How bout a 12 year old who hit 24 home runs last year and already hitting the ball on the fly to the warning track on the Hs size field, 370 in the gaps. Should he attend a showcase, already hits the
ball harder and farther than most high school players
to many posts to read and I apologize if I am repearting info discussed.
In my opinion:
Showcasing in 8th grade...no reason to unless u just want to do it and blow some money
For all the what about the kid who throws mid 80's in 8th grade or hits the ball a mile etc... First off are there really that many ou there, and secondly is waiting a year or two going to impact the ability to be seen if they can continue to smack the ball or throw it by everyone. Especially pitchers if they have the talent and ability to throw that hard limit their innings and don't have them pitching 10 months of the year...no matter how big that AAU trophy is.
In my opinion:
Showcasing in 8th grade...no reason to unless u just want to do it and blow some money
For all the what about the kid who throws mid 80's in 8th grade or hits the ball a mile etc... First off are there really that many ou there, and secondly is waiting a year or two going to impact the ability to be seen if they can continue to smack the ball or throw it by everyone. Especially pitchers if they have the talent and ability to throw that hard limit their innings and don't have them pitching 10 months of the year...no matter how big that AAU trophy is.
At the rate this is going - we will soon have baseball showcases for new born babies.
You will have to be at least 5 days old to be eligible.
And - I guarantee you - people will pay for it.
LOL
You will have to be at least 5 days old to be eligible.
And - I guarantee you - people will pay for it.
LOL
Just think how big the file would be when those new borns became draft eligible. We would know everything about them... Bed wetting, favorite toys, formula or breast fed, thumb suckers or pacifiers, etc etc.
What if we studied all the data and found the very best players all wet the bed at a young age, enjoyed action figures, were all breast fed, and all used pacifiers.
Would that change anyone's tactics?
Hmmmm, showcases for new borns... You got me thinking!!! Great idea!!!!
What if we studied all the data and found the very best players all wet the bed at a young age, enjoyed action figures, were all breast fed, and all used pacifiers.
Would that change anyone's tactics?
Hmmmm, showcases for new borns... You got me thinking!!! Great idea!!!!
My ultrasound showed a definite "cannon arm" before my son was born.
We do in fact have an interest in pre-birth players? Blood lines can be a factor in projection. 
Maybe there could be a showcase and grade for the parents. Wonder how many would sign up for that one? Players could be graded before they are born. I can see it now... The pre born All American team!
Maybe there could be a showcase and grade for the parents. Wonder how many would sign up for that one? Players could be graded before they are born. I can see it now... The pre born All American team!
That's funny PGStaff, but it's not funny........
As, you and Bubba know, the mail box will be full of checks on Tuesday to be sure they get invited.
As, you and Bubba know, the mail box will be full of checks on Tuesday to be sure they get invited.
quote:My ultrasound showed a definite "cannon arm" before my son was born.
Sluggo,..that was funny!!!
I can see that there are heavy pros and cons on both sides of the fence with this one. Perhaps it all comes down to personal individual decision.
My hat goes off to those of you who really stepped up to the plate and are making this a GREAT thread!!! Makes being stuck at home due to snow more endurable!!
shortstopmom,
I love the snow! Everything looks clean... for the time being.
The last few posts are my futile attempt at some humor. Best left to others!
Regarding the pros and cons, I don't think they are "heavy". In fact, the main reason I'm in involved in this thread is to encourage some debate. Listening to what others think can be very helpful to us, especially if you respect those who are giving their opinion.
I don't consider this a hot topic at all. Things appear very respectful.
Now if you want some real action... Go to the Illinois forum!
I love the snow! Everything looks clean... for the time being.
The last few posts are my futile attempt at some humor. Best left to others!
Regarding the pros and cons, I don't think they are "heavy". In fact, the main reason I'm in involved in this thread is to encourage some debate. Listening to what others think can be very helpful to us, especially if you respect those who are giving their opinion.
I don't consider this a hot topic at all. Things appear very respectful.
Now if you want some real action... Go to the Illinois forum!
quote:Things appear very respectful.
Couldn't agree with you more , PG!! Thats why its been so enjoyable for me. Lots of good opinions from people I have come to quite admire. Makes for an enjoyable Monday morning read. Sometimes when making the morning coffee, I cant seem to bare to open a local paper and read the headlines. Feels good to know I have the HSBBW to share the morning with.
I meant " heavy " as in, many posters have taken the time and effort to write long meaningful posts, not just a few one liners. Shows alot of effort and perhaps passion on their part, IMO.
