Goodwill Series

I was looking into this last year but couldn't afford it at that time.  It sounded great and I am glad to read a post from someone whose son attended. 

Is there much opportunities to be seen by other colleges or is this more of experiencing another culture and competition?

My son just returned yesterday, He had a great time and said that he will go again next year. He played on the 16U team and received the MVP medal on the last game in Adelaide. I believe it was the best $4500 i have ever spent for this young man. Think U City of San Francisco for a great job and his love for the game. It has put him on the straight and narrow, hanging with the right kids, school work ect.

Thanks BOB of the Good Will Series

My son's baseball career was made immensely richer, thanks to his participation in the Goodwill Series in Japan. The quality of the competition was first rate, and the opportunity to see and feel that country's environment was a wonderful learning experience.

To lionbaseball's question, it held little college recruiting value since no recruiters saw his team play. However, professional baseball scouts domiciled in Japan were present at all 6 games and filed reports with their front offices.

Experience of a lifetime.

Yes, everyone returned with stories.  This was a very intense journey to the land "down under". Our three teams played 36 games in 2 weeks against the strong teams from Western Australia and South Australia. We traveled with 82 players, parents and coaches.

On the 2 January 2015 the temperature reach 106 degrees in Adelaide.

Our coaches included two College Coaches, two pro scouts. Our players were from United States, Samoa, New Zealand, Singapore and Manila.

We reported the daily events on our web site. This was a "learning" experience for everyone. Our 30th year.

Bob

<www.goodwillseries.org>

First post but long-time lurker. Just had to jump in on this one.

My son and I also just returned from this year's Goodwill Series and I echo all of the statements above. It was a tremendous experience and I feel a life-changing event for my son in so many ways. The baseball competition was strong, the players were talented and first class, and the coaching was absolutely top notch. My son received a lot of individual assessment and instruction and feels prepared to head in to the high school baseball season with confidence, some new skills and a list of things to work on.

It goes without saying (and I think it is the most important part) that the trip also provided him with exposure to and an appreciation for a different culture (the players typically stay with host families while they are there) and some new friends in the land 'Down Under'.

In a nutshell, it was an experience he will never forget and we would do it again without a doubt.

Thanks again Bob!

For those whose son attended the Goodwill series, do you feel there is an optimal age range to attend?  

Lionbaseball:

This year our players were 13-18. A young player age 13 traveled "solo" with two families from Boston area and he played every game and enjoyed his trip.

A senior would benefit from the competition. The Australian player can sign professionall at age 16. Each team has two professional players.

Our '18 and under team also played against the College players [Australian players who attend US colleges and return for the Christmas Holidays.

 Players age 15-17 are prepared to learn the game and the culture

of the Australian community.

Bob

lion,

     I don't know about an optimal age.  I think any player could benefit it at any age.  For us, we felt our son could handle the trip (being away from family and managing the various airports) since we wouldn't be there with him.  Also, this trip for us wasn't about college exposure or baseball really (although the coaches are top notch and I'm sure they'll provide excellent references), it was about the trip.  If he had done this trip on his own (without the baseball opportunity), it would've cost twice the amount he spent.  Again, I encourage anyone whose interested to do it.  This is an excellent organization and fantastic experience.