My junior CF got his invite on Thursday. Anyone else out there get their's yet?
Dates are June 13 at Baylor and June 26 at Texas A&M.
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excitement in the air .... isn't this a great time of year???
My son got his this weekend. It's an honor for sure. Can't wait to see him out there showing them what he's got. Congratulations to your player. I hope he makes the team!
Congrats oldpitcher! And good luck to the Rock!
Thanks FD! I think we're gonna need all the luck we can get. Rowlett has a pretty strong squad. If we can make the plays, we have a chance, but we can't give them anything. We have to make them earn it.
You gave them a good run, but came up a little short. I was pulling for you guys. There's always next year as the saying goes!!
Come see us if you can convince the girls you need a fix!
You gave them a good run, but came up a little short. I was pulling for you guys. There's always next year as the saying goes!!
Come see us if you can convince the girls you need a fix!
OP and momandcpa,
CONGRATS to your sons this is a great honor and recognition of their abilities.. GOOD LUCK to both of them.
CONGRATS to your sons this is a great honor and recognition of their abilities.. GOOD LUCK to both of them.
Long, long day for the try out. Take drinks, and lunch, not a long break for lunch.
Congrats to those going to the AC tryouts. Wonderful compliment & reward for hard work.
Mine received his a couple of weeks ago
Where is it being held and who is the scout? What team is he with? Rangers?
Congrats to all who were invited.
Congrats to all who were invited.
Awesome, Totally awesome!!!!!!
He is attending the one at Baylor. He plays for the Marshalls in the summer
As I have seen, most parents are proud of the invitation to Area Code.
I have a question. What exactly is Area Code and how does it benifit a particular player?
Congrats on being the select group chosen. Just trying to gain a little knowledge.
I have a question. What exactly is Area Code and how does it benifit a particular player?
Congrats on being the select group chosen. Just trying to gain a little knowledge.
Area code baseball tryouts are sponsored by various major league teams by "area code".
So, in our area the sponsor is the Texas Rangers.
The importance of the invitation means that a major league scout has requested you be invited to the tryout.
And, for a young 15-16 year old ballplayer, that is very exciting. (Mom and Dad, too)
It is paid for by the major league team and there is no cost to the participant.
An area code team is selected from the participants. That team goes to California for the Area Code tournament.
There will likely be a couple of hundred scouts at the tryout including college recruiting coordinators. So, it is a good place to be "seen" not only from an MLB perspective, but for college recruiters as well.
If you make the team that travels to California, you get to play in front of several hundred scouts there, again.
At the tryout, players are timed in the 60, throws from the outfield are clocked and evaluated, pitchers throw and are clocked.
Catchers are timed on their throws to second.
Hitting is also evaluated.
Cuts are made throughout the day and two teams of players remain for an "evaluation game" at the end of the day.
The team that goes to the California Area Code tournament is then selected from that group.
It is an excellent way for a young kid with outstanding baseball skills that can not afford the more expensive commercial showcases to have his baseball skills evaluated.
Probably about 200 participants at the tryout, so it takes a long time to get all the players their opportunites, easily a 10-12 hour day.
It is certainly not fatal to your baseball career if you don't make the team, but when you see ballplayers that you know are very, very good get cut, you begin to get an idea of just how good you have to be to get to the next level.
The good news is that after the scouts establish a players benchmarks, they continue to follow players to monitor their development.
There are many players that never get invited that do well. There are players that do not make the area code team that do well.
There are players that make the team and go to California that never play beyond high school.
If I was interested in helping young ball players obtain their baseball goals, I'd know about Area Code.
So, in our area the sponsor is the Texas Rangers.
The importance of the invitation means that a major league scout has requested you be invited to the tryout.
And, for a young 15-16 year old ballplayer, that is very exciting. (Mom and Dad, too)
It is paid for by the major league team and there is no cost to the participant.
An area code team is selected from the participants. That team goes to California for the Area Code tournament.
There will likely be a couple of hundred scouts at the tryout including college recruiting coordinators. So, it is a good place to be "seen" not only from an MLB perspective, but for college recruiters as well.
If you make the team that travels to California, you get to play in front of several hundred scouts there, again.
At the tryout, players are timed in the 60, throws from the outfield are clocked and evaluated, pitchers throw and are clocked.
Catchers are timed on their throws to second.
Hitting is also evaluated.
Cuts are made throughout the day and two teams of players remain for an "evaluation game" at the end of the day.
The team that goes to the California Area Code tournament is then selected from that group.
It is an excellent way for a young kid with outstanding baseball skills that can not afford the more expensive commercial showcases to have his baseball skills evaluated.
Probably about 200 participants at the tryout, so it takes a long time to get all the players their opportunites, easily a 10-12 hour day.
It is certainly not fatal to your baseball career if you don't make the team, but when you see ballplayers that you know are very, very good get cut, you begin to get an idea of just how good you have to be to get to the next level.
The good news is that after the scouts establish a players benchmarks, they continue to follow players to monitor their development.
