Often it is said here that parents just don't know how talented their son really is or isn't. That could be true in some ways, because parents tend to think son is better than he really is.
I think parents know when they have a talented son. After all, they have seen him more than anyone and they have an idea how he compares against and with that competition. I think most parents know when they have a son that is capable of playing college baseball. What they don't always know is how he compares to everything that is out there. And what level of college baseball he might best fit in.
Sometimes it is very confusing, even for baseball lifers, to accurately evaluate their own son. For some reason the weaknesses they see in others, they don't see in their son. Some parents, on the other hand, actually underestimate their son. There is more to it, than just knowing your son has some talent. Most everyone can see that. It's more about comparison at this poInt in time.
Is he a top 10%, in the middle, or bottom 10% at this time, out of all the players his age that have some talent. If he has some talent, he can play college baseball. if you do the same thing with college baseball programs, it will give you an idea where your son fits best (at this point). Obviously we all know the top 10% of baseball programs are looking for the top 10% of the talent. There are more top 10% talent kids than there are spots for them. The lowest 10% are happy to get the lowest of those that have talent. Then there is this great big middle ground trying to find the best talent possible that fits their college. Remember there is a big difference in having the ability to play at a certain college and having that college want you.
There really is a lot to think about. You could wear yourself out trying to figure things out and you would just be wasting your time. The best way to deal with everything is to get out there and compete. Give the decision makers a chance. First go where they are and if they like you enough you will see them again where you are.
Main thing to remember is that someone other than you will make the decision as to how far your son goes in baseball. So getting other opinions can be very helpful. It doesn't have to be just PG's opinion either. There are many ways to get a qualified honest opinion. Just know that it's hard for an individual you know, to look you in the eyes and tell you your son lacks ability. Also that individual might not know what is really out there as competition.
It's one thing if you live in California, Florida, Texas, or Georgia and other hotbeds with lots of talent. If your son competes well in those areas, he fits well nationally. In other parts of the country, you don't have this luxury, you need to find out where you fit. Then do what so many others have done, improve on where you are. But no matter where you're from, if you have some talent, the more you are seen, the more options you will have. That doesn't mean those will be the options you most want. But more is always better than less when it comes to those options.