2013,
As MidloDad pointed out, there is a legitimate benefit to having a favorable ranking. I can certainly see why someone would pursue it.
On the other hand, there are poor reasons for desiring a high ranking, as you have pointed out.
While I understand your opinion that people should just be happy that their son is desired, I can't blame anyone for wanting to raise their sons exposure or profile to better their opportunities for baseball and life.
In my sons case, a favorable evaluation at a minor showcase opened up the recruiting floodgates. Sometimes little things mean a lot.
I think we have all assisted in the success of standup's original plan......his goal was to have his son noticed by Perfect Game. I think his mission is accomplished. 
quote:Originally posted by cheapseats:
I think we have all assisted in the success of standup's original plan......his goal was to have his son noticed by Perfect Game. I think his mission is accomplished.
I don't have any evidence that there was that much forethought put into his effort.
CPLZ i understand your point and I agree to an extent. It just seems that standup is too consumed with the ranking. By way of example, 2013 son is a good ball player, but certainly not a PG 9 or 10, not to mention a ranked player. We are going to attend Underclass Showcase in St. Pete in December. We shall see how he rates. But whatever it is, I'll be ok with it, because I will know he did all he could, and if that means he gets a 6, so be it. You won't find me here complaining that my son did this better and that better than some kid who got an 8. I understand "standing up" for your son is an honorable thing, but you can go too far to the point you lose credibility. I truly wish standup jr all the success in the world, as I do every jr. here on this site.
quote:Originally posted by 2013 Dad:
CPLZ i understand your point and I agree to an extent. It just seems that standup is too consumed with the ranking. By way of example, 2013 son is a good ball player, but certainly not a PG 9 or 10, not to mention a ranked player. We are going to attend Underclass Showcase in St. Pete in December. We shall see how he rates. But whatever it is, I'll be ok with it, because I will know he did all he could, and if that means he gets a 6, so be it. You won't find me here complaining that my son did this better and that better than some kid who got an 8. I understand "standing up" for your son is an honorable thing, but you can go too far to the point you lose credibility. I truly wish standup jr all the success in the world, as I do every jr. here on this site.
2013, I think the problem most see here is that standup's kid has not attended any PG showcases. And from the looks of it, only attended one PG event - the Jupiter event. Most people here are saying that if you want a true evaluation and possibly a ranking, get the player in front of those who make those decisions. He should attend a PG showcase and get himself on a team that plays in more high profile events. To be noticed, you have to get in front of those whose notice will matter.
bballman,
I completely agree with that statement. Hence, 2013 Son going to St. Pete in December
I completely agree with that statement. Hence, 2013 Son going to St. Pete in December
Good choice. I think if your kid is any good at all and aspires to play at the next level, at least one PG showcase is in order. Good luck to your son!!
Get good grades, play and work hard on your baseball skills. Go to some showcases and college camps and forget about rankings.....don't fall into the ego quagmire of comparing players. There is always someone bigger, faster, stronger, smarter or better looking.
Most of us that visit this site daily & regularly know the feedback and advice is excellent and honest. This thread was no exception. PG, you did your best! This was a very interesting read with way too much drama...definetly memorable. I really hope the OP will follow through with the advice given, because his son appears to have talent.
It reminded me of quote about statistics I read not too long ago: "He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lampposts—for support rather than for illumination."
It reminded me of quote about statistics I read not too long ago: "He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lampposts—for support rather than for illumination."
My son is a 2012 kid. His stats do not fly off the page. He has plus power. He had a great summer, and has been playing scout ball this fall also. He just accepted a verbal offer to a D1 program. We learned a lot in the process. I firmly believe it is not about stats and rankings, it is what that particular college coach is looking for in that specific recruiting class. They have holes to fill, and our son happend to fit perfectly. They really look at attitude, work ethic and grades - and is your son projectable.
Keep swinging it...
Keep swinging it...
quote:Originally posted by fenwaysouth:
It reminded me of quote about statistics I read not too long ago: "He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lampposts—for support rather than for illumination."
Outstanding!
A kid from our HS conference was at one of those pitcher's bootcamps with my son a couple weeks ago. His HS stats last season as a junior pitcher weren't very good. ERA, WHIP, K/9, you name it.
He and my son long tossed at the camp and I saw the kid do some throwing drills into a net. That was it. The kid is in the 2011 CA draft rankings. It was clear that he deserves to be in the rankings. I can't tell you if he's going to be a successful HS pitcher in the Marmonte league this coming season, but I can tell you he's got serious potential and the scouts will be showing up at his games.
