Help Me Out

cocdawg posted:

If many of you are like me your spouse wants to hear it from someone else...not me. So help me out, please. 

She received an email that says it’s from a D1 coach several states away asking our son (2025) to come to their baseball camp. I tell her they’re wanting our money and know nothing about our son. Then tell her I’m sure they got his name out of PBR or PG database. 

Help me out guys and gals. She thinks I “might be ruining a future opportunity”. 

I know that we husbands are NEVER right but Mrs. Cocdawg, your husband could not be more right. 

So a 2025 it's way early to pursue those options. But as you get a little further down the road . .

Is it a school that would be good for the kid? Is a school where he could play? Then maybe it's worth looking at. 

I was the parent most involved in my son's recruitment, although I know nothing about baseball or recruiting. I dug into one school because it was founded on my son's birthday (100 years earlier) and used his HS school colors. Literally. (Embarrassing to admit, but true.)

But as I looked further, it had players who looked a lot like him, academics that I thought would intrigue him. I brought it to his attention, we visited, he got an offer. Went to a better school elsewhere, but that was his choice.

You are probably right about the coach wanting your money and getting your son off a list. But that doesn't mean the school might not be an option.

Investigate everything. You never know what might pan out.

Iowamom23 posted:

So a 2025 it's way early to pursue those options. But as you get a little further down the road . .

Is it a school that would be good for the kid? Is a school where he could play? Then maybe it's worth looking at. 

I was the parent most involved in my son's recruitment, although I know nothing about baseball or recruiting. I dug into one school because it was founded on my son's birthday (100 years earlier) and used his HS school colors. Literally. (Embarrassing to admit, but true.)

But as I looked further, it had players who looked a lot like him, academics that I thought would intrigue him. I brought it to his attention, we visited, he got an offer. Went to a better school elsewhere, but that was his choice.

You are probably right about the coach wanting your money and getting your son off a list. But that doesn't mean the school might not be an option.

Investigate everything. You never know what might pan out.

A 2025 is a 7th grader? Right?

These kids, regardless of whatever skill they may have for their current age, DO NOT BELONG AT A COLLEGE CAMP. PERIOD. END OF STORY.

Iowa Mom, please don't perpetuate what has become a huge money grab by these organizations, and to a lesser (but still significant degree) the colleges themselves. I get it, they may need the funding (colleges) and the kid may get something out of it, but in reality a small player like this is way out of his league at a D1 college camp and will be a "cute novelty" at best, at worst he will be endangering himself playing against much stronger, older boys by encouraging "investigate everything" because for some parents, they grab onto that as a "we should go, someone said."

CoCDawg, you are right, it's a list and it's a money grab, and if for no other reason, for your son's safety, do not take him to this or any camp until he is in high school, and don't pick that camp based on school colors...

collegebaseballrecruitingguide posted:

Iowamom23 posted:

So a 2025 it's way early to pursue those options. But as you get a little further down the road . .

Is it a school that would be good for the kid? Is a school where he could play? Then maybe it's worth looking at. 

I was the parent most involved in my son's recruitment, although I know nothing about baseball or recruiting. I dug into one school because it was founded on my son's birthday (100 years earlier) and used his HS school colors. Literally. (Embarrassing to admit, but true.)

But as I looked further, it had players who looked a lot like him, academics that I thought would intrigue him. I brought it to his attention, we visited, he got an offer. Went to a better school elsewhere, but that was his choice.

You are probably right about the coach wanting your money and getting your son off a list. But that doesn't mean the school might not be an option.

Investigate everything. You never know what might pan out.

A 2025 is a 7th grader? Right?

These kids, regardless of whatever skill they may have for their current age, DO NOT BELONG AT A COLLEGE CAMP. PERIOD. END OF STORY.

Iowa Mom, please don't perpetuate what has become a huge money grab by these organizations, and to a lesser (but still significant degree) the colleges themselves. I get it, they may need the funding (colleges) and the kid may get something out of it, but in reality a small player like this is way out of his league at a D1 college camp and will be a "cute novelty" at best, at worst he will be endangering himself playing against much stronger, older boys by encouraging "investigate everything" because for some parents, they grab onto that as a "we should go, someone said."

