Help getting son drafted this year...

Pro-ball scouting will find every single player with a projectable MLB tool and draft that player (or offer him a FA contract). There is no promoting him via utube, emails, or any other way.

Texas is covered by every single MLB team - most, if not all, with multiple area scouts because the state is huge AND a hotbed of talent. 

I know the wait is difficult for you'll and him. And yes, not sitting 90 after sitting above that all year long was probably a factor. (What did he state as his bonus amount last year? I assume because he had discussions with multiple clubs, he threw out a number.)

By your description, he took the result of last year's draft and used it as fuel to up his game - a very good use of his disappointment.

I would go out on a limb and say that every pitcher in the country sitting 90-3 for an entire season will eventually get drafted (assuming repeatable mechanics, decent control, and at least two pitches PLUS and an in-the-ball-park bonus demand). (No injury.)

He's doing all he can working his tail off. Scouts will be plentiful at Lamar home games - they are well known.

Also, have a bonus number that is realistic and don't let that knock him out of consideration.

PS, the coach at Lamar is correct. Also, be aware, that I have seen more than a few players regress as draft pressure mounts. It's best (and virtually impossible) to ignore the draft and focus on his job  - winning and getting guys out.

Assuming he is getting good results this Spring with his pitches he seems like he has many of the desired traits.  Size being very unteachable  Fastball is certainly in the very desirable range.  

My son had a team mate that threw an easy 93 mph fastball.  It was effortless in watching him.  Unfortunately, he had absolutely no movement and it was regularly squared up and led to a very high ERA.  He was still drafted as a Senior and had a good first season in short season A ball.  If the fastball has little movement that can be a detractor.  

Generally, the interested scouts will talk to the player to begin getting a read on him.  

If he has similar success at DI as he did his JUCO I would suspect he will get drafted.  Logically, I would have thought someone would have taken him based on size and fastball.

If not drafted then certainly try to get in a high level Summer League if possible.  If he only is on a Temp contract in the Cape there are a lot of eyes on him during the time he is there.

The pitching coach at Lamar is a solid guy. You can take him at his word. All the things you are doing will not accomplish anything. Let your son play ball and support him as a parent instead of trying to be his agent. 

I am curious, why  did you use your sons name?

Your son wasn't drafted because he wasn't ready to play professional ball out of Navarro. Obviously. Often teams like to see how JUCO players do in D1.  And sometimes it doesn't happen until their senior year.

Nothing you can do at this point, it is up to him and his coach to figure it out.  Hopefully he can help them to win more games!

Enjoy the moments!

 

Thanks for the comments and direct opinion... as for using his name, I obviously made a mistake by posting that as the display name, not sure how to change or edit that.. 
On Monday, February 3, 2020, 06:07:41 PM CST, HS Baseball Web <alerts@crowdstack.com> wrote:


| == To reply by email, write above this line. == |
|
| |
| Hello, Austin Faith: We're sending you this notification because you are either following the forum, the content, or the author listed below. New Reply To Topic
| Subject: Help getting son drafted this year... Reply By: TPM In: GENERAL HSBBWEB FORUMS / Ask the Scout | |


I am curious, why  did you use your sons name?

Your son wasn't drafted because he wasn't ready to play professional ball out of Navarro. Obviously. Often teams like to see how JUCO players do in D1.  And sometimes it doesn't happen until their senior year.

Nothing you can do at this point, it is up to him and his coach to figure it out.  Hopefully he can help them to win more games!

Enjoy the moments!

