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My Son's Area Code Try out Experience

P Peninsula10+ posts
This is for the Area Codes/ East Coast Pro Try Out held in Trenton at Waterford Park on 6/14/10. My son is a 2011, 5'10", 185lb. 3B.

My first advice is give yourself plenty of time- the roads in Trenton, NJ are tricky! We were able to get lost & still arrive by 7:30.

Registration began promptly at 8am as promised. There were around a hundred players. They were very strict about only allowing 'invited players' in. If you weren't on the list you waited at the end & were added on as a 'write in' I know this because there was a mistake with my son where they listed his first name twice so at first he was one of 3 players made to wait.

He then saw his info on the list & alerted a coach who made the correction & announced it on the loudspeaker. Work out was scheduled for 9am-2pm.

Short speech in the beginning stating that some players might be let go during the day. Apparently, the Trenton Try Out has superior talent- They were told that 5 players from last years try out were draft picks in the early rounds.

My son said he did not notice anyone being asked to leave so if done, it was discreetly. He did notice that pitchers (there were many) left after they were done throwing.

Players were given 5 swings for the hitting portion. Some were asked to throw a bit extra, or swing a bit extra. My son was one of only a handful of players under 6ft. Most players were athletic & muscular, only a few 'lanky' ones, most of those were pitchers. Tremendous amount of scouts & schools in attendance.

What surprised me the most were the 60 yard times.

7.4's, 7.6's 7.8, 7.9...My son runs a 7.28 so at least he was not alone as one of the 'slower' runners.

Another surprise was the GPA's. My son as a 3.4 was one of the highest there...not that 3.4 is superb, but there were many in the low to mid 2's.

They were told at the end that there are 6 different try outs for the Area Codes Games.
There would also be a team selected for the East Coast Pro, & 4 other teams that would travel- all would be free. There would be a chance for one team to play a game in Yankee Stadium.

My son said he did alright, but its impossible to get information out of him unless he is unhappy with a performance. He never even told any of his friends he was going to this try out.

He was happy to have performed better than he did at a recent showcase where he was exhausted- I heard plenty about that performance as he felt it was subpar. Unfortunately, where we live, it's necessary to get up at 4am for travel, & therefore nearly impossible to get a full night's rest before these things.

Overall, he said it was a great experience & very well run. We didn't go into this expecting to make the team, moreso just for college exposure, of which there was plenty.
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T txrock10+ posts
Of all the cool experiences mine had last summer the Area Code tryout experience was one of the best. Knew realistically he had little to no chance of making the team but the experience of performing in front of a ton of scouts was a learning experience second to none. Seeing 25+ radar guns go up in unison made the 5-10 you saw at some of the better attended summer showcase games seem like nothing.

Son still wears his Area Code t-shirt proudly.
P Peninsula10+ posts
Eric G.-

Yes, I would conclude that 'most' were Rising Seniors but my son did speak with the parent of an invited 15 year old. Many wore T shirts from well known travel teams. My son said all players were clearly talented. Two stood out over the rest, he heard they were being considered as possible early draft picks for next year.

Espn Rise has a link for anyone to submit an application & also lists try out dates & locations.

txrock- My son said he will be wearing his Area Code T shirt in the future too, that's saying a lot since his was red & he normally detests that color! The shirts are great- w/ a Nike Logo & a material similar to that of an 'under armour' type work out garment.
birdman14birdman141,000+ posts
If you are invited to the area code tryouts you must go. My son went to the Allentown, PA tryout last year, and although he did not make the team, it was the beginning of him getting seriously recruited and landing a D1 scholarship. As Peninsula stated, it is a pro-style workout, and cuts will be made on the spot. About 60 college scouts at my son's tryout and 20 or so MLB scouts. The single best thing he did during the crazy Junior/Senior showcase summer.
Last edited by birdman14
BOFBOF10,000+ posts
Great summary P.

