@LuckyCat posted:Another thing occurs to me in reading over this thread. It seems to me that at 16 and 17 most summer teams unfortunately do not make development a big priority. While they'll work on some things where they can, they seem primarily focused on showcasing and recruiting, and expect the players and their families to look outside the team if they want real help developing. Am I wrong about that?
LC,
I think your going to find a mixed bag on how travel teams operate.
My oldest son's travel ball experience was certainly focused on showcasing and recruiting. The travel team would invite & bring college recruiters in for practices and scrimmages. There was never a lack of exposure for the players as everyone would go on to play D1 baseball. There was a pipeline of talent to many in-state schools through this travel team. The development was left to the player however there was a roadmap and oversight by the travel team on their skills and physical progress. There is no doubt my son owned his development and took it very seriously. He was very self-motivated but the travel team also pushed him quite a bit through internal competition....there was a pecking order.
He had a pitching coach (outside of the travel team) that he worked with since he was 11 or 12 years old. This pitching coach was excellent for my son based on many factors and he would work with my son for another 6 years. The travel team was also excellent as they provided the skills framework for my son to develop. There was never any doubt what a player should be working on at any particular moment in season or off season.
Just my experience.