Okay guys......I agree with you regarding the fact that some schools tend to over-recruit......and I also believe that some coaches may renege on verbal commitments.......but now I am playing devil's advocate...........there are kids who sign Letters of Intent at four year schools, then change their minds and decide to attend Jucos......and there are kids who sign letters of intent, with the only intent being to improve their bargaining leverage if/when they get drafted in June.
There are two sides to this, and I am not taking sides.......but what I am doing is letting y'all know that the commitment is supposed to be a two-way street, and I would be willing to bet that student-athletes (and their families!!??) break the commitment more often than do the coaches.
grateful
Very good point
Very good point
quote:I would be willing to bet that student-athletes (and their families!!??) break the commitment more often than do the coaches.
Under the circumstance you describe...it is not breaking a commitment. A verbal or NLI is a commitment to only attend that school at the D1/D2 level. It does NOT keep you from doing anything else...nor does it say it does. The situations you describe are accepted, well-known "walk-aways" from a verbal or an NLI.
quote:Originally posted by justbaseball:quote:I would be willing to bet that student-athletes (and their families!!??) break the commitment more often than do the coaches.
Under the circumstance you describe...it is not breaking a commitment. A verbal or NLI is a commitment to only attend that school at the D1/D2 level. It does NOT keep you from doing anything else...nor does it say it does. The situations you describe are accepted, well-known "walk-aways" from a verbal or an NLI.
Are you saying that this is a practice that is accepted by college coaches......??? The same coaches who recruit a SS thinking that this is going to be their guy for a few years? Or is this a practice that is accepted by parents? Coaches do not like being deceived; they are regular people.
If this practice is accepted by coaches, perhaps now you understand why coaches recruit more than one player for that position.
Come on, you're twisting my words. Look at the NLI. It is for one and only one thing...a commitment to a particular D1/D2 school versus other D1/D2 schools.
It has nothing to do with JCs and pros. Those are accepted (in some cases) risks. Some schools don't take those risks, others do.
Perhaps I went a little too far on the over-recruiting thing...I actually don't really care much about it. Just educate myself about who does it and factor it in. Thats all.
It has nothing to do with JCs and pros. Those are accepted (in some cases) risks. Some schools don't take those risks, others do.
Perhaps I went a little too far on the over-recruiting thing...I actually don't really care much about it. Just educate myself about who does it and factor it in. Thats all.
I got the impression that verbals were too vague while my son was being recruited. During the “ride” I felt as if there were about 3 college coaches that gave a verbal commitment early (June-July) but they always seemed to leave themselves an out. Two colleges just quit calling. One college called after they had verbally committed to my son and said things had not developed as they thought they would and it would be spring before they could sign him. Understand that my son had not verbally committed to these schools but I felt as if they had committed to him. I don’t put a lot of stock in the verbal agreement. I’m not sure the verbal agreement actually exists. I think it’s just a buzz word created by the college coaching world to help them monitor their progress and lock up players prior to the signing of the NLI.
A few months back I was looking at a new vehicle. The salesman wanted a verbal commitment from me. I agreed and said I would trade for X number of dollars. As soon as I said it, he scribbled on a piece of paper just what I had said... “I_____________ would purchase from him said vehicle for X number of dollars difference” and asked me to sign it. I told him “goodbye” and walked out. To me this is a marketing method designed to obligate those that are susceptible to “feel obligated”. A coach or a salesman can justify a renege on their commitment if things don’t fall into place but it’s very difficult for a player or a buyer to justify the same.
My advice is to only venture out on the limb as far as a coach is willing to go. As JustBaseball said:
Fungo
A few months back I was looking at a new vehicle. The salesman wanted a verbal commitment from me. I agreed and said I would trade for X number of dollars. As soon as I said it, he scribbled on a piece of paper just what I had said... “I_____________ would purchase from him said vehicle for X number of dollars difference” and asked me to sign it. I told him “goodbye” and walked out. To me this is a marketing method designed to obligate those that are susceptible to “feel obligated”. A coach or a salesman can justify a renege on their commitment if things don’t fall into place but it’s very difficult for a player or a buyer to justify the same.
