at what age?

It is Christmas Eve, so I'm not sure how many people will be around to provide advice over the next couple of days, but I'll try and get the ball started.

 

In my opinion, it will depend somewhat on the kid's age and maturity.  As I am sure you are aware, some kids mature quicker then others.  For example, I wouldn't suggest bringing a physically immature 13 year old for an evaluation as he may be behind many of the other kids in strength, size, etc.

 

So, with all of this being said, how old is your son?  Start there and then others will be able to offer advice as well.

 

And a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family.

 

From my exp. I would get an honest opinion after the freshman year in HS. I think the kids need a couple of years on a regulation field and a year of HS and mature a bit.  This gives you plenty of time get a plan together for recruiting, lessons, summer ball.

 

Depending on your area of the country I'm sure some folks here can lead you to a person(s) that can help you. And I would get 2-3 opinions ....

 

 

Wait until high school. While he will probably have more growing to do the potential will be visible. Also, by that point you may receive some unsolicited opinions from people you respect their knowledge of the game. With some kids by high school it just becomes obvious to anyone who knows a little about the game.

thanks for the advice and Merry Christmas to you and your family

my son will be 13 in March

he's 5'6" 135lbs I don't think he's hit his growth purt / full on puberty yet

his voice really hasn't changed not much body hair he's starting to get some acne

so it sounds like it would be best to wait a year or two for an evaluation

he's currently in 7th grade and made the feeder team for his high school in the atlanta metro area

 

 

 

It doesnt  matter what's happening now but what will happen in about 4-5 years from now.  An evaluation will be based on his skills not size so you want him to increase those.
I would go for an evaluation as suggested by his second high school year.
Try to enjoy these years and not worry too much about the future or what everyone else does.

 

bigpatch7, this is very important.  There are so many different talent levels out there between 12 and 14, which is what you should be concerned about right now. Focus on making sure your son gets lots of reps rather then shooting for the best travel team in the world right now.  What he learns these next couple of years will serve him very well in HS.  As TPM said, don't worry about the 6'0" 12 or 13 year old friend of your son.  Focus on increasing your son's knowledge.

 

For what it's worth, this is how I've done things with my son who is a 14 year old freshman in HS as we speak.  I think it's been a better course of action for him.

 

 

If you are in the Atlanta area just keep playing, unless you go into hiding, someone will be evaluating your son.  

Another "it depends" factor is whether the scout's evaluation will change what you're doing.

 

If you take the view that the purpose of youth sports is to help your ballplayer develop toughness and perseverance and other traits that will serve him well in whatever he does later in life, a scout's opinion that he is not a pro prospect might not affect how hard he pursues his goal or how enthusiastically you support his pursuit of it.  

 

The value of his baseball playing is often found in what he learns along the way, what kind of man he becomes, and our relationship, not whether he reaches a particular level in the game.  My willingness to invest in my son's baseball is independent of the negligible probability that he will earn it back as a pro.

I know that the conventional wisdom is to get the evaluation, but I've never really understood why. What do you do with that information?

 

If I had it to do over again, I would take my son to see different levels of college games starting in 8th grade.

 

Emphasize grades, hard work, sportsmanship, community service.

 

Too many people worry about the final destination and miss the fun and excitement of the journey. JMHO.

 

well I guess I just want to know what he has from someone that would really know

whether he has the tools and potential to play at an advanced level

I guess if doesn't make the high school team that might answer it right there and we can go play rec ball instead of pouring thousands of dollars into travel ball

he loves baseball and would still want to play at some level

I think every parent sees their child through rose colored glasses although some are tinted more than others.  I'm think mine are just slightly tinted; I think I have a pretty objective view of my son but maybe my glasses are tinted more than I think??

he's off to a good start by making the high school feeder team and he drew the attention of the varsity coach at the tryout

he's a straight A student and a person of good character but I'm not so sure that this came from baseball as much as it came from his parents basically whether he played baseball or not he'd still be the same person

I do agree that sports teaches work ethic, character, etc.

we've enjoyed the ride so far but if you don't keep your eye on the goal then you can loose your focus

 

thanks for everyones input