oh, ok. Sorry for the bad info. At least he can do something...
Been, Thanks
Moc1
Moc1
Originally started this topic a month ago because my son and I wanted to know what to expect from "in home" visits from scouts. We got some really good insight from Oneplayer'spop.
We've now had 5 visits and this would be my take: first, I would agree with PG. Visits with the scouts have been for the most part pleasurable - significantly better than listening to the sales pitches of agent advisor types.
The older scouts have been great - good baseball conversation, eventually getting around to the questions they want to ask. Younger guys have not been as skilled, but still nice guys - fun talking with them. We've only had one scout ask in the first five minutes "What dollar amount will it take for you to forego college". Apparently he got all the information he needed in the first five minutes, because he then spent an hour on a rant abount the NCAA and college baseball.
Anyway, this phase of the adventure so far has been the most enjoyable- the scouts seem sincere in learning about the player. Different from the college coach and advisor/agent who is trying to sell you on their school or service.
We've now had 5 visits and this would be my take: first, I would agree with PG. Visits with the scouts have been for the most part pleasurable - significantly better than listening to the sales pitches of agent advisor types.
The older scouts have been great - good baseball conversation, eventually getting around to the questions they want to ask. Younger guys have not been as skilled, but still nice guys - fun talking with them. We've only had one scout ask in the first five minutes "What dollar amount will it take for you to forego college". Apparently he got all the information he needed in the first five minutes, because he then spent an hour on a rant abount the NCAA and college baseball.
Anyway, this phase of the adventure so far has been the most enjoyable- the scouts seem sincere in learning about the player. Different from the college coach and advisor/agent who is trying to sell you on their school or service.
usetawas/OPP,
You have a PM.
You have a PM.
My son has had nine in-home scout visits so far this fall. My observation has been that the scout wants to establish two main points: to get a good indication of son's makeup and to gage his desire to sign (and his family's support of him to sign) and forego his college scholarship offer.
Has anyone put together an information sheet to give to scouts on home visits that indicate HS schedule, coaches name and phone #, biographical information of player, including college where NLI was signed, picture (face) attached? What do some of you scouts (grampa doug) think of that? Good idea or not necessary...if good idea, what else would be useful information to include?
Funny thing too...Why is it they all say when scheduling a visit that he 'only needs to have 30 minutes to and hour to meet with you', when the shortest visit so far has been one hour and 45 minutes and the longest has taken 2 hours and 30 minutes?
Has anyone put together an information sheet to give to scouts on home visits that indicate HS schedule, coaches name and phone #, biographical information of player, including college where NLI was signed, picture (face) attached? What do some of you scouts (grampa doug) think of that? Good idea or not necessary...if good idea, what else would be useful information to include?
Funny thing too...Why is it they all say when scheduling a visit that he 'only needs to have 30 minutes to and hour to meet with you', when the shortest visit so far has been one hour and 45 minutes and the longest has taken 2 hours and 30 minutes?
How about a message board devoted to ranking and discussing scouts, agents, advisors -- so we can get info on the good and bad one's.
We all live in different areas and see different scouts, would be hard to RANK them 
I would suggest having the HS schedule available for them and coach's phone #. I also suggest to gather any medical records because sooner or later they may want them.
No one has ever asked about money, just up until what round would be acceptable.
I would suggest having the HS schedule available for them and coach's phone #. I also suggest to gather any medical records because sooner or later they may want them.No one has ever asked about money, just up until what round would be acceptable.
Hey, I know that this topic was started a good while ago but I have a thought that I was thinking as I read through all you posts.
I see a lot of people saying that they want millions of dollars in order to play pro ball and I see people saying that they will only play pro ball if they are drafted in the first few rounds. All I could think of as I was reading this is, I would actually pay to play pro ball and I wouldn't care if I got drafted in the final round. I wouldn't care, as soon a someone offered my a contract I would sign it for fear that they may not offer twice. I would never whine that I'm not getting payed enough money. Playing Pro ball is something that not many players get to do. So I would say that my signability would be the easiest in America if everyone else only wants to play Pro ball fo the money. That is ridiculous! Playing pro ball is something that I, personally, want to do for shere love of the game. I mean, when I go to see the Pirates play, during BP, all I can do is picture myself down on the field with a Big Leage uni on, kids yelling my name for my autograph and taking BP on a Pro ballfield. That would be an awesome experience.
