Deseret News | A whole new ballgame: Utah summer leagues have evolved

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A whole new ballgame: Utah summer leagues have evolved

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to re: UBA vs. MGF | 1:40 p.m. July 10, 2009

Thank you so much for your comments. You just made everyone's point. When Legion stopped being the only choice for summer baseball things went downhill. Im glad that you gave the Bucks a great game. They are an excellent team and you played them very well. The UBA team on the other hand got pummeled by them. Just goes to show that legion can be very competitive for very little cost. The marshall gates foundation provides a great opportunity for players with zero cost to the players. The UBA on the other hand bleeds these players for thousands of dollars and look at there results..... unorganized baseball with dad's coaching, umpires-maybe, no uniforms, split up the talent to form more teams and therefore more money and they get spanked and on and on and on. Not at all impressive. Parents save your money your boys can still play and get noticed and you won't have to give somebody every dime you make.

Anonymous | 8:43 a.m. July 12, 2009

The parent of a son who played up through the UBA and Bingham program who was an All State player who currently coaches collage baseball both programs were very instrumental in the success he has experienced. I have worked with the UBA and Coach Sato for years and I have had nothing but a great experience with both. Playing for UBA and Bingham my son’s team won several regional tournaments and a State title. He followed that up with four years of collage baseball from a scholarship he received from attending one of the regional tournament show cases. I don’t believe he would have achieved the level of success he has with out that experience. If you don’t like the program go play somewhere else there is a long list of kids who would love to play for Bingham, Coach Sato and UBA.

missEd | 5:06 p.m. July 12, 2009

what is baseball blogs without you. We are enjoying your comments. Baseball needs to go back to basics. play where you live and lets have some fun competition with developing the talent you have. Super league ruined baseball. Too many controlling dads involvedEd. bingham has aproven track record. and I agree a few bad eggs spoil the bunch!

Comments continue below

to:Anonymous | 8:40 a.m. July 13, 2009

to: Anonymous | 8:43 a.m. July 12, 2009

To quote the great Forrest Gump - "Stupid is what stupid does". College is spelled with an E not an A. Thank you for proving our point.

This is | 10:24 a.m. July 13, 2009

why the UHSAA needs to get out of this business, we need more high profile teams that gives the kids the oppurtunity they deserve in fact a tryout for teams or contracts would be the best senario to keep kids from switching teams. Lets get rid of the HS coaches that teach and let them to their job which is teach class I believe most of them would quit then and open the door for teachers who really want to be there for that reason. HS coachs are so overrated and get so much credit for all the work that the accelearated coachs put into the boys. There isn't a Coach in this State that develops a team they just take from what is given to them and try to implement their program which is usually not better than where they just came from and most cases its worse!!! All you old fogie HS coachs "managers" need to retire and let somebody who has the desire to coach step in!

to - "this is" | 1:40 p.m. July 13, 2009

Many coaches were hired to teach and although good at it in many cases, they heart is in coaching. That is not to say that would walk away from teaching if coaching was taken away. I would be more willing to listen to your comment re: "old fogie HS coaches need to retire" if you would put names down. With the time put in by many HS coaches, and time away from their families, I would think that shows desire. Being a HS coach myself, I'm certainly not in it for the money or the tight friendships I make with the parents. I am underpaid and the parents usually hate me because I play the best players. Maybe you should volunteer to coach, let us know who you are, and we can decide for ourselves if you are cut out to be as good as your comments.

AltaFan | 2:12 p.m. July 13, 2009

I think the UBA provides a great program for player development. Their indoor facility allows Utah's cold-weather players to work year round on their game. Their regional and national player development programs offer more and better opportunities for Utah players than anything else offered. We are lucky to have them available for the serious kids to receive opportunities to play and improve.

re: "this is" @ 1:40 | 10:06 p.m. July 13, 2009

Nice comment you say "I'm certainly not in it for the money" and then you follow up with "I am underpaid"? I know a few coaches that make 70 to 80,000 a year for teaching and coaching not a bad salary if you ask me! Get on the State website and look up a coach you know and lets compare whos all underpaid!

to re:"this is"@10:06 | 10:28 p.m. July 13, 2009

Still no names. Therefore, no back-up. If a coach makes more than $3,000 for coaching, it's a lie. If you are counting camps, etc. keep in mind that is still time away from their families. Divide the pay by the hours and get back to me. It is less than minimum wage you will see.

