BBkaze great post!
What ever one decides to do, IMO the first goal should be to secure a college committment. That goal would include working hard on the field and in the classroom.
Your committment to college will determine interest in scouts for draft consideration. The reality is that those players signing at top bb programs will have the scouts out as soon as they committ or sign. It doesn't matter how tall you are or how hard you throw, those scouts know that those coaches chose those players for a reason, and most likely it was talent above all else.
I've known players who had very little college or pro interest until they signed, then MLB was out if full force and many ended up never setting foot on a college field when no scout looked at them before. The committment and signing alone gave them plenty of exposure and area scouts are always out to find the best prospect in their territory.
JMO
TPM
Are you saying that pro scouts do not know about a player until he signs a NLI?
Are you saying that pro scouts do not know about a player until he signs a NLI?
quote:Originally posted by TPM:
BBkaze great post!
I loved BBkaze's post as well!
I always hesitate to post in these type threads. Afraid someone might think I’m being partial to what we do.
So allow me to say this…
We only know what the results of our path have revealed. It is normal for people to assume… our results were good so we did everything right. People should follow the path we took. That’s good enough to me!
However, the thing we will never know is what might have happened had we done things differently. Could it have been better yet or would it have been worse or would it have been identical regarding the results. Would the son who went DII and was successful there, possibly been at a DI and been successful? While the results are great the way it is, could they have been better yet. Obviously we might be satisfied or happy either way. How about the son interested in playing pro ball who gets drafted in the 20th round. Is it possible that he could have been drafted much higher by doing things differently? Not to sound like a know it all, but we have seen over and over how these things have happened. How a projected 10th rounder ends up going in the first or second round. It happens every year in June! The 10th round son obviously did some things right and had outstanding ability. Should everyone follow his path to success? Maybe, maybe not!
I often hear that the very most talented don’t have to do anything because everyone already knows about them. I actually think the very most talented should do everything they possibly can in order to really prove they are among the very most talented. Why do they need to prove that… You’d have to get the opinions of those who fall into that category. The Uptons, David Wright, Carl Crawford, Delmon Young, Tim Beckham, Scott Kazmir, etc.
How do we know that Tim Beckham would have been the first pick of the draft last year had he just played high school ball and never gone to the big exposure events? I’m actually fairly certain that wouldn’t have happened, but no way to know for sure now, is there? We only know what actually happened. In his case, the results were as good as it gets.
It’s easy after the fact, to say everyone knew about those guys and they would have been drafted early no matter what they did. Well, there are others who were just as talented as some of these guys, but they didn’t get the big pay day during the draft. There are others who were drafted early that didn’t make it in professional baseball. There are those that are not drafted who become major league stars. How come “everybody” didn’t know about them? Hind sight is 20-20!
Here is what I do believe… there is no perfect way to go about being successful. I think if we studied the results of a thousand players, we would have a thousand different paths that were taken to college and professional baseball.
So all the stories are great and very interesting. Its fun reading people talk about how good PG events were and that they played a part in a players results. It’s even fun reading about the results where people did not attend PG events. The one thing to keep in mind… You should never feel like anything is mandatory to your players’ success. There is nothing worth risking your home to get your son every possible advantage. That said, doing nothing doesn’t seem to have a great track record, near as I can tell.
One thing I think can be said… In all likelihood, the path your son (and you) take will not be the same exact path that anyone else took. Similarities… Yes Differences… Yes
That said, I think these stories are great and very beneficial. I really enjoy reading about “what worked for them”. And what those results are so far! Those results don’t always have to be baseball only accomplishments.
I will now do something stupid and post this before going back and reading it over. Gotta run!
So allow me to say this…
We only know what the results of our path have revealed. It is normal for people to assume… our results were good so we did everything right. People should follow the path we took. That’s good enough to me!