CoCDawg, you are right, it's a list and it's a money grab, and if for no other reason, for your son's safety, do not take him to this or any camp until he is in high school, and don't pick that camp based on school colors...

Just a note — I did say — So a 2025 it's way early to pursue those options. But as you get a little further down the road . .

I am a little confused (maybe a lot) why you would have your seventh grader in either a PBR or PG database.

Iowamom23 posted:

collegebaseballrecruitingguide posted:

Iowamom23 posted:

So a 2025 it's way early to pursue those options. But as you get a little further down the road . .

Is it a school that would be good for the kid? Is a school where he could play? Then maybe it's worth looking at. 

I was the parent most involved in my son's recruitment, although I know nothing about baseball or recruiting. I dug into one school because it was founded on my son's birthday (100 years earlier) and used his HS school colors. Literally. (Embarrassing to admit, but true.)

But as I looked further, it had players who looked a lot like him, academics that I thought would intrigue him. I brought it to his attention, we visited, he got an offer. Went to a better school elsewhere, but that was his choice.

You are probably right about the coach wanting your money and getting your son off a list. But that doesn't mean the school might not be an option.

Investigate everything. You never know what might pan out.

A 2025 is a 7th grader? Right?

These kids, regardless of whatever skill they may have for their current age, DO NOT BELONG AT A COLLEGE CAMP. PERIOD. END OF STORY.

Iowa Mom, please don't perpetuate what has become a huge money grab by these organizations, and to a lesser (but still significant degree) the colleges themselves. I get it, they may need the funding (colleges) and the kid may get something out of it, but in reality a small player like this is way out of his league at a D1 college camp and will be a "cute novelty" at best, at worst he will be endangering himself playing against much stronger, older boys by encouraging "investigate everything" because for some parents, they grab onto that as a "we should go, someone said."

CoCDawg, you are right, it's a list and it's a money grab, and if for no other reason, for your son's safety, do not take him to this or any camp until he is in high school, and don't pick that camp based on school colors...

Just a note — I did say — So a 2025 it's way early to pursue those options. But as you get a little further down the road . .

I am a little confused (maybe a lot) why you would have your seventh grader in either a PBR or PG database.

 

Much like cigarette and e-cigarette makers, PG and PBR market to exactly this age group, host tournaments in these (and younger) age groups in order to cultivate their market for when the kids are in high school years. Blaze into the kids and parents' memory at ages 10-12 that you need to do their showcases and guess what happens? They continue to put cash into their pockets...shake my head at this marketing, but it is effective and the tournaments are a cash cow.

cocdawg posted:

If many of you are like me your spouse wants to hear it from someone else...not me. So help me out, please. 

She received an email that says it’s from a D1 coach several states away asking our son (2025) to come to their baseball camp. I tell her they’re wanting our money and know nothing about our son. Then tell her I’m sure they got his name out of PBR or PG database. 

Help me out guys and gals. She thinks I “might be ruining a future opportunity”. 

Just have her reply to the email, asking specifically what they saw in your son that they think he might be a fit for the program.

Really, if she is going to be involved in any aspect of any recruiting process your son may go through, she should be introduced to HSBBW and now is the perfect time for that to happen.

Iowamom23 posted:

I am a little confused (maybe a lot) why you would have your seventh grader in either a PBR or PG database.

 

Thanks everyone and the responses are exactly what I expected. 

Iowamom23-to answer your question....... PG and PBR tourneys are close by to our area. Many kids play in them year round. As for us, we don’t think our kids are ready for that and mainly play in smaller tournaments. However, the kids think these tourneys are a huge deal. So instead of making a trip to the beach to play in some meaningless tourney, our coaches have let the kids play in one of the PG/PBR tourneys at the end of the summer. It’s kinda their World Series. It’s what the kids look forward to and it’s cheaper than a beach trip. Win win!!

I have a 2024 kid, and I am receiving invite emails similar to this with increasing volume.  I have the same internal questions and thoughts about how to ignore, respond or to have my son participate.

To ease my anguish, I have spent considerable time developing a plan (tentative roadmap with options, targeted events, priorities) for my son's 2020 baseball roadmap for May - October and have placed practical constraints on how much $ and PTO am willing to burn for my son's summer baseball travel opportunities.  