I wouldn't go there | 10:58 p.m. July 13, 2009

Coachs who teach usually have a class that has something to do with there sport and use it as a practice time and with Baseball, games are played during the day which allows a Coach to get paid while traveling to a game at 12:00 in the afternoon until School is out there is a lot of math there and nothing I would want to tackle but I would bet its a lot more than minimum wage if you factor in their salary while traveling? I would say that Football, Basketball, ect. coaches are getting the shaft since most of their events are later in the evenings they work their shift and then put in the 3000.00 worth of time! No wonder everyone wants to be a baseball coach! The time away from families is an excuse most of the Coach's I know are older and their families have moved on and a lot of other coachs families actually show up and support the team and coach!

Anonymous | 2:11 p.m. July 15, 2009

The Baseball Academy is a much better program to go to than the Marshall Gates foundation! I promise you that! Kent and Bob are the best two guys I have ever met! If you want to go get some chaw and sit the bench head to the Marshall Gates foundation! EY has been on these blogs more than once I can guarantee you that!So people dont get to worked up this is all he seems to have time for!

re: alta | 2:12 p.m. July 15, 2009

You should like the UBA..you are following the role of other schools by bringing kids in to make a better team and leave those kids that have played in you local programs cheering in the stands...I think the UBA has a place...of training, skill developement, hiring experts for all of us to pay for if that is what we want...they could even sponser a team...but keep high school coaches away from the building, and paying them and coaching them and taking them to thier schools to play...go figure..it is an easy fix.

re:re:Like the way it is now | 2:29 p.m. July 15, 2009

Not sure why Bingham runs their program this way - sounds really dumb. My son played for Lone Peak and all of the high school coaches were also the summer league coaches. This worked out GREAT because the kids actually LEARNED and DEVELOPED during the summer rather than just play games with some dad as the coach ( the old American Legion way). I know that ALL Utah County schools (SF, AF, Timpanogos, LP, PG, etc..) operate the same way with the high school coaches also coaching during the summer months and the UBA just provided the schedules and the umps. My son was a pitcher and had the great advantage of working with his high school pitching coach from 9th grade on all year long which was one of the main reasons he made all region / all state as a senior. I also liked the combined all-star teams in the fall that were comprised of multiple schools and got to play in Arizona and Vegas tournaments with UBA.

Bingham | 3:30 p.m. July 15, 2009

To: Re: Like the way it is now. 9:15a July 9, 2009.
Get your facts straight. Bingham 17u are coached by one of Sato's assistants from the spring, he has some help from Dads and former players, but the "Dad" is not the head coach. The team has averaged about 3 games per week with 1 hour bp before games and infield practice before bp for those who want extra work. As far as UAB or Legion, it doesn't matter, as long as there is a team to play against. Could there be more practices, sure, there can always be more practice. But, if you are waiting back for the high school coaches to make your son a better player, you will be frustrated. There are enough players that want his spot that they will be working out on their own to get it. If your son is not doing all he can, on his own, he will get passed up and watch the rest of the games from the bench. That's just the way life is. Finally, if you have a problem with Sato's program, get some guts and talk to him directly.

Anonymous | 10:21 p.m. July 15, 2009

If your Kid is good enough he'll find a spot in college. He doesn't need the UBA Or the Marshall Gates foundation. However, both organizations have helped kids further their baseball ambitions. My son Was a past allstater and plays in college now without the help of either group helping him. He went to a few show cases and wrote tons of letters. He also played in the summer league through his highschool. The UBA Sponsored league was a bit unorganized and rarely were there two umpires on the field. But he had fun hanging out with his team mates.
If I had a choice I would go back to the American Leigion way for Summer ball.

dissapointed | 10:09 a.m. July 16, 2009

After watching the Marshalls play a couple of games this summer I have been very dissapointed with how these players conducted themselves.I should add not only the players but coaches and the gentleman that apparently runs the foundation.Foul mouths and a dip of cope might make you feel tough now but it wont get you far in life.Clean up your act boys you represent a foundation that means something to a lot of people.

Sato' side | 2:42 p.m. July 16, 2009

You people need to work with your kid's ability level and quit trying to blame someone else. Sato might be the most respected coach in the state (just ask other coaches)so if you have a problem, you are the one with the problem. My boys have played for Sato and loved every minute of it. The funny thing was that he didn't just teach baseball. He taught life lessons, always had a moral to the day, and was a perfect role model. During their years, they were in the title hunt and learned much about themselves as well as baseball. My suggestion would be to transfer to another school if you aren't happy. He will sign the papers for sure. But remember, wherever you end up, you won't having the coach that cares for his players at the same level as coach Sato.

LL>Sato's side | 3:32 p.m. July 16, 2009

Amen....My son doesn't even go to bingham. He is one coach who coaches for the kids. When we played bingham he would talk to my son and offered to help him if he ever needed it to go to the next level. He is a real stand up guy not only to his own players but others too.

