College Camp for a 10th grader, what to do?

I wouldn't completely shut down....coaches love kids who are great teammates and fun to be around....but he doesn't want to come off acting like a complete goof or coaches may consider him immature and not take him seriously.  Of course if he's a 6'4 lefty already throwing 86 he can do whatever the heck he wants

I never took son to a college camp that he is interested when he was 14.  I took him to schools he will never be interested in so he can get used to the college camp environment and not worry if he's not the best player on the field.  If this is a school he is interested in, he should be himself, but know that he will be with kids that are 17, almost 18 and he is immature, even if he doesn't act like one.  Be as professional as a 14 year old can be and make a great first impression.  It's not summer camp.  Being mature for his age will be a better character that coaches will remember him for when recruiting time comes along.  Specially if he is young for his grade.

He is attending a college camp at a school he has interest in.  So, the objective is to make a good impression on the coaching staff, right? 

My advise would be...  Have fun.  Play hard.  Be yourself.  But be respectful and show that you are serious about your desire to one day make the roster of their baseball program.   

So, what does that last part require?  Put some thought into what you think they may want from players on their roster.  Obviously, they want you to play well.  They also want consistent hustle.  They want a positive attitude, a good dugout guy, a guy who can take care of his grades and other responsibilities.  The want a guy who will be a positive influence in the dugout while not being too much of a distraction from the team's focus.  Mileage may vary.  

Charismatic is great.  "Goofball" is a broad term.  I've seen plenty of "distraction goofball" and I've seen as you've described, where it can be in the form of a positive leader.   So, just keep the goal in mind and be yourself.

nonomimi5 posted:

I never took son to a college camp that he is interested when he was 14.  I took him to schools he will never be interested in so he can get used to the college camp environment and not worry if he's not the best player on the field.

I kind of agree with this if its possible to fit in so a school he cares about isn't his first college camp. Having said that, my son's first college camp was at a school he cared about, but he also knew one of the coaches so that gave him a little comfort level.

As for the goofball portion — as long as it's focused on the game, I think it's okay. Be energetic, be excited for other kids who do well and show it, but always be focused on the instructor or what's happening on the field. It's the kids who start throwing baseballs at bats in the dugout or who are so engrossed in making friends that they don't get to their assigned stations or spot on the field that seem to be a problem.

I would tell him to chill out on the clown show.  People are there to play some Baseball.

I can confidently say he's not as cute as he thinks he is...

I think he should be himself, as long is being himself is not a distraction, and remember that there is pretty much a time for everything.  I always told Ryan that when it was time to play baseball, it was time to play baseball, and that there was plenty of time for clowning around.  The coaches are looking or a baseball player, and not a clown.  By the way, I think Ringling Bros just went out of business, so I don't think the clown business is too lucrative right now. 

Don't be a stiff, but don't be a complete clown either.  Be yourself, but ultimately show them that you are a baseball player.

As I was thinking thru my first response (oops, something backwards about that), it dawned on me... this is one of those great life teaching moments that baseball can present.  He is just coming into that age where he really needs to become aware that different settings, scenarios and environments call for different sets of "correct" behavior guidelines.  

Example - Weddings are fun.  But there is a certain expected behavior.  Wedding receptions are fun.  But there is still another different set of expected behavior.  Know who the pastor is.  Know who the bride and groom are.  Know when it's time to sit and listen respectfully.  Know when it's time to cheer.  Know when it's time to kick off your shoes and dance.

nonomimi5 posted:

I never took son to a college camp that he is interested when he was 14.  I took him to schools he will never be interested in so he can get used to the college camp environment and not worry if he's not the best player on the field.  If this is a school he is interested in, he should be himself, but know that he will be with kids that are 17, almost 18 and he is immature, even if he doesn't act like one.  Be as professional as a 14 year old can be and make a great first impression.  It's not summer camp.  Being mature for his age will be a better character that coaches will remember him for when recruiting time comes along.  Specially if he is young for his grade.

He's not 14, he's 15, and yet still in 10th grade.  I did apologize for giving him an August birthday :-)

It's a low level D1 school that he's Interested in.  He's done baseball factory and some all day clinics so the format shouldn't be too much of a shock.  As for the baseball, he's pretty confident in his skills there. He's not far off the skill set of the recently committed and the actual Roster, I don't see him being overwhelmed by his peers.

His big concern was do I joke around while in line? If I'm laughing and joking around while it's not my turn will the coach think I'm not taking my baseball seriously? Or do I have to keep my eyes forward and not talk to anyone for several hours. Things like that.