The only thing I would add that, at least on the West Coast it is organized in two parts. Morning session is a typical pro style workout with timed 60’s. OF throws from right to third and home, INF groundballs at short, with rotation of first basemen. BP more or less as described. Practice running 60’s before you get there, as speed is the first thing these guys are looking at.

The team running the tryout then makes cuts from the morning session. Once cuts are made then they form teams and they play each other in the afternoon, rotating in pitchers for 5 batters each. No kidding in that there are as many scouts as there are players.

Lots of talented kids, mostly rising Sr’s with a mixture of Jr’s. The teams put the best players they can find and not all have to attend the tryout to make the team.

In SoCal they have moved the tryouts to Santa Barbara at Westmont College. Beautiful new field, really does not get any better. The only thing to remember is that there is some local SB traffic as they are working on the 101, so leave extra time and Westmont College is back up in the hills and it is easy to take a wrong turn. They will have signs up directing you to the field once you get to the College. Parking is tight so be prepared to walk a little ways to the field.

It is a huge honor to just be invited so relax, be loose, have fun as there is no downside to not making the team.
C cbg500+ posts
About four years ago my son had a very unique Area Code Tryout experience. The MLB organization sent him an invitation to the tryout which was 8 hours from our home. He went to the tryout and had a great workout according to the scout and was told to expect a call telling him that he had made the team. After not receiving a call we later found out that two weeks after the tryout the scout had gone to another organization and no one was selected from the tryout.
BW Bob Williams500+ posts
In 2000 at the Area Code tryout in Valencia, the players did not make the 818/805 AC team.
Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara
and Kern county

Aaron Hill and Shane Costa. I placed both on another team.

The players who made the 818/805 AC team were
Conor Jackson [Diamonbacks], Brian Horwitz [SF Giants],Delmon Young and Jason Kuble [Twins],
Chris Cordeiro, Jamie Shields, Sergio Santos *White Sox],Michael Nickeas and the famous Matt Harrington [turned down $4 million from the Rockies].

This was one team selected by a committee of 6 veteran pro scouts. Maybe the best one team in our 17 year history.

Bob Williams
P Peninsula10+ posts
Truefan28- Good luck to your son tomorrow! I understand your worry because it was my greatest concern as well, since my son's best tools are hitting & fielding. He can hit 400 feet- but thats not something he's always able to show with 5 swings. He ran a 7.29 there but wasn't sent home.

We were just happy for the opportunity & it didn't matter if, as my son said 'he didn't have a prayers chance of making the team'. Obviously, he did something right at one point to be invited.

As for a poor try out- I hope for all players sake they are not judged only on how they perform at any single event. As I mentioned, my son attended a showcase last week. He happened to have a rough time getting to sleep the night before & felt he could have done better.

On the other hand, he had just as little sleep yesterday & felt he did better than at the showcase.

He was there with players who have had better training, who attend better schools & who's parents have more money than we do to spend on showcases. He is mostly self taught, & probably won't attend any other showcase this Summer unless he is able to find a sponsor for it.

IMO financial advantage & politics may help you get noticed, but in the end, true talent is what gets you to the next level.
Last edited by Peninsula
birdman14birdman141,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by TrueFan28:
My son is going tomorrow morning to his area code try-out. Here is the question: Of the five tools his weakness is speed. If he goes as a pitcher only will them make him run? If he goes as a two way player could they send him home after the run and not see him pitch? Now he can hit very well, good hands, and has a very strong arm. He is a little over 6'3" and about 235 pounds, not build for running. What your advise be in this case.


Pitchers did not run in my son's AC tryout last year. My son tried out as a pitcher/outfielder, and he never ran the 60 because he was warming up to pitch and pitching while all the rest of the fielders were running. He did throw from RF and take BP however.
Last edited by birdman14
C CenPAPete10+ posts
My son attended Area Codes/ East Coast Pro Try Out held in Allentown on 6/15/10. My son is a 2011, 6'5", 205lb. 1B. He also attended the 2009 Area code try-out in Trenton. I cannot say enough about the opportunity and the level of exposure that he has gained from these events. There where at least 60 college coaches and many pro scouts present at each event. This years try-out was very well run and my son seemed to have done well, we were not sure if he would be ready and able to make this event because he had ACL surgery in December. He worked his butt off to get back in shape to be ready for this summer. He is not 100% yet but did a great job showing that he is well on his way back. Prior to surgery he was running a 7.1 60. He ran a 7.6 60 at this event but just getting the opportunity to show that he is back and able to compete at this level will hopefully benefit him. The Area-Code try-outs are by far the best opportunity we have seen to get in front of many great college coaches. If you get the chance go!
sgvbaseballsgvbaseball100+ posts
Peninsula,

