PBR Underclass showcase question-radar speed shown behind catcher?

Did I read that right 3 players blew out an arm or an elbow at a showcase? Do you know these players? Are they requiring tj or another surgery? I was not there but seems like a strong statement.

I do agree that January isn't the best time depending on the shape you our in.

Let me rephrase, since I am not a doctor and am in no way indicting PBR, but am trying to find out if gun readings in full view of the pitcher are normal.

Furthermore, before the combine got under way, the organizers of the PBR event cautioned all pitchers to not overthrow since it was only January and all participants might not be in proper throwing shape.

One kid threw 1 pitch which didn't make it close to the plate and immediately stopped pitching. He appeared to be in significant pain. A second pitcher, who I didn't see throw but was told there was a significant issue. The third, I observed very intently as he was going threw what I would consider way too much throwing. As he went through the process of being timed, he showed max effort delivery, with no command and finally stopped holding his elbow. As he walked by me with his parents and 5 minutes later as I saw him departing for home, the kid was clutching his elbow and had a problem.

I hope that no surgery will be necessary but I have seen enough baseball, and unfortunately, enough pitcher injuries to know that these kids experienced serious injuries.

The individuals who saw kid #2 get injured seemed to have a lot of baseball knowledge so I trust their judgement.

It seems to me there has to be a better way than showing speeds that the pitcher can see while they are going through the combine process. Most of our boys don't listen to their dads as much as we'd like and think their invincible so that it won't happen to them.

I have warned my son repeatedly that he will not be able to go to a showcase until physically ready because injuries like this do occur. For the first time in a while, my kid said "Dad you're right"

It was an unfortunate experience for those 3. I wonder how many other kids woke up a sore arm yesterday?

Makes a person wonder what the purpose is.. of having Illinois pitchers showcase their talents in January.

JK,

I know you're not a fan of PBR. To one extent, they're providing exposure which parents are glad to pay for, to another they're selling "the dream". It is a double edged sword

You have got kids that are pitchers. Did they ever do a showcase where the gun reading was right behind the catcher?

Too bad that some of these guys wanted to get gunned in January and may not be pitching come spring because of injury.

Proud Dad,

It's all about keeping the cash flow going.. you know that. None of these kids are in showcase shape. All you're going to get are injuries and documented sub-par performances. And no, I've never seen readings broadcast to the pitchers while they were throwing.. That's just asking for trouble.

If you are looking for a model, consider the Stevenson Showcase held just after the high school season concludes. Cost is minimal, exposure great, and kids are in shape.

Survey some high-school coaches and ask them if they want their arms participating in a January showcase.

...
Here we go again!
...actually, some players / pitchers are in pretty good shape, condition...even in the Winter. But, that being said...will open up a whole new can of worms...

Shelby,

I don't have an issue with PBR as they provide a service at a cost as any for profit company would. Do they sell a dream? To a certain extent yes, but that is what many businesses do.

I have a lot of baseball knowledge but am always learning more about things baseball related and had not been to a showcase before. Before I allow my son to go to a showcase, he needs to be in top shape and know how the showcase process works so the two of us went to observe the process. I told him that going to a showcase in January, just two weeks after starting a throwing regimine is a recipe for disaster and the kids who were injured reinforced what I told him.

I am not opening a can of worms, I'm simply questioning the logic behind showng the speed of each pitch so a kid, whether he is in great condition, pretty good condition or poor condition, might overthrow at the risk of injury. Since this was my first showcase, I was suprised to see speeds are visible to the pitcher throwing and was wondering if this is the norm at showcases.

It is my belief that a January showcase should only be attended by kids that are in top shape and in no case, should the speed of their throw be posted right in front of them, especially underclassmen who are still growing into their body and have had at most, one year of high school baseball.

JK,

I am in complete agreement with regard to the quality of the Stevenson showcase, It is my understanding that the selection process is HS coach driven and the players who participate are seniors to be in high school.

Is that correct?

Dad,

You are correct. Harvey Foster runs the program as he has for years. Here is a guy in it for all the right reasons. Five minutes with the guy and you'll know what I'm talking about. Truly takes pride in providing a stepping stone for players at minimal cost. Attended by HS players just finishing their junior year and recommended by their high school coach.

