LakePoint

The PG Top Prospect list and PG rankings are invaluable, I'm sure, to the recruiting public. For a variety of reasons, NTGson has never been able to attend a PG showcase: his time to shine or tarnish has been at various PG Tournaments as a contributing member of his team. Showcases have been pushed to the lower level of our family's priority list. 

 

To us, earning a PG All-Tournament designation has to be considered a major accomplishment because it is representative of baseball skill and talent in a venue where that skill and talent contribute to a team's success, on the scoreboard, against top talent.

 

Showcases are wonderful opportunities for prospects to display quanitifiable skills: velo, exit speed, 60 times, etc. However, Showcase results and ratings, in my opinion, lack somewhat in the areas of game knowledge, tracking ability, throwing accuracy, timeliness of hitting, unflappability, the intangibles of the game and the playing of it. 

 

PG staff is extremely qualified to assess the skills and capabilities of players and I well acknowledge the thoroughness of their work, especially in a controlled Showcase environment. The comments on players are incisive and encompassing.

 

My humble suggestion to you is to structure the WWBA All-Tournament designations to reflect a similar ranking of excellence in the areas of: batting -  (average and extra base hits in a minimum number of at bats); pitching -  (ERA and K's in a minimum number of innings pitched); and team impact -  (RBI's, 2-out RBI's, batting average with RISP, plus scouts' choices based on each game's stellar plays or a player's overall contribution to a team's success: the kid who advances a runner from 2nd to 3rd with a placed ground ball out to the right side in a one-run game; a pitcher's ability to escape from trouble without giving up key runs, etc.).

 

There will be players who meet a fairly stringent level of performance in all three categories, in 2 out of three or in just one. To me, those players are your all-tournament designees. Honorable Mentions are earned by the players whose performance falls below one threshold and above another in each of the categories.

 

The algorithms necessary to pull statistics from tournament stats wouldn't be too difficult to write and inputs from the scouts at each game are easily quantifiable for these purposes.

 

I'm not trying to mount a soapbox. PG is an industry leader and its rankings and lists are most-respected for their accuracy and fairness. My suggestions are driven by what I perceive as a need to make a PG All-Tournament designation closer to being as meaningful and impactful as inclusion in PG's Top Prospect and other lists.

 

 

 

Can anyone that has been to Lakepoint know if you can bring food into the facility? 

I understand that there is a no ice cooler or drinks policy. 

Officially, no outside food or beverage of any kind, and they will make you throw stuff away at the gate on the way in if you're carrying it in the open.

 

Unofficially, people sneak in all kinds of stuff, and I haven't seen any enforcement on the inside.  If you stick to Coca-cola branded stuff, they won't really be able to tell on the drinks, FWIW.

 

I haven't noticed anyone's bags being searched, definitely not players, but I haven't really paid attention to that since I rarely bring anything in (occasionally a camera bag).

No food or beverages...player snacks in bat/equipment bags.

Sent from my HTC EVO 4G LTE exclusively from Sprint

----- Reply message -----

Thanks.  There was no mention about food on the PG website.  

 

Looks like I'm going to have to be creative to get beer and food into the ball game.  LOL

So we are there right now...had no issues with the paid parking but did have some small issues with games at satellite facilities.  The stats not at the "big house" definitely not as top notch.  No radar gun all game like at Lake Point, thus our pitchers who threw other games away from LP who pick up their velo as they go along did not get credit.  Huge bummer for several of our boys who have to live with that first (and lower) number in a world where velocity is king.     

 

More importantly, without starting any arguments about the value of stats, I have to get this off my chest as it was pretty pathetic. Game tied, and the game is on the line as the winner is going to advance out of pool play. Runner on 1st for the other team with one out. Routine grounder to SS, who fields it cleanly, throws to 2nd for what looks like a routine double play. 2B gets pulled off the bag by the throw and throws to first and umps declare safe at both bags. Coach objects but no instant replay so umps stand firm. Next guy doubles and 2 runs score, handing the other team the game. The PG guy (same one with the radar gun) scores a fielders choice rather than an error by the SS. It was a routine play and should've have been an out on second for sure, if not at both bases. Pitcher gets 2 earned runs that should not have been, plus two hits charged to him. 

 

Other than some of these stats issues (the same guy messed up swinging strikes and looking strikes frequently, all of which again affect the ptichers stat lines), it has been an awesome experience.

Are you sure there was no radar guns at the satellite fields?  We have played PG around Atlanta the past few years and there has been a gun at every game.  

There was a gun!  Just not every pitch all game long like at LP.  

There's a radar gun at all fields for PG events. The one solace you can take away from the way the PG kid scores the play is no one cares after a week. After a week everyone moves on and most of the time no one can remember who won the tournament. Keep it all in perspective people!!!!

