Becoming a PO

I'd imagine there are OF already on that 17U team who want to be seen in their position as well. Most younger kids who are POs add value and depth to the rotation and it offers the them some exposure at that level. My son did it for a few years and the primary benefit to him was the experience playing with older kids/talent rather than the scouting/exposure advantage. 

Does he get to play other positions on other teams? I'd be worried about lack of at bats, or isn't that an issue?

I would say it really isn't an issue playing other positions as he will get that from his high school team. It's just a change in expectations in playing time, and getting used to serving in that role on a team. I'm imagining it should cut my travel costs quite a bit, but I'm sure he will want to be there some as a base runner etc to be a part of the team. More than anything it's probably just dad trying to understand how something new works!lol

You have to explain the expectation clearly, otherwise the kid may get really frustrated. One of my son's friend, a 6'3 200lb righty as a 15 yo, got to play with our 17U team last summer. Exactly like yours, he's been told that he'll be PO and will not field or bat if he plays with the 17U. He liked the idea of playing with older kids and the honor/bragging rights it brought. However, at the end of the season, I met his parents and they told me that he's not happy and will quite the team. He didn't expect that as a PO, he only get to play once a week, and will be sitting on the bench all other games. He asked the coach many times to bat, the coach just stared at him and said "no". Once he went to batting warm up with other players, and coach called him back and said "what are you doing here? let the batters warm up." One time he was so bored sitting in the dugout, he was chatting and laughing with another pitcher, the coach called him out and said "shut up and pay attention to the game!"

Anyway, he quit the team and joined another (probably lower tier) team when they promised him that he'll get some at-bat. I think he's just not ready to be a PO, although his body type and skill level says he should be a PO eventually.

Now that I think about it, my son was a PO for his varsity team last year. Didn't get to bat. But his coach worked with the freshman team so he got to play third and catch (which he prefers anyway) for freshmen, and bat. Games were at different times, and they told him every Monday when he would play where for the rest of the week so he never pitched/caught same day.

He had an open invite to be in the dugout for all varsity games, not just the one per week he pitched in. Never thought of it as being PO though because he still got a variety of experiences. He would have hated TRULY being a PO.

Sometimes we adults plan to much for kids futures and all they want to do is play.  Our son was primarily a closing pitcher is junior and senior year.  His Junior year he did go down and play and pitch some.  In one instance he was pitching for the jv team, the kid hit a foul ball almost to the third base dugout .  Our son ran it down, before the 3rd baseman could get there.  One of parents of a fellow jr. said " is he going to play every position."  I said "He would, if they would let him."

i think we understand what will be expected and how things will go. More than anything I am curious how the travel will coordinate and how easy it will be to show up as needed and still feel part of the team. He knows it will be different not being with his old crew, but he wound up getting limited non pitching time last season even tho he hit well when called on. He also has a sensation of pride playing up and knows that he will have more advanced players behind him on the older team so I think he's good with all that. I think he will get plenty of two way playing on his high school team so I think by summer he will be good be PO...just trying to learn how all that works!

That is a very good question to ask the organization because at that age, you will start to see some varying and very different philosophies.  With son's Scout team, PO's were scheduled well in advance.  They were welcome to show up only at games they were to pitch and were also free to come and go during that game.  With most summer college programs, PO's are expected to be in attendance at all games, same as position players, even when they were not scheduled to pitch and are certain not to throw that day.  Of course, HS PO's are expected to be part of the team and be there at all times.  With club/showcase teams of that age, I have seen it handled both ways and some variations in between.

I guess the way it's been explained to us, he will know when he will throw and we are free to come and go as we are needed. We've been told he's welcome to be there to pinch run and be on the bench as he wishes. I guess more than anything I'm asking to those who have done it, how their sons enjoyed it the first year when not playing every day if if there are any pitfalls to be aware of. He pitched 2 games with these kids last year and the catcher is awesome so he is excited about having the increased talent all around backing him up!