Agree with Cabbage.  My 2019 son attended his first camp at a school he was interested in the summer before Freshman year.  He is also a fun kid (I think he's goofy), and also a team leader. I wouldn't overly worry about the goofiness -- once they get in that situation with a mix of so many kids -- many of them 2019s (and maybe some 2018s) -- and realize they're competing, they end up moderating and adjusting to the situation, unless they have no self control.  These camps are serious and that atmosphere will come across.  My son learned so much at that first camp, had fun once he could get the nerves out, got the opportunity to talk to coaches and performed well. Is he going to that school?  No, but it's not because of that camp.  It was actually really great preparation for what was to come.  Please make sure to have a "practice" conversation with him, so he's comfortable if/when he has the opportunity to talk to the coaches.

JMO, but spending money and precious time going to a school you have no interest in seems counterproductive during sophomore year unless you have plenty of money and plenty of time.   

Midwest Mom posted:

Agree with Cabbage.  My 2019 son attended his first camp at a school he was interested in the summer before Freshman year.  He is also a fun kid (I think he's goofy), and also a team leader. I wouldn't overly worry about the goofiness -- once they get in that situation with a mix of so many kids -- many of them 2019s (and maybe some 2018s) -- and realize they're competing, they end up moderating and adjusting to the situation, unless they have no self control.  These camps are serious and that atmosphere will come across.  My son learned so much at that first camp, had fun once he could get the nerves out, got the opportunity to talk to coaches and performed well. Is he going to that school?  No, but it's not because of that camp.  It was actually really great preparation for what was to come.  Please make sure to have a "practice" conversation with him, so he's comfortable if/when he has the opportunity to talk to the coaches.

JMO, but spending money and precious time going to a school you have no interest in seems counterproductive during sophomore year unless you have plenty of money and plenty of time.   

Can you go into more about that practice conversation?

Sure Cherokee - we simply "role played" how to approach a coach, questions he could ask a coach and talked through how he wanted to respond.  We wanted him to be comfortable introducing himself, being able to talk about himself as a player (strengths, things he is working on) and as a student and person.  He thought about what he wanted to say and then just got comfortable saying it out loud.  We talked about what the coaches might ask him (some good stuff right here on the site http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/recruiting_tips.htm and on the USA Today high school recruiting site) and he thought about how he wanted to respond. 20 minutes of prep up front is worth it on the back end -- it just made him better prepared for those conversations at the camp.  Some kids may be naturally great at talking about themselves and having conversations with adults at age 14, and I know everyone is different.  Mine liked the prep and felt more confident for doing it, and after awhile, it comes naturally. 

I believe there is a difference between staying loose (and possibly helping others to do so in the process), and being a nuisance/distraction. My son is also one that I consider goofy--but he, too is a team leader and he keeps other guys loose. For example, it is not at all uncommon for me to look at him on the mound in a pressure situation and see his mouth moving...if I listen closely, I can hear him literally singing a song out loud. Odd? Definitely. Is he unfocused and a distraction? Not at all. I'd tell him "be yourself...respectfully."

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He would have to be a stud to garner any interest at a regular camp.

Tell him to be himself, pay attention, be polite, try to learn something, because in a few years if he attends their prospect camp, he will want them to remember him. 

TPM posted:

He would have to be a stud to garner any interest at a regular camp.

Tell him to be himself, pay attention, be polite, try to learn something, because in a few years if he attends their prospect camp, he will want them to remember him. 

 

Few years?

Whether if he's a 2020, 2018, or a 2030, the basics apply: hustle on and off the field, listen to the coaches carefully (with eye contact), respect everyone, and pick up those who may falter a bit. He's a ballplayer who is a candidate to represent that school on and off the field, so act appropriately.

And bear in mind, as you probably know, that the 2020 recruiting has started.

FWIW: be sure to send thank you emails afterwards.

Cherokeeplayer posted:

TPM posted:

He would have to be a stud to garner any interest at a regular camp.

Tell him to be himself, pay attention, be polite, try to learn something, because in a few years if he attends their prospect camp, he will want them to remember him. 

 

Few years?

Yes. Despite what was posted, 2020 studs are being recruited, most programs (not the power programs) are still wrapping up 19s.  

Is this a regular camp or a prospect camp. If its a regular camp, all age players will be there. They are run by the HC, assistant volunteer coach, and players, this time of year. Most assistant coaches are on the road recruiting until the quiet period begins. You might want to find out because it is the hitting or pitching coach he would want to see him.  But all programs are different.

