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Harvard Play To Win Camp

DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
One of four sessions of the Harvard play to Win camp being held this weekend in Cambridge, MA. Coach Walsh is in charge and runs a tight ship here. At many camps you do not see or hear the head coach. At this camp Walsh is front and center and seems to talk and greet every parent and player. He is very gracious. Many top schools besides Harvard in attendance including MIT, Navy, Long Island University, Holy Cross, Kenyoun, Babson, Vassar, Tufts and many more.

Yesterday each team played one game on O'Donnel Field. 77 players and 17 states represented. 5 players from Illinois at this session.

First inning pitched by Jason was 1-2-3 all outs.

9-out
6-3 out
K

Second inning was another 1-2-3.

9-out
W
8-out

The catcher then threw out the runner on a steal attempt to second by the runner on first. The adjustment to his mechanics improved velo. He kept the ball down low in the zone and the catcher had no difficulty getting the runner.

No advanced count for batter. Straight baseball and it is 6 batters or 3 outs.

Two games played today; one by each of the four teams and a tour of the campus in between games happens tomorrow. Players are screened in advance for GPA and test scores before this camp. If player does not have criteria the deposit is refunded. Harvard is very upfront about what they are looking for. Many of the same players here as were at Brown.

At end of camp yesterday Coach Walsh spoke with parents and players and thanked them for being at his camp. Some very classy and moving remarks were made by Walsh. He shared several stories about what his players were doing after playing baseball at Harvard. One former player is working on the US Defense missle system, another former player went to India to work with AIDS victims for nearly one year and he said that when he came back the first thing he wanted to do was to come out to the Harvard ball field and pick up ground balls that were hit to him. He also told the story of Javier Lopez a promising player out of Miami who was hit in the eye in the batting cages and never returned to the same prominence of hitting, but that today he is living in Miami and is pursuing a successful business career. He said what happened to Lopez was not fair, but that players need to be prepared for whatever they are faced with and that Javy Lopez did just that. Coach Walsh made note that the entire baseball team came together as a family that season to support Lopez on his long road to recovery and that he was able to return to play at Harvard again.

Coach Walsh also told the group that he is most proud that two of his former players are now in the coaching ranks and are coaching baseball at the high school level in the Boston area. He also said that he knows the recession is hurting attendance at some camps. He was gratified to see that so many players had registered. Coach Walsh received a long round of applause at the end of his remarks.

In the Soldiers Field Stadium (built in 1925) located immediately next to the baseball field a LaCrosse Tournament was underway and was being broadcast by ESPN. The place was packed with LaCrosse fans and there were lots of kids carrying LaCrosse equipment. Kids carrying their LaCrosse gear is certainly a scene that we do not see often in the Midwest!

The campus is inspiring.....It is quite the place!
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DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
Back in Chicago today. In Game II Jason played 1st base and in Game III he was the starting pitcher. Between games II and III a former Harvard baseball player who is now a local area high school baseball coach gave us a tour of campus. As a high school baseball coach he was someone who the boys could relate to. We walked from the baseball fields to Harvard Square and into Harvard Yard. He told us that he played for Coach Walsh in 1999 and showed us the dorms that he lived in as a student. 98% of the students at Harvard live in the dorms all four years.

In Game III - he pitched one inning and it was 1-2-3 again.

6-3 out
K
Single - runner was thrown out by the catcher on a steal attempt.

Coaches told him he pitched well and he received an invite to make an official visit to a Divison I school on the East Coast. Jason's goal is to play Divison I baseball. Several coaches told him that he pitched well and that his fastball was at 85 mph. Next near term goal is to increase velocity to 87-88 mph range.

Once again the athletic area was packed with LaCrosse fans. Also there were many skill camps underway which were draws for the LaCrosse playing kids. As far as my reporting on players who were there I do not feel that is my place.
Last edited by Dolphin Mom
DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
Lots of choices for parents to make on college camps and showcases. If my reporting with my impressions helps only one family with information to help them make a better decision about how they handle this aspect of getting recruited into college baseball then that is beneficial.

Over 60,000 kids are competing for a chance to play at the next level. There are approximately 7,000 roster spots available at NCAA I, II and III schools and when you add in the NAIA and NJCAA only one out of nine will actually get the chance to play college baseball. Most parents I have met are overwhelmed with the choices on camps and showcases. I think it is the way to go for a kid who is academically focused and wants to play college baseball.

