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15 replies

Problem with Summer Coach

L LovetheGame210+ posts
I need some advice. 2011 RHP son is on a very talented summer team as a PO. Has had good success with his 2 starts in some minor events (2-0; 0.00ERA). Talented righty 87-89 with great offspeed stuff accorging to PG and other services. The problem is that now we are starting our run into the PG events as well as specific College Venue play and the coach is showcasing the pitchers that he personally instructs. Additonally, several of these pitchers have already committed and it would seem like he would want to assist the other players with their exposure to the recruiters. Not happening. What is the recommendation of this vast sea of knowledge? I dont want to personally talk with the coach as he does not interact with the parents very well. He gets irritated if the players approach him. Should we rely on outside showcase events for exposure or just hope that he gets some time on the bump when the right people are watching (hopefully). A number of the parents feel he is more consumed with winning than helping these kids mature as players and give them the chance to play at the next level. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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T theEH1,000+ posts
quote:
A number of the parents feel he is more consumed with winning than helping these kids mature as players and give them the chance to play at the next level. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Here's some advice.
quit talking to other parents about it.
get as far away from the conversation's as possible.
Watch the game, cheer and incourage all the player's on the field.
Don't get caught up in playing time, and or expousure issue's.
Your player can only control what he does when given the opportuinity. Take advantage of that when given.
You cannot control who's watching what game during these showcases anyway.
Your son could be on the bump, starting a big game.
Yet a top prospect could be on the bump 2 fields away and every scout / recruitor is watching that prospect??

Would that be your coaches fault to??

Whats a PO?

EH
prospectcoachprospectcoach10+ posts
I agree with Swampboy about creating a 'buzz' around the team with winning. Been to many top tournaments with our team and it has become obvious that the recruiters follow the winning teams, at least in the early rounds of events. If your son does throw 87-89,believe me if the coach wants to win he will play your son. I have not seen too many teams that have a bunch of guys that throw that hard, maybe 1 or 2.
T twotex1,000+ posts
This is a good reminder to find out what the coach's philosophy is about playing time and general approach before you write the check. I assume this is a team your son decided he wanted to play for, unlike a high school team where you don't have a lot of choice.

Not that it helps this current situation - doesn't seem like there's much you can do about it. Hope he's enjoying the experience and making some friends. His time may come before you know it.
L LovetheGame210+ posts
Thanks for the comments. I do not engage with the "other parents talk" but do listen. I think all your comments are accurate and I guess
I'm just a nervous dad wanting the best chance for my kid who loves the game and wants to play at the next level and follow his dreams. This website gives me a chance to ask and maybe vent out a little....maybe some of you have been there as a father and know that its challenging to keep emotions in check. Again, thanks.
TRhitTRhit10,000+ posts
love the game

I have had four boys play HS ball and three of them went on to play college ball.

I can tell you I never felt the need to confront the travel coach or for that matter the HS coach.

As noted above you should have done some research on the coach to see how he operates his program. This is the first move and it is key----now you have to sit back watch the games and live the situations as they unfold

By the way has your son said anything about the situation?
CADadCADad5,000+ posts
The other posters are probably fairly on target with their assessment but you've also raised a few flags here. Showcasing the pitchers he personally instructs and being irritated when approached by players (as opposed to parents) are not good signs. Generally speaking pitchers will get their chances as some of the older pitchers dump the team later on in the season but you do need to keep an eye on the situation and have backup options.

On the other hand, I don't think your son has much to worry about if he's working 87-89 with pitchability. Even if he tops out at 87-89 with pitchability as a 2011 he's in pretty good shape.

BTW, what happened to the D2 verbal? Was that an offer that he didn't accept?
Last edited by CADad
L LovetheGame210+ posts
TR Hit; yes my son is a little frustrated primarily because the coach wouldnt let him throw at a school where he had lots of interest, he had been invited and attended a junior day and a game. My son just hung in there still waiting to get his chances...he does not confront the coach as he has been trained not to. He has talked with me about it but is afraid that if he talks to the coach he may end up riding the pine....my advice has been to hang in there and make the most of the opportunities you get..

CADad; we are still talking with the verbal. That particular school wanted to wait until the July 1 calling date to give us any numbers. We were able to keep them interested and wanting my son by requesting an "official" and now that their season has ended I think that will happen soon. I personally think that the D-2 is a good fit both athletically and academically but he is getting some D-1 attention, which as you know somehow puts these kids in the "D-1 Trance" so its crunch time. (probably the reason I cant sleep)
jemazjemaz1,000+ posts
I think you have a tough problem. The best players want to play for the best teams, which need 20 to 30 players frequently to get through a season. Even if the number is 20, there is not the same opportunity for everyone. To get better in the summer requires opportunity. If you don't have it, you might need to look elsewhere (and for a lower profile team). Remember, too, that no matter what decision a coach makes someone will be left disappointed. Best of luck.
BW Bob Williams500+ posts
Love the game 2;

You may be interested in joining our SSK team in the
USA Baseball Labor Day tournament. This team will be coached by pro scouts.

It is not a "showcase" team; we offer no "exposure", however your son will learn the game from our games and the competition.

Our players are from Hawaii to Florida. The ball field at Olympic Village is the classroom and our scouts/coaches are teachers. We use SSK wood bats.
You know how to reach me.

Bob Williams
PU Pop Up Hitter dad1,000+ posts
quote:
It is also possible that the coach is giving these already committed players a chance to be seen prior to the draft to enhance their stock.


Love the Game2, Florida Fan said the key phrase here. There is the old saying " The Rich get Richer" and it applies to what Florida Fan stated.

Our son was on a showcase summer team for several years, it became very obvious who the "stars" were, one just got drafted very high in 2010, the other went onto D1 in 2009 with scholarship. They never sat, the one pitcher pitched during games scouts were attending. The rest of the team was to supplement the two stars. If your son should be offered the D1 scholarship that will open more playing time for him. The minor leagues are full of supplements used to be thrown away.

Do your best to get your son his education, if you can get help through his baseball, that is great. Don't ever think of MLB as being the goal, but a good education that allows him to live a comfortable life.
B bothsportsdad100+ posts
Do your best to get your son his education, if you can get help through his baseball, that is great. Don't ever think of MLB as being the goal, but a good education that allows him to live a comfortable life.

Popup.. I have to respectfully disagree a bit...

There are two reasons to make playing baseball a goal after HS IMO.... 1) b/c the kid loves it and/or 2) to get drafted.

Millions of kids get a college education without playing any collegiate sport. I have been down this road with my daughter and there is NO doubt we would have been way ahead of the game financially if we had socked what was spent on travel ball into an education IRA. The realities of baseball schollies being what they are the same would apply.

It may be a pipe dream and I have read on here just in the last few days many posts from those whose dreams may have come to an end but if you dont dream it certainly will never happen. We will give the draft our best shot and let the chips fall where they may.
Last edited by bothsportsdad
P PGStaff10,000+ posts
quote:
recommendation of this vast sea of knowledge? I dont want to personally talk with the coach as he does not interact with the parents very well. He gets irritated if the players approach him. Should we rely on outside showcase events for exposure or just hope that he gets some time on the bump when the right people are watching (hopefully). A number of the parents feel he is more consumed with winning than helping these kids mature as players and give them the chance to


If we have seen him and he's doing that (87-89 with great offspeed stuff according to PG), there are many people who already know who he is. Also, PM his name and we will make sure we see him again. If what we see is good, you will be surprised by the attention he gets.

That doesn't answer your other issue, but there is always more than one way to get the job done.

Best of luck
Last edited by PGStaff

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