Opinions on showcase prep clinic

RJM, this sounds expensive and overkill. Now we have to send our kids to showcase for a showcase. Do they really have to learn how to showcase?? It's all about talent isn't it? If they have it, it will show.

Talk about going after the money!!

The proper techniques for fielding, pitching, catching and hitting should be worked on every day during winter workouts.

We got essentially the same information for $25 when we purchased this DVD:

http://www.showcasethemovie.com/index.htm

We bought it before our son's first PG showcase and it was helpful in mentally preparing him for what to expect.

Here is some free advice. Show up on time or early, ready to play, with neat hair, a fresh shave, shirt tucked with matching socks. Don't walk anywhere and have fun. If my kid needed lessons on how to showcase, I probably wouldn't send him.

Son went to a good showcase for that amount and received a written evaluation. You can't buy the same experience - seeing the competition, competing under certain conditions and having the first showcase under your belt.

quote:

Originally posted by RJM:
Names have been omitted out of respect for the organization and any negative opinions that may be brought forward.

RJM,
With all due respect, and you are due respect where the showcase and its promoters are only due an honest assessment, it seems as though omitting names is counter productive to the membership here at large. If we are going to form opinions, especially with regard to credibility, names have to be included.

You don't owe these people anything. You aren't divulging anything out of school, they put it in print. This isn't inside information.

I can understand that saying something negative may have a repercussion to the poster or that posters son, but to reprint something that is already in print and mass mailed is hardly negative. If a person or entity stands up and says it, then attribution of those comments or stance is nothing more than honest attribution. Let those people or entities stand behind what they offer/say, it's what they wanted. If a person attached their name to the event for the purpose of profit, then that persons endorsement for profit is nothing to be ashamed of or protected.

I don't understand why we feel a need for protection, of either entities or feelings. Adult conversation can be hard, but that's all it is, adult conversation. Entities and people are what they are. There is no shame in public discussion and valuation of such, even if negative.

Interesting concept---we ,from the very beginning of our operation have had a seminar on the eve of the event which covered recruiting and the final aspect was a short session with our on field coaches running thru what the kids needed to do the next morning and thru the entire event.

quote:

Originally posted by CPLZ:

quote:

Originally posted by RJM:
Names have been omitted out of respect for the organization and any negative opinions that may be brought forward.

RJM,
With all due respect, and you are due respect where the showcase and its promoters are only due an honest assessment, it seems as though omitting names is counter productive to the membership here at large. If we are going to form opinions, especially with regard to credibility, names have to be included.

You don't owe these people anything. You aren't divulging anything out of school, they put it in print. This isn't inside information.

I can understand that saying something negative may have a repercussion to the poster or that posters son, but to reprint something that is already in print and mass mailed is hardly negative.

I don't understand why this need for protection, of either entities or feelings. Adult conversation can be hard, but that's all it is, adult conversation.

CPLZ - I agree and disagree with you on this one. I am as guilty as anyone of being uncomfortable when things get too confrontational around here but you are right, sometimes that is necessary to properly flesh out the issue. Disagreement is welcome here on the hsbbweb. In-your-faceness is not.

The part I disagree with you on this topic is that I thought RJM made a good decision by removing the names in this case. By doing that, he de-personalized the topic and allowed it to be discussed on the merits alone i.e., whether or not a seminar on showcasing was worth it.

CD,
Do you think that if you were to take RJM's post and plug the names in where he has deleted them that it would become an "in your face" post?

I honestly see nothing but value coming from inclusion. The topic becomes even more focused at that point from the broad aspect to the detailed. It adds perspective and history, either past or beginning, for reference to the past and in the future.

Topics would become exceedingly bland and of less value if we use the litmus test of potential for controversy. Statement of the facts, attribution of those facts and opening discussion based on truths is healthy. The moderators here do a great job of maintaining the healthy balance. Pre-tempering/censoring the input just makes intellectual pablum. IMHO

quote:

CD,
Do you think that if you were to take RJM's post and plug the names in where he has deleted them that it would become an "in your face" post?

Of course not. I was responding to this point:

quote:

Adult conversation can be hard, but that's all it is, adult conversation.

We don't only have adults as members on this site. It will never be a cigar-smoking gentlemen's club imho.

We can disagree on the names. You feel it helps the topic and I feel the names only cloud it in this PARTICULAR case. Sometimes the names are unavoidable per the respective topic. Fair enough to disagree on that point however.

quote:

ClevelandDad quote:
The part I disagree with you on this topic is that I thought RJM made a good decision by removing the names in this case. By doing that, he de-personalized the topic and allowed it to be discussed on the merits alone i.e., whether or not a seminar on showcasing was worth it.