Thanks for the perspective Rover and hope that's true!  But can't point to what would've been great stats to a few college coaches son is in touch with now!

Any problem with statistics please notify staff@perfectgame.org

 

Water is provided in the dugouts during games.  Also there are water fountains located at the side of each tower.  Players bags are not checked at the gate.  If players have water in their bags no one will ever know and no one will ever say anything.

 

Fans cannot bring in food or beverages at LP.  This is typical of many places that have concessions.

 

We (PG) do not control the concessions.  We have to purchase, just like everyone else and our staff cannot leave to go somewhere else to eat.  We have had a discussion with LP officials about pricing.  Some items seem to be priced too high. I think they agree and adjustments will be made.

 

We have held events all over the country including several Major League parks.  I have never seen a better facility for playing multiple games.  

Not that it's directly a reflection on PG, but one other thing I discovered when I was there last time is that umps aren't provided with food/beverages (this according to an ump I spoke with), which in my experience is pretty common practice at HS venues. They apparently are allowed to bring water coolers of their own (the gallon jug size at least I saw a few of), and they're presumably able to get free water from the same source provided to the players.  Not sure if they can bring food in for themselves, though.

 

Sucks that PG employees have to live with captive audience pricing on concessions.I'd think that would be a pretty significant hit in the wallet for the lower level guys running gamechanger and the like (though maybe they're better paid than I'd expect). Not sure how tournament employees (both PG and other organizers) are normally treated at HS venues, but wouldn't surprise me if they get comped some basic level of food/beverage, or at least are able to bring their own.

While my son was playing at one of the High Schools during the 17U WWBA,  I heard the guy that was running the show there (I think it was the HC) tell the people in charge of the concession stand that the PG rep and the Umpires could have whatever they wanted and they were not to be charged for it. This particular school had a pretty good concession stand with several different grill items too.  

The experience was unreal for my son at LP.  He had played there in the PG 14U Memorial Day event so it was not his first experience.  But we picked up with a 17U team out of NJ for the WWBA 17U.  Their first game got rained out and got transferred to a 11:55 start on Sunday night.  We drove down for the rain out and then went to NC to play in a 15U showcase with a former team.  When the makeup was rescheduled, we decided to drive 7 hours back to be there so he could pitch.  BTW, at 11:30 on Sunday night they were still taking up parking fees and gate fees but I'm not complaining because it was an unreal setting even at midnight.  The game started at 1:04 AM at LP.  He pitched a great four innings with no earned runs and over 50 scouts still wandering around at that time of night at our four field setting.  Six D1 scouts were there watching a kid live out his dream.   Everyone wanted to know if he was truly 14 years old and how a kid from Missouri got on a team from NJ.  Thank you PG for the experience. 

 

Great experience for a 14 year old at one of the largest 17U events of the year.  My only problem was, the scorekeeper had his name wrong and did not know how to change it so he got no credit for the win, speed, or anything.  We were there to help a team that needed pitching and just take it all in before the real scouting begins next year.  I just wonder how you can get something like that fixed so that he gets credit on the PG website.  It does not even show him playing, just on the roster.  Being his high school coach, I know he will not face anything pitching or hitting in high school like what he saw at the two WWBA's.

 

On a side note, it was a great two weeks of baseball.  He pitched one inning for a team at the 18U WWBA against the second place team only giving up two infield hits and two Ks.  He had a great tournament at a 15U showcase winning all three games.  Pitched the four innings at the 17U WWBA.  Finished 2nd at the USSSA World Series in Gulf Shores.  Great trip for dad and son.  That is why we do this.

Contact staff@perfectgame.org. I had a similar issue a few years ago, and they were quick to resolve it. No worries.

My son seems to be spending the entire summer at lake point.  He has never had an issue getting something to drink (free water most of the time.)  The facilities are top notch.  A few weeks ago we played at the Twins spring training facilities.  No score board and no batting cages.  I will take Lake Point any day.

 

I know the food does not fall under PG, but if you have a chance, maybe ask them to carry something a little healthier?  My son was hungry and the healthiest thing I could find was a chik-fil-a sandwich.  I know most parks do not have healthy food, but with all thise teams full of kids who care about what they eat, there seems to be a missed opportunity.  

Son just finished the 16U tourney and had a blast.  Team was fortunate to walk away with the win.  Got a number of breaks, including coming back in Championship game from down 5-1 in bottom seven with two outs and no one on base, to tie it up and win in the 11th.  Was following on GC. Thank goodness PG has GC at their events. Still just not the same.  Kid even got a little hardware to take home for his room.  He and my wife said it was a wonderful week down there, tourney was run extremely well and lots of kudos out to the PG staff, teams and parents.  Off to college next year, so will miss the event going forward. Fortunately the team does PG Super 25, so get to go back to LP next Friday for ten days.  Thanks to all the PG Staff.