You make a very good point. There are programs out here who prey on the hopes of parents/players on the dream of playing D1 baseball. The reality is either you are good enough or your not. We tell our players we can put you in the spot to be seen but it is up to you to perform. One school has to love you to get your chance.
Some program tell players all the scouts and recruiter will come watch you play but the one thing the neglect to tell them they are not a D1 player. As long as they are writing a check you are good enough.

The area code tryouts here in SoCal get a huge amount of college and MLB guys.
Ryanrod23Ryanrod231,000+ posts
Some additional observation on the AC Cincinnati Reds Tryouts 6/12/2010.

Pretty much the same as what Peninsula and AZsandlizard has stated except I noticed most pitchers hit as well in the Phoenix Tryouts. It lasted from 5-10pm.

RR23JR who is a 2012 grad based on my observation did fair. Speed is not his forte and I noticed slower times due to the wind.He was recovering form a hammy strain but no excuses. He fielded well in the infield. They had 2 rounds of hitting 5 swings/round. He had a soso 1st round but better 2nd round.

Not sure if it was bad or good luck but he faced the only guy ( Ricky Jacquez, who was his teammate in last year's 16U USAB West Championships and 16U NAtional team member and possible draft pick next year ) that threw >90mph in the and struck out swinging. 2nd AB against a different pitcher, battled but again struck out swinging on a change-up.

2 of his former or current teammates were chosen to the Reds AC team.

He used the tryouts as a springboard for the 16U USAB West Championships and did well in the tourney.
He probably could have pitched in the tryout but from my understading you can only choose one position so we did not push it.

Definitely the Area Code shirt is " TIGHT " and a keepsake.

Heard same thing about grades.

Anyway, we are just thankful for the opportunity to participate in the tryouts. If this translates to something in the future then only time will tell.
Showcasing yourself in front of so many scouts can be overwhelming but satisfying experience if you do really good. I would say that just being there is good thing. Hope we'll be back next year.

RR23 Smile
Last edited by Ryanrod23
BOFBOF10,000+ posts
Below are some pics from yesterday’s tryouts at Westmont. Needless to say a pretty amazing group of kids there. Pretty much the top kids from LA County yesterday.(those not already on the team) Orange and San Diego counties go today. They will then choose a final group to come back and combine them with the Nor Cal kids on the 15th and then make their final selections for the two teams. That funnel is getting a little tight....

There were around 80 kids and about the same number of scouts. Same program as before, run 60’s, OF, INF and then BP. BP was 2 rounds of 7 balls. After this they made cuts in position players to get to two “teams” that hit and played the field and then they had each pitcher throw to three batters. They told the two way players that if you play in the field and then plan to pitch “you better be of draftable quality, otherwise I am going to be p is s e d.” Jr decided that he was not “draftable” and did not want to p is s anyone off, (and that his best chance to make the team was as a position player) so he did not pitch. After seeing the 20 or so pitchers he certainly was not good enough to make the final squad as a pitcher, so in this sense he made a good decision. He probably is in the middle of the pack pitching skill wise from the group that was there, so he bypassed the chance to pitch in front of the “boys with their guns” (see pic below) over a chance to make the team.

He did pretty good so we will see if he gets the call in the next couple of days. There are only so many spots available and I can see that it will be difficult for them to come up with their final selections. The Brewers & ESPN Rise did a great job of coordinating the whole event and kept things moving along, they started at 8AM and ended around 5PM. The new Westmont field was very nice also for anyone considering their program.