Fyi | 4:20 p.m. July 16, 2009

UBA Team that played the bucks is NOT coached by a dad....It is coach by Gub Nelson.....Shoe nelsons son of Spanish Fork. It didn't cost us that much so get your facts straight. The place we got ripped off was at the door to go in and watch. 5.00 per person. I think UBA does a good job we have played in their leagues for years.

re:This is | 4:55 p.m. July 16, 2009

Get rid of high school coaches? Say What??? Holy smackers, I hope you're not proposing baseball follow soccer and volleyball with the club system. My son loved baseball from 9th grade on mainly because it was the same team and same coaches (high school coaches). My daughter played soccer and hated the club system where girls were forced to try out for Salt Lake clubs where they knew no one (she is from Utah County) and the weekly travel to practice was insane. Baseball is MUCH better BECAUSE the high school coaches take over from 9th grade - the key is to get a GOOD high school coach. Also, if a kid wants to try out for a fall all-star team he is free to do so with UBA and have the chance to play in some pretty big tournaments in Arizona and Nevada.

RE: RE: This is | 7:52 a.m. July 17, 2009

The bad part is when your son is part of a program from the 9th grade on and then when he is a jr or sr some transfer student ( recruited ?? ) takes his spot. and he is not exactly free to try out for fall all star teams. That costs money. then if he makes it even more money for travel expenses. When you pay it is not exactly free, is it ?

scott sorensen | 10:03 a.m. July 17, 2009

Why doesn't anyone put their name up? Our son didn't come from a winning program, but he loves the game and he played. Played in the the Legion program for four years was an All-Star twice and loved it. Now the option is the UBA collegiate league. He is not on one of the "handpicked" teams but on one of the drafted teams. The guys on that team realize their position and have become a team. They play hard and have fun. Even beat the Marshalls on tuesday. He has a trainer who believes in him and is working to get him to the next level, but understands that ultimately it is up to him to get there. He has played where he was supposed to, had coaches who are dads, and made the best of the situations. Make the program you are in or what is available to you the best you can and the rest will take care of itself.

Mike | 1:06 p.m. July 17, 2009

The bottom line is, baseball has suffered under the UBA and the other "Super Leagues". As a long time umpire, I have found that players that play both local leagues and the so called "Super Leagues", with the emphasis on the local league play first are #1 better and #2 have played with their peers in there area. That is better for team cohesion later on.

Parents who pay all that money for their kids to play in these "Super Leagues" ought to support their local league be it Babe Ruth, Little League, WBBA, Pony, etc. These parents need to get involved with the leagues as volunteers, coaches, and other types of specialists.

The league officials need to get the high school coaches involved in providing training to coaches. Babe Ruth Baseball has a coaches certification program that is required of all coaches. That is a step in the right direction. After all, the best high school programs in the state have historically supported their local youth leagues. It makes a difference.

The better players will always be better due to #1-natural desire and #2- natural talent. For an average player hard work is required.

help me | 7:43 a.m. July 18, 2009

is not every coach at the high school level also a dad? and what makes them so special? because they have a title "coach", did any of them ever play beyond high school baseball..hum..lots of dad's have played the game and understand it but chose another field of employment...that doesn't just make them a dad

Rats Win | 1:59 p.m. July 19, 2009

Did anyone see the game on July 17th between the Marshalls and The Riverton Rats. This game was won by the Rats 3-1. The Marshalls were out played in all aspects of the game. The Rats had more hits, threw more base runners out, had no errors, had no base running mistakes and had better pitching. The Rats team was made up of 10 players, 7 from Riverton High, 2 from West Jordan High and one from Murray High. The best part of this win is that only one player on the Rats team is college bound to play baseball next year. BTW EY's son only reached base one time because he out ran the throw to first, the other 2 times the hit never left the infield. This was a very fun game to watch a game that no one gave The Rats a chance of winning.

Re: rats win | 3:22 p.m. July 19, 2009

I agree there are alot of overlooked players in the state but you can't deny the marshalls are talented

Isn't it too bad that Riverton | 5:56 p.m. July 19, 2009

can't play that good during the high school season. Does anyone know why?

Yankees win also | 9:49 p.m. July 19, 2009

The Yankees also beat the Marshalls 1-0 last Tuesday at Gates Field. The Yankees are the "scrub" team in the collegiate league put together with players not already associated with a UAB team. Great bunch of players, most of them playing at the next level.

amazing | 8:40 a.m. July 20, 2009

when you get the pick of the litter of all the state's best and can't win against a high school team...lets face it a team will always beat a team of individuals that have been pumped up by someone that says they are the best in the state...go look at your all state team and you also have to wonder who really are the baseball gods..