If I receive an invite to a camp that I think is a good fit for my son, but not sure if it is a money grab, then I will reply with an email back to the coach (back to the sender) thanking them for the invitation while asking one or two specific questions about the event details.  Most times, I never get a follow-up reply ... a sure indication that it is a money grab solicitation, and I suspect that some tournament organizer from last summer has likely sold their contact list to the sender's organization.

The OP didn't state this was a prospect camp.   I could be a developmental camp.  When my son was in 7th or 8th grade he and a bunch of travel teammates made the trip to UVA for a developmental camp.   It was an awesome experience.  They had the radar gun on the score board.  The kids were 7th thru I want to say 10th grade.  I have video (I wasn't there but another parent sent) of my son striking out an older kid and lining an single on the UVA field.   They got instruction, were talked too about the recruiting process by the UVA coaching staff etc.   These things are not always money grabs and if you don't mind spending the money they can be an experience.  However to the OP you are 100% correct in that not going is not ruining a future opportunity.  Not in the least!

COCDAWG,

Most college programs have different types of camps. Most call their camps different names, prospect camps, developmental, pitcher camps, catcher camps, etc. Some programs even have sleep away camps. 

But most of the better camp programs seperate campers by age. Your son is not a prospect as of yet and not designated as such until 9th grade. He more than likely would not be put in with high school campers.  

Most HC own their camps, so the HC is the one sending the invite, that's why his name is on it, he didn't see your son play, but yes, more than likely got your sons name from some source. If she calls, just ask who do you speak with regarding camp questions.

Many camps, do a great job, some do not.  The better college programs in the country give absolutely great tips and instruction for every age group. Some programs have young campers that return year after year to their camps until they do become prospects.  

A suggestion was made to call and inquire about the camp, which age groups are attending, and where did they get your sons info. 

He got pulled off a list, probably made "All Tourney Team" or something similar. Same thing happened to my 2025. I don't feel as if he is missing anything in particular (or burning bridges) by not attending. My gut feeling is if my son (or yours) can still stand-out at 15-16-17 he will still get the same if not more attention. But at that age will have a realistic chance to commit and/or decide what he wants to pursue in life.   

Someone mentioned above as to why are kids competing at PG at this young age. As for our team we found that there was actually a lot to be offered at a PG event when compared to other to more local tournaments. PG was nearly half the cost, competition was just as good if not better, fields and officials (all 2 man crews) were good, they provided an official score keeper, tracked pitch counts and held all teams accountable, kids got a kick out of having their own profile page, etc....   

The only downfall that comes to mind was I had to remind our one crazy dad (every team seems to have at least one) that throwing 60 on the gun wasn't the most important thing in the world. Jr tried to light up the gun and threw the first pitch 10 feet or so above the catchers head. I have a dry sense of humor so I thought it was actually kind of funny cause he shattered 60 and the lead-off batter had happy feet after that first pitch, but had to waste a mound visit to tell him to ignore the gun along with his dad, hit your spots and mix it up a little. 

(on a side note, I don't work for PG, just a personal experience)

Look to see if there is an "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of the email.  That will tell you if you're on a list.  I recommend you unsubscribe, you will be flooded with emails for years to come if you don't!

The only time it matters, before summer after junior year, is if the college coach has called your son's travel coach and asked that he attend.

On PG and PBR, my son played in PG WWBA at 13 in 15 and 16, at 14 in 15, 16, and 17U tournaments, at 15 he played in 15, 16, 17, and 18 and the same at 16 and 17.  Teams are starting to play more PG and PBR tournaments at the younger ages in the south rather than the USSSA.  I don't know what age is too young but as we say the competition will tell you.  USSSA has become very watered down and so many tournaments do not separate the level of play on Fridays and Saturdays, too many blowouts.

To the OP, I don't think you go now but if it is a school your son might like to go to it would not hurt to contact the coaches and tell them you are not available but appreciate the invite.  We did very few camps but we did play on a team in 7th grade that we had college scouts coming to look at so it is not out of the realm of possibility.  We had one player on our team commit in the summer after the 8th grade to an SEC school.  Didn't hurt he was throwing 91.  I know top 1%.

A 7th grader is typically transitioning to the full size field in 13u. Some are still on smaller fields in 12u.What would they have to show a college coach? Any 7th grader good enough to impress a college coach is already known throughout the country. 