We have taken this route for the past two years and have no regrets. Players have to work exceptionally hard to stand out.
Last edited by Dolphin Mom
igballigball500+ posts
no problem with reporting on the camps, showcases, etc, all that's pretty interesting, it just gets a bit sketchy with the unsolicited player development updates. again, as long as its only one dad doing it it's no big deal. an entire site full of postings from every dad about junior's development plans this week would not be fun nor informative. of course in any classroom you'll always find one kid who has to do things his own way and its manageable for everyone else as long as it remains one drummer banging to his own beat.
Last edited by igball
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
Originally posted by Dolphin Mom:
If you do not like what I write do not read it.

I think the better way of thinking about it is don't write it.

This is a community designed to help members reach the next level. There is give and take in that proposition. As far as I can tell, it is all one-sided with some people (all take). It rankles the community here for a reason.

sull - we don't need bullied or lectured on what is appropriate.
S sulltiger24500+ posts
Spectator....Who are you to judge the worthiness of his posts ?? What may not be worthy to you , may be worthy to the next guy . The nature of your complaint with his posting is of a personal nature which doesnt belong here. Attacking someone because you dont like the nature or content of his posts should not be tolerated. Havent you figured out by now that ormond is going to post whether you or anyone else likes it or not ?? ...DUH
S sulltiger24500+ posts
Clevedad

please define " appropiate "

Just because whats written may not be " liked " doesnt mean it should be deemed " innappropiate " .

I didnt realize that board manners or ettiquette are being violated when one is talking about their high school baseball player son/student on this site. After all..isnt that the gist of this site ??

Ormonds posts do not hurt anyone ...good grief

Ive seen much much worse go on in the hitting forum that you are involved in.

Do you want someone telling you what you should write in your posts ?

your response is pretty heavy-handed
Last edited by sulltiger24
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
Originally posted by sulltiger24:
Clevedad

please define " appropiate "

Ormonds posts do not hurt anyone .

Ive seen much much worse go on in the hitting forum that you are involved in.

Fair enough.

Contrary to popular opinion, these boards are basically regulated by the community at large rather than a few evil-dictator moderators. Just about any thread he starts ends up starting trouble - meaning several members typically complain including me. When you see the same pattern over time, it bugs people.

The hitting forum seems to allow a few more bare-knuckled exchanges. Don't know why that is but the community seems to accept it in that forum. This situation (posting only about me, myself, and I) is distinguished since there is a complete absence of give and take imho. We say enough already.
S sulltiger24500+ posts
So you are saying basically that if enough people get together you will allow them to successfully gang up on and force this person out of the forum ? Are you sure you want to condone that type of behavior ? Just as there are many posters who dont like his posts ...there are more than a few who dont mind it and find it somewhat informative . Who cares if his posts are of an individual nature . Maybe you should let Julie weigh in on this .
DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
What is the point of this posting?

To inform others of the world of academic "athletic" showcases. The only experience I have is my own. The kid has worked hard all summer and is continuing to work at getting better.

He has been focused on academics and baseball. We have supported many of the local and out of the area showcases. It is the approach that we felt was best for our situation. Not much more to this chapter of the story.

I will write my book at the end of the ride.
Last edited by Dolphin Mom
CPLZCPLZ1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Dolphin Mom:
What is the point of this posting?



By your continued application, the definition would be to promote our sons as individuals above all others.

You are standing all by yourself on that one. A reasonable person would come to re-examine their actions and appropriateness. Your street continues to run only one way.
JKennedyJKennedy100+ posts
Remember that commercial you saw the other day? It was silly, mind-numbing and maybe even a little bit offensive. It had some childish jingle that was very annoying. And the station played it over and over again, right in the middle of the biggest football game of the year. And guess what? You were humming that stupid jingle for days....

It's all about marketing, and Mark knows it. Put your kid's name up there enough, and a web search finds it. The only part of it he doesn't get is that you want the web search to produce newspaper articles and accolades from sources other than the player's parent, especially when that parent is a dad pretending to be a mom.

And yes, it is inappropriate.
MN-MomMN-MomHSBaseballWeb Owner
I've been asked to comment, but to be honest, I don't have a black-and-white, right or wrong answer to this one.