 
  View This Reply High School Baseball Web https://community.hsbaseballweb.com To adjust your email notifications for this site, please update your notification settings. To suspend ALL email notifications from this site, click here. |

|

Thanks for not beating around the bush and telling me what we need to hear.... definitely will take it and go with it.. 
On Monday, February 3, 2020, 05:58:40 PM CST, HS Baseball Web <alerts@crowdstack.com> wrote:


| == To reply by email, write above this line. == |
|
| |
| Hello, Austin Faith: We're sending you this notification because you are either following the forum, the content, or the author listed below. New Reply To Topic
| Subject: Help getting son drafted this year... Reply By: adbono In: GENERAL HSBBWEB FORUMS / Ask the Scout | A |


The pitching coach at Lamar is a solid guy. You can take him at his word. All the things you are doing will not accomplish anything. Let your son play ball and support him as a parent instead of trying to be his agent. 
  View This Reply High School Baseball Web https://community.hsbaseballweb.com To adjust your email notifications for this site, please update your notification settings. To suspend ALL email notifications from this site, click here. |

|

Mr. Faith,

Listen to ADBONO's advice.

Now for answering a post, I see that you need help with that.

Do not answer the post directly from your email. Come back to the site, find the person that you wish to answer, click on the "take action" in left hand corner and then hit reply.

As far as changing your name, you can notify a moderator, I do believe they can make the change for you. 

Hope that this helps.

GOOSEGG continues to dole out facts. +1

It has to be hard to watch your son chase his dream and do so without confirmation from scouts, MLB/the draft. I have to believe he will get drafted..not sure about bonus or pick number. Enjoy these times, it doesn't get any easier.

 

 

"Inconsistency with the FB" is that velocity or command, or both?  Curious how much actual feedback you get from scouts, or is it just like college recruitment.

"Curious how much actual feedback you get from scouts, or is it just like college recruitment."

The answer to this: it depends. (Ha)

What the scouts do in the stands isn't a secret; they cluster in groups behind the plate and occasionally move (mostly in small herds) down the lines - all the while doing "scout things."

The key to mining their info is being friendly and timing.

Scouts are at the games to work, so first and foremost they must be given space and time to do that. The overwhelming amount of work (at the game) is done during the innings; between innings is social time with scouts swapping stories/lies/exaggerations with their neighbors.

So, how to get info?

First, remember that the first key scout who evaluates your son is the area scout (ignore most Associate scouts as they are mere placeholders and most lack the experience of the Area scout). The area scout (AS) has a defined area and only scouts within this area; as such, unless an opposing school is in his area, the AS only does home games. (The AS is the one who writes reports and sends video back to his club. He is the one who can judge your son's mechanics.)

Second, over time a parent who attends a fair amount of home games soon learns the names of the scouts and their organizations. (Don't know the name? Before the game, go down and introduce yourself and ask your questions.) [Its a somewhat cloistered job and scouts are naturally gregarious and will carry a conversation when they're not working.]

Now, leverage that "relationship" to your advantage.

How? Say your son is the SP. Before the game, say hello to your new scout friend, and in passing mention that your son is the SP. Between innings, when the scout is not working, ask how your son is doing. Typically the scout will tell you his various velos; then you can ask how his delivery looks. Most scouts will tell you the good and the bad. It's really that simple - but you need to have built that initial relationship. (Home visits offer the same opportunity; but for college kids, most scouts meet with them [maybe to pass out the questionnaire] without parents present.)

Over time, as your relationship with the AS lengthens, you can take more liberty. For example, if there's a seat next to or directly behind the scout, sit there; most scouts cant help themselves and will soon be including you in what they are seeing.

(Remember, scouts aren't scouting EVERY player, they concentrate on the draft eligible and loosely pay attention to the rest. Most games - of the 70ish players in uniform - only a relative handful are being scouted.]

PS. Some AS are better than others so take the feedback with that in mind. You'll need to judge who knows what.

(Over the 15 years I actively attended college games [70+ per year], I was able to pump lots of info out of lots of scouts, cross-checkers, reporters, and the like. Now it's five years later and my interest in the workings of the system has waned but when I go to games, I'm still friends  with a bunch of the guys.  People love to talk about baseball!)

 

 

Goosegg posted:

"Curious how much actual feedback you get from scouts, or is it just like college recruitment."

The answer to this: it depends. (Ha)

What the scouts do in the stands isn't a secret; they cluster in groups behind the plate and occasionally move (mostly in small herds) down the lines - all the while doing "scout things."

