2022 got this invite today. I assume that this goes out to a number of 2022's in the PG database. He's playing varsity as a freshman and is playing well. He starts at SS (.386 avg, second on the team in hits, .933 fielding percentage) and has pitched in relief (2 saves in 2 attempts, 1 W 5.1ip with 11K's and one hit), so he's earned his time on the varsity team.
Is this a boondoggle or something we should think about to increase his exposure?
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I wouldn't spend the PG money this early unless he's a top prospect (top 100 players in nation) who could get recruited this early in his HS career. That being said, if he were a top prospect at this stage in the game I'm sure you'd know by now. And he'd probably be receiving the invites for the top showcases (PG National, AA, etc), which are free.
The only schools that are recruiting freshman are the best of the best. The SEC schools, the UCLAs, and Clemsons. So if you think he's that type of player or has size and throws 85+, has a 90+ exit velo or runs a 6.7 60 and hits then go for it. If not I'd hold off for another year. Getting in front of D1s is nice, but you don't need to spend $650 if you don't have what they're looking for yet.
Mine was in a similar position. Knew he was good, but didn't know how good. When other people start approaching you asking what his plans are for summer or when he's going to start looking at schools, that is when its time to get serious. Just keep playing, get him on the highest level travel team he can play at and see where it takes you. Hit one of the cheaper college camps of a local D1(150-200) and see how he stacks up to the competition.
Thanks PA. His measurables are good but not elite. He's a gamer but needs to keep getting bigger, stronger, faster. Appreciate your perspective.
I don't think it hurts to go to a local PG showcase as a freshman, but I wouldn't travel far. If he were to get an invite to the PG Jr National or the Underclass All American, I would go. That said, if he hasn't been to any events, that is unlikely.
baseballhs posted:I don't think it hurts to go to a local PG showcase as a freshman, but I wouldn't travel far. If he were to get an invite to the PG Jr National or the Underclass All American, I would go. That said, if he hasn't been to any events, that is unlikely.
Don't want to steal the thread, but if you had a 2022 would you go the the PG Jr National or Area Code tryout? Pretty much the same dates unfortunately.
KLL posted:baseballhs posted:I don't think it hurts to go to a local PG showcase as a freshman, but I wouldn't travel far. If he were to get an invite to the PG Jr National or the Underclass All American, I would go. That said, if he hasn't been to any events, that is unlikely.
Don't want to steal the thread, but if you had a 2022 would you go the the PG Jr National or Area Code tryout? Pretty much the same dates unfortunately.
Assuming you can get an invite, Area Code tryout.
Yes, Area Code. Or see if PG will work with you. We are trying to do the PG National and another event and they let us pick our pitch day so we could be in and out. Honestly, there are a ton of coaches at both.
Thanks guys. Pretty much what I thought.
KLL posted:baseballhs posted:I don't think it hurts to go to a local PG showcase as a freshman, but I wouldn't travel far. If he were to get an invite to the PG Jr National or the Underclass All American, I would go. That said, if he hasn't been to any events, that is unlikely.
Don't want to steal the thread, but if you had a 2022 would you go the the PG Jr National or Area Code tryout? Pretty much the same dates unfortunately.
PG National.
National is the best event. All the big time D1 schools from across the country are there, and if they're not they are definitely following closely. Just by going he'll already be established as a top 200 player or so. If he does well his rankings will shoot up, he'll get some publicity on PG social media and even if it doesn't result in contact with schools it will definitely get his name out there. Every player we know who attended was committed within the next few weeks/months.
At an AC tryout you will see about 40-50 schools within a 3-4 hour radius ranging from D1 to D3. It's a good event, but unless he is making the team (slim shot as a freshman) it probably isn't worth passing up national. AC is great, but there is definitely some politics involved on who makes the team. If your son is good enough and has been seen by the right people, they might be able to place him on a roster or take a look at him on one of the callback dates. If you're willing to drive a little bit, you can attend one of the other tryouts as well, that is what we did.
I'm not sure about the cost of PG National. Not sure if it was full price, reduced cost, or free, but if money and flights are a factor you can't go wrong with AC. If you can swing National, don't miss it. Sounds like he is in a good position either way.
2 of my sons played in the Series Classic, 2017 & 2020. They both loved it. One of their favorite tournaments. Its more like a tournament and not a showcase (Showcase Tournament?). They do take measurables. There will be a lot of college caliber players playing, but only a few local college coaches watching. I thought it was worth it, but it was more of a fun baseball experience than a recruiting must-do. As for recruiting purposes, agree 100% with what the advice the other posters have given you.