Showcasing in this economy

I dont think it will change a thing. Showcase is taking off in our state. When my daughter had to go to Colorado and Florida 2 years ago we found a way. Nobody on her team could afford it...

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Originally posted by SS2Mom:
forced to forgo travel ball and showcases so that mom and dad can make the mortgage each month.

You would choose a mortgage over your kid?

I'm not sure how it will change recruiting, but I know how we look at it...

GO3 junior is asked to play for a newly established showcase team. Coach says $1700 due in February.

I laughed out loud.

I guess showcase ball, much like the batting center travel teams, are only for the affluent parents.

I know parents that have spent a FORTUNE on their kids starting at age 8 for lessons, travel teams, etc, etc, and now are forking out thousands more for showcase ball, and their kids are mediocre ballplayers AT BEST.

But, they have the $$$$

We'll do it the old fashioned way!!

Its an interesting question but in my experience parents will prioritize these types of things over others.

I was invited to talk to a group of Jr. HS parents a week or so ago at a baseball camp/school. A lot of their questions were focused on all of the 'options' being put in front of them to spend their money on their sons' development and travel (and ultimately showcases) and how to filter down to the right ones.

I have two sons who did or will play beyond HS. Two different HS's...we accomplished nearly the same (college) result with two fairly different paths to college ball...including the showcase part.

One common denominator...we sought and listened to tons of advice from good baseball people with both kids. That advice helped us to carve out the path for each son.

So much depends on the talent level of the player. If the player is talented enough there could be opportunities to play on club teams at little or no cost. Somehow, I have never got used to the phrase "Showcase Team" or “Showcase Tournament". It's just a team or a tournament, some just draw more scouting attention than others.

If money is not available, players need to do whatever is possible to be seen. That could be a Pro Tryout or even a tryout with one of the travel teams. Maybe just find someone with connections, who is respected and has the ability to evaluate. Maybe start by finding a MLB Scout in your area.

The one thing that seems clear based on the results is that the players selected early in the draft come from every conceivable background. It is not based on how affluent the parents are. It is also very clear that the vast majority of these players have experienced what people call showcase ball.

Depending on which team or which events, I think Showcase baseball is for players that have ability, not parents who have lots of money. At least that’s the way it should be.

Rather than complain or make excuses, people need to find solutions. There are many people who will help deserving young players. BTW, some of those who are more than willing to help, and have helped many, are those affluent parents. I know some who have helped deserving young players that they didn’t even know.

The one thing about these economic times is that no one that has a talented son should feel embarrassed by saying the truth…. We want to do it, but we just can’t afford it.

The one thing to keep in mind, which many don’t understand… The NCAA rules make it tough for certain organizations to help young players when cost is involved. In other words it’s not always easy to help. However, it’s not impossible, there’s always a way for those who are talented and want it bad enough.

The scouts and recruiters are most interested in talent. They don’t care if that talent comes from wealth or poverty.

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Depending on which team or which events, I think Showcase baseball is for players that have ability, not parents who have lots of money. At least that’s the way it should be.

I agree with this statement; but I don't think it is always true. Baseball (at least exposure baseball) is expensive!

It has been 6-years since we went through this with our son. We did what we could; but much of the cost of getting your kid on a team, travel, showcase and the like was out of our budget. At the time a PG event was $500, they were at the time a plane flight away, with a hotel and car. Not in our budget.

The major showcase events WWB etc. were a plane flight away. Not in our budget.

We did what we could. He went to the Stanford camp but commuted becuase it saved $100. He went to two local showcases that were less than $250; but that was it. He didn't play for a high profile team, he played for the local Legion team, it is what we could afford.

We could not afford one of the better showcase teams that travel; not in our budget.

In the end; he settled for the D3 school that wanted him. He had a great career; but he probable could have played and been successful at higer profile D1 program. We couldn't afford the expensive teams, the showcases and the travel. We did the best we could with what we have.

Then there is the reality; you can go to events or tournaments where recruiters congregate. But the reality is you will more than likely need to go to multiple events to really catch their eye or to confirm an impression. Once again, this only makes the problem of affordability worse.

Alot has changed in the last 6-years. There are far more opportunities to "showcase" skills. Also, I have learned a great deal and would do things different. However, it does change the facts; Baseball is slowly becoming a "country club sport" for families with substantial resources.

