We've been to a couple.
But $549? Are they really worth the price? If you're good enough, want colleges find you?
Im not criticizing them, the showcases are well run. I just wonder about the cost to attend.
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My son is 16 and in 10th grade in a large HS in NY. He plays on his HS team and this past summer he played on a competitive travel team which participated in two good tournaments in the North East coming in second and then first place. He also did a TPX camp in CT and a PG underclass in CT in August 2009. While they are somewhat costly, they provided him with a number of insights.
First, it gave him an opportunity to see what talent level he is competing against in a broaders Northeast area than our home league and the tournaments we attended. We recognized a lot of players and other travel team attendees from North East teams.
Second, he did better at one than the other in terms of the 60 yd dash , arm strength and batting practice which was the result of the weather during the weekends and how good he was feeling those weekends. So it showed that just like anything, with sports you can have an on or off day and may need to do more than one to get the attention of coaches and for performance.
Third, the feedback from the coaches at the TPX on the field and during the game and then the game coaches at the PG Showcases gave him good feedback to make slight changes to his stance for batting (he went from closed to slightly open to hit in the gap more) and arm release (less steps prior to the release) and he worked hard on those issues all fall and now through the winter in addition to working out for speed, strength and agility training.
Because of his grade and age, he really is too young to be seriously contacting coaches yet directly or actively speaking with them about positions during any camps or after showcases. Nevertheless, he will keep attending because with so many schools and so many kids playing baseball for limited positions, a PG showcase and others is a clear way to get before a group of coaches (the showcases are all through the country so you should attend those in the region where your child wants to go to school in addition to any national ones for which he can qualify)to which your child might want to be seen or contact prior to or after the event.
To say if a kid is talented the colleges will find him is like asking if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there does it make a sound? How will they know he is talented or who he is? They will not have time during their own playing season to attend high school games and off season aside from running their own school camps during a weekend here and there for extra money and to see talent, the best use of their time are showcases to see a whole bunch of kids to see talent.
The showcases may not be the be all end all to guaranty a spot on any college team but they are certainly to me one arrow in the quiver in addition to direct e mails to the coaches and participating on competitive travel teams that do tournaments to at least make a connection for possible recruitment.
Obviously if you cannot afford them that creates another issue. If you can, I am not saying attend one every weekend, but certainly attend the better run ones that coaches at schools your child is interested in will go to such as the PG. There are other well organized ones as well and you can find them all on the internet to read about them and read on this website comments from those who have attended with their players and their experiences with them.
First, it gave him an opportunity to see what talent level he is competing against in a broaders Northeast area than our home league and the tournaments we attended. We recognized a lot of players and other travel team attendees from North East teams.
Second, he did better at one than the other in terms of the 60 yd dash , arm strength and batting practice which was the result of the weather during the weekends and how good he was feeling those weekends. So it showed that just like anything, with sports you can have an on or off day and may need to do more than one to get the attention of coaches and for performance.
Third, the feedback from the coaches at the TPX on the field and during the game and then the game coaches at the PG Showcases gave him good feedback to make slight changes to his stance for batting (he went from closed to slightly open to hit in the gap more) and arm release (less steps prior to the release) and he worked hard on those issues all fall and now through the winter in addition to working out for speed, strength and agility training.
Because of his grade and age, he really is too young to be seriously contacting coaches yet directly or actively speaking with them about positions during any camps or after showcases. Nevertheless, he will keep attending because with so many schools and so many kids playing baseball for limited positions, a PG showcase and others is a clear way to get before a group of coaches (the showcases are all through the country so you should attend those in the region where your child wants to go to school in addition to any national ones for which he can qualify)to which your child might want to be seen or contact prior to or after the event.
To say if a kid is talented the colleges will find him is like asking if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there does it make a sound? How will they know he is talented or who he is? They will not have time during their own playing season to attend high school games and off season aside from running their own school camps during a weekend here and there for extra money and to see talent, the best use of their time are showcases to see a whole bunch of kids to see talent.
The showcases may not be the be all end all to guaranty a spot on any college team but they are certainly to me one arrow in the quiver in addition to direct e mails to the coaches and participating on competitive travel teams that do tournaments to at least make a connection for possible recruitment.