Now reading these posts, it makes me sick that someone is going to pass that up because they are not getting the money they want. Maybe I'm too young to understand what you guys are going through but all I'm saying is I would play for free.
The money side of baseball is what is screwed up. This is why small market teams like the Pirates can't afford big name ball players, because everyone wants to be the richest guy in america. My final thought is, be happly that someone is interseted in you and you are given the opprotunity to play ball at that level. Just take it and live the dream that kids like me are desperately striving to achieve. I know tons of kids who would love to be in your shoes, myself included, just sign and make the most of what is presented to you.
-Kevin
I see a lot of people saying that they want millions of dollars in order to play pro ball and I see people saying that they will only play pro ball if they are drafted in the first few rounds. All I could think of as I was reading this is, I would actually pay to play pro ball and I wouldn't care if I got drafted in the final round. I wouldn't care, as soon a someone offered my a contract I would sign it for fear that they may not offer twice. I would never whine that I'm not getting payed enough money. Playing Pro ball is something that not many players get to do. So I would say that my signability would be the easiest in America if everyone else only wants to play Pro ball fo the money. That is ridiculous! Playing pro ball is something that I, personally, want to do for shere love of the game. I mean, when I go to see the Pirates play, during BP, all I can do is picture myself down on the field with a Big Leage uni on, kids yelling my name for my autograph and taking BP on a Pro ballfield. That would be an awesome experience.
Now reading these posts, it makes me sick that someone is going to pass that up because they are not getting the money they want. Maybe I'm too young to understand what you guys are going through but all I'm saying is I would play for free.
The money side of baseball is what is screwed up. This is why small market teams like the Pirates can't afford big name ball players, because everyone wants to be the richest guy in america. My final thought is, be happly that someone is interseted in you and you are given the opprotunity to play ball at that level. Just take it and live the dream that kids like me are desperately striving to achieve. I know tons of kids who would love to be in your shoes, myself included, just sign and make the most of what is presented to you.
-Kevin
Catcher41-Kevin,
Good question. First I will tell you that neither you nor I can pass judgment on a player for either choosing to play professionally for a small amount of money nor can we criticize those that want a million dollars before they consider playing. That is a personal choice. It does seem that money becomes the main issue the majority of the time ...but….. things are not always as they appear or we may not know the complete story.
Let me give you a few examples. Let’s say you are a good baseball player and a very intelligent individual. Your 4.0 GPA and you college entrance scores have garnered you a full ride at a very prestigious university and the baseball coach has told you that you would be the starting catcher as a freshman. The coach has a very good reputation of improving players and most players drafted out of high school will improve their draft status by playing in his program. BUT... You have been drafted in the 40th round and you have been offered 1,000.00 to forgo college and play professional baseball. What do you do?
Another example: Let’s say you’re a big LHP that dominates everyone you face. You’ve been to numerous showcases and Baseball America has you ranked as the #2 prospects in the country. You have indicated that college is very important to you but you will forgo college if drafted high enough. This wishy-washey signal has dropped you from the top 5 rounds because of signability issues but a club decides to take a chance to see if you will sign. They sign you in the 6th round and offer slot money of about $150,000.00. Your agent demands 3 million because you are the #2 prospect and the press gets wind of this and has a field day. Is this just another greedy ballplayer? Or is this the #2 prospect in the country asking for respect?
Last example: A very good ball player is having a great senior year in high school (as a baseball player). Academically he is in trouble. His 1.7 GPA and his lack of college prep courses have excluded him from D-1 play. He may be able to get into a JUCO but even they are shying away. He has virtually no offers from colleges but he was drafted in the 37th round….. Does he keep his after school job at McDonalds or does he play baseball? If he decides to play baseball should he use the McDonalds job as leverage to increase the $2,000.00 they offered?