Generally...usually...I hate to see one of the parents on this board get "knocked" for talking about their kid. Most of us came here in the first place to try to help our sons advance and make the most of their love of baseball. And many of us have made the mistake a time or two of focusing a bit too much on our own kid...I know I have! But I also honestly enjoy reading about the accomplishments of "our" sons in most cases.

On the other hand, I do understand that when one parent seems to focus on their own kid time after time...whether in the stands at a baseball game, or on an Internet message board...other parents start to notice, and some get annoyed. At the game they might walk away with a shrug; on a message board they might choose to stop reading another parent's posts, or post feedback to the parent about the frequency of that particular type of post.

That probably wasn't much help, but I think this situation is pretty much "self-regulating" by virtue of the opinions already expressed...

Julie
CPLZCPLZ1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by sulltiger24:
How can you get annoyed if you dont read it ?
How can you find it inappropiate if you dont read it ?


By that definition, everyones actions are ok as long as we don't pay attention.

One of the things that makes this site work is the way the members police it. Most police it because they care. The overwhelming attitude is that we hope it to help others coming in as much as it has helped us in the past. Things shouldn't be allowed to be said that are patently untrue without rebuttal. Precendents shouldn't be allowed to be set without interjection.

Even though I believe that there is no hope for Mark's self absorbtion and inseccent fawning over his son, by speaking out against it publicly, it lets others know that those are inappropriate actions.
Last edited by CPLZ
S sulltiger24500+ posts
We all know he has attempted to promote/overpromote his son Jason with his postings. The prevailing attitude against this has been noted many many many times on here . Does this make him stop posting ? ..the answer is no . He doesnt care that his postings bothers some people . Why continue to beat your head against a wall ? It has no effect at this point . Hence..my suggestion to not read his posts if it makes you annoyed. At home if my kids are in the same room with me and annoying the heck out of me and ive already asked them to stop but they continue anyway ..im just going to leave the room and find peace elsewhere ...not butt heads and waste time exerting energy . After a while you just learn that you cant fight City Hall .

His posts hardly fit the criteria of ones that need policing.
Last edited by sulltiger24
SD Stage Dad 9100+ posts
Mark check out the sports section of today's Sun Times. There's an article about your son's Whitney Young classmate, Marcus Jordan. Here's a young man that comes with the ultimate basketball pedigree and every college coach in the country probably knows his name. But that young man knows when it is all said and done it's not about how much ink you get or who knows your name, it's about performance.
DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
SD # 9

Already read the article, page 55 of the August 26, 2008 Chicago Sun Times Sports Section. Thanks for the update and making the correlation. You are absolutely right on! No matter the name you have to keep working. The article is titled....."Jordan Getting Jump on Competition ~ Improved shot has Whitney Young star thinking big!"

I know how some don't like basketball being reported on the site, but since you raised it I guess it is OK. Whitney Young is known for its basketball prowess and Marcus Jordan is a 2009 classmate. The Whitney Young Dolphins should be ranked as number 1 or 2 in the state and likely will be nationally ranked as well. Jason played for two years with the basketball team and we know the coaches and all of the team members well. Last year Jason was invited to travel with the team, which he did on occassion.

Anyway, as the article notes, Marcus worked all summer to improve his game, specifically his jump shot. Jason did the work also and the summer has been a great learning experience. He needed to improve his velocity. He is now at 85 mph and it has improved his changeup. Just like Marcus Jordan, Jason has been playing all over the country including, California, Florida, Italy, Rhode Island, pitching at Tropicana Field and then playing in New York and Boston. Here in Illinois this summer he had wins for Young against New Trier and Highland Park on their home fields.

He has had a good summer and has worked hard to improve his game.......SD # 9 how is your game coming along.....seeing any improvements?
Last edited by Dolphin Mom
SD Stage Dad 9100+ posts
You just don't get the point. But, you never see anyone else's point. The Young basketball was nationally ranked last season, but I don't remember seeing them posing with the big trophy in Peoria. Pre season polls and rankings really don't mean much.

And thanks for asking, my boy is working on his game....quietly

I had been doing pretty good job of not responding to you, but I'm going to start taking my meds again.
Last edited by Stage Dad 9
DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
The article precisely makes my point.