I think it really depends on the kid and the age.  Some kids like playing position more and could not even imagine being only a pitcher.  Some kids LOVE to pitch and don't really mind too much.  Many kids fall somewhere in between.  My son grew up as a SS and a pitcher.  When he got to around 15, it started to become apparent that pitching would be the way for him to go.  He was a great SS, but his bat was inconsistent.  He didn't like it a whole lot when he stopped playing SS when he wasn't pitching, but he understood.  Plus, if he had his choice between playing the field and pitching, pitching was what he wanted to do.  I asked him once around this time if he had to make a choice between playing every day  or pitching, what would he want to do.  His answer "Why would I not pitch?"  It's what he loves.  He still played SS occasionally on the travel team and still played SS on the HS team, but his destiny was pitching, so he took it well.

So, it really comes down to the individual kid as to how they will respond.

bballman posted:

I think it really depends on the kid and the age.  Some kids like playing position more and could not even imagine being only a pitcher.  Some kids LOVE to pitch and don't really mind too much.  Many kids fall somewhere in between.  My son grew up as a SS and a pitcher.  When he got to around 15, it started to become apparent that pitching would be the way for him to go.  He was a great SS, but his bat was inconsistent.  He didn't like it a whole lot when he stopped playing SS when he wasn't pitching, but he understood.  Plus, if he had his choice between playing the field and pitching, pitching was what he wanted to do.  I asked him once around this time if he had to make a choice between playing every day  or pitching, what would he want to do.  His answer "Why would I not pitch?"  It's what he loves.  He still played SS occasionally on the travel team and still played SS on the HS team, but his destiny was pitching, so he took it well.

So, it really comes down to the individual kid as to how they will respond.

Man, I can see this coming. 2019Son's attitude is very much like bballman's son in the bolded text, but OTOH he got called up to varsity as a PO for a weekend, didn't get to play, and the first thing he said to me in the car was "I could totally hit that kid!" (referring to the other team's pitcher), and after the weekend he told me "I don't think I could be a PO."  So he's not quite there yet, mentally. It appears that 2019Son's high school team likes him more as a pitcher -- or maybe they perceive the need more on that side -- and I can see it heading to where he is primarily a pitcher for them. For his travel team he has been available to pitch only once (due to pitching for his HS program), so he's been a position player for them. Going to be interesting to sit back and watch it play out.

And my son is right there too! He pitched up a couple games last season and dominated a couple pretty good teams, so he is excited to be stepping up even more this summer from the get go! He wants to pitch first and foremost because not only is it him vs the other team, but him vs the other pitcher.  He knows if he only gives up a run or two, the other guy has to do the same to give his team a chance and he wants to beat you head to head....favorite trait about my kid to this point in baseball!

You have to remember that the travel coach is trying to get as many seen as he can.  So most summer programs limit players to one position only as it should be. Mine became a pitcher only after his freshman year and that is how it was until his Senior season.

Son was expected to be at every game regardless of whether he pitched or not so make sure you get clarification.

Our experience was like TPM's.  Son was PO for most of the summers.  Led to some really great experiences for him. Played on a state all star team for a week.  Pitched for other teams in big events.   Solid POs are in high demand.  No drama when you get asked to pitch for a team unlike a position player where your presence means someone is on the bench  

Son really embraced it and had fun. The POs really set the tone for the team in the dugout so coaches at all levels want great team guys there. My son never missed a game or tournament even though he knew he was only going to pitch.  

He is fortunate to play a position or DH when not pitching for his HS team. He has the best of both worlds. 

Son's HS teammate was top power hitter on team and one of top hitters on summer team. Considered "Ace" on HS team and One of three Aces on his summer team. (was P/1B on HS and P/1b/OF on summer team). Turned down ACC 25% offer early as he would be a PO. He ended up at a top Academic D1 and will be a PO (#3 starter) for freshman year.

During recruiting process with college he thought he would be DH for other pitchers when he didn't pitch. Apparently no hitting or fielding for him this year, though team still has him taking batting practice so he won't "lose it."

My only personal relationship with PO's was my brother, he was a freshman starter in college, worked his way to the top of the rotation, pitched first game of play-offs and then first game of NCAA regional...then quit. He said PO's sucks, he would rather not play anymore. Transferred to lower school, played field and was a closer. The PO's on my sons squad just kind of come and go on the weekends depending when they are scheduled.