Good question. First I will tell you that neither you nor I can pass judgment on a player for either choosing to play professionally for a small amount of money nor can we criticize those that want a million dollars before they consider playing. That is a personal choice. It does seem that money becomes the main issue the majority of the time ...but….. things are not always as they appear or we may not know the complete story.
Let me give you a few examples. Let’s say you are a good baseball player and a very intelligent individual. Your 4.0 GPA and you college entrance scores have garnered you a full ride at a very prestigious university and the baseball coach has told you that you would be the starting catcher as a freshman. The coach has a very good reputation of improving players and most players drafted out of high school will improve their draft status by playing in his program. BUT... You have been drafted in the 40th round and you have been offered 1,000.00 to forgo college and play professional baseball. What do you do?
Another example: Let’s say you’re a big LHP that dominates everyone you face. You’ve been to numerous showcases and Baseball America has you ranked as the #2 prospects in the country. You have indicated that college is very important to you but you will forgo college if drafted high enough. This wishy-washey signal has dropped you from the top 5 rounds because of signability issues but a club decides to take a chance to see if you will sign. They sign you in the 6th round and offer slot money of about $150,000.00. Your agent demands 3 million because you are the #2 prospect and the press gets wind of this and has a field day. Is this just another greedy ballplayer? Or is this the #2 prospect in the country asking for respect?
Last example: A very good ball player is having a great senior year in high school (as a baseball player). Academically he is in trouble. His 1.7 GPA and his lack of college prep courses have excluded him from D-1 play. He may be able to get into a JUCO but even they are shying away. He has virtually no offers from colleges but he was drafted in the 37th round….. Does he keep his after school job at McDonalds or does he play baseball? If he decides to play baseball should he use the McDonalds job as leverage to increase the $2,000.00 they offered?
Catcher41,
You appear to be very signable. Hope you get that opportunity.
Everything that you say sounds great except for one thing. You mentioned one reason is to have young kids ask for your autograph. This is one thing that sounds great, but in reality it is not a very good reason for wanting to play professional baseball. It would be the wrong reason! It doesn’t have anything to do with loving the game… it has everything to do with desiring the fame that could be associated with playing as a professional. Most of your other reasons are great ones.
Money means different things to different people. People place different values on education and being a professional player. Fungo and many others here, understand that there are tough decisions to make. Your goal should be to get to a point where you really have those decisions to make. You might be surprised how you react when actually confronted by those decisions.
There is no right or wrong, any choice you make could turn out either way. Just because someone chooses college doesn’t mean they disrespect the game or love it any less than those who sign to play professional baseball.
We’ve seen players drafted in the first round and go to college. Two I can think of (off the top of my head) were both drafted again after their junior year in college in the first round. They both turned down over a $1 million to attend college. I might think they were wrong at the time, but they proved they did the right thing.
Because they are both professionals now… I’ll mention them by name… Jeremy Sowers went to Vanderbilt, John Mayberry Jr. went to Stanford. Hard to say either made a mistake!
You appear to be very signable. Hope you get that opportunity.
Everything that you say sounds great except for one thing. You mentioned one reason is to have young kids ask for your autograph. This is one thing that sounds great, but in reality it is not a very good reason for wanting to play professional baseball. It would be the wrong reason! It doesn’t have anything to do with loving the game… it has everything to do with desiring the fame that could be associated with playing as a professional. Most of your other reasons are great ones.
Money means different things to different people. People place different values on education and being a professional player. Fungo and many others here, understand that there are tough decisions to make. Your goal should be to get to a point where you really have those decisions to make. You might be surprised how you react when actually confronted by those decisions.
There is no right or wrong, any choice you make could turn out either way. Just because someone chooses college doesn’t mean they disrespect the game or love it any less than those who sign to play professional baseball.
We’ve seen players drafted in the first round and go to college. Two I can think of (off the top of my head) were both drafted again after their junior year in college in the first round. They both turned down over a $1 million to attend college. I might think they were wrong at the time, but they proved they did the right thing.
