Is the invite for the NTIS for USA Baseball legitimate or is it just a money grab? I'm struggling with the idea of paying $400 to try out. I understand that going to Cary is legitimate. Just not sure if they send out a bunch of invites to flatter people into paying the money but the team is really pretty much pre determined.
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I don't recall the NTIS tryout my son attended a couple of years back being anywhere close to $400. Cary and the whole experience with USA baseball was fantastic and is definitely legit as you mentioned. Depending on your son's age, the $400 may be better spent on attending a college camp or showcase - just my opinion. That said, making the NTIS team for your region and going to Cary is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Good luck to you and son with whatever you choose.
They do send out quite a few invites, but that is because they want to see as much of the regional talent as possible. Your region/area should have an NTIS coach/director or point of contact that can better explain it.
I decided to go for it with my son - though price was definitely lower than what you've quoted. Maybe its different per region? My thinking was for the price, its essentially a two day practice showcase. So whether he advances or not, it seemed like an ok investment. And if he does make it to Cary, all the better.
Since we live within a commutable distance of the facility where our regional is being held, we thought we could skip the hotel, but the 8am registration changed our mind - so a little more investment than we planned, but still seems like it will be good for him.
FWIW, mine is a 2020, so just getting ready to showcase, but not all the way there yet.
I just double checked on the pricing and it is definitely $400. We are in the midwest and the tryout is in St Louis which would be time off work, hotels, etc on top of it. I guess we are just gun shy. That is a lot of money to spend. He will be at a tournament in Plainfield, IL early next week playing for Team Nebraska and his fall ball team will be hopefully playing at Perfect Game in late September among other tournaments in Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas. So this would have to be a really special opportunity for us to want to spend that kind of money. I've emailed the guy who sent the invite. I am always hesitant to do that because it should come from the kid in my opinion. He just doesn't quite understand the need to ask the questions. But he isn't footing the bill.
Seems like a money grab thing to me. Waste of money
For some, maybe. For others, maybe not. It's not for my son (2020) in my eyes.
My son received an invite to Cary for the USA Baseball Break Thru Series held the Last week of July. He was recommended by the MLB Youth Academy out of LA, CA. He had thrown a bullpen there in early May 2012 of his Soph year. He received the invite the first week of June. It was an all expense paid trip to Cary, thru USA Baseballs' travel agency for 80 of the top rising High School players. Son did not attend, he had made a previous commitment. (One of our biggest recruiting regrets & mistakes, remember that post on here that said, "You have to know when to leave your zip code and find out what you are truly made of..." )
These team try-outs may be a Money grab for some......free ride for others... Be aware ~ Know exactly where your son is in the talent pool
Point being they already know pretty much who they want, but cast that net far & wide to find that one fish in the massive sea of HS players they may have overlooked ~ occasionally he is found........But, who do you think funds these all expense paid trips for the chosen 80 ~ hmmm
bballdad2016 posted:
Thank you. I tried to search but I swear it never works for me. That helps a ton. We'll be saving our money.
I would not pay more than $20-30 to have my son tryout.