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Baseball is slowly becoming a "country club sport" for families with substantial resources.

I sincerely hope that is not the case. I've heard that before and think that perception could ruin the game. There are simply too many success stories among the not so rich. Talent that is identified is likely to be successful, with or without the necessary financial ability. I do think we can do more to create interest in baseball, especially in some of the inner cities.

I hate to start throwing names out there, but there are many playing in the Big Leagues and top colleges that are far from country club folks. Furthermore, I believe there always will be many of those types.

I always use this one name because he is a great example. Carl Crawford! He played high school for arguably the worst team in Houston. Thanks to others who cared about him he got some opportunities to attend a couple of events. Those events changed his life, he signed for life changing money (which wouldn't have been much for him at the time) and he is now a free agent ready to sign a great big deal. He will be wealthy enough to buy the country club! He had talent and he did what he had to do. If a player has enough talent, and the will, there's always a way and there's no shortage of people that will help.

Also, why single out baseball. Why not football, basketball or hockey? Same camps, clinics, showcase events, etc. involved in those sports. Same time baseball players are going to scouting events in the summer, basketball players are doing the same thing. Yet, would anyone ever claim that basketball is becoming a country club sport.

Difficult topic. I see both sides. Yes, if talented enough, a player will be seen. However, the financial concerns are valid for the fringe player (a PG 6 for instance). Without significant finances, it would be very difficult for this player to get noticed, imo.

I’d like to respectfully disagree: I don’t think Baseball is becoming a “Country Club sport”. I think Baseball events and teams are learning to segment customers just like every other consumer product & service. It’s as American as Apple Pie and, well, Baseball.

For this thread, we’re referring to passing off baseball players from High School to the “next level” (College predominantly, Pros occasionally). In order for that pass-off to happen, a Coach (or an Organization), a Player, and his parents (to a lesser degree than the Player, but still part of the equation) need to agree that the Player is a fit and will contribute to the Coach’s (Organization’s) team. For College, there’s also an Admissions department that must weigh in on a player’s worthiness.

The easiest path is: 1) be a player (or have a player) that’s been an unqualified 5-tool monster since birth and 2) have limitless funds to travel the four corners of the country, showing off mentioned skills. For everyone else, there’s a long road of discovery. Maybe financial resources can cut a couple corners from the road, but a player’s still gotta play. Coaches & Scouts don’t congregate to high profile showcases because they’re hoping to meet rich single moms (ok, maybe a few dirt-bags are out there), they are there because the players are there. And we all know the truism: The game doesn’t care what you are outside the lines. A second baseman can either charge out a ball in front a bad hop to kick off a double play or he can’t. No wallet size will change that outcome.

If we’ve learned anything on this website: Don’t ever make your (your son’s) baseball career dependent on one path or one other person! For every RangeRover and Porsche team out there, I’m sure there’s a Toyota and Ford team in it’s shadow or just around the bend. Raise your hand, search the internet, or read a message board. Work as hard as you can, strive to get an honest assessment of your skills and always keep moving forward.

Of course one difference in football and basketball is that if you get a scholarship its much more likely to be a full ride than in baseball. I do know that I probably spent as much on baseball as the college scholarship was worth but I still wouldn't change a thing because my favorite thing in life is watching my two boys play baseball. Also we didn't take the biggest monetary scholarship because we liked the fit better elsewhere.

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And we all know the truism: The game doesn’t care what you are outside the lines. A second baseman can either charge out a ball in front a bad hop to kick off a double play or he can’t. No wallet size will change that outcome

CA, I agree with the quote, but I believe it is slightly different. I agree that the size of a wallet won't make a player better, my point (and I believe to OP) is that without the $$$, it is much more difficult to be seen.

2013 Dad: Fair enough. I took the Hollywood Inspirational tact here.

I guess I can understand. In the most general terms: The “Monster” will be found regardless. It doesn’t really matter how often the “Least” talent gets exposed. So we are talking about mid to mid-upper range skill-sets who don’t have limitless options.

