Sometimes it seems that these boards are populated by people whose player(s) are 6'4 RHPs throwing 92 mph. I know there must be more of a mix, so I thought I would post a poll to find out.
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I think you need to add a category for mid level D1, not yet a draft prospect. I would consider something like.
D1-drafted in HS. High level prospect. Signed with SEC, Pac-12 etc.
D1-mid major, not drafted out of HS, may play D2/3
D2/3 - Solid
Not sure yet
Working hard
D1-drafted in HS. High level prospect. Signed with SEC, Pac-12 etc.
D1-mid major, not drafted out of HS, may play D2/3
D2/3 - Solid
Not sure yet
Working hard
In my book what is more relavent is from those that have been there and done it. The question is asked prospectively and not perspectively.
When my son finished HS we thought he could play at the highest levels. The reality is few really get the chance to play at the highest levels. As parents we instilled in him the importance of education. He also concluded "that a bird in the hand ..." He attended a quality D3 and had great career.
After his first summer playing collegiate summer ball he had the opportunity to transfer to a major D1 program. He decided that the same "bird in the hand ..."
In my book given the nature of this community; it might be more realavent to ask. Did your kid play at his highest level?
When my son finished HS we thought he could play at the highest levels. The reality is few really get the chance to play at the highest levels. As parents we instilled in him the importance of education. He also concluded "that a bird in the hand ..." He attended a quality D3 and had great career.
After his first summer playing collegiate summer ball he had the opportunity to transfer to a major D1 program. He decided that the same "bird in the hand ..."
In my book given the nature of this community; it might be more realavent to ask. Did your kid play at his highest level?
Good suggestions, but I'm actually interested in both results and perceptions.
I also believe that for many parents, their perception changes as the years go on. I suspect there are many people who thought Jr. was a draft prospect at 14, only to find out he barely made the team in college. Could be wrong, though.
I'm wondering how many people on the boards are hoping their son gets a chance to play, versus those parents who are wondering how much scholarship money their son will get.
I also believe that for many parents, their perception changes as the years go on. I suspect there are many people who thought Jr. was a draft prospect at 14, only to find out he barely made the team in college. Could be wrong, though.
I'm wondering how many people on the boards are hoping their son gets a chance to play, versus those parents who are wondering how much scholarship money their son will get.
It's not in the perception of how we see our sons or how they see themselves but how others perceive the player, based on their skills and maturity level.
Are you asking about a player just entering or almost done with HS or college, pro ball,
past, present or future?
Are you asking about a player just entering or almost done with HS or college, pro ball,
past, present or future?
Actually good points all around. It needs to be time based. Such as "at the time your son graduated HS" or at "14 where did you see your son" or maybe two polls. One in HS and one post HS. May be easier to get to what you are looking for.
Hard to say for my son, as he is a 2015. Based on what he has already done, I'd have to choose either the second or last choice as most accurate. We've been told he's a college prospect, but at 15 it is really hard to say what level he'll project to in a few years.
quote:I think you need to add a category for mid level D1, not yet a draft prospect.
I agree. The concept of the poll is interesting.
quote:Actually good points all around. It needs to be time based. Such as "at the time your son graduated HS" or at "14 where did you see your son" or maybe two polls. One in HS and one post HS. May be easier to get to what you are looking for.
Great point at age 14 the personal goals [LIST]were make JV as a freshman ( becasue it meant he would have the opportunity to go the team's Florida spring trip as a JV player and then again as senior..the school only goes every three years and only takes the Varisty and JV teams), [LIST]start varsity as soph[LIST]make the Area High school team All star team-chance to get exposure.
The thoughts about college was hopefully to use baseball or football to help get him into the best academic school...other than that at age 14 I guess you have dreams but really hard to say what they will become so much changes from 14-18..their talent, the competiton, their grades etc etc
Would be fun to see the results of the two polls.
Very interesting topic.
At age 14 my son (2012) was maybe a slightly above average baseball player and, as his parents, we had no thought of him playing college ball. He just wasn't THAT good. Then...he went through a huge growth spurt and he stunk! Couldn't hit the broad side of the barn but was an OK pitcher. Thankfully, he grew into his body, filled out, started to hit well, pitch well and realized during his sophomore season that maybe he could be pretty good. Ended up OK..signed a NLI last month with a what I would call a mid-major DI team.
At age 14 my son (2012) was maybe a slightly above average baseball player and, as his parents, we had no thought of him playing college ball. He just wasn't THAT good. Then...he went through a huge growth spurt and he stunk! Couldn't hit the broad side of the barn but was an OK pitcher. Thankfully, he grew into his body, filled out, started to hit well, pitch well and realized during his sophomore season that maybe he could be pretty good. Ended up OK..signed a NLI last month with a what I would call a mid-major DI team.