There is a place for Po in travel ball, at 15u kid playing 17u as PO wouldn't pass the smell test to me. If he has any talent at a minimum he should be playing on 2 teams, one where he is a player and doesn't pitch and the 2nd where he is a PO. I assume the boy is a freshman, let him be a kid, love the game. PO will be there in the future if that is his role.

Well my son did pretty well being a pitcher only. He wasn't happy at first with this but I do believe that concentrating on pitching paid for his college education. He also slow as a turtle in those awkward years. He also remained healthy. As a senior they let him loose and he played first and DH.

Not every situation is for everyone. 

2019Dad posted:

bballman posted:

I think it really depends on the kid and the age.  Some kids like playing position more and could not even imagine being only a pitcher.  Some kids LOVE to pitch and don't really mind too much.  Many kids fall somewhere in between.  My son grew up as a SS and a pitcher.  When he got to around 15, it started to become apparent that pitching would be the way for him to go.  He was a great SS, but his bat was inconsistent.  He didn't like it a whole lot when he stopped playing SS when he wasn't pitching, but he understood.  Plus, if he had his choice between playing the field and pitching, pitching was what he wanted to do.  I asked him once around this time if he had to make a choice between playing every day  or pitching, what would he want to do.  His answer "Why would I not pitch?"  It's what he loves.  He still played SS occasionally on the travel team and still played SS on the HS team, but his destiny was pitching, so he took it well.

So, it really comes down to the individual kid as to how they will respond.

Man, I can see this coming. 2019Son's attitude is very much like bballman's son in the bolded text, but OTOH he got called up to varsity as a PO for a weekend, didn't get to play, and the first thing he said to me in the car was "I could totally hit that kid!" (referring to the other team's pitcher), and after the weekend he told me "I don't think I could be a PO."  So he's not quite there yet, mentally. It appears that 2019Son's high school team likes him more as a pitcher -- or maybe they perceive the need more on that side -- and I can see it heading to where he is primarily a pitcher for them. For his travel team he has been available to pitch only once (due to pitching for his HS program), so he's been a position player for them. Going to be interesting to sit back and watch it play out.

Unfortunately one will play where they tell you to play or you go find another team.

It takes getting used to but the rewards will be worth it. 

Thanks that's how we view it. He is playing on a better team with older more advanced kids so we see where the trade off is. I have talked with his coach about it in detail, and I like that he is trying to get all the kids the most and best exposure and field time he can. I guess it's a part of growing up and leaving little league mentality behind. Son seems to be good with it and I watched him interact in dugout last year when he pitched with these kids and it was all good!

Here is how our organization handles POs.  A schedule is posted toward the end of the week (wed or thurs) listing all the games we are playing that weekend.  We generally have 3 teams playing at any age level in a given weekend.  You could be placed on any of the three teams.  POs are assigned to teams based on the best chances of exposure for the pitcher followed by team needs.  For example if school A has expressed an interest in a pitcher and we are playing at a field where school A will be watching games for the weekend, the PO is sent to that field.  On the schedule is listed the games you need to attend.  There is no need to attend any other games then the ones you are listed on.  There is no blowback if you do not attend a game you are not listed for.  If you attend your listed games and end up pitching your limit you are free to head home after that game.  Even if you are listed as being needed for another game.  Again, no blowback if you went the distance in game one and are listed on the roster for game 2.  You are free to leave.  Though most kids stay.  

Two way players work similar.  For the most part we only play on weekends.  A two way player is listed as a pitcher on one of the two days.  They report to the fields where they are listed as a player.  Once they pitch they are usually done for the day, unless the coach feels they will need an extra fielder.  The general rule is once you pitch, you are done for the day.  It very rare for them to ask a kid to stick around, but it does happen if there is injury, sickness, or someone is going to miss a game for some reason.   On your non pitching day, you report to the team you are assigned to as a fielder.  If you are listed as playing a fielding position the expectation is that you are there all day.  Even if you are not going to get in the game (very rare) you are expected to be at the fields with the team you are assigned to all day long.

