Coastal Plain League

All I've heard is that the Cape is head and shoulders above the rest of the leagues, but from a casual observer, I a bit lost in how teams actually go about securing players.  I know a significant amount of talent is secured through existing relationships where you will see a particular program send kids to the same league, same team year after year.  I have read that pitching is a little different in that there are often simply too many variables to commit a pitcher early.  As for the Cape, I could not (or simply stopped looking) find how much turnover there was in the pitching staffs, although there appear to be some pitchers that do get plenty of games.  I know coaches may allow a kid to go to a team but may limit their innings.  Would be interested to know more about the percentage of pitcher transactions (i.e. swapping out pitchers) and how they balance pitching quality between the beginning and end of season based on the pitcher turnover (in other words, I have a feeling there are not many stud D1 pitchers that forego other leagues simply hoping for a second half season call up - unless this is pre-arranged).

The owner and manager of the new Savannah team does a good job and is outstanding in promotions. The CPL teams will regularly get players who were signed and released by the Cape once the shuffle of players coming in late from the college world serives arrive.

Reading between the lines over the years on HSBBWeb, I think you'll find many deserving young men that got an opportunity because they deserved it, their college coach advocated for them and their college coach has some "juice".  Some players were able to play at a high level, and others weren't.  Cape contracts can be measured in days for some of the lesser known players, and it isn't easy especially for those that get released.  For those that succeed it is tremendous experience and resume builder.

Truthfully, if your son wants to work toward the goal of playing in the Cape for the summer I think that is a great goal.  Why wouldn't he ask his pitching coach what he needs to do in the coming year to achieve that goal.  I think it is a fair "ask" and it may be possible that he could fill in if a spot becomes available this year or next year.  The Cape teams release players who don't produce, so possibly he could get a chance.   But he has to ask the question and let it be known he's interested.   JMO.

Don't worry about what some other player's opportunity is as that is out of your son's control.  Be thankful that your son has an opportunity in the league he has.  Do you think Justin Verlander is any good?  He played in that league.  Motivate your son that way.  Many kids who play in the Cape never make it in the pros and many kids who never played there succeed beyond their wildest expectations.  Many people would thank their lucky stars their kid got invited to the Coastal Plains League in one of the most gorgeous cities in the country.  Never lament some mythical opportunity you think your son deserves.  Very much be thankful for the wonderful opportunity he has.  

Thank you for the insight, i didnt know about players being released etc. We are excited about Savannah, the proximity and opportunity. I think it is very fair that he ask his coach about the Cape if it is still a lingering issue for him. He is coachable and will go "wherever" they send him. Frankly, i'm not sure he knows much about the summer leagues. We talked about host families and playing but i certainly didnt know enough to share much. Had a local area scout share a bit about the leagues with me and from his perspective he thinks the Cape is where he will end up next year. We will see, i will enjoy watching him play while in Savannah and get to eat some good food in the meantime.

My son played in the CPL two years. He also coached in the CPL. Its an outstanding league and many players who played in the CPL are drafted each year. It is a very competitive league the players really get after it. I still go and watch some CPL games every year. It's very good baseball. As CD said don't worry about where he is playing just be thankful for the opportunity and be ready to compete. It is a very humbling experience for those who are not ready. It is a grind as well. Long bus rides and very long days. There are some very hungry players in that league. You will see kids that are D2 D3 studs looking to show they can play with anyone, and they can. You will see D1 players who are ticked off about their lack of playing time at their school and trying to prove they should have gotten more. You will see D1 guys who are ticked they didn't get placed in the Cape and trying to prove they should have. It's a chip on the shoulder type of league in my opinion. And it makes for some very good spirited baseball. Enjoy.

You probably just received the best advice from 3 of the most knowledgeable and wise men on this entire site....save PG. I was gonna add something but after reading all of their responses there's nothing left to say. Sit back and enjoy the ride. I promise you that when you blink you will wonder where the last 4-5yrs went.

YGD

That is exactly why i keep coming back. I like the chip on the shoulder reference, it fits my son well. Cant wait for spring and then summer.

I know a few kids that played at the cape.  They played there the summer after sophomore year in college; the summer before they were draft eligible.

The two pitchers did well, but not many innings.  Didn't have to.  Both were drafted after their junior year.

A catcher got released.  Quite humbling, I am sure.  His parents said it was not a good experience there.  He quickly got picked up by a CPL team that had lost several catchers for various reasons and had a blast playing with friends that were on the team.  He was also drafted after junior year.

But I had always heard/read here that IF the Cape is an option for your son, you would want to play there right before your junior year.