Perfect Game: A blessing and a curse?

To add on. Why 50? Random number  to a point but I think thru a few (he went to 3) showcases, some of those colleges wrote him off their list, which paired it down to those that were interested in him. Of those that were, he got to investigate them and they him more closely until he and the college were a match.

 

I do think it would have been nice if he had only to go play ball and the coaches found him. But in our family case for my son we felt the best strategy to be seen by the coach that would really want him was to go to a few showcases where lots of coaches were.

 

His team choose tournaments where they felt the most RC would see the players. That was, also, a strategy of our family to pick a team that would do just that.

 

Lots of options on how to be seen. Up to each family / player how they go about that. PG, PBR and others provide one way. Lots of players are choosing that way

I guess for each is it about range from home and how to be seen. As said above, lots of ways to get there. PG and showcases are one.

I don't know what happened to them.  I'm guessing they either went off to college without playing baseball.  Or maybe they couldn't afford college and just got a job in which a college degree wasn't necessary.

 

I would say that the roster spots were probably filled with less talented players that were closer to home...  If they are just as talented, I'm sure the team would still recruit them.  

 

Bottom line is, the MOST talented, top prospect kids will almost always be recognized.  With or without PG.  The problem is there are tons and tons of kids out there that want to play baseball at the next level.  PG provides one option for them to get evaluated and seen by those that make the decisions.  In the past, these kids may never come across the radar of the college recruiters.  With an avenue like PG, these recruiters can see a bunch of kids all at once and watch the ones they want.  

 

Maybe the local school isn't interested in one of these 2nd tier players.  But, there is a school up in Michigan who comes to PG and sees a kid from Mississippi that would perfectly fit in with his team and his needs.  Boom - that kid has a place to play.  Without this venue, that never would have happened.

 

So, I'd venture to say that overall, it is a good thing.  There are probably just as many stories of kids who get a chance, out of the blue, to go to a school they never would have even thought of as those stories of kids who are not given an opportunity at the local U. because someone from out of state took "their spot".

 

Maybe the biggest losers are the least talented kids who will have a hard time finding somewhere to play because the recruiters have so many more talented options to choose from.  

I'm all for discussing these type issues, I just hope some of the bashing stops.  I'm fairly certain if you really knew more about us there wouldn't be much bashing.

 

Allow me to use our home state of Iowa as an example. After all, that is where we started PG.  At that time there were three division one schools in Iowa, now there is only one.  For the most part every kid in Iowa that had enough talent went to one of those schools.  Out of state recruiting didn't exist.  Often these talented players were forced to walk on if they wanted to play at that level.  They had no other choice.  Many talented kids were over looked and really never received any recruiting interest.  My own son as a HS senior  was recruited by just one college and it was not a DI school.  4 years after he graduated from HS he was pitching in the Major Leagues.  The extent of scouting was the once a year 5 player only Bureau tryout. Often it was far from the best 5 players, so it was rare to see an Iowa kid get drafted.

 

Since that time things have really changed.  Every player minus one 50th rd pick out of he state of Iowa played in the PG events.  This included kids drafted in the first and second rounds.  The best players in the state were getting good scholarships from the instate schools because out of state schools were making offers. Top Iowa players were ending up at Southern Cal, Oklahoma, Texas colleges, Florida, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, Stanford, Georgia, you name it, all over the country.  Use, and nobody can deny how all that happened.

 

Problem was we couldn't stay in business if we just stayed in Iowa.  So we took our work elsewhere.  Everywhere we went the same things were happening.  The kids were benefitting and so were the colleges and scouting community.  Why would you need so many colleges seeing you???? That is very simple to figure out, It is called leverage. It makes the player more valuable when many colleges want you. 

 

Bottom line, if your not interested in playing professional baseball after high school. If you are satisfied with the local area college and what they are offering you. If you don't desire to play with and against the best players in the country that are your age. Then there is no reason to do things like PG.  Or you can hope they all find you!  That's the old way and it really didn't work well for most.

 

I could ask almost everyone here that played HS baseball.  Did you ever see a player you thought was extra good yet he never played anywhere after high school. I think we all have seen that.  It just happens a lot less now days.  Many more opportunities exist.  There are thousands of people that know exactly what I am talking about.  We want to find every outstanding talented player.  We don't care if he comes from a wealthy family or a homeless shelter.  We don't care what color his skin is or what nationality he is. People would be surprised how things would change if there were some rules changed.