However, the thing we will never know is what might have happened had we done things differently. Could it have been better yet or would it have been worse or would it have been identical regarding the results. Would the son who went DII and was successful there, possibly been at a DI and been successful? While the results are great the way it is, could they have been better yet. Obviously we might be satisfied or happy either way. How about the son interested in playing pro ball who gets drafted in the 20th round. Is it possible that he could have been drafted much higher by doing things differently? Not to sound like a know it all, but we have seen over and over how these things have happened. How a projected 10th rounder ends up going in the first or second round. It happens every year in June! The 10th round son obviously did some things right and had outstanding ability. Should everyone follow his path to success? Maybe, maybe not!
I often hear that the very most talented don’t have to do anything because everyone already knows about them. I actually think the very most talented should do everything they possibly can in order to really prove they are among the very most talented. Why do they need to prove that… You’d have to get the opinions of those who fall into that category. The Uptons, David Wright, Carl Crawford, Delmon Young, Tim Beckham, Scott Kazmir, etc.
How do we know that Tim Beckham would have been the first pick of the draft last year had he just played high school ball and never gone to the big exposure events? I’m actually fairly certain that wouldn’t have happened, but no way to know for sure now, is there? We only know what actually happened. In his case, the results were as good as it gets.
It’s easy after the fact, to say everyone knew about those guys and they would have been drafted early no matter what they did. Well, there are others who were just as talented as some of these guys, but they didn’t get the big pay day during the draft. There are others who were drafted early that didn’t make it in professional baseball. There are those that are not drafted who become major league stars. How come “everybody” didn’t know about them? Hind sight is 20-20!
Here is what I do believe… there is no perfect way to go about being successful. I think if we studied the results of a thousand players, we would have a thousand different paths that were taken to college and professional baseball.
So all the stories are great and very interesting. Its fun reading people talk about how good PG events were and that they played a part in a players results. It’s even fun reading about the results where people did not attend PG events. The one thing to keep in mind… You should never feel like anything is mandatory to your players’ success. There is nothing worth risking your home to get your son every possible advantage. That said, doing nothing doesn’t seem to have a great track record, near as I can tell.
One thing I think can be said… In all likelihood, the path your son (and you) take will not be the same exact path that anyone else took. Similarities… Yes Differences… Yes
That said, I think these stories are great and very beneficial. I really enjoy reading about “what worked for them”. And what those results are so far! Those results don’t always have to be baseball only accomplishments.
I will now do something stupid and post this before going back and reading it over. Gotta run!
PG, I think most everyone if not everyone knows your organization is A1 and respected, so your post on the subject adds to the richness of the thread.
Paths are different, but more national exposure surely doesn't hurt.
As you know, we never attended PG, but that wasn't for a lack of invite by you for National(travel issues), Aflac Showcase in SD(schedule conflict), and Jupiter was lost to injury. Much appreciation.
That said, the Player has to keep performing at a high level in a consistent manner and show baseball growth and development.
Paths are different, but more national exposure surely doesn't hurt.
As you know, we never attended PG, but that wasn't for a lack of invite by you for National(travel issues), Aflac Showcase in SD(schedule conflict), and Jupiter was lost to injury. Much appreciation.
That said, the Player has to keep performing at a high level in a consistent manner and show baseball growth and development.
Great Post PG,
You summed it all up well.
You summed it all up well.
There is another factor to consider. I firmly believe the mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical. Going to top showcases educates the player as to what's out there and demonstrates to him (hopefuly!) that he can compete at that level. When he finally does step onto a college field, there is no question in his mind that he belongs there.
quote:Going to top showcases educates the player as to what's out there and demonstrates to him (hopefuly!) that he can compete at that level.
That is 100% FACT and probably the best reason to attend. Instant feedback. Can you hit 90 plus with wood? Can you get the best hitters out? What shortcomings need improvement?
I think the element of luck is HUGE in this process. Are you going to play the best game of your career or throw the hardest fastball you ever have when your favorite school or a pro scout is watching? Will the school you like's first option choose another school, giving you the opportunity to go to your school? Although some people are just absolutely going to be what they're going to be, a little luck either good or bad I think often makes a big difference. A guy from my school threw 90 and was never seen and was content to go straight to the workforce after HS until a man from town whom the player never met called his friend who coached a downstate JUCO. 3 years later, the player is at Austin Peay and will probably be drafted someday, all because a local man went to our high school's game.
