Heads up on Headfirst

For those of you with experience with Headfirst, is it typically attended the summer after sophomore year, or the summer after junior year? 

My 2016 attended the summer after his Junior year.   It seemed like their was a good amount of 2017 and 2018 grads there (on Long Island) as well including several players we know who were pleased with the experience.  The one comment I have noted in post threads is that the underclassmen who've attended felt like there was a lot of attention paid to the 2016s (this year).  It makes sense though as there are a large number of D3 academic schools attending and their recruiting timeline seems to be much later in the year than D1s.  So you have a lot of D3 schools in attendance who need players now for their upcoming class.  I hope that makes sense.  

I actually just saw our local ortho guy (with my 2020 who hurt his ankle) today.  His son plays at another HS here locally and I had last seen him at HF this summer.  His son was seen at HF, applied ED to a great school and heard yesterday that he was accepted.  I have yet to speak to someone who attended HF and was not happy with the results.  

My 2012 and 2016 each did HF Jupiter the Fall (late Oct, early Nov) of their Junior year.  Then HF the Summer before Senior year.  2012 just did Long Island.  2016 did Sac and Long Island.

It is useful to get on the radar of D3's "early", and we found HF Jupiter the Fall of Junior year to work fine for those programs. 

For D1's, particularly some of the stronger programs, it was beneficial for my 2012 to be seen earlier, i.e., the Summers before his Soph and Junior years at other events. 

The bottom line is going to where your player's vetted schools will be.  If your player is a Top 50 program talent, getting seen the earlier the better.  HF tends to have few of those programs, though UVA has been going recently. 

If your player fits the HF schools profile, then Summer before Junior year is early enough for those programs.    

our 2017 went to LI last summer, before junior year.  He did very very well there.  It was a great experience, but not as necessary as this upcoming summer will be.  Every school, including the Ivy (d1) schools that were there, told him they were looking at 2016 and to keep in touch.  And he has - with good results from those that saw him there (both D1 and D3).  Of course he also gets a zillion camp invites from being on the HF list.     

It is expensive, but worth it. If you can only go once, go after junior year as a rising senior when more schools will be eyeing him.  If you can go twice, even better.  There were not very many 2018 there last summer, and HF does not distinguish like other showcases do (I've heard some have different colored jerseys for different classes so it is easy to spot a younger player).  Don't forget there are 250 boys each session in NY, and with 4 sessions that means 1000 boys in 8 days.  That's a lot of baseball players all trying to play collegiately.  Consider whether yours is ready to go as a younger player, before the summer after junior year, and can stand out among so many rising seniors.  My guess was it was like 70% 2016, 25% 2017 and 5% other.

There were over 100 schools there including all the usual high academic suspects such as most Ivy and NESCAC (and some that accepted boys (sons) in this forum this week -- Tufts, Swarthmore, Macalester), but also UVA, Duke, Vandy.  The colleges represented can be found on their web site.

Feel free to direct message me if anyone has any detailed questions.

HF is definitely a good showcase if you are going high academic group and are willing to cast a wide net.  Academic D3's are well represented as their recruiting budget is less than D1 who are also present. Son went summer prior to Junior year in Long Island. He went then as he was well into showcasing  and had been in contact with some of the schools present. With 250 campers per session, you do need show something to get coaches interested. Make sure to have grades handy, especially if you are going into senior year.

It was early in process for D3, and in the middle to late end if you are looking D1s--if attending summer before senior year.

Two boys % per class are pretty much what we saw. A few of posters suggested astutely, to attend the showcases where the schools are you are vetting and they have interest in you. Looking at the 85 schools at this year's Showball Mega Showcase (about to start in Ft. Myers), 7 of 8 Ivies (not Dartmouth) are attending, some NESCACs , service academies as well..for much less than the $1000 Headfirst Charges. If you're looking into meeting new schools, HF will do that. Before going,make sure to do your homework on the schools, teams and programs they offer.   Overheard one coach say he was talking to a player who was interested in school but got the state where they were located wrong! Finally, complete the recruiting questionnaires for the coaches you hope to meet.

Our experience was comparable to those above.  Our 2017 attended HF CA and Mid Atlantic and established relationships with several DI and DIII coaches.  It was clear, however, that the focus was on 2016s, absent an extremely high FB velo, which might have caught the eye of some of the high academic DIs.  In the case of the Ivies and high DIIIs, the practical reality is that they need to see SAT/ACT scores before they can invest too much in a prospect.

