Something to remember about spending money for exposure @ college camps or showcases. At some point it might be time/money better spent by encouraging your son to be the best student he can be.
Tutors are expensive but if it helps him get his GPA up it could pay off in the long run. It has been said here many times in the past that there is more academic money available than athletic money for baseball. Many colleges have merit aid available for top students. It is guaranteed for 4 years if they maintain a 2.0 to 3.0 GPA.
We spent money for both and wouldn't trade any of the time spent with our son going to all the practices, tournaments, games, etc. Not sure about other sports but as baseball parents we are blessed to have spent so much time with son and his teammates.
I can ditto that about Perfect Game being fair. Last year, son had arranged to go the PG Showcase, but a conflict developed at the last minute.
They were only too happy to allow him to reschedule to another showcase a month or so later. No fees or anything of the sort. Son had a good time and a great experience, and it proved very beneficial for him in terms of exposure, etc.
They were only too happy to allow him to reschedule to another showcase a month or so later. No fees or anything of the sort. Son had a good time and a great experience, and it proved very beneficial for him in terms of exposure, etc.
quote:why all the accusatory stuff.
I get it. Oldtimers on here can make accusations about my kids talent, "HIS" D1 road ahead (cuz it ain't about me or mine when he is on his own) when neither were ever a part of the initial post; but a newbie can't throw it back at the oldtime posters.
Throw disdain at the delivery style of the new messenger while giving a free pass to the insults thrown out by oldtimers. I get that.
I have and did do a search for any post on here in regard to my message (which has all but been ignored) as to why colleges who promote/advertise they sign players from clinics they invite them to are not being more transparent and promotional in posting the names of those they signed. My search found no such post and nobody has argued it would be a stupid idea for coaches to do this so I just put it out on here for further discussion.
Most feedback I got was you go into this recruiting process expecting to spend money and throw a bunch of it away. This was not new info to me nor is the concept that you go to the clinics/camps to learn, gain exposure etc. I agreed with all of that.
Thought the poster who had to pull $$$ from his 401K would agree and appreciate my message(even if disliked messenger methods)that in today's tough economy where $$$ is tight for most; college coaches who also struggle to survive (?) would do more to demonstrate the product they are promoting for sale is in fact the product the rest of us are paying for. The fact that common sense rationale garnered me little to no support and only reminders the process IS about spending $$$ and yeah, sometimes getting duped, means nobody cares to make colleges/coaches more accountable for what they advertise to their unwitting consumers.
I broached the topic knowing I ain't gettin' a penny back and knowing my son's journey is complete. Thought maybe this forum with its many experienced voices and yes, many with great advice, would want do more to minimize the cash layout for those coming into the process. But misery loves company so let the newbies to the process throw away their money like the rest of us did. The "buyer beware" attitude prevails while the integrity of the college coaches remains in tact. No changing the status quo.
Look, I do appreciate those who showed some support or grasped where and what level I was coming from. Sorry, no way JustBB gets to make negative accusatory comments about my kid and insult me at the same time. I bought into the current recruiting process and we (my son especially) paid his dues but I don't buy into his son had the "same" tough road, not by a long shot. Now with that son proving his major D1 worth and making it to pro (sincere congrats to player for that) I am suppose to be able to believe that his next son has as equally tough a road ahead as my kid had or say the next newbie to this forum? Sorry...I am not buying it which is why I will be "samiam out of here and off this forum" (go ahead and applaud and get your digs in) from this point on.
PGstaff, I will refer parents to your website. Thank you!
PG,
Agree with you that it could be beneficial for mlb scouting for draft.
But also in the spring/summer many opportunities open up for those that have not committed to a 4 year program.
Just a matter of what feels right for the player, if still looking for that opportunity and doesn't mind spending, can't hurt.
Agree with you that it could be beneficial for mlb scouting for draft.
But also in the spring/summer many opportunities open up for those that have not committed to a 4 year program.
Just a matter of what feels right for the player, if still looking for that opportunity and doesn't mind spending, can't hurt.
Siam,
Perhaps not returning here would be in your best interest, you are starting to **** me off and I am sure not the only one.
Where did anyone say they agreed or disagreed with what you posted, and that it's ok to spend a ton of money. You've only dwelled upon what you feel was negative feedback, towards you, I didn't see it that way. However, when you begin to pick apart long time posters that have spent hours giving advice, and shown great humility in doing so, you are going to come up against some opposition as to your feelings.