 

What if every wealthy person with a son would go out and find a kid that can't afford the same opportunities his son has and help him. Buy him a new glove or a good pair of spikes. Try to get him on a team. Take him under your wing, get him to love the game and make his life better.  We and others are trying the best we can to do that.  It makes you feel real good.  If everyone did that it sure would be great for baseball. Guess some just find it easier to complain about the system rather than to do something to make things better.

PG, When you say events is that just the showcases?Or showcases and tourneys?I think theres a difference when discussing these isseues.PG please don't think I'm bashing or giving "PG" a hard time.One part of this discussion that I find very interesting is the comment on how the kids filled the open spots before PG.To me its not a PG issue it the service.Its just that PG is the Apple of baseball.There are a ton of things involed MLB expansion.The travel ball explosionThe fall off of American legion(at least in my area).So many,many more tourneys from my playing days.I played at the LL and pony league field that everybody wanted to play at.Moved up thru colt, palomino.ECT.Alot of the kids took the next step.Some getting/putting time in at top level.I do think your correct in stating the top kids probably might not need the showcase.But playing in the tourneys is a tremendous benefit.Which I know you already know.

Amen PG.  I am with you.  You provide a superior product and lately seems like all people want to do is complain about it.  Not understanding that.  My sons organization is in your new fall ball league in wisconsin.  He is too young for that but was invited to play jv (he is 13).  But you can bet we will be over there as games are in our home town.  That should be some great baseball with some really talented kids.  Lots of D1's and no doubt some draft choices.  As soon as my son is old enough and has numbers that will do him well you can bet your bottom dollar we will be at a PG showcase or event.  You are the gold standard.  I won't be excited to write the check but you can't get steak on a hamburger budget.

Again thanks for getting involved in the discussion PG.  I think you are running a great business and offering a great product. 

 

My point in all of this is you are not creating any NEW opportunities.  There are no new spots created by PG or any scouting service. There are no more and no less players finding a home in a college or drafted into the pro's because of your service.   

 

If all scouting services shut down tonight the same amount of scholarships would be distributed next year.  The same amount of players will be in college.  The same amount of pro's will be drafted.

 

 

 

       
       
I don't think that is the point.  The new opportunities are for those that otherwise may not have been seen.  PG and other things like travel organizations etc. Are evening the field.  Wisconsin is a prime example.  There have been so very few kids drafted or even D1 fron wisconsin.  But that is now changing due to the rise of several quality travel organizations who effort to get their players in front of scouts at numerous events including PG events.  You are correct with or without these things the same number of kids would be drafted scholarshipped etc.  But you can bet they wouldn't be the SAME kids.  I for one will do all I can to get my son the exposure he needs when he gets to that point.

I don't understand how playing in a PG tourney could hurt anyone. In a PG premier tourney, you most likely will face a hitter or a pitcher of  higher quality. That's a feather in your sons cap. Plus I know that many players from the northeast have benefited, just look at some of the top conference rosters.

Someone wrote to me that they played a team last week in the PG tourney that didn't belong there. I believe that playing against a better team can make you better.  There is always value in every step you take in this game. Don't ever let anyone say you are not good enough, just watch how much better they will become!

We live in FL and son attended a D1 out of state.  The recruiting coach from Clemson saw him play in Jupiter, and again at another tourney put on by another company as well as PG National in the midwest. This recruiter, now a HC of a powerhouse SEC program is one of the hardest working guys I know, in any profession. I just don't think most people have a clue how hard most college coaches work to find the best players for their program as well as to keep their job from year to year. Lazy!  

Knowing this, I find many comments here very insulting.  Especially from those who have never attended a tourney.  And also because they hide behind an online identity.  

 

For those who feel they got ripped off from playing at a PG tourney, who you should bring your concerns to the coach/manager who signed your team up. I am assuming you didn't think twice about handing over a check to him. Oh and did you question his fees at all incorporated into that amount. You don't think they go away for weeks at a time for free!  I know my son doesnt! 

 

FWIW I just returned from a usssa tourney at Oceola Field, spring training facility for Houston.  It was an international tourney, teams from also from PR, Canada and Italy.  There were no scouts in attendance and the gate fee was $10 per person per day for 5 days.

This was told to the team in advance so some folks sent their players with other folks or the coaches. Its expensive.  Do it or dont do it. 

Two stories to share about the WWBA in Jupiter. After son pitched senior fall(with lots of scouts in attendance) an unknown senior followed him.  He made such an impression, he was recruited to UF and played at the ML level.  His parents thought he would be discovered at a HS game. It never happened. He was discovered at a PG event! Unbelievable!  That PG is just out to get your $$$$$$!!!!! 