Stats mean very little.
He and my son long tossed at the camp and I saw the kid do some throwing drills into a net. That was it. The kid is in the 2011 CA draft rankings. It was clear that he deserves to be in the rankings. I can't tell you if he's going to be a successful HS pitcher in the Marmonte league this coming season, but I can tell you he's got serious potential and the scouts will be showing up at his games.
Stats mean very little.
i would echo Sdlefty's comments for Chinny Jr. He will sign early next week with DII who has had him on their watch list since 2008. Never have they asked for stats, nor have we offered them. Jr. did go to a PG Showcase- but did not particularly stand out at it. I have know way of knowing whether the DII ever logged on to PG to check him out. They liked mechanics, size, and upside potential (and grades were not going to be and issue). He did go to DII's evaluation camp this summer and performed well. Bottom line, someone has to NEED a player, they have to LIKE what they have SEEN of that player, and the payer has to feel it is a goo FIT for him.
Stats even at the college level are really not a good judge of a kid's ability and do not tell the whole story. It is really a moot point if the kid can't make grades in the fall- because he will never see the field come Spring! Every year top recruits end up inelligible due to academic reasons...But they had might impressive stats back in the sophmore year in High School! What does it matter?
Stats even at the college level are really not a good judge of a kid's ability and do not tell the whole story. It is really a moot point if the kid can't make grades in the fall- because he will never see the field come Spring! Every year top recruits end up inelligible due to academic reasons...But they had might impressive stats back in the sophmore year in High School! What does it matter?
I've kept my mouth shut the remainder of this thread and decided it'd be best to be an onlooker rather than getting involved. I've learned a lot from everyone who has posted here. As a college player who is looking at his future and possibly considering going into some sort of coaching aspect, this sort of thread helps get a gauge of what some things coaches deal with everyday are out there
quote:Originally posted by standup:
b]What are recommendations for non ranked players becoming ranked?[/b]
I have to agree with cheapseats, there was a purpose to the OP's topic. The question could have been asked without all of the links, and standup already knew from other topics the value of attending PG events.
Early signing is just around the corner, I sense some frustration from startup that there just hasn't been enough interest. I asked a question twice and never received an answer. With all these unbeleivable tournaments, were these events not attended by scouts, coaches to watch players? Are these really events that bring those that the player needed to be in front of?
I know there is talent in OK, the cards 2007 first pick is from OK, along with other players from there as well. True the depth isn't there, but there is talent. I don't hink that anyone was disputing that fact and giving info on other players, IMO is just meaningless.
For parents just setting out on the recruiting road, lots of good stuff here, lots of do's and do not's, most I am sure can figure it out for themselves. In our case, attending a perfect game showcase was not about achieveing a high ranking or rating. My opinion is that what is important is what the player learns and takes away from the experience to improve his game, even the 9 and 10's have something to learn about themselves and what to work on. If you approach it with that in mind, and not worry about where your son is ranked, your experience will be so much more pleasant then eating your heart out that there are other players out there who are touted as better and yours hits better, pitches better, plays better competition, etc., etc.
Remember, it's not how we view our players, but how others view them and how they view themselves and I am pretty sure most couldn't care less about most (ratings, rankings, stats) of what we do.
TPM
You have flushed me out of retirement.
As he kindly acknowledged I originally posed my question to PGSTAFF privately twice about a week apart but unknowingly did so at a time that was understandably inconvenient for him. Had it been a more convenient time the post would have never been made.
. Around here nobody even considers early signing for guys that just entered their junior year in high school. Even the recent Marlins MLB draftee Realmuto didn’t commit to OSU until the fall of his senior year as everyone does locally.
Sorry I didn’t answer your repeated question. I guess I missed it while attempting to address the 50 or 60 posts. As for the tournaments played in my son doesn’t pick them and just goes as part of the team. He is fortunate his coach makes a great schedule. I have met a couple of juco coaches at those events that told me they thought he could play and gave me their card and later reviewed his videos before calling me to express verbal interest. No tournaments compare to PG’s visibility from what I’ve seen. Though it is no big deal 29 college coaches have been in communication with my son including a half dozen personal emails and phone calls. You can see on his page that 62 coaches have viewed his profile and they all send questionnaires and camp invitations. At his favorite D1 School, he loves the coaches and they seem to really like him. I have never met them and stay out of the way. They have seen him almost every week this fall when he was not traveling.