The key to mining their info is being friendly and timing.

Scouts are at the games to work, so first and foremost they must be given space and time to do that. The overwhelming amount of work (at the game) is done during the innings; between innings is social time with scouts swapping stories/lies/exaggerations with their neighbors.

So, how to get info?

First, remember that the first key scout who evaluates your son is the area scout (ignore most Associate scouts as they are mere placeholders and most lack the experience of the Area scout). The area scout (AS) has a defined area and only scouts within this area; as such, unless an opposing school is in his area, the AS only does home games. (The AS is the one who writes reports and sends video back to his club. He is the one who can judge your son's mechanics.)

Second, over time a parent who attends a fair amount of home games soon learns the names of the scouts and their organizations. (Don't know the name? Before the game, go down and introduce yourself and ask your questions.) [Its a somewhat cloistered job and scouts are naturally gregarious and will carry a conversation when they're not working.]

Now, leverage that "relationship" to your advantage.

How? Say your son is the SP. Before the game, say hello to your new scout friend, and in passing mention that your son is the SP. Between innings, when the scout is not working, ask how your son is doing. Typically the scout will tell you his various velos; then you can ask how his delivery looks. Most scouts will tell you the good and the bad. It's really that simple - but you need to have built that initial relationship. (Home visits offer the same opportunity; but for college kids, most scouts meet with them [maybe to pass out the questionnaire] without parents present.)

Over time, as your relationship with the AS lengthens, you can take more liberty. For example, if there's a seat next to or directly behind the scout, sit there; most scouts cant help themselves and will soon be including you in what they are seeing.

(Remember, scouts aren't scouting EVERY player, they concentrate on the draft eligible and loosely pay attention to the rest. Most games - of the 70ish players in uniform - only a relative handful are being scouted.]

PS. Some AS are better than others so take the feedback with that in mind. You'll need to judge who knows what.

(Over the 15 years I actively attended college games [70+ per year], I was able to pump lots of info out of lots of scouts, cross-checkers, reporters, and the like. Now it's five years later and my interest in the workings of the system has waned but when I go to games, I'm still friends  with a bunch of the guys.  People love to talk about baseball!)

 

 

This is one of the better (and most accurate) posts I have ever read on this site. 

TPM posted:

Mr. Faith,

Listen to ADBONO's advice.

Now for answering a post, I see that you need help with that.

Do not answer the post directly from your email. Come back to the site, find the person that you wish to answer, click on the "take action" in left hand corner and then hit reply.

As far as changing your name, you can notify a moderator, I do believe they can make the change for you. 

Hope that this helps.

thanks so much for the help... and the for the advice... still trying to learn how to navigate this site.. 

I will ad this caveat though. If you are gonna talk to a scout you better know how to do it without coming off looking like an idiot. First impressions are huge. 

/\

I should have added that: just like you're pumping the scout, he is interviewing you. It's almost a home visit.

So, be humble and open to learn. No one wants to hear about your day job, the time that S hit 4 home runs in a little league game, etc.

 

CTbballDad posted:

"Inconsistency with the FB" is that velocity or command, or both?  Curious how much actual feedback you get from scouts, or is it just like college recruitment.

Well.. very good question... and i'll give my best answer.. I would say its inconsistency with both.. the scout that called my son back after the draft was over last year told him it was his lack of velo at the JUCO word series, due to it being in Grand Junction Colorado.. he should have been throwing harder there and only topped 90 thru 5 innings pitched.. we watched other kids from other teams topping 93 to 95 while there.. he just wasn't feeling it.. now during the season my son has had issues with ball control.. he tends to walk more batters that he should.. so I take that as another reason scouts may have looked the other way.. but its very hard to understand because I attended most of his games last year.. I watched these scouts and listened to them.. I spoke with many of them.. all seemed to love what my son had to offer.. size, velo, movement, good off speed.. several of the scouts told me flat out yes.. "he will definitely get picked up this year".. he even had a scout call him the day before the draft and asked him if we choose you this round for this much money would you accept.. my son said yes sir, absolutely... and still nada!! he was crushed after the draft.. the feedback, I as the father was always very good.. I had several scouts approach me at the games and say hello Mr Faith... I would see the same scouts at multiple games.. home games and some away games.. always very friendly and seemed to be very honest with opinions.. was also approached by several college coaches as well once they realized I was his father.. most were D2, NAIA, and some smaller D1.. he had a ton of interest from big D1 SEC schools but his Grades GPA were horrible.. he was struggling to just pass his classes at the JUCO level.. he was so sure he was getting drafted he relaxed on his grades and it effected his ability to go play at the next level of college ball.. 