2019lefty, looks like you are newish to the boards.  One thing I noticed is that your son is playing up.  Its something you are going to need to really think through as you move forward with his HS baseball career.  I know at the younger levels to the kids its an honor to be "playing up".  As  you move through the HS exposure phase its not always an advantage to be playing up.  In the past I have seen where many of the younger kids are ignored for those who are in their Jr year of HS.  For instance, my son is a 2017 grad.  When we was a HS freshman he, and a select few other players, were invited to our programs yearly private winter showcase.  There were about 30 college coaches there.  They worked through the showcase in graduation year order.  By the time the frosh went through the showcase they were down to about 5 coaches.  I would say only about 15 of them stuck around to see the soph's as well.  

Last year as we played, I noticed that most of the college guys were pretty disinterested in any of the underclassman unless they were a stud (ie lefty pitcher throwing upper 80s with lots of movement and great control).  They were however, fairly alert and interested in the games in which the 2016s were playing and gravitated towards those fields.  I also noticed that if a kid was playing up with them and they noticed that on the roster they were provided, they lost interest in watching the kid

I guess what I am getting at is this, playing up is not going to guarantee you more exposure.  In fact it may hinder some exposure.   Some of the kids I know who have been playing up are now having problems finding a team that will take them this year as their teams have now aged out.  They didn't get the amount of exposure they expected and are now attempting to find a team that has room for them and plays in the right places.  Most of those teams in this area are already filled with returning players.

TPM posted:

2019Dad posted:

bballman posted:

I think it really depends on the kid and the age.  Some kids like playing position more and could not even imagine being only a pitcher.  Some kids LOVE to pitch and don't really mind too much.  Many kids fall somewhere in between.  My son grew up as a SS and a pitcher.  When he got to around 15, it started to become apparent that pitching would be the way for him to go.  He was a great SS, but his bat was inconsistent.  He didn't like it a whole lot when he stopped playing SS when he wasn't pitching, but he understood.  Plus, if he had his choice between playing the field and pitching, pitching was what he wanted to do.  I asked him once around this time if he had to make a choice between playing every day  or pitching, what would he want to do.  His answer "Why would I not pitch?"  It's what he loves.  He still played SS occasionally on the travel team and still played SS on the HS team, but his destiny was pitching, so he took it well.

So, it really comes down to the individual kid as to how they will respond.

Man, I can see this coming. 2019Son's attitude is very much like bballman's son in the bolded text, but OTOH he got called up to varsity as a PO for a weekend, didn't get to play, and the first thing he said to me in the car was "I could totally hit that kid!" (referring to the other team's pitcher), and after the weekend he told me "I don't think I could be a PO."  So he's not quite there yet, mentally. It appears that 2019Son's high school team likes him more as a pitcher -- or maybe they perceive the need more on that side -- and I can see it heading to where he is primarily a pitcher for them. For his travel team he has been available to pitch only once (due to pitching for his HS program), so he's been a position player for them. Going to be interesting to sit back and watch it play out.

Unfortunately one will play where they tell you to play or you go find another team.

It takes getting used to but the rewards will be worth it. 

 

Of course. 

Down the line a year or two, it will be a somewhat unusual situation if it ends up that he is a PO for his high school team and a position player for his travel team, but of course he'll play wherever they need him.

TPM posted:

You have to remember that the travel coach is trying to get as many seen as he can.  So most summer programs limit players to one position only as it should be. Mine became a pitcher only after his freshman year and that is how it was until his Senior season.

Son was expected to be at every game regardless of whether he pitched or not so make sure you get clarification.

This is pretty much the answer. Often, it is a very hard adjustment to make - bot h for your kid and you. My son has just become a PO on his summer team. In reality, he has a strong bat - will hit 3 or 4 on his high school team - and is a better hitter than at least half of the starting line up. However, that doesn't matter. He's also an OF that runs an 8.10 60. While a strong hitter, he isn't guy blasting it over fences on a regular basis. We recently attended our first PG tourney with this team. It was my son's first PG event. He only pitched 1.2 innings in a pool game because he was being saved for brackets. We blew a bottom of the seventh lead in the quarters and he left the tourney with just the 1 and 2/3 IP. He got one at bat in a pool game off the bench.