My guess is you must feel you got raked over, several times, it happens. No one said it was ok, did they?
Best of luck to your son.
Perhaps not returning here would be in your best interest, you are starting to **** me off and I am sure not the only one.
Where did anyone say they agreed or disagreed with what you posted, and that it's ok to spend a ton of money. You've only dwelled upon what you feel was negative feedback, towards you, I didn't see it that way. However, when you begin to pick apart long time posters that have spent hours giving advice, and shown great humility in doing so, you are going to come up against some opposition as to your feelings.
My guess is you must feel you got raked over, several times, it happens. No one said it was ok, did they?
Best of luck to your son.
quote:If they want you to pay, they just want your money.
If you dont pay then you have just jeprodized your NCAA eligibility.
quote:Originally posted by playfair:quote:If they want you to pay, they just want your money.
If you dont pay then you have just jeprodized your NCAA eligibility.
Actually, I am not sure of the rule perhaps 3FG could explain, but if it was in violation, it would be against the school, most likely.
I think that a program can hold a free clinic, if it is free to everyone who attends. If special invites went to those being recruited, then it be would a violation.
I think the OP just thought that being invoted meant it should be for free, with the explanation that some schools need this money.
I just got an invite from Amex to be a platinum member, but I still got to pay the yearly fee.
quote:Sorry, no way JustBB gets to make negative accusatory comments about my kid and insult me at the same time.
samiam - I did NOT make "negative accusatory comments" about your son at all. My comments are generic about parents and their kids...which by the way includes me. I have not met a parent yet who doesn't do a certain amount of overestimating of their son's abilities...and that includes me too. Its what we parents do and its a big part of why our kids are able to overcome obstacles...we give them hope when others do not.
I know nothing about your son, but I can assure you that I wish the very best for him and hope you will be back to tell us about his accomplishments.
You are way too sensitive...I didn't say the proverbial "shoe fits," but you apparently must feel it does as you are far too defensive.
As for you, based on your general attitude towards college coaches and your apparent disdain for the intentions you assume they have...I can only feel badly for you because I think you may have a really tough 3-4 years ahead of you. I've sat in the stands of college games with parents who say a lot of things similar to what you have written. They never seem to find happiness and their son's baseball playing days fly by so fast they nearly miss it all while they gripe about the coach's intentions or motives. It doesn't get any easier from here on out.
As for the age-old argument that old timers get all the breaks on here...its nonsense and its a boring excuse. You've drawn the wrath of a handful of posters with a wide range of experiences (and some are being very polite about it) because you quickly drew your guns and began firing in a darkened room. You don't know enough about me or any of the others on here to lob the grenades you have. New posters come on here often, without guns drawn, and receive lots of good advice and they use it to their advantage and ultimately become "oldtimers."
You too have received some very good advice, you have just chosen to not hear much of it...for now at least.Good luck to your son, and I mean that with total sincerity. Hope you reconsider, put the guns back in the holster and contribute with your experiences as they unfold.
quote:I have and did do a search for any post on here in regard to my message (which has all but been ignored) as to why colleges who promote/advertise they sign players from clinics they invite them to are not being more transparent and promotional in posting the names of those they signed. My search found no such post and nobody has argued it would be a stupid idea for coaches to do this so I just put it out on here for further discussion.
OK, my apologies; I could have answered this earlier. But by the time I read and was in a position to respond, I had begun to suspect your motives and/or objectivity.
Anyway, for camps associated with D1 colleges, Bylaw 12.5.1.6 specifically disallows using a player's name in any way other than to list him as a camp staff member. So, for D1, there is a rule against it. On the other hand, camps associated with D2 colleges or which have no institutional association are allowed to publicize the names of previous attendees.
I've seen quite a few camp invitations. None have suggested that current players were "signed" from the camp. Instead the statement is more on the order of "attended the camp". For the colleges that I am well acquainted with, it is generally true that some players did attend at least one of the college's camps.
Can camps be free? Bylaw 13.12.1.5.1 covers this, and it pertains to any prospective student-athlete that has won an athletic award or is being recruited by the institution. Such a player cannot receive free or discounted admission or be employed by the camp. However, there is nothing that sets a minimum cost for the camp, and of course if admission is free to everyone, there is no problem. A violation only affects the institution.
Non-institutional camps can offer reduced costs, but this needs to be handled carefully to avoid problems with the "influence" rules.