I saw a reference to a PG 6 in a previous post. Let’s put a full characterization on that player. Let’s say he’s an OK student with limited financial resources. He’d like to play baseball in college. He’s in a really, really hard place. Certainly there are paths and certainly there are obstacles. Hopefully he has access to a broad range of advice. Maybe, just maybe, a college that’s a good academic fit, a spot on the club Frisbee ultimate team and an opportunity to leverage the teamwork and social skills accumulated in life time of athletics could be a great future. He’ll still get to marvel at Lincecum like the rest of us and still feel the excitement of Spring.

Ok … I’m rambling ... I’ll stop now … I continue to be very impressed with the quality of the postings on this site. Have a great thanksgivings everyone.

Anyone here talking about baseball being a country club sport is off his rocker. WHile showcases can become expensive if you do too many or not the right ones. Hockey at least in the northeast is triple the cost of baseball. more of a concern should be how little baseball is being played in inner cities. too many empty baseball fields in the spring and summer. ANd you never see a pickup game anymore. anywhere.

We could of spent 50,000 and it would of done nothing more than a year at a JC did.To this day my son isnt listed on any draft lists etc, he never has been a top rated player.

He went to a JC got noticed by several PAC 10, and other great conferences and he is playing at the next level, and started as a sophmore.USC isnt what it used to be, but the tradition of the Trojans and the education and the program are outstanding.

would not of mattered what my son did, he went to the Fall classic as a junior and hit over .400, went to east Cobb 18u when he was 16, hit over .400.He was 5'9 and 150 pounds.Not one seed of recognition or any letters.

Showcasing does not guarantee your son to get a scholarship.we did some, but couldnt afford a lot.we worked within our means and never expected much even from his year at the JC.The reason we did it was so he could see if he could compete and he always did.

Over the years he was never the GUY, never ever,yes in our small town, as a second team all state, but never rated by PG.would of probably been rated a 6 in HS.

That 5'9 150 pound kid just came home today.He is 6'0 and 200 pounds.

I am not writing this to tout my son,I am just trying to say that you could spend a ton of money and still not get any notice at all.

Sometimes players do continue to get better even in college and they develop.Lots of things to help your sons be able to try to compete.

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I am just trying to say that you could spend a ton of money and still not get any notice at all.

fanofgame,

Absolutely! Well, you might be noticed, but that doesn't mean anything good is going to happen. There are also some that spend very little money and get noticed in a big way.

I'd like to think our job is to find the best players. Wealth doesn't make a player one of the best.

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I'd like to think our job is to find the best players. Wealth doesn't make a player one of the best.

I am not discounting what you offer at all PG.I am just trying to say that sometimes you go to showcases to see if you can compete.Not everyone is a TOP player.

I do not regret spending the money on what we did.It was good for him to see what he had to deal with.

with the economy as it is right now, we would of been unable to do what we did do.

I am just trying to tell parents that showcasing doesnt guarantee.Go for the experience, dont be dissapointed if you dont get offers.

Seems like people use the term "showcase" in several ways.

1. Individual showcases that give a skills workout, time velocities and foot speed, organize scrimmage games, and assign evaluations.

My son didn't attend any individual showcases, mostly for financial reasons, but I know people who attended several. It seemed like they offer value to players with well developed skills, good athletic ability, and projectable bodies--the kind of players the A's scouts in "Moneyball" would say "look good in jeans." I know a couple players who fit this description who definitely raised their stock by attending--even higher than their local reputations--but I've also talked to parents for whom the showcase amounted to an expensive dose of reality that they could have obtained more economically back home. This seems like the category of event most likely to get cut from tight family budgets.

2. Elite events like Area Code Game or East Coast Pro Showcase, where even the tryouts get scouted.

My son didn't get past the tryout stage, but I understand they don't pile a lot of costs on the players they do select, and their exposure value is undisputed, so the economy shouldn't affect these.

3. Any major tournament where college coaches or pro scouts are expected to be in attendance.

These events offer the chance of exposure, but their value extends to improving ballplayers by letting them face better competition and see where they need to put in extra work. I also think these are the events whose costs are easiest to justify as quality life experience and family time. Whether you're going on to college or pro ball or not, attending some well run tournaments can be worthwhile and improve your competitiveness in high shcool. A tough economy could make people more selective about attending these, but I wouldn't expect it to affect the WWBA and other established events as much.