Well, my 2015 just finished his 14U year last summer. I don't have the benefit of seeing into the future, but I would be curious in hearing the "what was he like at 14" stories juxtaposed next to "where did he end up in college" and maybe even "did he go on to be drafted or play in the pros" so I might have a better idea of what the future might bring.
My kid is a RHP, SS/3B, and C mostly, who hits left-handed. As a pitcher, he has a good fastball (touched / topped out at 85 last year, more often sat 78-82) that has decent movement, and a curveball he throws in the mid-to-upper 60s (more effective the faster he throws it). He has a developing change and sinker, but at this point they are not part of his usual repertoire. As a hitter, he is a fairly upright batter whose stance is fairly narrow (though he does stride out), to me reminds me mostly of Griffey, Jr. (right down to the waggle) - a comp I would love to see develop as Griffey did! He has good power (has hit balls ~400 with the old BESR composite bats, and in the NTIS this Fall poked one pretty close to 350' off of pretty good pitching). If I had to guess, I'd say he'll probably pitch through HS but might project better as a hitter, and will probably be more of a 3B or C type than a middle infielder.
He's still somewhat underdeveloped physically - about 5'11" or 6'0" and about 160-165 - and a little puppy-like with big feet and hands, and mostly long arms and legs, but getting stronger almost daily as he has started lifting for the first time. Average-to-slightly above average speed for his age (right around 7.0 60 if I recall right, last spring at 14). Defense is good but not great, and he probably relies too much on a strong arm at this point and has more work to do there than in the other phases of his game.
Has played in the major regional showcases around here (BBNW), is looking forward to seeing about getting to a PG event, and has been a USA Baseball rising 16U NTIS player. Has been invited back to the USA Baseball National Tournament next June in Arizona (what used to be called the Junior Olympics), and has had (and I expect will get in the future) an invite to the Arizona Fall Classic, and has competed pretty well in national-level travel ball (though honestly, I'd say he is a notch below the most elite players we've seen at that level).
I'd love to hear how this compares with others who've already been through all this, or how the experienced eyes think this projects. That is essentially where we are in the process - we know he is pretty good, but don't really have much of an idea where he fits in, or when we'll get a better idea about that....
My kid is a RHP, SS/3B, and C mostly, who hits left-handed. As a pitcher, he has a good fastball (touched / topped out at 85 last year, more often sat 78-82) that has decent movement, and a curveball he throws in the mid-to-upper 60s (more effective the faster he throws it). He has a developing change and sinker, but at this point they are not part of his usual repertoire. As a hitter, he is a fairly upright batter whose stance is fairly narrow (though he does stride out), to me reminds me mostly of Griffey, Jr. (right down to the waggle) - a comp I would love to see develop as Griffey did! He has good power (has hit balls ~400 with the old BESR composite bats, and in the NTIS this Fall poked one pretty close to 350' off of pretty good pitching). If I had to guess, I'd say he'll probably pitch through HS but might project better as a hitter, and will probably be more of a 3B or C type than a middle infielder.
He's still somewhat underdeveloped physically - about 5'11" or 6'0" and about 160-165 - and a little puppy-like with big feet and hands, and mostly long arms and legs, but getting stronger almost daily as he has started lifting for the first time. Average-to-slightly above average speed for his age (right around 7.0 60 if I recall right, last spring at 14). Defense is good but not great, and he probably relies too much on a strong arm at this point and has more work to do there than in the other phases of his game.
Has played in the major regional showcases around here (BBNW), is looking forward to seeing about getting to a PG event, and has been a USA Baseball rising 16U NTIS player. Has been invited back to the USA Baseball National Tournament next June in Arizona (what used to be called the Junior Olympics), and has had (and I expect will get in the future) an invite to the Arizona Fall Classic, and has competed pretty well in national-level travel ball (though honestly, I'd say he is a notch below the most elite players we've seen at that level).
I'd love to hear how this compares with others who've already been through all this, or how the experienced eyes think this projects. That is essentially where we are in the process - we know he is pretty good, but don't really have much of an idea where he fits in, or when we'll get a better idea about that....
I'm a Freshman at a rising NAIA school. I'm 6' 205lb catcher and utility player. Played my senior year at first base at a middle sized school in AZ. I was sort of a late bloomer in high school...5'5" until summer before Junior year ,I had only 24 varsity ab's my junior year and my senior season I had 100 plate appearances. I never played for a top showcase team or went to a showcase, my dad helped me a lot with finding schools that were or would be interested.
Junior5, yours is a very intersting story. Congrats to you and your family for hanging in there as you progressed.
quote:Originally posted by EdgarFan:
I'd love to hear how this compares with others who've already been through all this, or how the experienced eyes think this projects.....
He seems quite enchanting, but I think you already knew this.
I have very experienced eyes, so if you send me $500 I will tell you more good things about your son, and you will well up inside, it will help you sleep better at night, but won't really mean that much.
That is an impressive and even "enchanting" entrance, Tim. Do you by chance work for NCSA? 