My advice is to only venture out on the limb as far as a coach is willing to go. As JustBaseball said:
quote:By and large, coaches are good people who will keep their word. The original point was that the clear advantage is to the school, not the athlete in these situations. Just understand that...thats all.
Fungo
Justbaseball.....I didn't twist your words; I merely showed what it seems like from the coaches' perspective.
I know what it says on the NLI, and that it is intended as a commitment to a D-I or D-II NCAA school. Again, coaches do not expect players to back out of the 'commitment'....coaches do not accept it as a practice, but apparently some parents and players do.
Again, I am not saying that it is okay for coaches to renege on commitments.....and in saying that I do so because of my belief in being honest. Therefore I feel the same way about players reneging on their commitment.
If a coach has a good SS signed to an NLI and the SS decides to attend a JC instead.....perhaps the coach now has a huge hole to fill at SS......
I know what it says on the NLI, and that it is intended as a commitment to a D-I or D-II NCAA school. Again, coaches do not expect players to back out of the 'commitment'....coaches do not accept it as a practice, but apparently some parents and players do.
Again, I am not saying that it is okay for coaches to renege on commitments.....and in saying that I do so because of my belief in being honest. Therefore I feel the same way about players reneging on their commitment.
If a coach has a good SS signed to an NLI and the SS decides to attend a JC instead.....perhaps the coach now has a huge hole to fill at SS......
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Fungo...
Exactly my point very early in this mega thread...I can't think that the Verbal to Verbal is binding for anyone. As I said before, it isn't worth the paper that it is not printed on.
That being said....Aren't there three parts now?
1. The verbal to verbal
2. The real verbal July 1 of the Junior/Senior Summer
3. The NLI signed.
Now getting out the crystal ball....Boy, is there is ever gonna be a bunch of real confusion and hurt feelings and anger as players/parents/coaches dance with these prearranged marraiges. Particularly given the every increasing expectations after the money, emotion, and time that is being invested ever greater and ever earlier.....
Again this may be overkill but...This early recruting may work it's way down...can you see the parents of the better 12 year olds marketing their kids, which means that the other ambitious parents will be doing the same? Could that lead to a promoter being willing to set up 12 year old showcases? Could that lead to recruiting services for 12 year olds? And the college coach who wants to get a leg up?...I know it sounds stupid but will they be forced to go to compete, particularly those coaches who do not have the school/reputation to attract the top kids late(In High school)?...And potentially dump the palyers who do not pan out by say age 14?....Will Jr days become Jr High days??...
Isn't this the kind of stuff that the recruting dates were originally designed to prevent? All out chaos?
After a period of great chaos (thank God mine are through this period) I see more NCAA regulation coming....
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Fungo...
quote:I don’t put a lot of stock in the verbal agreement. I’m not sure the verbal agreement actually exists.
Exactly my point very early in this mega thread...I can't think that the Verbal to Verbal is binding for anyone. As I said before, it isn't worth the paper that it is not printed on.
That being said....Aren't there three parts now?
1. The verbal to verbal
2. The real verbal July 1 of the Junior/Senior Summer
3. The NLI signed.
Now getting out the crystal ball....Boy, is there is ever gonna be a bunch of real confusion and hurt feelings and anger as players/parents/coaches dance with these prearranged marraiges. Particularly given the every increasing expectations after the money, emotion, and time that is being invested ever greater and ever earlier.....
Again this may be overkill but...This early recruting may work it's way down...can you see the parents of the better 12 year olds marketing their kids, which means that the other ambitious parents will be doing the same? Could that lead to a promoter being willing to set up 12 year old showcases? Could that lead to recruiting services for 12 year olds? And the college coach who wants to get a leg up?...I know it sounds stupid but will they be forced to go to compete, particularly those coaches who do not have the school/reputation to attract the top kids late(In High school)?...And potentially dump the palyers who do not pan out by say age 14?....Will Jr days become Jr High days??...
