quote:
Originally posted by SultanofSwat:
I don't understand the point of going to a showcase at any age unless you are throwing high 80s, or it's the summer before your senior year.
Can someone help me out here.
The kid probably sees older players in HS and travel.
Obviously the situation is different for position players.
Going to DisneyWorld is fun, but that won't further your baseball career.
There is nothing wrong with a sophomore participating in a showcase. It's a good time to get his feet wet, and IMO a 6'4" pitcher throwing in the low 80's likely will not receive any offers, but there's a good chance that he'd be added to some "follow lists" for the recruiting coordinator(s). If he was throwing in the upper 80's (as you suggest) with his size and age, his HS and Travel coaches would be fielding several calls from colleges inquiring about the young man and his college aspirations...no doubt about it.
My son participated in a small (low cost) showcase the summer after his Frosh year. It gave him an opportunity to get a feel for the showcase environment. He followed that up with a PG showcase event in the winter prior to the start of his Soph year. He did well in the showcase, and received a number of questionnaire's from several schools. Unfortunately, he sprained his UCL, and could not pitch during his HS sophomore season and the majority of the following summer. He participated in another PG showcase in the winter of his Junior year and again did well, followed by a HS season that saw him only pitch 11 innings as the HS closer. When July rolled around, he still had interest from school's. Some programs inquired about his bat and his potential in the OF, but many were interested in his arm...and I'd have to say the interest in his arm had to be from the showcase environment. He's not a Blue Chipper, he didn't receive his offer until October of his senior year, three weeks prior to the early signing period. He was followed by some pretty decent schools...and that probably wouldn't have happened if he wasn't on the "List" to be scouted.
What I'm trying to say here is...getting on the radar early isn't a bad thing. The majority of schools throw out a large net and eliminate potential student athletes as they go. A showcase atmosphere is a good way to do it...especially as a pitcher. They (college decision makers) want to see you compete. Once you're on a "recruiters list", he'll make it a point to scout you at tournaments and HS games. I've observed these coaches at tournaments and scout ball during the last two years, they have a plan and a list of players they want to see...why not get placed on that list early? I don't know, I could be wrong...it's JMO.