I have been positive about all of the players mentioned and they were mentioned only because another poster questioned the quality of the pitching.
When I see undrafted guys like Brendan McCurry from Roff Oklahoma hit 130 homeruns in high school including 47 in 72 games and play for the Elk City Travelers with an ERA of 1.01 and twice as many extra base hits as strikeouts in a season, I have no illusions about my son’s (or most anyone’s) future in baseball but that’s what he loves to do and its taught him a lot of good life lessons.
It is pretty obvious to me that a PG ranking is valuable to a player, particularly if they develop to the point they are draft quality at the end of high school. Like many have said it’s not what you do but what they see u do and the endorsement of the most respected scouting service is a huge deal even if some guys can make it without it. The flip side is even with it you have to perform or it doesn’t matter. By the way, there is a PG nationally ranked 2011 player on his own team that my son beat out at 3rd base and I guess if I had made the comparison with him I would have had to add the other two returning senior players to the comparison because between the 3 of them combined had no homeruns and about a third of his extra-base hits in the same 28 games. But we all know now that is not what is important though it does explain my question on rankings.
You have flushed me out of retirement.
As he kindly acknowledged I originally posed my question to PGSTAFF privately twice about a week apart but unknowingly did so at a time that was understandably inconvenient for him. Had it been a more convenient time the post would have never been made.
. Around here nobody even considers early signing for guys that just entered their junior year in high school. Even the recent Marlins MLB draftee Realmuto didn’t commit to OSU until the fall of his senior year as everyone does locally.
Sorry I didn’t answer your repeated question. I guess I missed it while attempting to address the 50 or 60 posts. As for the tournaments played in my son doesn’t pick them and just goes as part of the team. He is fortunate his coach makes a great schedule. I have met a couple of juco coaches at those events that told me they thought he could play and gave me their card and later reviewed his videos before calling me to express verbal interest. No tournaments compare to PG’s visibility from what I’ve seen. Though it is no big deal 29 college coaches have been in communication with my son including a half dozen personal emails and phone calls. You can see on his page that 62 coaches have viewed his profile and they all send questionnaires and camp invitations. At his favorite D1 School, he loves the coaches and they seem to really like him. I have never met them and stay out of the way. They have seen him almost every week this fall when he was not traveling.
I have been positive about all of the players mentioned and they were mentioned only because another poster questioned the quality of the pitching.
When I see undrafted guys like Brendan McCurry from Roff Oklahoma hit 130 homeruns in high school including 47 in 72 games and play for the Elk City Travelers with an ERA of 1.01 and twice as many extra base hits as strikeouts in a season, I have no illusions about my son’s (or most anyone’s) future in baseball but that’s what he loves to do and its taught him a lot of good life lessons.
It is pretty obvious to me that a PG ranking is valuable to a player, particularly if they develop to the point they are draft quality at the end of high school. Like many have said it’s not what you do but what they see u do and the endorsement of the most respected scouting service is a huge deal even if some guys can make it without it. The flip side is even with it you have to perform or it doesn’t matter. By the way, there is a PG nationally ranked 2011 player on his own team that my son beat out at 3rd base and I guess if I had made the comparison with him I would have had to add the other two returning senior players to the comparison because between the 3 of them combined had no homeruns and about a third of his extra-base hits in the same 28 games. But we all know now that is not what is important though it does explain my question on rankings.
quote:Originally posted by standup:
By the way, there is a PG nationally ranked 2011 player on his own team that my son beat out at 3rd base and I guess if I had made the comparison with him I would have had to add the other two returning senior players to the comparison because between the 3 of them combined had no homeruns and about a third of his extra-base hits in the same 28 games. But we all know now that is not what is important though it does explain my question on rankings.
I realize you aren't looking for advice anymore, however, I want to caution you about making negative comments or comparisons to your son's current HS teammates. Downgrading teammates stats or skills (even if your comments are 100% true) to build your son up is unwise.
As others have mentioned...the baseball circles are very, very small. It would be very easy for these comments to get back to your sons teammates, their parents or to one of the 8 baseball coaches at EMHS, neither of which would be helpful for your son's HS baseball season. I saw this very scenario play out in the Texas forum a few years ago and it was very public and left some hard feelings between dads of players on the same HS team.
As other have mentioned, let your sons play speak for itself...
