I will be attending my first showcase on Saturday. Naturally, I am nervious. I want to know if anyone has any advice for me. All response will be helpful. Thanks.
NHbaseball
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Hello - A little advice from a parent of an 06 catcher who has attended two showcases (at age 15). First - you and your son should know who and what to expect. Who will be running the showcase and who will be attending? Colleges? Which ones? MLB? Anyone? Believe it or not, some of the "showcases" really don't have anyone other than the organizers watching your son. Next - Make sure your son remains as "level" as possible regardless of who is there. Sure - nerves will come into play especially for the first showcase. It is important that he understands that he needs to stay within himself - and stay completly focused.
Make sure his tryout is centered around his primary position. If he's an outfielder and only occasional pitcher - he should probably try to stick with outfield for this first showcase.If he's a pitcher, he will be asked to throw all his pitches. They mainly look for speed. Make sure he is mentally prepared not to do things like overthrow his fastball or try to throw a really nasty curve if he only has a moderately effective curveball. Make sure he is dressed in a clean (preferably high school) uniform and that he arrives on the field looking like a ballplayer. Preferably his jersey will have his name on it. Make sure he finds a bud to start warming up with as soon as registration is complete. Coaches and scouts like to see kids assimilate into new groups easily. Typically, your son may be given a jersey to wear. Don't let him haggle with the coaches if he has a "lucky" number.
He will have to perform in several areas. Generally running is first. He will probably be timed 2-3 times for each "event". He'll do the 60 as well as home to first, and most showcases will do home to third base. He will move on to batting (almost always pitched to by the pitchers attending the showcase.) While homeruns are very impressive, generally scouts are tickled to see hitting for high average and to all fields. He'll also be timed for bat speed at a goood camp, which entails hitting off a tee generally. He'll do position play - fielding and throwing. If he's a catcher, he'll have his pop time measured - usually four attempts. They will look for him to "run" the game and take charge as a catcher. If it is a top-notch showcase, there will be some game play involved. The players skills are more closely scrutinized here. A lot of showcases offer talks for players - and sometimes parents - about NCAA requirements, scouting, you name it. Encourage your son to ask intelligent questions.
What not to expect: unless he's a junior registered with the clearinghouse, and unless his name is already "out there", don't expect any contact with coaches or scouts other than some very brief and very casual conversation. He will get an evaluation within a few weeks, either by mail or posted to a website. The showcase will let you know all this in advance. Nobody's gonna sign him on the spot -be it college or MLB. Can't happen that way.
His eval will be based on what is basically the MLB Scouting Bureau system. He will be ranked as to his current abilities and projected future abilities. This is a number system, usually 2-8 or 20-80. Some use a different numbering system but it's all the same meaning for the most part. He will have a number for both (current and projected)for speed, fielding, throwing, hitting, hitting for power, etc. He will probably have a few sentences regarding his abilities as a summary. This is where the "intangibles" are dealt with.
At any rate, make sure he manages to have some fun. It shows. Good luck!
Make sure his tryout is centered around his primary position. If he's an outfielder and only occasional pitcher - he should probably try to stick with outfield for this first showcase.If he's a pitcher, he will be asked to throw all his pitches. They mainly look for speed. Make sure he is mentally prepared not to do things like overthrow his fastball or try to throw a really nasty curve if he only has a moderately effective curveball. Make sure he is dressed in a clean (preferably high school) uniform and that he arrives on the field looking like a ballplayer. Preferably his jersey will have his name on it. Make sure he finds a bud to start warming up with as soon as registration is complete. Coaches and scouts like to see kids assimilate into new groups easily. Typically, your son may be given a jersey to wear. Don't let him haggle with the coaches if he has a "lucky" number.
He will have to perform in several areas. Generally running is first. He will probably be timed 2-3 times for each "event". He'll do the 60 as well as home to first, and most showcases will do home to third base. He will move on to batting (almost always pitched to by the pitchers attending the showcase.) While homeruns are very impressive, generally scouts are tickled to see hitting for high average and to all fields. He'll also be timed for bat speed at a goood camp, which entails hitting off a tee generally. He'll do position play - fielding and throwing. If he's a catcher, he'll have his pop time measured - usually four attempts. They will look for him to "run" the game and take charge as a catcher. If it is a top-notch showcase, there will be some game play involved. The players skills are more closely scrutinized here. A lot of showcases offer talks for players - and sometimes parents - about NCAA requirements, scouting, you name it. Encourage your son to ask intelligent questions.