Before I created the Area Code games, I interview several scouts during a College game. My question was "what are you looking for"? The Pro Scout, a former MLB player said" I imagine the pitcher several years from now pitching in the World Series and his SS makes an error.

"How does the pitcher react?"

Bob

 

While the birddogs or junior scouts arent the ones who aren't in the know so much...they aren't a bad way to learn a few things in preparation for talking with the AS or also when considering colleges and RC's insights. Use what you can to better position & your son for success...just don't be that Dad. 

I can't tell you how the scouts are looking at your son, or if he will get drafted. That said I've sat through 4 years of my son playing fall ball and hitting over the winter for a scout that has now worked his way to Director of Scouting for an MLB team. It was eye-opening and I'll give you this advice. They (he) sees the game in a very different way than anybody I had ran into before, and a lot of people who think they know how the game should be played, don't know. So be careful who you seek advice from.

I will say this. Reading your post it seems you are having a lot of interaction with these scouts. At the level it sounds like your son would be drafted at the MiLB is a grind. It can be a merisable dog eat dog life. Choose your words and what you share carefully least you leave the impression your son would never make it.

A scout used to watch my son from the parking lot, sometimes with binoculars.  Not only was he interested in son's performance, but also how he got along with teammates in the dugout, with opposition team, his effort, attitude when he struck out or made an error, etc.  Son was being evaluated as to what type of teammate he will be at the next level.  Can he handle the long grueling minor league days, being away from familiar settings, making his teammates better or only in it for himself, hustle and effort, and maturity.  Control the things you are able to and not worry about things beyond your reach.  Before the draft based on publications, son was projected to be a lower 1st round  pick.  He flew out to 8 or 9 MLB workouts in about a 2 week period, the highest one had a top 5 pick.  They loved him and gave the "impression" if he was available they would pick him.  Turned out they didn't but son was picked soon after, a complete surprise by a team who showed little interest beforehand.  Take home lesson is you never know who is watching so do everything you can on and off the field to leave a lasting impression.  Best of luck with this journey.  Good or bad there are very few athletes who will experience what you and your son are given the opportunity to sample.

Trust In Him posted:

A scout used to watch my son from the parking lot, sometimes with binoculars.  Not only was he interested in son's performance, but also how he got along with teammates in the dugout, with opposition team, his effort, attitude when he struck out or made an error, etc.  Son was being evaluated as to what type of teammate he will be at the next level.  Can he handle the long grueling minor league days, being away from familiar settings, making his teammates better or only in it for himself, hustle and effort, and maturity.  Control the things you are able to and not worry about things beyond your reach.  Before the draft based on publications, son was projected to be a lower 1st round  pick.  He flew out to 8 or 9 MLB workouts in about a 2 week period, the highest one had a top 5 pick.  They loved him and gave the "impression" if he was available they would pick him.  Turned out they didn't but son was picked soon after, a complete surprise by a team who showed little interest beforehand.  Take home lesson is you never know who is watching so do everything you can on and off the field to leave a lasting impression.  Best of luck with this journey.  Good or bad there are very few athletes who will experience what you and your son are given the opportunity to sample.