Again, quite enjoyable for moi!
and I especially like the humor woven in between! Laughter brings joy!! The world could use more of it.I think I'll stay away from the Illinois forum for now,..probably could use a few more cups of coffee in me, and am trying to stay " zen ", this Monday holiday morning! ha!
I'll leave the " hot " topics to the bigger and wiser, ( & braver ) than this short stawp momma!! ha!
Gotta make a hot breakfast and then its out in the snow we goooo!!!
I'll throw a snowball for ya, PG!!
Today indeed, the snow is beautiful!
Can throwing snowballs be harmful to the arm? Please be careful!
Can throwing snowballs develop arm strength?
Can throwing snowballs develop arm strength?
I have to laugh at the snow talk. We're at about the same latitude here, but it's pushing 70.
Rumor has it winter will arrive later this week. I just hope that its late arrival doesn't portend a late departure! That would disrupt baseball season.
Rumor has it winter will arrive later this week. I just hope that its late arrival doesn't portend a late departure! That would disrupt baseball season.
quote:Originally posted by sluggo:
My ultrasound showed a definite "cannon arm" before my son was born.
My wife's ultrasound showed a strong preference for the left arm
quote:This was just released
18 PLAYERS NAMED TO U THE 2007 USA BASEBALL 14- NATIONAL TEAM
Inaugural squad opens play January 20th at the Pan Am “A” Qualifying Tournament in Guatemala
Durham, NC – USA Baseball announced today 18 players, 4 coaches and support staff for the 2007 USA Baseball 14-U National Team (14-under). The team will represent the United States at the North/Central American Regional Qualifying Tournament for the COPABE Pan Am “A” Championships.
The qualifying tournament will be played January 20-27 in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The teams expected to participate in the event include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. The top four teams from the tournament will advance to the Pan Am “A” Championships to be held in November in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The 18 players were selected exclusively from four USA Baseball Champions Program sectional tournaments which took place in October and November 2006. “We were pleased with the response we received from teams when we announced the tournaments in 2006 and we were even more pleased with the quality of the players we saw on the field last year,” said Rick Riccobono, Director, USA Baseball 14-U National Team. “We are very excited to bring these athletes together again as they prepare to step on the field in the USA Baseball uniform for the first time.”
2007 marks the first time USA Baseball has selected and trained a National Team at the 14-under age-level. Over the past 10 years the USA Baseball Youth National Team (16-under) has become one of the foremost international baseball powers and the 14-U program will be looking to continue that tradition.
“We were looking for the right opportunity to put a USA Baseball National Team onto the field at this age-level,” said Paul V. Seiler, USA Baseball Executive Director. “We believe we have found the right model for the identification of athletes at this age-level and equally as important we have the right staff to lead this year’s team into international competition.”
The coaching staff will be lead by Tom Succow (Glendale, Arizona) who has served on two USA Baseball Youth National Team coaching staffs including a tour as the head coach in 2004. Succow has been the head baseball coach at Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix, Arizona) for the past 29 years. Joining Succow will be Tim O’Brien (Columbia, Maryland), George Sanchez (Gilbert, Arizona) and David Webb (Gilbert, Arizona).
The 18 players were selected exclusively from four USA Baseball Champions Program sectional tournaments which took place in October and November 2006. “We were pleased with the response we received from teams when we announced the tournaments in 2006 and we were even more pleased with the quality of the players we saw on the field last year,” said Rick Riccobono, Director, USA Baseball 14-U National Team. “We are very excited to bring these athletes together again as they prepare to step on the field in the USA Baseball uniform for the first time.”
For years USA Baseball has fielded 16&U youth National Team. The players are selected from the two large JO Tournaments each year.
These are team events for sure, but can't tell you how many top level players ended up on teams in the JO, and later wore the USA Uniform, because they were identified somewhere else. Same thing holds true for the Tournament of Stars which serves as the trials for the USA Junior Team. Those who are identified as top players end up on those teams.
Not my place to claim these are vitally important events and/or honors for the players at any age group. But these kids do have a step up on most in being known and followed. No guarantees of success, but can be a big advantage never the less.
And please notice that one particular player that I'm pretty familiar with on that roster did NOT attend any pre-HS showcases. Nor will he. But somehow they (USA Baseball) still found him anyways? 
Let me tell you a little about that boy that I'm familiar with. He still plays in the local PONY league...because he has fun doing that. He still plays on a travel team based out of his hometown, with his friends...because to him its a lot of fun. And yes, he has on occasion traveled with an elite travel team that his older brother played for and yes, he's had a lot of fun there too. I like the way he's doing it at his age. This boy has more joy in his face than any kid I've come across while he's on the field. He thoroughly enjoys playing with kids he goes to school with and live in his neighborhood, mixed in with some serious baseball from time-to-time. IF (big IF IMO) he continues to grow and gets better than he is (and he's better than his older brother at this age) then when he's 16 or so, he will probably go to a showcase. But not now.
Again, I and NOT an opponent of showcases. I am a fan of them. I believe in them. They helped our older son immensely. And I think PG does them better than anyone. I just think there's a time and a place and an age. And 13/14 is too young. I've tried to see it the other way and I cannot. Could be my stubbornness. Probably IS my stubbornnes. And while I do not believe we are the perfect parents nor make all of the "right" decisions, I still like the road we've traveled and mapped out...for both of our boys.
Let me tell you a little about that boy that I'm familiar with. He still plays in the local PONY league...because he has fun doing that. He still plays on a travel team based out of his hometown, with his friends...because to him its a lot of fun. And yes, he has on occasion traveled with an elite travel team that his older brother played for and yes, he's had a lot of fun there too. I like the way he's doing it at his age. This boy has more joy in his face than any kid I've come across while he's on the field. He thoroughly enjoys playing with kids he goes to school with and live in his neighborhood, mixed in with some serious baseball from time-to-time. IF (big IF IMO) he continues to grow and gets better than he is (and he's better than his older brother at this age) then when he's 16 or so, he will probably go to a showcase. But not now.
Again, I and NOT an opponent of showcases. I am a fan of them. I believe in them. They helped our older son immensely. And I think PG does them better than anyone. I just think there's a time and a place and an age. And 13/14 is too young. I've tried to see it the other way and I cannot. Could be my stubbornness. Probably IS my stubbornnes. And while I do not believe we are the perfect parents nor make all of the "right" decisions, I still like the road we've traveled and mapped out...for both of our boys.
quote:And 13/14 is too young. I've tried to see it the other way and I cannot. Could be my stubbornness. Probably IS my stubbornnes. And while I do not believe we are the perfect
justbaseball,
I admire that in you! I think the one thing taht stands out in this thread is there are more than one way to see things. There have been players drafted in a good position who never attended anything. For sure 14&U players have lots of time to make their mark. My point is... these things like playing for USA Baseball, representing your country, can be a great advantage. Plus it's a very memorable experience and accomplishment. Of course, you know this as well as anyone.
In the USA Youth division, we have sent many players at age 15 to the Junior Olympics. One year we even sponsored a team for some of these players. Several of these players have gone on to represent the USA in International competition. Some have later become college stars and/or high draft picks. I think every one of those kids would say it weas great to be identified early.
Certainly far from a must, but for some,. being identified early has been a big deal. Now, it doesn't matter how these kids are identified. Obviously, the player you mentioned was identified! Wonder how many others were missed?
BTW, if you look at the final 18 man roster of those 18 players, you'll see they are all from the West. 10 from California, 4 from Arizona, 3 from Washington, and the other one from Utah. Not one single player east of Utah! No one from Texas or Florida or Georgia or the Northeast, Midwest?
In the future, there needs to be a better identification method and there will be. That's only if someone thinks these things are important.
While I agree with most everything you have written, there really are a few other things to look at IMO. I'm not at all sold on showcases being that ID system for real young players, but if anyone cares about any of this stuff, something needs to happen. Or maybe it doesn't! We are right back to individual opinions.
Unfortunately, it seems if I have an opinion, a few people think it must have something to do with business or making money.
quote:Wonder how many others were missed?
LOTS! No doubt about that whatsoever. But at this age, I just don't think it really matters in the long run.
PG.....
I don't see anything wrong with a 14U National Team either. When my son was still playing that other sport, s****r, they traveled to Europe as a 12U team to play for two weeks.. That sport has kids starting at 11, trying out for ODP (the Olympic Development Program). If selected locally at the state level, you are invited to a regional tryout. If you are successful you then train with the local ODP players, in addition to your travel team. So you could practice almost everyday.
At 14 they start selecting players for a national team. Ultimately, as they get older, mature, become much more skilled, and work very, very hard, with some politics, they could be on the U.S National team. There are national teams for even years only. Don't ask me why, I really don't know. But inorder for these kids to compete at the highest levels, and maybe internationally, they start at the young age described.
To attend a showcase, in our opinion, was to see how our son stacked-up to others, locally and from other parts of the country. It didn't hurt him, and we also included some college camps. This was done primarily to build confidence in his play against older, more mature players and to see how he handled different situations with kids he was competeing against. It was a great learning experience for him and he knew that he could play at the higher levels of high school, and then later, college baseball.
I don't see anything wrong with a 14U National Team either. When my son was still playing that other sport, s****r, they traveled to Europe as a 12U team to play for two weeks.. That sport has kids starting at 11, trying out for ODP (the Olympic Development Program). If selected locally at the state level, you are invited to a regional tryout. If you are successful you then train with the local ODP players, in addition to your travel team. So you could practice almost everyday.
At 14 they start selecting players for a national team. Ultimately, as they get older, mature, become much more skilled, and work very, very hard, with some politics, they could be on the U.S National team. There are national teams for even years only. Don't ask me why, I really don't know. But inorder for these kids to compete at the highest levels, and maybe internationally, they start at the young age described.
To attend a showcase, in our opinion, was to see how our son stacked-up to others, locally and from other parts of the country. It didn't hurt him, and we also included some college camps. This was done primarily to build confidence in his play against older, more mature players and to see how he handled different situations with kids he was competeing against. It was a great learning experience for him and he knew that he could play at the higher levels of high school, and then later, college baseball.
We know players who went to Venezuela with USA Baseball's Youth National Team (16u)this year, also players who went to Cuba with the Jr. National Team (18u).
All loved the baseball, but felt like they were in dangerous territory at all times. Families -- who were not included in the team group, but had to fend for themselves -- often stayed huddled in their rooms unless a game was going on. The poverty is depressing and some of the places the kids go are downright scary. These Carribbean countries are NOT comparable to a trip to western Europe, which is a lot closer to our own culture.
Based on that, I would have to say I think 14u is young to be sending kids into those kinds of situations. Especially when you realize that with the international aging date being Jan. 1, many of the 14u team members might well be only 13.
I would hope that USA Baseball would at least set up their own international tournament on US or maybe Canadian soil, so that these riskier adventures could be left to the more mature players.
All loved the baseball, but felt like they were in dangerous territory at all times. Families -- who were not included in the team group, but had to fend for themselves -- often stayed huddled in their rooms unless a game was going on. The poverty is depressing and some of the places the kids go are downright scary. These Carribbean countries are NOT comparable to a trip to western Europe, which is a lot closer to our own culture.
Based on that, I would have to say I think 14u is young to be sending kids into those kinds of situations. Especially when you realize that with the international aging date being Jan. 1, many of the 14u team members might well be only 13.
I would hope that USA Baseball would at least set up their own international tournament on US or maybe Canadian soil, so that these riskier adventures could be left to the more mature players.
JustBaseball,
My son hasn't attended any pre-HS showcases either, and I have had a fairly negative opinion of the idea. But it seems to me that by sending him to play in the regional tournaments put on by USA Baseball, and then traveling to Phoenix for an additional tournament, he was effectively entered into a kind of showcase. Frankly it is difficult to believe that a showcase (especially Pre-HS) would have given him the level of scrutiny that he received in the USA Baseball tournaments. Perhaps that's because he's a pitcher, and perhaps because he happened to start out and continue to pitch well.
So in spite of my disdain for Pre-HS showcases, I have to admit that I did place him into a situation where he was evaluated. And now, whether or not he is "followed" or has any sort of step up on other players, we take pleasure in the simple fact that he was selected to the team.
PG Staff:
USA Baseball tried to emulate the process used for the JO. But the announcement of the program didn't come until late August, and most teams across the country didn't enter into the regional tournaments, which were held in early October. I believe that tournaments were scheduled in Maryland and Florida, but there wasn't enough participation, and the tournaments were cancelled. I imagine that in future years, there will be full participation across the nation.
Midlo Dad:
I think that only 1 player will have turned 14 when the team is in Guatemala. Sure there are risks to personal safety during travel to Central America, but I prefer to think of other "risks". I expect the players will learn a good deal about life in one week. With luck, they'll come to respect their opponents regardless of the opponents' financial or educational circumstances. Most likely, they'll encounter people who will despise them solely for their nationality. Perhaps they'll learn tolerance for people of different backgrounds. The players are plenty old enough to recognize hostility, plenty old enough to contemplate wide disparaties in circumstances, and whether those differences mean anything about intrinsic human worth, These opportunities to learn outweigh, in my opionion, the danger of travel in an insecure country. And then there is the opportunity to play baseball wearing a jersey that has USA written on it. It was an easy decision for us to allow our son to go.
My son hasn't attended any pre-HS showcases either, and I have had a fairly negative opinion of the idea. But it seems to me that by sending him to play in the regional tournaments put on by USA Baseball, and then traveling to Phoenix for an additional tournament, he was effectively entered into a kind of showcase. Frankly it is difficult to believe that a showcase (especially Pre-HS) would have given him the level of scrutiny that he received in the USA Baseball tournaments. Perhaps that's because he's a pitcher, and perhaps because he happened to start out and continue to pitch well.
So in spite of my disdain for Pre-HS showcases, I have to admit that I did place him into a situation where he was evaluated. And now, whether or not he is "followed" or has any sort of step up on other players, we take pleasure in the simple fact that he was selected to the team.
PG Staff:
USA Baseball tried to emulate the process used for the JO. But the announcement of the program didn't come until late August, and most teams across the country didn't enter into the regional tournaments, which were held in early October. I believe that tournaments were scheduled in Maryland and Florida, but there wasn't enough participation, and the tournaments were cancelled. I imagine that in future years, there will be full participation across the nation.
Midlo Dad:
I think that only 1 player will have turned 14 when the team is in Guatemala. Sure there are risks to personal safety during travel to Central America, but I prefer to think of other "risks". I expect the players will learn a good deal about life in one week. With luck, they'll come to respect their opponents regardless of the opponents' financial or educational circumstances. Most likely, they'll encounter people who will despise them solely for their nationality. Perhaps they'll learn tolerance for people of different backgrounds. The players are plenty old enough to recognize hostility, plenty old enough to contemplate wide disparaties in circumstances, and whether those differences mean anything about intrinsic human worth, These opportunities to learn outweigh, in my opionion, the danger of travel in an insecure country. And then there is the opportunity to play baseball wearing a jersey that has USA written on it. It was an easy decision for us to allow our son to go.
3FingerGlove,
Congradulations on your sons participation on the
USA Youth Team.
You must be very proud.
EH
Congradulations on your sons participation on the
USA Youth Team.
You must be very proud.
EH
3FingeredGlove - I agree with everything you have said. One clarification however, and that is that the selection process involved a tournament (actually a series of tournaments as you know) where each player was playing for their team first...and a chance to win a championship. Thats different from a showcase. Our son could play, be evaulated quietly even without his knowledge, never make the USA team but if his team did well and/or he played well he'd still feel awfully darn good. Thats the way we approached it...no talk whatsoever about evaluations or making the team. No post-game evaluations on a website.
We went into the thing just to play some more ball...some competitive ball. Nothing more. The result both with his team's 2nd place finish and with our son personally being selected was icing on the cake. Never talked about until it happened. If the format had been a showcase to select the team, he would not have attended.
BTW, I've seen your son pitch a couple of times and he is pretty special. I look forward to seeing him more in HS, although hopefully not against my own son's team.
We went into the thing just to play some more ball...some competitive ball. Nothing more. The result both with his team's 2nd place finish and with our son personally being selected was icing on the cake. Never talked about until it happened. If the format had been a showcase to select the team, he would not have attended.
BTW, I've seen your son pitch a couple of times and he is pretty special. I look forward to seeing him more in HS, although hopefully not against my own son's team.
3FingeredGlove,
Congatulations to your son. I'm glad he had the opportunity to be identified, no matter how that might have happened.
Yes, I was aware of the tournament being cancelled in Ft Myers. We have talked to USA Baseball about helping in this age group as we do with the JO. I do think it will be much bigger in the future.
No matter what happens from here on out, it's a great accomplishment and a life time memory for your son.
Congatulations to your son. I'm glad he had the opportunity to be identified, no matter how that might have happened.
Yes, I was aware of the tournament being cancelled in Ft Myers. We have talked to USA Baseball about helping in this age group as we do with the JO. I do think it will be much bigger in the future.
No matter what happens from here on out, it's a great accomplishment and a life time memory for your son.
3FingeredGlove,
I have also seen your son and the others that were chosen, play and work out at the "facility" and whether or not there was full qualifying participation nationwide, your son would have been chosen. He is a very good player.
To the other readers on this thread...I think the alternative to pre-HS showcases is doing exactly what 3FG and others on his team and in his program are doing and that's to play next level travel ball. At that age, they need to just play and play often as long as they like it and signs of burn-out don't occur. Where we live, there's the opportunity to play year round and as long as your son and others enjoy the experience then they should continue to play at that level. There's a level of awareness in teh baseball community at that level believe me...The good players will get noticed and eventually get invited to the HS showcases that really matter.
JustBB and others on this board know where I stand on travel ball from previous discussions and at that age, you won't find a better resource for development than with the plethora of great programs available in our part of the woods. The time for showcases, college camps and showcase type tournaments will come for all in your program...and when they are in HS, they (showcases and such) will feel a bit overwhelming at times...in the meantime...just keep playing, improving and continue to have fun...I've been there and it worked just fine the way we approached it.
I have also seen your son and the others that were chosen, play and work out at the "facility" and whether or not there was full qualifying participation nationwide, your son would have been chosen. He is a very good player.
To the other readers on this thread...I think the alternative to pre-HS showcases is doing exactly what 3FG and others on his team and in his program are doing and that's to play next level travel ball. At that age, they need to just play and play often as long as they like it and signs of burn-out don't occur. Where we live, there's the opportunity to play year round and as long as your son and others enjoy the experience then they should continue to play at that level. There's a level of awareness in teh baseball community at that level believe me...The good players will get noticed and eventually get invited to the HS showcases that really matter.
JustBB and others on this board know where I stand on travel ball from previous discussions and at that age, you won't find a better resource for development than with the plethora of great programs available in our part of the woods. The time for showcases, college camps and showcase type tournaments will come for all in your program...and when they are in HS, they (showcases and such) will feel a bit overwhelming at times...in the meantime...just keep playing, improving and continue to have fun...I've been there and it worked just fine the way we approached it.
One last comment regarding this thread.
I have not disagreed with anything anyone has posted here. But here is what does kind of trouble me.
We work in baseball long hours every day of the year. We run tournaments, showcases, scouting service (not recruiting service), have a National Academy, etc. Yet, for some reason I can’t seem to make my point!
Linedrive10 said
I have no problem with what was said, but I can find many others who did it differently and it also worked out just fine the way they approached it!
My problem is and always has been... ADVICE! Often I tell people (some here can attest) I hate to give advice because it might turn out be bad advice in your individual case.
Advice is not universal. What's best for one does not mean it will work out just as well for everyone.
Not interested in boring people with case after case based on individuals positive experiences. Not sure I really know what is really most important to other people! No interest here, in changing anyones mind about anything. But without at least two sides, there would only be one side to everything. That is never a good thing!
I'm very happy for any young kid who is enjoying baseball. Part of our mission statement is to promote baseball at all levels to the best of our ability. If anyone were to ask me if pre high school showcases were vital, I would say "absolutely not"! If someone were to ask me if playing at the highest level of competition were vital at that age, I would say "absolutely not"! Guess I don't understand why there has to be an issue between the two.
I have not disagreed with anything anyone has posted here. But here is what does kind of trouble me.
We work in baseball long hours every day of the year. We run tournaments, showcases, scouting service (not recruiting service), have a National Academy, etc. Yet, for some reason I can’t seem to make my point!
Linedrive10 said
quote:The time for showcases, college camps and showcase type tournaments will come for all in your program...and when they are in HS, they (showcases and such) will feel a bit overwhelming at times...in the meantime...just keep playing, improving and continue to have fun...I've been there and it worked just fine the way we approached it.
I have no problem with what was said, but I can find many others who did it differently and it also worked out just fine the way they approached it!
My problem is and always has been... ADVICE! Often I tell people (some here can attest) I hate to give advice because it might turn out be bad advice in your individual case.
Advice is not universal. What's best for one does not mean it will work out just as well for everyone.
Not interested in boring people with case after case based on individuals positive experiences. Not sure I really know what is really most important to other people! No interest here, in changing anyones mind about anything. But without at least two sides, there would only be one side to everything. That is never a good thing!
I'm very happy for any young kid who is enjoying baseball. Part of our mission statement is to promote baseball at all levels to the best of our ability. If anyone were to ask me if pre high school showcases were vital, I would say "absolutely not"! If someone were to ask me if playing at the highest level of competition were vital at that age, I would say "absolutely not"! Guess I don't understand why there has to be an issue between the two.
Interesting topic
I am going into my sophomore year,and I plan to attend my first showcase in 2 weeks.If you ask me,you have to feel good about yourself,and you have to be confident in your game when going to a showcase.
There is not point in going if you know you arent ready.
It really just comes down to your game and how comfortable you feel at the moment,if you ask me
I am going into my sophomore year,and I plan to attend my first showcase in 2 weeks.If you ask me,you have to feel good about yourself,and you have to be confident in your game when going to a showcase.
There is not point in going if you know you arent ready.
It really just comes down to your game and how comfortable you feel at the moment,if you ask me
PG - My points are getting old and boring I think. Its probably better if I just stop. But if you'll bear with me, a few more thoughts...
As you know, I've worked with area youth baseball for a decent amount of time...16 years. Among the questions that are cropping up more and more (and growing) from parents of 9-14 year olds are the following (and these are largely INDEPENDENT of the talent level of their son):
* Q: How did you get your son to D1 baseball? (A: Huh? Well I took this piece of clay and molded it into this baseball player...you know...just like you might make your other kid a rocket scientist
)
* Q: What throwing program did you have your son on at age 9 that made him so good? (A: Eat lots of ice cream and throw dirt clods at passing cars).
* Q: If you don't let my son make the 8th grade team as a 7th grader (or play up), how can he ever get a college scholarship? (A: No one is scouting 8th grade baseball...yet!)
* Q: Shouldn't my son be trying out for the area's elite travel team by now? Will he get left out of the scholarship race if he doesn't do that now? (A: Well, if I thought he was good enough, I'd help you do that.
)
* Q: How do I get my son onto the Stanford baseball team? (A: Spend more of your money on tutors than hitting instructors
).
* Q: Doesn't playing "rec. ball" hurt my son's skills? (A: Did playing in the sandlot hurt Frank Robinson? Joe Morgan? Willie Mays?
)
* Q: Should my son even bother playing HS baseball? (A: I dunno, maybe not since you think its just a continuance of "rec. ball."
)
Remember, these questions come from parents of 9-14 year olds. And so I fear that soon the question will be:
* Q: How do I get my 13-year old son (who by the way may or may not be any good) into the XX Showcase?
I am going to scream when I hear that question...just like I screamed (inside) at all the others. I LOVED being a kid, not being scrutinized by anyone but my parents. My report card was never posted on a website for potential future colleges or engineering employers and if I wasn't too good at math in Jr. HS, it didn't make a difference in my grade in HS. In fact, if my own personal record in math were to be disclosed from 7th grade through 9th grade, I'd be pretty embarrassed.
My views have nothing to do with competitiveness...nor opportunity nor desire to be the best. I just think we parents are over-doing it from time to time. And if you put another candy-apple (whether sour or sweet) in front of us, we will surely grab it and bite it. Scout my kids at 13/14 at their games if you want. Host a tournament they can play in. But lets not take ourselves so seriously that we discourage an immature kid or over-encourage a mature one. We all have examples. I know of kids (really their parents) who reached too high too young but had talent...but they weren't ready and got discouraged and have quit the game. Thats what I'm worried about more than anything.
As you know, I've worked with area youth baseball for a decent amount of time...16 years. Among the questions that are cropping up more and more (and growing) from parents of 9-14 year olds are the following (and these are largely INDEPENDENT of the talent level of their son):
* Q: How did you get your son to D1 baseball? (A: Huh? Well I took this piece of clay and molded it into this baseball player...you know...just like you might make your other kid a rocket scientist
)* Q: What throwing program did you have your son on at age 9 that made him so good? (A: Eat lots of ice cream and throw dirt clods at passing cars
).* Q: If you don't let my son make the 8th grade team as a 7th grader (or play up), how can he ever get a college scholarship? (A: No one is scouting 8th grade baseball...yet!
)* Q: Shouldn't my son be trying out for the area's elite travel team by now? Will he get left out of the scholarship race if he doesn't do that now? (A: Well, if I thought he was good enough, I'd help you do that.
)* Q: How do I get my son onto the Stanford baseball team? (A: Spend more of your money on tutors than hitting instructors
* Q: Doesn't playing "rec. ball" hurt my son's skills? (A: Did playing in the sandlot hurt Frank Robinson? Joe Morgan? Willie Mays?
)* Q: Should my son even bother playing HS baseball? (A: I dunno, maybe not since you think its just a continuance of "rec. ball."
)Remember, these questions come from parents of 9-14 year olds. And so I fear that soon the question will be:
* Q: How do I get my 13-year old son (who by the way may or may not be any good) into the XX Showcase?
I am going to scream when I hear that question...just like I screamed (inside) at all the others. I LOVED being a kid, not being scrutinized by anyone but my parents. My report card was never posted on a website for potential future colleges or engineering employers and if I wasn't too good at math in Jr. HS, it didn't make a difference in my grade in HS. In fact, if my own personal record in math were to be disclosed from 7th grade through 9th grade, I'd be pretty embarrassed.
My views have nothing to do with competitiveness...nor opportunity nor desire to be the best. I just think we parents are over-doing it from time to time. And if you put another candy-apple (whether sour or sweet) in front of us, we will surely grab it and bite it. Scout my kids at 13/14 at their games if you want. Host a tournament they can play in. But lets not take ourselves so seriously that we discourage an immature kid or over-encourage a mature one. We all have examples. I know of kids (really their parents) who reached too high too young but had talent...but they weren't ready and got discouraged and have quit the game. Thats what I'm worried about more than anything.
And I think I agree with all of that!
