USA Baseball U16 Championships..Fomerly Junior Olmpics

Did you mean to write that he is on a U-16 team that is going to Omaha?

Obviously, the costs are relative to each individual's perspective. If your son is selected from the pool of players in Florida, I think the rest of the costs will be minimal. (I don't know for sure.)

Getting selected to wear the USA colors is a huge accomplishment and can open many other opportunities. It also confirms that your son is mighty darned good.

He's on a U19 local team (Connie Mack). He's 15 which is the necessary age for the USA U16 "Championship" tournament held in Florida and AZ. He has been asked to join a U16 team that intends to participate in the USA U16 tournament (72 teams in FL, 72 teams in AZ). The cost of travel, team uniforms, etc is $1800 for this week long tournament. Something like 16 players will be chosen from the 2000 or more at these tournaments. Trust me....my kid is not a potential selectee at 5'7"....165 lbs So it comes down to who knws what about this tournament and is it worth the seemingly large price....why is it special?

quote:

Originally posted by Harv:
why is it special?

Because USA Baseball uses it to ID players for their 16U Program.

So.....redbird.....would you say that this Tournament is a reasonable approximation of the best 15/16 yr olds in the Country?

My son played in the 16U Nationals (formerly called the Jr. Olympic tournament) in Jupiter, Florida. His team placed 3rd out of 72 teams, but no one was selected for team USA. It was the best tournament he has ever played in (quality of teams was outstanding). They played 7 of the top 12 seeds, so they didn't have any easy games. They finished 8 and 2. There were lots of teams "put together" for this tournament. The price many of them paid was well above $1,800 per player. If my kid could go back with a team I would gladly pay the $1,800 just becasue it was so much fun! Oh, and the sailfish capital of the world is just a few miles down the road in Stuart, Florida. We caught 3 sailfish! I recommend www.nobananasfishing.com for a guided sailfish trip. Good luck with your decision.

Harv, the competition may be a little stronger in the West, but we had West Coast teams in the East tournament as well. Our team traveled to 14 states including Hawaii that summer to play tournaments and I would say the Junior Olympic tournament had the best competition.

Everyone I have talked to say it is the best tournament that can be found as far as competition for the 16U age range. (I have not been but will go this year)

It is held at the spring training facilities so I think the same can be said about the facilities.

You can pretty much find the best players and the best teams in the country here.

Thanks Guys....exactly the informatio I needed!!!!

Harv,
In case you havent seen this:USA Baseball 16U
Both scouts and colleges will be at the tournament lookng for future players, so there is value beyond being considered for the National team. But each site will have perhaps 1300 players, so obviously most of them won't be looked at. It is probably the best collection of teams at this age group, and the top teams are very good, but each year some of the best players choose to not attend. For example, East Cobb discourages participation.

The teams must have 8 players who are age eligible for international competition, so teams who are trying to win may bring some players who are already 17 (but still baseball 16). The West has extrememly hot weather, while the East will likely be troubled by rain.