Players have to be pro-active to take their skills to the coaches of the schools of interest to them and the player has to take control of his own future. It is highly unlikely that coaches are going to travel to see a player and players should have a web page too. Perfect Game and Illinois High School web have options allowing players to develop their own web pages.

Marcus Jordan recognized he needed to take his game to a higher level to attract the attention of coaches. He traveled to play accross the country to be seen. Playing quietly is not going to get anyone's attention. Jordan is striving to improve his skills and is continuing to learn and to be seen.

The bottom line is that very few roster spots are available. Players need to work hard to stand out.
Last edited by Dolphin Mom
CPLZCPLZ1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Dolphin Mom:
The article precisely makes my point.



There is a saying in the fishing business...

They don't know what they don't know.

Mark, you are probably the most stunning example of this that I have ever encountered.

quote:
Originally posted by Dolphin Mom:

Playing quietly is not going to get anyone's attention.


True, but shouting a players name from the mountaintop will get attention for all the wrong reasons. Playing well is going to get their attention for the right reasons.

Besides, you obviously have zero experience with playing quietly, so quit speaking of things you do not know.

quote:
Originally posted by Dolphin Mom:

Players need to work hard to stand out.


False, players need to be good to stand out.
Last edited by CPLZ
mythreesonsmythreesons500+ posts
Somehow when I read the Dolphin updates, all I can think of are those boring newsletters we get every year at Christmas from the least interesting members of our family. As boring and self-serving as his posts are, it's like a train wreck. You can't believe that it just keeps going on and on and on.

CP, my house is like yours - those who are annoying leave, not those who are being annoyed.
CoachB25CoachB25Honorary "Old TImer"
...and again, there is a neat feature on this site. It is called the "Ignore Feature." Simply take the time to use it with regards to Dolphin Mom's posts. Since Dolphin Mom has mentioned that he is using this site to promote his son, I'm sure that when college coaches view his posts, they will be able to draw similar opinions to many posters. I'd note that in the hundreds of posts Dolphin Mom's son has never done wrong. Has always gotten the outs. Has always come up with the big play or hit. Dolphin Mom has much to be proud of. Mine? Well, she's makes mistakes.

As I've pointed out and Julie has pointed out, there is nothing wrong with a parent promoting their child. Heck, my Wife and I are proud of ours. My child and the children of other posters on this site have very successful resumes themselves. They will all do just fine without the theatrics. There is a point where it becomes boorish.

I once coached a young man that eventually made it to the big leagues. He was some talent. He was also very humble and never spoke about his achievements. Believe me, they were considerable. So, I asked him one time why he never spoke about himself. His answer said it all. He said, "Coach if you are truly good, you'll never have to talk about yourself. Everyone else will be doing that for you." I would guess that is why he has done so well in life.
DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
Coach,

My Wife and I have raised three great kids. Jason plays baseball and we have supported his passion to play to the max. His two sisters ice skate and we have supported them similarly. Jason realizes that he has had a great schedule for the last two summers. He has learned a lot. The kid is a national honor student and will attend college somewhere. Anyone who knows Jason, knows that he is a class act.

The Marcus Jordan article written by a Sun Times reporter tells his story for the summer of playing basketball with a schedule that was designed to get the kid playing time and to be seen by as many coaches as was possible around the country. The Sun Times follows Marcus Jordan because of who he is. I do not have a newspaper chronicling Jason's schedule or pursuits so I have done it myself. I believe that with good coaching and playing with passion at any activity, from business to sports can yield results. What I tell my clients every day is to play with a passion to continuously get better, and if done right, chances are that you will. My posts have done nothing more than to tell that story.

As you suggest, if you do not like the story then simply tune the threads out and do not read them.

End of story.
Last edited by Dolphin Mom
CoachB25CoachB25Honorary "Old TImer"
Mark, unfortunaly, I can not "tune it out" as you suggest. As you know, I moderate this forum. As you know, I've mentioned my opinion to you before and suggested that you aren't providing a service to your son. You have chosen to ignore that. In fairness to you, other than posting our opinion, we've let it be knowing that the complaints will continue to roll in.

