bacdorslider,
When my sons were in high school there was no way I could afford to have them attend these things.
I hope you don't feel like I'm telling you what to do. I bet things work out well for your son no matter what you do or don't do.
My only reason for posting was the nothing to gain comment. There is always the possibility of gaining something every time a player sets foot on the field. It sounds like he gained some this weekend.
Maybe I already know who your son is and forgot, but I would like to know. Please don't take this the wrong way but I don't know how else to put this other than to say... If we like your son's ability it can be very beneficial. We don't need your money in order to like your son's ability.
Feel free to let me know who he is if you're comfortable with that. If not, we know about him anyway if he just did that at our event in Ft Myers. I'm just trying to put you and the player together.
bacdorslider,
You have a PM.
You have a PM.
PGStadff I sent you a PM
PG Staff. I sent you one as well. Can't remember how to do the notification.
PG Staff-- I updated a little more. Thanks.
quote:Originally posted by SultanofSwat:
Frankly, if I were a 2014 throwing 89, I would spend my money and efforts on getting over the 90 hump, then do the summer circuit in 2013.
There's a world of difference for college recruiters between 89 and 91. 91 is ACC/SEC. 89, next summer, is likely not. 89 is 'early interest', 91 is 'signed'.
That sure is true. Our HS pitcher as a Junior threw 88-89 and got a little interest, but not much. He came back Senior year and got his velocity over the 90 mph hurdle. As a result schools came out of the woodwork and he was drafted in the 8th round. Big difference.
not exactly true
My son plays for a D1 school in Texas. He was signed by one of the schools that attended the showcase. PG is the best in the business of evaluating talent. There is no politics involved that I am aware of when they review your son. They have probably performed thousands of evaluations over the year. What better way to get an honest evaluation of where your son stands that is not tainted. Your son gets to see where he stands next to his competitors. Like I told my son when he decided to attend the showcase, your numbers are who you are at a particular point. The numbers don't define you because baseball is more than numbers but for many college recruiters they care
what PG says about the player. I know that the college coach that signed my son cared about what PG said even though they did their own evaluation. If anything the write up and rating confirmed to them that they were making the right choice at least enough to spend their scholarship money on him.
Make no mistake about it you can't lie to your friends or family about whatpe of player your son is because his write up will be immortalized on the web for all those who care to pull it up. This can be good or bad. I don't even think it is bad because if your son wants to improve he will use his evaluaiton as additional motivation to get better. I know that is what happen to my son after his first showcase when he was a freshman entering his sophomore year. The next showcase of his rising senior summer he attended another showcase and was highly motivated to improve. So there is even good when you think your evalualation is bad. For the record PG was spot on for both of his evaluations, even if my son was unsatisfied with his performance both times.
It is the best 600 hundred dollars I ever spent on baseball stuff. As they say nothing ventured nothing gained. Jerry is the best at what he does, don't beleive me than ask the many college recruiters who rely on his evaluations
what PG says about the player. I know that the college coach that signed my son cared about what PG said even though they did their own evaluation. If anything the write up and rating confirmed to them that they were making the right choice at least enough to spend their scholarship money on him.
Make no mistake about it you can't lie to your friends or family about whatpe of player your son is because his write up will be immortalized on the web for all those who care to pull it up. This can be good or bad. I don't even think it is bad because if your son wants to improve he will use his evaluaiton as additional motivation to get better. I know that is what happen to my son after his first showcase when he was a freshman entering his sophomore year. The next showcase of his rising senior summer he attended another showcase and was highly motivated to improve. So there is even good when you think your evalualation is bad. For the record PG was spot on for both of his evaluations, even if my son was unsatisfied with his performance both times.
It is the best 600 hundred dollars I ever spent on baseball stuff. As they say nothing ventured nothing gained. Jerry is the best at what he does, don't beleive me than ask the many college recruiters who rely on his evaluations
Bum, Jr. went from a 6.5 rating to a 9.5 rating in a span of one and one-half years.
PG had him pegged perfectly the first time and perfectly the second time.
In the past one and one-half years he went from a kid who rarely pitched in college to where he is today.