There are many players that never get invited that do well. There are players that do not make the area code team that do well.
There are players that make the team and go to California that never play beyond high school.
If I was interested in helping young ball players obtain their baseball goals, I'd know about Area Code.
But when a kid plays in the middle of nowhere, how in the world do you get an invite?
quote:
If I was interested in helping young ball players obtain their baseball goals, I'd know about Area Code.
Actually, I do know a little about Area code games. My question was to gain knowledge from a parents or players perspective.
I guess I should have included this.....
with my question.quote:Originally posted by FormerObserver:
The importance of the invitation means that a major league scout has requested you be invited to the tryout.
So this particular scout in your particular area has extended an invitation on his findings/evaluation or from reference?
quote:So this particular scout in your particular area has extended an invitation on his findings/evaluation or from reference?
It is my understanding that a MLB scout gives your name to the scout running the tryouts and then he decides and gives invites.
I would like to add that it is great exposure and worth going, but the teams were pretty much pre determined. imo Still great exposure.
quote:Originally posted by Bighit15:quote:So this particular scout in your particular area has extended an invitation on his findings/evaluation or from reference?
It is my understanding that a MLB scout gives your name to the scout running the tryouts and then he decides and gives invites.
Whether it is good for the player or not, if I was a scout for a big league club and found a player that I really liked the last thing I would want to do would be to show him to my competing 29 other big league teams and their scouts.
Now obviously that doesn't benefit the player, but I have never really understood this "Area Code" concept.
A major league scout turns in a player he likes to a competing major league scout. Then a whole bunch, like 100
, major league scouts and college coaches show up for the event.I think anything that gives a player an opportunity is great, just never understood the whole hype on this "Area Code" stuff.
How did players get found before "Area Code" games?
Ken, are you going to drag this out or include your objections to this thing? Either way, I'll agree beforehand that the timing of the tryouts -- and further team play -- are tough on select teams, who have scheduled their seasons based on having complete teams at tournaments, during league play, etc.
It is obviously an honor to be selected and good exposure. After all, one of the purposes for summer select is to gain exposure. The questions are -- how will it impact your team? -- and can you gain such composure through your select group?
Congratulations to those that are invited.
OOPS, you're quicker than me!
Either way, I'll agree beforehand that the timing of the tryouts -- and further team play -- are tough on select teams, who have scheduled their seasons based on having complete teams at tournaments, during league play, etc. It is obviously an honor to be selected and good exposure. After all, one of the purposes for summer select is to gain exposure. The questions are -- how will it impact your team? -- and can you gain such composure through your select group?
Congratulations to those that are invited.
OOPS, you're quicker than me!
quote:Originally posted by Panther Dad:
Ken, are you going to drag this out or include your objections to this thing?
I have no objections. I have no concerns. My goals are to catch as many crappie each night and take care of my new young one.
I am a retired select ball coach trying to grasp what I have been missing all along. Hopefully my questions can help me conquer my quest.
quote:Originally posted by Panther Dad:
After all, one of the purposes for summer select is to gain exposure.
In my opinion, that is a parent imposed slogan. If my son choses and is lucky enough to play the game at a high level, my approach to teaching him about exposure would be this.....
no matter where you play, who you play with, or who you play for.........each day you lace up your spikes you are being exposed. No one event, one venue, or one tournament can ever replace how you perform on a daily basis.
Again, this is no knock on these players invitation as recognition for their talents. I can certainly appreciate that.
I just have never understood all the hype about one particular day each year that is supposed to open the gates for the rest of a players career.
I thought you were retired Gut? I see you are at it again. 
When are we starting you son's select team so we can get him ready for Area Code Tryouts in 2023?
When are we starting you son's select team so we can get him ready for Area Code Tryouts in 2023?quote:Originally posted by SWAC:
I thought you were retired Gut? I see you are at it again.
Sorry man, no more coaching for me for a while.
First time in my life I have had a summer without baseball. The fish are bittin', the baby is happy, and the grill is cooking good.
Miss the boys every once in a while but I still get phone calls to get caught up.
Besides, if Gage plays ball, I want to be one of those crazy parents in the stands instead of coaching. You know, where all the fun is.
quote:Whether it is good for the player or not, if I was a scout for a big league club and found a player that I really liked the last thing I would want to do would be to show him to my competing 29 other big league teams and their scouts.
My understanding is that at some trigger point, the player cards are turned into the MLB scouting bureau and made available to all teams.
quote:I just have never understood all the hype about one particular day each year that is supposed to open the gates for the rest of a players career.
Obviously.
Mr. FormerObserver,
Not trying to be contraversial, would you mind sharing your background in baseball and how "Area Code" has directly helped you or ones close to you.
Not trying to be contraversial, would you mind sharing your background in baseball and how "Area Code" has directly helped you or ones close to you.
