Dan Masters

I will die on this hill. I will argue till I’m blue in the face. I will produce the data. Participation in youth sports/activities is as important as many of the classes my kids take at school. Maybe more important.

@SportsStatsFan The good ole days..

Michael Jordan’s 55-point masterpiece in 1995 was just another reminder of his clutch greatness. The game before, he hit the buzzer-beating game winner. In this next game he delivered the assist on the game-winning basket. Final 3 possessions: • 2 assists • 2 points The GOAT wasn’t just the greatest player ever—he was the greatest in the clutch.

@nut_history Jim Kelly, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing

Which athlete that never won a championship would you have loved to see win one?

Leaders lead. Lead for Gods sake. Lean in. Leadership instincts kick-in. Fire the small shots - Take the big shot.

@FastbreakHoops5 Alpha

When MJ got heated in Vancouver and lit up the Grizzlies for 19 in the final 6 minutes 🐐

@FastbreakHoops5 Alpha

After Jeff Van Gundy called MJ a "con man," Jordan answered with 51 on 60% shooting.

@NBACobwebs I was there. 8 years old - in LF

July 25, 1990: Michael Jordan works out with the White Sox before a game against Cleveland at Old Comiskey Park. This was more than three years before Jordan signed a minor league baseball contract with the White Sox, and before the Bulls won their first championship. 📺 CNN

@BBGreatMoments 2003 Cubs? Bartman - bad timing:)

The 1994 Montreal Expos had the best record in baseball when a players' strike wiped out the rest of the season and the World Series. They never got their shot, and the franchise never truly recovered. No contender ever ran out of luck at a worse moment.

@husker8769 @TaylorJDahl Agreed: it’s a multi layered solution and not one size fits all.

@DanJMasters @TaylorJDahl I see the sense in the messaging, but it’s not a one size fits all solution. For example- most D1 athletes I officiate were big early. Early maturity is huge advantage on multiple fronts. For those behind the curve physically, specialization can be critical for them to play.

Nebraska high school baseball should be moved to the summer so soccer, golf and track aren’t getting passed on. Does Nebraska need a HS season AND a Legion season? I don’t believe so.

@husker8769 @TaylorJDahl Understood- I see your example now. What strategy or messaging would you rather see taken? Doesn’t it make sense to show how it worked for the best of the best? I think it’s quite different for an avg student in a C/D school compared to a high B/A.

@DanJMasters @TaylorJDahl Jordan Larson just last week. NSAA even said the message is clear, play multiple sports. Becomes a chicken/egg argument. Of course multiple sports help athleticism, but high levels of athleticism are needed to compete/play in multiple sports in bigger schools.

@TheBabylonBee @cunebulldogs

@husker8769 @TaylorJDahl Interesting angle. I’m interested in how/why you associate the NSAA with trotting out elite athletes - What do you mean?

@TaylorJDahl What a strange myopic response. I said high school, not youth specialization. The NSAA trots out the elite athletes when promoting the “multiple sports” angle. Most athletes are not elite. One path doesn’t fit all, especially in the larger schools.

@TaylorJDahl @husker8769 I haven’t mentioned the dream to play in college…that is a whole other convo. The snowball keeps growing…

@TaylorJDahl @husker8769 The snowball takes effect: - Kids specialize earlier. Our generation made decisions in HS, not in youth. - All HS sports are at all-time levels of play, IMO. Coaching, training, ind training, club/youth - it’s all played a major factor.

@FastbreakHoops5 Alpha

Describe Michael Jordan in a single word.

@TaylorJDahl Adapt or die. Track: Has to be fun, led by a coach that meets kids where they’re at. Be flexible. Manage kids in a way that allows them to do club VB simul. The coach must “sell” first: How can I get a kid to buy in? The days of “doing track because you play FB” are dieing..

@DanJMasters I think track not being as prominent as it once was in this state is what kills me. I’m a track guy first, but if it’s losing popularity, I get why baseball stays in the spring. Specialization is infuriating to me. But that’s what some think is best for their kids.

@TaylorJDahl I almost forgot. Baseball kids LOVE their sport. Take half of their games away (condense a season). I don’t know what to tell you in how the culture would respond…

@TaylorJDahl Youth/club sports drive participation in all sports. It also drives specialization. I’m 💯% in support of dual participation, BTW.