It's really hard to compare fourteen year olds in gauging what they will become. At fourteen there's a huge curve in the puberty bell. When my son started 14U ball he was 5'4", 120. By the end of the season he was 5'11", 135. The next year he was 6', 160. He graduated at 6'1", 170. When he came home for Thanksgiving break he was 6'1", 185. According to the x-rays taken last spring as part of his post surgery recovery his plates are still open. Some of his 14U teammates were 6 feet and stopped growing.
Obviously size and strength are going to have an effect on power. His power was much better by junior year in high school. He always had speed (6.75). Through high school he was a middle of the field player (ss, 2b, cf). In college anywhere between the white lines is fine. But that's always been his attitude.
I have a friend who entered high school not expecting to much of an athlete at 5'6". He became an All-American pitcher in the SEC. He also played two years of SEC basketball. He made it to AAA. By freshman year of college he was 6'4".
Obviously size and strength are going to have an effect on power. His power was much better by junior year in high school. He always had speed (6.75). Through high school he was a middle of the field player (ss, 2b, cf). In college anywhere between the white lines is fine. But that's always been his attitude.
I have a friend who entered high school not expecting to much of an athlete at 5'6". He became an All-American pitcher in the SEC. He also played two years of SEC basketball. He made it to AAA. By freshman year of college he was 6'4".
Thank you, RJM. I get that it is incredibly difficult to know where a 14 year old will be in 3-4 years, for all the reasons you (and others) have mentioned.
I guess I am doing the natural thing - fishing for whether the people who've seen this first-hand (and through this board, second-hand a thousand times) think he's on the right track to being a college prospect....
I guess I am doing the natural thing - fishing for whether the people who've seen this first-hand (and through this board, second-hand a thousand times) think he's on the right track to being a college prospect....
All your son can do is his best. What you can do for him is provide resources you can afford. Help him be aware of what's required to succeed at the next rung up the ladder. Look for the best travel team where he can grow and develop. For summer ball it's time to stop playing age appropriate level and start thinking skill appropriate. Once he's made varsity or playing on a quality 17U team develop a college strategy.
It appears he has some quality accomplishments for his age. Don't let him rest on his accomplishments. A lot of kids will be developing physically over the next two, three years. Pat him on the back but keep challenging him. Good luck.
It appears he has some quality accomplishments for his age. Don't let him rest on his accomplishments. A lot of kids will be developing physically over the next two, three years. Pat him on the back but keep challenging him. Good luck.
All your son can do is his best. What you can do for him is provide resources you can afford. Help him be aware of what's required to succeed at the next rung up the ladder. Look for the best travel team where he can grow and develop. For summer ball it's time to stop playing age appropriate level and start thinking skill appropriate. Once he's made varsity or playing on a quality 17U team develop a college strategy.
It appears he has some quality accomplishments for his age. Don't let him rest on his accomplishments. A lot of kids will be developing physically over the next two, three years. Pat him on the back but keep challenging him. Good luck.
It appears he has some quality accomplishments for his age. Don't let him rest on his accomplishments. A lot of kids will be developing physically over the next two, three years. Pat him on the back but keep challenging him. Good luck.
quote:Originally posted by EdgarFan:
Thank you, RJM. I get that it is incredibly difficult to know where a 14 year old will be in 3-4 years, for all the reasons you (and others) have mentioned.
I guess I am doing the natural thing - fishing for whether the people who've seen this first-hand (and through this board, second-hand a thousand times) think he's on the right track to being a college prospect....
RJM is right, unless you are raising a Bryce Harper, it's very hard to tell by a 14 year olds accomplishments what he will be like in 3-5 years. It's not difficult to pick out the really talented ones but so much changes, it's hard to predict even if they will be interested in baseball at 18,19
RJM and TimTheEnchanter are trying to relay a message to you, both in different styles. I am sure that you are very proud of your son, as we all are, but I am going to be brutally honest, try to relax and sit back and let the whole thing unfold, folks just don't like other folks telling others how good their pre-teens are.
EdgarFan,
If we learn anything through this baseball journey it is that we could have saved ourselves some worry, speculation and a ton of anxiety had we just relaxed and allowed the natural course to unwind.
My son at 20, as I look back upon Coaching his Travel Team that 14U year, doesn't at all resemble the player he was then. On the flip side, many of his better contemporaries weren't able to break into their high school starting line-up and are no longer playing.
Don't worry yourself, or him, about College. The next goal should focus on making, starting and performing well on high school and 16/17U teams. Should he do that and continue to enjoy playing, he will have College opportunities!
It sounds to me that you may have much to look forward to. But most of us will advise you to relax and try to not let his performance and achievements consume you, because they can and that's not good for you, him or the relationship.
I'm not suggesting that you are headed that way, just remembering how strongly I centered on his baseball life at that stage.
If we learn anything through this baseball journey it is that we could have saved ourselves some worry, speculation and a ton of anxiety had we just relaxed and allowed the natural course to unwind.