I have to admit it was a little difficult making a long trip to only see him in the game for less than two innings. However, in that simple 1.2 IP, he put up a big velocity number which has already paid dividends in over a dozen inquiries to his HC. That was the purpose and it was met. While it might have been fun to play more, this would have meant taking at bats away from kids who are trying to garner attention as position players. It may be boring for long stretches at a time, but that's just the way the cookie crumbles. He's fine with it because he understands why he is there.

Like TPM's kid, PO's are expected to be at every game and be a part of the team on every level.

We had the "save him til Sunday" situation last year one weekend. He got zero field time that one so I understand how that goes. After a talk last night with his coach for the summer coming up, he told me his ideal situation is to have 5 POs and 11 position players so he can get max exposure for all. That it would be unfair for my kid to take away exposure time for someone who can't pitch, when he will get his time on the mound for certain. He said my son will throw early in the tournament, and perhaps late as well. His goal is not so much to win a tournament but to get all the kids seen where they are at their best. I like the logic as it makes sense to me. He is an athlete so he may play outfield or a little first base for his high school but with his height and left handedness, I know the mound is where he will earn his chance to advance beyond high school

roothog66 posted:

I have to admit it was a little difficult making a long trip to only see him in the game for less than two innings.

 

Wait till your son gets to college and he is a relief pitcher!!  You have no idea how many games I've sat thru hoping to see my son get in the game and the situation never called for it.  How many times we've decided to go to the DH on Saturday, skipping the Friday night game and he got in Friday night, but not Saturday...  The life of the parent of a college relief pitcher is filled with questions, uncertainty and watching many games with no action at all.  

I still love it though.  I love watching his team play and rooting for the kids I have talked to and the kids of the parents I have become friends with.  

Remember turning PO in college after hitting in the 3 or 4 spot all through HS. It was a rude awakening for me. BTW, not a big fan of PO's in HS. 

2019Dad posted:

TPM posted:

2019Dad posted:

bballman posted:

I think it really depends on the kid and the age.  Some kids like playing position more and could not even imagine being only a pitcher.  Some kids LOVE to pitch and don't really mind too much.  Many kids fall somewhere in between.  My son grew up as a SS and a pitcher.  When he got to around 15, it started to become apparent that pitching would be the way for him to go.  He was a great SS, but his bat was inconsistent.  He didn't like it a whole lot when he stopped playing SS when he wasn't pitching, but he understood.  Plus, if he had his choice between playing the field and pitching, pitching was what he wanted to do.  I asked him once around this time if he had to make a choice between playing every day  or pitching, what would he want to do.  His answer "Why would I not pitch?"  It's what he loves.  He still played SS occasionally on the travel team and still played SS on the HS team, but his destiny was pitching, so he took it well.

So, it really comes down to the individual kid as to how they will respond.

Man, I can see this coming. 2019Son's attitude is very much like bballman's son in the bolded text, but OTOH he got called up to varsity as a PO for a weekend, didn't get to play, and the first thing he said to me in the car was "I could totally hit that kid!" (referring to the other team's pitcher), and after the weekend he told me "I don't think I could be a PO."  So he's not quite there yet, mentally. It appears that 2019Son's high school team likes him more as a pitcher -- or maybe they perceive the need more on that side -- and I can see it heading to where he is primarily a pitcher for them. For his travel team he has been available to pitch only once (due to pitching for his HS program), so he's been a position player for them. Going to be interesting to sit back and watch it play out.

Unfortunately one will play where they tell you to play or you go find another team.

It takes getting used to but the rewards will be worth it. 

 

Of course. 

Down the line a year or two, it will be a somewhat unusual situation if it ends up that he is a PO for his high school team and a position player for his travel team, but of course he'll play wherever they need him.

My response was directed towards old school.

There is nothing wrong with being a PO.  

bballman posted:

roothog66 posted:

I have to admit it was a little difficult making a long trip to only see him in the game for less than two innings.