JPontiac,
I have mentioned here before the four major ingredients in winning that I used to preach to players back in the coaching days.
Over all success or winning a game, they remain the same. And not just in baseball
Talent
Effort
Intelligence
LUCK
To me, just about everything there is falls into one of these four categories.
Never under estimate the power of luck! Good and Bad!
I have mentioned here before the four major ingredients in winning that I used to preach to players back in the coaching days.
Over all success or winning a game, they remain the same. And not just in baseball
Talent
Effort
Intelligence
LUCK
To me, just about everything there is falls into one of these four categories.
Never under estimate the power of luck! Good and Bad!
I would add preparation to that list.
Bum,
That is very important. It definitely falls under both intelligence and effort.
That is very important. It definitely falls under both intelligence and effort.
Luck is where "Preparation meets Opportunity".
Darryl Royal, former Texas coach:
Darryl Royal, former Texas coach:
quote:Originally posted by Bum:
Yikes. Flowers and balloons. This doesn't work for me. Could you kindly remove yourselves to the ladies forum?
Just kidding. Happy b-day, TPM
O8dad is celebrating today, sending some flowers and ballons and best wishes
Is that ok or does he have to go to the ladies lounge?
Thanks all and happy brithday to everyone who celebrates a birthday in November.
PG is right, luck can play a big role. You may not be on a scouts radar but one day you play against a team that has a player being scouted. You have an awesome outing, bingo they put you on their list. I figure that game last spring where son play against a well known scouted player helped him.
From what I've heard, a good player with a JC offer is going to be "signed" for less than a D1 player, even though talent wise they may be the same. A little over 7 months to go to draft day, we'll see what happens.
From what I've heard, a good player with a JC offer is going to be "signed" for less than a D1 player, even though talent wise they may be the same. A little over 7 months to go to draft day, we'll see what happens.
PUHD,
A player will be drafted determined by his talent.
A strong commitment to going to college can be leverage for his signing bonus,no matter where he has decided to go. Sometimes those signed with top programs slip in the draft because the team is not sure if he will sign or not and they do not want to waste an early pick. At that point, he has a good chance of getting what he asks for, no matter where he falls, only if the team feels his talent is worth what he wants, because he has leverage.
Actually it's much easier to sign a player who is willing to sign, has fewer options, makes no monetary demands on the team drafting him. The problem is that the team knows this and therefore might wait to take him later, as he will cost them very little in bonus money.
A player will be drafted determined by his talent.
A strong commitment to going to college can be leverage for his signing bonus,no matter where he has decided to go. Sometimes those signed with top programs slip in the draft because the team is not sure if he will sign or not and they do not want to waste an early pick. At that point, he has a good chance of getting what he asks for, no matter where he falls, only if the team feels his talent is worth what he wants, because he has leverage.
Actually it's much easier to sign a player who is willing to sign, has fewer options, makes no monetary demands on the team drafting him. The problem is that the team knows this and therefore might wait to take him later, as he will cost them very little in bonus money.
This is a great topic!
I wanted to share our story because it is somewhat unique.
My son is an OF, which we all know is fairly low on most school's prority list after pitchers, catchers, MIF's. He runs a 6.9, which is decent,
but not blazing. 6-1, 165, good arm, little bit of power.
In other words, not a blue-chip prospect.
The first 2 weeks of July, my son had several D-1 calls, 1 D-2 and 1 highly ranked JUCO.
He took 1 visit in August and received a nice offer from a lower level D-1, but he wasn't totally sold that this was the right fit for him.
Passed on the JUCO opportunity and the D-2, and continued to play in Tournaments and showcases for his Summer and Fall team.
By October 1, the phone calls and comunications had slowed, and we were told by some schools that they were "out of money" or "not sure what we were going to do just yet".
He was left with the one D-1 offer and the Juco called again wanting him to visit. We had pretty much decided to wait until next Spring.
He continued to work hard and surprisingly grew an inch and gained almost 15 pounds since early Summer.
From October 15 to November 9, he received 6 D-1 offers from 45-55%, all but one as a result of follow-up emails and communication indicating our interest in those schools. (MVC (2 offers),OVC (2 offers), Sun Belt and Atlantic Sun.