You say that its a low level D1 that he is interested in, is that where he has set the bar?  

I would tell him to act like a young man who might be serious about this program and not bring attention to himself by being a clown.

JMO

TPM posted:

Cherokeeplayer posted:

TPM posted:

He would have to be a stud to garner any interest at a regular camp.

Tell him to be himself, pay attention, be polite, try to learn something, because in a few years if he attends their prospect camp, he will want them to remember him. 

 

Few years?

Yes. Despite what was posted, 2020 studs are being recruited, most programs (not the power programs) are still wrapping up 19s.  

Is this a regular camp or a prospect camp. If its a regular camp, all age players will be there. They are run by the HC, assistant volunteer coach, and players, this time of year. Most assistant coaches are on the road recruiting until the quiet period begins. You might want to find out because it is the hitting or pitching coach he would want to see him.  But all programs are different.

You say that its a low level D1 that he is interested in, is that where he has set the bar?  

I would tell him to act like a young man who might be serious about this program and not bring attention to himself by being a clown.

JMO

 

 

 

I agree 2019's are being recruited now, doesn't that mean it's a good time to put his name in front of them for next year?

Its being titled a prospect came.  He has emailed the head coach a little bio of himself and let him know he was coming.  Coach sent a generic reply that he was happy to hear it and he'd keep an eye out for him.  Assume that means he will be there. Also assume if the HC likes what he sees he may send his name up the ladder so to speak to at least follow.

Im hesitant to open him up to out of state options when he hasn't proven to be THAT guy.  He's on his way but for now he's not showing massive discount for out of state tuition Skills if you know what I mean.  He keeps saying D1, D1, D1...okay sport, there are 8 in GA.  2 are in Atlanta and he hates the city.  One is three times as much as every other school, so down to 5. One is for super smart gee whiz kids, that ain't him, one is a mile from our house and he is strongly opposed to that option, so that leaves three.  This is the lowest of the three so I figured it was a good place to start.

Ok, a prospect camp, maybe you said and I missed it.

JMO, but he does have a while before things get serious, especially since you say he is a young sophmore.

Good luck.

TPM posted:

Ok, a prospect camp, maybe you said and I missed it.

JMO, but he does have a while before things get serious, especially since you say he is a young sophmore.

Good luck.

 

Appreciate the well wishes. I think there is an absolute zero chance of this being serious right now. This is more of a "okay kid, get your name out there, and check out your competition" exercise.

If he still likes the school I'll take him again next year. If he absolutely hates the campus and the program we get to cross another one off his dwindling list.

There are 7 (?) D1 programs in GA and 14 D2 programs as well as lots of Jucos.

Lots of options.

TPM posted:

There are 7 (?) D1 programs in GA and 14 D2 programs as well as lots of Jucos.

Lots of options.

Sorry, I counted the super smart school as both the smart school and an inner city school.  Yup 7, it's a VERY small list.  I'm rooting for JUCO but it's too soon to bring that into the conversation.

Cherokeeplayer posted:

TPM posted:

There are 7 (?) D1 programs in GA and 14 D2 programs as well as lots of Jucos.

Lots of options.

Sorry, I counted the super smart school as both the smart school and an inner city school.  Yup 7, it's a VERY small list.  I'm rooting for JUCO but it's too soon to bring that into the conversation.

Want to see a small list, come to Iowa. We have one D1 baseball program.

Iowamom23 posted:

Cherokeeplayer posted:

TPM posted:

There are 7 (?) D1 programs in GA and 14 D2 programs as well as lots of Jucos.

Lots of options.

Sorry, I counted the super smart school as both the smart school and an inner city school.  Yup 7, it's a VERY small list.  I'm rooting for JUCO but it's too soon to bring that into the conversation.

Want to see a small list, come to Iowa. We have one D1 baseball program.

Lmao!  It is all about perspective isn't it! Yet another way my kid is spoiled ;-)

Cherokeeplayer posted:

Midwest Mom posted:

Agree with Cabbage.  My 2019 son attended his first camp at a school he was interested in the summer before Freshman year.  He is also a fun kid (I think he's goofy), and also a team leader. I wouldn't overly worry about the goofiness -- once they get in that situation with a mix of so many kids -- many of them 2019s (and maybe some 2018s) -- and realize they're competing, they end up moderating and adjusting to the situation, unless they have no self control.  These camps are serious and that atmosphere will come across.  My son learned so much at that first camp, had fun once he could get the nerves out, got the opportunity to talk to coaches and performed well. Is he going to that school?  No, but it's not because of that camp.  It was actually really great preparation for what was to come.  Please make sure to have a "practice" conversation with him, so he's comfortable if/when he has the opportunity to talk to the coaches.