It's not whether you get kicked down. You will. It's whether you get back up, dust yourself off, and learn that life goes on.
PG had him pegged perfectly the first time and perfectly the second time.
In the past one and one-half years he went from a kid who rarely pitched in college to where he is today.
It's not whether you get kicked down. You will. It's whether you get back up, dust yourself off, and learn that life goes on.
Yes if Pop Up had only attended one PG event who knows where he might have gone.........
Can't turn back the clock.
Can't turn back the clock.
PG is gouging people with their rate. The college coaches that depend on them and others are too lazy to do their own evaluations.
quote:Originally posted by jaggerz:
PG is gouging people with their rate. The college coaches that depend on them and others are too lazy to do their own evaluations.
jaggerz,
This as well as your past posts have a decidedly negative approach to college coaches and recruiting.
quote:jaggerz,
This as well as your past posts have a decidedly negative approach to college coaches and recruiting.
Telling it like it is.Travel ball, showcases etc are ruining baseball for all but those that can "afford" to play.
It is a version of moneyball.
You have no idea how many, far from wealthy, kids have been involved.
More than half the Big Leagues, over 90% of the 1st round picks... Do you really think these are all rich kids?
Give examples regarding ruining baseball.
Furthermore, how do you qualify to use the word gouge? Or to call college coaches lazy. Our experience is that most high level college coaches are among the hardest workers in baseball.
What is your purpose? We wouldn't exist if it weren't for scouts and college coaches. We wouldn't exist if we only cared about gouging people. We wouldn't exist if we were out to ruin baseball.
I don't understand what you are trying to get at.
More than half the Big Leagues, over 90% of the 1st round picks... Do you really think these are all rich kids?
Give examples regarding ruining baseball.
Furthermore, how do you qualify to use the word gouge? Or to call college coaches lazy. Our experience is that most high level college coaches are among the hardest workers in baseball.
What is your purpose? We wouldn't exist if it weren't for scouts and college coaches. We wouldn't exist if we only cared about gouging people. We wouldn't exist if we were out to ruin baseball.
I don't understand what you are trying to get at.
What is your alternative? Back in h.s. Bum, Jr. was offered a choice between pitching in American Legion ball and a top-level travel team. The costs were about the same, and with the American Legion team his mom and I would have to fork out entrace fees to each and every game.
Legion ball was mostly made up of h.s. players from three area high schools (for each team). It was sub-par talent, hate to say it, and Bum, Jr. decided to play on the travel team. He played against the best players from around the state.
The results: Six players drafted off that one team, including Bum, Jr. Zero American Legion players that year were drafted, despite having six times more players overall.
I remember at the time the local message boards blowing up with negative remarks stating just what you said, jaggerz, how travel ball was ruining baseball.
Well, this is America. Adapt and compete. We all have choices but those complaining at the time it was mostly those who had sons that just weren't good enough to make that team.
As for showcases, Bum, Jr. went to them all. Two PG events, the Stanford Camp, the Mariner Cup, two Arizona Fall Classic events, and a ton of college camps. As parents we spent a small fortune to get him exposure. If the boy didn't have talent I wouldn't have done it. And for many, going to a PG event might very well be a waste of money, but for the talented, it is well worth it.
All of this competition made Bum, Jr. better. It gave him the opportunity and confidence to compete against the best. And it paid off in the end with a D1 scholarship and ultimately a chance to play professional baseball.
Squak if you want about "moneyball" but this type of competition is seen in nearly every sport today. It's not going away so if money is the big issue with you start fundraising. There were many kids off his travel team whose parents weren't rich (including Bum, Jr.'s) but sacrificed along the way.
Legion ball was mostly made up of h.s. players from three area high schools (for each team). It was sub-par talent, hate to say it, and Bum, Jr. decided to play on the travel team. He played against the best players from around the state.
The results: Six players drafted off that one team, including Bum, Jr. Zero American Legion players that year were drafted, despite having six times more players overall.
I remember at the time the local message boards blowing up with negative remarks stating just what you said, jaggerz, how travel ball was ruining baseball.