ProudDad24 - sending you a PM

IF YOU GO TO A SHOWCASE with the hopes of being seen and recruited and your arm is not ready Are you going to blame the speed gun.? Your kid should be old enough by now and should have had enough guns on him to pitch the game and not the gun..Sure you should TRY to crank it up as much as possible..like it or not 88 is a big difference from 83 84..the guns are there for a reason..A d1 school isnt going to waste time on a kid righty maxing at 82.be prepared to throw and throw hard..

quote:

Originally posted by Proud Dad 24:
JK,

I am in complete agreement with regard to the quality of the Stevenson showcase, It is my understanding that the selection process is HS coach driven and the players who participate are seniors to be in high school.

Is that correct?

the stevenson is for JUNIORS this year 2012..It is the BEST value for getting exposure in the entire state.You must be RECCOMENDED by your high school coach..he can usually send two kids maybe three..so sharpen your skills.there are 100's of scouts there.The scouts know these kids are good and dont just have the 300 dollars for a showcase.scouts LOVE the suburban chicago high schools..GREAT GPA'S and High ACT scores attract coaches from all over..Thank you harvey foster for a great service and getting my son recruited from your event.

Have heard nothing but good about the Stevenson Showcase and the turn-out but please realize that not all Illinois or Chicago area HS conferences are involved. This is a unique opportunity not available to all players. The only other which may be comparable is Plainfield which from what I have heard has no where near the turnout that Stevenson enjoys.

quote:

Originally posted by wogdoggy:
IF YOU GO TO A SHOWCASE with the hopes of being seen and recruited and your arm is not ready Are you going to blame the speed gun.? Your kid should be old enough by now and should have had enough guns on him to pitch the game and not the gun..Sure you should TRY to crank it up as much as possible..like it or not 88 is a big difference from 83 84..the guns are there for a reason..A d1 school isnt going to waste time on a kid righty maxing at 82.be prepared to throw and throw hard..

Dog,

I may be wrong here.. but I believe this was an underclass showcase. And if that is the case, many of these kids are at their first event and perhaps don't know any better. Kinda like you and I at an amusement park trying to knock down the milk bottles in front of our wives until we throw our arms out. It's just not a good idea. My arm hurts just thinking about it...

And I have a hard time believing there were any D1 (or any other division, for that matter) coaches at this event, as they are all getting ready for the season (maybe someone who was at this event can chime in here.. Proud Dad?). So who were we trying to impress by throwing lights out in January, anyhow? PBR?

I only hope the three injuries are minor and don't have an affect on the boys' seasons..

Was not ther Jk, but the coaches getting ready at d-1 schools, please. You might even find a few still reffing at basketball games

The "Stevenson Showcase" is really the NW Suburban Baseball Tournament and is held annually at Stevenson High Schools baseball fields. The conferences that are included are:

Northwest Suburban
Mid Suburban
Central Suburban
West Suburban
DVC
ESCC
Fox Valley
Upstate 8

The conference coaches usually select 2 to 3 players to represent their school on the conference teams. Games are played between the different conferences (usually one each day)and everybody runs a timed 60.

Not sure exactly how the event is run at Plainfield but my understanding is that it is similar with more of the sw suburban conferences attending.

There are tons of college coaches attending and a few pro scouts as well. But to say this is an open showcase is not accurate. If you are in one of the conferences included and your coach selects you - it is definitely great exposure.

quote:

Originally posted by dr9961:
Have heard nothing but good about the Stevenson Showcase and the turn-out but please realize that not all Illinois or Chicago area HS conferences are involved. This is a unique opportunity not available to all players. The only other which may be comparable is Plainfield which from what I have heard has no where near the turnout that Stevenson enjoys.

The NIC-10 players who are recommended attend Plainfield. We have heard very good things about this opportunity for our players, as well.

quote:

Originally posted by 2bagger:
Was not ther Jk, but the coaches getting ready at d-1 schools, please. You might even find a few still reffing at basketball games

Ha. Probably right. Not my point though. They're not at the Max.

quote:

Originally posted by JKennedy:

quote:

Originally posted by wogdoggy:
IF YOU GO TO A SHOWCASE with the hopes of being seen and recruited and your arm is not ready Are you going to blame the speed gun.? Your kid should be old enough by now and should have had enough guns on him to pitch the game and not the gun..Sure you should TRY to crank it up as much as possible..like it or not 88 is a big difference from 83 84..the guns are there for a reason..A d1 school isnt going to waste time on a kid righty maxing at 82.be prepared to throw and throw hard..