Wow.. very good response!! Thank You... my son has played baseball with 4 kids that have all been drafted.. 2 he has played with since about 11 years old.. and the other 2 he played with in high school.. 2 of the 4 were drafted out of high school... so we have seen the scouts and watched how this all works for years... its so much fun to watch... but 1 of his teammates from high school was really really good.. we all knew he was getting drafted early.. but this kid had the absolute worst attitude on and off the field.. he threw temper tantrums.. cussed out players.. cussed at the coach.. threw bats and helmets during games.. so we thought that was surely going to affect his draft stock... and we were all shocked when it DID NOT.. he was drafted Very High.. with a very large bonus!! So.. after seeing an example like that and then seeing the other boys getting drafted, you as a parent can't help but to compare your son to theirs.. so.. that's why we are still scratching our heads and wondering why!

SomeBaseballDad posted:

I can't tell you how the scouts are looking at your son, or if he will get drafted. That said I've sat through 4 years of my son playing fall ball and hitting over the winter for a scout that has now worked his way to Director of Scouting for an MLB team. It was eye-opening and I'll give you this advice. They (he) sees the game in a very different way than anybody I had ran into before, and a lot of people who think they know how the game should be played, don't know. So be careful who you seek advice from.

I will say this. Reading your post it seems you are having a lot of interaction with these scouts. At the level it sounds like your son would be drafted at the MiLB is a grind. It can be a merisable dog eat dog life. Choose your words and what you share carefully least you leave the impression your son would never make it.

I see what your saying... thanks for the advice.. I think I'll just start standing back and watching.. less interacting.. but I never approach a scout.. they would always approach me once they find out I'm his father.. but I follow what your saying.. less chatting and more watching!!! 

Austin Faith posted:

Trust In Him posted:

A scout used to watch my son from the parking lot, sometimes with binoculars.  Not only was he interested in son's performance, but also how he got along with teammates in the dugout, with opposition team, his effort, attitude when he struck out or made an error, etc.  Son was being evaluated as to what type of teammate he will be at the next level.  Can he handle the long grueling minor league days, being away from familiar settings, making his teammates better or only in it for himself, hustle and effort, and maturity.  Control the things you are able to and not worry about things beyond your reach.  Before the draft based on publications, son was projected to be a lower 1st round  pick.  He flew out to 8 or 9 MLB workouts in about a 2 week period, the highest one had a top 5 pick.  They loved him and gave the "impression" if he was available they would pick him.  Turned out they didn't but son was picked soon after, a complete surprise by a team who showed little interest beforehand.  Take home lesson is you never know who is watching so do everything you can on and off the field to leave a lasting impression.  Best of luck with this journey.  Good or bad there are very few athletes who will experience what you and your son are given the opportunity to sample.

Wow.. very good response!! Thank You... my son has played baseball with 4 kids that have all been drafted.. 2 he has played with since about 11 years old.. and the other 2 he played with in high school.. 2 of the 4 were drafted out of high school... so we have seen the scouts and watched how this all works for years... its so much fun to watch... but 1 of his teammates from high school was really really good.. we all knew he was getting drafted early.. but this kid had the absolute worst attitude on and off the field.. he threw temper tantrums.. cussed out players.. cussed at the coach.. threw bats and helmets during games.. so we thought that was surely going to affect his draft stock... and we were all shocked when it DID NOT.. he was drafted Very High.. with a very large bonus!! So.. after seeing an example like that and then seeing the other boys getting drafted, you as a parent can't help but to compare your son to theirs.. so.. that's why we are still scratching our heads and wondering why

Austin Faith posted:

Trust In Him posted:

A scout used to watch my son from the parking lot, sometimes with binoculars.  Not only was he interested in son's performance, but also how he got along with teammates in the dugout, with opposition team, his effort, attitude when he struck out or made an error, etc.  Son was being evaluated as to what type of teammate he will be at the next level.  Can he handle the long grueling minor league days, being away from familiar settings, making his teammates better or only in it for himself, hustle and effort, and maturity.  Control the things you are able to and not worry about things beyond your reach.  Before the draft based on publications, son was projected to be a lower 1st round  pick.  He flew out to 8 or 9 MLB workouts in about a 2 week period, the highest one had a top 5 pick.  They loved him and gave the "impression" if he was available they would pick him.  Turned out they didn't but son was picked soon after, a complete surprise by a team who showed little interest beforehand.  Take home lesson is you never know who is watching so do everything you can on and off the field to leave a lasting impression.  Best of luck with this journey.  Good or bad there are very few athletes who will experience what you and your son are given the opportunity to sample.