Well, this is America. Adapt and compete. We all have choices but those complaining at the time it was mostly those who had sons that just weren't good enough to make that team.
As for showcases, Bum, Jr. went to them all. Two PG events, the Stanford Camp, the Mariner Cup, two Arizona Fall Classic events, and a ton of college camps. As parents we spent a small fortune to get him exposure. If the boy didn't have talent I wouldn't have done it. And for many, going to a PG event might very well be a waste of money, but for the talented, it is well worth it.
All of this competition made Bum, Jr. better. It gave him the opportunity and confidence to compete against the best. And it paid off in the end with a D1 scholarship and ultimately a chance to play professional baseball.
Squak if you want about "moneyball" but this type of competition is seen in nearly every sport today. It's not going away so if money is the big issue with you start fundraising. There were many kids off his travel team whose parents weren't rich (including Bum, Jr.'s) but sacrificed along the way.
One more point, when someone uses the word "gouge" to describe a business like PG, as a former businessman I have to laugh.
Spoken like someone who has never run a business. Do you realize what it costs to put on an event like PG's? I don't work for PG but let me guess: Grounds crews, coaches, securing fields for play, marketing costs, administrative costs, airline tickets, equipment, the list goes on and on.
Does PG profit? I certainly hope so. It is profit that keeps them in business and profit that enables them to reinvest and grow and provide better services.
I really wish there were more economics and business classes being taught today instead of sociology, Anthropology and the mryiad other "core" classes that only instill a sense of entitlement and victimism in this country.
Should a PG event be "free" to all those that can't afford it? Are you kidding? Get off your duff, get a job, and maybe you, too can afford it.
Spoken like someone who has never run a business. Do you realize what it costs to put on an event like PG's? I don't work for PG but let me guess: Grounds crews, coaches, securing fields for play, marketing costs, administrative costs, airline tickets, equipment, the list goes on and on.
Does PG profit? I certainly hope so. It is profit that keeps them in business and profit that enables them to reinvest and grow and provide better services.
I really wish there were more economics and business classes being taught today instead of sociology, Anthropology and the mryiad other "core" classes that only instill a sense of entitlement and victimism in this country.
Should a PG event be "free" to all those that can't afford it? Are you kidding? Get off your duff, get a job, and maybe you, too can afford it.
Way, Way too many people want everything for free.
And a lot of them post on this site regularly.
I learned a long time ago that "you get what you pay for."
Would you go to the surgeon that was having a "sale" or giving away "free surgeries"?
If you want a quality product, then prepare to pay for it.
I find it humorous that a lot of times the same people that complaining about price are usually driving the most expensive cars and going out to eat several nights a week.
If PG was not a good value I'm pretty sure they would not be as big as they are.
Rich
www.PlayInSchool.com
And a lot of them post on this site regularly.
I learned a long time ago that "you get what you pay for."
Would you go to the surgeon that was having a "sale" or giving away "free surgeries"?
If you want a quality product, then prepare to pay for it.
I find it humorous that a lot of times the same people that complaining about price are usually driving the most expensive cars and going out to eat several nights a week.
If PG was not a good value I'm pretty sure they would not be as big as they are.
Rich
www.PlayInSchool.com
PG is a good place to send a player if one can afford it or can find a way to pay for it.
I am one who could NOT afford to send my son to PG and didn't. At the critical time for this kind of thing, we couldn't afford the travel ball either, but was fortunate enough that a travel ball organization provided a scholarship and even helped in finding assistance in getting plain fare when needed for my son. It was not a good feeling being in such a position and I'm sure there are many that found themselves likewise.
You don't have to be "rich" to partake in good showcases, but you've still got to have money . . . or be lucky enough to find some source of financial support. I don't know what might have transpired if my son didn't have the help of some generous people. And I don't think he would have reached the level he's at if it weren't for them.
While I don't see PG or any such organizations "gouging" anyone in any way, not everyone is able to participate because of the cost. And so, there's no question in my mind that there's a disadvantage if one is unable to participate in travel ball and showcases to some extent at key times before a player graduates from HS.