 

One year while visiting up in Jupiter WWBA, sitting next to a coach, I asked where he was from...HARVARD.  

I guess those IL coaches attend those events too!

 

If this has been brought up, sorry. Here's my question: One of the pitches PG makes is that its events are attractive to scouts because they see the best talent. In some cases, that's absolutely true. But in many, it's not. There were 336 teams in the 17U WWBA this summer. More than 100 were from Georgia (60) and Florida (43).

 

Florida? Maybe. But way more than a few of those Georgia teams were rec ball boys.

 

(And just because it's stuck in my craw in a bad way (sorry, PGtaff ... but remember: Feedback is a gift : When a mom who's schlepped boys all over Atlanta for a week shows up for the semifinals with HALF a cup of coffee -- LET HER KEEP THE DARNED THING!

 

 

The inflexibility over something so trivial is just not necessary -- and it reflects badly on the PG brand (and PLEASE don't anyone tell me it's a LakePoint rule, unrelated to PG; that dog won't hunt). 

 

I would agree with the hit and miss on events.Even where events are held.Played in PG super regional last two years.Different places but both midwest super regional.Both had teams you had to wonder.Complete different quality from one place to the other

PG, I've seen 'bashing'. This ain't it. Toughen up buttercup.

 

Just view it as another great opportunity for you to state your case like you always do so others will see the light.

If you entered a stadium, would you freak out if they asked you to dump your coffee at the door.  You all spend hundreds and hundreds and having to toss a half of cup of coffee out bothers you?

 

How old are these kids anyway?  Do they need mom and dad as escorts to find their was through the park?

 

I have a great idea, why not just pm jerry with your suggestions?

I think PG overvalues kids sometimes just after seeing them in one event. To go from unknown to highly ranked after any single event is crazy. Check not fair to the kid himself. We have played 25 games this Summer (a pretty fair sample size) and baseballdad65 Jr is arguably the biggest producer on his team yet is the lowest ranked with no coverage. Leads team or in top 3 of almost all offensive categories. Oh well life's not fair. Goes 7-10 with 3 walks at 17u WWBA with 3 XBH and 5 rbi yet does not make all tourney did not have enough at bats.

I played high school and college ball in the 70s. The best summer ball was Legion. A Legion players exposure was limited to how far the team advanced in the post season. My teammates and I were fortunate to advance to regions three straight years. That gave us a lot more exposure than players on a third place team that didn't even make states. Along the journey, advancing as far as we did we played against players who drew pro scouts like flies. I had one for a teammate. Having another teammate who was 6'6" and threw 93 drew scouts. The players on my Legion team ended up playing college ball all over the region. Legion players who didn't make states or regions had limited options.

 

Now a kid doesn't have to worry about the scouts and coaches finding him. The player can now find the scouts and coaches. It sure seems like a better approach to me. And shame on a kid if he doesn't want it badly enough to earn the money to attend a showcase. If he can get to a PG event, great. If not there are other quality opportunities that are more regionally oriented. Select Fest in NJ is a "can't miss" for top northeast/mid Atlantic talent. All the D1s east of the Mississippi attend. 

 

I've been through the process with a softball and a baseball player. The new way is far superior to the old way. Both my kids wanted to get away from the cold weather they would have dealt with at their state university. On a recruiting visit in New England in February my daughter asked me, "Dad, what in the world were you thinking when you moved us from southern CA? This sure isn't UCSB!" It was about ten with the windchill.

Was that Coach Walsh? If so, that was your lucky day! He was one very special person.

Not sure, it was a while ago. DK already in school. We chatted for awhile. He came to find players.

I remember the year this player showed up, threw very hard.. Big write up about how this one had star potential.  He was drafted but chose to attend college, probably a very good decision for him personally.  The scouts just showed up at his school. Maybe they knew about him from the PG event where he originally turned heads? 

BTW, the player was Gerrit Cole.

Prepster,

I know how hard your son works. These guys have no clue. I really can't imagine how hard they must work if they are posting all day long on the HSBBW!!!

I was going to respond to discuss:

-the notions of disintermediation, reintermediation and direct sales

-that if the previous structure was efficient PG would not exist today

-the success of competition, e.g., UA/BF, PBR, validates the model

 

But I stopped myself. It's clear you're an intelligent person, and that you are cognizant of the obvious, so I'm concluding that for some perverse reason you're trolling.