One thing to bear in mind if your 2018 son aspires to play DI is to augment the HF camp with other events involving DI talent, eg, PG, PBR, Diamond Nation, etc., such that coaches can assess skills relative to DI competition.

Agree with WLT.  The skill level was mixed at HF but it was also mixed at Stanford camp and at PG and PBR showcases - anyone who pays can go and that doesn't always mean = talent.  For HF, the d1 potential boys stand out - it is easy to spot them.  

As our 2017 played in several PG events and good showcases this past summer with a top showcase team, he was ready for HF and had been seen by many of the coaches of schools he is interested in before HF.  I would not go to HF only, I would strongly recommend it as part of an overall strategy. but it was the most bang for the buck of all the things we have done.  And it paid dividends for several 2016 boys we know who all either sealed the deal or solicited initial interest in August at HF in NY.

Twoboys posted:

.......

  I would not go to HF only, I would strongly recommend it as part of an overall strategy. but it was the most bang for the buck of all the things we have done.  And it paid dividends for several 2016 boys we know who all either sealed the deal or solicited initial interest in August at HF in NY.

 

Our experience as well.  Our strategy was to use HF as an insurance policy.  If he didn't find what he was looking for academically and athletically with the D1s that recruited and offered him, then HF was an opportunity to showcase in front of a new set of schools....a lot of them.  It gave my son more choices (and more leverage) based on his requirements.  His national travel team did not give him direct exposure to the high academic schools that HF features.

Possibly HF was an expensive insurance policy but my son was passionate about two things; baseball and engineering.  HF helped him get there, and was the exposure door opener to his eventual commitment.

Strongly recommend HF as part of an overall strategy that fits a recruits goals.

Is there any benefit to picking one HF session over another? For example, I see that for the 2016 Midatlantic, Session 1 is Thursday/Friday, and Session 2 is Saturday/Sunday. Would there be the same number of schools/coaches at both sessions? Or is it better to go on a "weekend" or "weekday" session?  Or does this all not matter?  Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Old south posted:

Is there any benefit to picking one HF session over another? For example, I see that for the 2016 Midatlantic, Session 1 is Thursday/Friday, and Session 2 is Saturday/Sunday. Would there be the same number of schools/coaches at both sessions? Or is it better to go on a "weekend" or "weekday" session?  Or does this all not matter?  Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

In general, coaches are at all sessions per site. It's possible that they may not make one day or part of a day due to prior obligations (may leave early). See the link below for "coaches attending."

http://www.headfirsthonorroll....oaches-attending.asp

In general when son attended the coaches were consistently there for all sessions per CAMP LOCATION. We compared the lists before going, saw few differences. HF updates lists of coaches attended on a regular (first monthly then weekly) basis. So the best day is the one most convenient for you. Good luck!

They should have the schools confirmed for each session - I would attend the session that has the most of your target schools there (and that fits into your schedule as well, don't forget that).  It seemed like many of the schools are there for most of the sessions - the first coach 2016 talked too was from the Midwest and had driven to NY and stayed there for all the Long Island sessions.  I talked to a coach from an Upstate NY school who told me they did all of their recruiting at HF and their own camp - and that they attended each session on LI.  These were D3 schools.   It seems like in NY there was consistency from week to week on who attended but there is no guarantee so check their list online and if in doubt send HF a message and ask (they are good about replying). 

That would be the main thing I'd look at - don't think there is any difference between weekday or weekend sessions camp wise as far as how it's run.  

Old South,

Some good feedback here already. 

There is no difference in how HF runs the camps by site or date. 

The sole caveat to that is that HF Sacramento has been on the Sacramento State two field complex.  Jupiter and Long Island are four field complexes with double the number of attendees per session.  In our experience, that was a big difference for engaging specific coaches on 2016's short list.

Long Island had the most coaches (over 100 this Summer at Session #3).  Two schools that 2016 had on his list only attended Sessions 1 & 2 (there was a day off between the first two and last two sessions).  So it's important to check HF's site and go where your coaches will be.  

I understand that HF sessions usually sell out. Does anyone know approximately how far in advance they fill?

I am mostly interested in the summer Long Island Sessions, however I'm sure the additional locations would also be of interest to others. Thank you!

I can't remember exactly when the LI sessions sold out but the last two years the first 2 sessions were already sold out by the time I got to look at them and the last two were filling fast - when you look at the site they'll indicate how many spots are left and what spots (like only Pitching spots remain).   In both cases we were targeting session 3 & 4 to work around end of summer season (my 2016 only attended the last session of this past summer - but we were considering it in 2014).  Since they keep it updated you can follow it closely and sign up when you have a better idea of your schedule and what session would fit.  