Obviously if you cannot afford them that creates another issue. If you can, I am not saying attend one every weekend, but certainly attend the better run ones that coaches at schools your child is interested in will go to such as the PG. There are other well organized ones as well and you can find them all on the internet to read about them and read on this website comments from those who have attended with their players and their experiences with them.
I think they can be worth the price, provided you are being objective about your son's talent level and that talent level is such that you are reasonably hopeful of getting a return on your dollars in terms of scholarship opportunities. Also provided that your son is dedicated enough to prepare to be at his very best when the showcase dates arrive.
I do see far too many kids who are not really all that talented, but who (or whose parents) seem determined to get them seen over and over until somebody finally appreciates them. That is a path to a big dollar investment with no return and a lot of bitterness, but people seem to have to learn that for themselves no matter how many examples of it they may see all around them.
I also think people tend to showcase too much. One your sophomore year and one your junior year would be enough, though if your son were aiming to land locally or maybe D-3 then something less expensive and oriented to that goal would be smart. If your son is very high academic and looking at Ivy League, then the Headfirst Honor Roll event would be one to add. But beyond that, I would focus more on playing for a travel team and less on going to showcase events.
I do think that spending $550 on a PG showcase is smarter than paying $350 to go to an event for someone like Blue Grey or Baseball Factory. PG's evaluations are considered more reliable and their web site accessibility makes the additional cost well worth it. I know too many people who've gone to those other events and gotten absolutely nothing out of it, and there's no real record left behind for anyone to see later on. With the PG events, a solid performance is both seen in person and later the reports can be reviewed by people who weren't there.
I do see far too many kids who are not really all that talented, but who (or whose parents) seem determined to get them seen over and over until somebody finally appreciates them. That is a path to a big dollar investment with no return and a lot of bitterness, but people seem to have to learn that for themselves no matter how many examples of it they may see all around them.
I also think people tend to showcase too much. One your sophomore year and one your junior year would be enough, though if your son were aiming to land locally or maybe D-3 then something less expensive and oriented to that goal would be smart. If your son is very high academic and looking at Ivy League, then the Headfirst Honor Roll event would be one to add. But beyond that, I would focus more on playing for a travel team and less on going to showcase events.
I do think that spending $550 on a PG showcase is smarter than paying $350 to go to an event for someone like Blue Grey or Baseball Factory. PG's evaluations are considered more reliable and their web site accessibility makes the additional cost well worth it. I know too many people who've gone to those other events and gotten absolutely nothing out of it, and there's no real record left behind for anyone to see later on. With the PG events, a solid performance is both seen in person and later the reports can be reviewed by people who weren't there.
We're in the middle of the process right now, and I agree with MidloDad. We did PG Underclassmen last year (sophomore), and we'll go back this year so that he can show some improvement.
This is absolutely true. I am certain that playing on a travel team that goes to PG tournaments has helped my son quite a bit. He's not what anyone would call a "stud" but he's getting some looks from some excellent programs. There's no way to know for sure at this point how the word got out, but the combination of performing at the tournaments, then coaches/scouts looking at his PG profile can only have helped.
quote:I know too many people who've gone to those other events and gotten absolutely nothing out of it, and there's no real record left behind for anyone to see later on. With the PG events, a solid performance is both seen in person and later the reports can be reviewed by people who weren't there.
This is absolutely true. I am certain that playing on a travel team that goes to PG tournaments has helped my son quite a bit. He's not what anyone would call a "stud" but he's getting some looks from some excellent programs. There's no way to know for sure at this point how the word got out, but the combination of performing at the tournaments, then coaches/scouts looking at his PG profile can only have helped.
If you want to be seen by a LOT of college and pro scouts and are good enough to be noticed-PG. If you think you can stand out in a smaller setting then TPX or something else.