I see your point Dan, but on a different angle, maybe that $285 was a great deal because other posters had been more than satisfied paying that amount and would pipe in. If I asked if you thought soap was a good price at $X, what would that tell me? Now if you asked if Dial soap was a good price I could give an honest opinion. I think there's a fine line between giving an honest assessment and "spilling your digruntled guts" in a rude way. That's where we have problems at times and I don't see an easy answer.

Bottom line the more I look at this post I think you are correct with your thoughts of not personalizing this particular thread. But I still believe that we can be name droppers, and give honest impressions of our experiences with companies. The way I look at it is if someone can send you propaganda via mass mailings they have opened the door to be critiqued. This is a learning site and "newbies" to the process should expect honest answers and "real life" experiences from us in regard to specific questions.

Speaking for myself, with my shy and un-opinionated persona, I would keep those comments to myself

quote:

Originally posted by rz1:

quote:

ClevelandDad quote:
The part I disagree with you on this topic is that I thought RJM made a good decision by removing the names in this case. By doing that, he de-personalized the topic and allowed it to be discussed on the merits alone i.e., whether or not a seminar on showcasing was worth it.

I see your point Dan, but on a different angle, maybe that $285 was a great deal because other posters had been more than satisfied paying that amount and would pipe in. If I asked if you thought soap was a good price at $X, what would that tell me? Now if you asked if Dial soap was a good price I could give an honest opinion. I think there's a fine line between giving an honest assessment and "spilling your digruntled guts" in a rude way. That's where we have problems at times and I don't see an easy answer.

Bottom line the more I look at this post I think you are correct with your thoughts of not personalizing this particular thread. But I still believe that we can be name droppers, and give honest impressions of our experiences with companies. The way I look at it is if someone can send you propaganda via mass mailings they have opened the door to be critiqued. This is a learning site and "newbies" to the process should expect honest answers and "real life" experiences from us in regard to specific questions.

Speaking for myself, with my shy and un-opinionated persona, I would keep those comments to myself

quote:

ClevelandDad quote:
We don't only have adults as members on this site. It will never be a cigar-smoking gentlemen's club imho.

Not with our HSBBW gals

In this particular thread I don't think the names are that important and may even cloud the issue. The idea of goimg to a $285 event to learn how to showcase is kind of foolish sounding to me. Most businesses target a need and try to fill that need. If there are people that need that then go ahead and throw the money away. Your choice but you can get that info for free.

A well known northern CA high school baseball organization is offering something similar for about the same price. However, it offers 2 days on the field from 10-4 and a parent lecture for 2 hours about recruiting. Sounds like a good deal to me and would be very informative to players and their parents.

Speaking from experience, I piled on a named showcase operator here awhile back who was advertising the names (big print) of players (insert projected first rounder here) who were to expected attend, (actually only invited, subject to disclaimer in tiny print) to their showcase. The nut had the nerve to call my son's high school coach at the time and complain, but apparently not the nerve to contact me. What a jerk.

How to showcase is usually something that good travel coaches (or HS) will discuss with their players.

For parents or with kids that have showcased, and have experience, they can speak to the team (if coach has no experience). I know of some who charge for it, but those who truely have no monetary interest do it for free.

Prime example of how everyone is jumping onto the bandwagon to make $$ from your kids.

quote:

Originally posted by TPM:
How to showcase is usually something that good travel coaches (or HS) will discuss with their players.

For parents or with kids that have showcased, and have experience, they can speak to the team (if coach has no experience). I know of some who charge for it, but those who truely have no monetary interest do it for free.

Prime example of how everyone is jumping onto the bandwagon to make $$ from your kids.

While good ideas......

#1- At 15-17 years of age I would never rely on a another kid to tell me how to perform in a potential life changing experience. I don't care what experience the kid has but I doubt he has enough of it to draw the conclusions needed.

#2- In regard to HS or travel team coaches, unless they have actually been involved in many showcases, see #1

Infield08 had the best answer that I've seen in a long time.

$25 and share it with friends. Great post, Great find!

Showcase training

As far as that "bandwagon", if you have disposable funds, spend it. Hats off to them for finding a "nitch", it's the American way. Face-2-face with a professional group is almost always the best means of learning, but not everyone has that luxury. Play smart and within your means. It's all about being prepared.

RZ,
My son as a senior sign in HS was asked by the HS coach to speak to the younger varsity players about showcasing (how to prepare and how to act, what to expect)and in tournaments, just as the older players did when he was in HS.
As a senior going into college, he did the same with his summer travel team (their senior summer) and instructed them during tournaments when coaches and scouts were watching.
When he showcased and played in tourneys he was instucted as to what to do or not do by his travel coaches.
I am taking what you say that my player had no clue.

I am wondering if Coach's that run or help out with travel teams (such as Coach May as an example), never give their kids any advice.

quote:

I am taking what you say that my player had no clue.

If that's what you got out it..so be it

As far as coaches are concerned........read my post again.