Isn't this the kind of stuff that the recruting dates were originally designed to prevent? All out chaos?
After a period of great chaos (thank God mine are through this period) I see more NCAA regulation coming....
.
quote:Originally posted by observer44:
Could that lead to a promoter being willing to set up 12 year old showcases?
Well, they're already down to 13-year olds...12 can't be far behind.
Regardless of when a committment is made - and/or whatever form it is made in - the student athlete bears the lions share of the risk.
Just the way it is.
Coaches can do pretty much whatever they want - when they want to.
Hopefully - most here wont have to experience the bad side of this deal - but make no mistake about it - that is the truth.
Just the way it is.
Coaches can do pretty much whatever they want - when they want to.
Hopefully - most here wont have to experience the bad side of this deal - but make no mistake about it - that is the truth.
itsinthegame - I made who-knows-how-many posts and wasted a lot of words to try and say what you did so succintly in four brief sentences. I am making no judgement on anyone...but as you say, "Just the way it is.."
Very nice.
Very nice.
Just,
Thank you.
The ONLY reason I try to post my thoughts on this subject is that I hope it may help just one athlete (and his family) avoid what my son - and my family - went through.
If just one family benefits from my thoughts - in any way - I will feel as if I have done something worthwhile.
Thank you.
The ONLY reason I try to post my thoughts on this subject is that I hope it may help just one athlete (and his family) avoid what my son - and my family - went through.
If just one family benefits from my thoughts - in any way - I will feel as if I have done something worthwhile.
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IITG....
A worthy goal and one that I think should be taken as the mission statement of all HSBBW posters..
.
IITG....
quote:If just one family benefits from my thoughts - in any way - I will feel as if I have done something worthwhile.
A worthy goal and one that I think should be taken as the mission statement of all HSBBW posters..
.
Justbaseball, itsinthegame, observer44....
I agree with all of you.......each individual case is unique.....what is right for some is not necessarily right for all......and I also agree that by posting on here we should all be offering information that can possibly help anyone out there who is searching for answers.....I'm sure that is the ultimate reason that most of us continue to contribute to this site.
I agree with all of you.......each individual case is unique.....what is right for some is not necessarily right for all......and I also agree that by posting on here we should all be offering information that can possibly help anyone out there who is searching for answers.....I'm sure that is the ultimate reason that most of us continue to contribute to this site.
This thread (as most) has wandered off the original topic at times. However, it is full of good opinions and beneficial information.
I noticed there is some confusion regarding the article and what it was truly about. The article was written because of an earlier discussion here on the HSBBW. The purpose was to see what others think because that previous discussion was leaning far too heavily towards the unimportance of signing early. I’m not surprised that some are confused as to the message. The article is more of an observation on our part than anything else. Thanks, for all the feedback.
The main point was to make note that recruiting seems to have started and ended earlier than in the past. More and more colleges are finishing their recruiting for the senior class before the high school senior season. Some are actually done “before” the early signing date in November. In other words they have locked up (with verbals) their recruiting class during the summer and they are concentrating on the junior high school class.
There was mention of sophomores verbally committing early, but that is just something to watch for, as time goes on, rather than think it is any serious issue yet. IMO chances are that could continue to increase.
It sure is fun to discuss a topic with many differing viewpoints and do it without arguing or getting personal. Those who read this thread could get a lot more out of it because of that. Thanks!
I noticed there is some confusion regarding the article and what it was truly about. The article was written because of an earlier discussion here on the HSBBW. The purpose was to see what others think because that previous discussion was leaning far too heavily towards the unimportance of signing early. I’m not surprised that some are confused as to the message. The article is more of an observation on our part than anything else. Thanks, for all the feedback.
The main point was to make note that recruiting seems to have started and ended earlier than in the past. More and more colleges are finishing their recruiting for the senior class before the high school senior season. Some are actually done “before” the early signing date in November. In other words they have locked up (with verbals) their recruiting class during the summer and they are concentrating on the junior high school class.
There was mention of sophomores verbally committing early, but that is just something to watch for, as time goes on, rather than think it is any serious issue yet. IMO chances are that could continue to increase.