Dog,

I may be wrong here.. but I believe this was an underclass showcase. And if that is the case, many of these kids are at their first event and perhaps don't know any better. Kinda like you and I at an amusement park trying to knock down the milk bottles in front of our wives until we throw our arms out. It's just not a good idea. My arm hurts just thinking about it...

And I have a hard time believing there were any D1 (or any other division, for that matter) coaches at this event, as they are all getting ready for the season (maybe someone who was at this event can chime in here.. Proud Dad?). So who were we trying to impress by throwing lights out in January, anyhow? PBR?

I only hope the three injuries are minor and don't have an affect on the boys' seasons..

I as well hope there are no injuries,,but in all honesty you are attending these showcases to get your fastest fast ball on record for potential recruiting opportunities down the road no?

quote:

Originally posted by wogdoggy:

quote:

Originally posted by JKennedy:

quote:

Originally posted by wogdoggy:
IF YOU GO TO A SHOWCASE with the hopes of being seen and recruited and your arm is not ready Are you going to blame the speed gun.? Your kid should be old enough by now and should have had enough guns on him to pitch the game and not the gun..Sure you should TRY to crank it up as much as possible..like it or not 88 is a big difference from 83 84..the guns are there for a reason..A d1 school isnt going to waste time on a kid righty maxing at 82.be prepared to throw and throw hard..

Dog,

I may be wrong here.. but I believe this was an underclass showcase. And if that is the case, many of these kids are at their first event and perhaps don't know any better. Kinda like you and I at an amusement park trying to knock down the milk bottles in front of our wives until we throw our arms out. It's just not a good idea. My arm hurts just thinking about it...

And I have a hard time believing there were any D1 (or any other division, for that matter) coaches at this event, as they are all getting ready for the season (maybe someone who was at this event can chime in here.. Proud Dad?). So who were we trying to impress by throwing lights out in January, anyhow? PBR?

I only hope the three injuries are minor and don't have an affect on the boys' seasons..

I as well hope there are no injuries,,but in all honesty you are attending these showcases to get your fastest fast ball on record for potential recruiting opportunities down the road no?

Certainly. And I don't know many who throw harder in January then they do in June.

All showcase attendees were 2014 or younger and nobody I saw stuck out as a college coach, assistant or recruiter. It seemed like the adults in attendance were part of the PBR team or parents of the participants.

If they were there, I didn't notice and kudos to PBR for getting college personnel out to see kids who have at most 1 year of high school experience.

$200.00 equals
(any one of the following)

5 pitching/hitting lessons
5 months gym membership
6 speed training sessions
1 new glove
New cleats, turfs and pants
-or-
An afternoon in January with PBR.

* The above are estimates, so please withhold comments on the math, please.

When I asked my friend who is D1 coach about my son attending a PBR invite showcase He said, "I would not send my son to any winter showcase, because they are not ready and the outcome would most likely result in injuring their arm". I feel bad for these kids but showcases ain't it. Especially for young ones. Unsigned seniors ok. For exposure, you play top high school ball, get your name in the paper, keep your stats, and play with a travel team that goes to the scouted tournaments.

quote:

Originally posted by JKennedy:
$200.00 equals
(any one of the following)

5 pitching/hitting lessons
5 months gym membership
6 speed training sessions
1 new glove
New cleats, turfs and pants
-or-
An afternoon in January with PBR.

* The above are estimates, so please withhold comments on the math, please.

pbr may open up a window of opportunities ,,I would go with pbr before hitting lessons training lessons etc.If pbr gets you recruited is that worth the cash? AGAIN,I have not used pbr BUt if i would have been more aware of it I would have made sure my son had the exposure.

quote:

pbr may open up a window of opportunities ,,I would go with pbr before hitting lessons training lessons etc.If pbr gets you recruited is that worth the cash? AGAIN,I have not used pbr BUt if i would have been more aware of it I would have made sure my son had the exposure.

Why? Your son was recruited without this service. He obviously had the right exposure without shelling out money to PBR.

JKennedy's "mastercard commercial" above is extremely relevant given the age group of this particular showcase. $200 for pitching/hitting lessons for a sophomore will do much more for helping a legit players recruitment potential in the summer of 2013 when it matters as opposed to getting ranked on the PBR website the January before his sophomore baseball season.