As with almost every question posed on here, it all depends on the individual player and the situation related to him. With that disclaimer offered, for my son, the money spent to attend PG events was the tangible differentiator between him being a well-known local player who was very aggressively being pursued in Ohio and by the surrounding Regional Schools and becoming a known entity on a National Scale with interest from literally all over and from schools we had no idea even knew who he was or where Hudson, Ohio was . . . literally every single time the conversation progressed with a school that was new to the scene and to a point where how the awareness of our son came about and was discussed, it was pointed out that they saw him at "such and such PG Event".
As we look back and see how much we (I) spent on the various PG Showcases and Tournaments (he did the PG Underclass Session 1 in Mesa, AZ as a Jr. last November and then the PG National in Minnesota this past June as a Sr. after that plus he played for teams that participated in both the 17U and 18U WWBA events in East Cobb, GA and finally down in Jupiter at the WWBA Championships just a few months ago), it was more than justifiable (again, for our situation) given the scholarship he ended up accepting via his NLI signing in November to play in the Big 12 (as well as those he was offered from schools including the ACC, SEC, Big 10, etc.) as well as not to mention the considerable interest he's now receiving from various professional organizations. Absolutely, positively it has been our son's and our experience that the money invested to get the exposure he's ultimately been able to receive via attending PG events during which college and pro scouts have been able to see him compete against the best players in the country and see how he stacks up and attempt to project him has far exceeded the amount of money it cost to do so. Thanks.
As we look back and see how much we (I) spent on the various PG Showcases and Tournaments (he did the PG Underclass Session 1 in Mesa, AZ as a Jr. last November and then the PG National in Minnesota this past June as a Sr. after that plus he played for teams that participated in both the 17U and 18U WWBA events in East Cobb, GA and finally down in Jupiter at the WWBA Championships just a few months ago), it was more than justifiable (again, for our situation) given the scholarship he ended up accepting via his NLI signing in November to play in the Big 12 (as well as those he was offered from schools including the ACC, SEC, Big 10, etc.) as well as not to mention the considerable interest he's now receiving from various professional organizations. Absolutely, positively it has been our son's and our experience that the money invested to get the exposure he's ultimately been able to receive via attending PG events during which college and pro scouts have been able to see him compete against the best players in the country and see how he stacks up and attempt to project him has far exceeded the amount of money it cost to do so. Thanks.
I will also add that your player doesn't have to be a PG Top Prospect or have a 10 ranking to benefit. A respectable ranking, plus that last sentence on a positive eval that says "very good student" have brought some emails to 2B's inbox from schools that were not even on our radar. Now we can hardly believe what opportunities might open up for him.
I have nothing but good things to say about the PG programs!!! Very well ran operation. Very well respected in both the College level and the Pro levels. If you can afford it and your son has talent it's well worth the time and money!!
2Bmom, what would you consider a "good ranking"? Just curious.
My experience is its worth the money and effort to get a good idea where the talent of your son falls. Satisfied or not with the results you will gain a starting point. Your son gets an 8 or up? Great. No, well you'll have a better idea where to go from there and what to work on.
It all depends on the player and his circumstances. In some cases it can be a great "investment" and in others it can be ineffective or overly redundant. While I was fully aware of PG (and their good reputation) I didn't see the need in my son's case so I opted not to spend the money on PG. Turns out that was a good decision. Follow Midlo Dad's advice and and everything will fall into place.
Fungo
PS: Understand too that the $549.00 is the price of the showcase. The majority of the cost will be in motel/hotel, food, travel and "other" things.
Fungo
PS: Understand too that the $549.00 is the price of the showcase. The majority of the cost will be in motel/hotel, food, travel and "other" things.
canon315, Great story and congratulations. I could almost duplicate the accolades and offers your son received which you mention in your post with the exception of the part about going to PG and Jupiter (my son had invites to both but we declined). You need to give your son and his talent the majority of the credit for his success. Your son is obviously a very talented player. Trust me, if they (the conferences you listed) could find my son in rural Jackson, TN, college coaches and pro scouts alike would find your son in the upscale burbs of Akron and Cleveland. I think we all (me included) tend to look at our son's success and either credit or criticize OUR efforts for their success or failure --- as you and I are both doing here. No matter what the path or the venue it sure qualifies as ---- "a ride".