 

Wait till your son gets to college and he is a relief pitcher!!  You have no idea how many games I've sat thru hoping to see my son get in the game and the situation never called for it.  How many times we've decided to go to the DH on Saturday, skipping the Friday night game and he got in Friday night, but not Saturday...  The life of the parent of a college relief pitcher is filled with questions, uncertainty and watching many games with no action at all.  

I still love it though.  I love watching his team play and rooting for the kids I have talked to and the kids of the parents I have become friends with.  

With my son being a freshman and him not knowing yet if he's a SP or RP and the college season starting this week, I am not looking forward to this part.  But definitely looking forward to watching every game that I can and watching the team play. 

As to the OP, couldn't provide feedback as to being a PO in travel or hs as my son didn't become a PO until he was in college.  He really liked playing both 1B and P in hs and travel but knew he'd be a PO eventually and accepted it. 

We will be seeing what happens with our college freshman.  He was mainly closer po. in jr and sr year on his high school team, but summer played position and pitched.  He is getting pitching time and playing at 2nd base.  We'll see how things go.  We are 9 hours away, we will travel some but, all home games are on a webcast.

TPM posted

My response was directed towards old school.

There is nothing wrong with being a PO.  

I don't think I suggested there was anything wrong with a PO.

What I suggested is being a 15u PO on a 17u showcase doesn't seem to be a great idea...I will stand by that comment. As the father of a 15u and 17u player not only I will I stand by it I will tell you it is no-brainer. a step more, I would suggest any kid at 15u who is an athlete not just pitcher would be at least one year early for PO consideration probably 2  unless he is a top 10% type kid.

I also find Freshman and sophomores verbally committing to college silly so take it for what it is. I also think people are foolish in chasing money and scholarships from a game that is underfunded...

I also suggested a 15u could play on 2 teams so he could stay in touch with a being a real player for as long as possible.

none of these statement seem controversial at all in my mind.

OLD_SCHOOL

Sent you a PM early just to explain our situation.....LMK your thoughts after you read that! Thanks!

sorry old school that reply shouldn't have been directed to you...my mistake

This topic is very familiar to my son's experience. He tried out for his current summer team before the 16U season as an OF and RHP. After the tryout the coach came over and said they were interested in offering him a PO slot. He was more impressed with son's pitching arm than as an outfielder and his bat, which was assessed from about 8 swings of front toss in a cage.  They are a reputable team, and have done well developing pitchers, so a PO spot with them was attractive.  I was not comfortable with it at his age and with the skills I felt he had. Before accepting, I did some research and internet searching trying to get feedback similar to what this thread is now doing. I asked him what he wanted and he was fine accepting this role, justifying that he would be a 2-way player and get plenty at bats in the HS spring and summer seasons.  I would say if your son can and wants to contribute as a 2W player and doesn't throw 90, he should avoid the PO assignment in high school. To this day, I still don't like it and feel  we "settled" when we could have played for many other teams, many who still call him to fill a spot for weekend tourneys.

I heard a secondhand, funny story about a local kid who went to SDSU to play for Tony Gwynn. The kid was a SS and RHP and had been told that he would have a shot at being a two-way player in college. Apparently, the first week of practice he got in the cage, took one swing in front of Gwynn, who interrupted and said "PO! Get out." Or words to that effect. Worked out in the long run, though, as the kid was drafted as a RHP in the first 5 rounds and is now doing well in MiLB.

Love the tempo and comments. I guess we didnt really consider the negatives of being a PO on a 17u showcase team. Then again, he played on a 15u or 16u and played up at tournaments for the upper age teams when they needed him so we never really leap-frogged his age group for the most part. Hell, he struck out most of those older guys and never really got touched up in those games anyway. He liked the measuring stick. He became a real PO only his Sr year as he wanted to be at his best to try and help win a 6A championship for the team. While he was a very good OF and MIF, his bat wasnt awesome(and he knew that). He got it and made that choice.  What i do know is this, he wanted to get a scholarship at a Power5 and PO was his best bet, so he took that route. It works out for some folks.

old_school posted:

TPM posted

My response was directed towards old school.

There is nothing wrong with being a PO.  

