Talented but financially challenged athlete?

How old is he? maybe he could get a part time job and pay for his own showcase

The equalizer many times would be good to excellent grades.

Many of the high qualifying schools may take an interest in a good player who is academically eligible for admission.

Most often these schools do not offer scholarships but their financing is 'need based'.

The higher admission standards many times eliminates the high visibility players in favor of the high scoring 'good' player.

Find out when MLB Scouting Bureau will be having a FREE open tryout in your area. This would be a great way to get your sons name out there without paying a dime. But, he has to perform. If he does well word will get around and you will get some phone calls.
Talk to some scouts and college recruiters at the tryout. Baseball is a tight knit community and someone you meet might be able to help your son.

Pick some schools in the area, say within 4 to 5 hours drive, (looking further away can cost more to visit) and prioritize them for baseball, academics, and both. Then start contacting them. Most have web sites that allow on-line filing of questionnaire. Call the baseball office and ask for the recruiting coordinator to find out if they hold and attend camps? If so, where, when? Ask what other recruiting oppurtunities you might pursue. Many of these options are low cost and easy to execute.

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That is some great advice AL MA 08...good job!




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Peninsula,

I really thought hard before posting this. Hopefully people will not see this as some kind of promotional thing. It's just hard at times to explain something without it sounding like an advertisement. In the end, I felt like people like you could benefit by knowing this stuff, so here it is...

“D1” offered some good advice and so did “AL MA 08”. It is not necessary to be wealthy in order to get noticed. It is important to have the necessary ability. If your son has that ability, you can help him without spending much money at all.

I can’t speak for everyone, but in our business we are involved in many different things. Yes, we hold events (showcases and tournaments) that do cost money. But our main purpose is to identify talented baseball players capable of playing in college or professional baseball. Sure, it is much easier for us to identify players when they attend our events, but by no means is it mandatory.

I’m trying to give some information that many don’t understand. We “identify” talent based on “talent” not on how much money they have or they spend on us. That said, we do need to know that the player exists. If someone tells us about a talented player, we don’t form an opinion, but we have the ability to have that player checked out in a short amount of time. If we have never heard of a player, we are not very likely to see him.

If the player turns out as talented as advertised, we will be inviting him to our events. However it is not mandatory to attend those events. That part just makes our job easier.

Now, once again not speaking for everyone, if a player has the necessary talent, there are many options that could open up. There are some highest level events that don’t cost much, if any, money that we might be able to help him get into. In fact, some of these are events that we spend our money to scout and make out reports on players in attendance.

There are high level club teams that play in our tournaments that help talented players who can’t afford to pay. The key is talent, it’s not “always” about money. I would much rather see an extremely talented player who didn’t pay us a dime than a player who lacked ability but paid us a bunch of money.

Anyway… If we know about a talented player, nearly everyone in recruiting or scouting will know who that player is. That part doesn’t cost a dime! Just send as much information as possible to staff@perfectgame.org and your son will be entered in the largest and most utilized player database in amateur baseball.

Just remember that we are very interested in talent, just like college coaches and MLB scouts, and if the talent isn’t there, we can’t help.

Not everyone is involved in a “money making scheme”. People just have to understand how to go about things when money is a problem. Don’t ever let that stop you, talent will always trump money. Rather than complain about the system, why not try to use the system, as it fits in your situation, to hopefully benefit your son.

Note: We have seen and reported to the most important decision makers, many, many young players whose families did not have much money. This includes players who went on to college to players who are current stars in the Major Leagues. These players overcame all the financial obstacles and became successful.

For the record… Believe me… I understand… When my son’s were younger, there was no way that we could afford to do these things, but everything worked out anyway.

Don’t complain… Figure out what to do. It was a good start by asking the question here.

Call MLB teams and see when they are having tryouts in your area. They are also free and you can use the scouts name as a reference when contacting college coaches

PG,

I don't know which problem is more prevalent these days -- is it:

The people who think they cannot afford to get into the recruiting process?

OR

The people who think if they spend a fortune everything will work out for sure?


I would add that there are teams here and there that are financially sponsored and thus, offer players the exposure opportunities they want without major expense. If someone quotes you a big price tag, maybe you need to keep looking, but do keep looking.

Peninsula - Another thing to consider...there are some really GREAT colleges that can offer need-based aid that is greater than the average athletic scholarship for baseball.

One example (there are many), Stanford offers free tuition to any family earning under $100K/year. That can be offered to baseball players that qualify too.

Keep asking all the questions you want...some great people here ready to help!

Also, NJBB's advice is spot on. Every MLB tryout event I've ever been to had college coaches present as well. And they are there looking for finds. No charge!

quote:

If I knew baseball recruiting had become such a money making scheme, I would have encouraged him to play s****r or collect stamps instead.

You are getting great advice, but I want to clarify one thing.

