Difficult decision on spring baseball

No. 2.  The travel for option 1 makes it prohibitive.   If he is interested in the school, they probably have a one day "prospect" camp he can attend. 

Agreed.  He's only a sophomore.  Play more games and get actual experience.  Then keep playing basketball to get away from baseball a little bit and at the same time increase his athleticism.  Also, many college coaches like to see multi-sport athletes.

I'm a high school Varsity coach for 21 years and I always encourage kids to play other sports over just going to camps/workouts.

On the surface, I'm with the others on this one...  "Play with a travel team he played with last fall and enjoyed. Coaching was good. He can choose tournaments and leagues to participate in, he gets private lessons and class training as part of the package. He knows and likes many of the kids participating."  Is this a trick question?   This option looks like a win all the way around.  I suppose more information could change things.  What will the 90 minute workout consist of at the D1 school?  Will there be coaches from other target schools there as well or just this one school?  Is your son already a solid D1 prospect or on his way to being one?  Even if a D1 stud now, there are still lot's of advantages to #2.

I know nothing about real world recruiting, but I do know something about logic. You stated your goal is for him to improve rather than get seen.  Are eight (90-180 minute) sessions at a D1 college likely to improve his game more than the game experience and training provided in option 2? 

You have a goal, stick with your goal.

I know this is an unpopular opinion and I will go to my foxhole right after suggesting it...  but I would dump high school altogether and ay full time travel.

2020dad posted:

I know this is an unpopular opinion and I will go to my foxhole right after suggesting it...  but I would dump high school altogether and ay full time travel.

Heretic!  Burn him!

LOL!

2020dad posted:

I know this is an unpopular opinion and I will go to my foxhole right after suggesting it...  but I would dump high school altogether and ay full time travel.

It must be the people who have 2020 kids....I thought the same thing.  May 1 is when HS ball ends here...I can't imagine how much harder it is to get a kid exposure if he's tied up with HS baseball until late July!

Thanks to all. Looks like option 2 wins out. The idea of not playing high school ball is a non-starter for my son (and probably his parents too). His youth travel team started at age 9, and the coaches flat out said--winning now would be nice, but we are trying to raise the 2018 varsity baseball team. That attitude stuck. In all of our conversations, son didn't want to miss high school workouts, let alone season. "Mom, it's important. I'm #loyal."

Just have to hope some college coaches value that trait as well.

cabbagedad posted:

On the surface, I'm with the others on this one...  "Play with a travel team he played with last fall and enjoyed. Coaching was good. He can choose tournaments and leagues to participate in, he gets private lessons and class training as part of the package. He knows and likes many of the kids participating."  Is this a trick question?   This option looks like a win all the way around.  I suppose more information could change things.  What will the 90 minute workout consist of at the D1 school?  Will there be coaches from other target schools there as well or just this one school?  Is your son already a solid D1 prospect or on his way to being one?  Even if a D1 stud now, there are still lot's of advantages to #2.

So what does a D1 stud look like at age 16? One of my difficulties as a total non athlete is figuring out how good my son is. Coaches like him, he has a fast ball in the 80s, pitched varsity as a freshman and also is a strong catcher and knows the game well. None of that tells me what level of school we should be directing him to. My own instinct is lower level D1, or stronger D2 or 3, but I guess I'm hoping to get some insight from coaches that express interest. Are there measureables that can provide guidance on that?

Option #2, the biggest no brainer on Earth.

Option 2. He's still young needs more reps/lessons that are included. He is old eough though to be making a list of colleges he s interested in. 

guess I'm shocked to learn HS season doesn't end until July. Is that for real. My son went to his college in July to take classes and work out. Can that happen at schools around there?

So u guys miss all PG tournaments until Aug? Guess they hit some good tourn in Fall. 

playball2011 posted:

Option 2. He's still young needs more reps/lessons that are included. He is old eough though to be making a list of colleges he s interested in. 

guess I'm shocked to learn HS season doesn't end until July. Is that for real. My son went to his college in July to take classes and work out. Can that happen at schools around there?

So u guys miss all PG tournaments until Aug? Guess they hit some good tourn in Fall. 

Baseball is a summer HS sport in Iowa.

I never realized summer baseball was odd until finding this web site. As youth, he played spring baseballl, started in March. I have (not so) fond memories of moms running laps around diamonds to get warm, bundling boys in parkas between innings and handwarmers in back pockets setting their rears on fire. I'm good with starting in May.