I guess that depends on who you take the lessons from, plenty of good ones but seen some others that are a big waste of money also. Just saying
it is not a guarentee of money well spent.

quote:

Originally posted by 2bagger:
I guess that depends on who you take the lessons from,

Agreed, Bagger. So thank god for this website, which is chock-full of recommendations for good hitting/pitching coaches, agility camps and speed training courses, all of which are available in January. Can I get an amen?

Amen

AMEN !!

quote:

Originally posted by mood for baseball:

quote:

pbr may open up a window of opportunities ,,I would go with pbr before hitting lessons training lessons etc.If pbr gets you recruited is that worth the cash? AGAIN,I have not used pbr BUt if i would have been more aware of it I would have made sure my son had the exposure.

Why? Your son was recruited without this service. He obviously had the right exposure without shelling out money to PBR.

JKennedy's "mastercard commercial" above is extremely relevant given the age group of this particular showcase. $200 for pitching/hitting lessons for a sophomore will do much more for helping a legit players recruitment potential in the summer of 2013 when it matters as opposed to getting ranked on the PBR website the January before his sophomore baseball season.

my son got recruited because of the stevenson showcase and a helluva lotta work from me..i joined be recruited I put up vids and pictures I emailed coaches and invited them to games.As far as shelling out money for hitting and pitching lessons..I wasnt spending more money on either UNLESs the coach was an expert at hitting or an expert at pitching.I wouldnt spend money to have a hitting coach say keep your head down etc etc while he soft tosses to you for 30 minutes.By junior year the horse is pretty much out of the barn so to speak.When I spoke with dahm the IOWA head coach at a showcase this ummer he told me they get almost ALl of their players off PBR.NOW, lets look back and see all the cash you spent so your kid could continue to play the game and you want to STOP and put an anchor on the car in the third turn?If IOWA uses pbr how many other schools do?Its a tool I wish I would have used in hindsight ALTHOUGH my son was recruited by other avenues.the stevenson showcase in chicago's suburbs will certainly get your kid exposed.

@Proud dad.....no...the radar facing the pitchers is not the normal practice...but that day the s****r refs did not want the scouts near the sidelines while their games were going on ( behind the catchers) ..so the college and pro scouts were behind the pitchers. So it was facing that direction for the scouts. ( I don't work for PBR but was there and heard it)

And like others said...the radar gun did not hurt the arms.

Why would anyone go to a showcase and they weren't ready to throw as hard as they could?

What were they doing there?

Blaming a radar gun is silly.

quote:

Originally posted by Warthog3:
..so the college and pro scouts were behind the pitchers.

College and pro scouts? At an underclass PBR fundraiser in January? Are you sure?

JK,

There were pro scouts everywhere, looking at those 2015's from the western suburbs. I saw Joe Girardi, Brian Cashman and could have sworn I saw George Steinbrenner.

George's eye sight isn't so good these days so they had the radar readings in big numbers so he could see them.

Obviously, a 2014 or 2015 wouldn't see his speed and overthrow at January showcase. That said, Scott Boras was there with a couple of the 2014's and was overheard saying the difference between throwing 83 versus 82 MPH could mean millions of dollars.

Positive....most colleges are on their 2013s and 2014s hunt right now....andthe pro teams have their local part timers and bird dogs out at these things all the time. Wasn't a lot of guys there..but 2-3 pro guys and 3-4 college guys. Enough that 7 standing by the s****r foul line behind he catchers ****ed off the refs so they had to stand behind the pitchers...hence flipping the radar board that direction.

Hilarious, Proud Dad. Those ******* pro guys and the **** college guys show up at the silliest events, don't they...

I am sure those 14/15 year old boys refereeing the 13U girls s****r game were really scary and mean, made verbal threat to those 7 grown men and scared the scouts so badly that they hightailed it behind the pitchers.

Does anyone know if there is an ignore button on this forum to block certain posters? If so how does it work. These posts constantly critical of one group are really getting old.

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by bballfan5:
Does anyone know if there is an ignore button on this forum to block certain posters? If so how does it work. These posts constantly critical of one group are really getting old.

Thanks

You'd think people from the good old Midwest, would have something else to post about! Yicks!