What not to expect: unless he's a junior registered with the clearinghouse, and unless his name is already "out there", don't expect any contact with coaches or scouts other than some very brief and very casual conversation. He will get an evaluation within a few weeks, either by mail or posted to a website. The showcase will let you know all this in advance. Nobody's gonna sign him on the spot -be it college or MLB. Can't happen that way.
His eval will be based on what is basically the MLB Scouting Bureau system. He will be ranked as to his current abilities and projected future abilities. This is a number system, usually 2-8 or 20-80. Some use a different numbering system but it's all the same meaning for the most part. He will have a number for both (current and projected)for speed, fielding, throwing, hitting, hitting for power, etc. He will probably have a few sentences regarding his abilities as a summary. This is where the "intangibles" are dealt with.
At any rate, make sure he manages to have some fun. It shows. Good luck!
NHBaseball,
Relax. This is not a rocket science exam. Plus, your future will not depend on how you do at this showcase. This is just one small piece of the process. Control those things you can control. Attitude, Hustle, Appearance etc. Since this is your first showcase observe all you can. Hustle, but pay attention. By the way, Congratulations!
Fungo
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Relax. This is not a rocket science exam. Plus, your future will not depend on how you do at this showcase. This is just one small piece of the process. Control those things you can control. Attitude, Hustle, Appearance etc. Since this is your first showcase observe all you can. Hustle, but pay attention. By the way, Congratulations!
Fungo
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
jwonbb, You have a PM. Thanks, CatchallMom
First, pay attention to all the advice you've been given. It's good stuff. I would underscore the 'start to warm up as soon as you've completed registration' part. It not only makes you look like a worker, it gets you properly prepared to do your best.
Secondly, this is your first showcase. The first probably won't be your best --- regard it as a learning experience. It is much easier to perform well once you know the ropes.
Um....a showcase in NH in January? Is this an indoor facility or should you be addressing Ways To Keep Warm?
---------------------------------
From 'Nice Guys Finish Last' by Leo Durocher:
Baseball lives at the center of a never-flagging whirl of irreconcilable opinions.
Secondly, this is your first showcase. The first probably won't be your best --- regard it as a learning experience. It is much easier to perform well once you know the ropes.
Um....a showcase in NH in January? Is this an indoor facility or should you be addressing Ways To Keep Warm?
---------------------------------
From 'Nice Guys Finish Last' by Leo Durocher:
Baseball lives at the center of a never-flagging whirl of irreconcilable opinions.
A few very simple suggestions.
1.If you’re a pitcher don’t worry about getting batters out. Throw the ball as fast as you can!
I know this goes against everything you’ve been taught, but they don’t care how well you can pitch, they only care about you being projectable.
Basically if you have velocity in the upper 80’s your good to go.
It’s just like the old saying goes, you can’t teach someone to throw an upper 80’s fastball. But you can teach a fastball thrower to pitch.
2.Swing the bat for power. Singles don’t get you signed. If you can hit long balls, try to hit one every time.
3.Run the 60 like you are running from the devil himself.
4.Outfield throw to home, is more important then they let on. Throw it for all your worth. Upper 80’s if possible.
5. Try to have fun.
Randall
1.If you’re a pitcher don’t worry about getting batters out. Throw the ball as fast as you can!
I know this goes against everything you’ve been taught, but they don’t care how well you can pitch, they only care about you being projectable.
Basically if you have velocity in the upper 80’s your good to go.
It’s just like the old saying goes, you can’t teach someone to throw an upper 80’s fastball. But you can teach a fastball thrower to pitch.
2.Swing the bat for power. Singles don’t get you signed. If you can hit long balls, try to hit one every time.
3.Run the 60 like you are running from the devil himself.
4.Outfield throw to home, is more important then they let on. Throw it for all your worth. Upper 80’s if possible.
