How do you get others to come to HSBBW?

 JP,You are not alone ! Your conversations are very similar to ones I've had with countless baseball dad & moms.

 

You can lead a horse to water,but you can't make him drink.

Been there.  

 

Too many people believe they have the answers, as they simultaneously complain that they don't.  I really don't get it.  To me, your children are the single greatest investment in your life.

 

 

Me: Did you ever go to that HS baseball website I told you about?

 

Them: No, not yet, but I will soon.

 

But they don't

JP, do you think some of it is laziness?  I know I've had people tell me my son got opportunities because I have money or because he was lucky enough to get to play with East Cobb, etc. They don't see the hundreds of hours this kid put in over the last 3-4 years especially, on his own. I can't tell you how many Saturday and Sunday afternoons we were at the field throwing and hitting all alone. He would call up friends to get them to go, but they rarely did. I will admit that my son is fortunate that I could afford him opportunities that maybe some can't have. But, he had to have the talent, desire, work ethic, etc to take advantage of those opportunities. He was invited to play at East Cobb after several recommendations I had no idea had occurred. It wasn't convenient for us at all. We live 3 hours away. Luckily, one of his teammates offered for him to live with him over the summer. A lot of people, in my humble opinion, don't want to hear any of this. They just think we did something magical and poof, scholarship offered. I used to really let it get under my skin. Not so anymore. I think it's almost impossible to make someone believe what these guys sacrifice in order to play beyond high school. Now, I simply am trying to enjoy the ride because it has gone by entirely too fast. All you can do is give people advice. Remember the saying, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink!

JP24,

 

I've had similiar conversations over the years with parents and players.   It is tough to tell people exactly how good the site is without them having the motivation to at least check it out.  In some cases, I've actually sent them URL links on a particular question or issue only to have them report back that they didn't click on a freaking URL link.  

 

So, I've kind of given up on those people and focus on the ones that do follow up with me.  I'm more than happy to help those people that want to be helped otherwise it is a waste of time for both of us.  Yes, you are conveying the site value properly in that answers to their questions reside on a website across a multitude of baseball interests.  Some people really want genuine answers or guidance on a website and others just want to chew your ear off about their problems.  JMO.

 

 

Sorry Bobby. We were typing simultaneously. You beat me to the punch.

First post here.

All of us who take swings at social media for our own businesses feel your pain. Very hard to get on the radar screen. I've read hundreds of your posts if that makes you feel any better! I search your board a lot.That said, it does take a bit of time to familiarize oneself with the "high value" posters. It's not just a matter of number of posts, IMHO. Furthermore, those of us with students not at D1 tend to,initially, think we have less reason to avail ourselves of hsbbweb. I finally get it. (note: it's not just that the D3 board format is not as useful as this board.) So, really good job guys!

 

On a practical note: this board should get links to high school websites and vice versa. Or, frankly, anyone who has anything to do with high school students (shameless plug...made somewhat less shameless b/c I won't divulge my biz unless asked). Connectivity is king! 

It's especially frustrating when you know that a dad's son could play beyond HS at some level, and wants to, but no one in the family is willing to educate themselves properly.

 

Most of these dads that have approached me tend to have two sources of information: travel ball coach and HS coach.

 

Here, we have thousands of great sources.

 

And TPM.

 

(Ha! Appreciate you, Mrs. TPM!)

 

Yes.

I was in charge of the high school baseball website the three years my son was on varsity. I provided all kinds of resource links including hsbaseballweb. This site never came up in conversation at games.

Add: Then one day a parent told me the information I provided him on recruiting was as good as the guy they were paying $1,000 to help. Granted I went through the process with my daughter already with softball. But everything baseball I learned here.

I have only one parent/friend I've convinced to join this site.  No surprise our two kids are at the high school field more than the remaining team combined.

JP great post

This website is a treasure trove gem full of generous people, where else can you ask the founder of the Area Code games a question and get great advice?

 

People ask us the same questions you wrote.

We try to give our son every opportunity we can as long as he wants to and he can compete.

Sure, you miss some games on TV at a bar on weekends to throw with your son or take him to a showcase or workout,

for us it is worth it.

For many kids and their parents it isn't.

The time spent together has been priceless.

 

We were at a big regional invitational event last weekend,

every kid was really good,

you get to know some parents and the parents had a consensus, you see the same players/people at these things as you go up the "pyramid" of baseball,

fewer and fewer kids at the best events,

with many of the same kids and parents because the players want it more.

They get up early to drive them and the player forgoes a party in order to hopefully do his best.

 

Have passed this website address, as well as coach's numbers, invitations, etc. to parents of really good players who could advance to the next level.

People don't follow through and are surprised when their son doesn't get a rash of college offers as they were the " best kid" in the local 12u little league.

Interesting question jp24, but I wouldn't limit the discussion to HSBBW. I think it's similar with most on-line resources. Those same parents probably aren't even doing a google search to learn more about this process (if that had, they would likely end up here). I see little evidence that my son's teammates (HS and club) are doing much of any kind of research, and it shows. Some kids don't even bother to set up their PG profile, which takes maybe 10-15 minutes.

 

In some cases it may be a difference in learning style (some need face-to-face interaction). Some parents just aren't that invested in their kid playing in college. Some have the mistaken impression that college ball is only for elite talent. Some only trust professional help, and would rather pay someone.

