Following the usual advice I am having a guy "take a look at" my 8th grader. Son is a two-way player but pitching is his main thing and that's what the evaluation will be about. The person we found seems to know the local baseball scene, played at a high level back in the day, and has stayed in baseball through travel ball coaching.
What sort of questions should we ask? I have asked for recommendations for local trainers and travel organizations. Anything else important at this stage?
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Is this a strength evaluation? Or is it a pitching eval? Or is this evaluation for the level of travel ball? Also, what does "played at a high level" mean? You might also share a little about your player (how tall, what's his other position, how much he weighs, etc.) I think I'd need more information to develop a list of questions.
This is a pitching evaluation. The evaluator played in college at least and more recently has coached with some travel organizations. Based on our prior conversations I'm guessing he'll recommend what travel teams my player would be "good for".
My player is a RHP mainly. He also has played short stop and third. 13years old, about 6 foot, 150 lbs. Very lanky (6'3 wingspan), I'd guess siting mid 70s.
Ask what he/she thinks your son's biggest weaknesses are. It could be his mental game, but it would be hard to determine his mental state and focus in a non game situation. But does he need to work on his location? Does he tip his pitches? Is he needing to focus on improving one pitch over another?...
I'd also ask about his/her philosophy with velocity/arm strength development for youth. Also what does he/she look for if he/she were recruiting for college/pros. This would help give insight as to what he/she values in a "pitcher".
That's just some of the stuff that came to mind.
I'd ask to get the names of some teams where he thinks he will get the opportunity to be coached properly and get regular playing time.
I'd be asking about mechanics and grips.
I'd ask for a few introductory lifting exercises he can start doing this summer to prepare for HS.
Keep playing multiple positions. Someone will let him know to focus on one if/when it's time.
Sounds as if your son has a both a good arm and some quickness! Thanks for sharing a little bit about him.
Here are questions that I might ask:
1) Do you have a recommendation for a summer team whose coach will let him play multiple positions?
2) Does this summer team coach keep careful pitch counts/refuse to overuse young players' arms? Is the coach aware of arm care programs?
3) What do you think about my son's mechanics? Do you notice any red flags regarding his throwing motion in terms of his future arm health?
4) What do you think of his lower body strength?
5) How is his mobility? Does he move well?
If this evaluator is also going to sell you on pitching lessons, I might have a lot more questions.
Sometimes, former players (depending on when they played) might not have a contemporary view of mechanics, pitch count, and arm care. That's not necessarily wrong, but if their philosophy is just "pitch more and never change your motion even though you are 13 years old" -- that can become a problem. My son at that age was in tears when his arm was hurting and his "pitching coach" said "Look, this is working for you. Just throw through it. It is too late to change your motion. You are too old." He was 14. The coach just wanted to win the summer league. We listened to the pediatrician/orthopod and shut him down. He switched to football, had a blast as the kicker, and still played HS baseball the next season (without that summer coach in his ear). I guess my point is just to be cautious.
Please write back and let us know.
Is this someone doing you a favor? Or is it something you're paying a nominal fee? That is one big 13 year old. If he loves to pitch, I would make sure you manage his innings carefully and don't let him chase excess velocity while his growth plates are still fragile. To that effect, he should probably do what PAbaseball says and still play multiple positions. My 2025 was actually always a good hitter in youth ball. But he was a stocky lefty who loved to pitch. He got placed on the 1 team for a large organization and was declared a PO at age 14 by the director who was an ex-mlb player. Busted up his elbow at age 16 and is still not fully back. Meanwhile he started hitting again and has been doing well in HS ball against some very good pitching. He's committed as a pitcher to a D3 but I get the feeling he could possibly hit (also or instead). He's appropriately fast for a D3 but admittedly fielding is kinda suspect due to lack of reps. Moral is... I think you should listen to as many qualified people as possible but keep your options open.
A couple thoughts as I read through this thread:
1) Everybody in the baseball world has an opinion. If it doesn't cost you much I'd be willing to keep an open mind and listen to his evaluation. I'd also be very careful what I share. I'm a "show-me guy" (not from Missouri) who is more interested in process and outcomes than listening to somebody talk about themselves. I prefer to hear accolades from people he has previously worked with
2) At your son's age, it is about playing and developing. You want to make sure your son gets as much playing time as he can on the best team that will start him. Anything else is less than desirable.
3) Your son's height at 13 yo is going to be a challenge as far as pitching mechanics go. As the father of 3 pitchers, I would pay particular attention to what pitching advice he offers. Taller pitchers have unique challenges.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
