My son got the opportunity to play Northwoods last season after he finished up in the Dairyland League (Wisconsin).
Anyone who thinks they want to play professionally owes it to themselves to find a way into one of those top summer league teams that play 40+ games over a couple of months - the bus rides, daily grind, and level of competition can be a real eye-opener.
I agree about the Texas League. They have some really good talent, but the overall level of play isn’t really close to NWL, from what I’ve seen.
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I have been around The Collegiate League in Dallas and Houston. The one in Dallas is really pretty good. Definitely not the Northwoods but much better than the Houston League. They just don’t seem to take it seriously in Houston.
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Texas league reminds me of beer league softball….the seriousness is lacking.
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He actually really enjoyed both leagues, and he still keeps in contact with both host families, but he’s like part of the family he stayed with in Wisconsin (Dairyland). His NWL family was at all of the home games. The competitiveness in the NWL was pretty high-level, and most of the crowd support was awesome. Those communities really support the summer teams.
I think Dairyland is a great place for underclassmen to go play in the summer. The weather is great, families are great, and they have an actual training facility for the guys. They don’t play as many games as the NWL, and they do get a fair number of “call-ups” out of that league
That’s great to hear that he had such a positive experience….
You’re right about how the towns support the teams….really cool….its what I think old school minor league ball was like.
His host family actually came down and visited him in Denver last December….these kids have memories and bonds that will last a lifetime.