I don't think I suggested there was anything wrong with a PO.

What I suggested is being a 15u PO on a 17u showcase doesn't seem to be a great idea...I will stand by that comment. As the father of a 15u and 17u player not only I will I stand by it I will tell you it is no-brainer. a step more, I would suggest any kid at 15u who is an athlete not just pitcher would be at least one year early for PO consideration probably 2  unless he is a top 10% type kid.

I also find Freshman and sophomores verbally committing to college silly so take it for what it is. I also think people are foolish in chasing money and scholarships from a game that is underfunded...

I also suggested a 15u could play on 2 teams so he could stay in touch with a being a real player for as long as possible.

none of these statement seem controversial at all in my mind.

So a PO is not, in your opinion a real player?

This is a site to help people understand the process and to help them to understand how you can get scholarships, and it doesn't have to be all athletic.

my 2018 keeps getting pulled into the PO category as well by his travel and HS coach...not sure if he is saying it to him for Sh^ts and giggles because after 2018 states he is not, then coach says, "i know you are not, i'm just JK"...son hits over 80 exit velo, runs 7 flat and can gun the ball from the OF...but is also 6'1 and can throw from the mound as well...who knows, but 2018 (only 15) is definitely not ready for it...not sure i am either...hopefully, i won't have to watch that anytime soon

TPM posted:

old_school posted:

TPM posted

My response was directed towards old school.

There is nothing wrong with being a PO.  

I don't think I suggested there was anything wrong with a PO.

What I suggested is being a 15u PO on a 17u showcase doesn't seem to be a great idea...I will stand by that comment. As the father of a 15u and 17u player not only I will I stand by it I will tell you it is no-brainer. a step more, I would suggest any kid at 15u who is an athlete not just pitcher would be at least one year early for PO consideration probably 2  unless he is a top 10% type kid.

I also find Freshman and sophomores verbally committing to college silly so take it for what it is. I also think people are foolish in chasing money and scholarships from a game that is underfunded...

I also suggested a 15u could play on 2 teams so he could stay in touch with a being a real player for as long as possible.

none of these statement seem controversial at all in my mind.

So a PO is not, in your opinion a real player?

This is a site to help people understand the process and to help them to understand how you can get scholarships, and it doesn't have to be all athletic.

 

Pitchers and players are different, that is why they don't cross over at higher levels (at least with very few outliers) it is isn't a right or wrong. IMO a 2019 grad doesn't need to commit to being a pitch only at this time if he can play other places and wants to play other places...but no a pitcher isn't a real player just the same as a position player isn't a real pitcher.

IMO it is an age issue not a player issue.

This site does help people understand the process but at the end of the day if you are after scholarship money baseball is a poor choice, that isn't my opinion that is a fact. I don't make the rules or set the budgets.

old school,

I am not really understanding what you are saying. I am not disagreeing with you.  PO usually are identified early and coaches don't usually separate PO unless they really feel that you have PO stuff or will someday.

BTW, POs usually get really nice money.  So as much as we didn't like the PO role for son early...it paid off bigtime.

I think POs in travel ball, which is why I started this thread, are something that happens a lot. My sons coach for this year said his job is to get these kids as much exposure as they can get and if he had his choice he would have 5 PO and 11 position players in a perfect world. That way everyone would get seen doing what they can where they have the best chance to get to the next level. Last season as a 14u kid who happened to be the most consistent kid on the mound, his playing time in the field was diminished under the story that he was our Sunday pitcher and that allowed a dad coach to get his some more playing time. Right or wrong that's what happened. We had 3 kids hitting above .350 sitting the bench mostly when they didn't pitch while the coaches son couldn't get above the Mendoza line or field a ball in the infield. That was no fun for my son at all! Organizational issue that I couldn't get fixed. At least this year he knows his role as a PO. He can base run all he wants and I can save some travel costs. We are playing pretty high profile tournaments and even though he will only be 15 by then, he's looking forward to the challenge and the fact he will be playing with a better fielders behind him. It does have its place I think in our circumstance. We have already made the decision to accept that designation so it's not something we didn't have a choice in