Fall Classic Arizona

If money is no object; go it will be a good experience. If you are trying to accomplish something other than competing and having fun; save your money.

I would have to agree with ILVBB post.

My son went to the Senior Showcase his junior and senior year. He and I both thought it was well worth it.

I don't know how strong a player your son is but you might consider going to the junior showcase instead. If its just for getting his feet wet. It would be a good measuring stick to see where his talent level is.

And don't forget to stop and eat at Oregano's. That place is awesome.

Just my 2 cents.

I agree with ILVBB and the Beast. Only go if money is not an object. It is a fun trip. It's also good for padding the baseball resume. But for the money, I'd hit a PG or TPX showcase. Cheaper and much more recruiting bang for the buck.


For getting your son's name out there, Student Athlete Showcase does a far better job than BF for the same price. I personally know kids from several different sports who have had great results from them. But, they only take players who have been independently verified as at least a D3 player--baseball wise this means by PG, or a college or pro-scout.

Thanks for all the info. Sounds like we will give it a try and let him compete.

Redbb15,

As you may know, there are several invitational events at the Arizona Fall Classic over several of weekends. It is one of the must go to events on the West Coast in the fall. Going to the right event with a high visibility team or being a must see player, can have a potential of being seen by some of the hundreds of college coaches and pro scouts that will be there.

There are over a dozen fields that has games going on at the same time. Competition can be very good, as the invitational event tries to get the best teams into the event. The coaches and scouts have to manage their time with so many games going on at the same time.

As a freshman, it is a little early other then to get initiated to the event (my sons went as freshmen and got a lot out of it) and playing good competition on great fields, when your son gets into the college recruiting cycle, my suggestion as with others events like this, let the college coaches know what team he is on and what their schedule is and hopefully they will come by an check out his games.

Good Luck and enjoy the ride.

I agree about the bang for the buck. My son attended Soph classic as a frosh -- didn't see more than a couple of scouts the whole time. Expensive trip, got one letter from a college (and they probably weren't even there -- just bought the list). I'd wait for the Junior classic if it were me -- I've heard good things about the Jr. and Sr. versions.

By far the most colleges and scouts attend the senior classic. The Junior is attended by colleges but not nearly as much as senior.

I am a little confused by this as I would think the junior would have equal college representation as the senior.

After chatting with a few folks this theory was developed:

The colleges are in force way more at the senior because they are looking for the here and now and insurance lists in the event something happens to their NLI guys, poor grades, draft, etc.

Bottom line they have to make sure they field the best team they can for the very next season and thats why they invest time like they do. Just a theory.

If I had to choose one, I would have my son attend the senior as long as he was playing. Then let the interested colleges know his schedule and those colleges he is very interested in as well.

gonyard:

Here is the thing to remember: Nearly all the best juniors are playing in the senior classic as well as the seniors. In the junior classic, you will have some of the best juniors, but not as many, and none of the seniors. There tends to be the most best players in the senior classic than in the others.

I should add, as well, that this applies to the junior classic in a little different way (see the post above). The best sophomores will play in the junior classic (and some in the senior classic), leaving the sophomore classic as a good event but not nearly as good as the junior classic because many of the best sophomores will skip the sophomore classic after they have played in the junior classic. A couple of them also join our team (the Rays Scout Team) to go to Jupiter, which conflict with the sophomore classic.

I agree with others that unless you have an unlimited budget skip the Soph Classic. Jr Classic was well scouted and my son was seen by a number of programs there. You need to let them know before the event you are coming, and once you get your game schedule follow up with the coaches your detailed schedule. If you are a high academic player the Academic games at both events are a must as they are the single most scouted event. Sign up early as they fill up.

Thanks all for the info. 2014 son is going to the soph Fall Classic to get his feet wet and have some fun. will let you know how it goes

The Senior Classic this year had more college scouts than either the Stanford Camp or the recent PG Nationals, and both of those 2010 events were loaded, having had 60+ schools officially in attendance each (there were also additional scouts "unofficially" present).

Even as a freshman if you play well at the Sophomore Fall Classic, then you will receive some attention....

But PG or Fall Classic, you can't go wrong attending either....

I would say that the two must attend events for a rising Sr's are the Arizona Fall Sr Classic and the PG National (for West Coast kids - Jupiter for East Coast oriented players)

The PG National is only two years old and will take some time to develop. The Az Sr Classic is simply the best event there is IMO. It is big enough to attract the top schools East and West, but not too large where you can get completely overlooked and lost.

Agree with Azsandlizard. My son went to the Sop classic as a Frosh and really was put on the map as a pitcher. If you have a good team in the SOPH classic you will be seen by more than not. The Soph classic is a "True Tournament", but the Junior and Senior Classic are "Showcase events" This year my son was invited to go to the Junior Classic as a Soph and we are looking forward to it.

Sophmore son was invited to go this weekend with an older MSL team from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Told he would get lots of playing time in two double headers. Down side is cost of tickets, hotel, etc . . . . Is it worth it?

It is certainly one of the best events out there. If it does not put too big a dent in the budget it is worth it. One caveat is that he will need to perform and he is a bit young for the Sr Classic. If he can do well as a Soph then it is worth it. If he is lost in the trees so to speak then save your money and go next year. If he goes he should shoot out a few emails with his schedule to the programs he is interested in.

The AZ Fall Classic is a great event.

Just for the record, the WWBA Championship in Jupiter had 42 NON East teams last year including top teams from Arizona, California, Washington and British Columbia.

Several of the scout teams pick up top players from coast to coast.

The PG National in Arizona should end up being one of the best in the future. It it no way whatsoever compares to the WWBA in Jupiter.

Bring lots of H20 and bananas guys! Enjoy our warmth as it will hit triple digits in Sunny AZ this weekend!


10 Day Forecast Peoria, AZ

A well-run, fun weekend! There were a LOT of college coaches everywhere! Ryanrod-thanks for the heads up on the heat!