Ostensibly and by NCAA rule, camps and clinics must be instructional in nature. Players and parents often gamble that in addition to receiving instruction, they will attract favorable attention from the coaching staff. Or for those players who are already "on the radar" of that college, it can be an opportunity for the player to evaluate the coaching staff. But the stated goal of the camp is instruction, and I am hard pressed to see why it should be free. (I am also hard pressed to believe that the instruction might be worth e.g. $200/day.)
Samiam, I thought you was a Big Dog.
You better stay on the porch.
Some just get there feeling's hurt, can't handle constructive dialog.
Know one should take this as a personal attack, it's just talk from experiance, thats all.
EH
You better stay on the porch.
Some just get there feeling's hurt, can't handle constructive dialog.
Know one should take this as a personal attack, it's just talk from experiance, thats all.
EH
Good stuff 3FG, thank you.
Now the HSBBW isn't really such a terrible place is it?
Now the HSBBW isn't really such a terrible place is it?
" For 90% of the players is really discovering your fit and becoming comfortable with it."
Isn't that the Gods honest truth!
Another truth: College camps are not the devil. They really do serve a good athlete well. And, if by some chance you are good and they need your position and you have the grades to attend it might work out for you.
If I had another son to bring through this process what I would look for in a college camp is a
camp that is run by the Major D1 school in the area that includes and serves as recruiting hub for the general area. Such as:
Camps and Coaching Staff:
Camp Coaches and Staff include, D1 Head Coach XX, D1 Asst. Coach XX, and include Head Coaches/recruiting coordinators of several area schools ***,***,***,*** at all levels (Juco, D2, D3). It should include some area MLB scouts. And ofcourse some players should be working it too. They should name names, levels and titles. These camps are out there.
I would avoid camps with descriptions like this:
Camp Coaches & Staff
All camps at ***X University are staffed with current ***X coaches and players. We feel that working with people associated directly with our program helps the camper get a firm grasp on the principles and techniques taught to *** baseball players. On occasion, former ***X players will join the camp as guest instructors.
Isn't that the Gods honest truth!
Another truth: College camps are not the devil. They really do serve a good athlete well. And, if by some chance you are good and they need your position and you have the grades to attend it might work out for you.
If I had another son to bring through this process what I would look for in a college camp is a
camp that is run by the Major D1 school in the area that includes and serves as recruiting hub for the general area. Such as:
Camps and Coaching Staff:
Camp Coaches and Staff include, D1 Head Coach XX, D1 Asst. Coach XX, and include Head Coaches/recruiting coordinators of several area schools ***,***,***,*** at all levels (Juco, D2, D3). It should include some area MLB scouts. And ofcourse some players should be working it too. They should name names, levels and titles. These camps are out there.
I would avoid camps with descriptions like this:
Camp Coaches & Staff
All camps at ***X University are staffed with current ***X coaches and players. We feel that working with people associated directly with our program helps the camper get a firm grasp on the principles and techniques taught to *** baseball players. On occasion, former ***X players will join the camp as guest instructors.
quote:Originally posted by Vicarious Dad:
What is someone supposed to think when the invite to the camp comes from the "recruiting co-ordinator"? Are they really recruiting or just collecting money from warm bodies?
I am trying to do my homework. Anyone want to take a shot at this one?
Vicarious Dad, there is a spot on the invite that will say call if you have any questions.
Call it. If your son is a 2B, ask the RC who they have already recruited at 2B for your sons recruiting year and ask if they are planning to make any more offers for the 2B position.
Call it. If your son is a 2B, ask the RC who they have already recruited at 2B for your sons recruiting year and ask if they are planning to make any more offers for the 2B position.
I prefer to say that they are trying to fill the camp---keep in mind that asst coaches have many functions besides the title they may have
OK, playfair. That makes sense. Those guys just seem ambiguous, at times.
Like I said before it's a **** shoot.
If your player performs well then there will be interest in him to play at that school.
Son played at a college camp.
No interest shown at the camp.
Son plays in a Connie Mack tournament 1 month later at the same
college.
Goes 7 inning's strikes out 13 batter's.
Same college coach did not know him from Adam, asks have you committed yet.
Son said yes, Just a week ago.
To a League rival non the less, ( he did not tell the Coach that ).
There are missed opportuinity's on both side's.
Weather it be a camp a showcase or a tournament.
You never know who's watching and when.
