Took my son to the PG Underclass Nationals in Ft. Myers over the holidays. I wasn't going to enter him just yet into showcases because he is a young 2014 at 15 years-old. Living in South Georgia and both of us having some free time, we decided to go. First of all, we both had fun. However, my son was physically ready but, not mentally ready. Let me give you some examples. I watched him throw as they tested his skill from the outfield. Every throw was over the catchers/fielders head. I said, "son, whats up with your throws"? He tells me he did it on purpose to get a better gun reading. I explain to him that accuracy, as you can imagine, is probably important. His reply; Oh. Then, he decides to use someone elses bat the entire showcase (some kid he made friends with). I said Wes, why are you using a 34" bat instead of your 33"? He says, "It felt good". Agh! Again, we had fun! I am sure he'll do much better next year. We plan on going to the same event. He usually gains about 5-6 mph arm speed per year and he is also still growing so, it will be fun to see the progress. Oh, another thing; out of 300 or so kids, they put him in a group of 11 players that 3 are #1's in their state and 4 already had college commits. He batted right behind the #1 prospect there, Justin Williams. He did fine though going 3 for 3 with a double the first day (Justin went 0 - 3 the first day with 2 K's). But stunk up the place going 0 - 4 the second day. He got to pitch one inning and struggled with control. Nerves I guess. His stats were 81 from the mound, 80 from the outfield and 7.35 60. He is 15 years old, 6' 3" 180. He still looks very much like a kid though. It will be fun next year when he is the big cheese. So, I guess my point is; if you go early (14 or 15 years-old) tell your son to just have fun and play baseball. Don't try and do something different because it is a showcase.
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