talking to scouts

I'm kind of like you - I don't want to bother them...a little intimidated by them too.

But I'll say one thing - the ones I have met or talked too are much like the one you discussed - very nice people. They're fans like the rest of us.

________________
"Pitching is the art of instilling fear," Sandy Koufax.

Sampb,

Did you ever find out his velocity for the day?

I am new at this....I am in search of how you can find a scout to come look at my son. I don't believe the coach will give him a fair chance and he is really good. I just want someone who is unbiased and will tell it like it is

do this hit some MLb tryout camps and HS showcases if you are any good , MLB scouts will be coming,


ever dad
on the planet thinks his kid is the next AROD

Kat:

I would suggest you go to the Perfect Game Web-site and either nominate him for one of their showcases or send him to an ID showcase near where you live. They will give you an honest evaluation and are considered by many to be the best.

Follow this link: Perfect Game

Steve

"It might be, it could be, it is.........

Most that I have met are not only approachable but very friendly. They are just like us. I usually go to them and tell them I was a scout at two levels with the same organization when I was younger, cub then boy. That usually puts them at ease. Aslong as you don't interfere with what they are trying to accomplish and/or drive them crazy by shameless attempts to promote your child, they really enjoy the interaction just like two dads, coaches, fans unfamiliar with each other but enjoy talking about the game.

In the past I've heard many strange things from parents. Actually had one dad set down and tell me about another scout that said his kid could be the first pick of the draft. Well, his kid was pretty good, but I would have bet both ears he would not have been drafted at all, let alone #1. I still have both ears! It's really not much fun listening to someone tell you how great their son is, when you never even asked. Afterall, you are getting paid to figure out how good players are.

Most scouts are good people and easy to talk to. My suggestion is... when it comes to your son, wait for them to start the conversation. They will want to talk to you, if they think your son has great talent. Other than those with the most talent, they (scouts) don't have any favorite players. Parents really can't do anything to change a good scouts opinion of a player.

However, if you are friendly and don't even mention your son's name, chances are sooner or later the scout might ask you who your son is. And he will appreciate him for having such classy parents. Might even want to help him out regarding college opportunities.

In other words... promoting your son to a scout will never work. Sometimes it can work against him, though.

I always approached the college and pro scouts first that attended my sons games. I introduced myself and let him know if he had any questions to let me know, then I went back to my seat. There was never a scout that left a game without coming up to say goodbye or to talk a bit. I understood he was there to do a job, my son was there to do a job, and I was there as a reference for both. The scouts seemed to have picked up that I was there on their terms, and it resulted in very cool relationships that I'm sure will remembered when he becomes draft eligable again in a couple years.