One offer was for 55% for his Sophomore year and beyond as they were out of money for this year. This was very attractive since this school had no out-of-state tuition.
He ended up accepting another offer from a school that invited him to their Fall camp on November 1.
He fell in love with the place from the minute he stepped on campus!
The point of all of this is:
Don't wait around! Be aggressive! Let the schools know you're interested and why!
Maybe not necessary with can't-miss credentials, but certainly can work for late-bloomers or others who don't have obvious outstanding tools.
For those that didn't get signed in the early period, keep in contact with schools that you're interested in!
One more thing.
I have always demanded a few things from my son:
1. Hustle, run everything out, run to your position.
2. Warm up like every eye in the place is on you!
3. If you strike out, jog back to the dugout, head up, bat in hand, helmet on head!
4. Nothing but positive body language!
5. Watch the game! Cheer for your team!
Almost every Coach said, "We like the way he plays the game", or "He plays the game the right way".
Thank You HSBBW! What a great experience to share with your Son!
I wanted to share our story because it is somewhat unique.
My son is an OF, which we all know is fairly low on most school's prority list after pitchers, catchers, MIF's. He runs a 6.9, which is decent,
but not blazing. 6-1, 165, good arm, little bit of power.
In other words, not a blue-chip prospect.
The first 2 weeks of July, my son had several D-1 calls, 1 D-2 and 1 highly ranked JUCO.
He took 1 visit in August and received a nice offer from a lower level D-1, but he wasn't totally sold that this was the right fit for him.
Passed on the JUCO opportunity and the D-2, and continued to play in Tournaments and showcases for his Summer and Fall team.
By October 1, the phone calls and comunications had slowed, and we were told by some schools that they were "out of money" or "not sure what we were going to do just yet".
He was left with the one D-1 offer and the Juco called again wanting him to visit. We had pretty much decided to wait until next Spring.
He continued to work hard and surprisingly grew an inch and gained almost 15 pounds since early Summer.
From October 15 to November 9, he received 6 D-1 offers from 45-55%, all but one as a result of follow-up emails and communication indicating our interest in those schools. (MVC (2 offers),OVC (2 offers), Sun Belt and Atlantic Sun.
One offer was for 55% for his Sophomore year and beyond as they were out of money for this year. This was very attractive since this school had no out-of-state tuition.
He ended up accepting another offer from a school that invited him to their Fall camp on November 1.
He fell in love with the place from the minute he stepped on campus!
The point of all of this is:
Don't wait around! Be aggressive! Let the schools know you're interested and why!
Maybe not necessary with can't-miss credentials, but certainly can work for late-bloomers or others who don't have obvious outstanding tools.
For those that didn't get signed in the early period, keep in contact with schools that you're interested in!
One more thing.
I have always demanded a few things from my son:
1. Hustle, run everything out, run to your position.
2. Warm up like every eye in the place is on you!
3. If you strike out, jog back to the dugout, head up, bat in hand, helmet on head!
4. Nothing but positive body language!
5. Watch the game! Cheer for your team!
Almost every Coach said, "We like the way he plays the game", or "He plays the game the right way".
Thank You HSBBW! What a great experience to share with your Son!
Great post, gitnby. And congratulations to your son! 
This thread is great reading for those of us just starting the process. My son is a junior just getting into the thick of things. A couple of interest letters, nothing tangible.
To me this thread is a condensed version, like Cliff Notes, of this entire website. Kind of the do's and don'ts of the process. I know every situation is unique but these are very good examples to keep in mind.
Thanks to all for sharing your experiences.
To me this thread is a condensed version, like Cliff Notes, of this entire website. Kind of the do's and don'ts of the process. I know every situation is unique but these are very good examples to keep in mind.
Thanks to all for sharing your experiences.
quote:Actually it's much easier to sign a player who is willing to sign, has fewer options, makes no monetary demands on the team drafting him. The problem is that the team knows this and therefore might wait to take him later, as he will cost them very little in bonus money.
TPM,
Allow me to give another opinion.
