My son is going to attend his first showcase this week. He is a pitcher. At this showacase, they only get 15 pitches. What are the coaches looking for the most, speed, location, mechanics? Thanks
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Very good question. Which talent will make the greatest impression on the scouts/coaches? Depends on the coach/scout. The answer might be...all of the above...plus other traits you haven’t listed like hustle, attitude, appearance, size, speed, and strength. In reality, the thing your son does best (or poorest) will make the greatest impression. I personally wouldn't tell my son to throw hard or to hit his spots or to be sure he plants his foot in the right place. If you want to focus on one thing I think that one trait should be attitude. Help your son bring his “A” game to the showcase. Help him relax and have fun. Start now with good rest and proper nutrition. Get him to the showcase early and allow him to adjust to the atmosphere and maybe get to know a few of the other showcase participants before he steps on the mound to be evaluated.
Good luck,
Fungo
Good luck,
Fungo
Thank you Fungo, this is timely advice as my son wants to attend his first showcase at the end of August. 
Unfortunately, probably the thing that will be given the most attention is the radar gun reading.
Hotcornerdad,
Having been in the dugout with countless players during the showcases, the number one piece of advice I can give your son is to just go out and play the game.
No focusing on any individual aspect of his game. No worrying about speed or movement or anything else.
I know it is easier said than done - but in just about every case I have seen a player focus on an individual aspect of his game - it has not worked out well.
Remind him that the college coaches and scouts know exactly what they are looking for - and that all he has to do is show his athletic ability - and his positive attitude.
The rest will take care of itself.
Have some fun as well - and Good luck.
Having been in the dugout with countless players during the showcases, the number one piece of advice I can give your son is to just go out and play the game.
No focusing on any individual aspect of his game. No worrying about speed or movement or anything else.
I know it is easier said than done - but in just about every case I have seen a player focus on an individual aspect of his game - it has not worked out well.
Remind him that the college coaches and scouts know exactly what they are looking for - and that all he has to do is show his athletic ability - and his positive attitude.
The rest will take care of itself.
Have some fun as well - and Good luck.
I would say the key is for the player to be himself
15 pitches doesnt give him much time so he should just throw naturally-- be loose and limber --forget that the radar gun is there
15 pitches doesnt give him much time so he should just throw naturally-- be loose and limber --forget that the radar gun is there
Thank you, I will have him review these posts. I say things at times and I may as well be telling him to take out the trash. LOL Oh well. We have been blessed to work with Chad Baum from UCI,(Formerly with CSUF) so he has a good idea out what the college guys are looking for and expect of him.
personally I am like the kid in the Disney commercial, "I'm too excited to sleep!" I may be more nervous than he is.
personally I am like the kid in the Disney commercial, "I'm too excited to sleep!" I may be more nervous than he is.
HotCorner - You probably are (the more nervous one)! 
You both just need to remember that his future is NOT hinging on one showcase! Enjoy the experience.
You both just need to remember that his future is NOT hinging on one showcase! Enjoy the experience.
If he has a secondary position such as outfield, it may not be a bad idea to do that too. Just because he is a pitcher now does not mean he will always be a pitcher later on.
60 time, try to get the best possible jump off the line run in a straight line without the cap on, and run all the way through the finish line where the scouts are.
A few "thank you's", firm handshakes, hair cut and a nice smile does not hurt either.
CV
60 time, try to get the best possible jump off the line run in a straight line without the cap on, and run all the way through the finish line where the scouts are.
A few "thank you's", firm handshakes, hair cut and a nice smile does not hurt either.
CV
Velocity
how many pitches does he throw for strikes
off speed
location
I would imagine not necessarily in this order.
how many pitches does he throw for strikes
off speed
location
I would imagine not necessarily in this order.
The only other thing I would add is that he should hustle and demonstrate that he is a good team-mate.
The best advice I can give.... Look like you belong and you really enjoy being there.
Be alert, polite and dress like a player.
There's nothing wrong and everything right about just being a good guy. That is the quickest way to get people to notice you in a positive way.
There are many things players do to get people to notice them in a negative way.
Make some friends, work with the coaches and organizers and crack a joke if that's your style.
Let the playing part take care of itself!
Be alert, polite and dress like a player.
There's nothing wrong and everything right about just being a good guy. That is the quickest way to get people to notice you in a positive way.
There are many things players do to get people to notice them in a negative way.
Make some friends, work with the coaches and organizers and crack a joke if that's your style.
Let the playing part take care of itself!
Thank you PG Staff. It is your So-Cal Underclass event he wants to attend.