Because they are both professionals now… I’ll mention them by name… Jeremy Sowers went to Vanderbilt, John Mayberry Jr. went to Stanford. Hard to say either made a mistake!
Fungo,
I understand that everyone has different goals in life, I mean, if you walk down the halls of my school you will see kids who want to go to college and be doctors, trainers, vets., etc. The only thing that kind of made me raise an eyebrow is that they were upset that they weren't getting enough money. I can see that if college is more important to you than Professional Baseball than definatly got to college and let scout know that so the other kids who want to play pro ball can have a chance and so the team who wants to draft wont wast a draft pick on someone who doesn't want to sign based on the fact they would rather go to college. My intention in my post wasn't to critisize anyone for anything, it was just to state how I felt about someone not signing because they weren't getting paid enough.
PGStaff,
Yeah, about the autograph thing. The reason I picture myself doing that is because while I am wathing the Pirates take BP, I am yelling for their autographs and I just wonder, how cool would that be? You know? That isn't a reason why I would want to play pro ball (though it certainly is a plus). My reasons for playing pro ball would be;
(not in any order)
1)Big league uni
2)Playing on a big league ball field
3)Playing against some of the greatest competition in the world.
4)Being in a big league dugout
5)catching in a big league bullpen
+ a lot more.
My stand point came from my goal being becoming a MLB ball player. My statements where, basically, from envy that those kids are being given that chance. I didn't mean to critisize anyone. I'm sorry if it sounded like that.
-Kevin
I understand that everyone has different goals in life, I mean, if you walk down the halls of my school you will see kids who want to go to college and be doctors, trainers, vets., etc. The only thing that kind of made me raise an eyebrow is that they were upset that they weren't getting enough money. I can see that if college is more important to you than Professional Baseball than definatly got to college and let scout know that so the other kids who want to play pro ball can have a chance and so the team who wants to draft wont wast a draft pick on someone who doesn't want to sign based on the fact they would rather go to college. My intention in my post wasn't to critisize anyone for anything, it was just to state how I felt about someone not signing because they weren't getting paid enough.
PGStaff,
Yeah, about the autograph thing. The reason I picture myself doing that is because while I am wathing the Pirates take BP, I am yelling for their autographs and I just wonder, how cool would that be? You know? That isn't a reason why I would want to play pro ball (though it certainly is a plus). My reasons for playing pro ball would be;
(not in any order)
1)Big league uni
2)Playing on a big league ball field
3)Playing against some of the greatest competition in the world.
4)Being in a big league dugout
5)catching in a big league bullpen
+ a lot more.
My stand point came from my goal being becoming a MLB ball player. My statements where, basically, from envy that those kids are being given that chance. I didn't mean to critisize anyone. I'm sorry if it sounded like that.
-Kevin
Kevin,
I thought about what I had posted in my earlier post combined with what you said about different people having different goals and decided to add a little. You have some good points and some great thoughts. I can only relate to my thoughts when my son was drafted and we were in negotiations with a MLB team. MLB basically has one bargaining chip and that is money. MLB basically buys out all the other options a player has with cash. When my son was drafted out of high school we had concerns. One was his maturity and another was his education. As MLB started to up the ante, his maturity and his education became less of a concern. The money could have reached a point that he would have ignored his options and concerns and signed a pro contract. When my son signed out of college the situation had changed drastically. I had no concerns and was excited for him. While he did have an agent negotiating for him he was prepared to sign on draft day for whatever was offered.
Fungo
I thought about what I had posted in my earlier post combined with what you said about different people having different goals and decided to add a little. You have some good points and some great thoughts. I can only relate to my thoughts when my son was drafted and we were in negotiations with a MLB team. MLB basically has one bargaining chip and that is money. MLB basically buys out all the other options a player has with cash. When my son was drafted out of high school we had concerns. One was his maturity and another was his education. As MLB started to up the ante, his maturity and his education became less of a concern. The money could have reached a point that he would have ignored his options and concerns and signed a pro contract. When my son signed out of college the situation had changed drastically. I had no concerns and was excited for him. While he did have an agent negotiating for him he was prepared to sign on draft day for whatever was offered.