My son at 20, as I look back upon Coaching his Travel Team that 14U year, doesn't at all resemble the player he was then. On the flip side, many of his better contemporaries weren't able to break into their high school starting line-up and are no longer playing.
Don't worry yourself, or him, about College. The next goal should focus on making, starting and performing well on high school and 16/17U teams. Should he do that and continue to enjoy playing, he will have College opportunities!
It sounds to me that you may have much to look forward to. But most of us will advise you to relax and try to not let his performance and achievements consume you, because they can and that's not good for you, him or the relationship.
I'm not suggesting that you are headed that way, just remembering how strongly I centered on his baseball life at that stage.
^^Well said Prime9.
It is hard to know what will happen even when some players are 17 or 18 much less 14.
My son was a 5' tall freshman just hoping to make his high school team. He did not play much at all as a freshmen or sophomore. Played more as junior on JV. He is a senior now and hoping to be the lefty reliever. He is now 5" 9" and not done growing yet.
That being said he still is being recruited to play DIII baseball because the coaches like his command of his breaking ball and his projectablity.
So the answer I would have given two years ago (maybe even one year ago) is different than today. It could be different two years from now.
I agree with other posters that you may have to have more the one survey.
My son was a 5' tall freshman just hoping to make his high school team. He did not play much at all as a freshmen or sophomore. Played more as junior on JV. He is a senior now and hoping to be the lefty reliever. He is now 5" 9" and not done growing yet.
That being said he still is being recruited to play DIII baseball because the coaches like his command of his breaking ball and his projectablity.
So the answer I would have given two years ago (maybe even one year ago) is different than today. It could be different two years from now.
I agree with other posters that you may have to have more the one survey.
I look at the guys who made JV as 8th graders or were playing ahead of my son through his Freshman year of high school. Several of them never got to the Varsity level (either cut or quit when they suddenly weren't getting playing time).
My son hung in there through the middle school years (only played 6 innings as a 7th grader and split time as an 8th grader due to an injury of another player). The high school coaches switched him to 3rd base and he continued to pitch on the JV team for his Freshman and Sophmore years.
As a Junior, he was back on the bench and nearly ready to quit. Not because of lack of playing time but because he wasn't sure what his role was on the team. He had progressed as a pitcher but was not getting the innings until he was put into a game where he shut down a team that had been creaming his team. After that, he was in the starting rotation.
This year, he is expected to carry most of the load on the mound and be back as a starting infielder. He has interest from several D3 schools with quality academic and baseball programs. Plus, he is working his butt off doing conditioning, weightlifting, and working on his flexibility. (I need to sneak in and get pictures of him doing yoga.) His sights are set on helping his team get a State championship and contributing immediately in college.
I have always told him, "It is not how you start, but how you finish".
My son hung in there through the middle school years (only played 6 innings as a 7th grader and split time as an 8th grader due to an injury of another player). The high school coaches switched him to 3rd base and he continued to pitch on the JV team for his Freshman and Sophmore years.
As a Junior, he was back on the bench and nearly ready to quit. Not because of lack of playing time but because he wasn't sure what his role was on the team. He had progressed as a pitcher but was not getting the innings until he was put into a game where he shut down a team that had been creaming his team. After that, he was in the starting rotation.
This year, he is expected to carry most of the load on the mound and be back as a starting infielder. He has interest from several D3 schools with quality academic and baseball programs. Plus, he is working his butt off doing conditioning, weightlifting, and working on his flexibility. (I need to sneak in and get pictures of him doing yoga.) His sights are set on helping his team get a State championship and contributing immediately in college.
I have always told him, "It is not how you start, but how you finish".
quote:Originally posted by fenwaysouth:
^^Well said Prime9.
Ditto.
Interesting thread. I saw the most interesting quote the other day and it was by the late Bruce Lee. He said "Of course talent creates opportunity, but it is desire that creates talent!" I thought what a wonderful and liberating thought.
I am convinced that the power of the mind can lead to amazing things if we don't get caught up in other people's expectations and thus, I wouldn't get caught up in levels or perceived levels.
We had Steve Springer on our hsbbweb radio program the other day and he talked about how he was just a little guy in high school and even got cut from his high school team. He wasn't recruited by colleges yet managed to scrap his way into junior college, get noticed by pro scouts, and scrap his way to the big leagues all on shear desire, will, and positive thinking.
That's how I would encourage my kids. Pay no mind to where someone thinks you are today but, put your heart and soul into being the best you can be today and down the road you may be the best player out there and more importantly the best person you can be.
quote:Originally posted by TPM:
It's not in the perception of how we see our sons or how they see themselves but how others perceive the player, based on their skills and maturity level.
Are you asking about a player just entering or almost done with HS or college, pro ball,
past, present or future?
TPM hits it, to me my son is the greatest baseball player I've ever seen, nothing thrills me more than to watch him play....
