Perfect Game Stats questions

My thoughts will likely be a little different than some of the others here. Background...I have one son in MiLB (played college ball at Stanford (pitcher)). Another son 2011 (pitcher) who will play in the Pac-10 after his senior year. But here are my thoughts...

As a 2013 (sophomore to be) its my view that you and your son should concentrate fully on getting stronger, getting/staying in good shape, sharpening skills...getting better.

The playing part should be focused mostly on having fun (along with the 'getting better' part). Your son sounds like a good player, the velocity is a little low compared to others likely to pitch at D1 at his age. But who knows? He might grow or that arm might (somewhat) suddenly show more pop. But keep the focus on improvement and fun.

Contacting coaches at this point? I don't know. We didn't do any of that with either boy at this stage. In fact, the younger son never contacted any coach...they contacted him first...about Fall of his junior year...and he had offers before he ever threw a pitch in his junior year.

There's a network out there...being at events like the one you attended gets him on a map. Attending a camp or two or three for schools he's most interested in also helps. Maybe start writing letters at this time next year...before his junior season. Some will say its never too early. Maybe true? Maybe not? For now, I personally don't see the point.

It is definitely "too early". Learn the game first.

Teach your son to teach himself. "Just Baseball" has many great most recent experiences.

It will be difficult to make any evaluation until we can see the player. Video is OK, however there is "body language" which cannot be seen on the video.

Do you use the "high tee" and rubber tire, a rubber ball to squeeze? Does he run every day?

Read this book "Nine Sides of the Diamond".

Bob Williams

Appreciate the honest feedback. Awesome for you to have family members playing at that level congrats!

Getting stronger has been a priority of his which he has embraced the past 16 months. He is now 6'2 170. In the past year he grew 2 inches and added 18-20 lbs. Although his strength trainer does not emphasize bench press, but he has gone from benching 65lbs one time 16 mos ago to now benching 170lbs.He can do 20-25 pullup hanging from a dugout even with his long body.So he has really gained strength, learning to apply it at the plate and throwing is key. I think he will top out at 6'3 may be 6'4 and prob get to 185-190lbs end of Jr year as he has a nice frame.Throws Rt bats left

Right now his speed is better than average as he is just catching up again from his last growth spurt

My concern as Justbaseball mentioned is how to develope more velocity on his throws even if he is not cut to be a pitcher. Do you have any thoughts/programs on ways to increase his throwing velocity.How about band workouts? any of these internet hitting for power plans etc worth it?

Bob, Thanks for the book tip. will check it out.

PG will keep all of your son's appearances at PG events on file. If you subscribe to PGCrosschecker, you can see them yourself as they pile up in coming years.

That info is accessible by college coaches. PG doesn't all it to anyone's attention, but anyone who subscribes can view it.

What typically happens is that either someone sees your son and goes looking for more info, or your son asks someone to consider him and they go to PGX for objective data. But you're at least a year away from where that starts gaining traction, and 2 years away from crunch time. For now, just relax and enjoy it. I wish I could live those years all over again!

Midlo Dad or anyone elese with Wake Forest knowlege,

Do you have any thoughts(is camp very instructional? how many players usually participate?) on the Wake Forest baseball camp in November? Is this a good camp for a 2013 player. Any feed back on the Wake coaches?

My son has Wake as a dream school fit yet may be a reach.Thought having him hit the camp may give him a good barometer if he is on track.Also being 7 hours North it would give him one last time to get on a field before winter sets in. Would coaches at this type of camp try to speak with a kid alot while there if he impresses? How can you tell if a school has interest in a 2013 since they cant contact him after the camp?

Thanks

My son attended the Wake fall camp last October. The head coach and the pitching coach both were on field at all times. It was the usual camp - pro style worlout and then players broken down into teams for games. I can tell you that the staff intensely watches every player and is looking for potential Deacons out there.

I also have a son who played at Wake Forest for this staff and I can tell you that they are outstanding. It's a worthwhile dream school for any young player. The website wil give you all the camp info and Coach Grant Achilles can give you numbers and things like that. If you're lucky Midlo's son might coach you son there.