I've heard it all - ability based grouping kills competitiveness, players in the higher leagues are held to a different standard, it's just plain harder to stand out when you're playing big-time teams all the time.
It's probably all true (well, maybe not the first one - I guarantee you that no one on AA-I or II wants to lose, whether they're playing for a postseason berth or a bag of Skittles), but I'm gonna let all that slide.
Because it seems to me that yes, even though East Rockaway plays in ABC-VI and doesn't have to go against the big guys, Larry Ulip is legit all the way around.
This week, Ulip pitched a complete game three-hitter, with 15 strikeouts and six walks against Lawrence. In that same game, he also went 3-for-4 with a run scored. He's won all four of his decisions this season, including a career-high 19 strikeout effort against Lawrence. I don't care if you're playing a little league team, that's impressive. He's got power on the mound and with the bat and East Rock wouldn't be nearly as good without him. (East Rockaway now leads ABC-VI at 7-3.)
So, what do you think: Should we be grading on a curve? Would an ABC-VI star like Ulip be just a middle of the road player on a team like Island Trees or Massapequa (and against their heavy opponents)? I'm thinking not, but I've certainly been wrong before.
Comments (2)
He would dominate in any league and on any team....is the best pitcher in LI and possibly the top all around player...he has been dominating since his soph year....watch him dominate the MAAC for the next few years.
Larry Ulip may be great in any league and be very successful in any league. Would an ABC-VI star like Ulip be just a middle of the road player on a team like Island Trees or Massapequa ??? Ask the stars that are pitching in those leagues!!! what you think means nothing whether right or wrong,the players all know who is good/great,they'll face each other in the summer and in college if they are really great!!! these young men are high school athletes and having a good time is a part of it.grown- ups shouldn't control everything because they are politically connected or just think they know more than others.let the kids go out and play!!!!