Your kid is 16u eligible and heading off to college?  Early start or skipped some grades?  Playing ball in college?  I was at that game watching.  Crazy finish. Both sides appeared to be out of pitching by the 7th.  Odd delivery your last pitcher was using.  Reminded me of Karate Kid.  He was about 4-7 mph slower from the wind than stretch.

Yeah, early start. Late June b'day. Last of three kids and mom wanted house to herself. Fortunate to have some options for next year to keep playing. Maybe they'll redshirt him!!

Sorry, missed the second part of your post.  That kid does have odd delivery.  I remember when I saw it first time last year.  BEAST today though, and incredibly effective on the bump.  Can throw all day. A warrior.  Pitching demands are nuts at that tourney if one makes it to finals. Unreal ending Though. Just not the same on GameChanger. Very, very fortunate.

I haven't read this whole thread however I just talked to my son that is helping coach a team at this weeks 15U WWBA and he said LakePoint is unbelievable.  They've only had one game there so far but he said it was one of the best baseball atmosphere's he's been part of. 

 

Being at a WWBA tourney is a bit of a homecoming for Jerseyson...he told me his old showcase team just won the WWBA 16U (Arsenal) and now he's there with a team from Indiana (where he lives) so he's getting to re-live a bit of his youth...some of his best memories were at PG events (mine too)...kinda wish I had gone down there with him.

 

I just left LP , had a storm and the power went out . It's nice , fields drained well, but it's still about the game right ?



> On Jul 18, 2015, at 8:14 PM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Years ago when they had terrible storms (typical for this time of year), and had to reschedule games at all hours, people were very upset like it was PG's fault.  

I understand after a bad rain, play can resume asap.

If you have to postpone a tournament because of bad weather affecting the fields, you can't play, and then there is nothing about the game!

 

No offense to you or anyone else, but I am sure that DK (actually he told me) would have loved to play on fields as he described to me when he returned from LP way back in June.  

I just don't understand why folks can't be happy. If its not the parking or the gate fees, its bad score keeping, not giving credit where credit is due for plays made, the umpiring, poor food choices, etc. 

No wonder so many kids have attitudes!  The apple at times doesn't fall far from the tree!

JMO

Frankly, when parking fees are imposed, gate fees are too high, Food costs are inflated, you are told you must stay in certain hotels in order to attend the tourney, then people feel ( demand) that scores are correct , the game is scored correctly.  

 

I personally do not have a problem with the parking and gate fees,  I understand it.... I also feel it is over done and not needed for high school age. 

 

I will say the lights are awesome, the score boards are great, the fields, particular the mounds are already in need of repair.  I can see how many that are new to the travel racket see this as a great venue.  Lucky for my sons we get to play on fields this nice of better all the time, so I was not that impressed..  I was impressed with the concrete contractor, he scored a mint.

Sounds like you don't need to spend the money there...why go.

Oh wait.  You are there for the exposure for college coaches and scouts?

Well, I guess that some don't have the luxury of this type of exposure or venue for their players.  

It's too bad to see so many complaints about the parking and gate fees...considering that your HS players get the opportunity to play in front of so many schools at one place it literally seems like everyone should just consider it "the price of admission".   

 

Ask a parent who's son was offered a scholarship or put on the radar because of these events...I venture to say the response from most would be that it was worth every penny. 

No doubt going for the exposure. But my sons went before lake point was build and scouts and recruiters showed up. Again I have no issue with the fees etc.... I have no issue with PG what they do is top notch. But if given the choice I would rather be at EC than LP . TPM you know I have gone to more than Abel stuff then likely any other parent on this board . All over the country. As I have always said LP is nice but not needed



> On Jul 19, 2015, at 10:22 AM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

I agree with jerseydad. We paid our dues, everything is relative, it cost us money for the exposure for very big college scholarships and for jerseydads son a nice signing bonus out of HS. We too traveled, mine much more extensively through out the entire country.

IMO you make the top 5 of complainers I have ever met.  Maybe you feel that way because your kids are so talented.  

Sometimesits better to say nothing at all. 

Trust me on this one.

t
TPM I am not complaining , merely stating the realities , and the reality is that while LP is great , no doubt , it's not needed to get a scholarship. If parents enjoy the exp that's great .
I would just rather see it being more about the players and the game



> On Jul 19, 2015, at 11:04 AM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

bacdorslider,

 

Guess I don't understand what you mean when you say it's all about the players and the game.  That is precisely the reason this complex was built and also for the benefit of scouts and college coaches along with fans.