In our experience... Often just the opposite happens. Many times those who are considered easy signs actually tend to move up in the draft while those considered tough signs move down. Obviously this can work both ways depending on the drafting club's view of a player's talent and signability.
I could give many examples of extremely signable players getting drafted well ahead of where they were projected to be drafted.
In other words... Player has told everyone he will sign if drafted in the 2nd round. We have seen that player go in the first round. When slot money is considered... The player who would have signed for $250,000 to $500,000 now is a bargain first rounder at $750,000 to 1,000,000.
To see proof of the above (without mentioning any names) one can go check the past few drafts. All the clubs know which players are extremely signable. Some of these players are very attractive to many clubs and can help the draft budget. The clubs also know these players are on everyone's board. Waiting too late to draft these kind of players is a way to lose them.
You especially see this happen with the small market clubs.
Even the first few overall picks are sometimes based on money rather than the best possible player for that pick.
So yes, leverage can help drive the price up, but sometimes the most signable end up with a better bonus because they actually move ahead of many of the tough signs on the draft list. The two most important things to most MLB clubs regarding the draft are talent and signability. One without the other is a recipe for disaster.
Well said PG--- experience can speak volumes !!!
My son is approaching his senior baseball season and will be attending a D-1 college. As I look back there are several things that worked for us:
1) Study the HSbaseballweb website. The info here cannot be found anywhere else. The recruiting timeline, etc. are great tools
2) You MUST get on the best travel team your sons ability allows him to play on by the summer between Soph and Jr year. Check out the teams schedule and where they are playing. Get on a team that will play where they will be seen. Your wasting your money otherwise. We are lucky in NC to have several options and my sons team had coaches at every tournament they played in this Fall
3) YOU need to do some work! In the summer between Soph and Junior year:
a)Sit down with your son and determine what schools you BOTH are comfortable with baseball and academics wise. We came up with a list of 15.
b)Review their rosters and see if they will need recruits in the position your son plays. When we did this we came up with 5 schools that had a big need for a LHP (He wound up signing with one of them)
c)Send a concise one page letter together with the travel teams schedule to the schools on your list. Dont send a book just a one page letter with some bullet points about the player. Email it to them and mail it to them. They will respond if they see something they like, need, etc.
d) If you've recvd a response keep the coaches updated on how your season is going and where they can see you.
4) Attend camps at several of the schools you are interested in. We always selected the ones where they actually played games so you have a better chance to be seen. You can generate or foster further interest by attending these school camps.
5) Playing in PG team events is a must as the coaches want to see you against the best competition. Playing in the WWBA in Atlanta 18u, 17u and 16u is an easy place for schools to see you play if you let coaches know your schedule.
6) Playing in the granddaddy of them all the WWBA World Chmp in Jupiter in October. If you can play there as a Junior go for it as college coaches are everywhere. There is no other event that has as large a number of college coaches present
7) Repond to emails and requests and return every questionnaire
8) If your invited to take in a ballgame at a school or for an unofficial visit go for it. We learned something every time we went on an unofficial visit or simply went to a game where they offered us tickets.
Hope some of this helps you!
1) Study the HSbaseballweb website. The info here cannot be found anywhere else. The recruiting timeline, etc. are great tools
2) You MUST get on the best travel team your sons ability allows him to play on by the summer between Soph and Jr year. Check out the teams schedule and where they are playing. Get on a team that will play where they will be seen. Your wasting your money otherwise. We are lucky in NC to have several options and my sons team had coaches at every tournament they played in this Fall
3) YOU need to do some work! In the summer between Soph and Junior year:
a)Sit down with your son and determine what schools you BOTH are comfortable with baseball and academics wise. We came up with a list of 15.
b)Review their rosters and see if they will need recruits in the position your son plays. When we did this we came up with 5 schools that had a big need for a LHP (He wound up signing with one of them)
c)Send a concise one page letter together with the travel teams schedule to the schools on your list. Dont send a book just a one page letter with some bullet points about the player. Email it to them and mail it to them. They will respond if they see something they like, need, etc.
d) If you've recvd a response keep the coaches updated on how your season is going and where they can see you.