There is a whole world of wonderful high school base ball players that don't ever hit a homerun or have many extra-base hits. In fact the majority don't. There are very, very few high school players that have more extra-base hits than strikeouts. The great thing is all your friends and coaches that have known u for years aren't offended if you score 40 points per game in basketball or a third of the team's runs in baseball and they would be the first ones to acknowledge the reality of that.
Yep, your right, I don't even know why they let the other 4 players out on the basketball court or the other 8 players out on the baseball field. 
standup,
I know a few kids who were injured, didn't get along with their coach, were young for their grade, etc. and didn't put up all that great of stats in HS. They were ranked by PG and went on to do well in college or pro ball. Do you realize you are insulting those kids with your comparisons?
I know a few kids who were injured, didn't get along with their coach, were young for their grade, etc. and didn't put up all that great of stats in HS. They were ranked by PG and went on to do well in college or pro ball. Do you realize you are insulting those kids with your comparisons?
Everyone knows it takes the whole team to win a game and nobody is bigger than the team. Babe Ruth hit more homeruns than the rest of the Yankee team combined.Do you think that wasn't publicly acknowledged for fear of offending someone? Most people celebrate success and every player's contribution to the team.
CADad
No comparisons have been made to any injured, disgruntled or young players here. i guess you believe kids shouldn't be graded or receive test scores because it might hurt someone who got poor grades and went on to be successful?
No comparisons have been made to any injured, disgruntled or young players here. i guess you believe kids shouldn't be graded or receive test scores because it might hurt someone who got poor grades and went on to be successful?
quote:Originally posted by standup:
TPM
You have flushed me out of retirement.
As he kindly acknowledged I originally posed my question to PGSTAFF privately twice about a week apart but unknowingly did so at a time that was understandably inconvenient for him. Had it been a more convenient time the post would have never been made.
. Around here nobody even considers early signing for guys that just entered their junior year in high school. Even the recent Marlins MLB draftee Realmuto didn’t commit to OSU until the fall of his senior year as everyone does locally.
Sorry I didn’t answer your repeated question. I guess I missed it while attempting to address the 50 or 60 posts. As for the tournaments played in my son doesn’t pick them and just goes as part of the team. He is fortunate his coach makes a great schedule. I have met a couple of juco coaches at those events that told me they thought he could play and gave me their card and later reviewed his videos before calling me to express verbal interest. No tournaments compare to PG’s visibility from what I’ve seen. Though it is no big deal 29 college coaches have been in communication with my son including a half dozen personal emails and phone calls. You can see on his page that 62 coaches have viewed his profile and they all send questionnaires and camp invitations. At his favorite D1 School, he loves the coaches and they seem to really like him. I have never met them and stay out of the way. They have seen him almost every week this fall when he was not traveling.
I have been positive about all of the players mentioned and they were mentioned only because another poster questioned the quality of the pitching.
When I see undrafted guys like Brendan McCurry from Roff Oklahoma hit 130 homeruns in high school including 47 in 72 games and play for the Elk City Travelers with an ERA of 1.01 and twice as many extra base hits as strikeouts in a season, I have no illusions about my son’s (or most anyone’s) future in baseball but that’s what he loves to do and its taught him a lot of good life lessons.
It is pretty obvious to me that a PG ranking is valuable to a player, particularly if they develop to the point they are draft quality at the end of high school. Like many have said it’s not what you do but what they see u do and the endorsement of the most respected scouting service is a huge deal even if some guys can make it without it. The flip side is even with it you have to perform or it doesn’t matter. By the way, there is a PG nationally ranked 2011 player on his own team that my son beat out at 3rd base and I guess if I had made the comparison with him I would have had to add the other two returning senior players to the comparison because between the 3 of them combined had no homeruns and about a third of his extra-base hits in the same 28 games. But we all know now that is not what is important though it does explain my question on rankings.
Fascinating.
There are about 100 posts.
To me, the point of this thread is clear.
standup, or his son, did not get a ranking by PG. Others did.
standup feels that those who have ratings are either the same or not as good as the player on the website.
This is between standup and PG because PG apparently did not rank standup's son and did not respond to emails or PM's.
Everyone else is just getting in the way and nothing will get in the way of standup expressing his views about PG rankings and their being wrong or inadequate as they relate to his son and as they relate to those ranked.
I don't believe standup is asking for any input and don't think he cares about any responses other than PG. Suggestions of long term issues or repercussions are without meaning.
standup views his son to be infallible because of his skills, as they are supported by stats. He seems willing to take on all comers including PG to prove his point.