I agree with fan, JC can be better for advancement than other avenues, but the player has to show they are willing to work hard both in class and on the field. Our son played summer ball with a couple of 2010 first rounders, like Harper they had ONE thing in common, left handed power hitters.

My advice to the younger HS players is work on your hitting all the time, read books, hit at home, tee, etc, etc. If you can hit, they'll find a spot for you.

Our son did just about everything except showcases. He did not garner much if any interest. He made it with hard work and a good JC program.

There has been much talk about whether it gets you "noticed" since my post above.

I can say unequivically that had my daughter not gone to Boulder CO and to FL to showcase she would not be where she is now.

YMMV

After a crash course in how to get players exposure (mostly from the writings of the able posters on this site), I conclude that we might have done some things differently with our oldest son. On balance, though, I think it ended up working out well for us. It was a combination of luck and, speaking frankly, him having big days here and there in front of the right person. That, I would think, is part of the allure of the showcase; one big weekend can open a lot of new doors.

A couple takeaways from our experiences, baseball-wise; one, four-year college coaches love JuCos. I have come to believe that baseball is a game where "tools" are a known and measurable commodity and will get you attention (if you throw 90 or routinely hit 400 foot bombs, obviously more ) , but the ability to show you can play every day will get you in a starting lineup. JuCos are good for that; they are, to me, like the minors in that they allow the players to compete and prove what they can do.

Two, and kind of related to number one; ballplayers should play at the highest level they can where they play every day. I have enjoyed spirited debates here about this; IMO, you aren't getting better if you are sitting.

Finally, showcases can be a good idea (even in this economy), but one should be smart and have a specific idea of what one expects if things go well and are OK with spending the money if things don't. If your son is very (to the point of exclusively) interested in Whatsamatta U, and you haven't contacted the coaches there to make sure that they see you, then you are wasting your money. A rule of thumb for us was knowing who was going to be there; we encouraged the boy to research and "shop" for showcases.

Oh, and I would add that for those that think that they spend a lot on on baseball, the money that one can spend on hockey is off the charts.

I have always found this topic intriguing.

FACTS about colleges baseball we should remember.
1. The number of college roster spots are not dependent the number of showcases.
2. Colleges do everything they can to select the most talented players.
3. Every time a player steps on a field he is being exposed.

Commons sense should dictate what a parent should do to assist their son in finding a college and a spot on a college baseball team. Having said that NOTHING will change...LOL

It disheartens me that people may think that their players won't have a fair shake because of the economy. Or because they are small, or because they don't hit monster HR's or throw over 90. These in my opinion are excuses, and sometimes what it is, is that they were seeking out the wrong program, school to begin with.

I agree with the thought, one can spend lots of money and still not get out of it what they expected. Then there are some that will be wise in their choices and get more than expected. Like anything else in life, this process requires lots of realistic thought, hard work from the player, and that includes for everyone. The majority of players that really stand out in their class, are very small compared to those that don't. You have to determine realistically what makes your player attractive to be considered, and that includes the work done in the classroom as well as on the field. If that includes a showcase for a rating or ranking or just for him to see the competition he has to go up against, or a major tournament to play up against great competition, making a recruiting website to send out to coaches, than do what you feel would be best for your dollars spent (if that is your concern). Don't worry about what someone else did because all players are different and all families situations are different. Remember coaches recruit players, not the other way around.

I have friends that drive mercedes and porches, curse the day they bought them, and then those that drive Fords, and keep going back to buy another. It's all about personal realistic expectations, you don't always get what you pay for, and then sometimes you do.

Now I know some will say this was all easy for us because son was talented, and he could have had his pick. Not true. He didn't have lots of coaches lnocking on his door, just teh right ones. Most here have had a lot more interest overall than my player. Maybe because of how we approached it, it was easier, he eliminated choices that were unrealisitc early, that included financial considerations, distance and difficulty/ease in academics.

BTW, we drive Ford products.

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I was invited to talk to a group of Jr. HS parents a week or so ago at a baseball camp/school. A lot of their questions were focused on all of the 'options' being put in front of them to spend their money on their sons' development and travel (and ultimately showcases) and how to filter down to the right ones.

This is the type of dilemma I had in mind when I posted this. Money is tight -- especially in California with so many parents unemployed -- making it difficult to sort through the many opportunities which come our way. Would love to know which "options" you recommended!