Wow.. very good response!! Thank You... my son has played baseball with 4 kids that have all been drafted.. 2 he has played with since about 11 years old.. and the other 2 he played with in high school.. 2 of the 4 were drafted out of high school... so we have seen the scouts and watched how this all works for years... its so much fun to watch... but 1 of his teammates from high school was really really good.. we all knew he was getting drafted early.. but this kid had the absolute worst attitude on and off the field.. he threw temper tantrums.. cussed out players.. cussed at the coach.. threw bats and helmets during games.. so we thought that was surely going to affect his draft stock... and we were all shocked when it DID NOT.. he was drafted Very High.. with a very large bonus!! So.. after seeing an example like that and then seeing the other boys getting drafted, you as a parent can't help but to compare your son to theirs.. so.. that's why we are still scratching our heads and wondering why!

Austin Faith posted:

Trust In Him posted:

A scout used to watch my son from the parking lot, sometimes with binoculars.  Not only was he interested in son's performance, but also how he got along with teammates in the dugout, with opposition team, his effort, attitude when he struck out or made an error, etc.  Son was being evaluated as to what type of teammate he will be at the next level.  Can he handle the long grueling minor league days, being away from familiar settings, making his teammates better or only in it for himself, hustle and effort, and maturity.  Control the things you are able to and not worry about things beyond your reach.  Before the draft based on publications, son was projected to be a lower 1st round  pick.  He flew out to 8 or 9 MLB workouts in about a 2 week period, the highest one had a top 5 pick.  They loved him and gave the "impression" if he was available they would pick him.  Turned out they didn't but son was picked soon after, a complete surprise by a team who showed little interest beforehand.  Take home lesson is you never know who is watching so do everything you can on and off the field to leave a lasting impression.  Best of luck with this journey.  Good or bad there are very few athletes who will experience what you and your son are given the opportunity to sample.

Wow.. very good response!! Thank You... my son has played baseball with 4 kids that have all been drafted.. 2 he has played with since about 11 years old.. and the other 2 he played with in high school.. 2 of the 4 were drafted out of high school... so we have seen the scouts and watched how this all works for years... its so much fun to watch... but 1 of his teammates from high school was really really good.. we all knew he was getting drafted early.. but this kid had the absolute worst attitude on and off the field.. he threw temper tantrums.. cussed out players.. cussed at the coach.. threw bats and helmets during games.. so we thought that was surely going to affect his draft stock... and we were all shocked when it DID NOT.. he was drafted Very High.. with a very large bonus!! So.. after seeing an example like that and then seeing the other boys getting drafted, you as a parent can't help but to compare your son to theirs.. so.. that's why we are still scratching our heads and wondering why!

There’s a productivity to horse’s behind ratio involved. The more it’s believed a player can produce the more some MLB organization is willing to put up with behaviorally. Do you think a 35th round pick minor leaguer could get away with Trevor Bauer’s behavior? 

We all deal with this in the real world. We sometimes work with people we would rather not be around. But as long as they’re producers their behavior is tolerated.

Austin Faith- will catch a Lamar game feb 29. Brother in law is being inducted into Lamar’s Baseball HOF that evening. 

Austin Faith posted

but 1 of his teammates from high school was really really good.. we all knew he was getting drafted early.. but this kid had the absolute worst attitude on and off the field.. he threw temper tantrums.. cussed out players.. cussed at the coach.. threw bats and helmets during games.. so we thought that was surely going to affect his draft stock... and we were all shocked when it DID NOT.. he was drafted Very High.. with a very large bonus!! So.. after seeing an example like that and then seeing the other boys getting drafted, you as a parent can't help but to compare your son to theirs.. so.. that's why we are still scratching our heads and wondering why!