I think it great that you can afford so many opportunities for you son. However, make no mistake, the validity of your posts come into question by many posters. For example you can't get past the typical Dad impressions of those constantly talking about their child. Was that a hit or an error? If your son does it, it is a hit. If your son is pitching, it is an error. I'd suppose that many would question all of the perfect innings your son has pitched. You had your son at 81 mph. Now two weeks later he is 85. Many of us have worked with players. 4 mph is an amazing improvement in 2 weeks. Well, you get the point. Mark, I'm not attempting to be mean with this post. Rather, I'm giving an honest impression from someone who will never meet you or your son but has already formed an impression. Take it for what it is worth.
S sulltiger24500+ posts
Coach

With all due respect ..ive seen/read much much worse antics go on in the hitting forum that you have been involved in over the last couple of years ...pretty childish/petty stuff imo . To me , what mark is choosing to do here is certainly over the top , but not hurting anyone ..not even attempting to hurt anyone . His postings have been well-documented --what is left to say ?
Last edited by sulltiger24
DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
Coach,

There are lots of contrarians on the Internet. I understand that.

The bottom line is that players have to improve and get better. Jason has two high level coaches who are working with him and he will be at the Perfect Game Midwest Top Prospect Showcase at the end of September in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At 6' 3" his team of advisors are all pretty sure he has more velocity in him.

I will be happy to let you know how he does at the Purdue skill evaluation camp this weekend. The numbers will be what they will be and the free advice I get on this Board is worth just what it cost me.

Also if you reinstate my other High School Baseball account (which has been locked for over one year), I will be happy to post under my alter ego, instead of using my wifes account.

Best regards.
Last edited by Dolphin Mom
DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
Thanks for the update, Ig.

You are right.....Jason already did the Perfect Game National Academic Showcase in June 2008 in Fort Meyers, Florida which is where he was seen by a lot of the Ivy's. That was an invite only showcase and his test scores and academic performance allowed him entry. He was the only Illinois participant and by all accounts he did well. I was not present.....only his Dolphin Mom was there. He pitched well enough to receive a hand written letter from a coach. I understand that to be a meaningful indication of interest, by a school.

The Perfect Game - Midwest Top Prospect Showcase is to be held at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on September 27 and 28, 2008.

The Perfect Game organization runs excellent events and produces high quality video of the action. I have been saying for a long time that the world of baseball content is changing and it is all moving to the Internet. The Perfect Game player web sites are capable of interfacing the showcase with the player data. Prep Baseball Report has similiar capabilities. Jason has videos up on both Perfect Game and PBR. We have been a supporter of PBR for some time. In fact I recently spoke to Sean Duncan about how he wants to improve his showcase events. What PBR is doing to bring college coaches to the Chicago area is outstanding. I personally believe that Illinois baseball players can compete anywhere. They just need the exposure.

I am presently working with several baseball coaches to help them get their content information up on the Internet. My baseball web site was one of the first of its kind which I started in 2002.

How does Jason feel about me doing this? As a CPS Player he knows that he is not going to get many looks. Whitney Young is where he is and unfortunately, CPS baseball is just what it is, but I am quite sure he appreciates the support I have given. I have spoken to various CPS officials about the state of CPS baseball and tried to give my suggestions for making improvements, but it is what it is. Basketball is king in CPS and the rest of the sports are sadly left behind. While I have supported the baseball program, I have not been reticent to make my feelings known as well. That was a risk that I took. Sadly, my suggestions have only fallen on deaf ears. However, make no mistake about it, Jason has known for a long time that he just has a wacky baseball dad.

Hope to see you there and I am happy to have a beer with you anytime!
Last edited by Dolphin Mom
N Nails100+ posts
Can't believe a HS kid has a team of advisors.

I know Perfect Game does a good job but do they evaluate anyone that doesn't go to their camps and pay money? Seems from their site they only evaluate the kids that are paying to go to their evaluation events.

Do you have experience running showcase camps that PBR would solicit you in asking how they can run them better? All showcase events are run exactly the same, not sure how one can be done any differently than the other. Camps are obviously different.
DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
Here we go again with a new poster already who is going crazy.

To substantiate more about what I am saying I suggest you read the August 27, 2008 Chicago Tribune Sports section for a story on Page 1 about Dan LeFevour who played for Benet Academy and was a self promoter high school recruit who got himself into D-I School, Central Michigan University. He was shunned by the Big Ten. Today he is just the second D-I player to throw for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season.

