The Birds have enough to make a deep run. The new format gives them a good chance. They have solid defense, good pitching and if they get a break or two or three... they will compete very well.

 

One game at a time. Up next 32-9 Johnson Central on June 9th

The Birds have enough to make a deep run. The new format gives them a good chance. They have solid defense, good pitching and if they get a break or two or three... they will compete very well.

 

How is the new format different than in the past? Thanks.

First and second round in one week and the semi- finals and finals the following week. Pretty sure that this is different than last year.

I have seen Beechwood several times this year, and in recent years, and they seem to fall out of character in the regionals. With that being said, I am not sure what their character is. They are are very small school that produces big time talent which is a testamonial to what? Is it because of the coaching they get at BW or is it the Summer ball programs such as Midland? Do they focus on the grooming of big bats where shutdown pitching takes a back seat? It most cases, that mantra will not get you out of the regionals. I agree with other posters that BW often looks flat and uninspired. They did little against Highlands to change the tempo of the game when they came out struggling. They continued to hit long fly balls in lieu of playing some small ball to get runners on. Fieger looked uncomfortable on the bump from the first inning. Mix that in with with some poor base running decisions and erratic play in the field and the final score was no surprise. Yes, the Tigers struggled out of the gate but they did not seem energized to change that. Very little emotion. Unless leadership changes that we can expect the same end of season disappointments.

Congratulations to Jeremy, his staff, their players and the HHS fan base. They took care of business when needed and looked darn good doing so. Their pitching and defense stepped up to the challenge and their offense did it's job. Best of luck next week and hopefully the following week to them.

 

How is the new format different than in the past? Thanks.

 

First and second round in one week and the semi- finals and finals the following week. Pretty sure that this is different than last year.

 

As LJC67 said, it is now a two week format for this year. In the past it was Monday - Saturday. This year the 9th (Highlands) will play the following times (obviously if they win out):

 

June 9th at 11 am

June 11th at 11 am

June 17th at 6 pm

June 18th at 8 pm

 

This stretched out format helps Highlands and all other teams when it comes to resting pitchers. It will be interesting to see how it works out.

Game photos:

 

2

I think both. We have seen this in other sports that winning an "A" state title is very nice, but rarely do those teams come back and win the region.

 

I bet Beechwood players and coaches would give up those "A" state crowns to have a chance to play down state now.

 

Also-not with regards to you-the Midland stuff is so overrated. Midland selects the best players (usually at younger ages) who can pitch too. That is not and never will be a way to build a high school team. Being on Midland means you are an awesome player, but doesn't say a whiff about you being a team guy that will help your team win a state title. (I know for the Midland guys, the most important thing is getting college offers, and therein lies the rub as the goals of team and individual do not and cannot align.)

History, I totally agree with you. The "team" will advance out of regionals.

History, I totally agree with you. The "team" will advance out of regionals.

 

As you have seen with the Dirty Birds the past 2 years. Last year was a very special unit with a bunch of Sr's who took their lumps early in their careers as Frosh/Sophs but came together. This year it appears they grew as a team and came together when it counted.

 

Best of luck downstate Birds!

As a Bluebird grad I'm thrilled for the Birds...but as a Beechwood father..... Bobby needs to go... geez! It doesn't get more talented as this team... They deserve better! Imo!

 

Just the opposite for me, Bwd grad with 3 children who graduated from HHS. Now I have 3 cars I have to wash as opposed to having mine washed for 3 straight weeks. I'm going to wait until right before a good hard rain so they all get dirty right away.

 

Congratulations to the Birds and good luck at state!

The Tigers do get more and more difficult to watch. They just seem flat. I saw very little emotion out of most of this team last night. While I know it's not football, you have to play with emotion. I saw none. It was the same with Conner game and they barely escaped that game.

 

Also, while I think it's great that they win the All A championship, they sure seem to settle for that. To me, that's on the coach. Got to keep the team hungry.

 

Congrats to the Birds. JB has really done an amazing job since taking over.

 

I was not at the game and you may be right. However in baseball I hear people say a team is flat a lot when they don't hit. It is hard to look sharp when you go 0-4 at the dish. Now if you come out and kick the ball around in the field, then I agree with you...

I think both. We have seen this in other sports that winning an "A" state title is very nice, but rarely do those teams come back and win the region.

 

I bet Beechwood players and coaches would give up those "A" state crowns to have a chance to play down state now.

 

Also-not with regards to you-the Midland stuff is so overrated. Midland selects the best players (usually at younger ages) who can pitch too. That is not and never will be a way to build a high school team. Being on Midland means you are an awesome player, but doesn't say a whiff about you being a team guy that will help your team win a state title. (I know for the Midland guys, the most important thing is getting college offers, and therein lies the rub as the goals of team and individual do not and cannot align.)

i agree with History, what was the Highlands coach thinking by bringing in a Midland player to close out the game.

I didn't think he was playing like a good teammate. Also , i can't believe the 9 region coaches would vote a self centered , non team minded Midland player as the POY.???.

i agree with History, what was the Highlands coach thinking by bringing in a Midland player to close out the game.

I didn't think he was playing like a good teammate. Also , i can't believe the 9 region coaches would vote a self centered , non team minded Midland player as the POY..

 

I agree. Definitely can't blame it on Midland, or any summer program. Being a good teammate varies from kid to kid. Its on the high school coach to cultivate a winning atmosphere/mentality that kids can buy into. Has nothing to do with what summer team you play for or college offers.

 

While there definitely are a lot of players far more concerned with college offers and personal accolades, you can still be a good teammate. I have this argument often: winning district and region titles have no correlation to the number of future college players on your roster. Case in point, Ryle 2013 Region champion team, to my knowledge (correct me if I'm wrong) had no players go on to play college ball (many could have played, but chose not to). Turn it around to 2014, Conner region champ team had, to my knowledge (again, feel free to correct me) 7 starters go on to play college baseball at different levels.

i agree with History, what was the Highlands coach thinking by bringing in a Midland player to close out the game.

I didn't think he was playing like a good teammate. Also , i can't believe the 9 region coaches would vote a self centered , non team minded Midland player as the POY..

 

Don't let facts get in the way June. I watched about 5-6 BW games this year. My impression is the inmates are running the asylum. Worst coached team I've seen. Always make stupid errors on the bases. That's coaching. Instead let's blame it on Midland. The Midland kids on BW were the leaders of that team, seemed to coach more than the coaches. The best team with the best coaches win this game. Period.

Don't let facts get in the way June. I watched about 5-6 BW games this year. My impression is the inmates are running the asylum. Worst coached team I've seen. Always make stupid errors on the bases. That's coaching. Instead let's blame it on Midland. The Midland kids on BW were the leaders of that team, seemed to coach more than the coaches. The best team with the best coaches win this game. Period.

I don't think I follow what you're trying to say. Are you with History and believe that because a couple of Beechwood players play for one of the premier summer team organizations in the country that is the reason they lost the regional game or you hold the coaches accountable or Highlands was just a little better last night. Earlier in the year I think Doty got beat up by Beechwood . Should we start protesting against the Ky Colonels? If you were confused what I was saying, I was making fun of History for bringing up Midland.