National AAU tournament in the summer...

This is a great tournament and good opportunity to play, continue to improve skills, and have fun! That's what should be important at this age.

But as far as college exposure, college scouts rarely attend these events. The age group is too young for serious recruiting and there are too many "national" and "world championship" tournaments held each summer to have any single event with a concentrated pool of top prospects, outside of the major events like Junior Olympics.

Last year I actually counted over 25 tournaments for this age group that were advertising with the word "world" or "national" championship in their title.

I believe that we have had the same experience that RHP05Parent describes. Great competition, lots of fun, will definitely help you improve, but not much in the way of scouts/coaches unless they're there to see a specific player.

By the way, RHP05Parent's son was on an AAU National Championship team two summers ago. Great team, I know as I was there, they beat the team my son was on in the finals.

justbaseball - I didn't know ED was on the team we played in the gold medal round! That was a memorable summer for a great bunch of players. E pitched a complete, extra inning game that was a nail biter to put us into the championship round. Thanks for bring back the memory. Like I said NJ, its a great tournament and you'll be glad you went. Plenty of time for being seen by the scouts next year.

RHP05 - Yep, he pitched the semi-finals. Gotta get there! If I remember right, your E pitched your semis too.

Anyways, it was fun NJ. Enjoy your summer.

NJ -

The NJ State AAU tournament is also pretty good competition wise; good games and alot of fun. However, they are rarely scouted. My son's team won the NJ State AAU title at 14, 15, 16 - and at 17 and 18 all the NJ teams are invited to Nationals - there is no state tournament. I never saw a scout at any state games. His team also went to Nationals all of those years at Disney, Ft Meyers, Kentucky, Tennessee - where ever they were held that particular year.

They also won several Triple Crown tournaments in CT and NY during that time and never saw scouts. But competition was always good and the travel and experience was awesome.

Talk to TRhit about tournaments that you can go to where the scouts will be. I'm especially fond of Perfect Game in Jupiter. As and individual, you can go to their Top Prospect Showcases after your Jr year in high school when you will be looked at more closely. TRhit holds two showcases in the Northeast and has opportunities for team play also.

Good luck and have a great AAU experience!!

#12's (NJ)mom

what team you on? How hard do you throw?

Actually we had a tough quarterfinal game and EM had to throw that one. As you said, had to get there. He threw a CG eight innings under 100 pitches. Threw great. Glad we didn't have to see ED in the finals. That Florida team was nails!

NJ16,

I am a 15 yr old soph, 16 next nov, and I topped out at 78 on a stalker last fall, haven't been gunned since. I have been throwing and taking lessons all off season though, and I feel like the ball has more on it. wouldn't be surprised if I'm hovering a little above 80 right now.

EDIT: Oh yea, I'm on the Bergen County clippers.

NJ Pitch

NJ06,
As most here said it is a valuable learning experience and the competition is usually pretty good. Exposure is mainly accomplished through Showcases, lots of good ones offered around this forum. My son played on a 15u AAU team last year and they took 6th in the Nation. Great time and great ball. We are going to be going to the 16U games in Iowa , so our teams may cross paths. Good luck and enjoy it!

J563
Did your son play on Team New England?
We were there and my son's team placed first in the 15u AAU Nationals. I agree..it was great baseball and memories that will last a lifetime!
I see you are from NH... close to Keene? My college son is going to play for the Keene Swampbats this summer and we are looking forward to visiting your area of the country.

BB9ER,
Yes it was TNE. I remember playing you guys(Carolina Batting Center?) beleive we lost to you during second round. We live south of Keene on the Mass. Border. I have heard of the Swamp Bats, but do not know much about them. You are definitely coming up here at a better time of the year..very plesant summer.
**** I am ready for some ball to start!