EH
If your player performs well then there will be interest in him to play at that school.
Son played at a college camp.
No interest shown at the camp.
Son plays in a Connie Mack tournament 1 month later at the same
college.
Goes 7 inning's strikes out 13 batter's.
Same college coach did not know him from Adam, asks have you committed yet.
Son said yes, Just a week ago.
To a League rival non the less, ( he did not tell the Coach that ).
There are missed opportuinity's on both side's.
Weather it be a camp a showcase or a tournament.
You never know who's watching and when.
EH
I made the call once and asked the specific question of the RC. I was very honestly told, we would love to see *** at our camp but we have already recruited for that position and we wont look at the position again until late Spring.
I got that kind of honesty. I expect you will too. Then you will get to make an informed decision.
I got that kind of honesty. I expect you will too. Then you will get to make an informed decision.
V-Dad - I think most of them say something like that.
Here's my view...if your son is a junior or senior...if the recruiting coordinator is not already in personal contact (emails, hand written mails, "please call" notes)...then the invite is most likely somewhat general.
That doesn't mean a player can't grab the attention of a coach at his camp...just that as of now he's not near the top of their list.
Our older son went "blind" to a camp of a school of great interest to him during Christmas of his junior year. By "blind" I mean we had no contact from that school before then that amounted to anything personal. But we took the chance, knowing full well that he may get only the instruction part out of the camp. That coach clearly recognized his ability at the camp and had a long talk with him while he was there...followed by emails and coming to his games and ultimately a very large scholarship offer.
In other words, you can come out of the blue and onto their radar...but the talent has to be there.
One thing I did to try and figure out where he stood was to ask a former college coach and a former college player who had coached our son. "Where do you think he fits talent-wise?"...and... "Just tell me the truth and I'll know what to do with that."
I think they were incredibly honest, telling me that they thought he was "on track" to be a D1 talent, but couldn't be 100% certain that it would ultimately play out that way.
That was good enough...I knew that I could take some risk with the camps but I wasn't going to break the household bank to chase pipe dreams. Put another way, we'd take "some" risk, but not full in.
It worked. But I am telling you, I worked hard, really hard to understand everything I could about it and that included asking tons of questions to lots of people and being willing to change my mind and alter the plan based on what I heard . I will also tell you that one of the people I talked to at some length was PGStaff's son...who had seen him play at a tournament.
I'm doing the same with the younger one...my virtual "advisory panel" includes his HS coach, summer coaches, that same old college coach, a scout-friend, postings on this site...and even in a phone call with a college coach showing interest in him. Constantly taking readings, gathering data, altering the course, spending limited resources as wisely as I can. The "panel members" are out there for us all and ready to help, but you gotta listen!
Good luck!
Here's my view...if your son is a junior or senior...if the recruiting coordinator is not already in personal contact (emails, hand written mails, "please call" notes)...then the invite is most likely somewhat general.
That doesn't mean a player can't grab the attention of a coach at his camp...just that as of now he's not near the top of their list.
Our older son went "blind" to a camp of a school of great interest to him during Christmas of his junior year. By "blind" I mean we had no contact from that school before then that amounted to anything personal. But we took the chance, knowing full well that he may get only the instruction part out of the camp. That coach clearly recognized his ability at the camp and had a long talk with him while he was there...followed by emails and coming to his games and ultimately a very large scholarship offer.
In other words, you can come out of the blue and onto their radar...but the talent has to be there.
One thing I did to try and figure out where he stood was to ask a former college coach and a former college player who had coached our son. "Where do you think he fits talent-wise?"...and... "Just tell me the truth and I'll know what to do with that."
I think they were incredibly honest, telling me that they thought he was "on track" to be a D1 talent, but couldn't be 100% certain that it would ultimately play out that way.
That was good enough...I knew that I could take some risk with the camps but I wasn't going to break the household bank to chase pipe dreams. Put another way, we'd take "some" risk, but not full in.
It worked. But I am telling you, I worked hard, really hard to understand everything I could about it and that included asking tons of questions to lots of people and being willing to change my mind and alter the plan based on what I heard . I will also tell you that one of the people I talked to at some length was PGStaff's son...who had seen him play at a tournament.
I'm doing the same with the younger one...my virtual "advisory panel" includes his HS coach, summer coaches, that same old college coach, a scout-friend, postings on this site...and even in a phone call with a college coach showing interest in him. Constantly taking readings, gathering data, altering the course, spending limited resources as wisely as I can. The "panel members" are out there for us all and ready to help, but you gotta listen!