Naturally, I have personal reasons for posting this question, and the answers have been so interesting and helpful! Thank you all so much!! As a freshman last year, my son got invitations to over 20 "showcase camps." We chose just one, since he is 2013, and we need to be judicious about the investment of our money -- plus he needs to figure out what colleges are at the top of his list. He's good, and also an excellent student. As we approach the all-important Junior year next fall, we are trying to develop a plan and a budget.

The change a few years ago in the "association rule" in CIF has complicated matters as well, since high school coaches run their own programs for summer, fall and winter (not really optional, and just as expensive as any travel team); and our terrific state squeezes the school districts to the point they cannot pay salaries, field upkeep, uniforms or equipment for sports. So by the time you finish sinking 2 grand into HS baseball at a public school, the budget gets even tighter.

You all have given us much to ponder and digest -- Thanks again.... And Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

We tell people all the time that playing for a showcase team or attending a camp is crucial to getting seen. Most of our own players now playing college ball were discovered at one of these kinds of venues. Very few players are seen by college recruiters at a high school game. Very few.

It may be true that "where there is a will there is a way" and that there are organizations out there that will help out a player that shows promise yet doesn't have the financial means to attend such events. But it is also true that there are far more families out there that don't have a stud player and don't have any idea that this kind of help is offered. They hear about the fees to belong to a showcase team or to attend a college camp and marvel at the extravagance of it all. Their sons look at their friends that belong to these teams, swing the expensive bats, and wear the branded gear and definitely think *country club*.

This goes even further back though than showcase ball or college camps. Just being on a travel team as a 12 or 14 year old is a financial hardship for many families. Without that kind of experience, it's often very difficult to make a high school team. The inexpensive recreation leagues just don't give a player the level of competition needed to make the cut in most high schools.

So yes, for many, their baseball seasons end because of finances, not skill level. It's not an excuse, it's a reality. Just like not throwing at a certain velocity or being small is not an excuse either. They are realities that make it more difficult to be noticed. Yes, the odds can be beaten, but do NOT take that great accomplishment away from those that did overcome. Being triumphant doesn't mean the odds weren't ever there in the first place.

SS2Mom-

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. If we got anything from our experience with showcases, it is that you should shop them just like you would anything else. If they are necessary (and I am saying "if") then resolve to do the research and to get the most bang for your buck. Find a knowledgeable person to assess your son's current abilities (as someone said on another thread, I am leery of assessing "projectability") and tailor your college search accordingly. Then go only to the showcases that include the dream school. Research is affordable .

OBC

Really great thread here. As far as central florida is concerned, the past 3 years or so have seen an explosion of pay to play tournament or "showcase" teams that all claim to have "contacts". Minimum buy in for a season is at least $1000-2000. This will get a player to at least one PG showcase and some other tournaments. We have 2013 pitcher who is attending college camps (just had a successfull JUCO camp) and we are finding that it may be the way he is going to be seen by more coaches than tournaments. We will do the tournaments as well however. Bottom line, we do what we can afford, concentrate on academis and if it is meant to be it will happen.

Families are between a rock and a hard place. Showcases are more about trying to show that you are skilled against better competition. Good for college coaches and scouts; expensive for families. My own opinion here, but showcases and travel teams before high school are not good for anybody.

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Originally posted by dominick:
My own opinion here, but showcases and travel teams before high school are not good for anybody.

While I don't see the need for showcases before high school, in areas with very competitive high school teams, some travel ball experience prior to HS is recommended. We live in a very competitive area for high school baseball and many of our middle schools don't have teams. The town recreation leagues don't afford the players any real competitive experience. Around here, if you haven't been on a travel team before high school, it is very difficult to make the HS team. It can be done, but it's not easy.

I have been visting this website for two years now and decided it was time to chime in now that my son has just finished his first round of Fall practices as a freshman. First off, this website is the best there is if you you have a son who has a talent and wants to pursue it athletically in college. You may not like some of advice you read here, but the back and forth of the discussions is invaluable, even for sports other than baseball.