Herrrrrrre we go. PantherDad = CurrentObserver.
quote:Originally posted by momandcpa:
I can say from my son's experience last year that the Area Code Tryouts gave him the MOST exposure of ANY other event/showcase/tournament he has ever attended. Whether or NOT you make the official team or not, the day was well worth the time and effort! There is absolutely NO doubt in my mind that a fair number of the D1 letters he has received were a direct result of the Tryouts. Again, I feel blessed he has been selected again this year.
Perfect. I appreciate your response. Well said and understandable.
Next question if you may......
What if, for an unfortunate reason, your son did not perform up to par on this particular day? Do you feel the letters would have been less obtainable?
quote:Not trying to be contraversial
Yes, you are, and I am not going to waste my time...........
quote:no matter where you play, who you play with, or who you play for.........each day you lace up your spikes you are being exposed. No one event, one venue, or one tournament can ever replace how you perform on a daily basis.
Ken I think you might have answered your question with your quote, you see I think that the kids we are referring to that has recieved these invites, have been DOING what you would tell your son all along and this is what got them noticed to recieve the invite????? Hope I make sense.
momandcpa and the rest of ya,
You made the right decision for your son to accept the invitation to Area Code tryout.
I'd make it a point to accept ANY invitation to a legitimate MLB tryout.
You don't owe me or Ken Guthrie an explanation...............
You made the right decision for your son to accept the invitation to Area Code tryout.
I'd make it a point to accept ANY invitation to a legitimate MLB tryout.
You don't owe me or Ken Guthrie an explanation...............
FO -- ten more posts to your milestone.
Good timing PDelete.........
Nice subtle, gentle, persasive, nothing like BigDelete at all.
And, now, I will exercise some self-deletion............
Nice subtle, gentle, persasive, nothing like BigDelete at all.
And, now, I will exercise some self-deletion............
quote:Originally posted by FormerObserver:
momandcpa and the rest of ya,
You made the right decision for your son to accept the invitation to Area Code tryout.
I'd make it a point to accept ANY invitation to a legitimate MLB tryout.
You don't owe me or Ken Guthrie an explanation...............
You are correct FO, nobody owes me or anyone an explanation for anything they decide.
Although, I thought this was a discussion board and the was the point.
quote:Originally posted by momandcpa:
I can honestly say that he didn't do his best (whatever that is) last year. As soon as we left the fields, he said, "I wish I could go back in there and give it a go again." I guess they saw potential, though... who knows?
Like FO said, I'm positive that there are MANY (make that countless) talented baseball players that have never attended the Area Code Tryouts. I'm speaking only from my son's experience.
Hope that helps...
It does. Appreciate your response again.
Congrats on your invitation and good luck to your son.
quote:Originally posted by FormerObserver:quote:Not trying to be contraversial
Yes, you are, and I am not going to waste my time...........
Perfect.
Thanks for your response. That gives me something to go by.
Gut, how is the kid doing? I want hime to throw right and bat left; I need a catcher in 2023.
There are probably as many reasons scouts nominate a player to be on the team as there are players.
There's a kid that received an invite on my son's high school team that really did nothing this year on the field (did not even make "All District - 1st or 2nd team or even "honorable mention"). But he has tons of potential - size (6'3"), arm strength, and extrememly FAST. It's hard for some to understand why he got an invitation but I can see why a scout would want to see him in this environment and against players of this caliber.
I understand where Ken is coming from too though. This thing is definitely over-blown - if you get an invitation it is no guarantee of success at the next level and if you don't get an invite it is no reason to hang up your spikes and quit the game.
Good luck to everyone who attends.
There's a kid that received an invite on my son's high school team that really did nothing this year on the field (did not even make "All District - 1st or 2nd team or even "honorable mention"). But he has tons of potential - size (6'3"), arm strength, and extrememly FAST. It's hard for some to understand why he got an invitation but I can see why a scout would want to see him in this environment and against players of this caliber.
I understand where Ken is coming from too though. This thing is definitely over-blown - if you get an invitation it is no guarantee of success at the next level and if you don't get an invite it is no reason to hang up your spikes and quit the game.
Good luck to everyone who attends.
Ken,
Now that we've reached a point in the discussion where some are tuning out, or looking for fireworks -- can you be more specific about your objections, if any, to this type of event? Are you concerned about kids not looking their best? Are you concerned that this opportunity will bring with it unrealistic expectations? Do you see it as a risk for players that have obviously made an impression on at least one baseball guy?
I am truly interested in your overall impression of Area Code tryouts, etc.
-PD
Now that we've reached a point in the discussion where some are tuning out, or looking for fireworks -- can you be more specific about your objections, if any, to this type of event? Are you concerned about kids not looking their best? Are you concerned that this opportunity will bring with it unrealistic expectations? Do you see it as a risk for players that have obviously made an impression on at least one baseball guy?
I am truly interested in your overall impression of Area Code tryouts, etc.
-PD
Crawdad it may not be all about what you did this year but last season as well. The you are referring like you said may have tons of potential. Might just need someone to work with him on fundamentals.