Last edited by BOF
BW Bob Williams500+ posts
BOF;

Thanks for the memories. With the fog, I do not believe there was any HR's.

For 17 years, I conducted over 200 tryouts. From your photos, I noticed many familiar faces and profiles of the pro scouts. Ten scouts will travel with our teams to Australia in December.

Maybe we will meet in Escondido on the 14-15 August
at the Tampa Bay Rays "tryout" [workout].

Thanks;

Bob Williams
BOFBOF10,000+ posts
Your welcome Bob. hope to meet you one of these days. Actually I think there were 2-3 HR's hit in BP, none in the game. Your right it was a very "heavy" day.

Jr got the email today that he made the final tryout. They will have all three regions, Norcal, LA area, and So So Cal there. I guess he made the right call not pitching...even though I still think he should have just so some of the colleges could have seen him.

Should be interesting to see some of these kids in action. He is beyond where I thought he would get so the rest as they say is gravey.

PS, he is heading out to the cages and looking for the 90++ machine....
CatcherdadCatcherdad1,000+ posts

Son was invited at 15 yrs old and again at 16 last June. He is young senior now.

As others said, a must event.

Ran his best 60 7.02

Hit really well.

Threw in tag zone

Got him some pro attention, questionnaires, workout invites, etc.

 

Yes, many players there, a few standouts for sure. Lots of waiting around.

I would suggest attending another showcase beforehand to get a general idea of the process if you have not already.

 

Son ran early, caught mid workout and hit in next to last BP group last spring. Fortunately has been to many events so stayed 'cool' mentally and hit great.

 

Some impressive physical specimens to be sure.

Results:

Unfortunately some scouts liked my son said he was the best-hitting catcher that day, others liked 2 other catchers who moved on, only 1 ultimately made the team.

A factor is who invited/scouted a player to come, the more senior scouts have more pull.

All-in-all, a valuable experience that led to many others.

As others said, Highly suggest attending.

CatcherdadCatcherdad1,000+ posts

Husky,

At least at the tryouts son went to they did not post or release the official times.

A couple of scouts liked him and told us he ran a 7.02 60

and they shared what they had his pops as (unofficially) ranging from 1.86-1.95.

Not his best ever (1.81 is) but pretty good.

If he was a junior this spring as age dictated vs a senior, he feels he could do well.

Arm very strong this spring, thrown out a good amount of runners, 17, not counting many dropped throws at 2nd (that's HS baseball here )

 

These AC are very competitive events and although there were some players who may have been overmatched there were strong standout players.

All in all, enjoyed experience at 15 yrs old,

and last spring at 16, considering he was 1-2+ years younger than others he felt he showed he belonged on the field.

It is a great memory for a player- fun to be on the fields at these and other MLB events, talking with the scouts in pro uniforms, etc.

It is an honor to have a pro scout invite you and am sure your son will enjoy the pride of wearing the AC shirt to school.

dad43dad431,000+ posts
Exact same experience my son had at the Trenton Area code game tryout.....was a great experience even thou he did not make the team he got some good exposure that lead to several college  offers.
 
 
Originally Posted by birdman14:
If you are invited to the area code tryouts you must go. My son went to the Allentown, PA tryout last year, and although he did not make the team, it was the beginning of him getting seriously recruited and landing a D1 scholarship. As Peninsula stated, it is a pro-style workout, and cuts will be made on the spot. About 60 college scouts at my son's tryout and 20 or so MLB scouts. The single best thing he did during the crazy Junior/Senior showcase summer.

 

GovGovMember since 2015

Great information here, curious of experiences with the AC Underclass Tryouts, in particular Chicago White Sox...  Our program is trying to assist my 2018 to get an invite to the tryout; guess they don't really send out invites till spring, but I figured I better understand the process.  

Lots of kids can play and sometimes you just have to have the network.  Kind of sounds like business.

Thank you in advance to anybody that can provide education and a vector.  We've been to the AC site and know about the general application.

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