Area Code Tryouts

Here is their website just in case you have not seen it.

http://sports.espn.go.com/insi...ex?page=areacode2009

I am not sure which team is from your area but you can find it by looking around. Tryouts are generally in July.

Tryouts are by invitation only. Find a MLB scout to recommend you and then send in a request to their site.

They are pro style workouts, then they select teams for a game(s) tryout. Afterwards they select the teams for the actual games in Ca.

Good Luck!

Thanks BOF, besides not making a team do you see any down side to attending?

There is no downside only upside for going, do what you have to to get an invite. There will be 100's of scouts at the tryouts. Great way also to see how you stand up against some of the best. My son did not make the team last year and has received lots of attention for just being there.

LTG: The tryout itself is very well attended by both MLB and College scouts. My son did not make the team, but was completely recruited for college out of this tryout. It was the single most important thing he did to get a D1 scholarship.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...Eq9w&feature=related
Love the game:

You will appreciate this old video. With all the recent "back and forth" on the HS web site, I think we need a little humor. The art of Abbott and Costello was "outstanding". The art of playing the game of baseball is also "a sight to see".

Now to your question: If you can complete the player profile on our web site <www.goodwillseries.org>

I will forward to our pro scouts in Forida, who have traveled to Australia.

They can evaluate for a possible tryout with the Oakland A's AC team. No guarantees!

We will also review for the USA Baseball Labor Day Tournament in North Carolina. We have entered 2 teams. "Keep the faith"

Bob Williams

OK, another Area Code question since we are on the topic of Area Code. If your son is a Sr. turning 19 after the Area Code games in Cali., will he still qualify for the June -July Area Code Tryouts and a chance to play in the game?

quote:

Originally posted by azallan:
OK, another Area Code question since we are on the topic of Area Code. If your son is a Sr. turning 19 after the Area Code games in Cali., will he still qualify for the June -July Area Code Tryouts and a chance to play in the game?

If he has graduated, no, he won't. They only take rising seniors, a few rising juniors. Graduated players are not included. If he'll be a senior next year, he might get an invitation.

Thank you for the clarification. I am sure alot of parents could use this info.

This might be a "duh" question, but if the tryout is invite only, how do you get an invite?

"Find an MLB scout to recommend you". How? Where?

You can complete the profile form:

ESPN: Area Code

Also get a pro scout to recommend you.

You can also attend the Area Code Camp and if he does very well, he could be invited to the actual Area Code Tryouts.

Good Luck and enjoy the ride.

Perhaps you can all get Bob Williams to give you a brief history of the Area Code Games, and process. Mr. Williams is the founder of Area Code Baseball, which many of the newer members on here may not be aware of.

As for those Area Code Camps, they've come a long way since Bob organized the very first one. Perhaps he can get you to tell about his 1st ever Area Code Camp. Personally, I liked them better when he ran the camps.

That is what I've been hearing also. Now Mr. Williams and his son are running the Goodwill Series Games. I've been hearing from others that that is an extremely well run program. Also with alot of Talent,Scout and College recruiting activity from his players. Keep up the Great work Coach!

Robert and I appreciate your kind words.

As the founder of the Area Code games in 1987 with 6 teams from California. All players were selected by pro scouts and coached by pro scouts. The players wore the Major league uniforms.

When we travel each year to Australia in December our players wear the uniform of the Cubs, Rays and Brewers and are coached by pro scouts. We play 12 games in 14 days against the professional players.
On completion our coaches will on the players request send letter to the college coaches.

Yesterday at the SSU game, I talked with 16 pro scouts and one Scouting Director, many of whom were at our 1st AC games. It was like "old home" week. A pro scout, then a player who did not make a team reminded me that he did not make a team.

In the first years, I paid any deficit from my real estate earnings. Never charged the players and the buyer Student Sports continues the same policy.

My recommendation is to complete the player profile and find a pro scout who know your talents. He will know the AC scout and make a recommendation.

During my years, I fielded many calls from scouts, HS coaches, college coaches and agents. Actually it was an agent which allowed me to place Albert Pujos
in the games [same year as Beckett].

"Please enjoy the game and learn from you coaches."
I am strong believer of "self teaching".

Bob Williams
<rwilliams@goodwillseries.org>

PS: for the SF Giants fans, Robert signed the "Pandra" to a SSK bat and glove contract

quote:

Originally posted by Bob Williams:
My recommendation is to complete the player profile and find a pro scout who know your talents. He will know the AC scout and make a recommendation.

How? I'm guessing they aren't listed in the yellow pages. ;0 Even if you did have contact info for a pro scout (which I still have no idea how to get) How do you approach him? How can he recommend you if he hasn't seen you play?

What am I missing? Are you saying that in order to even think about attending the tryouts you have to have already been seen by a pro scout?

sandlotmom


You son's HS coach or travel team coach should know who is involved in your area---have them make the call to get an invite

If this doesnt work touch base with me and perhaps I can help you

Sandlot Mom;

TR is correct. Are you close to Nitro, West Virginia.
One our former players, Tim Atkins, lives in Nitro and operates a baseball school.

Bob Williams

Got it. My son will graduate this year so isn't eligible. I was asking for clarification on the process because when he was eligible, we had no idea. It's too late for us now, but perhaps this will help someone else.

Perhaps these links will help

This explains the Area Code process as it is today.
http://sports.espn.go.com/high...ews/story?id=3822121

ESPN has purchased Student Sports, and they now run the Area Code Games. If you log onto their website periodically, you'll eventually find a link to complete a profile.