quote:Originally posted by redsox8191:
There is a topic asking about college showcases vs PG showcase and I thought I'd put a twist on it..
Being a kid from the northeast with limited resources would my son be better off exposure wise (assuming he would be considered a possible D1 type recruit) going to a PG showcase to get his rating etc...or is he better off taking that money and joining with a team that plays at a WWBA event like the 17U one down in GA over the summer? Which one gives him the best shot at being discovered by a school with a scholarship to offer...taking personal fit/academics etc..out of the equation?
redsox8191,
We are not in the northeast, but my son is in the middle of this journey right now. I honestly think the above depends on what position your son plays, how good is he now, and where does he project in the future? If he's a "pitcher only", I'd have him playing in the high profile tournaments in your area, including the major PG tournaments (Georgia & Jupiter, FL). I'd have him attending college camps, choosing schools that he's interested in and feels he has a legit chance to play at.
Now...if he's a position player, or possible two-way kid, I'd make sure he attends a PG Showcase and gets the important unbiased opinion and grade from PG professionals! He'll have an opportunity to show off all of his tools, and later will have the ability to send his profile to potential colleges in the near future. A typical Sat/Sun PG Showcase will generally have the kids run the 60 on Saturday morning. Followed by defense skills (OF, INF, and Pop Times). Saturday afternoon and Sunday the kids play controlled games, usually 8-9 innings.
My son is an OF/RHP. As an outfielder, he may not have a chance to show his range and his arm in a tournament. He's had a few games where our pitchers dominated, and there were only a few balls hit to him and most the "Can of Corn" variety. In a showcase setting, you have the opportunity during the defensive skills portion to show what you can do! Lastly, before the games begin, the kids take BP. I've seen kids look bad during their 10 pitch BP, but then light it up in the games, and I've seen kids mash during BP and struggle in the games! Most of the time the scouts rating the kids at the PG events get it right, and the PG grade is close to where it should be. The reason I'm not as high on a "Pitcher Only" spending money on an expensive showcase, is due to the fact that most kids in this situation won't take BP, run the 60, or participate in defensive drills. In these situations, you might have the possibility of getting a discounted rate? Maybe PGStaff can chime in, or possibly someone else that's gone through this as a pitcher only?
Over the last year 247son has attended a few PG showcases, college camps, and played in a number of tournaments including Georgia last month. PG Nationals in Arizona is upcoming for next month, and probably Jupiter in October. I don't think there is a Magic Formula to get noticed, but I do think that you need to play the numbers game and choose what's best for your son within your family budget...I wish you and your son the best of luck!