Online vs. In Person - big difference

Webcasts can be one camera pointed straight ahead from behind home. Blink and you miss something. No replays.

This is why I don't like the trend of pro scouting going to a lot of video only advanced scouting. There is always something that you can pick up in person that you can't pick up on video.

One of the teams I saw had most of their roster listed between 5'10" and up to 6'4" with a handful in the 6'2" range. One player was listed at 5'9". What I saw were many at 5'9" or in some cases, smaller.

 

You can't tell velocity online but you can see it in person, both on the pitchers and infielders during their throw overs.

 

I think you lose something watching any sport on TV or computer.  College baseball is no exception.  My oldest son's team had a few recruits & future commits in the stands this weekend.  One of the more perceptive Dads was amazed at the pitching movement even on fastballs on the starting pitchers.  He further commented that wasn't something he was able to see on the college broadcasts with limited cameras and camera angles.   

 

I've been to a variety of sporting events in my lifetime, and nothing can prepare you for how skilled these people are in person.  Golf, tennis, polo, lacrosse, cricket, soccer, football, basketball, volleyball and some others.  MLB and NFL football jump out at me.  The size, speed and talent is incredible when you see it....and you quickly understand why they are elite athletes.   JMO.

While I agree with everything you posted I happen to agree with this a little more.  My sophomore year in college we were playing in Florida on spring break at the Florida Marlins facility.  We were walking to another field for a game when out of this (I'm assuming indoor hitting facility) walked Jeff Kent when he was with the Mets.  They were getting ready to play the Marlins in the main field.  Ended up I walked beside him for about 30 yards and I was blown away by how big he was.  Back then I was 5'11 (6'0 on a good day) and 220 lbs.  He was easily 2 or 3 inches taller and while I weighed more he looked so much stronger.  The kid I coached in HS who's now in the minors is ginormous.  Easily 6'6 and 210 - 220 lbs and just a man beast.  

 

On TV they look human but they really aren't LOL.

I have to agree with the difference in size and basic athletic ability. I got a dream vacation from my wife for my 40th birthday. Baseball fantasy camp with my beloved Reds. Camp was 1 week before  Pitchers and catchers reported so a few were around. I go to watch them throwing up close and personal. They could throw serious heat and were doing it effortlessly. The ball was moving all over the place but they obviously knew where it was going because it was hitting corners.

 

The funny part of camp was on last day our team of campers got to play ex MLB for 3 innings. i was in RF for 1st inning 30 feet from fence. Herm Willingham (who was probably 8-10 years retired) hit a ball over my head so fast I don't think I had moved when it hit the base of the fence. He casually cruised into 3B.

What if "LiveStats" is your only option for a college game?  I did that last night for the first time.  It was one of the most stressful evenings I have had.  Doing it again tonight. 

When watching games on TV and webcast you only get to follow the ball. For people like those on this site we know there's a lot more going on around the field. When I watch football and basketball live I sometimes focus in on what a position does in certain situations. You don't see that on TV.

All this is true, but when my son's college team is playing and I can't be there, there's nothing better than watching a webcast of it.  As CoachB25 said, "LiveStats" is better than nothing, but I'd rather watch it, regardless of clarity or not being able to see the ball.  And if it's being announced, it's pretty cool listening to the broadcasters talking about your player.  First time I saw it and heard it, I was enamored.