It sure is fun to discuss a topic with many differing viewpoints and do it without arguing or getting personal. Those who read this thread could get a lot more out of it because of that. Thanks!
PG
I dont think signing early is any more important than signing late--the IMPORTANT THING is to SIGN where you want and when you feel comfortable with it.
The player has to be comfortable with HIS decision.
JMO
I dont think signing early is any more important than signing late--the IMPORTANT THING is to SIGN where you want and when you feel comfortable with it.
The player has to be comfortable with HIS decision.
JMO
Bobblehead.......I don't understand your question.
PM me or clarify here and I'll be glad to respond.
PM me or clarify here and I'll be glad to respond.
TR,
I agree, of course, regarding being comfortable with the decision.
The purpose of the article was to make people aware of an apparent trend at the very top programs. It is very clear, that more and more each year, many of these top DI colleges have finished their recruiting during the early period. So one could assume that it is becoming more and more important to sign during the early period if the major interest is with one of those colleges.
It doesn’t close the door for being recruited at other good programs, but it does mean if one of those specific schools does not lose someone they recruited, there is unlikely to be any late signings. Guess, this would only be important in a small percentage of cases overall. However, it could be something to be aware of for some individuals. These college coaches who say they are done recruiting… are not all lying!
Maybe the best way to put it is… Each year there seems to be more players signed during the early period. No matter how one looks at this… It can only mean less signings and less money available, each year, during the late period. At least, at the highest level DI programs. As always, there will be exceptions to the rule. There will always be room somewhere for the super player even during the late period.
People should be aware of anything that could possibly affect their situation. That means staying on top of possible changes in recruiting. Not trying to alarm anyone here, just trying to mention what we see taking place. It’s not quite there yet, where it’s that big a deal for this year’s recruiting class, but it is something to watch for in the future. It never hurts to be prepared in case of change.
I agree, of course, regarding being comfortable with the decision.
The purpose of the article was to make people aware of an apparent trend at the very top programs. It is very clear, that more and more each year, many of these top DI colleges have finished their recruiting during the early period. So one could assume that it is becoming more and more important to sign during the early period if the major interest is with one of those colleges.
It doesn’t close the door for being recruited at other good programs, but it does mean if one of those specific schools does not lose someone they recruited, there is unlikely to be any late signings. Guess, this would only be important in a small percentage of cases overall. However, it could be something to be aware of for some individuals. These college coaches who say they are done recruiting… are not all lying!
Maybe the best way to put it is… Each year there seems to be more players signed during the early period. No matter how one looks at this… It can only mean less signings and less money available, each year, during the late period. At least, at the highest level DI programs. As always, there will be exceptions to the rule. There will always be room somewhere for the super player even during the late period.
People should be aware of anything that could possibly affect their situation. That means staying on top of possible changes in recruiting. Not trying to alarm anyone here, just trying to mention what we see taking place. It’s not quite there yet, where it’s that big a deal for this year’s recruiting class, but it is something to watch for in the future. It never hurts to be prepared in case of change.
It may not be here yet for baseball but I would guess it is coming. My son was also recruited in basketball and their timeline was 9-12 months ahead of the baseball coaches.
THis thread hasn't said much about one benefit of signing early for the player - My '06 is so much more relaxed and enjoying his senior year - and beginning to plan for next year and all of the changes it will bring. It almost feels like this is the first time in a long time that he can just have fun playing basketball and being a high school kid. THe pressure to make a decision wasn't just from the coaches - it was also good for him.
THis thread hasn't said much about one benefit of signing early for the player - My '06 is so much more relaxed and enjoying his senior year - and beginning to plan for next year and all of the changes it will bring. It almost feels like this is the first time in a long time that he can just have fun playing basketball and being a high school kid. THe pressure to make a decision wasn't just from the coaches - it was also good for him.
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PGStaff..
Interesting how your initial post touched a real nerve. In my world reactions like that usually mean that there is a great deal of pent up thought regarding that issue. And that usually means that there is really something going on out there.