To others, the proof was that he had 2 D1 walk-on offers, a smatter of D2 offers and then played all 4 years of NCAA D3 ball at a great academic institution..
He now plays semipro adult ball and he is still my favorite player to watch....
But I might be biased......
There was once a player my son played with, he was a ball of fire, the best player in the league, a blazing fastball that he blew by everyone. He was truly an amazing player, best 10YO I have ever seen. His dad told me in HS that he just peaked a little early…..
This is a very interesting thread.
To me, it matters more what level your Son sees himself at, and what his goals are.
And close behind that would be what the College or Pro scouts think.
I've seen several kids ruined because of their parent's expectations.
Talent, like water, tends to seek it's own level.
Expose him to the best available training and competition.
And don't forget, it's supposed to be fun!
To me, it matters more what level your Son sees himself at, and what his goals are.
And close behind that would be what the College or Pro scouts think.
I've seen several kids ruined because of their parent's expectations.
Talent, like water, tends to seek it's own level.
Expose him to the best available training and competition.
And don't forget, it's supposed to be fun!
I voted for the last one with my 2014 son. I believe he will play in college, it just seems quite far away at this pont and have no idea where he will be at when he graduates HS. I do know that he just wants to play college ball somewhere and hopes also to play professionally after that (gee, doesn't everyone want that). I think it best not to set any sights right now as being a top D-1 or even a draft prospect and yet at the same time also realize he has that potential if he works hard at it.
At a recent camp he was told he was good enough now to play small college ball but who knows. I have found that for most, it is quite hard to tell until about halfway through their junior year season of HS ball. Will just have to wait and see.
At a recent camp he was told he was good enough now to play small college ball but who knows
. I have found that for most, it is quite hard to tell until about halfway through their junior year season of HS ball. Will just have to wait and see.quote:Originally posted by Skylark:
Will just have to wait and see.
That's right, Skylark. Enjoy it.
There are rare 14 year old kids that you just know are going to be DI or draft types. Those kids usually are! but lots of things can get in the way.
I think that parents are the worst judges when it comes to their players ability or potential. It's just human nature! We know scouts that are among the best at evaluating talent, yet they can't evaluate their own son accurately. BTW, we have seen this go both ways... He's really good... He's not that good!
I think that parents are the worst judges when it comes to their players ability or potential. It's just human nature! We know scouts that are among the best at evaluating talent, yet they can't evaluate their own son accurately. BTW, we have seen this go both ways... He's really good... He's not that good!
One I saw at 10yo I was certain was going to be a stud pitcher. He ended up being more of a situational, relatively soft throwing lefty but is playing D1. The other I didn't see until he was 13 and his swing really stood out. He was a 1st rounder and top prospect in his organization. I certainly never predicted that.
There were probably others that I was sure were going to be studs who I've conveniently forgotten about.
There were probably others that I was sure were going to be studs who I've conveniently forgotten about.
Very interesting topic. As the mom of a 2015, I am on the site reading and learning. He and I have interesting discussions about threads I have read. We have been told he has college potential by coaches who have watched him play. Does he have what it takes? Only he knows that. Do we all hope our kid does, sure. Being big, hitting deep or throwing hard can only take a kid so far. I think the biggest factor is the heart of the player. I have watched mine go in the back yard and hit 5 buckets of balls, to work on something he didn't like in his swing last weekend. I throw BP at his request(at least he will be ready for the change up! )But what will happen when he discovers girls, cars and parties? He is a freshman who has not played a single inning of high school baseball, so who knows what his future holds? My wish for him to is have fun, stay healthy, and chase his dreams, whatever those turn out to be. My responsibility at this point is to make smart decisions with who I trust to influence my kid on the field, and to drive him all up and down the east coast while he plays. I cheer, I wash uniforms, and I have a blast spending 1:1 time with my son. If this is all we get out of baseball, it has been worth it. If there is money to help pay for college one day, that will just be a bonus!
)But what will happen when he discovers girls, cars and parties? He is a freshman who has not played a single inning of high school baseball, so who knows what his future holds? My wish for him to is have fun, stay healthy, and chase his dreams, whatever those turn out to be. My responsibility at this point is to make smart decisions with who I trust to influence my kid on the field, and to drive him all up and down the east coast while he plays. I cheer, I wash uniforms, and I have a blast spending 1:1 time with my son. If this is all we get out of baseball, it has been worth it. If there is money to help pay for college one day, that will just be a bonus!
This thread, like many others, has been hijacked and turned into a feeding frenzy like many others on this site. TWOTEX posted a very good topic and discussion and interesting poll. To some it left a few things unanswered.
So it begins, the suggestion to discuss younger players –but why not, this IS the High School Baseball Web. Right?
BOF adds his “twist” or input to the growing topic of age based polls and the impending outcome.
Dad43 adds to the discussion with a well thought out response, but because his son is not actually 14 any longer he is allowed to post without reprisal.