RR,

My son signed up in February for the HF Showcase in August (Richmond, VA) , however that was 7 years ago.   I recall my wife telling me that it was selling fast, and we better pull the trigger.  We swallowed hard on the showcase fee but it ended up being the best event and outcome for his situation.   

Good luck!

RoyalRooter posted:

I understand that HF sessions usually sell out. Does anyone know approximately how far in advance they fill?

I am mostly interested in the summer Long Island Sessions, however I'm sure the additional locations would also be of interest to others. Thank you!

Royal,

I called HF to get that answer.  Last year they told me minimum 3 months ahead of time, but MIF positions go first.  Also, you may want to look at some of the individual college camps dates.  That could dictate which HF date makes sense...  A lot of college camps have changed their summer dates; Duke just moved theirs from Aug to July...

We signed up in April or May for the weekend session.  #1 and #2 (weekend) filled up first.  For MIF and P as well.  Don't think you have to worry Just yet but would pay attention in feb and March.

RoyalRooter posted:

I understand that HF sessions usually sell out. Does anyone know approximately how far in advance they fill?

I am mostly interested in the summer Long Island Sessions, however I'm sure the additional locations would also be of interest to others. Thank you!

Rooter: HF will sell out, just a question as to when. Depending on what position you are also impacts how quick you need to sign up. Typically in HF here is the order as to what fills the quickest: Middle infielders (easily fastest), catchers, corner infielders, outfielders, pitchers.  The last two may flip on a particular showcase.

If you are on the fence, HF will send updates on how many spots are left per group (or % capacity filled). A less than 25 or 10 would be reason not to wait. Looking at their calendar I would say that Long Island I and II would be the most desirable for registrants. I because it's the "first one" and II because it falls on a weekend. Son waited until Long Island IV, because we felt his Legion season would have ended, which it did. Good Luck!  <Hey: And make sure you have cash for gas if you go to Long Island. In the area when we went, price difference when we went was about $.80 cash vs credit..thought that was unusual>

fenwaysouth posted:

RR,

My son signed up in February for the HF Showcase in August (Richmond, VA) , however that was 7 years ago.   I recall my wife telling me that it was selling fast, and we better pull the trigger.  We swallowed hard on the showcase fee but it ended up being the best event and outcome for his situation.   

Good luck!

Fenway, it looks like Cornell only goes to Jupiter?

I haven't counted the coaches list yet, but it seems like Jupiter > Long Island > California, but the camps are the same price.

This year Jupiter didn't close until the week before, but I wouldn't wait that long.  Yes, Cornell was at Jupiter but I think Bogey is right about it NOT being repped at the others in 2015.  My notes, which may be inaccurate, show Cornell at the Stanford Camps in June/early July but NOT at HF in Sacto or Long Island.

Not sure about the number of coaches being much different between Long Island and Jupiter.  The better question is  WHICH coaches are at any one camp.  Hard to find a perfect camp where everyone you want your son to be seen by will be there.  2017 has a group of schools he's looking at and no single camp has had all of those schools present.

Another question I'm wondering about is about the Sacramento camp.  It's about half the size of the Long Island and Jupiter camps, but I can't figure out if that's a good thing or a bad thing.  Fewer kids that coaches have to watch but also few coaches to watch them?

Bogeyorpar posted:

Fenway, it looks like Cornell only goes to Jupiter?

I haven't counted the coaches list yet, but it seems like Jupiter > Long Island > California, but the camps are the same price.

My understanding is that Cornell hasn't been to HF since 2009 (son's recruited year), so this is a new development if Cornell is back with HF.  This is possibly due to the new Cornell Head Coach, new recruiting venues and methods.  I think you are going to see many more changes with the program beyond recruiting. 

Here's a link on Showball's Academic Showcase, July 18-19 in Long island. 

http://www.showballbaseball.co...ademic-Showcase-Camp

85 schools so far to attend. 6 of 8 Ivies  including Cornell (no Columbia/Dartmouth), several Patriot League and NESCACs.  if schools you are vetting are here, the cost is $200 less than HF. Son attended two Showballs in his recruiting journey; they are really well run. 

