Headfirst Showcase

You would be in a very small minority stating Head First is not a good showcase. It's one of the best. And it shows very little class to join a board just to bash them. Can you control the weather? Neither can they.

Roger that, RJM.  I took my son to HeadFirst in August; it was top notch and exceeded my expectations (which were high given all the rave reviews I had read).  We will very likely back the next 2 years.  HF is where my son learned to proactively seek out coaches on his own, shake hands, look them in they eye and...in many cases....10 minutes later come back to me and say "well, that was fun...and easy."  Some of those same coaches either "coached" his team or were there to watch him pitch the next AM.

We went to Headfirst Long Island, and it was the 2nd best camp we attended.  (I thought Stanford camp did a better job on evaluation as it was over 3 days).  I thought it was run well, and they had to work around rain.  The camp had more schools than any other we had been to, and son got interest from more than 20 top academic schools.  I am sorry your experience was poor, but the Long Island camp was great and worth the money if looking at Academic D1s and D3 on the East coast.     

WOW, I know weather can play havoc on showcases and tournaments, but no one can do anything about that. My 2014 will be attending the Jupiter event and all the research that I did gave these guys a high reviews. We did our homework on the coaches and sent all the information to each coaches prior to the date and actually heard back from two. Son is an exceptional student so we felt this would be a great opportunity to get in front of coaches with colleges of higher academics, including the one school that he has a high interest in and has made his visit too.

Costly yes, but we have gone this far no reason to stop now.

2015 went to the fourth August session and, without question, loved it. Prior to going, he sent emails to the coaches of schools he was interested in. He had full access to all the coaches there; like others here said, he walked up to coaches and had lengthy conversations. The Sullivan bros and company were totally professional, organized (in spite of a heavy downpour the first day) and accessible.

 

I have no negative comments but would say as an observation that many of the coaches were looking to fill out their 2014 rosters more than scouting for 2015s. That being said, since Sept 1st, we've had email and snail-mail letters of genuine interest from 8 top Ivy and Ivy-level institutions of higher learning. So clearly they were paying attention to the younger guys.

 

If you put a little advance work in and do your follow up communication (2015 did it all - great learning opportunities) this camp represents one of the best values out there. Is it pricey? Depends on what you get out of it. For my 2015, it was money well spent and because he went this year, he may be in the fortunate position of not needing to attend next summer.

 Showcases become to many not worth the money when their player doesn't receive the attention they though they might get when it is all over and done with.

Many think because they paid a large sum they should get something out of it.

 

I would like to know if the OP's son did anything to contact anyone before the event, and if he actually belonged there in the first place. So many times people spend money when they really haven't researched if it is a proper fit for the player.

 

It's not fair to come on a message board and try to hurt someone's business unless you have a legit reason to, and all of what was stated (especially the weather part) doesn't seem like a legit gripe to me.

klf,

 

I happen to be a staunch advocate for HeadFirst, and our experience 4 years ago was extraordinary.  Their owner spent 20-25 minutes of his time talking to my son, wife and myself, and all the college coaches were very approachable.  My son got a lot out of listening to the coaches talk about their programs in the initial huddle up.  My son left that showcase with a much better understanding of recruiting,  and academic college baseball.  It was by far the best showcase we've ever attended.

 

However, you bring up a great point about inclement weather plans and non-refundable policy.  Have you tried to contacting HeadFirst directly?  They are very reason people, and I'm sure would listen to you if presented in a reasonable manner.

My son didn't attend Headfirst, but it was on our "list" of possible events to attend (at the Long Island location during the summer) if we needed to.  I have heard only good things about Headfirst (except the price)

 

But back to the weather.....

