Just thought I'd throw this out there. I know in at least one NKY school baseball has been on a gradual decline in the past 5 years, to the point that it is a struggle to field a team. At this particular place I noticed is that has happened is football is sport priority #1 and basketball is #1A among boys at the schools. The best athletes play these 2 sports first and then have seemed to either turn to track for conditioning in the spring or the football guys go right to the weights and the basketball guys have kept right on playing shortly after the season and on into the summer until October hits again. Maybe its just a wave of student athletes not heavy on baseball but it seems like its been happening for quite awhile... Anyplace else maybe having this problem or even tettering on theh edge of having this be a problem?

I really think that Baseball is on the upswing statewide. Many facilities are much improved and the competitiveness is at an all time high. Just check out the State Tournament at Applebee's and be a part of that magic.

I really think that Baseball is on the upswing statewide. Many facilities are much improved and the competitiveness is at an all time high. Just check out the State Tournament at Applebee's and be a part of that magic.

I agree and even more popular, than has been for a long time.

Just thought I'd throw this out there. I know in at least one NKY school baseball has been on a gradual decline in the past 5 years, to the point that it is a struggle to field a team. At this particular place I noticed is that has happened is football is sport priority #1 and basketball is #1A among boys at the schools. The best athletes play these 2 sports first and then have seemed to either turn to track for conditioning in the spring or the football guys go right to the weights and the basketball guys have kept right on playing shortly after the season and on into the summer until October hits again. Maybe its just a wave of student athletes not heavy on baseball but it seems like its been happening for quite awhile... Anyplace else maybe having this problem or even tettering on theh edge of having this be a problem?

 

What school?

Baseball is America’s past time but does not get the love or respect the other two major sports (basketball and football) get at the high school level.

 

Why do I say this.....?

Football's season rarely has to worry about weather issues preventing them from practicing, or playing games (yeah I know the heat index or a lighting storm). For the most part you can practice Football in outside in pretty much all types of weather and temperatures (to a degree). Football gets their guys together in the spring for a week to go over things, they have passing leagues in the summer and the get to practice (doubles) prior to the start of school year when students have more time to devote to the sport.

 

Basketball never has to worry about weather as they are always going to be able to practice inside the comfort of their gym. Basketball gets their guys together in the summer for "Open Gyms".

 

Also, for whatever reasons, many Football and Basketball coach’s, (unlikely to admit publically) tend to steer their players from playing baseball because they are aware of the potential time their players will be away from their sport in the summer. Truly a shame....lot a great 3 sport athletes and Beechwood and Cov.Cath and seem to do very well.

 

Baseball starts practice in the worst part of the year (Feb. 15th) and for a sport a who needs room (open space) to really evaluate and work on the things, it gets handicapped by the bad weather and finding time to get into the gym (when the Hoops team is not using it) just to have a practice. Not to mention some schools won't allow their teams to hit or throw halls in the gym....so really what can they do? And now with the State talking about moving the CATS test back this will affect the district and regional tournaments without a doubt.

 

Baseball is still strong, but it does need help.

I'd argue that baseball is the sport that requires the most skill and practice. That hurts the cause.

Absolutely cshs81.....totally agree with you.

I love all three sports....don’t want to seem like we are taking anything away from the other two sports, but things need to become more equal. Allowing baseball to start working out earlier in the school year would help.....wouldn’t it be nice to have a week or so in October to get together, you know like football does in the spring.

 

The schools with the sports turf football fields are truly luck as that really helps allow baseball and softball to get things done in February and March as they are avoiding the usually wet, muddy, and/or hard as a rock surface of the baseball diamonds during those months.

I could talk all day about Baseball and would bore most. Baseball like many sports, has things needing addressed.

 

Where Football is 1 night per week and Basketball 2, Baseball is 4 nights per week and even on Saturday, so some don't attend each game. Games begin often, when many are just leaving work and travel/logistics, can be strained.

 

Practice begins, during less than ideal weather conditions and the season, seems to get earlier. Some programs have defined themselves, as elite and capable of sustaining a highly competitive schedule. Others are seeking this same stability, while others struggle to get student-athletes to play.

 

It's all about "Passion", either you have it as a player, fan or Coach....or you don't. For those of us passionate about the game, no sport is better or offers more opportunity to the participants. As CSHS81 alluded to, the skill is needed for participation and many only hone their game, during practice or games and others play summer/fall.

 

Baseball needs promotion by schools, parents, players, Coaches and media. Radio broadcasts area needed. Cumulative stats are needed, like tallied by other KHSAA sports. Fan support is critical, since baseball is not a revenue earning sport, for some schools. Increased season and a modification of the dead period, to not include Baseball would help in the summer.

 

Baseball is alive and well. Often viewed as the 3rd sport, among the big 3 and interest grows, as the Districts begin. I admire those student-athletes, who realize what a great sport this is and those who are passionate about playing it.

 

I say if anyone is having problems in their area, help make it passionate again....:thumb:

Baseball is America’s past time but does not get the love or respect the other two major sports (basketball and football) get at the high school level.

 

Why do I say this.....?