Ripken Fan posted:

Here's a link on Showball's Academic Showcase, July 18-19 in Long island. 

http://www.showballbaseball.co...ademic-Showcase-Camp

85 schools so far to attend. 6 of 8 Ivies  including Cornell (no Columbia/Dartmouth), several Patriot League and NESCACs.  if schools you are vetting are here, the cost is $200 less than HF. Son attended two Showballs in his recruiting journey; they are really well run. 

Thanks for the info. I've not heard much about Showball, but the list of schools look impressive. My son received the invite to Showball's "west coast world series" but didn't go. Maybe he should have. How's the coach-player interaction at Showball? Do you get individual feedback and video from the camp?  

Headfirst have released college and coach list. Looking at this year's list, there seems to be more strong D1 programs in the mix, such as Duke, Vandy, Northwestern, etc. Not sure if this will change the makeup of the attendees.

Anyone signed up for the California sessions yet?

Heads Up:  just rec'd email from Headfirst saying 75% of MIF/C slots are filled for California Sacramento HF Camps.  2/19/2016.

Bogeyorpar posted:

Thanks for the info. I've not heard much about Showball, but the list of schools look impressive. My son received the invite to Showball's "west coast world series" but didn't go. Maybe he should have. How's the coach-player interaction at Showball? Do you get individual feedback and video from the camp?  

NTGson attended Long Island Showball in July '15 because one of the schools on his list asked him to attend as it would be their first and only opportunity to see him in person. The schools in attendance were everything and everyone Showball said they'd be. If memory serves me well, every Ivy was present and more other high-academic schools than you could wish for. Players had the opportunity to interact with the college coaches who were assigned as their "team" coach and as the instructors at instructional stations. Bluntly put, however, at least 30% of the kids there did not appear to be legitimate college-level prospects. It was worthwhile expenditure because NTGson came away with an excellent offer from the school in which he had interest, plus he was subsequently approached by others who saw him at the showcase. The "team" coach (his was an AC from Tufts) compiled and provided written feedback on his performance, measurables, plus summation of his projectability. If there were videos offered, we didn't order them. I would recommend you consider Showball.

If you're targeting D3 best to go post Junior year and you may leave with a roster spot for D1 better get on the radar earlier. 

Gov posted:

Heads Up:  just rec'd email from Headfirst saying 75% of MIF/C slots are filled for California Sacramento HF Camps.  2/19/2016.

Damn, I tried to register today for session 1 MIF and it's already waitlisted. Any suggestions? Should we just wait for an opening, or register for his secondary position?

Bogeyorpar posted:

Gov posted:

Heads Up:  just rec'd email from Headfirst saying 75% of MIF/C slots are filled for California Sacramento HF Camps.  2/19/2016.

Damn, I tried to register today for session 1 MIF and it's already waitlisted. Any suggestions? Should we just wait for an opening, or register for his secondary position?

I would probably contact them tomorrow (Monday). They should give you an idea about how many "clear" a waiting list every year. And then go from there. You will also learn what # on the waiting list you are. Good luck.

Bogeyorpar posted:

Gov posted:

Heads Up:  just rec'd email from Headfirst saying 75% of MIF/C slots are filled for California Sacramento HF Camps.  2/19/2016.

Damn, I tried to register today for session 1 MIF and it's already waitlisted. Any suggestions? Should we just wait for an opening, or register for his secondary position?

I'm not sure what their official position is on this at HF but when our 2016 attended last year we found that there was lots of flexibility once onsite at HF.  2016 registered as a PO but was able to participate in whatever showcase drills he wanted once he was there.  He chose not to do the infield drills because he was scheduled to pitch in the first game but he did the hitting showcase right after that and then played the infield and batted the entire second game of the day.  

So as far as registering for his secondary position - I think once you're there he'd be able to do both the infield and outfield showcase portions of the camp and the batting.  I'm not sure how they assign positions for each game but 2016 ended up in his position in game two so he must have just asked.  They only thing that seemed to be set for the games rotation wise was the pitching and even that seemed flexible based on how the pitchers were feeling (esp on day 2).  

Another way of looking at this may be understanding your kid's strengths.  If it's hitting, then sign up for any position that's open because if he goes, he'll get to hit just like everyone else.  Coaches want hitters. In my opinion.  If a kid can rake, they'll figure out the defensive stuff they need from a kid later.

Other wise just sign him up for third base.   All the  showcase infield defensive work is done at shortstop anyway, just like all the defensive outfield stuff is from rightfield.  Not only that, lots more scouts will watch the showcase defensive drills, beginning to end, than watch one particular game.  If you target coaches ahead of time, they'll see your son at the showcase.

Good luck.