Quote:
Originally Posted by razorbacker
It would make for better baseball, but I'm not sure the average viewer really cares about that. Watching the National Youth Baseball Championships last year on MLB network and then being involved with travel ball this year was an eye opener for me. The 12 year olds at the NYBC would run rule any of these LLWS teams and some of the 10 year olds would be able to compete.
I run a youth select org and my 11 year old team is the bulk (core 7 players) from the team that won the NYBC last year. Our 11U team played all over the country against other great teams and I think many would be shocked out how good some of the kids are and how good the games are from 50 foot pitching distance and 65 foot basepaths with fences that range 225/240 down the lines and 250/275 to center.
The rare occasions they are subject to play on the "little league" fields the game is completely changed. All singles to RF are now 9-3 PO's. Many singles to CF are 8-3 PO's. Balls hit to the wall are singles unless down the lines and the outfielders are shaded off a little. These caliber players are big, strong, with exceptional arms. It is just ******ed to play on that kind of field.
I watch the LL games and it is kind of silly too, these kids aren't better players but they are too old. And anyone who thinks these kids are all from the same town are a little naive - our team had someone approach us about residency concerns and wanting us to play in the LLWS this year, but of course, that isn't the best baseball.