His own "hypermobile self promotion" revved up his stock and got himself recruited. Dan did a lot of his own self promoting. Today he is the best all around quarterback in all of college football, this according to many college football observers.
Last edited by Dolphin Mom
C CaBB1,000+ posts
As an outsider looking in this is a very entertaining thread. I agree with mythreesons that this is like those dreaded christmas cards that you love to hate!

Having a son that just started college and having been with him on the recruiting circuit for the last 4 years I have some observations:

College coaches DO NOT recruit a player by Googling his name. They want to see him play and see if he fits into their team. So mentioning this players name all the time probably isn't going to help much. Now a nice write-up from several newspapers might help.


All it takes is 1 coach to like you. I have always read on this board that there are lots of colleges to play at if you can target those where your son might fit best.

Some of the most obnoxious parents we have met through the years have the nicest sons. I bet Flippers son is probably a very nice kid.

Sounds like the Dolphin's have plenty of money to pay full price for college. I'm sure there is a college somewhere that would love to have Dolphin son.......and his full tuition........and maybe a little extra $ for the program.
N Nails100+ posts
Great point CaBB. I knew a kid that was playing D3 baseball and I asked him why he's playing there I think he can do better. He told me they made him a nice offer and he didn't have the money to attend 1,000 showcases, his quote was "i couldn't afford to pay for a scholarship" That quote is so true and those are the kids I feel bad about. There's parents that send their kids to 100 showcases and don't get an offer bigger than a D3 school, cause after all it comes down to talent.

If you have the money you can attend all these and maybe someone will see you maybe not. But I wish there was more stuff going on for the kids that cant afford all this but love to play the game and they are the one's falling through the cracks and getting overlooked. I see alot of kids going to D1 schools because they have alot of money, the baseball team lets them play because the parents can afford the tuition and since they aren't scholarshipping him and the parent called the coach 100 times, they let him on the team and play. It's the politics of the system and how money helps. I am sure Dolphin's kid will end up somewhere, whether he gets money from the school or not. I just feel bad for all the kids that aren't being seen because they can't afford $500 for a national showcase. If you aren't getting letters after going to a few, you should probably realize he needs to get better before attending more of them. I still think if your very good they will find you but it's those tweener kids that can't afford all these showcases or travel teams that end up getting overlooked.
S SeedThrower100+ posts
I'd just like to make one post on this thread and that will be it. I'll sit back in amazement after that.

The list of showcases that Dolphin dad has listed is marginal at best, besides anything that has PG in front of it.

Dolphin dad, Let me give you the best piece of advice given to you on this whole thread if you think your kid is one of the elite or thinks he can play at the highest collegiate level. Get him on a team that will be playing at the PG WBBA in Jupiter in October. The reason I say he should be attending that event is because the BEST collection of hs baseball talent in the U.S. will be assembled in Jupiter on that weekend, hands down. It will be the biggest collection of pro scouts and college recruiters you have seen in your life, hands down. If junior can compete and do well down there you will have plenty to talk about. Two years ago my son competed with the Sparks and threw the first game of pool play for them against an East Cobb team (not the Astros). He threw 5+ innings of no hit ball against them and was offered two seperate 75% scolarships on the spot. Another poster's son who was drafted last year also did very well down there. Your son (and yourself) will find out real quick where the proverbial bear downloads in the woods.

You obviously can tell he is not draft material at this point and I would agree, mid 80's isnt draft material. But you have talked about Ivy league schools on a couple different occasions. My question is.....Why are you sending him to a Purdue camp? You are basically paying a school to look at him. No offense to Purdue people or any other school in the Big Ten, especially Northwestern, it is a big step down academically from an Ivy league school to the Big Ten. What gives with that?