I am one who could NOT afford to send my son to PG and didn't. At the critical time for this kind of thing, we couldn't afford the travel ball either, but was fortunate enough that a travel ball organization provided a scholarship and even helped in finding assistance in getting plain fare when needed for my son. It was not a good feeling being in such a position and I'm sure there are many that found themselves likewise.
You don't have to be "rich" to partake in good showcases, but you've still got to have money . . . or be lucky enough to find some source of financial support. I don't know what might have transpired if my son didn't have the help of some generous people. And I don't think he would have reached the level he's at if it weren't for them.
While I don't see PG or any such organizations "gouging" anyone in any way, not everyone is able to participate because of the cost. And so, there's no question in my mind that there's a disadvantage if one is unable to participate in travel ball and showcases to some extent at key times before a player graduates from HS.
One player off my son's travel team completely paid for his travel team expenses and a showcase by going door-to-door, in his baseball uniform, requesting donations from caring neighbors.
Fundraising was not one of my favorite aspects of travel ball, I'll admit. But the opportunity is there for those that will hustle.
Fundraising was not one of my favorite aspects of travel ball, I'll admit. But the opportunity is there for those that will hustle.
I'm trying to think of one single case where we heard someone wanted to attend a PG Showcase or tournament and we didn't try to make that happen.
It's not just for the wealthy, it is for the talented. Of course we have to make money or we can't help anyone. In the end, we really can't help those that lack talent, but everyone deserves an opportunity.
The NCAA rules make this very difficult at times for those wanting to help, and for those needing the help, but there is always a way if someone wants it bad enough.
It's not just showcase events. Over the year's we have placed hundreds of players with outstanding travel programs. It is amazing what some of these summer teams will do for a good talented kid. In many cases the kid's life in the summer and fall is better than the offseason.
There are a ton of people out there that will help young talented kids get opportunities. Not everyone is looking to take advantage of people. There are several players in the Major leagues right now that came from places most of us would never drive through. Some of these kids are now very wealthy. We saw them all at our events when they were younger.
If you have money and a talented son... No problem!
If you don't have money, but have a talented son... No problem!
If you don't have money and just give up... You might have a problem!
Listen... Lots of people need help. Our entire business revolves around knowing who the most talented baseball players are. We do not investigate their families net worth or financial ability. Once we know about a talented player, we are going to do everything within the rules to get him to an event. Of course, it would be much easier if some of the crazy rules didn't exist.
Lastly, A large number of the most talented kids actually do come from stable families that have resources. These people realize that baseball is not a rich boy sport. No amount of money can create the talent and drive it takes to reach the top. Why is it that some people use the excuse that baseball is just for the rich. Rich or poor, you have to have what it takes and that is not money. Furthermore, people like us wouldn't be able to help so many kids if no one ever paid.
So you could say that this is definitely a case where the rich are helping the poor. You would be surprised if you knew how many so called rich people have told us they would like to help young kids that are less fortunate get the same opportunity their son got.
I don't need your money. If you have a talented son and wish you could do more... Let us know!!! I can't guarantee anything other than we will try to help. Just understand that we are playing under rules that aren't ours.
I feel bad everytime I read a post that says "We would have done that, but we just couldn't afford it". I feel even worse when I read a post from someone who doesn't know us saying "They are gouging people". I have way too much pride in order to have our organization gouge anyone.
It's not just for the wealthy, it is for the talented. Of course we have to make money or we can't help anyone. In the end, we really can't help those that lack talent, but everyone deserves an opportunity.
The NCAA rules make this very difficult at times for those wanting to help, and for those needing the help, but there is always a way if someone wants it bad enough.
It's not just showcase events. Over the year's we have placed hundreds of players with outstanding travel programs. It is amazing what some of these summer teams will do for a good talented kid. In many cases the kid's life in the summer and fall is better than the offseason.
There are a ton of people out there that will help young talented kids get opportunities. Not everyone is looking to take advantage of people. There are several players in the Major leagues right now that came from places most of us would never drive through. Some of these kids are now very wealthy. We saw them all at our events when they were younger.
If you have money and a talented son... No problem!
If you don't have money, but have a talented son... No problem!
If you don't have money and just give up... You might have a problem!