5. Try to have fun.
Randall
Where are you headed, NH?
Its at Boston College and yes it will be indoors at the BC "Bubble"
Jwonbb
Thanks for your advice, especially about warming up right away with a buddy.
Can anybody else backup what Randall says about pitching as hard as I can? Its not what I've been taught, but I have heard people say the same thing.
NHBaseball
Jwonbb
Thanks for your advice, especially about warming up right away with a buddy.
Can anybody else backup what Randall says about pitching as hard as I can? Its not what I've been taught, but I have heard people say the same thing.
NHBaseball
NHbaseball -
Yes, showcases are different then tournaments. You are there to show what you've got. For pitchers it is VERY important to warm-up as if you were a closer. You are only going to get a few innings at best, so you need to have "worked up a sweat" and are ready to let it fly when its your turn. Pick the right time in the count to throw your hardest fastballs and do it as often as makes sense for the situation. Do throw with control, real wild stuff with velocity is not what you want to do. But, IMO, it is more important at a showcase to show what you’ve got then to get the batter out. Of course doing both is what’s desirable, but I’d put velocity first, especially at your first showcase. Make sure to show all the pitches you have command of....and it's not the place to try out a new grip!
Hope this is helpful. Don't forget to have fun.
(Now if this is an instructional camp..... different story, different advice.)
Yes, showcases are different then tournaments. You are there to show what you've got. For pitchers it is VERY important to warm-up as if you were a closer. You are only going to get a few innings at best, so you need to have "worked up a sweat" and are ready to let it fly when its your turn. Pick the right time in the count to throw your hardest fastballs and do it as often as makes sense for the situation. Do throw with control, real wild stuff with velocity is not what you want to do. But, IMO, it is more important at a showcase to show what you’ve got then to get the batter out. Of course doing both is what’s desirable, but I’d put velocity first, especially at your first showcase. Make sure to show all the pitches you have command of....and it's not the place to try out a new grip!
Hope this is helpful. Don't forget to have fun.
(Now if this is an instructional camp..... different story, different advice.)
Set them down 1-2-3 for two or three innings straight and you will see them take notice regardless of your velocity
TRhit
TRhit
I'll add a little for pitchers-throw as hard as you can as early as you can; some scouts will gun 2-3 pitches and if it's not what they're seeking, they'll tune out and look no further. If you have heat, throw it early!
HOKIEONE
Trust me on this one:if a player throws heat after the first 2 or 3 pitches all the scouts and coaches will know about it even if they have "tuned out" as you put it.
This is why the showcase staff will have a gun on the pitcher, I know that we do, thru his entire stint on the mound, not just the first two or three pitches--- we have seen kids in the third inning all of a sudden "get loose" and the fastball gets a few notches faster
TRhit
Trust me on this one:if a player throws heat after the first 2 or 3 pitches all the scouts and coaches will know about it even if they have "tuned out" as you put it.
This is why the showcase staff will have a gun on the pitcher, I know that we do, thru his entire stint on the mound, not just the first two or three pitches--- we have seen kids in the third inning all of a sudden "get loose" and the fastball gets a few notches faster
TRhit
TRHit
I have to respectfully disagree with you about getting batters out 1,2,3, and getting noticed.
this may happen in the long run, but when you’re at a showcase the only thing they care about is how fast you can throw.
When I was at Perfect game in Ft Myers we had a kid on our team that pitched the 1st inning of the first game, he threw about 30 pitches total.
he went deep in the count on most batters 5- 6 balls then the batter either got on or struck out.
(PG format states, no batters walk, the batter either hits the ball or strikes out).
He pitched on the second day, again 1 inning 30 or so pitches, same performance as the first day.
This pitchers velocity was in the upper 80’s, 85 to 88MPH.
He was selected as a Top prospect, as well he should have been.
Showcases are just that, a means to show your wears. If you can pitch in the upper 80’s do it. don’t worry about getting batters out.
Randall
I have to respectfully disagree with you about getting batters out 1,2,3, and getting noticed.
this may happen in the long run, but when you’re at a showcase the only thing they care about is how fast you can throw.
