Way It Happens In CS on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:52 PM
I have never really understood why Bryan has North LL, East LL, Bonham LL, Harvey LL and West LL and College Station had two LL. I have heard that it was illegal for them to have more. Should it not be illegal for Bryan to have five. CS seems to always play by a separate set of rules and LL is no different. CS needs to keep the LL active. You will always have kids (or should I say their parents) who will want to play at different levels. Thus comes in the Nations, USSSA or Super Series baseball leagues. LL is a tremendous organization with a tremendous backing from all walks of life. What CSLL officials seem to be doing is trying to weed out the ones that they dont want...ie...dont meet their income level. Keep the CS LL and you will always have kids playing LL and Nations and whatever. You seem to forget who this is all about. I truly hope Bryan Little Leagues will not do the same to the kids in this city.
Posted by: Jerry Location: Bryan on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:51 PM
I worked with youth sports for over ten years when my son was growing up and have watched as youth sports have evolved from recreational and seasonal leagues to year round competitive leagues in baseball, soccer and others. Even Pop Warner football where the kids are supposed to have passing grades is set up to start and finish before the first grades are posted in school. And competitive leagues like this one starting in College Station are always concerned more about winning than whether or not the kids will have fun and learn a sport. College Station Parks need to stop this right now by denying the use of their fields for this new league. This is a bunch of adults trying to regain their youth through what they think are their "superstar" children
Posted by: LL mom Location: Brazos Valley on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Ok, this sounds like it could work,,however,,,all funds in the CS LL account must stay with CS Little league. They can NOT be used for anything other than LL business. Making BVBA a non profit organization does not entitle them to any of the monies that are already in the account. They will need to open a seperate account for this new league. This would be the equivalent of Boy Scouts coming up and saying they are entitled to some of the money because they are a non-profit organization.
Posted by: Suzan Location: CS on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:56 PM
Thank goodness for progress in youth sports in the Brazos Valley!! Way to go CSLL Board for volunteering your time for our children.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Cool story.......pssshh!
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