My son was a 3-sport athlete in high school. He never had the opportunity or time to play on a "high powered" summer baseball team despite choosing baseball over select s****r (pretty much eliminating any thoughts of college s****r) once he got to high school. He is an all around good athlete who never attended a PG event and watched as many of his friends' parents spent thousands of dollars on private coaches, recruiting services, travel teams and showcases. He put up great numbers in high school and Legion ball his junior year, hitting for average and power and slightly lower but good numbers his senior year due to playing through injury. His high school is not a mecca for college coaches or scouts, but his coach was sure he could play at the college level. He attended one showcase summer after his junior year. Head First in Richmond. He got calls and letters from several DIII schools with good academic reps based solely on 10 swings they saw him take in a batting cage at Head First. I'm sure his SAT scores helped.

We knew there would be no DI scholarship offers, although some expressed interest based purely off an amateur DVD we put together of him taking BP. After visiting many smaller schools, he elected to take the good weather route to a quality DII in the southeast. There was no scholly. What they had all went to pitching. He received a great finacial aid package which turned out to be far more than we could have expected anywhere else, short of a full ride (which are reserved for only the top of the top.)

Just put him on a plane back to school yesterday and was so proud of how happy he is with his choice. The baseball grind is tough and seems overwhelming at times especially when the roster is populated by many unhappy transfers from DI schools with more experience. He is happy to bide his time, make lots of new freinds and be part of a team that will play and win a lot of games. The best part is that he is getting better as a player and learning what it takes to play at the next level. He never dreamt he would have to run so much!

Three of his friends are freshman on scholarship at DI schools. (He had to listen to them brag all summer.) Of those three, one has left the team, one wants to tranfer becasue "the coach hates him", and one loves the baseball but hates the school. I guess the moral from my POV is that if you want to play baseball in college and are not among one of those >1% who will play pro, get good grades and pick a school you love where you can play, not a school just because you can play. There is a lot more money out there for good kids and good students than there is for top prospects on full rides.

I'm sure all those showcases and services have some merit, but you can find a great fit and place to play with limited exposure and expense. Not every coach is there to win a national title. The majority are looking for good kids who are coachable and contribute to the team experieince whether starting or not.

Great first post I Chose DII!! What your son has found is EXACTLY what I want my son to find.

Good school, good friends and still playing baseball!!

Too many parents that I know will not be happy unless junior gets a DI scholly and gets drafted! And they let the kid know how much $$ they have spent along the way...

Not asking too much are you, dad??

Good luck to your son!!

This is a great thread and all, for the most part, credible responses however the money cant be ignored, it is expensive. The "Blue Chips" dont require the exposure that is being discussed here. The "6" rating mentioned certainly has their own challenges. Lets talk about the 8-9's fighting for roster spots and scholly money. You have to be there to be seen. Travel Teams $1,000- 2,500, Big Showcases and Camps $ 350-500, smaller or position showcase or camps $ 200-500, lessons per year $ 250 on up, travel ($ wow). these are probably conservative numbers. All on our, and most others we know about, travel teams did this, most have signed D-1. It is what it is. Certainly we sacraficed, what parent wouldnt....

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Originally posted by go3:
And they let the kid know how much $$ they have spent along the way...

Maybe I am a bad father, but I don't see anything wrong in letting your son know about the sacrifices that you are making to support his dream. Hen needs to understand that you are making a sacrifice and in return he may need to miss out on some things that he likes to do to pursue the dream as well.

My only remaining ballplayer is now a Junior in College. We did the Showcases and the Travel Ball, we did (still occasionally do) the lessons.

It took a fair amount of effort on our part to finance the whole endeavor. I would not change a moment of it! Family vacations revolving around the baseball travel schedule, we spent years on the road enjoying our sons as they played baseball. We would do it all over again and not regret a moment shared together as a family.

As a means to an end the time on the road may end in disappointment. If each day, event, and workout is viewed as an opportunity to be with your sons and enjoy the journey, you may find your money well spent.

that is an outstanding post DII thank you for contributing.

It reminded me of the great advice my daughters showcase coach told us.. "go where you feel the love". We did just that and plan on it with son as well.

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Originally posted by floridafan:
As a means to an end the time on the road may end in disappointment. If each day, event, and workout is viewed as an opportunity to be with your sons and enjoy the journey, you may find your money well spent.

