quote:

Originally posted by PGStaff:
Newscout,

We do not schedule anything that conflicts with the Connie Mack World Series, Area Code Games, East Coast Pro, Tournament of Stars, etc.

We do not schedule the Aflac Game... We simply pick the players and run the workouts. Many think we have something to do with the conflicts, but that just isn't true.

That said... I agree that everyone should work together for the benefit of the players involved. Unfortunately there is a very small window to hold these events without any conflicts. Football and start date of school creates problems with the Aflac Game. Several states have rules that disallow players to attend any type of all star game once their school has officially started. Sonny Gray (Tennessee) couldn't play in the Aflac Game last year because of this rule in that state.

I sure wish something could be done about these conflicts between great events.

Hmmmmmmm.......

AFLAC- "PG, we sure are excited about you picking our players for the event. Please let us know what talent will be attending."

PG- "Thanks AFLAC, we sure are excited too. It's a been a pleasure to send you such great players over the years. Although we have one small request. We would like to propose a new date to accomidate our baseball leagues and tournaments across the country. I'm sure you would be on board with this and no drastic changes are needed. Just a slight calander adjustment."

2 ways this could turn out...

#1...

AFLAC- "Well, that sounds reasonable. Whatever date you propose is likely a good one. Knowing the knowledge you have in amatuer baseball events, we will adopt the date you suggest. After all, your hard work and efforts are sending us these players which makes the event."

#2...

AFLAC- "Well I'm sorry PG, but we just can't change. Please keep your opinions to yourself and just keep sending us those players."

PG- "For the benefit of the amatuer baseball community, PG will now host it's own AFLAC type event on a different date. Best of luck finding your players and I wish you all luck."



Seems pretty easy to me.

Ken,

I wish it were that easy. There are several other problems including Live National television scheduling and securing dates when an appropriate venue is available.

I see the problem as no one is willing to budge in the interest of the players or amateur baseball. It becomes somewhat of an ego thing in some cases. I do know there has been communication with other events, but no one seems to want to change their dates or even talk about that.

I think they are all wrong about this and something does need to be done. No one owns any date!

This started before Aflac held an event. Why is the CMWS and Area Codes the same dates? The Aflac Game only involves 38 players. If someone wants to attend Area Codes or stay with their team, they can and probably should, especially stay with their team. We would simply select a different player. There are many more than 38 players who are good enough to play in the Aflac Game. I know of a couple that we would select right now if we didn't have to turn in the names so early.

Though I understand what you're getting at... Once again it is not our event and we do not call the shots. We (PG) are not as powerful as some people think.

I do have to say... Aflac bends over backwards to help these players in most every way possible. All the proceeds go to Childrens Hospitals in the interest of finding a cure for pediatric cancer. The game is really about much more than the kids who play baseball. I'm sure every player who has ever attended completely understands that. We are very proud to be associated with this event! With or without the conflicts!

Jerry,

I appreciate your approach in discussing this topic.

As I've said before, PG and staff have my respect. For whatever that's worth.

It's just nice to see someone discuss this in the open. And reading your responses gives me a different outlook on how things are done in regards to AFLAC.

I still think schedules need to change but to what lengths is unknown.

Keep up the good work and let me know if I can ever do anything for you.

Ken

Ken, you might ask Jerry if he needs any help at his showcases warming up pitchers between innings. I understand that typically pitchers at the showcases typically only throw an inning or two so I would think there would be some use for your skills and experience there.

Sorry but I couldn't help myself.

quote:

Originally posted by iluvgoodbaseball:
Ken, you might ask Jerry if he needs any help at his showcases warming up pitchers between innings. I understand that typically pitchers at the showcases typically only throw an inning or two so I would think there would be some use for your skills and experience there.

Sorry but I couldn't help myself.

I don't get your point?