Is it worth the money?

We had a similar experience. Not only very professional and experienced people running their events...but very nice people as well.

I'm glad to hear the positive reports, but is not the true measure of a showcase the ultimate result. I have seen plenty of players eliminate themselves very, very quickly. Especially at the best run showcases with the most coaches and scouts. In the end, so much depends on your talent level.

jemaz - You are so right too! But isn't that ok? All I ever wanted for my son was a chance and the truth. I know what to do with an accurate assessment or result. Without trying, we would never know.

First of all why are you going to a showcase? What are you looking to get out of it? My son wanted to see how he stacked up against the other kids that attended. And he wanted to see what the PG people thought of his ability. He didnt need to see what his 60 time was he already knows that. He didnt need to see what his pop was he already knows what it is. He wanted to compete against the other kids. He wanted some honest professional feedback positive and negative on his ability as it stands right now. He wanted someone other than his dad to tell him what he needed to work on and what he did well compared to other kids across the country. If you dont want to hear the truth dont go.

It's not about hearing the truth or not hearing the truth. It's about being prepared to go and it's about making a decision whether it is the best venue for that particular player. It can be an important path, but it can be an easy one to oblivion, as well. No doubt it is about managing risk, which is different for different players.

It also is not the only way to measure yourself against others. Tough tournament ball can do the same.

Bottom line in my experience is that if you are good enough, things tend to work out. If you are average then it depends on your desire and willingness to work and to market yourself whichever way you can make work. And if you are not good enough, you can always become a writer, a broadcaster or perhaps even a coach .

In the end, it is all good. And there is no doubt that an invitation to certain showcases (area codes, East Coast pro, PG National) is a ticket somewhere very good in and of itself.

But, a well-run event is not necessarily a ticket for every player.

A showcase is as Webster defines it: a setting, occasion, or medium for exhibiting something or someone especially in an attractive or favorable aspect

But in baseball there seems to be different reasons to showcase and I think Jemaz is touching on it. Talent RULES! Some players use the showcase format as a springboard to the next level as I think they should. Other players and parent look at the showcase as a goal or as an accomplishment in itself. Showcases have had a metamorphous over the past few years. Instead of just being a venue for coaches and scouts to see players display their skills, the showcase events have turned into a goal in itself. I have always been a proponent of the showcase but I am also seeing the showcase becoming more than just an exposure tool. This concerns me a little because those parents with a budget might be led to believe that the more showcases their son attends the better his chances of getting that baseball scholarship. Not necessarily. I’ll be the first to exclaim that EXPOSURE is needed but OVER EXPOSURE is wasting time and money that could be better spent on private lessons or playing real games under real conditions. I have seen players and parents go coast to coast spending thousands of dollars “hitting” the showcase circuit. Its fun, it’s exciting, and creates memories but is it necessary to get to the next level? Of course not. The real game of baseball is a game played between two teams on a dirt field....not a player paying money to strut his stuff in a showcase environment. I’m not against showcases, just trying to keep it in perspective.
Fungo

Fungo......fabulous post!

Fungo ..

quote:

I’m not against showcases, just trying to keep it in perspective.

Great thought ... the idea of keeping things in perspective such as showcases, tournaments, travel/elite teams should be what it is all about. Personally like the idea of players being seen in "real games" with real situations that aren't scripted (I know not all showcases are "scripted" but some do present a more stuctured venue than a good old fashioned game). But, as you so eloguently stated, perspective is very important in providing exposure for a player who wants to advance.

Sons first PG showcase was done in Jan of his junior year. Second was PG National, senior summer, by invitation only, that was it.
The showcase should be viewed as a tool for the player to see how he measures up to his peers that play his position.

It's a personal preference, but I too am hearing more and more stories about players going from showcase to showcase and it is NOT necessay.
Whatever you spend your money on is worth it if something was gained by it.

Fungo is correct, talent is best measure on te field, playing a real game.

TPM I agree. "Whatever you spend your money on it is worth it if something was gained". This was my 08's first PG showcase and he really enjoyed it. After we left this morning from playing in the top prospects game he stated to me "That was fun now its time to go back to work next week". I think everyone here has made some very good points.