This is a perfect example of points I was making in my previous post. Scouts may not see that attitude as being a negative but very much a positive. Some of the kids former college team mates who were drafted have visited and told the guys what a sh#t show MiLB can be. A large part of that is dealing with the players from countries to the south and how they can treat you. Maybe that's what scouts saw in this kid, someone who can walk into that world and not let it eat them up and spit them out. I say this from experience because in ways that's my son. Not the yelling at teammates/coaches but a kid with an attitude. All we heard growing up was how much that was going to hurt him. Then after his senior year I get the call from the scout wanting to know if drafted will he accept. He insisted he had the attitude and frame of mind it would take to have a chance at the next level. 

 

95 is the new 90 just as a FYI...Serious draft prospects are all hovering around 95 now (or higher) 

No offense but he is better off moving on with his life and getting a real job unless he wants to toil in the minors making $20K/yr living off you your generosity, and then finding out 3-4 years from now he should have done the former. Just my 2 cents. 

To quote Coach May "you'll know if they are seriously interested in your son".  

Best of luck to your son. 

Wow. I was actually shocked to read this last post. Almost don’t really know what to say to be honest. Just really shocked. And that you would be on a baseball website for kids trying to pursue their dreams of playing at the next level and that’s the best comment you have. Just imagine if everyone you Know that had busted their butts to get to where they are in life had the same mentality as you do!!!!! Just give up you’ll never make it and just go get a real job!!! Seriously!!!!! You really shouldn’t be responding to anyone on this site without letting someone proof read what your saying first. Just pathetic choice of words. My son just like every player on this website is pushing for a “dream” of getting to play at the next level. Doesn’t matter what level that is. Either JUCO, D1,2 or 3 or possibly getting drafted one day. Or even just getting the attention of college scouts or pro scouts. Doesn’t matter. It’s their dream. They all have it. I get it that some will never get there. And that’s just life. But who would EVER say just give up you aren’t good enough. Seriously!!! I’m sorry for venting. But damn bro. That got under my skin!!!! 

Austin Faith posted:

Wow. I was actually shocked to read this last post. Almost don’t really know what to say to be honest. Just really shocked. And that you would be on a baseball website for kids trying to pursue their dreams of playing at the next level and that’s the best comment you have. Just imagine if everyone you Know that had busted their butts to get to where they are in life had the same mentality as you do!!!!! Just give up you’ll never make it and just go get a real job!!! Seriously!!!!! You really shouldn’t be responding to anyone on this site without letting someone proof read what your saying first. Just pathetic choice of words. My son just like every player on this website is pushing for a “dream” of getting to play at the next level. Doesn’t matter what level that is. Either JUCO, D1,2 or 3 or possibly getting drafted one day. Or even just getting the attention of college scouts or pro scouts. Doesn’t matter. It’s their dream. They all have it. I get it that some will never get there. And that’s just life. But who would EVER say just give up you aren’t good enough. Seriously!!! I’m sorry for venting. But damn bro. That got under my skin!!!! 

You shouldn't take offense.  It's a reality that throwing low-mid 90s puts him in a very large pack of which very few break through.  The odds aren't with getting to the MLB from where he is.  If he wants to pursue a dream that's great, but understand the cost of doing so.  I know lots of kids that dream of being writers and study english in college, and that usually doesn't end well either.

The odds are way against almost every American born player making it to MLB. Point has been made. See no reason to pile on. 

Life is hard and the Milb lifestyle is harder. That $20k (generous and AAA level) a year is only while you are playing and not for the 4 months you are off. 

"The average salary for a minor league baseball player, whose contract is handled by Major League Baseball, ranged from around $6,000 in Single-A to around $9,350 in Double-A to nearly $15,000 in Triple-A in 2018, according to The Athletic. Those wages cover only the months of the regular season. Players are not paid during spring training or in fall leagues.

The poverty line in 2019 is $12,490, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services."