BTW, you can ask me questions whenever you want, but it will only be in pm forum, not on the message board.
N Nails100+ posts
once again, paying for scholarships. I don't think dolphin dad has a problem affording it, but it has to cost at least $1,500 to get down there and stay down there, plus whatever your paying to play in someone's fall league. I also don't think it's any one team or organization that gets you looked at, it's you the individual and your talents. I see too many people that have gone from team to team hoping that one is going to give them better looks by schools, always thinking that they have to be with XYZ club to get looked at. That simply is not the case, if your good you will be seen. I still think the reason most kids jump to a different program is they think it's going to showcase them better to colleges, that simply isn't the case. Most these organizations do the same things, it's up to the kid to showcase his abilties. As I said before you can play for East Cobb or go to 1,000 showcases, if you don't translate to a D1 player, you won't be playing D1 baseball. plain and simple. Did your son take any of those 75% rides on the spot?
igballigball500+ posts
Seedthrower,
I've always been surprised that more kids from Illinois don't go to Jupiter. I believe there are two Ill. teams that have open invites there (Sparks and Blazers) but a player could always hook up with a PG team. Its a great experience (I would even say a once in a lifetime experience) if you can make it happen.
Last edited by igball
CPLZCPLZ1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Dolphin Mom:

Also if you reinstate my other High School Baseball account (which has been locked for over one year), I will be happy to post under my alter ego, instead of using my wifes account.

Best regards.


Huh, what a conincidence that Mrs. Ormonds account was opened right after Mark Ormonds account was banned. Pretty sneaky Mark! Are you showing junior all the sneaky moves he needs to know, so that when people tell him to get out because his behavior is inappropriate, he can sneak back in through the back door like you did?

I used to think you were just a tool, but I was wrong. You may be the whole toolbox.
Last edited by CPLZ
N Nails100+ posts
I am sure Jupiter is a great event. Are these schools that are offering your kids scholarships from seeing them down there Illinois schools? The other post was about how he got two D1 offers, did he take them and who were they from? If you have the money I am sure it's a great experience but that's alot of money to pay for 4 games and getting offers from Midwest schools that could have seen you here without spending that money. But as I said, if you have it and it's not a problem I am not someone to tell you how to spend it.
FastballDadFastballDad1,000+ posts
Sulltiger, I have defended Mark a few times but he deserves whatever is going back his way. I think if any dad posted the details (most meaningless) of each camp they attended they would get the same **** back as he does. What bugs me is that this stuff is written as though it is all new. Most kids who attend the Harvard Showcase have zero chance of going there either academically or baseball talent wise. Harvard is not looking for RHP who are in the low 80's. Believe it or not, they can find kids who throw hard and have the grades. I have a feeling if you went to that camp and they want you and you have the grades, you'll know it before you leave if you are a 2009.

On the other hand, camps such as his kid attends have just as much purpose as does Jupiter for those who go there. Just a different kind of student athlete. Lots of other school are there. My son attended that camp and when he got home had offers from a couple of the best academic schools in the country waiting when he got home.
DM Dolphin Mom100+ posts
Fastball,

Not feeling a thing.........in fact I am feeling allright.

This has been an entertaining thread that is getting a lot of comments which is typical of most every thread I generate. Lots of commercials on the Democratic Convention channels so this is a good break. Michelle Obama is a Whitney Young grad. Her brother Craig Robinson, played at Princeton. He also coached basketball in Chicago many years ago. Then he left Chicago to coach at Brown and now is a coach at Oregon State.

Although none of this is "new" to you, for most parents coming to these showcases and camps for the first time, everything about the experience is new.

The hits should be good for HSBBW ad revenue stats.

By the way, a coach told Jason that his velocity was 85 mph at the Harvard camp.

http://www.capstoneconsulting.com/clubbers/news/velocity_update.htm
Last edited by Dolphin Mom
S sulltiger24500+ posts
Nails
If your comments were directed to me ...I didnt mention scholarships..i said interest . And no they were not midwest schools . Understand your point about that though. Going to a tourney like Jupiter is not solely about getting exposure ..but rather the whole experience . I am speaking for myself . Whats wrong with competing against the best in the country ? It can only help make you a better player and there is no better gauge to measure how you stack up against the best . You only get the chance to do it a couple of times . Its a no-brainer imo . Using your rational ..illinois players should not go down there because they might only get noticed by a midwest school ..i can tell you that is definitely not the case .
Last edited by sulltiger24
N Nails100+ posts
I hear you about the experience. I heard it's nothing but the best down there and schools and scouts all over the place. I was just curious if the offers were from Midwest schools or schools down there. The other parent said he went down there and got 2 offers immediately. I haven't seen many kids from Illinois going to many schools down south so I was just curious.