Will this event - Give the player the tools needed to impress the college coaches in attendance? If a kid throws 75 from the hill but attends this seminar will it help him at the showcase?

You want to know why stuff like this sells? And believe me it does. People will sign up and they will pay.

It sells because some people actually believe they can learn the secrets needed to secure a scholley. Hey , there is no secret here. If you have the tools you will show the tools. If you dont you will not be able to. I dont care how much money you spend on seminars or how much "make up" you display on showcase day.

Another example of someone preying on people who want to help their kid but really dont know how.

quote:

Originally posted by Coach May:
Will this event - Give the player the tools needed to impress the college coaches in attendance? If a kid throws 75 from the hill but attends this seminar will it help him at the showcase?

You want to know why stuff like this sells? And believe me it does. People will sign up and they will pay.

It sells because some people actually believe they can learn the secrets needed to secure a scholley. Hey , there is no secret here. If you have the tools you will show the tools. If you dont you will not be able to. I dont care how much money you spend on seminars or how much "make up" you display on showcase day.

Another example of someone preying on people who want to help their kid but really dont know how.

Classic post. That is why I felt the name of the outfit was unnecessary. I agree that make-up cannot get you an offer or drafted but it can hurt you if you show a lacadaisical attitude.

Yes, great post and I agree, no reason to name names, I think that people are pretty smart to figure out that this may be something not needed, that coach's, players and parents can be helpful in giving advice, even if you are a gal.

I agree with Coach May...

Here's some more free advice -

Parents - bring a hat, sunscreen and a cooler

Don't clap and cheer - this isn't a game

Compliment every player and don't bother bragging about your kid

Don't yell at your kid

There will always be bigger, stronger, faster kids - deal with it.

College coaches/pro scouts can't or won't talk to you - they are working. Let them work.

Make sure your son can run fast before he gets there

Thank the sponsor on your way out

quote:

I am wondering if Coach's that run or help out with travel teams (such as Coach May as an example), never give their kids any advice.

When one of my players and parents returned from this kind of event I asked them what they learned. The response was, "Mostly what you told everyone when we were all sitting around the pool Saturday night at a tournament."

Hopefully you told them the coaches/scouts are looking for talent and ability. If you got it, show it.

When I found this web site I never heard of a showcase or knew anyone who had.

Son went to Team-one showcase in 2003 and found out he didn't have a very good "60" He took some speed training lessons and with training he turned out to be pretty fast. When he started pro ball he found out he didn't know how to properly throw or field a ball! Warm weather players are more advanced

All this to say that some players have the tools but won't show the tools, not all players have the same baseball experience and some may need to pay for information,instruction,exposure that other players get for free.

Good post njbb and one I think one that is in correlation to Coach May's post.

This topic was not about showcases, but prep clinics for those wanting to attend showcases.

Is this necessary?

You state that your son was drafted yet needed to learn how to properly field and throw a ball. I have seen some really good pitchers in pro ball that have 2 pitches, yet others with more in their arsenal don't get drafted because of lack of potential. Perhaps your post is a good example that it's not how hard you work, how much instruction you spend your money on, but tools and projection of future use of those tools, coachability and most of all, a certain "it" that the player has that others don't. That "it" for HS age players is called upside, something you cannot teach anyone in 2 days.

One of the objects of showcasing is to display skill and tools. The best advice is be prepared to do it or don't attend. Be in good shape, mind and body. Yup, everyone is nervous, but that has nothing to do with being evaluated for your future potential. Scouts and coaches know what they are looking for. I have heard too many parents say their son got a poor rating because he didn't field the ball well, didn't hit or his velo was down. IMO, those are excuses and generally blamed upon the people running showcases or the tournament.

Perhaps those here with more expertise can provide tips for showcasing for each postiion played. It's different for each position. I am not even sure it's that difficult to figure out.

Attend reliable showcases where you will get positive feedback on what skills you need to work on and then take that advice and put it to good use.


JMO.

i would say,anything/everything you would learn at a showcase prep clinic is right here on the hsbbw. you can ask anything here and get an answer. you can donate that 200 bucks right here,learn that and more and never leave your chair.

njbb

i was at that showcase at ND. he had me fooled.

There has never been a time where the term "caveat emptor" (buyer beware) was more applicable than our current times. Many people, both 'baseball people' and non baseball people, have figured out how to market to parents of young players, and there are more camps, clinics, showcases, seminars, tournaments, private lessons, recruiting services, tryouts and other stuff than I can believe. 95% of them (and I'm probably being kind to only say 95%) have a common theme, they cost money and quite often, a LOT of money. That is OK, except that many of them don't give much value for what they charge. Too often, they attract players who don't have the talent or skills to move along, and neither the player or parents realize it, or they're seeking some magic bullet that is going to get him over the top and save them money on college. Most of the time, their money would be better used by putting it in an account to pay for college, rather than going to another camp or seminar.