JMO, but spending money and precious time going to a school you have no interest in seems counterproductive during sophomore year unless you have plenty of money and plenty of time.   

Can you go into more about that practice conversation?

We never did a practice conversation per se, but my 2018 had spent a lot of time with adults, so as long as he remembered that coaches were just adults, he was fine. I would suggest he have kind of a general list of questions for when someone says "do you have any questions" and a prepared answer for "what are you looking for in a baseball program/college?"

At the beginning, it was hard. By the end, son would hang up phone and say "It's his first year, he needs to work on his calls. I kind of had to walk him through it."

Cherokeeplayer posted:

My son is attending his first college camp, it is at a school he does have a serious interest in.  He's wondering how much of himself he should really be. 

He is a young 2020, barely 15.  Should he pretend to be SO SERIOUS or be the big goofball that has always made him a leader on every team he has been on? When it is game time he always goes out 100%, there is no kidding around then, but he's thinking about in the dugout, or while waiting to pitch, how should he act?

He's very charismatic, people are always drawn to him, but he's not sure if he should just be himself or if he has to (and I am actually quoting) "pretend to be an adult".

Thoughts?

Always, have fun and play hard - no other way.  Your cautious  talk about him being "charismatic and being himself" tells me he's not ready. He might not be prepared to go to his college choice camp.  When a player shows up he's got to be in baseball shape, hopefully with some eye popping measurables, and ready to lay it on the line - STAND OUT. 

As a parent you need to gain some objectivity where his skills are; specific feedback from trusted coaches and instructors with where his skills are relative to his peers.  He could be great, but it would be helpful for you to know where he might be relative to his graduating class, so you can help vector his camp and showcase participation.   

And before you go to his preferred college choice camp, make sure you go to another to practice, one that is cheaper and off the grid (no PG or PBR for now).

Have fun. But focus on showing the best baseball skills possible. I never saw a coach time how many laughs per minute a kid gets in the dugout. A coach could also take too much fun as lacking focus. 

A college coach is looking for the best baseball talent he can find. My son’s college coach was described on a tv broadcast as, “He opens his briefcase and he’s all business. His players act the same way.” There are plenty of coaches like this. They’re not looking for comedians. It doesn’t mean the players don’t have fun. It means the priority is focus on winning.

A kid can never lose putting his best game forward, always hustle, looking every coach who speaks to him in the eyes (aka manners and respect) and “shake to break” when shaking hands. When a coach shakes a kid’s hand it’s about more than the handshake.

I think everyone has given great advice.  If you can afford it I would recommend going to a couple of smaller college camps not necessarily at a school that is at the top of his list, but is a backup.  Reason is camps can be intimidating for some players, especially younger.  To have a so-so showing due to nerves at a school he is seriously interested in can't leave a good impression.  Use these first couple of camps to give your son an idea what is going to happen, how to conduct himself, how he compares to others, etc.  Then after a few is under is belt when the important camps open up he will be accustomed to the process and hopefully the nerves are taken out of the equation.

Trust In Him posted:

I think everyone has given great advice.  If you can afford it I would recommend going to a couple of smaller college camps not necessarily at a school that is at the top of his list, but is a backup.  Reason is camps can be intimidating for some players, especially younger.  To have a so-so showing due to nerves at a school he is seriously interested in can't leave a good impression.  Use these first couple of camps to give your son an idea what is going to happen, how to conduct himself, how he compares to others, etc.  Then after a few is under is belt when the important camps open up he will be accustomed to the process and hopefully the nerves are taken out of the equation.

I have to agree with going to smaller school camps. My 2021s just attended a local D2 camp and had a great time and showing. There were 25+ players, all 2018 and 2019s except my 2 2021s. HC made it clear that he was just focusing on the 18s becasue he needed help now. My catcher was told not to expect to catch much becasue he wanted to focus on the upperclass. The other 2 catchers caught 5 total pitchers and mine ended up catching the other 12. My other one usually plays OF and Pitches, HC put him at 3rd and he made a couple of great plays. HC ended up going to 3B and talking to him for about 20 minutes just asking about him and his brother and the family.  After it was over HC summed everything up and sent everyone home. On way out he yelled at my two and told them that he would be coming to watch them play this year. Just never know what can come out of going.