Re:rats win | 8:57 a.m. July 20, 2009

I thought Riverton's color was purple not green. Jealousy is a bad thing. I wish all the players that have the dream to play in college luck.
If the Rats only have 1 player going to play in college - they have a number of people to blame - parents, high school coach and Baseball Academy. That is a shame that one or all of those people didn't help get those boys an opportunity to play.

Over Rated | 10:30 a.m. July 20, 2009

The Marshalls and the Bucks are the two most overrated teams in the state.Both hyped up by made up stats and a bunch of money behind them.I see a few of the former Marshalls still playing at the next level but I also see a few still trying to hold onto the false dream that was put in their head.Not many still playing for big time programs,I guess when they leave the nest reality is tough.Some of these players will move on and have descent college careers,most will not and dad will need someone other than a High School coach and "politics" to blame.Enjoy your time now boys reality is just around the corner.

to Rats Win @1:59 | 10:38 a.m. July 20, 2009

Congrats on your win. Funny thing is without really meaning to you proved all of the posts right that have said the academy isn't the way to go if your a player that wants to move on to the next level. It was you that said "only one player on the Rats team is college bound". Check the academy websight the Rats are an academy team. It's really too bad since there were some talented players on that team who in a matter of a few weeks their playing days are done. I have a son who has been a teammate of the player from Murray and therefore have seen what a talented player he is. I also have seen him dedicate all of his time/$ to the academy over the years and what does he have to show for it? It's really too bad. At the end of the day everyone needs to do what is right for their own son. I just know that 1 player moving on from an academy team doesn't really speak too highly of what they do for the money.

NC Misses Game | 10:42 p.m. July 20, 2009

The Rats were also missing one of their good players when they beat the Marshalls. Carter was out of town. Too bad sounds like a heck of a game.

Anonymous | 7:46 a.m. July 21, 2009

doesn't carter go to bingham not riverton???? Pretty sure one kid doesn't make a team.

re:to Rats Win @1:59 | 11:09 a.m. July 21, 2009

to Rats Win @1:59 | 10:38 a.m. July 20, 2009
Perfectly stated - the rats may have won that night but in the long run they lost. You UBA guys need to look at the bigger picture and realize that just because you give the UBA $ doesn't mean that your son is a pitcher. They will tell you anything you want to hear - just keep on throwing money at them. In the case of the players on rats that are not going to play in college - that is a shame, they have some pretty good players. Their parents are to blame - they became sheep in the UBA flock and bought into the line given to them. Too bad.

Anonymous | 12:15 p.m. July 21, 2009

maybe Carter isn't as good as you think or the Rats brought in great fill in players which is it?

J | 12:19 p.m. July 21, 2009

Just for the record both the pitcher and the catcher for the Rats that beat the Marshalls have nothing to do with the UBA other then play in the league. They just wanted a place to play summer ball.

ballfan | 12:40 a.m. July 22, 2009

Baseball is dying in this state and it is sad. Here's where I think the problems starts with the "Super Leagues" if your son is not begging you to play baseball and I mean really play baseball-not just play because "everyone else" is doing it. If your son can not throw a ball, catch a ball or hit a ball, DO NOT try him out for a team or form a team. "Super Leagues" are a status thing here in Utah and parents who think their son is cool because he plays "comp" ball are in the wrong and you are ruining the sport. Keep the local leagues alive and going strong. St. George is a great example of baseball they have not had the burden of having to choose Little league or Super league. They have strong little league programs and All-Star competition and look at how successful their high school teams are. Sure there are a few teams who travel to a few tournaments but Little league is big in Southern Utah-let's stop wasting our money for all these "ELITE" leagues and just find a way to keep the sport in full swing!!

Former High School and Summer Co | 3:57 p.m. July 22, 2009

To many people are trying to get a share of the baseball pie!! Coaches are finding how in the summer they can bring in youngmen who have no chance to make the team but are willing to pay big bucks to be a part of a team.You also see it in other sports as well it's all about making extra "MONEY" for coaches.