Fungo
Kevin- good post. A good rule of thumb for life is "never say never". In going along with what Fungo and PG posted I thought I would share my my sons experience with you.
Baseball has always been his passion. He was middle infielder from a small school with a weak program in NJ. He was not scouted until he attended the World Showcase in January of his senior year and it was as a RHP. It was a very busy spring and you can imagine his/our excitement when we realized he could be drafted.
Prior to the draft we discussed at length what it would take for him to sign. The round was not that important to him. He came up with a number-it was not millions of dollars...not even hundreds of thousands. As a matter of fact after taxes it might be equivalent to the worlds smallest nest egg.
A bright young man, he had a minor learning disability that caused him to struggle academically in HS. School was a very frustrating place for him and if it wasn’t for baseball I don’t know how this would have turned out.
He graduated HS with a 2.5 GPA. He took the SAT 3 times (against his will) to get a score that coupled with his GPA would make him NCAA eligible. He committed to a JUCO.
Repeatedly during this process he stuck to his original plan, his original number, and all the while I kept thinking to myself-if he's drafted in the 50th round for a bus ticket and a happy meal, HE WILL SIGN! In the end I would have supported his decision but like Fungo, I had some concerns regarding the maturity level of an 18 yo boy who had never really been away from home.
He was drafted in the 41st round and to my surprise he went to college. It wasn’t about the money and it wasn’t about a lack of desire to play. It certainly wasn’t about his burning desire to go to school.
I think he recognized that he wasn’t ready. He wasn’t where he needed to be as a ballplayer or as a man. If you read these boards I don’t have to tell you how hard it is to make it in the minors, especially as a late round pick. He recognized that he needed to get bigger, stronger, and learn how to play his new position. I cant think of anything that is more important to him then to someday play professional baseball. He made this decision fully aware that he might not be drafted again so I know it was a gut wrenching decision for him.
He had a goal and it was to be drafted. He reached that goal and is working hard at obtaining new ones. He is working hard to get bigger and better and hopefully improve his draft status in the future. He carried 18 credits his first semester of college and improved his GPA to 3.1. He even took a class over Christmas break so that he has enough credits to transfer to a 4 year school if he does not have the opportunity to play professional ball in the next year and a half. He has an apartment off campus with a few other ball players so he's learning about life away from home (and loving it!). I'm really proud of him and his decision and it’s great to watch him mature into the wonderful young man he is. Good luck to you in pursuing your dreams.
Baseball has always been his passion. He was middle infielder from a small school with a weak program in NJ. He was not scouted until he attended the World Showcase in January of his senior year and it was as a RHP. It was a very busy spring and you can imagine his/our excitement when we realized he could be drafted.
Prior to the draft we discussed at length what it would take for him to sign. The round was not that important to him. He came up with a number-it was not millions of dollars...not even hundreds of thousands. As a matter of fact after taxes it might be equivalent to the worlds smallest nest egg.
A bright young man, he had a minor learning disability that caused him to struggle academically in HS. School was a very frustrating place for him and if it wasn’t for baseball I don’t know how this would have turned out.
He graduated HS with a 2.5 GPA. He took the SAT 3 times (against his will) to get a score that coupled with his GPA would make him NCAA eligible. He committed to a JUCO.
Repeatedly during this process he stuck to his original plan, his original number, and all the while I kept thinking to myself-if he's drafted in the 50th round for a bus ticket and a happy meal, HE WILL SIGN! In the end I would have supported his decision but like Fungo, I had some concerns regarding the maturity level of an 18 yo boy who had never really been away from home.
He was drafted in the 41st round and to my surprise he went to college. It wasn’t about the money and it wasn’t about a lack of desire to play. It certainly wasn’t about his burning desire to go to school.
I think he recognized that he wasn’t ready. He wasn’t where he needed to be as a ballplayer or as a man. If you read these boards I don’t have to tell you how hard it is to make it in the minors, especially as a late round pick. He recognized that he needed to get bigger, stronger, and learn how to play his new position. I cant think of anything that is more important to him then to someday play professional baseball. He made this decision fully aware that he might not be drafted again so I know it was a gut wrenching decision for him.