Seriously folks, are we having this discussion?  PG is THE BEST at bringing college recruiting buyers and sellers together period.  Who is a buyer and who is a seller is dependent on the young man's baseball talent.  

 

If a recruit is not a top talent then why on God's green earth would he spend the time and money to go to multiple PG events if there is no interest....yet they keep coming back.  Who cares who's hyping who.  I'm being dead serious.  This isn't about PG or PG events.  This is about parents, travel coaches and recruits knowing the recruits talent level.  There are other venues that serve the middle tier and lower tier of talent...get to know them. 

 

PG is an information marketplace and they do a pretty darn good job of it.  PG knows what they do well.  I'm absolutely convinced some of their customers have no self awareness and have outlandish expectations when they walk through the front gate at a PG event.  As always, JMO.  

 

PS...Yes I get a little irritated with these kinds of nit-picky threads.  There are vastly more important recruiting issues of the day than discussing PG events.   Time for a cup of coffee.

My son is an example of one of those where we just could not afford to send him to a PG type showcase.

 

Through the work of his HS coach he was recruited by a D2 JuCo.  From there he was noticed by a D2 university which ultimately offered a nice scholarship.

 

There are alternatives, but PG and similar outfits definitely makes it "easier" for a ball player to possibly get noticed.  Unfortunately, putting on such events cost $$ - that's just the way of the world, like it or not.

Exactly. I also find that people who nitpick often complain about most things in their lives.

I sent my son to one PG showcase (the other was an invite).  It was in FL. He was 16 at the time (almost 17). It was important for him to see how he stood up to others in his graduating class.  Its especially more important these days because of the cost of education and because the competition is tough out there.  It wasn't to get on a list.

 

He also played at WWBA in Jupiter and senior summer EC (not run by PG at that time). It wasn't to get on as list but for exposure and to see how he stood up to those in his age group that junior fall. The other things he did for recruiting was play Connie Mack BB (always scouts and coaches at a CM baseball game) and showcase with his travel team on college fields against other CM teams. One college camp, IMO was a waste of money.

He managed to earn a 90% scholarship out of state.  FYI because of the lack of really good D1 programs at that time, many FL players went out of state to play.

 

I dont care where you are from, where you live there are more players seeking opportunities to play in D1 baseball than there are spots open. So IMO, the best thing is to have your player evaluated to get a clear idea of which direction he should go, if that is the goal. If the goal is to just play to get better, no need to spend the money to travel 5 states away, pay for parking or gate fee (where do you not pay for a gate fee these days for anything) or have to throw your coffee away, and then feel that you didn't get the bang for your buck, that's on you guys, not the person who runs showcases for a business.

 

For so many years I have been here, complaints about PG events usually occur during the summer recruiting months, but recently I feel its either your kids are reaching for stars out of their realm (mainly because mom or dad think they are #1) or just a lot of trouble makers (more than anything).  

 

No I am not defending PG, Mr Ford does a fine job doing that on his own. Can we just  move on to some topic that benefits those seeking help here? If you have a concern with PG use your dialog feature. Or better yet, use your experience whether positive to negative in a way that would benefit someone else.  If you have a negative experience, then turn it into a positive one, make suggestions to help others, not take shots at the business. And always remember, you DO NOT HAVE TO WRITE THAT CHECK. College is very very expensive, same your money for when you will really need it, make a plan and follow it through. If your son is not a good student, dont spend your money looking for a scholarship at a school that he is not going to make it. Baseball and college is a huge commitment, it doesn't work for everyone, but a JUCO may just be the place to test the waters. Or reread the post by Foxdad, if no one is noticing than maybe you are headed in the wrong direction.

JMO

 

This post is awesome because it cuts to the root and reality of what I read in the bulk of the posters who are negative on PG events.....Entitlement.

 

FoxDad gets it!!!  PG is one of many avenues.  He can't afford that avenue so he pursues another and has success.  Fantastic. He doesn't feel as though he (FoxKid) is entitled to play in PG events and without it has NO avenue to the next level.  He recognizes the avenue that is available to him and takes it without feeling the need to publicly decry the "system" as excluding him from opportunity.

 

Last I checked, none of the recruiters, college applications or MLB scouts have told me that my son cannot attend or play for them unless he's first paid to play in a PG event.

 

Wonder where these entitled kids are coming from?  I'm not.