Iowamom23 posted:

I never realized summer baseball was odd until finding this web site. As youth, he played spring baseballl, started in March. I have (not so) fond memories of moms running laps around diamonds to get warm, bundling boys in parkas between innings and handwarmers in back pockets setting their rears on fire. I'm good with starting in May.

We call that February around here...by May coaches are ordering children to get under shadow/shade canopies to get them out of the sun, yelling at them to drink, and pouring ice water over the catchers head in between innings!

We call that August! Lol.

Definitely #2.  All good reasons above, but another reason is his schooling.  How tired would he be from all that travel, and when would he do his homework?

Iowamom23 posted:

Thanks to all. Looks like option 2 wins out. The idea of not playing high school ball is a non-starter for my son (and probably his parents too). His youth travel team started at age 9, and the coaches flat out said--winning now would be nice, but we are trying to raise the 2018 varsity baseball team. That attitude stuck. In all of our conversations, son didn't want to miss high school workouts, let alone season. "Mom, it's important. I'm #loyal."

Just have to hope some college coaches value that trait as well.

That's the exact scenario my kids in except hes a 2021, same group all these years trying to develop the HS team.

johnnysako posted:

Iowamom23 posted:

Thanks to all. Looks like option 2 wins out. The idea of not playing high school ball is a non-starter for my son (and probably his parents too). His youth travel team started at age 9, and the coaches flat out said--winning now would be nice, but we are trying to raise the 2018 varsity baseball team. That attitude stuck. In all of our conversations, son didn't want to miss high school workouts, let alone season. "Mom, it's important. I'm #loyal."

Just have to hope some college coaches value that trait as well.

That's the exact scenario my kids in except hes a 2021, same group all these years trying to develop the HS team.

It's very cool. We had 12 kids on our very good youth team, seven started for the freshmen this year. Of the rest, one quit for football, one for basketball and the others were sitting in the stands, cheering on their friends. It's fun to see all the hard work pay off, and for so many of the kids, high school will be the end of their playing careers. Love seeing them savor the experience and the TEAM even as mine works to get to the next level.

Iowamom23 posted:

johnnysako posted:

Iowamom23 posted:

Thanks to all. Looks like option 2 wins out. The idea of not playing high school ball is a non-starter for my son (and probably his parents too). His youth travel team started at age 9, and the coaches flat out said--winning now would be nice, but we are trying to raise the 2018 varsity baseball team. That attitude stuck. In all of our conversations, son didn't want to miss high school workouts, let alone season. "Mom, it's important. I'm #loyal."

Just have to hope some college coaches value that trait as well.

That's the exact scenario my kids in except hes a 2021, same group all these years trying to develop the HS team.

It's very cool. We had 12 kids on our very good youth team, seven started for the freshmen this year. Of the rest, one quit for football, one for basketball and the others were sitting in the stands, cheering on their friends. It's fun to see all the hard work pay off, and for so many of the kids, high school will be the end of their playing careers. Love seeing them savor the experience and the TEAM even as mine works to get to the next level.

That's awesome, good luck to him. We are 4 years into the same scenario, coaches don't have tryouts ever, same group for the same reason and I often wonder who will still be around when HS gets here, 1 1/2 years from now.

Option 2.... continue to play multiple sports, Why is the travel team coaching good?  Do they have a lot of college contacts,  history of placing players? 

If 2018 could he would not play HS baseball. There are pro's and con's but for him there are more con's than pro's.  But with limited options and the fact that the season is short 9 weeks...  we use it like spring training.

johnnysako posted:

Iowamom23 posted:

johnnysako posted:

Iowamom23 posted:

Thanks to all. Looks like option 2 wins out. The idea of not playing high school ball is a non-starter for my son (and probably his parents too). His youth travel team started at age 9, and the coaches flat out said--winning now would be nice, but we are trying to raise the 2018 varsity baseball team. That attitude stuck. In all of our conversations, son didn't want to miss high school workouts, let alone season. "Mom, it's important. I'm #loyal."

Just have to hope some college coaches value that trait as well.

That's the exact scenario my kids in except hes a 2021, same group all these years trying to develop the HS team.

It's very cool. We had 12 kids on our very good youth team, seven started for the freshmen this year. Of the rest, one quit for football, one for basketball and the others were sitting in the stands, cheering on their friends. It's fun to see all the hard work pay off, and for so many of the kids, high school will be the end of their playing careers. Love seeing them savor the experience and the TEAM even as mine works to get to the next level.

That's awesome, good luck to him. We are 4 years into the same scenario, coaches don't have tryouts ever, same group for the same reason and I often wonder who will still be around when HS gets here, 1 1/2 years from now.

