I am currently a freshman in HS
After my freshman season is over,is it too early to attend a showcase?
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Not too early, necessarily. They like to follow the progress of players over 3-4 seasons. Some folks wait till summer between Jr. & Sr. year.
Several factors to consider, including finances, your development, passion for the game, goals, etc.
It would be good for you & your family to set a budget on how much to spend over the course of your HS career. Make a plan & then follow it.
Keep in mind, this is a step by step process. I'd suggest you read over all the articles under Recruiting & showcasing sections here on hsbbweb. These will give you alot of direction, and probably prompt more questions, too!!
You've mentioned So Cal. for summer showcases...Very good competition & very good exposure. PG holds several excellent events out there.
Several factors to consider, including finances, your development, passion for the game, goals, etc.
It would be good for you & your family to set a budget on how much to spend over the course of your HS career. Make a plan & then follow it.
Keep in mind, this is a step by step process. I'd suggest you read over all the articles under Recruiting & showcasing sections here on hsbbweb. These will give you alot of direction, and probably prompt more questions, too!!
You've mentioned So Cal. for summer showcases...Very good competition & very good exposure. PG holds several excellent events out there.
I wonder how many showcases Sandy Koufax or Willie Mays or Mickey Mantle attended.
If money were no issue,I would like to attend atleast 2 each year,but money is an issue.
I will likely do one each year,finding other ways to get exposed
I will likely do one each year,finding other ways to get exposed
quote:If money
quote:If money were no issue,I would like to attend atleast 2 each year,but money is an issue.
Is talent ever an issue?
future- I personally think you can wait until after your sophomore year (fall of junior year is a good time). I don't buy into thinking they have to see you for 3-4 years. In reality, sometimes it takes once. Also, kids change alot through their high school years.
The most important thing you can do is be proactive with the schools you are interested in. Write them of your interest in their program. Hopefully you will have your high school or summer coach help you with the process. Good luck to you.
The most important thing you can do is be proactive with the schools you are interested in. Write them of your interest in their program. Hopefully you will have your high school or summer coach help you with the process. Good luck to you.
it helps if you can hit though!!
I wonder what colleges recruited themquote:by Will: I wonder how many showcases Sandy Koufax or Willie Mays or Mickey Mantle attended.
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Futurecatcher27,
You’ve gotten some good advice. Exposure is the name of the game. Parents do play a big part in showcasing because it takes money. Most parents operate on a budget so be sure and get your parents involved. You need to get the most exposure for your (their) money. If I could go to only ONE showcase I think it would be the summer after my junior year of high school. I would try to target a showcase that historically brings in coaches from schools I thought I could play at. You probably don’t know where you would fit at this point in your career but keep that in mind. Will makes a good point ... TALENT has the greatest impact on a player moving to the next level. But on the other hand if you have talent there is nothing wrong with “flaunting” it in front of some college coaches at a showcase. It will give you more options.
You might also inquire about some showcases with a local flair. Much cheaper but normally less exposure too but... ANY exposure is good. Remember it only takes ONE coach to like you. Be sure you understand the difference between a camp and a showcase. Camps can be good but offer very little exposure. Don’t forget your summer team. A lot of exposure can be gotten from playing on a good summer team too.
You’ve gotten some good advice. Exposure is the name of the game. Parents do play a big part in showcasing because it takes money. Most parents operate on a budget so be sure and get your parents involved. You need to get the most exposure for your (their) money. If I could go to only ONE showcase I think it would be the summer after my junior year of high school. I would try to target a showcase that historically brings in coaches from schools I thought I could play at. You probably don’t know where you would fit at this point in your career but keep that in mind. Will makes a good point ... TALENT has the greatest impact on a player moving to the next level. But on the other hand if you have talent there is nothing wrong with “flaunting” it in front of some college coaches at a showcase. It will give you more options.
You might also inquire about some showcases with a local flair. Much cheaper but normally less exposure too but... ANY exposure is good. Remember it only takes ONE coach to like you. Be sure you understand the difference between a camp and a showcase. Camps can be good but offer very little exposure. Don’t forget your summer team. A lot of exposure can be gotten from playing on a good summer team too.
thank you all
I might revisit this question closer to mid season when the deadline for some signups are.
If I feel confident enough,then Im going to do one during the summer.I need to perform well in games before I hit a showcase.
I might revisit this question closer to mid season when the deadline for some signups are.