Again, no longer the Dad of a 14YO AND his son recently signed a NLI… his post is fine on this thread.
And this is where the thread takes a turn… Edgars son is still 14… and he is asking for advise… He is merely stating that it would be nice to hear stories how others thought their Sons projected in their own minds vs. where they ended up. He gave a pretty decent backround on his Son; His positions and ability, level of current completion and how he has performed, and gave a solid and honest physical description (puppy like – big feet, good defense but not great).
Again, just a guy asking how his kid stacks up to what some of the oldtimers on the site have personally experienced.
I am not sure where any of this guys post fits into any of the thread at all. It doesn’t even come close to the OP, or the sidebar discussion concerning 14YO’s. But, because his random post on this thread is about how successful he is beyond high school, he gets a “kudos” from TWOTEX. Well played young man.
Here is some solid advice given by RJM as well as how his son performed at the age of 14… Edgarfan even thanked him for the response.
Actualy, that is not what RJM said… he actually took time to describe his son at the age of 14 all the way up to Thanksgiving of this year. Which is kind of what Edgar was asking about… how well did your Son play (or not), grow and compete from the age of 14 until…
Edgarfan’s post was a bit of a descriptive backround so others could provide knowledgeable feedback. I don’t this it reads as if he was “telling other how good their pre-teens are”. And for what it’s worth, I am pretty sure 14 is no longer considered a “pre-teen”… just sayin’
Anyhow, I could go on and on… but the truth of my post is some of you need to remember where you started out. You didn’t just magically wake up and have all of the answers. You asked questions, did your research however you could. To include this web sight… a brief “search of the archives” turns up many posts by “current” HSBBWeb Old Timer’s that ask many questions about their “pre-teens”… or 14 year olds, or JV players in their freshman year of high school. Some of you Old Timers should be ashamed of yourself for being so self righteous. That’s about all I have to say about that…
As for answering the OP… My son is working hard to make the JV team. Not too concerned about the rest… and I am not sure I would want to share it here anyway after the display on this thread.
quote:Originally posted by twotex:
Good suggestions, but I'm actually interested in both results and perceptions.
I also believe that for many parents, their perception changes as the years go on. I suspect there are many people who thought Jr. was a draft prospect at 14, only to find out he barely made the team in college.
So it begins, the suggestion to discuss younger players –but why not, this IS the High School Baseball Web. Right?
quote:Originally posted by BOF:
Actually good points all around. It needs to be time based. Such as "at the time your son graduated HS" or at "14 where did you see your son" or maybe two polls. One in HS and one post HS. May be easier to get to what you are looking for.
BOF adds his “twist” or input to the growing topic of age based polls and the impending outcome.
quote:Originally posted by dad43:
Great point at age 14 the personal goals [LIST]were…
Dad43 adds to the discussion with a well thought out response, but because his son is not actually 14 any longer he is allowed to post without reprisal.
quote:Originally posted by cb12:
Very interesting topic.
At age 14 my son (2012) was...
Again, no longer the Dad of a 14YO AND his son recently signed a NLI… his post is fine on this thread.
quote:Originally posted by EdgarFan:
Well, my 2015 just finished his 14U year last summer. I don't have the benefit of seeing into the future, but I would be curious in hearing the "what was he like at 14" stories juxtaposed next to "where did he end up in college" and maybe even "did he go on to be drafted or play in the pros" so I might have a better idea of what the future might bring.
And this is where the thread takes a turn… Edgars son is still 14… and he is asking for advise… He is merely stating that it would be nice to hear stories how others thought their Sons projected in their own minds vs. where they ended up. He gave a pretty decent backround on his Son; His positions and ability, level of current completion and how he has performed, and gave a solid and honest physical description (puppy like – big feet, good defense but not great).
quote:Originally posted by EdgarFan:
I'd love to hear how this compares with others who've already been through all this, or how the experienced eyes think this projects. That is essentially where we are in the process - we know he is pretty good, but don't really have much of an idea where he fits in, or when we'll get a better idea about that....
Again, just a guy asking how his kid stacks up to what some of the oldtimers on the site have personally experienced.
quote:Originally posted by junior5:
I'm a Freshman at a rising NAIA school.
I am not sure where any of this guys post fits into any of the thread at all. It doesn’t even come close to the OP, or the sidebar discussion concerning 14YO’s. But, because his random post on this thread is about how successful he is beyond high school, he gets a “kudos” from TWOTEX. Well played young man.
quote:Originally posted by RJM:
It's really hard to compare fourteen year olds in gauging what they will become. At fourteen there's a huge curve in the puberty bell. …When my son started 14U ball he was 5'4", 120….
…All your son can do is his best. What you can do for him is provide resources you can afford.
Here is some solid advice given by RJM as well as how his son performed at the age of 14… Edgarfan even thanked him for the response.
quote:Originally posted by TPM:
RJM is right, unless you are raising a Bryce Harper, it's very hard to tell by a 14 year olds accomplishments what he will be like in 3-5 years. It's not difficult to pick out the really talented ones but so much changes, it's hard to predict even if they will be interested in baseball at 18,19
Actualy, that is not what RJM said… he actually took time to describe his son at the age of 14 all the way up to Thanksgiving of this year. Which is kind of what Edgar was asking about… how well did your Son play (or not), grow and compete from the age of 14 until…
quote:Originally posted by TPM:
RJM and TimTheEnchanter are trying to relay a message to you, both in different styles. I am sure that you are very proud of your son, as we all are, but I am going to be brutally honest, try to relax and sit back and let the whole thing unfold, folks just don't like other folks telling others how good their pre-teens are.
Edgarfan’s post was a bit of a descriptive backround so others could provide knowledgeable feedback. I don’t this it reads as if he was “telling other how good their pre-teens are”. And for what it’s worth, I am pretty sure 14 is no longer considered a “pre-teen”… just sayin’
Anyhow, I could go on and on… but the truth of my post is some of you need to remember where you started out. You didn’t just magically wake up and have all of the answers. You asked questions, did your research however you could. To include this web sight… a brief “search of the archives” turns up many posts by “current” HSBBWeb Old Timer’s that ask many questions about their “pre-teens”… or 14 year olds, or JV players in their freshman year of high school. Some of you Old Timers should be ashamed of yourself for being so self righteous. That’s about all I have to say about that…
As for answering the OP… My son is working hard to make the JV team. Not too concerned about the rest… and I am not sure I would want to share it here anyway after the display on this thread.
At 14 my son suffered with an OCD elbow problem. He played very little as a 13/14 since the problem didn't affect his ability but he was in constant pain so he would rest and then attempt to go back.
He chose to stay at his small HS since it was doubtful he would be able play much. After freshman year he told me he was either getting his elbow fixed or quitting. (Up until then the doctors told him they didn't really see anything wrong that rest wouldn't cure.)
The doctor finally agreed to perform surgery and remove the bone chip. During surgery he discovered that the chip was much larger and chose instead to pin the chip back into the elbow.
Son worked very hard at rehab and was able to play in the field as a sophomore. He started pitching again as a junior. He had a stellar junior and senior year although some simply dismiss his success as the product of playing small school athletics.
Of course he was already behind in recruiting and injured himself playing basketball during the summer between junior and senior year which limited his showcase opportunities.
Being a fan of small schools and not needing any monetary assistance, we chose to concentrate on D3 schools. He has landed in a very nice D3 program in Southern California and is very happy.
He chose to stay at his small HS since it was doubtful he would be able play much. After freshman year he told me he was either getting his elbow fixed or quitting. (Up until then the doctors told him they didn't really see anything wrong that rest wouldn't cure.)
The doctor finally agreed to perform surgery and remove the bone chip. During surgery he discovered that the chip was much larger and chose instead to pin the chip back into the elbow.
Son worked very hard at rehab and was able to play in the field as a sophomore. He started pitching again as a junior. He had a stellar junior and senior year although some simply dismiss his success as the product of playing small school athletics.
Of course he was already behind in recruiting and injured himself playing basketball during the summer between junior and senior year which limited his showcase opportunities.
Being a fan of small schools and not needing any monetary assistance, we chose to concentrate on D3 schools. He has landed in a very nice D3 program in Southern California and is very happy.
I think almost every parent and/or player wants to know where they stack up at an early age. It is part of the process. I think everyone would ideally want the idol status of "first round draft pick" labeled with their kid. That is the standard for many- the bar. And yet knowing that, many if not most of us end up being happy where our kid ends up at. we all know where our own kids weaknesses are. For my own son it has always been his academics. I pretty much already know he will not go to a high academic college program. I also know that he doesn't run super fast and so he won't get noticed for his speed. His bat is average and for most higher end schools they will not be watching him on that. Of course those things can change, but realistically, I am not betting on it.
On the flip side, he has a very good arm and will more than likely get looked at for his arm. He also has very good defensive skills on the infield.
As parents and coaches we all have some vague idea, even from an early age where they could end up at and over time we work ourselves into that comfort level, or should. Knowing to set the sights where, when how and why is the key to happiness. I think always setting that mark at the minimum allows us to be more pleasently surprised when our kid excells and shoots well past that mark. On the flip side however- when parents, coaches and kids themselves set unrealistic goals, it can be discouraging, and in some cases cause hard feelings and lack of desire for kids to compete and try harder with some even leaving the game forever.
On the flip side, he has a very good arm and will more than likely get looked at for his arm. He also has very good defensive skills on the infield.