PG events are always very well run and typically full of outstanding competition.  They are also an avenue to find/expose a players ability and, perhaps, potential.  Many of the complaints seem to me to be about parents and players unrealistic expectations about ability and what they will get from a PG event.  They paid their money, they expect to be drafted or recruited.  If you're talented enough to be drafted, that may work.  But for most of the kids, PG is just a small part of the path to the next level.  Without the other work, it won't get you anywhere, but a lot of parents just don't seem to get that.

You know it may be the case the PG and the like are just getting too big.  The bigger the pool of talent, the harder it is to stand out.  Thus, the advice not to go to get noticed but rather to let the schools you are interested in know you'll be there so they notice you. 

 

 

Nuke - thanks for the kind comments.  As I often tell my son, "if there is a will, you can always find a way".

 

Your right - the road to college/pro ball is not exclusively through PG or any PG type events.  Keep in mind I'm not saying PG is not the way to go, just there is other avenues to get to the same destination.

 

I really believe it boils down to a return on your investment.  A standard 25% baseball scholarship could be worth $2,500 to $10,000 per year depending upon the cost of the school.  And this scholarship is not guaranteed.  

If it was only about the $ none of our kids would step foot on a baseball field......

That depends. PAC-12, Big 10, and others have started to mandate four-year scholarships.  See http://espn.go.com/college-spo...-4-year-scholarships

 

"According to the Pac-12's new rules, all athletic scholarships will be guaranteed for four years and "can neither be reduced nor canceled provided the student-athlete remains in good standing and meets his/her terms of the agreement." In addition, financial aid agreements offered to incoming athletes will be "for no less than four academic years" beginning in the 2015-16 academic year."

Just to clarify, the Power Five (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC) now will guarantee scholarships for four years.

 

"Because of the guaranteed scholarship, schools will not be permitted to rid their roster of a player who they deem to be underachieving athletically. Academics or off-the-field issues, including but not limited to failed drug tests and arrests, would allow schools the opportunity to strip a player of his/her scholarship."

 

http://collegefootballtalk.nbc...holarships-approved/

 

Not sure exactly why, but after reading this thread, I felt compelled to post this link to an article a friend shared recently.  I just really enjoyed it.  Click to read if you care:

http://goodmenproject.com/feat...e-toxic-people-fiff/

 

Here is an excerpt as a teaser....

 

They Set Limits (Especially with Complainers)

Complainers and negative people are bad news because they wallow in their problems and fail to focus on solutions. They want people to join their pity party so that they can feel better about themselves. People often feel pressure to listen to complainers because they don’t want to be seen as callous or rude, but there’s a fine line between lending a sympathetic ear and getting sucked into their negative emotional spiral.

You can avoid this only by setting limits and distancing yourself when necessary. Think of it this way: if the complainer were smoking, would you sit there all afternoon inhaling the second-hand smoke? You’d distance yourself, and you should do the same with complainers. A great way to set limits is to ask complainers how they intend to fix the problem. They will either quiet down or redirect the conversation in a productive direction.

The title of this thread was good for drawing interest.

 

However, does anyone really think that we (Perfect Game) are either one....  a Blessing or a Curse?

 

We do baseball events and run a scouting service.  We promote baseball and have a popular website.  We as a company see more of the most talented players than anyone else, that should be obvious based on the results. Sure nearly all played high school baseball, but the high school teams in Virginia don't see the high schools in Oregon.  

 

We are not a governing organization like Little League or American Legion or USSSA or USA Baseball.  We run individual and team events geared towards scouting and recruiting. We are a scouting service but not a recruiting service.  Yet since 2002 over 80% of every single player that MLB has drafted in the first 20 rounds has attended at least one, in many cases several PG events.  And we have a scouting file on every one of those players. Maybe that isn't such a big deal to some, but it sure is amazing to me. If you named the best 50 players or pitchers in the Major Leagues, most of them we have followed since or before their junior year in high school. Not everyone sees all the scouting info because only certain things from the database end up on the website. We even have players who didn't attend a PG event in there.  We followed Pujols like a blanket when he was in high school and were shocked when he went so late in the draft. He never attended a PG event and we tried hard to get him.  We ranked Gerrit Cole #1 in his high school class. Yes, I watched Cole one time and knew how very special he was.  The next time I saw him, he was even better.  We were the only one that ranked Carlos Correa #1 in his class. 

 

If anyone really cares, it is all documented.  Even the players we were wrong about. Look at preseason HS All American lists.  Look at the past PG/AFLAC All American rosters, look at past years HS rankings.  Sometimes people make it sound like we just draw names out of a hat.  Every year we hear bitching about the rankings, favoritism, don't see them all, just ranking those that go to PG events, etc., then every damn year, all those people disappear or clam up when the draft takes place.  Only a few bring up the player or two that we missed.  We will always miss some because just like everyone else, we ain't perfect!