When I was at Perfect game in Ft Myers we had a kid on our team that pitched the 1st inning of the first game, he threw about 30 pitches total.
he went deep in the count on most batters 5- 6 balls then the batter either got on or struck out.
(PG format states, no batters walk, the batter either hits the ball or strikes out).
He pitched on the second day, again 1 inning 30 or so pitches, same performance as the first day.
This pitchers velocity was in the upper 80’s, 85 to 88MPH.
He was selected as a Top prospect, as well he should have been.
Showcases are just that, a means to show your wears. If you can pitch in the upper 80’s do it. don’t worry about getting batters out.
Randall
Randall
Upper 80's is great
But coaches will take note of the wildness and inability to get strikes
And the player with three 1-2-3 innings will get noticed as well
TRhit
Upper 80's is great
But coaches will take note of the wildness and inability to get strikes
And the player with three 1-2-3 innings will get noticed as well
TRhit
Regarding velocity a scout told me "I gun the first few pitches, put it down and then see if he can pitch."
Obviously coaches and scouts are looking for command AND velocity; As Tom says, returning batters to the dugout prior to crossing homeplate is the main goal.
Mr. Ford said here that at a showcase "..don't try to make the impossible play. Play within your abilities and show what you CAN do. The impossible play is just that, impossible and probably unneccesary to win." Its something I've heard repeated by pro scouts.
Geaux Cajuns!!
Obviously coaches and scouts are looking for command AND velocity; As Tom says, returning batters to the dugout prior to crossing homeplate is the main goal.
Mr. Ford said here that at a showcase "..don't try to make the impossible play. Play within your abilities and show what you CAN do. The impossible play is just that, impossible and probably unneccesary to win." Its something I've heard repeated by pro scouts.
Geaux Cajuns!!
NHbaseball,
What did you think of the Boston College Showcase now that you've attended?
- O
What did you think of the Boston College Showcase now that you've attended?
- O
The Bad O
It was a great experience. I didn't play my best but it was good to learn how to play in "pressure" situations. As the day progressed I was able to relaxed more and just play baseball. It was run well and I am looking forward to the next showcase I attend.
NHBaseball
It was a great experience. I didn't play my best but it was good to learn how to play in "pressure" situations. As the day progressed I was able to relaxed more and just play baseball. It was run well and I am looking forward to the next showcase I attend.
NHBaseball
NHBASEBALL,
My son attended the BC camp in the Bubble last year. "Birdball" was a great experience for him. He got noticed by a few college coaches at the camp. In fact he got a meeting with Coach McPhee of NE. Just hustle and have a good time. BD
My son attended the BC camp in the Bubble last year. "Birdball" was a great experience for him. He got noticed by a few college coaches at the camp. In fact he got a meeting with Coach McPhee of NE. Just hustle and have a good time. BD
My son also attended the BC Showcase. He said that it was more of a clinic than a showcase. There weren't many (if any ??) coaches or scouts there, except for the BC assistant coaches. Some BC baseball players were in attendance as well.
That being said, the Showcase never did promise anything but what he received. It was not marketed as a "Showcase" as much as it was a pre-season tuneup.
He was very glad he did it for the simple fact that it exposed him to the type of format and competition he can expect to see at future showcases. He got his feet wet, I guess you could say.
He was also nervous in the beginning but that eased as time went on.
He's planning on attending the College Select Baseball Showcase in Norwich, CT from June 28 - 30. Our friend TRhit, Tom Rizzi, can tell you more about that. Seems like the perfect showcase to attend if you are from around this area. Many colleges represented.
- O
That being said, the Showcase never did promise anything but what he received. It was not marketed as a "Showcase" as much as it was a pre-season tuneup.
He was very glad he did it for the simple fact that it exposed him to the type of format and competition he can expect to see at future showcases. He got his feet wet, I guess you could say.
He was also nervous in the beginning but that eased as time went on.
He's planning on attending the College Select Baseball Showcase in Norwich, CT from June 28 - 30. Our friend TRhit, Tom Rizzi, can tell you more about that. Seems like the perfect showcase to attend if you are from around this area. Many colleges represented.
- O
NH -
All you need to do is show-up early, look like you want to be there!!