 

The volume of useful information on the internet really is staggering. Google is now my 1st step for problems with my car, appliances, plumbing, etc. Just the other day I turned the key to start my truck and it didn't make a sound. Dead. Nothing. I checked the battery cables, steering lock, shifter... nothing. I started to call AAA, when I caught myself and checked google first. I had the fix and was on my way in 5 minutes.

The way I view this site is that it does provide free info but you do have to sift through it all to familiarize yourself with the interface and all of the forums available.

 

Its a very valuable resource for those that really do have limited funds to spend in the process.  I recommended it to a parent recently not sure if they came or not but for many, they just do not have time to spend searching so it is easier to "ask'. How you feel about helping others is whether you want to spend the time helping someone or not. I have found that most people who have actually taken the time to send pms have turned out to have been very successful in the recruiting or the draft process and their sons journey have turned out OK, even though they thought there might be a better outcome, getting an education paid for is not something that happens for everyone.

 

I cant stand those that come with an agenda to bitch and moan but they usually leave as quickly as they come.  

 

Personally I would like to see some of the original info updated. 

But what do I know, I never played the game or coached, I am JUST A MOM.

 

For those that dont like to hear some of the things I mention about son, that is your choice, but reality is that he as well as others sons here have been through a lot  (good, bad and the ugly).  I will say it nicely, you guys have no idea of what lies ahead, we try to help you all to understand, its not personal. This is just the way it is when you are trying to get somewhere that is difficult to get to (may it be in HS, college or beyond).

 

What comes to mind is the mom that posted recently about son wanting to transfer after first freshman semester. Those of us that have seen our guys go through it understand.  Up early for workouts, classes, studying to maintain your required GPA, practice, practice, practice, more practice and did I mention more workouts?    

 

If it makes anyone feel better, many times son wanted out. For many it might be after a test with a difficult subject matter, after a difficult pitching outing or some really miserable at bats.  No matter how you look at it, most of our sons have had us do much for them, now they are on their own, homesick, and tired and wanting to sleep more and workout less or just go to a college function to see  how the other half lives all the while trying to make the spring roster.  

 

They also most likely will have a coach that was much friendlier during the recruiting process than on the field. The honeymoon is over. These guys are tough,  and they are making men out of your boys, but dont panic,  it does get easier.

 

 

 

 

TPM, there is too much valuable information in that post to for it to reside in a thread about people NOT coming to the site.

 

I have experienced the same as others here, sometimes perplexed at the non-actions of those who claim to be hungry for the info it takes to get the desired results.  Every couple days, I post a new quote on the board in our dugout.  Here is the one I posted Friday...

 

"Failure is wanting without working: the desire for success without the desire to do what it takes to attain it.  Failure is having goals without having the commitment to achieve them".  (from Mental Game book)

 

I also handed out a "priceless resources" list, which was purposely short and included HSBBW of course.  Guess where I got help compiling the list.

 

I think, though, that I sometimes use "go to HSBBW" as a crutch... an easy way out.  I'm learning to recognize that most won't just go there.  I have to take more time to offer up small bits of info at a time, specific to the immediate concerns, even though I know the recipient could get on the fast track if they would just go there.

 

 

 

I think that there is a reason why some come here and some don't even when its suggested. Not too many players really want to take up sports in college (for various reasons). Its a lot of work trying to find ways to have your sons education paid for in part or in full by playing a sport that does not give out full scholarships.  Its also a lot of luck having a teenage son who is truly committed and is willing to put in the work needed to go beyond HS, for any sport.

 

I also think it has to do with the passion and understanding that some have and others don't. That passion fuels the fire.   Most parents don't have the passion, the time or effort to teach their boys to love a game that is essentially boring for most.

 

 

Like several others I have been following this site for many years.  There are a lot of baseball nuts here, just like me.

 

There is a lot of great information and like everywhere else there is also some who use the site to advertise.  Sometimes there is some bad information, too, but that is usually corrected in discussion.  Bottom line, there is a ton of experience among the membership.

 

Sometimes the same subject comes up over and over because people don't take the time to search the site.  Things like the importance of SIZE, VELOCITY, GRADES, etc.,  the same thing sometimes several times each year.  People want to help, but it gets hard repeating it all over and over.

 

I must admit, I do sort of miss those blow ups between posters.  That was some great entertainment. 

 

Anyway, I think there are lots of people that come to the HSBBW to read the message board, but don't actually become a member or post anything.  A person could get opinions on most anything by simply searching the content.

To be honest, those looking for answers from more than one source will be here.  Others either think they've got it figured out and won't take your advice, or their interest in their son's baseball future is merely lip service.  You know them:  They complain about team fundraisers and five minutes later talk about how much money they blew on their latest toy (or at the bar last Saturday night).

 

In any case, I always refer folks to this site when they're looking for answers.  I suspect all of us pretty much know when we make that referral who will (and will not) take us up.  All knowledge is power and this site has a staggering amount of knowledge, both past and present.  Those that want to educate themselves and their players will use it.  Those that don't will continue to wonder why nobody is looking at their son.

 

This site is not the know-all-end-all of HS baseball resources, but it's pretty darned close.

++ I have referred folks to this site who apparently didn't use it.  Then they don't get the difference between walk-on and scholarship player.