Football's season rarely has to worry about weather issues preventing them from practicing, or playing games (yeah I know the heat index or a lighting storm). For the most part you can practice Football in outside in pretty much all types of weather and temperatures (to a degree). Football gets their guys together in the spring for a week to go over things, they have passing leagues in the summer and the get to practice (doubles) prior to the start of school year when students have more time to devote to the sport.

 

Basketball never has to worry about weather as they are always going to be able to practice inside the comfort of their gym. Basketball gets their guys together in the summer for "Open Gyms".

 

Also, for whatever reasons, many Football and Basketball coach’s, (unlikely to admit publically) tend to steer their players from playing baseball because they are aware of the potential time their players will be away from their sport in the summer. Truly a shame....lot a great 3 sport athletes and Beechwood and Cov.Cath and seem to do very well.

 

Baseball starts practice in the worst part of the year (Feb. 15th) and for a sport a who needs room (open space) to really evaluate and work on the things, it gets handicapped by the bad weather and finding time to get into the gym (when the Hoops team is not using it) just to have a practice. Not to mention some schools won't allow their teams to hit or throw halls in the gym....so really what can they do? And now with the State talking about moving the CATS test back this will affect the district and regional tournaments without a doubt.

 

Baseball is still strong, but it does need help.

 

Totally agree with everything you say. I've heard from students that have been told their football and basketball coaches told them to stay away from the baseball program. :irked:

 

Still, baseball is gaining more popularity. Some programs that have been beaten up over the years, had some success last year. Take Jenkins in the 14th, for example. They upset Knott Central in the district. And they are looking good for this season. Jenkins made it to the 2nd round of the 14th Region tournament. They beat another team, Jackson City, in the 1st round that has been a team that has seen it's share of defeats. Underdogs winning makes for some excitement and drama.

I agree and even more popular, than has been for a long time.

 

What do you base that on? I mean is there a caste system where at the top baseball schools it's more popular than ever while the other schools are seeing a decline? It does appear to me as an outsider that less and less discussion of high school baseball is taking place. Is it a reflection of major leage baseball being less popular than it once was?

What do you base that on? I mean is there a caste system where at the top baseball schools it's more popular than ever while the other schools are seeing a decline? It does appear to me as an outsider that less and less discussion of high school baseball is taking place. Is it a reflection of major leage baseball being less popular than it once was?

I base it on the assumption, more and more student-athletes, are playing in HS and summer teams. Youth leagues are thriving and numerous in most locations.

 

Many programs don't have the daily newspaper coverage, radio coverage or promotion of the games. College baseball is growing in popularity each year and part of the reason, is coverage.

 

To make any sport popular, it must be discussed, dissected, analyzed and striving to improve. 25 years ago, the State Tournament was 4 teams and now, see the growth.

What do you base that on? I mean is there a caste system where at the top baseball schools it's more popular than ever while the other schools are seeing a decline? It does appear to me as an outsider that less and less discussion of high school baseball is taking place. Is it a reflection of major leage baseball being less popular than it once was?

 

Before I, and Strike3, arrived on this site. The "Baseball" forum was virtually dead during the off season. I am passionate about baseball and Strike3 has that much more passion for this sport. Along with Stickymitts, Hilltopper, cshs81, and a few others, we have kept this forum going year round. BGP had preseason previews for basketball and football. Baseball didn't have that until 2006. Me and Strike got that going. It's all about awareness. We promoted high school baseball here and promoted some more. I give Strike3 more credit than anyone. Baseball just needs more exposure and a chance. Like S3 said, it's going to take fans, parents, and coaches time and effort to get high school baseball more enjoyable and better for the student athlete.

 

As for MLB and it's decline, I disagree. Some stadiums set records for attendance last season. Some did it in 2006. It's all this steroid talk that is making it look to be less popular. But that's a discussion for the "pro" forum.:thumb:

I base it on the assumption, more and more student-athletes, are playing in HS and summer teams. Youth leagues are thriving and numerous in most locations.

 

Many programs don't have the daily newspaper coverage, radio coverage or promotion of the games. College baseball is growing in popularity each year and part of the reason, is coverage.

 

To make any sport popular, it must be discussed, dissected, analyzed and striving to improve. 25 years ago, the State Tournament was 4 teams and now, see the growth.

 

Hopefully in the future, it will be all 16 regions at Applebees.:thumb:

PD, I appreciate the compliments but I must defer all credit to The Scribe. His previews, relentless hours and dedication, combined with Members like yourself and those who are passionate, is what makes the Baseball forum.

 

I want to publicly thank Scribe, for all he's done to help make Baseball and BGP, a winning combination.

PD, I appreciate the compliments but I must defer all credit to The Scribe. His previews, relentless hours and dedication, combined with Members like yourself and those who are passionate, is what makes the Baseball forum.

 

I want to publicly thank Scribe, for all he's done to help make Baseball and BGP, a winning combination.

 

I forgot about Scribe. Boy, am I on someone's doody list. :sssh:

 

I plead temporary insanity. :jump: In all seriousness, Scribe has been very dedicated and 95% of the credit should go to him. Thanks.:thumb: