Thing to do and don't at showcases

Always run to your position.

Always hustle to first base no matter what kind of contact you make with the ball (or dropped third strike).

Years ago, we did a complete list and posted it on our website. I can't seem to find it, though.

Here are some suggestions.

1. Don't overdo the jewelry! It doesn't bother me, but it does bother some baseball decision makers. There's no advantage in wearing jewelry, so why take a chance on turning someone off.

2. Clean shaven! Same reasons as above.

3. Always be on time and be ready.

4. Dress like a ball player, this includes cap!

5. Always hustle, but refrain from fake hustle.

6. Look like you enjoy doing what you're doing and be alert.

7. Do not bunt on your own. People want to see you hit.

8. Understand that home to first times will be taken everytime you run to first base.

9. Understand that scouts watch between innings too. Keep that in mind as you field, throw, catch, between innigs.

10. Have an idea of what you want to accomplish during batting practice session. Be yourself!

11. Let your talent show, but keep emotions in check.

12. Try to get along with teammates, coaches and officials. Scouts watch for this!

13. Be prepared, have extra bats, especially if it's a wood bat event.

14. Don't ask for preferential treatment.

15. Do not talk to scouts and recruiters unless they start the discussion.

16. Understand the NCAA rules, especially as they deal with contact.

There is more, but this is a good start.

"True Story"

During one of our Area Code games, a Texas high school pitcher's father, begin to give the pitcher signs from the stands on what to throw.

The team coach, a veteran pro scout, said to the boy;
"son if do not throw fastballs, I will remove you immediately from the game". Please tell your father this fact.

The boy obeyed and I saluted.

Bob

These are all great tips. I will most definately share these with the boys just to let them know how important thee showcases are for those that want to pusue a baseball career in college. I have a young man ,15, on the team that exemplifies all of these standards to the highest. He is our #1 pitcher and has already been looked at a few times because of his command of the ball and speed. I will have to ask him to be our example. Thanks so much for all the advice.

www.bristolcountyeagles.org

make sure to always be cocky

I hope you meant confidant .....

For the Parents -

The area behind the backstop is for the scouts and coaches - think of it as their office. Your place is down the line.

For the players and the parents -

Assume that everything you do or say will be seen from the moment you get out of the car in the morning to the time you get back in the car in the evening.

Pt 1: Bologna

Pt 2: All prospects are being watched

Having been at multiple showcases where the parents being behind the backstop has been a problem - either

1) due to a lack of space (e.g. at St. Mary's in CA) - why should a parent keep an scout/coach from being able to get a place behind the dish where their radar gun gets a reliable reading

or

2) parents hovering over the scout's radar guns, trying to read their notes, chatting up their kid during the action and generally being a nuisance.

Perhaps your experience is different - but been there, seen that. If there is lots of room and you can avoid crowding the coaches/scouts - then fine but if there is a question, I'm suggesting move to one side or the other to avoid any possibility of either issue.

As to my second point, I am thinking back to an experience of hearing a parent rip his kid on the walk back to their car at the 17U WWBA as I walked back to mine with a college coach right behind me. Not helping his kid at all there. Of course why is he ripping the kid at all is another topic.

08

Thanks for all the great suggestions and comments. I will be compiling a list to share with the boys and the parent at our next team meeting. Some of these I had run across but many are new and may prove to be very valuable. Thanks again.

www.bristolcountyeagles.org

when a kids parent is over my shoulder my notes usually read " the kid has a shot as long as his parents stay out of the picture".

just be yourself and play hard at all times