JB and I have discussed this type of thing on the NorCal preps website at great legnth. Not just comittments earlier in the recruting period but increasingly earlier everything.
IMO we are going to see a great deal more discussion about these early issues, from 6 year old travel ball and the implications for and effects on community ball to "verbals to verbal".
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PGStaff..
Interesting how your initial post touched a real nerve. In my world reactions like that usually mean that there is a great deal of pent up thought regarding that issue. And that usually means that there is really something going on out there.
JB and I have discussed this type of thing on the NorCal preps website at great legnth. Not just comittments earlier in the recruting period but increasingly earlier everything.
IMO we are going to see a great deal more discussion about these early issues, from 6 year old travel ball and the implications for and effects on community ball to "verbals to verbal".
.
.
Wisbballmom...
Interesting how the pressure of the recruting process and the goal of sports now being college "love" has altered youth sports to become much more goal rather than fun oriented...
Ironic how earlier and ealier signs may actually restore the "fun" apsect....
Wisbballmom...
Interesting how the pressure of the recruting process and the goal of sports now being college "love" has altered youth sports to become much more goal rather than fun oriented...
Ironic how earlier and ealier signs may actually restore the "fun" apsect....
i am real happy to see posters talking about the concept of recruiting more players than you actually need.
I never knew this until my son called and said there was a lot more guys trying out than spots on the team. It was a shock to him and us that you might not be a part of the team.
I actually think it's kind of exciting and part of the overall challenge. We discussed if he was redshirted/cut what we would do and transferring and quiting were not part of the discussion. We told him to settle in and do what he knows he can do. I reminded him of all the great batters he has faced over the last 2 years and told him why do you think you played against these guys. It was to get him ready for what ever he faced. This is the next step that all our sons aspire to. Understanding the coaches situation which is totally different than HS/Elite. His job depends on how the team performs and you all have to do what you can to show that coach that he made a great decision in putting you on the mound or where ever you play.
I look at thing maybe a little different. Baseball is 1st and school is 2nd but are almost tied for importance. He is a good student who drives himself and he will get a 2nd chance at getting a degree if things happen but he may never get a 2nd chance at baeball. Blow a couple years and its not the end of the world.
When it comes to verbal I always believe if its worth doing put it in writing. Who wants to end up in front of Judge Judi.
There are also some pretty good arguments in this thread for having an adult/parent do the marketing negotiating etc.
I never knew this until my son called and said there was a lot more guys trying out than spots on the team. It was a shock to him and us that you might not be a part of the team.
I actually think it's kind of exciting and part of the overall challenge. We discussed if he was redshirted/cut what we would do and transferring and quiting were not part of the discussion. We told him to settle in and do what he knows he can do. I reminded him of all the great batters he has faced over the last 2 years and told him why do you think you played against these guys. It was to get him ready for what ever he faced. This is the next step that all our sons aspire to. Understanding the coaches situation which is totally different than HS/Elite. His job depends on how the team performs and you all have to do what you can to show that coach that he made a great decision in putting you on the mound or where ever you play.
I look at thing maybe a little different. Baseball is 1st and school is 2nd but are almost tied for importance. He is a good student who drives himself and he will get a 2nd chance at getting a degree if things happen but he may never get a 2nd chance at baeball. Blow a couple years and its not the end of the world.
When it comes to verbal I always believe if its worth doing put it in writing. Who wants to end up in front of Judge Judi.
There are also some pretty good arguments in this thread for having an adult/parent do the marketing negotiating etc.
I think PG article was dead on, I can tell you that I have heard from a few top D1 assistant coaches that by the end of summer/early fall they were done with 2006 recruiting {this could mean they had made there selection and/or have every one locked up} and that they were deep into class of 2007. I was told by a few recruiters that my son was high on there 2007 list.
Really this is directly the result of increased exposure these kids are getting. With the WWBA events in East Cobb, PG Nationals in Jupiter and Arizona Fall Classic to name just a few kids that would not have been seen at Area Codes {in years past} are now being showcased nationally as underclassmen at these more recent events.