Fungo
Fungo
quote:2Bmom, what would you consider a "good ranking"? Just curious.
Sorry, bballman - I haven't been on this thread in a while and missed your question.
It doesn't matter what I think is a "good" ranking.
My son was ranked a 7 in 2008. He went back in 2009 and improved his 60 by 0.4 seconds, and improved his throwing speed across the diamond by a couple miles an hour. He is a lot stronger than he was in 08, but his instinct is the quick release, instead of the two crow-hops-and-gun-it approach. And that's fine - that's 2B. He doesn't put up Top Prospect numbers. Most likely he will stay ranked as a 7 because PG bases their ranks on projectability. In my mind, he is and always will be a 10. But I'm his mamma.
But, guess what. He is being recruited by 3 D1 schools, and yesterday got his invitation to the Stanford Camp. So I think a 7 is just fine. I will send you his profile in a PM.
There are a couple of big factors that I think the ranking can't possibly account for. (I'm sure PGStaff will correct me if I'm wrong!) Work ethic and heart. I know there are players ranked 8-10 who don't come close to fulfilling their potential. They have all the raw talent in the world, they run fast, they throw hard, they hit for miles, but for whatever reason they drop off the radar. And then there are players who, whatever their ranking, are going to make a positive contribution somewhere because they are willing to work to get there.
So in many ways I think the ranking is relative. It is one more tool for the player to work from.
We've been to 2 PG showcases, so to answer the original question once more, yes, it was worth it.
bballman, you have a PM.
Back at you 2Bmom. Sent you one back.
To answer the orginal question
YES !!!!!!
This has nothing to do with ratings--it has to do with exposure--if a college coach sees you there and likes your performance it matters not what the ratings say 6 weeks or so after the event--that coach already has you in his sights and even if the PG rating is low it won't change his thinking--he knows what he saw---
YES !!!!!!
This has nothing to do with ratings--it has to do with exposure--if a college coach sees you there and likes your performance it matters not what the ratings say 6 weeks or so after the event--that coach already has you in his sights and even if the PG rating is low it won't change his thinking--he knows what he saw---
quote:that coach already has you in his sights and even if the PG rating is low it won't change his thinking--he knows what he saw---
I think I'll have to
Just my 2 cents,
Without Perfect Game (exposure, scouting reports, rankings, WebTv, etc) I dont belive my son would be playing Div. 1 baseball.
I will qualify that by saying that, in my opinion, my son certainly is good enough to play Div. 1 ball, PG did not get something for my son he did not earn or deserve.
What PG did was to provide a very visable, organized, publicized forum for my son to show a considerable amount of people what he could do on a baseball field.
What I believe PG has done best is built a level of trust and reliability with scouts and recruiters through their level of organization and the accuracy of evaluating, reporting and ranking of players.
If your kid is a phenom you probably dont need PG. If your child is not a phenom and desires to play ball past high school then it is my opinion that a PG showcase or two is most definitely a part of running the full mile toward that goal.
Without Perfect Game (exposure, scouting reports, rankings, WebTv, etc) I dont belive my son would be playing Div. 1 baseball.
I will qualify that by saying that, in my opinion, my son certainly is good enough to play Div. 1 ball, PG did not get something for my son he did not earn or deserve.
What PG did was to provide a very visable, organized, publicized forum for my son to show a considerable amount of people what he could do on a baseball field.
What I believe PG has done best is built a level of trust and reliability with scouts and recruiters through their level of organization and the accuracy of evaluating, reporting and ranking of players.
If your kid is a phenom you probably dont need PG. If your child is not a phenom and desires to play ball past high school then it is my opinion that a PG showcase or two is most definitely a part of running the full mile toward that goal.
I second that!
Great question and some great answers.
Just my two cents...
If you can't afford to play on the high level summer baseball circut to get yourself that exposure that comes with playing in all those games across different areas in front of all those people then going to a PG Showcase is well worth the price.
It helps with that exposure and helps you learn what your talent and ability is compared to other players in a greater region then what you would see in playing whatever your normal summer and Highschool baseball would be.
TR said it perfectly.
Just my two cents...