As parents and coaches we all have some vague idea, even from an early age where they could end up at and over time we work ourselves into that comfort level, or should
. Knowing to set the sights where, when how and why is the key to happiness. I think always setting that mark at the minimum allows us to be more pleasently surprised when our kid excells and shoots well past that mark. On the flip side however- when parents, coaches and kids themselves set unrealistic goals, it can be discouraging, and in some cases cause hard feelings and lack of desire for kids to compete and try harder with some even leaving the game forever.
I think of my son as being on the cusp. He is a 6' 1", 195 lb Junior who should be throwing around 83 mph this spring (he was at 81 mph in the fall). He looks like a lot of other right handed pitchers that I have seen. While he has been quite effective in tournaments as a starter, he does not stand out in a D-1 sort of way.
What I do find interesting is that he has consistently added about five miles an hour on to his speed each year since he was 10. That has to stop at some point. If he is able to do this one more year, he would be throwing around 87-88 as a Senior. My guess is though, that unless he somehow has this increased speed in the summer or fall tournament season, throwing this fast in the spring of his Senior year would be too late to get him noticed at a higher level program.
There are a lot of ifs in this scenerio, but does anyone have any experience with this type of development and how it played out.
What I do find interesting is that he has consistently added about five miles an hour on to his speed each year since he was 10. That has to stop at some point. If he is able to do this one more year, he would be throwing around 87-88 as a Senior. My guess is though, that unless he somehow has this increased speed in the summer or fall tournament season, throwing this fast in the spring of his Senior year would be too late to get him noticed at a higher level program.
There are a lot of ifs in this scenerio, but does anyone have any experience with this type of development and how it played out.
bballdad2016,
I'm slightly confused... I'm not sure if you're blind, or if you just choose to select what you want to read out of a post, but the question was how would you describe your son/self as a baseball player? NAIA is not an option, clearly. Then, I decided it would be nice to inform parents and possible players that you don't have to be 6'4" as a freshman or sophomore in high school who attends every top showcase and plays on the top scout teams to play college baseball. I'm sorry that my post came off as arrogant to your slightly below average comprehension skills but all I was trying to do was help other players who are not as athletic, not as blessed by genetics, and not given the opportunity to play for the top showcase teams. I'll give you one last "Good Job", the op never said anything about the question being directed to a 14yo. I wish your son the best of luck and hope he gets the chance to play college baseball, I know I love it and I haven't even been able to step on the field yet.
I'm slightly confused... I'm not sure if you're blind, or if you just choose to select what you want to read out of a post, but the question was how would you describe your son/self as a baseball player? NAIA is not an option, clearly. Then, I decided it would be nice to inform parents and possible players that you don't have to be 6'4" as a freshman or sophomore in high school who attends every top showcase and plays on the top scout teams to play college baseball. I'm sorry that my post came off as arrogant to your slightly below average comprehension skills but all I was trying to do was help other players who are not as athletic, not as blessed by genetics, and not given the opportunity to play for the top showcase teams. I'll give you one last "Good Job", the op never said anything about the question being directed to a 14yo. I wish your son the best of luck and hope he gets the chance to play college baseball, I know I love it and I haven't even been able to step on the field yet.
quote:Originally posted by junior5:
bballdad2016,
I'm slightly confused... I'm not sure if you're blind, or if you just choose to select what you want to read out of a post, but the question was how would you describe your son/self as a baseball player? NAIA is not an option, clearly. Then, I decided it would be nice to inform parents and possible players that you don't have to be 6'4" as a freshman or sophomore in high school who attends every top showcase and plays on the top scout teams to play college baseball. I'm sorry that my post came off as arrogant to your slightly below average comprehension skills but all I was trying to do was help other players who are not as athletic, not as blessed by genetics, and not given the opportunity to play for the top showcase teams. I'll give you one last "Good Job", the op never said anything about the question being directed to a 14yo. I wish your son the best of luck and hope he gets the chance to play college baseball, I know I love it and I haven't even been able to step on the field yet.
junior - you were right, my apologies. The OP did not list NAIA as an selectable option. Sorry you got caught up in my rant... but not sorry for the rant in its entirety. There is relevance to what I posted, even without my shot at your seemingly random post.
Too many parents have expectations at ages where their kids should just be enjoying playing sports. If a parent sees passion they should nurture it. If the kid sees sports as exercise and a social activity let it be that. A parent can suggest a goal. But ultimately the kid decides what the goals should be regardless of what the parent thinks. So it's better to have the conversation and listen.quote:Originally posted by Skylark:
I think always setting that mark at the minimum allows us to be more pleasently surprised when our kid excells and shoots well past that mark. On the flip side however- when parents, coaches and kids themselves set unrealistic goals, it can be discouraging, and in some cases cause hard feelings and lack of desire for kids to compete and try harder with some even leaving the game forever.
When I ran the 7/8 machine pitch league some of the parents were out of control. I had a talk with them. I told them maybe 6 of the 144 kids in league would play high school varsity. But with the right environment we can develop 144 baseball fans. Several went to the board chairman regarding my negative attitude regarding player's futures. How's that for unrealistic expectations?