I guess my rational would be that why pay $2,000 to go down there and get recreuted by Midwest schools when you can do that by going to a tourney at ISU. If it's for the experience I see your point but not many kids will be getting recreuted by Georgia or Georgia Tech like I am sure some people think.
I il2008100+ posts
A lot of Midwest schools were at Jupiter. My memory might be a little fuzzy but I know NIU, Purdue, Illinois, ND, Valpo and a few others were there.
Also, the Chicago area scouts for the Sox, DBacks and Giants were there and paid close attention to the Chicago Area players.

Jupiter is pretty late in the recruiting process for this years Seniors. At that time most of the verbals are done. I got the feeling most of the college coaches were there to make sure their guys weren't lured away by another offer.
N nc42dad500+ posts
I do believe that many JUCOs have a rather large presence at Jupiter. Although my son had verbally committed way before Jupiter to a D-1, after playing in Jupiter he started getting contacts from JUCOs in the South. The closer to the draft, the more contacts.

Realize that a lot of kids who are potential draft picks next spring are now going to get on the radar screens of top notch JUCOs. Some kid who doesn't like his draft position or $$$ offer can attend a JUCO and be eligible for the draft the spring following his freshman year. (D-1 kid not eligible until after junior year)
Schools like San Jacinto CC probably end up with a better pitching staff than most D-1 schools. I would guess that half of their top recruits probably do not even committ until after the draft. I saw a lot of those top-level JUCOs in Jupiter too.
N Nails100+ posts
NC,
your thoughts about juco's are right on. It's been that way forever. I see alot of juco baseball that's better than D1's, but there's alot of people that think juco is a step down for some reason. It's unfortunate but it can be a great way to get better while playing alot. I see so many kids go to a D1 with the notion they will play right away and that doesn't happen and is very unlikely, then they get disheartened and transfer out.
CoachB25CoachB25Honorary "Old TImer"
Boastin Mom, and others, MN-Mom has weighed in on this thread and, to this point, Dolphin Mom has stayed within the guidelines of the site. It'd be prudent on your part to cease the flaming. Yes, we can disagree with Dolphin Mom and I have often done so. However, there is a line and that line is being crossed. It won't continue!

Take care,

Darrell Butler
Moderator
S SeedThrower100+ posts
Playball,
The mechanics are coming along, he is with a coach who he likes and knows can help him. At 6'6" there is a lot going on there so it needs to get better. It was a rough and humbling year for him, but that is baseball. In a funny kinda way I think he may have needed a year like that, he will grow from it. He handled it like a man and is bound and determined to get better. Thats all I can ask out of the kid.
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
He handled it like a man and is bound and determined to get better. Thats all I can ask out of the kid.

This is the key to baseball. These experiences will cause growth in his game. It is refreshing to see someone actually admit that their kid may have struggled at one time or another. Based on some of the reporting in this thread, I thought the norm for a pitcher was not to allow a runner past first base and if they did get on, hold the runner on so closely that they are immediately thrown out at at 2b.
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
Are programs filling up now or are they leaving spots open for this possibilty? i'm sure this happens every year.

This is a great question. I am guessing many programs would like the certainty of knowing in the fall what recruits they might have for the following year. However, a decent percentage of signings do indeed occur in the spring. Watch the signings notices next spring or search last spring for much evidence of this right here on the hsbbweb. There are many variables at play that cause coaches to recruit in the spring. Injuries, grades, athletes changing their minds, unforeseen circumstances, not getting the player they wanted in the fall and so forth. To answer your question, yes the spring can mean everything for a player's chances who did not sign in the fall. I am aware of kids not getting an offer until August - a mere few weeks before school was to start. Do not be discouraged by the early signing news. Keep battling until your son finds a place.
D DiamondFan100+ posts
Tralpaz,

There are usually a handful of kids that will be offered and signed in the spring after a strong high school showing. Probably happens a little more for pitchers that shine as seniors. Everyone needs pitching! The new roster limitations and scholarship dynamics may change the landscape a little. Most of the money is generally committed already. Some schools may lose kids to the draft, or determine they have needs to fill.

As with everything, be proactive and keep the schools that you are interested in informed of your progress. It may not hurt to apply to those schools if there is a strong desire to attend. It shows interest, and may ease the process if accepted.

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