My 2019 son would like to request invite to some showcases this summer. The request requires information about player's playing ability. What kind of information should be written here? Since his Freshman season has not started, he does not have any high school stats. Should he wait to fill the questionnaire until later in the season so he has some stats to write about?
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Ability and stats are two different things. For example the young player with the most "ability" to steal bases might not have many stolen bases.
What are his best "tools"? Strengths?
Run, Field, throw, hit, power?
The player should get known baseball people to write a recommendations. That would be recent coaches and instructors.
Unless he's looking at a true "invite only" showcase (there aren't many of those), his answers are pretty inconsequential. That is, everyone gets invited. Don't sweat it too much.
He is a freshman and this a summer event? Why not wait until the HS season starts and then see if it is worth showcasing this summer or next (after sophomore year).
The reccomendation on this site is to (usually) wait to start the recruiting process until after the player makes the varsity team.
Many times just playing with the travel team at regional/national events is enough "showcasing" for after freshman year.
keewart posted:He is a freshman and this a summer event? Why not wait until the HS season starts and then see if it is worth showcasing this summer or next (after sophomore year).
The reccomendation on this site is to (usually) wait to start the recruiting process until after the player makes the varsity team.
Excellent recommendation. IMHO
Even if a Freshman makes the Varsity team as a starter, I would still think it's a little early to start the recruiting process. . . at least until the following summer.
If a known quantity, put his travel team, coach, if a starter or not, big tournaments he has played in, etc.
Thank you all for the helpful advice. We were thinking of going to the PG Sunshine West this summer to see where he stacks up with other up coming Sophomores, and gaining showcase experience. However, we will see how his high school Freshman season goes to see if he should go this year or next.
It would be less expensive to attend a college prospect camp. It's a lot less expensive. They typically use the showcase format. Pick a school of possible interest. It's a way to get on the radar screen.
RJM posted:It would be less expensive to attend a college prospect camp. It's a lot less expensive. They typically use the showcase format. Pick a school of possible interest. It's a way to get on the radar screen.
+1
nonomimi5 posted:Thank you all for the helpful advice. We were thinking of going to the PG Sunshine West this summer to see where he stacks up with other up coming Sophomores, and gaining showcase experience. However, we will see how his high school Freshman season goes to see if he should go this year or next.
The best suggestion I'd have for you is to answer the questions by PG Staff on this thread. The answers will guide you through a decision making process to justify attending what camp, when.
Tremendous resources here.
Peace
nonomimi5 posted:My 2019 son would like to request invite to some showcases this summer. The request requires information about player's playing ability. What kind of information should be written here? Since his Freshman season has not started, he does not have any high school stats. Should he wait to fill the questionnaire until later in the season so he has some stats to write about?
Who really wants the request? Player, mother, father, brother?
Sorry I just can't believe that all incoming freshman who haven't even played a varsity game let alone a HS one suddenly wants to see how they stack up against the competition. No offense to you, just been a LOT of posts recently about 2019s regarding same thing. Stop trying to rush the process, get a little bit stronger, get in a year at least of academics. That is so very important.
There is so much to it, most of you new folks really have no idea. As I posted to someone else, everything changes. What about grades? Do you all encourage your 9th graders as much to do well in the classroom as on the field? How does your son stack up academically? Is he taking appropriate HS classes for college entry, honors, planning on AP eventually?
Here is a plan, same one that has been mentioned here as well as in countless other topics. See how he does in varsity. If he remains there or even plays. Make sure he will play on a decent travel team for exposure this summer. Attend a college camp showcase. See how he does, then proceed to think about national showcases, only WHEN he is ready because they are expensive. If you have money to burn, go for it, but everything has a timeline for a reason .
Continue reading and searching this website for answers.
Maybe you can attend the MLB Urban Academy. They can evaluate.
Bob
I see you are in the LA area. You could combine some good advice already given here. He could attend a college prospect camp to get a feel for camp/showcase atmosphere, focus on grades, skill improvement and integration into the HS program by being the best teammate he can be and then just swing by the PG Sunshine event as a spectator for free. It is a great event and getting an early look could be quite helpful in giving him perspective, if he is really interested in knowing at this point.
It is also a good idea (and a lot of fun for the boys who truly love the game) to just go watch some college games at different levels. You have plenty of choices near you.
If the player is a truly outstanding player as a freshman, see PG's response.
Or..Get in with a good travel team organization, play in good competitive tournaments. He and his skillset will let you know when he's ready. As some others in this site have said before sit back and enjoy the ride.
1. My son is a 2018 that started varsity last year. Mid way through summer we took him to an inexpensive showcase that raises money for charity. Several of his teammates went, mostly Iowa D3 coaches there. It was a good, low pressure way to get an idea of what it means to showcase.
2. We asked both teachers and coaches for recommendations. When he fills out questionnaires, or someone askes about his abilities and strengths, he can say "my coach says my arm is my biggest strength" or "my AP history teacher says she sees me as a leader in the classroom." He feels more comfortable, and less like he's bragging, and I feel like comments from a third party are more credible than my opinion, or his.
TPM posted:nonomimi5 posted:My 2019 son would like to request invite to some showcases this summer. The request requires information about player's playing ability. What kind of information should be written here? Since his Freshman season has not started, he does not have any high school stats. Should he wait to fill the questionnaire until later in the season so he has some stats to write about?
Who really wants the request? Player, mother, father, brother?
Sorry I just can't believe that all incoming freshman who haven't even played a varsity game let alone a HS one suddenly wants to see how they stack up against the competition. No offense to you, just been a LOT of posts recently about 2019s regarding same thing. Stop trying to rush the process, get a little bit stronger, get in a year at least of academics. That is so very important.
There is so much to it, most of you new folks really have no idea. As I posted to someone else, everything changes. What about grades? Do you all encourage your 9th graders as much to do well in the classroom as on the field? How does your son stack up academically? Is he taking appropriate HS classes for college entry, honors, planning on AP eventually?
Here is a plan, same one that has been mentioned here as well as in countless other topics. See how he does in varsity. If he remains there or even plays. Make sure he will play on a decent travel team for exposure this summer. Attend a college camp showcase. See how he does, then proceed to think about national showcases, only WHEN he is ready because they are expensive. If you have money to burn, go for it, but everything has a timeline for a reason .
Continue reading and searching this website for answers.
Solid advice from TPM, again. I have a 2017 and was probably in the same place you were two years ago. Thanks to advice from many on here, I am less clueless today then I was back then. You still have plenty of time, don't try to rush the process.
Grades are the most important factor (obviously you need to know how to play the game). They can open more doors for you then baseball can (unless your a lefty stud throwing 90+). In fact I know a lefty stud throwing 90+ and his dream school wants him to play there, but they have given him very specific SAT/ACT, grade goals he needs to obtain to play there.
After that, spend the new two season getting bigger and stronger. There are very few Frosh/Soph's who have the "physicality" needed for the next level.
Finally, skip the big national showcases right now. See how he develops over the course of this season. Heck, see how he develops over the next two seasons. If you wanting to measure up, or get him used to the showcase format, find a local showcase put on by a college or by PBR and send him there.
One last thing, and this has become my mantra over the last year or so, take a look at the summer program he plays for. Make sure its the right program. A good program will work to develop kids and get them playing in the right places when its time. If your in a good program then most likely that time will be the summer after his Jr. year in HS. It can vary a little based on area and a kids skill set, but as a general rule that is the best time. Look at the track record of the program. Once you start doing the research it becomes very obvious what programs in your area are putting the kids up in the next level.