4) Attend camps at several of the schools you are interested in. We always selected the ones where they actually played games so you have a better chance to be seen. You can generate or foster further interest by attending these school camps.
5) Playing in PG team events is a must as the coaches want to see you against the best competition. Playing in the WWBA in Atlanta 18u, 17u and 16u is an easy place for schools to see you play if you let coaches know your schedule.
6) Playing in the granddaddy of them all the WWBA World Chmp in Jupiter in October. If you can play there as a Junior go for it as college coaches are everywhere. There is no other event that has as large a number of college coaches present
7) Repond to emails and requests and return every questionnaire
8) If your invited to take in a ballgame at a school or for an unofficial visit go for it. We learned something every time we went on an unofficial visit or simply went to a game where they offered us tickets.
Hope some of this helps you!
I always preach to kids the importance of these showcases (PG) to be seen and get exposure, for those who ask my opinion. I believe what it offers for kids is outstanding. The oppotunities it opens if you do well is incredible. It then leads to other opportunities as far as national events. If you can do them it is the best route to go. Unfortunately my son was never able to attend any of the PG events for monetary reasons. Just could not afford it. We sacrificed for the summer team monetarily. Now for my son it still worked out. He played well enough to receive offers early from high profile schools and I contribute that to the summer team putting them in front of the right people and a lot of hard work plus he is a decent player. I feel like baseball is starting to become a game of haves and have nots. We know who gets left out on that deal. Again for ourselves it worked out but I feel that it is becoming harder and harder if you are not in a PG type event.
Thanks to Coach May for this great thread.
After posting earlier and reading all these, I just have to add.
We have several parents of younger players on our team ask us how to go about this whole recruitment gig. Our number one response is to work hard in the classroom. It can not be emphasized enough.
No matter if you are well off or not so well off, have a blue chip stud or not, your grades can help you get somewhere with or without baseball in the picture.
With baseball good grades can get you into better academic schools that have good baseball and/or get you more financial aid at the school you choose.
Even though this is obvious, without baseball, it will get you academic aid. Couple that with need based aid where necessary it makes a big difference.
With the chance of making money off this great game being pretty slim, each of our kids need to have an exit plan.
It is never too late to care either. Juco is a great place to correct high school grade issues. Everyone knows those guys who went Juco to play ball who realized they could do this academic thing and ended up going to a state school and did not play ball any longer.
Most players don't find out what level of college baseball they are capable of playing until at least 50% of highschool is complete. If you are just starting the high school journey, make academics a high priority, you will thank yourself.
After posting earlier and reading all these, I just have to add.
We have several parents of younger players on our team ask us how to go about this whole recruitment gig. Our number one response is to work hard in the classroom. It can not be emphasized enough.
No matter if you are well off or not so well off, have a blue chip stud or not, your grades can help you get somewhere with or without baseball in the picture.
With baseball good grades can get you into better academic schools that have good baseball and/or get you more financial aid at the school you choose.
Even though this is obvious, without baseball, it will get you academic aid. Couple that with need based aid where necessary it makes a big difference.
With the chance of making money off this great game being pretty slim, each of our kids need to have an exit plan.
It is never too late to care either. Juco is a great place to correct high school grade issues. Everyone knows those guys who went Juco to play ball who realized they could do this academic thing and ended up going to a state school and did not play ball any longer.
Most players don't find out what level of college baseball they are capable of playing until at least 50% of highschool is complete. If you are just starting the high school journey, make academics a high priority, you will thank yourself.
PG,
I hear what you are saying about signablility. I understand.
Perhaps I didn't explain myself well, you didn't quote my second paragraph. I wasn't talking about a possible first or second rounder, or even a tenth rounder falling in the draft. I just said that talent will determine if you get drafted, I didn't say where. I was replying to PUHD remark that a JUCO player will get signed for less money than a D1 player if the talent is the same. I am not sure if this is always true. I know of a player who left a top D1, went to JUCO and got signed 3 round, much higher and much more money than most D1 players that I know.
What does make the difference, IMO, besides talent, is the willingness to prove that you are capable of not only having talent, but you work hard and have a good work ethic ,no matter if you are headed to JUCO or somewhere else.