If I feel confident enough,then Im going to do one during the summer.I need to perform well in games before I hit a showcase.
Well, just reading through out HSBBW, I guess the old saying "If you good enough, they'll find you" is dead? Since when did money become such a part of getting noticed by colleges and pro ball clubs? I heard that these showcases cost a lot of money when you factor in, room, food, and then the actual event itself. Is there any chance you might get noticed by someone on talent alone? W/out going to these "plubicity" places? I just think it is worng that you have to have money to get noticed by someone. Does anyone disagree with me?
I agree with Callbb.
My son went to a 3 day showcase at 15. He got lots of great comments. The head guy who loved him is not even coaching at college level anymore as far as I can discover. We were told that they only wanted seniors at the 3rd day. Why would a coach spend time on a 15yr old when the majority of 15yo may not even be playing ball in a few years. Some of these kids are well developed and others are not. They meet girls and all the other distractions and baseball can be the last thing on their mind.
I would think that going to 1 might show you how they are run but I would wait as Callbb has pointed out and pick the showcases to serve your needs.
My son went to a 3 day showcase at 15. He got lots of great comments. The head guy who loved him is not even coaching at college level anymore as far as I can discover. We were told that they only wanted seniors at the 3rd day. Why would a coach spend time on a 15yr old when the majority of 15yo may not even be playing ball in a few years. Some of these kids are well developed and others are not. They meet girls and all the other distractions and baseball can be the last thing on their mind.
I would think that going to 1 might show you how they are run but I would wait as Callbb has pointed out and pick the showcases to serve your needs.
I will reiterate what I have said before numerous times---be a varsity contributor, you can be a contributor without being a starter, before you go and showcase
Just my thoughts
Just my thoughts
future catcher,
While money can sometimes make things easier, you would be amazed by the number of players who succeed without it. Talent is always the #1 thing, but it needs to get seen. Rather than complain about the systen, create a way to join it.
That's what guys like Carl Crawford did! Despite living in poverty he managed to get seen by all the right people. It's amazing how much help the most talented people can get.
While money can sometimes make things easier, you would be amazed by the number of players who succeed without it. Talent is always the #1 thing, but it needs to get seen. Rather than complain about the systen, create a way to join it.
That's what guys like Carl Crawford did! Despite living in poverty he managed to get seen by all the right people. It's amazing how much help the most talented people can get.
quote:by c41: I just think it is worng that you have to have money to get noticed by someone. Does anyone disagree with me?
you don't have to spend $$ to be noticed,
BUT,
if you think you're good and are still going un-noticed - ya may want to "drop some coin"
and get yourself in front of baseball people instead of debating it
btw, East Coast Pro & Area Code games are free as are MLB team "open tryouts"
however, at a team open tryout, they may see all they want to see in 10 minutes and send you home
.
quote:Parents do play a big part in showcasing because it takes money. Most parents operate on a budget so be sure and get your parents involved. You need to get the most exposure for your (their) money.
To all those out there despite all the money you still have to have talent. As an old timer who coached back in the neanthedral days that I know.
Bee> says
[QUOTE] btw, East Coast Pro & Area Code games are free as are MLB team "open tryouts"[QUOTE]
Yes, this is true. But if you don't live in the city where the event occurs, you must pay for transportation and lodging. Our trip from KC to Long Beach last Aug for Area Codes was far from free! Little sister had to have a trip to Disneyland!
However....
It was well worth every penny we spent since our son did well. When we got home the answering machine was FULL with D1 coaches calling. All from 2 innings of pitching at Area Codes.
Also take note that the local Area Code tryouts our son attended were important. He started receiving interest last year when he threw as a soph. The college scouts attend the tryouts and even if you don't make the team, you can be noticed.
[QUOTE] btw, East Coast Pro & Area Code games are free as are MLB team "open tryouts"[QUOTE]
Yes, this is true. But if you don't live in the city where the event occurs, you must pay for transportation and lodging. Our trip from KC to Long Beach last Aug for Area Codes was far from free! Little sister had to have a trip to Disneyland!
However....
It was well worth every penny we spent since our son did well. When we got home the answering machine was FULL with D1 coaches calling. All from 2 innings of pitching at Area Codes.
Also take note that the local Area Code tryouts our son attended were important. He started receiving interest last year when he threw as a soph. The college scouts attend the tryouts and even if you don't make the team, you can be noticed.