Good luck!
I actually agree with some parts of what samian is saying about college camps. I've seen the good and bad. But the vast majority of them are definitely not for teaching the kids.. their primary purpose is to draw in cash and hopefully lure a diamond in the rough, or at the very least provide a venue for them to talk to the stud recruits that fly in.. thereby avoiding the early contact rules.
And many of them market to local kids false hopes about getting seen, working with pros, meeting D1 coaches, etc. I sometimes went to these camps scratching my head watching some of these kids with little or no talent whose dads paid hundreds of dollars to attend. And only to watch as the college coaches followed the studs around like puppy dogs, totalling ignoring these poor souls.
Now, don't for a minute think I'm against showcasing. PG is a great organization, and it was a fantastic learning experience, a great way to get exposure.. but if a kid's parents are unrealistic about their son's ability, who's fault is it? Probably theirs, but I still feel sorry for them.
My own son received a college scholarship as a result of a college camp, so I'm not against camps, either. But like I've said, I've seen the good and the bad and most of them bordered on bad.
And many of them market to local kids false hopes about getting seen, working with pros, meeting D1 coaches, etc. I sometimes went to these camps scratching my head watching some of these kids with little or no talent whose dads paid hundreds of dollars to attend. And only to watch as the college coaches followed the studs around like puppy dogs, totalling ignoring these poor souls.
Now, don't for a minute think I'm against showcasing. PG is a great organization, and it was a fantastic learning experience, a great way to get exposure.. but if a kid's parents are unrealistic about their son's ability, who's fault is it? Probably theirs, but I still feel sorry for them.
My own son received a college scholarship as a result of a college camp, so I'm not against camps, either. But like I've said, I've seen the good and the bad and most of them bordered on bad.
quote:Perhaps not returning here would be in your best interest, you are starting to **** me off and I am sure not the only one.
Now you are in trouble !!
It is amazing how some think they own this site and can issue such directives !!!!
Good post by Bum. Essentially is what this place is all about, you learn from others.
My son went to ONE camp, after that he said don't ask him to attend another. I admit it was recruiting purposes only.
What works for some may work for others, USA tournament as a soph got him some attention, and woodbat in Jupiter the most doors, he actually didn't attend any showcases until junior winter (1) and senior summer (1). The best money spent was a local travel team that traveled the country. Instead of camps, he actually played tournies at college campus' through Florida and other places. Coaches got front row seats and could talk to the kids afterwards. I think that was the best bang for our bucks, and we spent very little in relation to others here.
BHD,
I could ask to have your post zapped, the OP has been very rude, just like you at times, when you don't hear what you want to. Leaving it up only reinforces this. JMO.
The OP said he was out of here, my opinion was that if that is his choice so be it, he was annoying and rude and THAT was and is MY opinion.
My son went to ONE camp, after that he said don't ask him to attend another. I admit it was recruiting purposes only.
What works for some may work for others, USA tournament as a soph got him some attention, and woodbat in Jupiter the most doors, he actually didn't attend any showcases until junior winter (1) and senior summer (1). The best money spent was a local travel team that traveled the country. Instead of camps, he actually played tournies at college campus' through Florida and other places. Coaches got front row seats and could talk to the kids afterwards. I think that was the best bang for our bucks, and we spent very little in relation to others here.
BHD,
I could ask to have your post zapped, the OP has been very rude, just like you at times, when you don't hear what you want to. Leaving it up only reinforces this. JMO.
The OP said he was out of here, my opinion was that if that is his choice so be it, he was annoying and rude and THAT was and is MY opinion.
quote:when you don't hear what you want to.
You mean when I don't follow your edicts !
There is no need to take this stuff personal. I didnt see anything in JBB posts that was personal he was just giving his advice. And it was good advice in my opinion. We all know that camps are money makers. And at the same time they are opportunities for players as well. If you pick up a tip or two get to work out etc its all good. And if your good enough you might even get recruited by this school or a school of a coach that is helping out.
Its a fact that many players are recruited based on performances at college camps. I know my son was. Its an opportunity for these coaches to get to know a player as well and the same opportunity for the player. Sometimes these camps also are an opportunity for a school to mark a player off their list and the same opportunity for the player.
What would people like for these coaches to say "This camp is a money maker. We dont use these camps as a way of seeing players that could play for us. So send us your money and just come and have a good time."