Good luck to you as well. We did exact same thing, and the friendships we made with parents and kids have lasted even for those who stopped playing in high school. It's a truly life altering experience.

bacdorslider posted:

Option 2.... continue to play multiple sports, Why is the travel team coaching good?  Do they have a lot of college contacts,  history of placing players? 

Yes to both of the questions on placing players and college contacts. Family friend and former college coach tells us he has top respect for the coaches there.

But even more importantly, my son has learned stuff from them. He pitches and catches, most people spend all their time working on his FB (which is pretty good), but after a showcase, one of the coaches came over to him and talked to him about his catching--pointed out the difference in his speed throwing off the mound and behind the plate and worked with him on getting faster behind the plate. It's made a difference in his catching ability, and made him realize that pitching is not his only skill.

Iowamom23 posted:

I never realized summer baseball was odd until finding this web site. As youth, he played spring baseballl, started in March. I have (not so) fond memories of moms running laps around diamonds to get warm, bundling boys in parkas between innings and handwarmers in back pockets setting their rears on fire. I'm good with starting in May.

If he does play baseball at the college level, get the parka's and handwarmers back out.  At the JuCo level my son's season started by early-mid February.  Last year he played at a D2 university.  First doubleheader was the day before the SuperBowl (Jan 31).  We watched the game with winter coats, gloves and were wrapped in blankets (48 F and sunny at game time - near freezing and dark by the end of the 2nd game). By mid-May they were done (that included regional playoffs).

If you're not sure he's D1 material don't just think D2 and rule out D3. Top D3 programs can knock the snot out of half the D2 programs and typically compete with their best pitcher against mid level D1s.

if it turns out there's some pro potential down the road his college coach will get him exposure in the right summer collegiate league.

Welcome IowaMom. I'm still stuck on hs ball starting in May. I had to read the original post several times. That actually sounds so lovely.

I didn't see a response to some of your questions about measureables that may tell you where he fits in the college landscape. I also have a 2018 and I feel like this age is so full of grey area in the recruiting timeline. Here is some of what we have done. We found an inexpensive, yet reputable, showcase that measured my son's 60 yd time, pitching velo, and outfield velo. They also provided an informed and unbiased critique of his playing level. I was then able to compare his measureables to other kids at his level (PG posts a lot of great data from their showcases) to get a ballpark on where he might fit. It can also be helpful to talk to someone knowledgeable, but you just have to be a little weary of anybody trying to sell you something. It sounds like your son's travel coach is a good resource. I'm sure he probably has a good idea on where your son fits.

We have a list of potential schools. Of course, 2018's list is all high level D1. I'm still letting him dream a little bit, but also trying to slowly infuse some reality into his world. There are some parents of really talented 2018 kids on this board. They have been a great help to me. And, it's always great to have another mom around. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

IowaMom,

I have no idea how talented your son is.  But you are from Iowa?

First let me say this... About 20 years ago we (PG) started in business with a sole purpose to help Iowa kids.  We knew talented kids were left with very few options because of the High School schedule being played in the summer unlike most of the rest of the nation.  This basically put Iowa kids a year behind everyone because of when the draft took place (early June) and when most colleges have already done their recruiting.  A few with DI ability had three choices back then, Iowa, Iowa State and UNI. Since then both Iowa State and UNI have dropped their baseball programs leaving the state with one DI program.

so we opened up an indoor facility for those serious about the game always had a place to workout.  More importantly we started Spring and Fall leagues for the better players in the state. These leagues are scouted very heavily by MLB organizations and followed extremely closely by top colleges.

Fast forward 20 years here are the results...

in that period of time every kid minus one very late pick that has been drafted in the state of Iowa has played in these leagues.  Yes every drafted player from border to border.  Several drafted in the first couple rounds including the first first round pick ever.

As mentioned earlier 20 years ago kids had very few college options.  And now there is only one DI program.  Seldom would you here about a player being recruited by out of state schools.  Since then the door is wide open, Iowa PG league players have gone coast to coast playing at the very top programs in college baseball.  Stanford, Southern Cal, Oregon State, Georgia Tech, Florida, Notre Dame, LSU, Arkansas, TCU, Baylor, North Carolina, and many others, too many to name.

With all of this that has happened, PG somehow became more popular in states like Florida, Georgia, Texas, California, even the NorthEast, that in our home state.  Probably because we do 98% of our business outside of Iowa.  And what worked in Iowa has worked everywhere else. Iowa is not a baseball hotbed like other parts of the country.

I truly don't care what any single player does, but if they really have talent for the next level please read above once again.  I don't do sale pitches, but the facts are the facts.  If you are a good player in Iowa, you need to know.