If you can't afford to play on the high level summer baseball circut to get yourself that exposure that comes with playing in all those games across different areas in front of all those people then going to a PG Showcase is well worth the price.
It helps with that exposure and helps you learn what your talent and ability is compared to other players in a greater region then what you would see in playing whatever your normal summer and Highschool baseball would be.
TR said it perfectly.
quote:Are they really worth the price? If you're good enough, want colleges find you?
YES!With my older son--we seemed to always have sticker shock, but now with my younger son we know what to expect, plan early... and are more prepared!
You and your son,should both be pro-active in the college process.Don't wait for them to come to you, your son needs to go to them.
So the general consensus seems to be that the PG Showcases are worth the price, especially if budget numbers are tight and you can't afford the good travel team. Does the PG consensus apply to Underclass events as well as Top Prospects? What about the Pitcher/Catcher Indoor? How do you prioritize these given that they are all at the same price.
What about National underclass vs. the regional ones?
What about National underclass vs. the regional ones?
I don't know too much about the regional showcases, but if your son is an underclassman I would definitely recommend the National Underclass in Ft Myers. My oldest son had a great experience at the World Showcase as well, also in Ft. Myers. He also was invited to and attended the Pre-draft event in Iowa, which was an awesome experience, although he was coming off an injury and probably should not have attended. It was a great experience for he and I though as a father/son time, and we took a short road trip to Norway Iowa, where HS team was from in the movie "The Final Season".
If your guy is a Pitcher/Catcher, I would expect those events to be valuable as well.
If your guy is a Pitcher/Catcher, I would expect those events to be valuable as well.
PG Showcase is definitely worth the price. Good experience to see where your player stacks up nationally. Just make sure they really prepare for it. When RR23JR did it, it was in the Fall of his Sophomore year and although he has been working out and had a respectable rating , he was not really in spring shape yet. The next event he might do is probably the spring before or the Summer after his Junior year.
@ FloridaFan...Did they preserve the Norway HS field? Should be a great historic site.
RR23
@ FloridaFan...Did they preserve the Norway HS field? Should be a great historic site.
RR23
The Norway field is still in use and well cared for! The train tracks are still right accross the street also, where that legendary Home Run was hit.
It was really a neat experience, we stopped to buy a "Final SEason" Tee Shirt being sold on the side of the road on the way out and spoke with an older gentleman that had coached many players over the years.
The school was VERY VERY SMALL! About 1/2 the size of a Staples Store, but 3 stories high.
The old coach (Little League) said that they found many of the trophies in a dumpster
and they were rescued and hidden for safe keeping until they could find a suitable place to display them.
Head down the highway and turn left at the Pink Barn, and you will find the town.
It was really a neat experience, we stopped to buy a "Final SEason" Tee Shirt being sold on the side of the road on the way out and spoke with an older gentleman that had coached many players over the years.
The school was VERY VERY SMALL! About 1/2 the size of a Staples Store, but 3 stories high.
The old coach (Little League) said that they found many of the trophies in a dumpster
and they were rescued and hidden for safe keeping until they could find a suitable place to display them.Head down the highway and turn left at the Pink Barn, and you will find the town.
I would do a spring before and a Summer after Jr year. My 14yr old is quite the player also, but I will not take him to a PG event until he is in his Jr year. This way he can hopefully stand out enough to get a good grade and it will also give them a wow who is that kid look! Hopefully. I may take him to a lessor event to give him experience with a pro workout. Like the 60yrd run, infield radar arm test and BP. This way he will know what to expect and gear up for. Yeah, I think that's what I would do IMHO. Pg is the best though IMO. Been to a three others to compare.
Has anyone attended or know anything about the Perfect Game Indoor Showcase that is at the Bo Jackson Dome outside of Chicago? Our club team, the St. Louis Pirates, got the information through the Illinois Sparks club. It is this Saturday. Any information would be appreciated.