I do have to grin, though, standup on your view about the importance or relevance
of extra base hits vs. strikeouts.
During two years of HS and one Summer of Legion, our son went something like 220 or something AB's without a strikeout. During 2 different years in college, he struck out 7 times, or less.
Necessarily he had more extra base hits, even though he surely was not a power hitter..ever.
infieldad
Your insight is always appreciated. I think PG is awsome and wish we knew about them sooner. Clearly their are players out there who through no fault of anyone's are unknown and some other guys that may look great in a uniform and had their big day at a showcase. I'm also pretty confident that happens rarely. I understand that no ranking system is perfect and think PG does an incredible job. My son is far from infallible and has alot to work on but I understand your comment. It's pretty cool how your son had so few strikeouts. I first heard the term "professional hitter" used by a minor league coach describing a player with more extra-base hits than strikeouts which in that case was Dustin Pedroia.
Your insight is always appreciated. I think PG is awsome and wish we knew about them sooner. Clearly their are players out there who through no fault of anyone's are unknown and some other guys that may look great in a uniform and had their big day at a showcase. I'm also pretty confident that happens rarely. I understand that no ranking system is perfect and think PG does an incredible job. My son is far from infallible and has alot to work on but I understand your comment. It's pretty cool how your son had so few strikeouts. I first heard the term "professional hitter" used by a minor league coach describing a player with more extra-base hits than strikeouts which in that case was Dustin Pedroia.
quote:I understand that no ranking system is perfect and think PG does an incredible job.
standup, it is probably just me and it sure does not matter how I read the entire thread.
This comment in the context of many others sounds/reads like being ****ed with faint praise.
Probably just me.
Thats funny!
I think its real easy to pick out the flame throwers like Bundy, Bradley and Hope from Oklahoma as they may never set foot on a college campus going out of high school. If your strength is hitting its a little harder to be obvious unless your Bryce Harper or Buster Posey. It astounds me how few players make it to the level your son is at. He must have alot of heart and talent.
I think its real easy to pick out the flame throwers like Bundy, Bradley and Hope from Oklahoma as they may never set foot on a college campus going out of high school. If your strength is hitting its a little harder to be obvious unless your Bryce Harper or Buster Posey. It astounds me how few players make it to the level your son is at. He must have alot of heart and talent.
Standup, I believe I see a change of heart in you in these last few posts. Much less defensiveness and venom. And I commend you for that. The only thing I would have left to say, is what I have said before and what others have said. If you want your son publicly recognized, get him in front of the people who do the recognizing. I really don't think you can fault PG (the organization, not the person on this board) for not ranking your son, when your son has not been put in front of them. At some point, we have to take responsibility for what goes on in our lives. For you, the responsibility is getting your son noticed by the right people.
If your goal is to have him ranked by PG, get him to PG showcases and tournaments. BTW, that is not necessary if your goal is not to have him ranked. If your son's goal is to go to a particular college, then the coach and recruiting coordinators of that college are the ones you need to get him in front of. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks as long as those coaches think your son can contribute. It's really as simple as that.
Once again, I hope some of what people on this board have said has been helpful and I wish you and your son the best of luck.
If your goal is to have him ranked by PG, get him to PG showcases and tournaments. BTW, that is not necessary if your goal is not to have him ranked. If your son's goal is to go to a particular college, then the coach and recruiting coordinators of that college are the ones you need to get him in front of. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks as long as those coaches think your son can contribute. It's really as simple as that.
Once again, I hope some of what people on this board have said has been helpful and I wish you and your son the best of luck.
quote:Originally posted by standup:
There is a whole world of wonderful high school base ball players that ...
Let me finish that sentence for you...
...you have no idea about from your myopic Oklahoma view.
It's glaringly apparent that your knowledge of the baseball universe is very limited. That's ok, everyone starts there. But to come to a baseball site, with hundreds of people who have traveled the path long before you, and tell them how their bear cr@ps in the wood is just foolish.
Unlearned parents with more answers than questions are generally more damaging to their sons progress than helpful. I pretty sure that comment won't help you, as you stopped listening before starting this thread, but hopefully others that come along to read this may benefit.
I am from the same school of thought as CPLZ. To come on here and bash people who have gone through the same exact things you are going through and are trying to help you through it is ridiculous. Then to try to retract everything you say and patch things up?...sounds like you are the president of the United States...
