More important to have field time or part of better program?

quote:

Originally posted by BaseballDad62:
For High School baseball, which is better for the high school player?

Maximum field time = Perceived Lesser program
Less field time = Perceived Stronger program

How much "value" is actually placed on where the high school player played? (Assuming he is playing for high quality summer teams in Perfect Game tournaments and Showcases?

Thank you.

BaseballDad62 - welcome to the hsbbweb!

I think this is an interesting question with many levels to it and the right answer may ultimately depend on personal preferences. I can give you my two cents for something to consider....

If you are asking whether or not scouts place any value in the program, I would say no. They go by what they see. If he is on the bench at the stronger program, there is nothing to see. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it is not much fun watching from the bench.

Since you already have him going to PG events and strong summer programs however, I don't think it matters all that much which program he chooses. All that said, having to earn, scratch, claw, and fight his way on to the field of the stronger team could ultimately be better for his long term development. It sounds as if you have designs on him playing in college. If so, learning how to compete against equally good or better athletes is a skill that will serve him well in the future. Competition, although painful at times when someone else gets the first look, is the best way to get the most out of a ballplayer imho.

I had the exact problem as a 8th grader choosing the private schools around my area. Let TEAM 1 REPRESENT THE "BETTER PROGRAM",and TEAM 2 the "WORSE PROGRAM"

TEAM1: Regionally ranked, had recent Champion success, and Pro-type players on their HS roster. But the conversation with the Coach went as follows:
Coach: "We have a great program, but you're a small kid (5'6" in 8th grade, 5'8" now)so I don't know if you're going to be able to catch for us. Also, you might not make Varsity until 11th grade."

TEAM2: Hadn't made playoffs in about 10 years. Below .500 season, just made Coaching change. But, I knew I could make Varsity and start as a Freshmen behind the plate.

I picked TEAM 2 in a heart beat. Yeah, we've struggled (starting 6 freshmen this past year- my JR. year), but I cannot tell you how much of a better player I became. The experience helped me develop so much more, and I enjoy making all conferenceteams and putting up ridiculous numbers against TEAM 1 every season, and I only want to ask them if I'm "too small" now.

quote:

Originally posted by BaseballDad62:
For High School baseball, which is better for the high school player?

Maximum field time = Perceived Lesser program
Less field time = Perceived Stronger program

How much "value" is actually placed on where the high school player played? (Assuming he is playing for high quality summer teams in Perfect Game tournaments and Showcases?

Thank you.

Pick the the school with the coaching that will help you the most. All things being equal, pick the school where you will play then most.

Are both schools the same academically?

Does the weaker school's AD or coach have college contacts?

If you pick the weaker team, you must get on a really good summer/fall team.