Baseball Factory

I attended the Baseball Factory's Video Session at Jacksonville University a month or so back, and I could offer my experience with you.

1- The level of talent isn't quite what you would you would expect, but of course that can be attributed to an organization that's paid to showcase your player, no matter his skill level.

2- The video session runs several hours, but even for the $500+ fee, your player is only "on the spot" during filming for about 3-5 minutes. Pitchers probably receive the longest attention, throwing about 20 pitches. Outfielders are hit 4-5 balls in the same spot, showing no range, and told to throw home from 300 ft. away. See #1 for why this is a problem. Infielders are hit about 10 balls to throw to first and DPs, but don't expect your fellow diamondmates to make you look good whatsoever. (See #1)

3- I have heard from Baseball Factory once since the session a month and a half ago. That was a call initiated by myself 3 days after the session to get pre-lim reports. I tried e-mailing the area supervisor twice, to no avail. I have no word on how the video is coming, but even when it is, I believe I could have accomplished greater effect with a video camera, basic software, and a cd burner for considerably less money.

HOWEVER, the people were very nice and helpful THERE, and you would have to ask college coaches about how much they really pay attention to Baseball Factory CD-Rom's and evaluations. Overall, I would look for other opportunities before I would attend Baseball Factory.


PM Me if you have any more questions.

WaGs

C.O. 2005

Sadly this topic has been annually revisited on this sight. If Bob only had archives.

Generally the conclusion always plays out the same. Baseball factory high priced, well advertised, smooth marketers who generally targets/gets the "baseball scholarship" neophites. I myself was on 5 years ago.

I'd venture to say you can't find one person who went with the other more reputable (my opinion) showcase companies and also had experience with the baseball factory who would say they were the better option for their son.

Bottom Line: Let the buyer beware. Getting on this site is a good first step.

Oh, by the way most colleges chunk video tapes in the trash without opening them or so I have heard!

We've always understood to only send a video when requested by a college/university. My oldest son was contacted by 15-20 schools, somewhat talked with 8-10, and was actively recruited by 5-6. Of all of those, 5 requested videos, and of those 5, only 2 were part of the "seriously interested" crowd.

By the way, and for what it's worth, our video was done by Skillshow at a PG Showcase and one coach remarked it was the best-done video he had ever received.

The "open tryout" you referred to at the Baseball Factory is also known as the "open checkbook" by many baseball coaches. Take that for whatever it's worth. Regarding videos - ONLY send them if requested. You may inform the coach in your cover letter that you have one, but do not send one unless asked. Stay away from the colorful graphic displays, music, etc. Simple and short is best and use a VHS format - CD's are a hassle for most coaches.

The "tryout" my son attended was free, as advertised in the local "fish wrap". When we arrived they were finishing up a morning session that was evidently the $400+ video tryout. These players left, not participating in the "open" tryout.
They did a pro style tryout then a informational talk to the parents, giving the sales pitch... cheapest option was around $750.
My son's a soph., so I think we"ll stick with Impact here in NC and PG next year. For $750 - $1000 he can attend alot of winter college camps like we've done in the past.