First PG Event Advice

Don't local ID camps and 'several college camps' add up t at least $1K? (Maybe more?).

For your son's age/class, the best money is spent on improving his skills and/or on a good summer team (which by itself should help improve his skills). If $2K is what you think a good summer team will cost you, then thats where I'd spend my money rather than the ID and college camps...especially at his age.

As a HS freshman, what are you trying to achieve at this point? Thats what you need to ask yourself.

I agree with justbaseball. Time to take a step back and figure out what your goals are and what your son's goals are.

First, I would see how he does in HS and definitely get him on a team that is going to the WWBA tourney at East Cobb. If he performs well, then I would start thinking about taking him to a PG showcase.

2B went to his first PG underclassmen event as a sophomore, but if I had it to do over, I might have waited until he was a junior because he is young for his graduating class and not even close to physical maturity even now as a senior. Depends on the physical and emotional maturity of your player.

I do know of one player who went to PG underclassmen as a freshman. He ran a 6.9 60, threw 81 across the diamond, and 90 off the mound. He was very mature for his graduating class and verbaled during the summer between his sophomore and junior years. He's a freshman in the SEC now. If your son can do that and his goal is to verbal early, then by all means get him to Ft. Myers.

Good points and the advice is appreciated.

Yes, the camps will add up to close to 1K, but thats' spread out over three seasons (spring/summer/fall). One team he was invited to play on wanted nearly 2k due in February...

He did a college camp this fall and he had a blast. It was well run and he got alot of reps, attention and coaching. Plus he was working out with mostly (all but 3) HS juniors and seniors.

He's been hitting baseballs since he was 2 and talking about going pro since he was 7 or 8 (as many kids do). The best part is - he still talks about it!

I know he's my son, and I can't make an unbiased assessment, but in my "opinion" he might just have a chance. He's got the work ethic (and the grades) to suucceed.

He trains at home 5-6 days a week. Outdoor cage, indoor net, weights, core, speed & agility, etc. I no longer have a garage!

I figured use this year to:

1) Play his first season of HS ball with no pressure and worries and see where we're at

2) Continue to work on getting bigger, stronger and faster since "tools" are the most important thing right now

3) Go to a few camps to work with and see the older kids and where the talent level is (his and theirs) around the area.

If the first PG event (showcase) shouldn't be until his junior year then that's fine, I didn't mean he had to do one this year.

Your son seems like one who really wants it, and he clearly has a supportive dad.

I know there are some really good travel organizations in NC, but being a Floridian, I only know of the Dirtbags and don't know if they are near you. Hopefully someone from NC will post. It is really important to get on a travel team that's going to get him to the tournaments where he can play against the best competition so he can get those reps under pressure. Camps are great, working out with older players is great, but there is nothing like facing top competition and playing with great players.

What position does he play?

Primary is MIF.

My thought on the ID camps is to get an unbiased opinion as to where he is in the grand scheme of things.

I see too many around here that play showcase that don't really have anything to showcase, except for parents willing to do, say and pay anything necessary to secure a spot.

I want my son to make it on HIS own.

No matter what event you go to, unless your player is a total stud in both areas, have him either play position or pitch. I he is a super pitcher, but so so at bat or in the field, the lesser skill will bring his overall grade down.

My son is a 2013 and went to a PG showcase last month. The 2014 kids that were there (not many) were just not ready physically imho. There were many 2013's that were not ready physically either. Just something to think about.