If your son wants to play baseball at the next level, keep doing what he's doing. You say he's getting offers from schools and having success- then who cares about the rankings? Your comments are rude, your diatribes are unnecessary and your interpersonal comparisons are inappropriate.
Best of luck to your son in his quest to play college ball. Its a fun ride if you let it be
If your son wants to play baseball at the next level, keep doing what he's doing. You say he's getting offers from schools and having success- then who cares about the rankings? Your comments are rude, your diatribes are unnecessary and your interpersonal comparisons are inappropriate.
Best of luck to your son in his quest to play college ball. Its a fun ride if you let it be
A bit about comparing stats--- this is from the same area a few years back---the local media was touting a young man from a very very small school who had a great BA, supposedly 60 plus RBI's in 25 games. He was to be a major D-1 school player as well as a top round draft pick--one major problem--his league was very very weak--the numbers were suspect-- and he was not that good---he never got a D-1 offer; he never got drafted and never even made the local communit college team--
Bottom line-- so much for stat comparisons--the two players behind him in the local newspaper stat sheet, both players from large schools, went to D-1 programs and played 4 years.
Bottom line-- so much for stat comparisons--the two players behind him in the local newspaper stat sheet, both players from large schools, went to D-1 programs and played 4 years.
Standup, you really just don't get it do you?
We also have to realize that HS and College coaches/ Pro scouts are probably frequenting this site and taking notes.
I have never seen JH simmer like this and that means something.
I have never seen JH simmer like this and that means something.
Another small point. Your son is older than most of his classmates, probably more physically developed as well. This especially stands out in the first two years of high school. I'd be careful sticking your neck out so far and thumping your chest until he at least proves himself at the college level when everyone else is as physically developed as he is.
standup has taken his beating here and I think everyone has said their peace....
A couple of observations from my experiences here over the years...
In general, hype to me means insecurity. Deeds not dialog is the key.
We had a member here many years ago that came here like gang busters. His kid was the greatest thing since sliced bread and maybe the best prospect of all time (according to him) and he held a huge grudge against PG for not ranking him. His kid was the best sophmore prospect in the state (according to him) yet we heard little from him when his numbers tanked as a junior. Seems all they would throw his prodigy was junk balls because everyone feared the kid's ability to turn on the 95 mph fastball - oh my! There were always "explanations" (cough, cough excuses) when reality did not live up to the hype.
We got tons of inuendo about how all the southern schools were recruiting him yet he ends up with a mid D1 here in the midwest. We got tons of inuendo how all the pro scouts were after him yet he went undrafted in high school and after his junior year in college. In short, the father was obnoxiously infatuated with his own son. It has always stuck in the back of my mind whether or not the father cost his son opportunities because he simply was so over the top, people merely crossed the son off the list.
I am not suggesting standup is like this guy but am suggesting he let his son's actions do the talking and forget about hyping the stats. None of us are smart enough to discern what they mean. The hitting videos are a good idea however. There, people can make up their own minds.
One other story...
My only experience with a showcase type event was when my son tried out at Coastal Carolina University. Before the event, I couldn't believe what I was hearing in the stands. I thought I was going to be witnessing the reincarnation of Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Sandy Koufax. People were openly bragging about how great their kids were and in my own naive way, I was intimidated somewhat by that. I thought, well lets see what happens. After the event was over, it was clear to me that all the hype was merely from posers that were hoping their kids were good enough. These same people were shaking their heads after the event and muttering their kids didn't quite measure up.
standup - get your boy to an event and let that do the talking. Anything more detracts from the effort imho and very well could cost your son dearly.
A couple of observations from my experiences here over the years...
In general, hype to me means insecurity. Deeds not dialog is the key.
We had a member here many years ago that came here like gang busters. His kid was the greatest thing since sliced bread and maybe the best prospect of all time (according to him) and he held a huge grudge against PG for not ranking him. His kid was the best sophmore prospect in the state (according to him) yet we heard little from him when his numbers tanked as a junior. Seems all they would throw his prodigy was junk balls because everyone feared the kid's ability to turn on the 95 mph fastball - oh my! There were always "explanations" (cough, cough excuses) when reality did not live up to the hype.
We got tons of inuendo about how all the southern schools were recruiting him yet he ends up with a mid D1 here in the midwest. We got tons of inuendo how all the pro scouts were after him yet he went undrafted in high school and after his junior year in college. In short, the father was obnoxiously infatuated with his own son. It has always stuck in the back of my mind whether or not the father cost his son opportunities because he simply was so over the top, people merely crossed the son off the list.