Re: former HS coach | 12:25 a.m. July 23, 2009

I agree!! There is an idoor baseball facility in SLC and Ogden that sure want a BIG peice of that baseball pie, they don't care how well your kid can play-if you pay (big money, might I add) your kid can play on one of their teams. It's amazing how this company has 2-3 teams per super league and one team will be at the top of the rankings and the others at the very bottom. Something very wrong with people looking to make a big profit not just devolop good ball players.

on carter | 11:09 a.m. July 27, 2009

What a bunch of petty whinners. I've watched and coached nick since he was a youngster. He has played for the rats sice he was 9or10 years old. When he's playing for the rats they only get better. Keep your comments to your self or be man enough to say who ou are. Although we all know who you are...pure cowards! Don't take ot out on Nick because he's better and more respected that you're kid will ever be.

re: on carter | 12:18 p.m. July 27, 2009

on carter | 11:09 a.m. July 27, 2009
He sure is better and more respected than anyone else he plays with - just ask him. Who's baseball program is he playing in again? Oh, that's right - the university of nowhere. Maybe when NC gets back from his mission he can ask all the kids that are going to school on baseball scholarships for a job.
Bottom line - 80 - 82 mph for a fastball and swinging and missing most of the time doesn't get you very far with college recruiters.

Anonymous | 8:47 a.m. July 28, 2009

On Carter..... Where is your name on your post. You are going to get comments when you post a comment like it is breaking news. "NC misses game" It makes it sound like the rats won even though the almighty NC wasn't there.

Bingham Guy | 11:42 a.m. July 28, 2009

Wow. people have no clue about Bingham and what they did with the summer league, basically Bingham, alta, cottonwood all left because why drive hour and half up north to kill them weak teams(besides mt crest) and come back what would that benefit them??? so play four games a week against good players in the salt lake valley, and I coached the summer 17u Bingham team and I had to give sato call once a week on my team and he checks in alot more then parents think? Parents who complain about him are the ones who kids wont play much but he keeps them on the team because he is a nice person and wants them to enjoy the team.. I moved to south jordan to play for Sato and Bingham and look won state in 2003, and 3rd and fourth next two years.. oh and got to play college baseball because of him and Rand, so thanks for everything SATO, your the best.!!!!! the whole staff at bingham no one compares!!

Been there and done that | 1:02 p.m. July 28, 2009

I am a supporter of Bingham baseball for quite awhile and let me tell you, they have one of the best staff's around. Sato is respected by everyone that matters in the state and the assistants have tremendous background and know the game. So you people out there taking shots at Bingham have no clue what goes on. They may not win it every year but are always in the mix. That doesn't just happen.

Seems to be | 9:46 a.m. July 29, 2009

There seems to be some discontent with the Bingham program.Who knows maybe its time for a change?With as many kids as we have out here and all the talent we have had maybe a few more banners should be hanging on the outfield fences.Seems the coaching staff may not be getting everything out of the players they should.Time for some fresh ideas and some new blood.Gladly we are moving on to the next level.

re: seems to me | 1:04 p.m. July 29, 2009

I would tend to agree. Maybe you should become the coach with your new, fresh ideas. Not sure what new ideas there would be for baseball is simply that - baseball but oh well, sounds like you could do better. I am assuming that your coaching is the reason your kid is going to the next level (doubt it but whatever). I'm sure the current coaching staff didn't make any difference in helping him get to the college ranks. This will sound funny for Bingham's staff is one of the best and the rest of us know that. Anything or anybody that can help Bingham improve is ok by me. Please let the school know who you are so you can get hired.

Baseball Fan | 3:45 p.m. July 29, 2009

I've been involved with both sides - The Baseball Academy aka Marshalls and Bucks and the Legion Teams. The Baseball Academy has ruined Utah Baseball. The money they want is a joke and for the parents who pay to play for this program are trying to pay for their son to be considered an elite player in Utah. I watched the Marshalls and Bucks play on July 24th (I wanted to watch the Bees play!!) and was not impressed at all! Yeah, there are some good players but give me a break! They aren't any better than some other high school players who didn't hand money to the Baseball Academy so they would say your son is headed the BIGS!!! Wake up PARENTS!!! What a scam you fell for!!!! I would much rather watch a Legion game anyday!!!!

---"Baseball Fan" | 4:46 p.m. July 29, 2009

I too have been on all sides and you said it perfectly. I wish the Academy would read some of the posts on here, not to offend them, but to show how they could make things better for themselves as well as others. The thing the baseball academy does do well is get kids to the proper showcases. Of course, you have to play well but at least they get you there. The problem starts after that when no phone calls are made on the kid's behalf. If they did that, there would be no reason to be upset with them. And I mean all kids that can play, not just those that happen to be favorites. I really hope things change for the better before my 7th grader gets up to that age. We are better off with the academy but things could be so much better. I have wondered why they don't call in their trusted friends, ask questions about what could be fixed, and then make the decisions. Academy people - "please do this for the betterment of baseball in this state".

nuff said | 5:28 p.m. July 29, 2009

DIXIE STATE,Nuff said.

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