S****r is actually worse financially, as you really have to show your stuff on a club level for several years, and that gets real expensive, real quick.

Also, I inherited what looked like a great stamp collection from my gradfather. 95% of the collection is worth the face value of the stamps or less. So be glad you didn't take up stamp collecting.

You've already received excellent advice from others. I could not afford any of the high profile showcases my son was invited to when he was young. However, using the advice you've been given along with understanding that many colleges can work a player out themselves - not DI, but other levels. Coaches talk and word spreads. If one coach isn't interested in your son, he may very well have a buddy who is. That scout that sees something in your son may very well know a coach that is looking for that very "something". Many people are in your shoes. Just takes a little more creativity.

Great advice.

How bad does your son want to play at the next level? How bad does he want to attend college?

I can tell you I am far from wealthy when it comes to financial means. We do fine but we are far from wealthy. The same can be said of the vast majority of the players I have coached over the years. What all the ones had that went on to play at the next level was a determination to do exactly that.

Contact the schools that you can drive to. Tell them about yourself. They will have camps. Go to those camps. Find out who is having a showcase within driving distance of your home. Go and be seen. Find out which college programs are going to be attending and contact them prior to the event and then after the event. Contact these same schools and email them a copy of your hs schedule. Talk to your high school coach and give him a list of the schools you are interested in. Have the coach contact those schools for you as well. Do you know anyone that is an alumni of any of these schools? Talk to them and tell them you are interested in the school. Ask them to also send an email to the coaches on your behalf. Do you know any of the coaches you play against? Ask them to do the same thing for you.

Does he play in the summer? Do the same thing with his summer coach.

If your so financially strapped you can not afford the money for a camp or a showcase event to attend then go out and make some money. Get a part time job on the weekends. Get a part time job at night after your practices or games are over. Mow lawns this summer. Instead of getting something for your birthday ask for money for a showcase or camp. Instead of that new X box game ask for money to attend a camp. Instead of some more cd's ask for money. Go out to the people you know and ask them to sponsor your trip to a showcase or camp.

I had a player that wanted to attend a showcase event several years ago. He typed up a letter that stated he was a hs jr and wanted to play in college. He went on to talk about how he would need X number of dollars to attend the event. He went around the community and asked for donations to attend and he would report back to them how he did. He raised the money from this and working part time at Burger King at night and on the weekends. He went and wrote up a letter thanking everyone that assisted him. He played four years at a college that was at the event and recruited him.

What does your son spend money on right now , what do you spend money on right now for your son that can be stopped and put aside for your endeavor to assist him? Video games? CD's , Ipods , Movies , expensive clothes , expensive dates with his girlfriend , vacations , etc etc? What is he doing to make this happen?

One bat cost 300 - 400 bucks. No new bat this year. No new glove this year. No vacations. No eating out. The list goes on and on. It will come down to just how bad he wants to do it and how bad you want to assist him in doing it.

I have had players tell me they couldnt afford to attend camps , showcase events before and then they drive up in a nice car with expensive rims. They have all the gadgets of today , X box , video games , Ipods , etc etc. Get a job , cut back on what you can cut back on , get out and make it happen , do what you have to do. If its important enough to you to do it you can do it. Good luck

It is simply a matter of WANTING IT!!!!If you want it and he wants it then it will happen

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
It is simply a matter of WANTING IT!!!!If you want it and he wants it then it will happen

TR

Just wanting something doesn't get you anywhere. You have to DO the right things to get there. Even then sometimes it doesn't work out. I think that may have been what you meant, but just thought I'd clarify.

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OnWabana

Please do not try to clarify what I post--how do you know what I am thinking?

I respectfully disagree with you--if some one wants it they can make it happen

I would have your son contact the colleges he is interested in. Send them a letter, follow up with a phone call. Try setting up a workout with the college coach. If they are interested in your son, there are many things that can help your family out with the cost. For instance:

Fill out the FAFSA. You will then receive a letter that will show your families EFC (Estimated Family Contrubution). This will be the amount you are expected to contribute to your son's education.

He may be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, which is a grant that does not need to be paid back. Also you may qualify for Federal Stafford Loans, you may receive Subsidized, and Unsubsidized Stafford loans, which are guaranteed loans that do not have to have a co signer. From there he may be eligible for the FSEOG Grant, which also does not have to be paid back. And then there is the Perkins Loan he may be eligible for.

Your son can possibly do Work Study as well at the institution to put a little extra money in his pocket.

I hope some of this information helps.

I notice this is your first post --- Welcome to the HSBBW. You have gotten some great advice.

quote:

If I knew baseball recruiting had become such a money making scheme, I would have encouraged him to play s****r or collect stamps instead.

Stamps and s****r cost $$ too.