Really this is directly the result of increased exposure these kids are getting. With the WWBA events in East Cobb, PG Nationals in Jupiter and Arizona Fall Classic to name just a few kids that would not have been seen at Area Codes {in years past} are now being showcased nationally as underclassmen at these more recent events.
Often things were discussed here years ago and then forgotten. This thread came from 2005, going on 10 years ago now. Call it opinion, prediction, observation or whatever.
The subject was early recruiting, a subject that we often discuss now days. It was based on an article about how college recruiting was changing and what appeared to be a trend back then. Unfortunately the,link to that article doesn't seem to work anymore. I barely remember it, but if it still exists I would like to read it.
I just finished reading every post in this thread (it's a long one) and found it both interesting and entertaining. Interesting in the fact that it is so old, and how that trend looks now. Entertaining because of the views expressed and some old timers posting, some that are still with us and some that are gone, but missed.
I think it would be interesting to find more old topics that were debated here years ago and see what has actually happened as years pass.
That was amusing to read. Thanks PGStaff.
Originally Posted by PGStaff:
The subject was early recruiting, a subject that we often discuss now days. It was based on an article about how college recruiting was changing and what appeared to be a trend back then. Unfortunately the,link to that article doesn't seem to work anymore. I barely remember it, but if it still exists I would like to read it.
Enjoy, Jerry. 
http://www.perfectgame.org/Art...ew.aspx?article=1013
The throwback machine. A thread with Fungo, 44 and Its. Speaking of throwbacks I came across Darin Mastrioni's name while reading philly.com. He's trying to catch on with the Phillies. I Googled his name. For those who might be interested he got married this past off season to a very beautiful woman. She made a comment about his dreamy eyes when they met. I'm a guy. I'll have to leave those subjective views to the ladies.
Originally Posted by TPM:
PG,
I do not think anyone disputes that recruiting times are changing (or have changed). I am sorry, I would never advise my son to committ before his senior year, as HHH points out too many variables. Coaching changing, injuries, etc. More and more players are asked to committ earlier and earlier, because the business of college baseball has changed, is more competititive, better programs, wins mean more $$ in their program.
What remains constant is the fact that the top tier basball programs will recuit only what they need, if the average was 10 for top 50 that is 500. There are a whole lot more than 500 HS players wanting to play at top tier programs.
The talented and gifted freshman and sophomores will be talented and gifted as juniors, seniors. Some players are very late bloomers, emerging on as seniors when they were never noticed before (despite what mom and dad did). There are too many making players believe that they will miss the boat.
A parent hears that their neighbors son started showcasing their son early and guilt and frustration sets in. They read and hear about all the things that MUST be done very early to get an early scholarship.
As many of us parents have stated for years, homework must be done, decisions made, a plan to follow, set goals, yes early on.Showcases, college camps, tournaments, summer travel, you don't have to do it all. Be realistic. Know what your son is capable of doing and let the goals be HIS and things will work out fine. Know what you as a parent are capable too as well, financially. It doesn't have to break the bank.
I do not think anyone disputes that recruiting times are changing (or have changed). I am sorry, I would never advise my son to committ before his senior year, as HHH points out too many variables. Coaching changing, injuries, etc. More and more players are asked to committ earlier and earlier, because the business of college baseball has changed, is more competititive, better programs, wins mean more $$ in their program.
What remains constant is the fact that the top tier basball programs will recuit only what they need, if the average was 10 for top 50 that is 500. There are a whole lot more than 500 HS players wanting to play at top tier programs.
The talented and gifted freshman and sophomores will be talented and gifted as juniors, seniors. Some players are very late bloomers, emerging on as seniors when they were never noticed before (despite what mom and dad did). There are too many making players believe that they will miss the boat.
A parent hears that their neighbors son started showcasing their son early and guilt and frustration sets in. They read and hear about all the things that MUST be done very early to get an early scholarship.