In my opinion, the vast majority of these 'opportunities' are anything but opportunities and are more about the promoters making income than they are about the player enhancing his opportunity to move along to the next level, if that is his desire. I don't have any problem with people making money, but I am troubled by how many promote their event as a 'must do' or something that will really enhance their chance of getting to the next level by attending it, that is simply wrong and a lie, and I see it too often. Too much of it is false advertising.

So much of what people pay for can be obtained with just a little effort and for little to no cost. All one needs to do is ask around and you can find most of the information without too much trouble. Nothing will replace talent, hard work, desire, hustle, skills, character and ACADEMIC ACHEIVEMENT. Those are the things that enable players to keep playing the game for a long time.

A question from the dark side.

If someone approached you and said he had the resources to have a "how to showcase" clinic that he wanted you to promote. The cost, facilities, staff, and future dates were in place all you had to is administer the program and the profits were yours.

Would you.

A- Say, NO that's just not right, way over priced
B- Think about competing at a lower price.
C- Accept the offer and buy a bigger wallet.

My answer is "C" but I would probably give a little back to local baseball groups to ease the guilty mind. If there is a market, better me than someone else to be working it.

rz

in my line of work this is a very slow time.this economy makes it worse. if i thought any one would come, i'd do it. make a few bucks...sure. i know it would be nice to know what to expect. but nice isn't needed.

back when we went through this stuff,it may have been helpful. there weren't many local kids that had gone to them. we only were required to pay for 1 showcase,and that was only 125.00.

maybe i've been here to long.........but as i said before all the info is here.

rz, this may sound corny to you and others, but I've helped many of the players in our program with advice, tips and preparation for showcases and college camps over the years, and that hasn't cost anyone a dime. Our players parents pay an annual fee each year to be on our teams, and there are no additional costs for anything other than their travel expenses, which everyone takes care of individually.

I've been approached by people who've wanted to engage in baseball business ventures with us, presumably because of the number of players in our program or maybe because we're well regarded in our area, I don't know; but I've never taken any of these guys up on their offers. I'm not saying I never will, only that I haven't in the past. I didn't start my program to make money, and haven't changed it to be a for profit business, either. I'm not knocking those who are for profit (perhaps they're just smarter than me) but I get a ton of satisfaction out of seeing our boys develop into succussful student athletes and many of them move on to college ball; and that has been compensation enough for me.

Does that answer your question?

06catcherdad,

I think that is very admirable that you do this for the kids. I do believe that some travel teams including yours, norcal etc. that have great programs with much success. And for many boys that aretn asked to play on those teams they might not have any other options. Also I dont belive that ALL the good players are covered on these teams. Players get left off these teams maybe perceived as not good enough.I guess in the end result the players that arent chosen for these teams have to pick a different avenue to prove they can or can not play at the next level. Time is the true test for many of these boys. That saying your team the vipers and norcal have some of the best players, I am not disputing that.

I am definetly into free enterprise and business development. I am 100% into making money but not stealing it from anyone.

4 hours (sit and watch presentation as posted by RJM) for $285 for 4 hours, what is the player going to get out of this that will improve their tools and skills?

Now if the presenters were holding a camp, say 2 days @ 6-8 hours a day watching players and helping them with their weaknesses and pointing out the strengths, someone might get something out of it for future use when showcasing.

It's not so much what they are doing but HOW they are doing it and I based my personal feelings on the information posted by RJM.

I guess i hijacked the thread a little bit. Sorry I am just talking about other showcase type events that kids go to when they arent part of a highly ranked team.

fanofgame,
You didn't hijack the thread, that occured on the previous page.

A man approaches a woman and asks, "will you have $ex with me for 10 million dollars?"

The lady responds, "sure"

The man replies, "Well, how about it for a dollar then?"

The lady replies, "No way, what do you think I am?"

Then man responds, "We've already determined what you are, now we're just haggling on the price."

Just because someone is desperate, and has resources, doesn't mean that you should take advantage of their desperation and offer services well beyond the true value. The term for that is predatory business practices.

The "someone was going to do it anyway, it might as well be me", argument, sounds remarkably similar to the "it's just business" phrase that rationalized the moral morass of behavior that characterized schmucks of the '80's.

This thread has become more about capitalism than anything else.

Would I pay for advice? I don't know because I have never had the money to.

When I need advice, I come to places like this and usually get what I'm looking for.

I bet if we searched the site or started another thread there would be more here than what someone is willing to pay $285.00 for.

quote:

Originally posted by rz1:

quote:

ClevelandDad quote:
We don't only have adults as members on this site. It will never be a cigar-smoking gentlemen's club imho.

Not with our HSBBW gals

lmao