My son never went to any showcases.. We are fortunate to have quality D-1 programs close to home and they were able to see him during his high school games.. He signed with a top 25 D-1 program this past Nov. He is not ranked with PG, but we felt that didn't matter since college is the main goal.
johnj314, you have a PM
What players and families should know about the Perfect Game showcases is that the benefits are even more than exposure, evaluation and a number grade. My son is being recruited by some great places. When I ask where they've seen him play, it usually was through a PG event. I spoke two weeks ago with a coach from a major D-1 school located about 2,000 miles from us after he wrote to my son. When I asked him where he saw him, he said that he hasn't seen him yet, but he speaks regularly with contacts at Perfect Game and that they put him on his radar. PG's network is incredibly wide and obviously they work for the players who invest in their services beyond the showcases.
Well said baseballdad and I totally agree!!!
My son went to a PG showcase fall of his sophmore year. Did well and wound up getting an invite from a team out of Louisiana to play in the WWBA Underclass World Championship in Ft. Myers. There were a very good number of scouts at this event and he did very well. Haven't gotten anything out of it as college coaches can't contact yet, but I'm sure we got on someone's radar from it. Would not have been at the tournament if not for making a good showing at the individual showcase.
Have been reading this wonderful site for a few months after seeing my son on it. I only wished I knew about it a lot earlier but i still have one more baseball player after my middle son graduates this year. One subject I do know a lot about is Perfect game. Son has been to about 6-8 events, all here in Florida except the East Cobb events.Pg touraments are buy far the best run we have ever been to and i MEAN EVERY ONE NO MATTER WHERE IT WAS. Having said that, even though Son has done very well at all the events, he was offered only jc. Is this PG'S fault? NO! he was in front of everyone just not the right one. That may still come but as far as getting seen,nothing compared. The funny thing is he has gotten more contact from MLB lately than any colleges. The moral is if you can-go. Yoiu will bve glad you did-If you excel.
quote:Originally posted by CasualObserver:
We've been to a couple.
But $549? Are they really worth the price? If you're good enough, wont colleges find you?
Im not criticizing them, the showcases are well run. I just wonder about the cost to attend.
I have to say YES, if you are good enough, college coaches will find you because of the following reasons:
- Internet
- HS Coaches talk about the better players when asked who are the better players you have seen?
- Scouts talk about the better players when asked who are the better players that they have seen?
- E-mail's can circulate rather quickly
Coach Milburn
Fact of the matter is college coaches and pro scouts very rarely get to spring HS games
Fact of the matter is HS coaches do talk about players but how often and who is asking them who the better players are
The old adage " if you are good enough the coaches and scouts will find you" is a total misnomer.
To be realistic a scout, be it college or pro , will go where there are a multitude of players to see and evaluate not a HS game where their may be just one or two players of note. It is pure economics and common sense.
If the scouts are not attending spring SH games how can they talk about the players if they have not seen them
On the other hand they see players at showcases and showcase tournaments all summer and fall
Fact of the matter is college coaches and pro scouts very rarely get to spring HS games
Fact of the matter is HS coaches do talk about players but how often and who is asking them who the better players are
The old adage " if you are good enough the coaches and scouts will find you" is a total misnomer.
To be realistic a scout, be it college or pro , will go where there are a multitude of players to see and evaluate not a HS game where their may be just one or two players of note. It is pure economics and common sense.
If the scouts are not attending spring SH games how can they talk about the players if they have not seen them
On the other hand they see players at showcases and showcase tournaments all summer and fall
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
Coach Milburn
Fact of the matter is college coaches and pro scouts very rarely get to spring HS games
Fact of the matter is HS coaches do talk about players but how often and who is asking them who the better players are
The old adage " if you are good enough the coaches and scouts will find you" is a total misnomer.
To be realistic a scout, be it college or pro , will go where there are a multitude of players to see and evaluate not a HS game where their may be just one or two players of note. It is pure economics and common sense.
If the scouts are not attending spring SH games how can they talk about the players if they have not seen them
On the other hand they see players at showcases and showcase tournaments all summer and fall
Sorry TRhit, but the original question by "CasualObserver" did not even reference attending spring HS baseball games and I answered accordingly.
My perception of this is that the hsbaseballweb has turned basically into a w*h*o*r*ehouse for travel and showcase baseball.
