The purpose of a Legion Team?

[ohiobaseball714]

What is the purpose of a Legion team? I have watched Legion for several years now and played it many years ago. This week I saw a coach playing players from his "home team" who didn't deserve to be on the field. He had several players on the bench from other schools that were much better than his own players. I realize that he is trying to build his own program, but these other players are giving up a lot of money and time to be at the ballfield. The purpose of Legion ball is to build an "All-Star" team and not showcase your own players. When you make this team you aren't guaranteed playing time but when you know you are better than those who are playing, you start to get mad.

Over half the players want to quit because it isn't a true all-star team. His motto is I want my own players to get better and I am not worried about the other players. Anyone else see this?

[Steely Dan]

I didn't think that HS coaches were allowed to be associated with Legion teams. If it is a "Dad" coaching the legion team and showing bias and favoritism towards the players from his "home" school, well then, complain to the Legion organization. I'm sure that there is some type of grievance process available to do this.

[ohiobaseball714]

I have seen a Dad do this and I have seen a coach from a high school team do this already this year. I didnt think hs coaches could either but they can after june 1 or at least that is what i was told.

[Steely Dan]

I'll find out tomorrow and let you guys know. I'm going to talk to a long time Legion coach to find out the "scoop".

[hoot]

you mean the post 23 junior?

[gwell]

you mean the post 23 junior?

This was seen by all last year and looks the same this year.

[jervin]

A high School coach can coach a Legion team after June 1, AND must be finished around July 10, as long as there are not more than 4 players from his team. players who have graduated do not count. If there are more than 4 players from his team, then i Believe he can coach for 10 days (not games) so he could actually do all DH and coach 20 games . practices count as days.............so if the guy isnt meeting the standards of Legion Baseball, make sure he is following state regs. and if not turn him in. but tell him about it first.....NOT 100 PERCENT ON THESE RULES......BUT PRETTY SURE THE RULES ARE RELATIVELY CLOSE TO THIS

[dingbat]

714 your original question was "anyone else see this?" and you could be talkin about a legion team I'm familiar with. It's a shame young men playing American Legion Baseball are still exposed to "Daddy" ball but, unfortunatley, it happens. And Steely Dan, If you want to see your son play at all, Forget the Grievance process.

[jervin]

If you feel the need the to file a grievence you can ask for a release from that team. that will allow you to play for another team. not sure about this season, but next season i know you can for sure

[bengalfan76]

Dead period for hs coaches starts in August. Can coach 4 kids from your team until then.

[cooperstown]

ttt

[cooperstown]

I don't think anyone really answered the original question. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A LEGION TEAM?

[OneBunter]

A legion Team's purpose is to allow kids the opportunity to play the game of baseball to improve their knowledge, skills, and most of all grow as young men. Read the Legion Oath, it will explain much.

Now regarding coaches. I feel if a man is willing to take the time away from his family to help these kids improve on their game, I do not feel the OHSAA should play any part in it. There are not to many men that would give those countless hours and not get a monetary reward, so for all you whiners out there, zip it or step to the plate and do the job! I would imagine that if it would go into a court of law protesting a high school coach willing to donate his time to coach during the summer, the judge would most likely laugh it out of court.
If the OHSAA want to get involved then lets have the same rules for all sports. Meaning if high school basketball can have school summer leagues and the whole team can play, then let it be that baseball can do the same. Also let's put a rule in if a kid quits a sport he starts then he can not work out for another high school sport until the sport he quit is done. It would stop this pressure from other coaches and we as society would quit become enablers to many individuals.

Now do not get all bent out of shape, I know there are situations that must be handled, but let us not limit kids the opportunity to play because of coaches or lack of coaches. Remember the sport is for the kids not the parents.