 

Blessing sounds good, but not sure that is an accurate description based on the dictionary.  Curse sounds like something dangerous and evil that will ruin lives. I. Don't recall ruining anyone's life.  Though I did once have a parent tell me we ruined his sons baseball career.  My reply was, You surely don't mean as a player do you?

 

Attending a Perfect Game is not something mandatory.  It isn't good for anyone when a kid that can't play shows up.  I always feel sorry for the kid when that happens.  Luckily it doesn't happen a lot.  I always ask myself, why is he here?  Why would someone spend all that money only to embarrass their son.  We actually go out of our way to treat those type kids extra nice.  It's not their fault and in reply to something in a previous bashing, we have politely returned their money at times, but you have to be careful because some parents would actually get mad.

 

If any of my "many" comments sound like I am very proud of what we do... it's because I am!  There sure isn't anything easy about it, though.  Baseball will be around a long time after I'm gone.  Perfect Game is an extremely small part of the game of baseball.

Haters gonna hate and ain'ters gonna ain't .

That's awesome.  Are you able to attend most of the games at every PG event?  How would you classify a kid that can't play?  If you saw my son batting at times he might fit this description.  

How do you go about refunding money to a kid that can't play?

You know I have been involved in doing depositions regarding a couple of law suits filed against Perfect Game.  One of them involves a BCS tournament where a hitter got hit by a pitch.   The other is about a lady that was hit in between fields by an overthrown ball.

 

lionbaseball,  Some of the questions you ask are similar to the questions I get during those depositions.  Am I on trial for something here?  It's obvious you are a hater, so If I answer your questions, what do you come back with next?

 

If we can't see beyond someone having a bad day or some bad at bats, we are in the wrong business.  It's not hard figuring out who the best players are and it is even easier figuring out who can't compete.

Well at least tell me the best way to sneak in food and drinks to the facilities during the PG events.  

I think I'm going to look suspicious carrying a fake baby disguised as a cooler.  

 

https://youtu.be/CGmV2j4q0dI

 

I thought you said you were putting your son into legion ball next year, so no need to worry about going back to LP for a perfect game event.!!

PG a blessing? It's a tremendous opportunity if the talent fits the venue. It's a curse if the talent doesn't fit the venue. But more than a curse I would file it under the delusion of the player and/or parent to participate at an event that's over the players head. If a player chooses not to participate at PG it's all irrelevant.

 

 

I personally know several players (none larger than 5'10" or more than 180...most less) who could never afford to play at a PG showcases or on teams that attended PG national events...i made a deal with some coaches to pay a discounted fee to play on a team as guest players...nearly every one of these guys made all tourney team at mult diff events and one of them was all tourney at every event he attended...Including his first tourney where he struck out 16 in his first PG game he ever pitched.  Yeah theres a lot of non-prototypical talent out there that flies under the radar...

PG does a fine job though of capturing info to the best of thier ability, and continues to improve methods constantly...continuous improvement is a big word in many corporate enviroments...glad to see PG believes in it too...my son just missed the boat on some of the new metrics that really would have helped him, but little bro (age 1) may have a completely different experience when his time comes!!!

I think most folks forget why organizations like PG and travel ball, in general, need to exist. High School teams are either unfunded or non-existent during the summer (heck, during the school year!) As a working Mom, I know exactly why I signed up my son to play during the summer and fall. Two birds with one stone: Keep him busy and moving while parents are busy AND figure out where he stands in the GLOBAL college ball marketplace. Expensive? Yes. Travel ball coaches not always helpful in the planning dept or communications dept (ie. not honest with families about where their sons stack up)? Yup. Most of my son's (D 3) teammates did not even play PG events. So clearly, there are other avenues other than showcasing at a PG event to play ball in college. (Assuming you think anything lower than D-1 ball is of interest.) I advocate for families to try LakePoint at least once if they can afford it. Where else can you play ball and wakeboard in the same afternoon! So cool!

 

BTW: This thread (and website) is providing lots of interesting commentary. And, hey, even snark has its utility! 

Day 3 at PG event.  Pro's and cons to follow. :-)
Helpful tip; don't drink the water in the dugout. My son got a stomach ache yesterday. My wife also saw the dugout cooler bring filled with a garden hose in the restroom today.
It does look like our team will have to play at lake point facility in the championship round tomorrow.