My son attended the 17U WWBA in East Cobb this past summer and talk about rain!  It was THE main recruiting event for some players and son's team only got in 4 games out of 8 due to unplayable fields and weather.  A WEEK in a hotel, travel, meals, with an additional 19YO son (thank God for X-Box).....not a cheap week, but not too many complained about Perfect Game....it was THE WEATHER! 

keewart,

 

I feel your pain regarding East Cobb.   Waiting 4 days just to be able to play was brutal.  My son did not respond well and had an even more miserable week at the plate when they did play.  However, HeadFirst saved his summer.  He lost all D1 interest with a horrible week at East Cobb, but the phone was ringing off the hook with very high-academic D3's immediately after HeadFirst.  He was at session 2 in Long Island in August and it rained for half a day.  He had to run a sixty in the rain and throw a wet ball at the skill showcase.   But what can you do?  I would echo the statements of others about coach access.  It was nothing like I had ever seen.  They would speak freely and honestly with any boy that approached them. 

 

My observation about the talent level at Headfirst is that about a third of the players there are below the standards of even low level D3 baseball.  I don't know you or your son, but you have to have a pretty good idea where you fit in and have reasonable expectations.

My son went twice. Guess that tells you what we thought.

 

As a parent, I thought HF did more to get the kids ready to perform than any other showcase he attended. Good warm ups, etc.

 

 

HVBBDad, not sure if your comment above was directed to me or the OP, but I think you are correct.  If you are not a pitcher throwing 90+, or hitting bombs, it is difficult to know where your player fits in, exactly.  I count my blessings everyday keewartson performed well at the 2012 17U WWBA as well as several other events that summer to be an early commit to one of the "public ivies".  You need to go where you are wanted....and where there is a need for the position.

 

I wonder if most showcases/college camps (PG Invite-only showcases excluded) have the same perception of "about a third of the players there are below the standards of even low level D3 baseball."  I heard a comment recently of "oh, he is going to just see if he can walk on at HYPDCB Ivy".  Don't these folks realize that HYPDCB Ivies also recruit D1 level players?  And just because you get 2400 (not my kid!) on your SATs and play travel ball doesn't mean you can play at the Ivy school of your choice.

 

This site has been great to help me (and other parents) be realistic about expectations. Going to a showcase or camp, at least one, a year early may help with the expectations.

 

 

keewart,

That comment was meant for the original poster.  My son wanted Ivy in the worst way, but had no takers after an awful WWBA.  He is under 6' and they saw him as D3.  Committed to NESCAC school last night and is happy to get the opportunity to play another 4 years.  Headfirst opened a bunch of doors to give him a comparison to the school he just committed to that had pursued him all along.

 

From one HV baseball dad to another... Congrats.  

Good on ya! Just curious how this works on the academic side. Coach gave something like a 99% assurance that the player would be admitted, and player committed to apply early? With official notice of acceptance in mid-December?

Green Light,

Preread of transcript, test scores, school profile, and senior schedule by admissions done in advance at his request.  Offer by coach of support for ED application and guaranteed roster spot morning after overnight in his office.  Called him when we got home to accept.  Still have to apply, but the essay doesn't have to be a killer.  At this school, it is 100% over the 30 years coach has been there.

Thanks, HV. And nice work by the coach to give you a percentage figure.

 

I think, as a general rule, in recruiting situations such as yours it is better for the player to ask the coach's stats for admission over the past few years at least, rather than for the player to ask what his own chances are.

 

First question elicits a factual answer...and one that hopefully is truthful. Second one invites judgment and is subject to no-recourse fluffery.

HVBaseballDad,

 

Again, many congrats.  Your son's road got a little rough but smoothed out at the end.  It only matters how you finish!   He is going to a fantastic school.   At the appropriate time, you should edit/share your son's picture with the Board.  I thought it was freaking hilarious.

 

I think there are many academic baseball folks that could learn a lot from your son's recruiting experience.  Persistence is a skill.

Since Fenway thought it was funny and so did his soon to be coach at Tufts...This is what he tweeted out to his friends last night.

 

The Decision....

 

 

That is TREMENDOUS!! I love it.  Thanks for sharing.  Great school.  Don't know him but with that attitude and sense of humor, I am sure he will be very successful in life.

Congratulations! What a wonderful choice!

 

Great picture!  Congratulations, and thanks for sharing!!!

KFL, I'm sorry that you had a bad experience but from what I've read on this board and what I have heard anecdotally elsewhere, you are definitely in the minority. My son was at the top of his game at HF and it opened many doors for him--foremost, it facilitated dialogs between him and a half dozen top-of-the-line schools.