 

I can respect your opinions, that you would rather play elsewhere.  I just don't understand why you think it is not about the game.  This past spring there were several top DI colleges and many other colleges that switched their games to LP.  Without LP those games would have been cancelled.  So isn't that about the game?

 

As you probably know we have teams, college coaches, MLB scouts, that travel a long distance to play in our events.  There has been years when these teams spent days without playing.  So how is having an all turf complex not about those games?

 

Here is what I find ironic...  I was there last week... At that time our director told me we were over 5,000 and 0.  He meant there had been over 5,000 games played at LP without losing a game.  How is that for being all about the game?  Then you of all people are there last night when a storm caused a power failure and we had to reschedule one round of games.  You gotta admit, that was quite a coincident.

 

Obviously you are an old school type and so am I.  When I was young that uniform had to be dirty.  I loved the dirt, the real grass, nothing prettier than a great baseball field.  The first time I watched games at LP the one thing that stood out most was there is no dirt! I don't mean on the field, but not any anywhere.  No bleachers that people refuse to set on.  No muddy walkways.  The uniforms looked clean even after the games. Even the restrooms were cleaner.  As much as I love dirt and baseball, I thought, this is nice.

 

I'm not interested in trying to change your mind about LP, but I do want you to know that I truly care about the game and the kids that play the game. That has always been the motivation!

So if PG lost money running these events then they would continue to operate?  Because it's all about the kids.

Let's be honest. PG provides a service and is able to do so and make a profit.  Nothing wrong with that business model.

Lionbaseball,

 

I'm not sure who you are, but if you really care, go do some research.

 

It is fairly well known that Perfect Gàme should have gone bankrupt at all times during their first 4 years of existence.  No sponsors, not enough revenue to pay the bills, bill collectors hounding us, etc!  

 

The only reason Perfect Game exists now is because we never quit finding a way to keep doing what we started.  Our purpose in the beginning was to create college and professional opportunities for deserving young baseball players.  It was very obvious that we were accomplishing that and that we were helping many young players.  We just couldn't bring in enough revenue to support the business.

 

Had it been any other business, we would have folded shortly after starting.  But it was baseball and we actually were helping many young players that benefitted greatly because of what we were doing. Our plan was working from a baseball perspective, but was a disaster as a business.  Not once did we cut corners, always doing the best we possibility could.  The original owners worked four years before receiving a pay check.  Many others chipped in to help because they saw what was happening. They saw the results and how things were working.

 

I never got involved to make money.  I did think it might be possible to make a small living If things worked out.  Money does not motivate me, if it did, I wouldn't have spent my life in baseball.  My motivation from day one was to help young players succeed.  It means much more to me when I see someone we were involved with be successful in the game because of what we do.  Some people simply can't understand this type of passion and love for the game.  I can say in all honesty, I have ended up doing well, but that was never the main goal.  I would be doing exactly what we do without the good things that I've been blessed with.

 

I really don't need people to know all of this. But to respond to you, YES I would be doing what we do no matter what! In fact, been there and done it!

PGStaff I sent you a PM



> On Jul 19, 2015, at 12:30 PM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Living in Atlanta, we have been lucky enough to go to many events at the various facilities around the state.   What Lake Poing offers over any other place we have played is the eight fields in one location.   If I were a coach or scout, I know where I would want to be.   With up to sixteen teams playing at one time, there has to be someone you want to watch. 

I've read most of the first page Of the thread. I was going to read the entire thread before posting. But it can't wait. Most people are paying between $1,500 and $5,000 for their son's summer baseball experience. Why bother to complain about a few extra expenses? If the total cost is too expensive don't participate.

 

Personally, my attitude would be I don't like paying more than I have to. But I'll pay what I have to pay. I prefer to enjoy an experience than get caught up in peripheral issues. I'll bet the facility looks the added expenses as ones people will tolerate for a few days.

I've seen some posts complaining about turf. Does anyone remember the bitching online when it rained like crazy for most of the week? Which way do you want it? I prefer hearing "play ball" to "maybe tomorrow."

I would prefer to play, so if that means playing on turf to not playing then play on turf. I wonder prefer in not rain and play on dirt , pitching on turf is not the preferred method to many pitchers I have talked to . My older sons prefer dirt, but they do play on many turf fields in college . I think when LP gets more fields and more games are played there it will be a better experience for all . I can remember when people complained about not getting a game there when they had 4 fields . If they get to 16 fields that will be good
. Less driving I understand the benefit of turf , but I will always like dirt better. I did for football as well



> On Jul 19, 2015, at 6:00 PM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

I want PG to reduce the traffic around the airport, and I would appreciate it if he could keep the temperatures in the low 80s with a slight breeze blowing out of left center on all fields!

I agree , why has this not been done ?



> On Jul 19, 2015, at 6:27 PM, HS Baseball Web <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

PG, I am also sending you a pm