Looking for Information about 18U Summer Travel Teams

Tampa Lefty10+ posts

I originally posted this in the Florida Forum. I am also moving it to Summer Teams because I am looking for more feedback regarding going to camps and showcases as opposed to joining a summer team.

Any feedback is appreciated. I'm on the fence.

I am a 2007 LHP/CF. Our season started this past Tuesday. I pitched 5 innings, had 11 strikeouts, 4 walks (one of them I picked off), 1 hit and no runs scored. I also got the W. At the bat, I went 1 for 3. I bat in the lead-off position.

I am looking into playing with a travel team this summer. Does anyone have any suggestions? I go to the websites of the travel teams that I know about and they don't seem to have a place where a new player can inquire about a try-out.

In past summers, I have always attended college camps (10 of them since my freshman year) and also started attending PG events last summer as well.

I'm not sure if a travel team is a better way to go or not. I really would like to play at East Cobb this summer and Jupiter next October. An SAT conflict kept me from playing in the Jupiter Underclass tournament last October. PG had put me on one of their teams.

I guess I am asking two questions --

1)how does a player get on a travelling team -- especially if the player plays at a small private school?

2)Is a travel team the way to go or should I continue with my camps and showcases only?

So far, I am scheduled to attend the PG Academic Showcase in June and the Blue-Grey Showcase at Wake Forest in August.

As for camps, I have been invited to Stanford's All Star camp in July by Coach Stotz and the Andy Lopez Baseball Academy at Arizona in July as well.

I would appreciate help and advice.

2/18/0612:37 PM

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spizzlepop1,000+ posts

Lefty,
Nice problem to have huh? My son, also a LHP, faced a similar predicament last summer. If your parents are very supportive and money is not an issue, then you are indeed very lucky and you have many options. Use 'em to your advantage.
My boy went to the Stanford (05)and AZ(04) camps. Go to the Stanford camp for sure. The AZ camp, though good, cannot compare with the overall experience and amount of exposure at Stanford. It (AZ) might also conflict with the WWBA as all three events are in July. There's a whole thread on the Stanford camp under Golden Threads. Read it for more insight.
As for travel teams, rosters are filling up fast, but your a lefty pitcher! If you're good there's always a place for you! Get with a team that's going to the WWBA in Marietta in July. You cannot get better baseball exposure at any other event this summer. Look at ABD, NORCAL, San Diego Show, or any of the other Cali teams that went last year.
http://www.worldwoodbat.com/TournamentDetails.aspx?id=43
Put a bio together and call, write, or e-mail them to express your interest. PM me if you need a number. If you're good, they'll take you. I hope this helps, and best of luck to you.

2/19/064:52 PM

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Dad045,000+ posts

Showcases and camps are part of the recruiting puzzle. IMO they can't replace climbing the learning curve perfecting the craft in live game situations obtained by playing on a real team for real trophies. Camps and showcases are used by some of the best players to suppliment their summer playing experience and exposure, not replace the team.

2/20/067:08 AM