Dress like a ball player, if you need a haircut now is the time
, shirt tucked in, BASEBALL pants, shoes appropriate for the surface this arena has, hat on straight..
Pay attention to everything, when your huddled be on a knee, listen and ask a question if you have one.
Hussle, baseball players DONT walk!!!
Let your talent speak for you, don't get yourself all worked up over it.. Stay calm and don't worry about who is there.. If you make a mistake, its over. You will be more impressive if you just keep going!
Most important thing.. Have fun!!! Its a game afterall
_______________
"Baseball, it is said, is only a game. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole."
"JustMom"
All you need to do is show-up early, look like you want to be there!!
Dress like a ball player, if you need a haircut now is the time
, shirt tucked in, BASEBALL pants, shoes appropriate for the surface this arena has, hat on straight..Pay attention to everything, when your huddled be on a knee, listen and ask a question if you have one.
Hussle, baseball players DONT walk!!!
Let your talent speak for you, don't get yourself all worked up over it.. Stay calm and don't worry about who is there.. If you make a mistake, its over. You will be more impressive if you just keep going!
Most important thing.. Have fun!!! Its a game afterall
_______________
"Baseball, it is said, is only a game. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole."
"JustMom"
I agree with Randall...Go out and throw as hard as you can right away!
I was disppointed that the pitchers were not gunned for their entire performance in Ft. Myers. I know my son gets looser and faster as he pitches more. He knows to warm up like a closer, but how much more effort is it to watch the gun through their whole performance. Also, some pitchers may throw hard the first inning, but not be able to maintain their speed.
I was disppointed that the pitchers were not gunned for their entire performance in Ft. Myers. I know my son gets looser and faster as he pitches more. He knows to warm up like a closer, but how much more effort is it to watch the gun through their whole performance. Also, some pitchers may throw hard the first inning, but not be able to maintain their speed.
hit
That is precisely why we dont use bullpens to see the pitchers-- we like them to throw in the games and be "gunned" in each inning --each kid is different -- some get more velocity as they lossen up while others fade
TRhit
That is precisely why we dont use bullpens to see the pitchers-- we like them to throw in the games and be "gunned" in each inning --each kid is different -- some get more velocity as they lossen up while others fade
TRhit
As a mom whose RHP has attended 5 PG events, and various other showcases, I have my own advice to add. Velocity gets you noticed, but it is not all about that. When and how you use your pitches is very important as well as movement and your COMPOSURE on the mound. Also, don't forget that pitchers often are involved in play, know what to do when you get the ball. Sounds weird, but you would be surprised as to how many pitchers have the attitude "I am only here to pitch", at showcases. Don't forget you are also one of 9 players on the field.
Hope all went well, sorry my advice is late in coming and helps in the future.
Hope all went well, sorry my advice is late in coming and helps in the future.
The easiest thing to showcase is: "hustle".
- Whoever said a walk was as good as a hit, couldn't hit.
- Whoever said a walk was as good as a hit, couldn't hit.
If a kid pitches, plays IF and also OF (and does all 3 fairly well) should he try and do all 3 at a PG ID? Will they even let him?
Also, it looks like during the inital evaluations, the kids do throws from IF and OF first, then the pitchers come in. How many throws would, say, a kid make from short during his eval stint (not games)? Curious, because a lot of throws could impact the pitching arm which will be needed later.
"Son, when you pitch a strike, Mr. Hornsby will let you know."
Also, it looks like during the inital evaluations, the kids do throws from IF and OF first, then the pitchers come in. How many throws would, say, a kid make from short during his eval stint (not games)? Curious, because a lot of throws could impact the pitching arm which will be needed later.
"Son, when you pitch a strike, Mr. Hornsby will let you know."
I recently had a long talk with folks at one of the better showcases about this exact subject. My son has also attended a few showcases and we were wondering the same thing. My son pitches and plays a position. He has attended showcases only as a pitcher. He got limited at bats and limited time at his secondary position. The position players got more at-bats, more playing time AND they got to pitch. In some cases, as many innings as the pitchers. So my advice is go as a position player, they always need pitchers by the last game of the showcase. And the scouts only watch your first inning anyway, so it doesn't matter if they only get to throw one.