Why because when anyone gives advice of other options that does not jive with the majority of this site, then you guys do your best to rip anyone apart which is pretty darn evident.
Just sharing my opinion.
Milburn
I am well aware of that but you talked about HS coaches--when else are they around coaching HS teams but in the spring?
I will let others deal with your "perception" mainly because I think I know a bit more than they do regarding your background
I am well aware of that but you talked about HS coaches--when else are they around coaching HS teams but in the spring?
I will let others deal with your "perception" mainly because I think I know a bit more than they do regarding your background
Coach Milburn,
I have to comment on your quote as the owner and lead moderator of the site.
I honestly do not think that this site is a "w*h*o*r*ehouse" for any organization or point of view. Differing viewpoints are offered, and sometimes people with the opposite viewpoint get upset, or at least passionate. Personally I wish that all of the "opposite viewpoints" would be stated in a respectful manner, but I realized long ago that that will not always happen.
But my real point:
Look at the posts in this thread in support of attending visible, credible showcases (most notably Perfect Game). The vast majority of those favorable posts were made by parents who state that their sons attended the showcases, and the exposure helped their sons.
That is a big part of what makes this forum so valuable: Parents ask questions about the process, and parents who have already "been there, done that" are kind enough to come back and share specifics of what worked and what didn't. I really appreciate that.
Julie
I have to comment on your quote as the owner and lead moderator of the site.
quote:My perception of this is that the hsbaseballweb has turned basically into a w*h*o*r*ehouse for travel and showcase baseball.
I honestly do not think that this site is a "w*h*o*r*ehouse" for any organization or point of view. Differing viewpoints are offered, and sometimes people with the opposite viewpoint get upset, or at least passionate. Personally I wish that all of the "opposite viewpoints" would be stated in a respectful manner, but I realized long ago that that will not always happen.
But my real point:
Look at the posts in this thread in support of attending visible, credible showcases (most notably Perfect Game). The vast majority of those favorable posts were made by parents who state that their sons attended the showcases, and the exposure helped their sons.
That is a big part of what makes this forum so valuable: Parents ask questions about the process, and parents who have already "been there, done that" are kind enough to come back and share specifics of what worked and what didn't. I really appreciate that.
Julie
In a recent conversation I had with a head scout at the MLB level, I was told that he prefers going to events such as a PG showcase/Team One event. His reasoning was that he can do less travel (even though his travel schedule is more chaotic then we can all imagine) and see more top quality ball players at a time. He did say he misses the days of going to a game in the "back woods" sitting on the bleachers and just watching a game and taking notes one or two players, but that's not where his job has taken him. For him to be at the top of his game, he has to see as many players as possible, and events like this help.
Hello everybody! Very 1st post on HSB web but I've been a daily reader for about a year. Fantastic site and I cannot begin to tell you how much it's helped us navigate this new baseball journey for our son.
I do have a few questions about the PG showcases: we live just outside Toronto, Ontario. Does PG ever hold showcases in Canada? If not, where would you advise us to attend?
Also, how old should a player be to attend? Our son is quite young (13...14 in July) but, we're told, quite a talented pitcher who has come far only playing baseball for 2 years. What we'd really like to know though is...how does he stack up to other pitchers from the hotbed of baseball talent in the southern states? How else do we go about finding out if he's as good as we're being told? Is attending a PG showcase early going to give us an indication of that?
Oh....this is all so confusing and, being a mama bear...I just want to do the right thing for my son.
Appreciate any and all help you guys care to give me.
Thanks so much!
I do have a few questions about the PG showcases: we live just outside Toronto, Ontario. Does PG ever hold showcases in Canada? If not, where would you advise us to attend?
Also, how old should a player be to attend? Our son is quite young (13...14 in July) but, we're told, quite a talented pitcher who has come far only playing baseball for 2 years. What we'd really like to know though is...how does he stack up to other pitchers from the hotbed of baseball talent in the southern states? How else do we go about finding out if he's as good as we're being told? Is attending a PG showcase early going to give us an indication of that?
Oh....this is all so confusing and, being a mama bear...I just want to do the right thing for my son.
Appreciate any and all help you guys care to give me.
Thanks so much!
