NoALDad posted:
Currently he was planning to pursue the path CTbballDad suggested of focusing on more of the camp route than travel ball. Is that a mistake? Also plan to attend his first PBR event at the end of spring that will be held at his school. And to CTbballDad question, he was planning to focus on the PO path at camps, although he has above average position metrics. The worry from a position stand point is that his height may limit opportunities, especially if he keeps growing.
To summarize suggestions, as we are in Alabama, he should be looking at the UAB, Samford, Jacksonville State, and South Alabama type schools. He will have to incorporate that into his path this summer.
Again that you all for the input.
Camps are smaller "net" reach vs Travel Ball (way "bigger Net" ) like others said to pass the eye test. Are you interested in staying within Alabama? You could find a showcase or there are some events in Hoover, that would get him a lot of exposure at a competitive event. If you go to a camp there is a limit to D1 coaches there, not so much on D2-3s, Jucos, etc.
Definitely figure out if PO or not PO/DH or 2 way. If his ticket is his arm, then go PO and avoid potential injury.
The magic number is 90 mph. To get serious interest you have to be close or beat 90. Everyone is looking for it. Get videos of him knocking on the door and tweet. @FlatgroundApp is your friend and follow their instructions on what to inlcude, metric wise, and what you're looking for. They'll boost the hell out of your twitter reach. Same with PerfectGame. If you add that to your tweet you'll increase views and impressions.
There is a system, a science and it works....
He's a good student so look at BookwormBall Players too. They'll retweet. MoundProspects, will too. The more people retweeting for you the better.
Get in some PSATs. They'll ask. If you're brain is sexy. Show it off!! It matters and they won't have to worry about your kid being eligible or qualifying. That's huge and not the case for all.
Better to retweet an event video (PBR, PG, FiveTool) etc. But in lieu of those, you and/or him tweeting will be good.
Being a pitcher parent.....Do you have a StalkerPro or SP2? A SP in a video leaves no doubt. A ball coach or something can be off on way or the other and the coaches/scouts won't be as interested early on. Yes, a small fortune and investment, but if it gets him noticed and on the radar, so much the better and you can sell when he goes to school.
You have some good events in Hoover and a lot of teams traveling there to play. Shop him around to various high rated/quality programs. They're always looking for a PO to add to their arms.
https://www.perfectgame.org/Ra...m/Default.aspx?R=272. Do some research and see what you can find and who's planning to attend events in your area and see if they need an extra arm.
He's got great metrics, height, size, speeds. Velocity comes with age and maturity as he gets used to and grows into his body. Putting on some weight will help his velo and help his look. Baby face, no facial hair, and short/athletic haircut, help too. The baseball "flow" has to go if you don't throw in the 90s. The're looking for young and looking to project. You're speed dating and everyone has a type. You're looking to appeal to the most and be popular at the dance. Crazy hair, screams look at me.
Stack as many odds in your favor as possible. It is a GRIND and a ton of work. Thankfully you found this site early and can be prepared. I wished I had found this site, this time last year......
You'll also want a baseball profile he can share. Easy to make, include links to videos of his pitches, with velo and/or Event Awards/videos/tweets, etc. (PBR, PG, FiveTool, Showcases, etc.).
My son was/is super quiet, so practice, practice, practice. Get him talking to adults and get comfortable with it. He responded to anyone and everyone in the beginning and talked to as many programs as possible to get comfortable. Get used to talking about good days and bad and owing both. Humble pie is a dish best served DAILY.
Get your list of schools and do your research. Get on campus and/or do virtual tours. You have to see the campus and the city in order to make a decision. Maybe that's a camp or maybe that's a drive on an off day from a regional event. You can't pick a school and make a life decision based on D1 or Baseball USA rankings or uniform color.
Camps can be useful, but will get expensive. You will get invited to a ton. You have to pick and choose and choose wisely.
TIming is key. Early camps might not be as ideal as later season camps when he's peaking or topping for the summer.
I know I just "firehosed" you, but lots to look at, do, research and prepare for as you ramp up and buckle up for the crazy summer/fall that this will be.
Best of luck. This site is amazing and extremely helpful and full of great advice. Let us know how it goes.