I dont take anything on this site personal. Everyone has a right to voice their opinion. If you get upset and take stuff personal on this site you wont be around very long. Its just not worth it.
Its a fact that many players are recruited based on performances at college camps. I know my son was. Its an opportunity for these coaches to get to know a player as well and the same opportunity for the player. Sometimes these camps also are an opportunity for a school to mark a player off their list and the same opportunity for the player.
What would people like for these coaches to say "This camp is a money maker. We dont use these camps as a way of seeing players that could play for us. So send us your money and just come and have a good time."
I dont take anything on this site personal. Everyone has a right to voice their opinion. If you get upset and take stuff personal on this site you wont be around very long. Its just not worth it.
Even in the real world I don't take things personally---not worth the aggravation--not at all
In the virtual world it is even more so
what ever happened to good old American debates ???
In the virtual world it is even more so
what ever happened to good old American debates ???
I can't believe I missed all this fun!
First, imagine being so mean to JustBaseball, especially on a day in which his Cardinal(s) are going to lose a tough game to Cal! I mean, really! Have some compassion!
Seriously, Samiam, what you took as an insult was not even close to being such, and I'm sure I am not alone in being puzzled why you would react in such a way to what was general observation/advice about parents and their misjudgments of their own kids' abilities.
Now, to your point about college camps: Should colleges provide names to verify the kids they "signed from their camps?" I don't think that is at all necessary, if what you are worried about is coaches making false claims about signing players from their camps.
The fact is, lots of recruits they are interested in will attend their camp so the coaches can get them on campus, get a better look at them, and so the recruit can check them out too. If that player ends up signing, is that one who they "signed from the camp?"
Providing the names of signed players who attended their camps is unnecessary, and frankly I wouldn't want my son's name disclosed in this fashion because it would almost certainly result in phone calls from parents asking for opinions that I might prefer to keep to myself.
Your aggressive behavior on this board has been very interesting to watch, and more than a little amusing.
First, imagine being so mean to JustBaseball, especially on a day in which his Cardinal(s) are going to lose a tough game to Cal! I mean, really! Have some compassion!
Seriously, Samiam, what you took as an insult was not even close to being such, and I'm sure I am not alone in being puzzled why you would react in such a way to what was general observation/advice about parents and their misjudgments of their own kids' abilities.
Now, to your point about college camps: Should colleges provide names to verify the kids they "signed from their camps?" I don't think that is at all necessary, if what you are worried about is coaches making false claims about signing players from their camps.
The fact is, lots of recruits they are interested in will attend their camp so the coaches can get them on campus, get a better look at them, and so the recruit can check them out too. If that player ends up signing, is that one who they "signed from the camp?"
Providing the names of signed players who attended their camps is unnecessary, and frankly I wouldn't want my son's name disclosed in this fashion because it would almost certainly result in phone calls from parents asking for opinions that I might prefer to keep to myself.
Your aggressive behavior on this board has been very interesting to watch, and more than a little amusing.
What I do hope is that the OP is reading and will take back some of this info to the parents asking questions.
I think tat 3FG cleared up lots of misconceptions he had about college camps/clinics/showcases, an invite doesn't mean free and the schools cannot post the info he thinks he should.
There are many folks here whose sons have obtained a nice scholarship but only afterwards realized there are some things they didn't have to do and some things they didn't that they should have.
What's important is the end result, finding the right fit.
I think tat 3FG cleared up lots of misconceptions he had about college camps/clinics/showcases, an invite doesn't mean free and the schools cannot post the info he thinks he should.
There are many folks here whose sons have obtained a nice scholarship but only afterwards realized there are some things they didn't have to do and some things they didn't that they should have.
What's important is the end result, finding the right fit.
Samiam,
You started this thread and asked for advice from perfect strangers. That is how I started on here years ago. Sometimes you learn more by listening, not typing 500 word essays.
You got plenty of advice and personal experiences, from some of the very BEST people here on HSBBWEB. The same people who have gone out of their way to help many hundreds of families.
Whats the problem?
You started this thread and asked for advice from perfect strangers. That is how I started on here years ago. Sometimes you learn more by listening, not typing 500 word essays.
You got plenty of advice and personal experiences, from some of the very BEST people here on HSBBWEB. The same people who have gone out of their way to help many hundreds of families.
Whats the problem?
