I am looking for some honest advice. My son was a 2004 graduate, top pitcher for his HS team, won MVP and all-area honors. We did not know enough to promote him properly, he never attended any showcases during high school, only played summer ball with the high school's summer team for his coach. Did not get the greatest visibility until his senior year of High school. He went to one showcase after graduating, looked to be one of the top pitchers, got good comments, but no offers. He had already applied and been accepted to a top D1 engineering school in TN, with a full academic scholarship. He went on to school, spoke with the coach, who told him to come to a walk-on tryout. The coach was not very positive before the tryout, due to the fact that he already had 13 pitchers, lots of freshmen, with the majority RHPs. Well, tryout came and my son was told that although he looked good, his fastball was high 70s to low 80s, his changeup was "great" according to the coach, but his curveball lacked enough bite. Each pitcher trying out only threw 15 total pitches into a net, with no catcher in place. He said it was not one of his better days.
Well he did not make the team, which he was prepared to deal with, but greatly disappointed. Actually not one of the walk-ons was added.
My question is, should he even think about trying out again next year? Are there any summer leagues or showcases for kids that have been out of school for a year? He is a young
freshman, will turn 19 this summer. He is 6'2" and weighs about 155lbs, I think he is possibly still growing. Honest opinions/advice needed!!!
Original Post