JB,
Good post and I can relate. I have a good one.
I got an email from a parent I used to work with who has been following my son. Her son is now a junior in HS. She wanted to know if I was familiar with a showcase (local) her son was invited to. When she told me the price, I gave her Jerry's # and told her to try to get in touch with him, I suggested that she forgo the showcase she was talking about and get on a team in Jupiter. I don't know if she did or not.
She also wanted to know, how much I paid an "advisor" to help get son into Clemson! I have heard it all too and yes, sometimes I just wanna SCREAM.
In 2002 my son got an opportunity to go try out for USA baseball youth team. 38 out of 1500 between jupiter and arizona. The year he went he was competing against 2003's and that year produced top rounders, so he kind of knew he most likely would not make the cut. Since there were so many of the top players in the country there, so were the scouts. That summer I understand he was placed in the top 50 of his class (2004), without even making the team.
Son did very well and I do beleive that this was the opportunity that opened many doors for him at 15. I also would like to add, that he had never been to a showcase or a woodbat tourney run by anyone before that time (just local tournies).
Best of luck to your son and to 3fingeredglove's son, this opportunity will open lots of doors.
But, JBB, you knew that didn't you!
BTW, my son's teammate went to Cuba this summer and loved every minute of it. He did so well on the international stage, he most likely landed himself in the first round come June.
Good post and I can relate. I have a good one.
I got an email from a parent I used to work with who has been following my son. Her son is now a junior in HS. She wanted to know if I was familiar with a showcase (local) her son was invited to. When she told me the price, I gave her Jerry's # and told her to try to get in touch with him, I suggested that she forgo the showcase she was talking about and get on a team in Jupiter. I don't know if she did or not.
She also wanted to know, how much I paid an "advisor" to help get son into Clemson!
I have heard it all too and yes, sometimes I just wanna SCREAM.In 2002 my son got an opportunity to go try out for USA baseball youth team. 38 out of 1500 between jupiter and arizona. The year he went he was competing against 2003's and that year produced top rounders, so he kind of knew he most likely would not make the cut. Since there were so many of the top players in the country there, so were the scouts. That summer I understand he was placed in the top 50 of his class (2004), without even making the team.
Son did very well and I do beleive that this was the opportunity that opened many doors for him at 15. I also would like to add, that he had never been to a showcase or a woodbat tourney run by anyone before that time (just local tournies).
Best of luck to your son and to 3fingeredglove's son, this opportunity will open lots of doors.
But, JBB, you knew that didn't you!
BTW, my son's teammate went to Cuba this summer and loved every minute of it. He did so well on the international stage, he most likely landed himself in the first round come June.
quote:She also wanted to know, how much I paid an "advisor" to help get son into Clemson! I have heard it all too and yes, sometimes I just wanna SCREAM.
If a sports agency accepted money in the fashion suggested here, that agency would be finished. Fact not Opinion! peace, shep
futurecatcher27,
You are absolutly correct.
Some player's should showcase and get in front of baseball people(USA, PG, ETC.) at an early age.
There more mature, and may have an oppurtunity to make the USA team and represent are country.
Not all young player's should showcase early.
And Parent's should not push them into it with pressure that this is what it take's to make it?
Some would benefit greatly, Other's might not feel good about there ability and quit. Instead of taking the challenge to get better.
Each child is differant, and parent's need to be careful and do thing's in due time for your child's mature level.
EH
quote:I am going into my sophomore year,and I plan to attend my first showcase in 2 weeks.If you ask me,you have to feel good about yourself,and you have to be confident in your game when going to a showcase.
There is not point in going if you know you arent ready.
You are absolutly correct.
Some player's should showcase and get in front of baseball people(USA, PG, ETC.) at an early age.
There more mature, and may have an oppurtunity to make the USA team and represent are country.
Not all young player's should showcase early.
And Parent's should not push them into it with pressure that this is what it take's to make it?
Some would benefit greatly, Other's might not feel good about there ability and quit. Instead of taking the challenge to get better.
Each child is differant, and parent's need to be careful and do thing's in due time for your child's mature level.
EH
quote:Originally posted by Shepster:quote:She also wanted to know, how much I paid an "advisor" to help get son into Clemson! I have heard it all too and yes, sometimes I just wanna SCREAM.
If a sports agency accepted money in the fashion suggested here, that agency would be finished. Fact not Opinion! peace, shep
I did not state anything about sports agencies.
There are plenty of people claiming to be advisors other than sports agents. This parent was thinking of forking over 1500 for someone to help her son get into school. She thought this is how players get into top schools.Just was an example of the silly things people ask you.