It's akin to a domestic based "nigerian email scheme"....unless you have a legitimate chance to get a scholarship at that school and want to vet out the coaches and see how they relate to players and other fundraising targets....politely decline. There are plenty of chances as these camps are open to all range of talent and rarely produce a commit.

Shoveit4Ks posted:

It's akin to a domestic based "nigerian email scheme"....unless you have a legitimate chance to get a scholarship at that school and want to vet out the coaches and see how they relate to players and other fundraising targets....politely decline. There are plenty of chances as these camps are open to all range of talent and rarely produce a commit.

I don't necessarily think a 7th grader needs to attend a camp at a few states away, but I don't agree that there is a correlation between Nigerian email schemes and college camp invites.  But I know  and get your sense of humor.

Here is an interesting story, many, many years ago when son went to Clemson, a parent here sent a pm telling me that he had met my son, who was working camp. Told me that his son learned so much, and continued to send him for many years. Someone also had posted that their son had attended Clemson camps, and improved his skills with learning tips from the players and coaches.

Did they end up going to Clemson, probably not. But they did appreciate how well run and organized and fun it was.

And I know that you get that.

Good luck to Ryley, hope he gets a chance to attend big league ST.

Re-read through this post and it sounds like there are 2 lines of thought depending on what the OP listed as "baseball camp"

If interpreted as a "prospect camp", then barring the 2nd coming of Bryce Harper no middle school kid has any business being on the field with kids being recruited for college ball. 

If read as a "development camp" then might be something to look into. Just don't break the bank, make sure it is age appro, and treat it as something fun to do as it has no bearings on limiting his future success. 

Related to the so-called feeling of missing an opportunity, I agreed to let my 2025 sign up for a PG Series Event this summer. Something that he really wanted to do when he saw that they sent him a personal invite. Now before I get blasted by the group  my wife and I were already planning to visit the in-laws in South Florida that week anyway.

Great way to dodge that bullet 

This may be so much pablum, but we're all trying to do whatever we can to put our kids in the best possible position to pursue their passion (whatever that may be).

It is REALLY hard to know, even when logic is staring you in the face shaking its head "no", whether to pull the trigger on some of these "opportunities."  I'm working on my third kid's recruitment and I'm still uncertain about what to go for, and what to avoid. 

"It is REALLY hard to know, even when logic is staring you in the face shaking its head "no", whether to pull the trigger on some of these "opportunities."  I'm working on my third kid's recruitment and I'm still uncertain about what to go for, and what to avoid."

Agree! Smoke Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one out there 

The town I raised my kids in has an awesome multi sport and recreation complex and park. During the summer there are weekly sports camps. My son went in lieu of daycare or hanging out at the pool club with his older sister swimming and playing Gaga ball (Who knows about Gaga ball?).

There were two one week baseball camps for ages 7-12 run by an area D1. Doing the math it was easy to figure out these camps help a lot towards financing the early spring trips. 

Waiting to pick up my son I witnessed a LL parent I recognized asking the head coach if his kid had a future in baseball. He responded, “If he keeps at it there’s no telling how far he will go in the game.” In other words, “I don’t see anything but keep coming back and financing our spring trips.”

Without identifying or myself or my son I asked the coach if he gets a lot of that. He said more than he cares to answer. He commented there are few preteens in any one town who are identifiable as having a future in any sport. 

Back at out LL complex parents of some kids were telling other parents the college coach said their son may have a future in baseball.

I guess there are two lessons here. Keep age in perspective when doing camps. Hear what they’re saying not what you want to hear. 

ReluctantO'sFan posted:

"It is REALLY hard to know, even when logic is staring you in the face shaking its head "no", whether to pull the trigger on some of these "opportunities."  I'm working on my third kid's recruitment and I'm still uncertain about what to go for, and what to avoid."

Agree! Smoke Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one out there 

I think I overthought more on the last one than the first two because 8-10 years in between.  Mainly because my middle son has always said Dad why didn't you give me more adult information when I was making the decision.  I should have gone to either of two other offers he got.  One was an SEC football/baseball full offer to play QB and PO.  The other was a local mid-major where he would have made money going between the baseball scholarship and the state lottery money and another scholarship.  So I was more intentional to be very involved and give more information on the last.I reckon it will be years before I know if he made the right decision.