First of all I would like to "ditto" what PG Staff said: "The key is talent, it’s not “always” about money."
PG ranked my son and my son never attended a PG event. MLB Scouting bureau scouted my son at no charge and placed him on the MLB website. College coaches and pro scouts came to his high school to see him play and offered scholarships and $$. A recruiting service offered to promote him for $00.00. I declined. His high profile national championship summer team cost $0 to play. He played for them for 3 years. Uniforms=$0, 2 sets of catching equipment =$0, travel was funded by sponsors. East Coast Pro showcase was free --- the only cost was meals and housing.

Yes I did spend some additional money at 2 college camps and two "pay to play" showcases but in hindsight he would have still played college and pro ball had I passed on those.

I will say that there is a big difference in having the "potential" to play at the next level and the ability to play at the next level. Determine where your son will "fit" at the next level and plot your course based on that evaluation.

PS: Money can determine the amount of EXPOSURE a player gets but talent is what determines the amount of INTEREST he garners.
Fungo

Peninsula;

If your kid can hit for power and is fast (sub 6.5) fast than showcases can be a good value. College camps are not, typically no exposure other than the host school. Yes Stanford is the exception. Bare in mind the college camp is looking for a kid who can help them now. If your kid is older, fast, can hit with power than I would invest in a showcase or two. Because those will be the kids your son will be competing with for the 1 or 2 spots available. If not save your money.

For the boy, scout ball was the best value with the greatest amount of exposure. Look for a tryout in your area. If he's involved with a speed or hitting coach they can be very helpful not only with developing his skills but also as a advocate. If he's not, look around your area for one who has connections.

He'll definetly need to play with a high quality team during the summer. Playing against quality opponents.

Yep it's going to cost you something. And I agree with Coach May you'll need to cut back like so many others to make it work.

Or walk on and see what happens

Thank you all so much for taking the time to offer such helpful insights.

We have a bigger family than most & therefore already don't spend money on things like vacations, extras etc, we've always been frugal. My son works in our shop & we need him there otherwise we would have him go where the pay is better. We pay him when we can afford to, which isn't always.

How bad does he want it?

He came home from his game at 7 o'clock, ate dinner, then went in his cage to hit. After that he ran on his treadmill. All things he paid for with his own money when our business enabled us to pay him regularly.


Don't get me wrong, our bills are paid & we aren't in danger of losing our house but the small savings we had was used up trying to keep our business open. Just for perspective, I will mention that my father in law was given the last rites this morning, but my husband is not able to fly to Florida & be there when he passes. We can't afford to close our shop, & our son can't run it alone.
Things weren't always this bad, but they aren't showing any signs of improving soon. We've been trying to sell our home for 3 years hoping to find something more affordable.

I didn't mean to rag on s****r or stamps, just to point out that I was very naive about the process of playing beyond high school.

I don't want to fail my son, not when he's spent the greater part of his life chasing this dream.

I think I will try searching the free MLB tryouts - anyone know how to find out about those?

First of all, welcome to the HSBBW!

Secondly, for a first post, you have gotten some excellent guidance from some very knowledgeabe baseball folks. Take the advice and make it work for you.

Good luck and keep us posted on how things work out for you.

Here are some FAQ about the MLB open tryout camps. I did not see a schedule out yet for them. This is off of the MLB.com website btw...

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Tryout Camps
*Note: The Major League Scouting Bureau and Major League teams will conduct tryout camps annually. Information will be posted as the Scouting Bureau and teams confirm their tryout camp schedules. Please check back soon for updated camp listings.

Q. "Who is in charge of your tryout camps?"
A. Territorial scouts from the Major League Scouting Bureau sponsor the tryouts. They work for Major League Baseball and all 30 major league organizations.

Q. "Are there any age requirements as to who can tryout?"
A. All players must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Q. "What should I bring to the camp?"
A. Bring gear that you would practice or play a game in. (Hat, cleats, glove, baseball pants). Bats and balls are provided at the workout. Catchers may want to use their own catching gear.

Q. "Is there any cost involved to tryout?"
A. The tryouts are free of charge. Transportation costs are those of the participant.

Q. "I'm a center fielder and a pitcher. Can I tryout at both positions?"
A. No, a participant will be asked to choose their best position.

Q. "Can I go to other MLSB Open Tryout Camps?"
A. Yes, participants can attend as many of the tryouts as they wish.

Q. "Do I have to register for the camps?"
A. Registration cards will be passed out prior to the beginning of each camp to identify each participant.

Q. "Who watches the players at these camps?"
A. All thirty major league baseball organizations are invited to the tryouts.

Q. "If a team is interested in me after seeing the tryout, can they sign me to a professional contract on the spot?"
A. No, the tryout camp must be finished and the participant cannot sign until he leaves the facility.

Here's the link from the MLB website:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/officia...ut_mlb/tryout_us.jsp


Again, best of luck!