I love this website - it has been very helpful in the recruiting process. Son has attended college camps of those schools that interest him academically and then baseball(D3). So far working out well.
samiam-
You will get some excellent advice on this board. That is a fact. You will also get dog piled, and tag teamed, that is fact as well. Pick and choose the info that best fits what you asked and be thankful, it can be very valuable.
You will get some excellent advice on this board. That is a fact. You will also get dog piled, and tag teamed, that is fact as well. Pick and choose the info that best fits what you asked and be thankful, it can be very valuable.
Pack - Congrats to PackJr, I'm glad things worked out, I was hoping it would! Like I said, you guys did good. GED10DaDquote:Originally posted by packsthecooler:
2010 Son has committed to Div I JUCO. Very good program, very very happy that he will be a part of this program......
samiam: Way back in one of your earlier posts in this thread you made the statement that you think college camps and showcases should report more details. I agree with this but I'm not really interested in names of players that were signed after attending the camps/showcases. I am much more interested in knowing which college coaches were actually in attendance. This would help us in knowing which coach has now seen sandlotson more than once, etc. What are they hiding from my son and from future prospects?
Our experiences in camps have been that they are not valuable wrt instruction. There are just too many players in attendance to get any real attention and the feel is that it is 90% about recruiting. The true value of a camp is being seen by that individual school(and checking out the program for yourself) and one shouldn't expect any more than that.
Our experiences in camps have been that they are not valuable wrt instruction. There are just too many players in attendance to get any real attention and the feel is that it is 90% about recruiting. The true value of a camp is being seen by that individual school(and checking out the program for yourself) and one shouldn't expect any more than that.
OK, I guess I'll chime in on this one!
My Son attended a total of 6 College Camps.(3 after Soph year and 3 after JR year)
Total cost of around $550(2 of them were 2 day camps) All except 1 were in-state and fairly close.
2 each at 2 schools that were his top choices and were in-state, 1 at a JUCO that had several JUCO and D2, D3 and NAIA schools attending, and 1 that he was invited to by the recruiting director.
He ended up signing with the D1 school that invited him specifically.
The others were all worth it, though IMO!
Here is why I say that:
-he learned how and what Coaches were evaluating
-he learned what skills he needed to improve upon
-got to see a school and it's coaches in action
-got a chance to compete against some very good players
-he had fun!
-I had fun!
He did get some specific instruction at a couple, and got written evaluations from 5 of the 6.
The one he didn't get a written evaluation from was the school he is now attending. After the camp, the HC and assistant sat down with us and dicussed an offer. They had seen him at several tournaments previously, but wanted an up-close look, I guess?
Anyone in or near Missouri, or considering Missouri schools that wants more info on area college camps, please PM me and I'll give you my take.
My Son attended a total of 6 College Camps.(3 after Soph year and 3 after JR year)
Total cost of around $550(2 of them were 2 day camps) All except 1 were in-state and fairly close.
2 each at 2 schools that were his top choices and were in-state, 1 at a JUCO that had several JUCO and D2, D3 and NAIA schools attending, and 1 that he was invited to by the recruiting director.
He ended up signing with the D1 school that invited him specifically.
The others were all worth it, though IMO!
Here is why I say that:
-he learned how and what Coaches were evaluating
-he learned what skills he needed to improve upon
-got to see a school and it's coaches in action
-got a chance to compete against some very good players
-he had fun!
-I had fun!
He did get some specific instruction at a couple, and got written evaluations from 5 of the 6.
The one he didn't get a written evaluation from was the school he is now attending. After the camp, the HC and assistant sat down with us and dicussed an offer. They had seen him at several tournaments previously, but wanted an up-close look, I guess?
Anyone in or near Missouri, or considering Missouri schools that wants more info on area college camps, please PM me and I'll give you my take.
Do you mind me asking where your son is attending, in Missouri?
He's not in Missouri.
All but one of the Camps we attended were in Missouri.
He's a Hilltopper at Western Kentucky.
I wish it was closer, but it's a great fit for him!
All but one of the Camps we attended were in Missouri.
He's a Hilltopper at Western Kentucky.
I wish it was closer, but it's a great fit for him!
My son attended 3 camps. 2 in winter and 1 in early summer. Coach of summer camp made him a offer that day. It does happen.
Hmm...After reading OP's rants..I bet he is a YANKEES fan!!! (Couldn't resist!! 
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PGStaff,
You have a PM - Thank You.
You have a PM - Thank You.