I am not suggesting standup is like this guy but am suggesting he let his son's actions do the talking and forget about hyping the stats. None of us are smart enough to discern what they mean. The hitting videos are a good idea however. There, people can make up their own minds.
One other story...
My only experience with a showcase type event was when my son tried out at Coastal Carolina University. Before the event, I couldn't believe what I was hearing in the stands. I thought I was going to be witnessing the reincarnation of Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Sandy Koufax. People were openly bragging about how great their kids were and in my own naive way, I was intimidated somewhat by that. I thought, well lets see what happens. After the event was over, it was clear to me that all the hype was merely from posers that were hoping their kids were good enough. These same people were shaking their heads after the event and muttering their kids didn't quite measure up.
standup - get your boy to an event and let that do the talking. Anything more detracts from the effort imho and very well could cost your son dearly.
standup, I sent you a private message. I hope you find it helpful.
Well said CD...
I remember Gatorade players of the year in their state, that couldn't make their colleges starting rotations (mid major 100+ RPI).
The thing is, college is different and they are not ranking players to project in HS, their rankings are based on how they'll fare at the next level.
A kid throwing straight high cheese at 95 is going to set state HS records for strikeouts and then get lit up like a pinball machine in college. Seen it happen. This is why HS stats are meaningless...and they are meaningless. Anyone who thinks they have an iota of importance beyond HS is deluding themselves. And they have absolutely zero meaning when it comes to comparative analysis in HS. You see the player and rate his tools, project his growth and maturity and then rank his potential vs. the others. HS stats mean ZERO....except as something to be proud of as a personal achievement.
I remember Gatorade players of the year in their state, that couldn't make their colleges starting rotations (mid major 100+ RPI).
The thing is, college is different and they are not ranking players to project in HS, their rankings are based on how they'll fare at the next level.
A kid throwing straight high cheese at 95 is going to set state HS records for strikeouts and then get lit up like a pinball machine in college. Seen it happen. This is why HS stats are meaningless...and they are meaningless. Anyone who thinks they have an iota of importance beyond HS is deluding themselves. And they have absolutely zero meaning when it comes to comparative analysis in HS. You see the player and rate his tools, project his growth and maturity and then rank his potential vs. the others. HS stats mean ZERO....except as something to be proud of as a personal achievement.
Before my son went off to begin his college career this fall, the father of one of the kids on his high school team pulled him aside and gave him some advice. The father played along side Barry Larkin at Michigan, inducted into UM hall of fame, played in Omaha for 3 years and had a nice minor league career. Basically he said ignore all the talk from the kids who shoot their mouths off about their accomplishments, rankings, etc and focus on getting better each day. The "talkers", he said, won't be around in a couple of years.
Good advice.
Good advice.
If your good you dont have to talk. If your good others will do the talking for you. If your good it doesn't matter what anyone else says good or bad. You let your play do the talking and you keep your mouth shut about yourself. The fact is no one wants to here you pump yourself up. No one wants to hear your mom and pop pump you up. The more they do it the more people will resent you and look past what you do well and focus on what you dont do well.
People may not want to hear that buts its the truth like it or not.
People may not want to hear that buts its the truth like it or not.
Late to the party but a comment about stats. A different sport, but how many college star quarterbacks who put up great numbers, never get drafted or fall to the late rounds. It's all about what works at the next level. 6'0" college QBs don't work in the NFL. (except D. Brees) 6'3" college QBs without big arm strength don't make it or project to the NFL. There are exceptions but not very many.
In any sport it's tools that attract attention not numbers. If you can really use those tools your a major leaguer. And if you have big time tools you'll get many chances to fail because of them. Jeff George may have had the best arm in the NFL so he got many chances to prove he didn't have anything else.
This thread is another example of the collective assimilating a newbie with an attitude. Resistance is futile.
In any sport it's tools that attract attention not numbers. If you can really use those tools your a major leaguer. And if you have big time tools you'll get many chances to fail because of them. Jeff George may have had the best arm in the NFL so he got many chances to prove he didn't have anything else.
This thread is another example of the collective assimilating a newbie with an attitude. Resistance is futile.
"If you build it they will come"
...and boy did the posters ever come. Hey Stand Up did you get what you were after?
...and boy did the posters ever come. Hey Stand Up did you get what you were after?