He had a goal and it was to be drafted. He reached that goal and is working hard at obtaining new ones. He is working hard to get bigger and better and hopefully improve his draft status in the future. He carried 18 credits his first semester of college and improved his GPA to 3.1. He even took a class over Christmas break so that he has enough credits to transfer to a 4 year school if he does not have the opportunity to play professional ball in the next year and a half. He has an apartment off campus with a few other ball players so he's learning about life away from home (and loving it!). I'm really proud of him and his decision and it’s great to watch him mature into the wonderful young man he is. Good luck to you in pursuing your dreams.
Crollss,
I think your son made a great decision. Surely you know we think very highly of him. I really think he has a chance to play in the Big Leagues some day.
If he works hard doesn’t get satisfied, never gives up and stays healthy he will be drafted much higher later on. I hope he is as positive about his future as I am. Hope nobody thinks I’m blowing smoke here. Sometimes people really believe!
I think your son made a great decision. Surely you know we think very highly of him. I really think he has a chance to play in the Big Leagues some day.
If he works hard doesn’t get satisfied, never gives up and stays healthy he will be drafted much higher later on. I hope he is as positive about his future as I am. Hope nobody thinks I’m blowing smoke here.
Sometimes people really believe!
Excellent posts in this thread!
PGStaff
Thanks for the kinds words. He is a humble but confident young man....and he is very positive about his decision and his future. Thanks again!
Thanks for the kinds words. He is a humble but confident young man....and he is very positive about his decision and his future. Thanks again!
crollss,
Your story about your son was a fantastic post.
It really hit home with me, as I read it last night at work on my pda. I could not wait to get home to show your post to my wife!
I could take a piece of carbon paper and put it over your post and it would be my Son, Except for the being drafted part.
We are getting ready as I post, to fly to Florida to the World Showcase.
Everything you said is what were going thru right now.
I love this Web site.
Your so right on about letting your son choose his destiny.
Its us parents that just have to let them spread there wings and make there own decisions.
I'm a firm believer in that things around you happen for a reason, and that you take advantage of the opportunities that or presented to you. Take care and good luck to your Son
Your story about your son was a fantastic post.
It really hit home with me, as I read it last night at work on my pda. I could not wait to get home to show your post to my wife!
I could take a piece of carbon paper and put it over your post and it would be my Son, Except for the being drafted part.
We are getting ready as I post, to fly to Florida to the World Showcase.
Everything you said is what were going thru right now.
I love this Web site.
Your so right on about letting your son choose his destiny.
Its us parents that just have to let them spread there wings and make there own decisions.
I'm a firm believer in that things around you happen for a reason, and that you take advantage of the opportunities that or presented to you. Take care and good luck to your Son
k2
Good luck to your son. It sounds like an exiting spring ahead for him.
If anyone is lucky enough to be drafted make sure the team actually expects you to turn pro at that time that you do. I know a young man drafted very late, who tucked his signed contract under his arm and showed up for summer Rookie League Camp, only to be turned back around. He apparently did not understand the draft and follow concept and lost his D1 eligibility and scholarship because he turned pro.
Good luck to your son. It sounds like an exiting spring ahead for him.
If anyone is lucky enough to be drafted make sure the team actually expects you to turn pro at that time that you do. I know a young man drafted very late, who tucked his signed contract under his arm and showed up for summer Rookie League Camp, only to be turned back around. He apparently did not understand the draft and follow concept and lost his D1 eligibility and scholarship because he turned pro.
This is my first post so bear with me here. All these post's have been great and extremly helpful. My son is a LHP and has been getting a lot of attention from Scouts / Advisors since his performance at Jupiter and the World Showcase.
I guess what I'm realizing is there is really no right or wrong answers here...get as much info as possible and trust your and your son's instincts to make the right decisions.
I guess what I'm realizing is there is really no right or wrong answers here...get as much info as possible and trust your and your son's instincts to make the right decisions.
