Just wondering if anyone is familiar with the Hawaiian Collegiate League. Son has opportunity to play there next year. Any comments would be helpful.

Have a friend whose DI son played there last year...The father has raved about the whole experience ever since. Couldn't say enough good things. The environment, the competition, the friendships...

Our high school team flew over for a week last year and I can assure you that the Aloha spirit is alive.

IMO...a summer playing ball in the islands is an experience not to be missed.

And the best thing? Moose!

One of my son's room-mates played there last summer -- had a great time.

Have an 06 who is turning 19 in 2 weeks. Not eligible for legion or the NECBL. Is this Hawaiian Collegiate League an option if the player is not yet in college?? I'm not sure if they follow the same rules as the NECBL.

From what I have heard, if you can't get onto the Cape, the HCL is the next best alternative - not necessarily from a baseball perspective but from a life experience perspective.

2,7&27Dad check out nsbl.org

quote:

Originally posted by 08Dad:
From what I have heard, if you can't get onto the Cape, the HCL is the next best alternative - not necessarily from a baseball perspective but from a life experience perspective.

Not my viewpoint, nor that of many others.

College coaches prefer to know their starters receive 10-12 starts over the summer, the relievers see ~20 appearances, and the position players get ~ 150 AB's.

With that said, HCL summer schedule's starts late (end of June) and finishes early (end of July). Hence with less than ~ 25 games, a short summer season.

With HCL clubs carrying 10-12 pitchers, the aces may get 4-5 regular summer season starts and a game in the playoffs.

The HCL attracts a few more CA and Ivy college players than others, yet the league opening seek college players.

As far as attendance at games....is it low. Yet, having been TDY to the Navy base, the golfing's great, the locals are knowledgeable and the summer college players experience Island Flu several times a month! I recall the expression:
Would you rather chew beachnut, or go to the beach? has a different answer in HI than on the mainland.

Regards
Bear

Does anyone have some information on the Alaskan Summer League? My son is playing for the Matsu Miners this summer and I'm curious about the experience he can expect.

quote:

Originally posted by 08Dad:
From what I have heard, if you can't get onto the Cape, the HCL is the next best alternative - not necessarily from a baseball perspective but from a life experience perspective.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bear:
Not my viewpoint, nor that of many others.
end quotes

I would agree with you from a baseball perspective - note that I said from a life experience prespective - living in Hawaii, beach, sun, girls, playing baseball, ... what else does a college guy want to do?

From a building your baseball skills and progressing towards the pro perspective, many other older, established leagues are far superior - starting with the Cape and Alaska...