PG- National Underclass Showcase - Main Event

where will this showcase be held

The Showcase is held in Fort Myers, FL.

No, D1 coaches can not be in attendance but they will definitely be adding players from this event to their follow lists.

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I've got a question about this. Son just went to his first PG showcase on Sept. 12 & 13. Did well, especially with his pitching, which I think will be his primary/best position as time goes by. He is a sophmore now. Got an invite to this. I'm sure everyone who went did. Anyway, is there any advantage going to a National showcase, or should I wait and see if he can get in a top prospect sometime next year? Don't want to overkill. Just didn't know if there was any advantage to going to the National Underclass vs. the Southeast Underclass he just attended.

This is the opposite of your situation, but the same might hold true. We went to the PG underclass main event in December 08, then got the invite for the SE showcase in May 09. I asked our coach if we should go and his answer was this. Of course go if you want, but unless the player has something new to show - a growth spurt, a faster 60, something significant - that it really wasn't necessary to go to another showcase so soon.

Having said that, 2B got a lot out of going to the PG national underclassmen as a sophomore, and will definitely show some improvement when he goes back this year as a junior.

NCAA Division I coaches have a quiet period from Nov. 13 through Feb. 28 when they cannot recruit off-campus, but keep in mind that NCAA Division II coaches, as well as coaches from other college levels will be permitted to attend the December and January showcases.

Also, keep in mind that some of the best Division II programs in the country, including last year's National Champion, are located within close proximity to the events in Florida.

If the quiet period is from Nov 13th thru Feb 28th, how then do showcase events like Showball's Northeast/Southeast Collegiate Showcase Camp (Dec 19th and 20th) get coaches from 16 schools to attend. Is this not recruiting off campus?

One of the biggest reasons to go to the PG National Underclass in December is to work on getting invited to the PG National Showcase in June. That's the first big event after the draft, and it is kind of the kickoff event for the summer when kids stop being juniors and start being rising seniors.

PG National in June is by invitation only, and is one big recruiting free-for-all. While my own son was an early commit, his friend/teammate went to PG National while holding an offer or two but not yet committed to anyone. In the three weeks after attending (and doing quite well there as both a pitcher and a hitter), he received over 20 offers. No, I am not kidding. Several schools contacted him by saying, "We really want you to come see what we have to offer, and to let you know we mean business, we are willing to offer you ____ right now even before you come."

But bear in mind, only a few hundred end up getting invited to PG National, so if you don't think you're in that realm, this may not apply to you. The boy I'm talking about was ranked I think # 126 in PGX's final rankings for the class and was taken in the pro draft as well. I realize not everyone is so fortunate. But if you think you might be in that class, it does go to show why PGNU and PGN are worthwhile. Actually I think this kid I'm talking about was ranked around 380 or something prior to his junior year season, then maybe around 250 going into PG National, so he made the most of his opportunity to be seen not only by PG's evaluators but also by pro scouts and major D-1's from all over the U.S.

But you have to get there first, and PG Underclass is probably the best way to take your shot at getting there.

Midlo Dad...in your opinion, based on the reasons you just stated, would it be too early for a sophomore to attend?

We, too, need to make a decision on the PG Main Event in December and this post has me somewhat confused! Like 1Baseballdad, my son is a sophomore and we were doing this for the possible exposure and to hopefully start the process for early committment next fall. If we know we are only interested in D1 schools, and it's a fact that those coaches will not be there, should a sophomore even waste their time/money attending? (Please consider he will be attending the state university's camp next month and playing on a travel team next year that will participate in the PG Wood Bat Championship in Atlanta.)

Midlo Dad makes a valid point about needing the invite for the PGNational, but since he's just a 10th grader, is that likely anyway? I guess what I'd like to know from you guys is "are we jumping the gun", or will the opportunity compensate for the $1000 this trip will set us back?

I appreciate any more clarification you can give this newbie, and would also like to take this time to tell everyone how much I LOVE THIS BOARD!!!

No, the likelihood of an invite to the PG National is not good.. but what if? Bum, Jr. was not invited to the PG National, but then again.. he never applied!

For any top talent the PG National would be the pinnacle event, and a good showing at the underclass event a precursor. If your son is a top talent, why not go for it?

Thanks, Bum!

Your response, as well as a few others on another thread, has made this decision an easy one!

You reminded me of the philosophy I've always used with my son and his dreams of becoming a professional baseball player, and that is:

Although we know the odds are slim, we encourage him to shoot for the moon...as he just might wind up somewhere in the stars!

We're going for it!

Thanks for the frank words of wisdom!