Listen... Lots of people need help. Our entire business revolves around knowing who the most talented baseball players are. We do not investigate their families net worth or financial ability. Once we know about a talented player, we are going to do everything within the rules to get him to an event. Of course, it would be much easier if some of the crazy rules didn't exist.
Lastly, A large number of the most talented kids actually do come from stable families that have resources. These people realize that baseball is not a rich boy sport. No amount of money can create the talent and drive it takes to reach the top. Why is it that some people use the excuse that baseball is just for the rich. Rich or poor, you have to have what it takes and that is not money. Furthermore, people like us wouldn't be able to help so many kids if no one ever paid.
So you could say that this is definitely a case where the rich are helping the poor. You would be surprised if you knew how many so called rich people have told us they would like to help young kids that are less fortunate get the same opportunity their son got.
I don't need your money. If you have a talented son and wish you could do more... Let us know!!! I can't guarantee anything other than we will try to help. Just understand that we are playing under rules that aren't ours.
I feel bad everytime I read a post that says "We would have done that, but we just couldn't afford it". I feel even worse when I read a post from someone who doesn't know us saying "They are gouging people". I have way too much pride in order to have our organization gouge anyone.
Look, I will be the first to say that the cost of youth sports has become prohibitive, especially as it relates to baseball. My personal opinion is that it is becoming more like tennis and golf. However, this also applies to s****r. Basketball has AAU and since it has been sometime since my kids played elite type basketball, I am a little removed from the cost, especially if you factor in travel. My gut feeling is that basketball and football are more affordable. Having said that, in my humble opinion, PG Showcases are some of the most affordable events to get your son maxiumn exposure. Yeah, you might have to pay for hotel and food if the showcase is not close to where you live and not everybody can handle the entire tab but the payoff is well worth it if your son has the tools to stand out. Secondly, I can't even quantify the value of knowing where your son stands as per his evaluation.
Look, I have been around the block a few times and I have personally experiences not feeling like I got the full value of my money for some of the bvaseball stuff my children participated in. In so uncertain terms do I feel that I was gouged by PG. In fact, I made a pretty nice return on my 600 dollar investment in my kid, he got a scholarship that greatly surpasses the amount he paid. Yeah, he may have got a scholarship without participating in a PG showcase but the fact of the matter two of his offers came from coaches who saw him at the PG Showcase. So lets stop the character assasination of Mr. Ford. He puts a great product out there and from my personal experience he really cares about the kids.
Being a former Texas resident I can honestly say that for the vast majority of the kids, they don't need to leave the state to see good baseball. It does not get much better than Texas and I am not even a native Texan. However, I do think there is value in attending PG events. I trully can't say that for most other events as it relates to kids living in Texas. Keep on doing your good work Jerry. My son is done with the high school stuff but I owe a debt of gratitude to Jerry for having a venue for me to see whether my son trully had the talent to play at the next level. I thouht he was Ok but the evaluation let me see how he compared to other kids across the nation. Where else can you get that kind of feedback?
Look, I have been around the block a few times and I have personally experiences not feeling like I got the full value of my money for some of the bvaseball stuff my children participated in. In so uncertain terms do I feel that I was gouged by PG. In fact, I made a pretty nice return on my 600 dollar investment in my kid, he got a scholarship that greatly surpasses the amount he paid. Yeah, he may have got a scholarship without participating in a PG showcase but the fact of the matter two of his offers came from coaches who saw him at the PG Showcase. So lets stop the character assasination of Mr. Ford. He puts a great product out there and from my personal experience he really cares about the kids.
Being a former Texas resident I can honestly say that for the vast majority of the kids, they don't need to leave the state to see good baseball. It does not get much better than Texas and I am not even a native Texan. However, I do think there is value in attending PG events. I trully can't say that for most other events as it relates to kids living in Texas. Keep on doing your good work Jerry. My son is done with the high school stuff but I owe a debt of gratitude to Jerry for having a venue for me to see whether my son trully had the talent to play at the next level. I thouht he was Ok but the evaluation let me see how he compared to other kids across the nation. Where else can you get that kind of feedback?