That said, anything is possible.   After all, it worked (kind of) for one Iowa kid in the past 20 years.  However, he was a coaches son and the HS coach was a associate scout with the club that drafted him in the last round.  He ended up playing small college baseball.  I guess having the right connections can help. But there is one connection that should be very obvious, especially in Iowa.

Sorry, I just felt a need to reply.

PGStaff posted:

IowaMom,

I have no idea how talented your son is.  But you are from Iowa?

First let me say this... About 20 years ago we (PG) started in business with a sole purpose to help Iowa kids.  We knew talented kids were left with very few options because of the High School schedule being played in the summer unlike most of the rest of the nation.  This basically put Iowa kids a year behind everyone because of when the draft took place (early June) and when most colleges have already done their recruiting.  A few with DI ability had three choices back then, Iowa, Iowa State and UNI. Since then both Iowa State and UNI have dropped their baseball programs leaving the state with one DI program.

so we opened up an indoor facility for those serious about the game always had a place to workout.  More importantly we started Spring and Fall leagues for the better players in the state. These leagues are scouted very heavily by MLB organizations and followed extremely closely by top colleges.

Fast forward 20 years here are the results...

in that period of time every kid minus one very late pick that has been drafted in the state of Iowa has played in these leagues.  Yes every drafted player from border to border.  Several drafted in the first couple rounds including the first first round pick ever.

As mentioned earlier 20 years ago kids had very few college options.  And now there is only one DI program.  Seldom would you here about a player being recruited by out of state schools.  Since then the door is wide open, Iowa PG league players have gone coast to coast playing at the very top programs in college baseball.  Stanford, Southern Cal, Oregon State, Georgia Tech, Florida, Notre Dame, LSU, Arkansas, TCU, Baylor, North Carolina, and many others, too many to name.

With all of this that has happened, PG somehow became more popular in states like Florida, Georgia, Texas, California, even the NorthEast, that in our home state.  Probably because we do 98% of our business outside of Iowa.  And what worked in Iowa has worked everywhere else. Iowa is not a baseball hotbed like other parts of the country.

I truly don't care what any single player does, but if they really have talent for the next level please read above once again.  I don't do sale pitches, but the facts are the facts.  If you are a good player in Iowa, you need to know.

That said, anything is possible.   After all, it worked (kind of) for one Iowa kid in the past 20 years.  However, he was a coaches son and the HS coach was a associate scout with the club that drafted him in the last round.  He ended up playing small college baseball.  I guess having the right connections can help. But there is one connection that should be very obvious, especially in Iowa.

Sorry, I just felt a need to reply.

 

Absolutely familiar with PG and all it has to offer. We looked at spring league and I talked to someone on staff yesterday. Son is opting to do something closer to home for spring for a couple reasons, but has PG events on his radar. I'll send you a PM with more information.

Iowamom, 

No matter what you decide get an evaluation from PG.  You may have stated that but this will help in deciding which option is right for him in the future.  If you have an opportunity to join one of their league go for it. Also, not really sure if being a multi position player will serve him best bin the future.

You have a unique situation there in IOWA, I don't think most understand, so listening to PG staff is important. One of my favorite college players will most likely be a first round pick this year. That is truly amazing.

TPM posted:

Iowamom, 

No matter what you decide get an evaluation from PG.  You may have stated that but this will help in deciding which option is right for him in the future.  If you have an opportunity to join one of their league go for it. Also, not really sure if being a multi position player will serve him best bin the future.

You have a unique situation there in IOWA, I don't think most understand, so listening to PG staff is important. One of my favorite college players will most likely be a first round pick this year. That is truly amazing.

We plan to work with PG down the road. Looked at doing their spring league, but because he'll also do high school spring ball, decided to wait and will probably look at doing fall when he can focus on it.

Honestly, this is all something of a surprise for us. We thought he was an okay player in youth baseball, but last year as a freshman, he really developed size, speed and a work ethic that I think will serve him well. Figuring out how well is the big question.

The multiposition player is another question I plan to post at some point. Right now, he pitches (FB tops out at 85), catches and plays third base. His youth coach struggled with where to play him because he clearly has a good arm to pitch, but he really understand the game and gets the concept of running the team from behind the plate better than many. And he likes third base.

Right now, he says if the coach needs him to play left bench to win the game, he will play left bench. But some day he is going to have to pick a position on the field to focus on, and I'm not sure which one will be best for him, or for a future in baseball.

If you get a qualified evaluation, it will take out some of the guesswork.  And much of it depends on height, weight, velocity and speed as well s his bat.

Have fun!