Most advice given here is in the best interest of the player and sometimes less digestible by the parents. It is what it is.

Best of luck to your son, everyone deserves a chance to chase their dreams.

Trust In Him posted:

A scout used to watch my son from the parking lot, sometimes with binoculars.  Not only was he interested in son's performance, but also how he got along with teammates in the dugout, with opposition team, his effort, attitude when he struck out or made an error, etc.  Son was being evaluated as to what type of teammate he will be at the next level.  Can he handle the long grueling minor league days, being away from familiar settings, making his teammates better or only in it for himself, hustle and effort, and maturity.  Control the things you are able to and not worry about things beyond your reach.  Before the draft based on publications, son was projected to be a lower 1st round  pick.  He flew out to 8 or 9 MLB workouts in about a 2 week period, the highest one had a top 5 pick.  They loved him and gave the "impression" if he was available they would pick him.  Turned out they didn't but son was picked soon after, a complete surprise by a team who showed little interest beforehand.  Take home lesson is you never know who is watching so do everything you can on and off the field to leave a lasting impression.  Best of luck with this journey.  Good or bad there are very few athletes who will experience what you and your son are given the opportunity to sample.

In my walks... this 

 

"Not only was he interested in son's performance, but also how he got along with teammates in the dugout, with opposition team, his effort, attitude when he struck out or made an error, etc.  Son was being evaluated as to what type of teammate he will be at the next level."

Is what they tell parents..... it's not the reality of the minors.  Teammate ?  don't start fights.... .. in it for only yourself? You better be or your done....  every time you play your line gets sent to the big office.... move up move up move up... maybe get traded.... don't get hurt... dont worry about the next guy... move up... dog eat dog my friend... if you need a friend get a dog. I think David Price got a dog.... cynical ?  yep..... you can be the sheep of the wolf. the better your stuff the more they paid you the more chances you get....  Scouts are one department... you'll likely never see them again once ST starts. New group and they don't really give a shit.... some are prospects and the rest are fill ins  hang around enough and prove yourself you might get a cup...  new crop coming in every year..

bacdorslider posted:

 

if you need a friend get a dog.

^THIS^

My son is one of those players chasing the dream in an organization that to date has been great.  He received a bonus (nothing crazy) that IMO allows him to be a single individual spending six months plus away from home playing baseball at a level that few get the opportunity to do for a few years.  He has a degree in computer science and could make much more money over the next three years in that field.  But he is young and has plenty of time in life to work a 9-5 job programming.  For now he gets to go to Spring Training, play with or against very talented players some of whom may reach the Majors or or even be stars.  He knows the odds for any of the players having a successful career is very limited, however it doesn't cost him anything to work hard and try to succeed.  As long as he enjoys the journey it is an experience that few have the opportunity to travel.  OBTW he does not throw 95 but he has been successful in college and the minors with the stuff he has.  Will it work as he moves up, there is only one way to find out.  It is a move up or out game so time will tell.  

I would always encourage the player in college chasing the pro career to ensure they are taking advantage of the educational opportunities.  Simply because the odds of making any substantial money in pro baseball is very low.  Hopefully, he has a passion for something academically and can work on a backup option.  The MLB teams generally will provide education dollars for finishing a degree so keep the options open.  Again best of luck on the journey.  For now he really just needs to translate his velocity into performance.  If that happens he should get an opportunity.  

Best of luck.

 

"He has a degree in computer science and could make much more money over the next three years in that field."

And, that's how to hedge your bet so a dream can be pursued.

Congrats to your son!

Austin Faith,  I sent you a couple of Private Messages today. The second one is much more important than the first.

I really like Dirk Hayhurst's writing; just came across this blog post from a year ago:

https://dirkhayhurst.com/hang-up-your-cleats/

There are 3 more after this one.

anotherparent posted:

I really like Dirk Hayhurst's writing; just came across this blog post from a year ago:

https://dirkhayhurst.com/hang-up-your-cleats/

There are 3 more after this one.

Well that’s depressing...