That all sounds wonderful if all of the family gets included, but in this era of high unemployment, some of the family members are left at home. Needless to say, families in these situations cannot take seperate vacations for each member of the family. Other members of the family may have to do without so that the talented athlete pursues this unique opportunity. I feel that it is important for the athlete to appreciate it and understand the commitment that is being made to him by everyone involved.

I absolutely agree RRF8.

I agree with floridafan, enjoy the ride and the quality time with your kid(s). I honestly have no idea how much money I've spent over the years? We purchased a motorhome specifically for travel ball when our son was younger (7 years ago), and we had a number of quality weekends together for several years at baseball parks throughout the west coast. Bsbl Jr. has participated in PG showcases, college camps, scout ball, and some high profile tournaments. I've jokingly insisted that I'm baseball broke, however, I wouldn't change a single thing that we've done as a family for our kids.

Someone suggested to "shop" the showcases before your son attends, that's pretty good advice. I had my son participate in a couple showcases to get his feet wet, and they were relatively inexpensive. However, although the cost was greater, the PG showcases were the best bang for my buck. Perfect Game writes up a short report, and publishes it on their website with your son's rating for all to see. We may not always agree with their rating, but the radar gun and stop watch/lazer doesn't lie. If your son has a strong arm and/or good wheels, you can't beat the exposure.

Last Summer/Fall of 2009 my son was dealing with a sprained UCL and missed the majority of the off season. This Fall he is healthy and was fortunate enough to play Scout Ball. There were numerous scouts and college recruiters at each game. In fact, one of my son's 2012 teammates received an offer and verballed to a very good D-1 school based on his tryout for a scout ball team. If your area of the country has a Scout Ball League, make sure that your son gets an opportunity to try out...it's very good exposure.

College Camps are a good place to get exposure too and usually relatively inexpensive compared to showcases. However, don't waste your money sending your son to a college camp unless he's interested in that school. If you're looking for clinic type help/coaching for your son, you're better off spending the money on private individual lessons. But, if the school is on his "Top/Dream" school list and he has the tools to play there, it's well worth the money and he'll most likely be placed on their recruiting list, and in small cases even receive an offer.

Lastly, find a good program for your son to play on during the summer. He doesn't have to play on an elite team with excessive fees, but he should play for a program that enters tournaments that elite teams participate and scouts attend. There have been plenty of situations that a scout/coach has gone out to see a player on a particular team, and ended up finding someone new from the opposing team. The best advice that I've read from members on this site is to find the very best program for your son to play at with affordable fees, and make sure he'll have an opportunity to play and get the proper exposure.

Whatever path you take with your kid(s), have fun with it...because time flies! It seems like just yesterday that my kid was playing T-Ball, and now he's a senior in high school. Our family has spent a few dollars over the years, and sacrificed many, many weekends, but it's all worked out for the best...as he signed his NLI earlier this month and will be playing for a very good program close to home! Lots of hard work, and a little luck...but we'll take it!

After hitting Post Now, I realized that the subject line is Showcasing in this economy, so I'm editing/adding to my original post. There is absolutely no way that I could currently afford to pay for the things that I've done for my kids in the past. My business and the economy in our area has been hit just like everywhere else...but I would prioritize, and still choose the events that would best suit my son's ability and our family's ability to fit it into our budget. Best Wishes to everyone in the recruiting process!

quote:

Originally posted by bsbl247:
Lastly, find a good program for your son to play on during the summer... There have been plenty of situations that a scout/coach has gone out to see a player on a particular team, and ended up finding someone new from the opposing team. The best advice that I've read from members on this site is to find the very best program for your son to play at with affordable fees, and make sure he'll have an opportunity to play and get the proper exposure...

In our experience, finding a good summer program gave our son the most exposure. He was playing for the local high school-based club, but that year, they had signed too many players on that team (almost 30 players on the roster as I recall), so he ended up catching on with an Industrial League team. In our area, the Industrial League was sponsored by local businesses so it was not that expensive (AND the wood bats could be purchased at a discount). Most of the players were former minor leaguers and college ballplayers.

Anyway, the team that he tried out for needed a catcher and someone who could play up the middle so he made the team that way. Ironically enough, he caught in an All-Star game at the end of that summer for a young man that later became an assistant coach at the JuCo he ended up signing with. Admittedly, ours was a rather roundabout route, but it does illustrate that there are other ways to get exposure...