 

Secondly: Congrats to HVBaseballDad and HVBaseballSon! Tufts is a great school in a great town and friends and travel teammates of my son who are going there love it and could not be happier regarding the level of baseball competition.

HVbaseballdad,

 

That is a GREAT pic! I wouldn't be surprised if that makes it's way all over the web.

 

Congrats to your son and the entire family

My son did not attend Head First due to injury. But the previous summer a Head First representative appeared at a workout arranged for my son's travel team in front of a handful of colleges. No one was paying Head First anything. The rep spent as much time as people requested explaining what he knew about recruiting at the colleges they asked about. about.

Completely agree, our experience with Head First was outstanding.  I've talked with many parents who believe it was the best decision they ever made.  Sounds like you didn't have a good experience, but as stated above, you are in a very small minority.

 

Conversely, it's not really fair to accuse him of that. He and his son had a bad experience, and he shared it by joining the HSBW community. Sure, probably not the best reason to join these boards, but the comments were fully civil. Judging by the response, he/they is clearly in the (sole?) minority. 

He/She said that they spoke to many other parents that felt the same way (?).

So IMO that could hurt someone's business.

 

Yes definetly in the minority, my advice would be to stick with showcases that best suit your situation.

This is my first time on this site and am waaaay early in the process. My son is just a freshman. My question is this....when should he start with camps and showcases? Is next summer too early? My feeling is that his best chance of playing D1 college ball is at the Ivy League level. Not a top baseball school.

Chisoxfan, Take a look at this.

 

http://www.hsbaseballweb.com/recruit_timeline.htm

 

It is on the main site. This should give you good idea.

Welcome!

 

I have read on this board in several places that your player should start showcasing, contacting coaches, etc after he has made the varsity team.   If your son makes JV this year, he could get pulled up to varsity during the season.  This is what happened to keewartson as a position player.  However, he didn't start the recruiting process until his sophomore season when he actually made the varsity team.

 

I am sure a local college camp, for instructional purposes and to see how it is run, would be ok before varsity as your budget allows.  It will also allow your son to see the talent level and how he compares.

Hey HVbaseballdad - Congrats!  Hope we helped along the way!  Great program and great outcome for your son.

HV Dad -

http://deadspin.com/bitchy-hil...gious-d-c-1441094085

Wow: I saw this on Deadspin the other day and did not make the connection!!

 

It's the same organization, isn't it?

 

Perhaps the OP's observation needs to be revisited in light of this.

I just checked to be sure - same organization. 

I'm going to disagree.  The OPs comments were about the value for services delivered.  I agree with the OP that HeadFirst should look at their bad weather policy but they don't control the weather.   The majority of people feel that HeadFirst delivered value & a unique service for them (myself included).  HeadFirst filled a void for my son that was missing in our recruiting experience.   

 

The article is about how two business partners/associates can ruin their life long relationship and business.  It remains to be seen if the HF organization will continue to do what they did well for so many people for many years.   I suspect competition will take advantage of the situation as it does in just about every industry  JMO. 

The Complaint and the Counterclaim could be a demarc between past experiences with the event and future experiences. If the organization is flat, then you could suppose that these competing ownership factions could cause havoc through the organization (time allocated to counsel has to be significant and has to come from somewhere).

 

The real question is: does this organization still provide a quality product akin to everyone's past experiences? In light of these legal claims, would you spend $X on the camp + travel, meals, hotel, etc.?

 

Until there is clarity and/or assurances, I wouldn't invest in this event. It seems to me the uncertainty is too high.

I have a question about the HR camps.  What type of GPA are they looking for from the players?  Right now, my 2015 son (RHP) has more Bs than As at a very tough private prep school, but, as of junior year, has 4 AP courses and the rest are mostly honors.  His weighted GPA is pretty good (close to 4.0), although his completely unweighted GPA would be somewhere closer to 3.2-3.4.  Are we in the ballpark (excuse the pun)?

IMHO, your son is a good candidate for more half the schools at the showcase.