As many of us parents have stated for years, homework must be done, decisions made, a plan to follow, set goals, yes early on.Showcases, college camps, tournaments, summer travel, you don't have to do it all. Be realistic. Know what your son is capable of doing and let the goals be HIS and things will work out fine. Know what you as a parent are capable too as well, financially. It doesn't have to break the bank.
Well, we are talking 10 years, other than a few 15/16 year old committing has really much changed?
The NCAA scholarship rules that went into affect after mine left college in 2007 has changed and in turn that has definetly brought parity to college baseball. No more hoarding players. Also conferences have changed.
Draft rules have brought about change as well, also with the end of draft and follow.
These things definetly have affected changes in recruiting.
But how much?
To be honest, its kind of hard to tell a top prospect these days to wait until his senior year, but putting that aside, I really still do think that most do commit somewhere in their senior summer, which I still feel for the majority of players (here included) do commit.
I will stand by what I have said regarding very early recruits,I would not let my 16 year old commit to any program, because I dont think that 16 year old boys really understand much about recruiting other than their favorite school asked them to come play for them.
And last but not least, these days you really cant get into any college without grades. This above all else, matters the most, same as it did 10 years ago.
Kind of miss the old days and many of the people who posted in this topic are gone and that makes me sad.
Originally Posted by RJM:
The throwback machine. A thread with Fungo, 44 and Its. Speaking of throwbacks I came across Darin Mastrioni's name while reading philly.com. He's trying to catch on with the Phillies. I Googled his name. For those who might be interested he got married this past off season to a very beautiful woman. She made a comment about his dreamy eyes when they met. I'm a guy. I'll have to leave those subjective views to the ladies.
Darin is a great example of a player that transfered from a D1 to a D2.
He was drafted the blue jays and I believe he had TJS? He went to the Twins and made a splash and has been with several other teams.
Kudos to him for still playing. This is REALLY what the game is all about for most, trying to hang in there as long as you can while making a decent living not always on the ML roster.
.
MidAtlanticDad,
Thanks for posting that.
Reading the last few paragraphs was wspecially interesting. When we first started doing high level underclass events, there were no scouts or college coaches in attendance. In fact, other than parents the crowd was made up of agent/advisors trying to to build relationships as early as possible with the top prospects.
Now some 10 or more years later the number of colleges at our 16u events is unbelievable. Times sure have changed.
Originally Posted by PGStaff:
.
MidAtlanticDad,
Thanks for posting that.
Reading the last few paragraphs was wspecially interesting. When we first started doing high level underclass events, there were no scouts or college coaches in attendance. In fact, other than parents the crowd was made up of agent/advisors trying to to build relationships as early as possible with the top prospects.
Now some 10 or more years later the number of colleges at our 16u events is unbelievable. Times sure have changed.
In 2002 the PG Woodbat tourney, in Jupiter had 57 or 58 teams? We paid 57 dollars to the coach for the tourney.
Yup, things have definitely changed!
Some things remain constant though, it rained a lot that weekend.
TPM
The Jupiter tournament has some underclassmen, but it is not an underclassmen tournament. The 16u is all kids between 14 and 16 years old. In 2002 we didn't hold underclass events. Now days there are just as many DI coaches at the 16u as there is at the upperclassmen events. Except for the one you mentioned in Jupiter each October. That one has more scouts and college coaches than any event in baseball.
I went back and read this entire thread. JT, TR, BBScout, OB44, Fungo, Itsinthegame, man those were some heavy hitters. I think back to those nights I would get back from coaching a big game and be in the chat room until 3 or 4 in the morning with some of those guys and others. Talking about our kids, the game I just coached, just shooting the breeze about baseball and life. I miss those guys. TR once had a thread, can a cyper person be your friend. It was one of the things TR and I disagreed on. He knew I was right. We were all great friends and many of us had never met each other. I miss those guys and the honesty, the ability to be open and share. And the great knowledge they were willing to give. Itsinthegame and I became very close friends. We sat at PG underclass twice and watch games. We watched our sons play. We watched other peoples sons play. We spent hours at Jupiter watching games. The best people I have ever known were baseball guys. True baseball guys that simply love the game. Carry on guys I just had to share that.