I hear what you are saying about signablility. I understand.
Perhaps I didn't explain myself well, you didn't quote my second paragraph. I wasn't talking about a possible first or second rounder, or even a tenth rounder falling in the draft. I just said that talent will determine if you get drafted, I didn't say where. I was replying to PUHD remark that a JUCO player will get signed for less money than a D1 player if the talent is the same. I am not sure if this is always true. I know of a player who left a top D1, went to JUCO and got signed 3 round, much higher and much more money than most D1 players that I know.
What does make the difference, IMO, besides talent, is the willingness to prove that you are capable of not only having talent, but you work hard and have a good work ethic ,no matter if you are headed to JUCO or somewhere else.
quote:I just said that talent will determine if you get drafted, I didn't say where.
Fellow Sag, I disagree.
There are several players who go undrafted from high school where signability in any round eliminates them from the draft, regardless of talent, tools, and projection.
When those players continue to perform at a high level in college, it favors the player and those who support him.
quote:Originally posted by OLDSLUGGER8:quote:I just said that talent will determine if you get drafted, I didn't say where.
Fellow Sag, I disagree.
There are several players who go undrafted from high school where signability in any round eliminates them from the draft, regardless of talent, tools, and projection.
When those players continue to perform at a high level in college, it favors the player and those who support him.
No one knows better than I about the above first statement. I agree with the second part as well.
I apologize I am not getting my point across.
What worked? To be sure the hard work that my son put in, both on and off the field has been the key to his success to this point. He has been a tireless trainer taking on a great deal of responsibility to prepare himself.
He has set a goal for himself. He has had “the dream” since he was 8 or 9. I have provided him with professional trainers, but he took hold of the training and worked and worked. Once he began High School, he began to weight train. Three to four times each week, independent of team workouts during the off season he would get up at 5AM and be off to the YMCA to work out. Daily he would work on his hitting and fielding and throwing.
He played on travel teams that participated in the biggest tournaments, East Cobb and Jupiter, and received recognition for his abilities. He was invited to work out for the Yankees and the Cubs. He would set the pace or out work everyone that would not keep up.
He signed early with a great offer from a good D-2 after turning down a couple D-1 offers and numerous JUCO offers. He was positioned perfectly for his senior year, until he was injured.
Playing on a travel team he took a hard slide while trying to complete a double play from the 2nd base side and fractured a bone in his knee.
The senior year began with his coach telling about 8 pro teams that he was done for the season and there was no reason for them to come out. He would not be pitching, or hitting or fielding this season.
He had arthroscopic surgery in February and was not allowed to even attend school and was part of the “Homebound” program where he would work on-line and teachers would visit the house.
10 weeks later he was able to do “range of motion” only. Eventually he was able to put weight on his leg and begin to walk then begin to run. It is amazing what can happen to a leg over 10 weeks if it is not used.
Once he was given clearance to train I got him a speed and strength coach 100 miles away. 3 times a week he would head down and work for 2 hours and drive home. He did that through the summer eventually we were able to get him to work on his hitting, fielding and throwing again.
He was not happy that he was passed over in the draft, but without playing his entire senior season and a knee injury we were told that there was too much of a question mark.
He decommitted from the very good D-2 and decided to go the JUCO route to remain eligible each year. Still not 100% he worked his butt off all fall with the JUCO team. Morning workouts daily at 4:30 for pool workouts and 5:30 for weights.
He made the final cut and although originally recruited as a 3rd baseman has earned the SS position as a starter. The coach completely changed his swing which had garnered him much pro attention and although we are perplexed, my son takes it in stride and does the best he can do, still hitting his share of bombs through the fall season.
So what has worked for my son? He has made it to the “next level”. But, he is of the mind that if he does not play professionally he will not have met the goals that he has set out for himself. It has been a great ride, other that the injury, with many years of great enjoyment as a family at the ball field. But we are still hopeful that our son will be able to realize his dreams, I have not met many who work as hard in their quest to attain them.
He has set a goal for himself. He has had “the dream” since he was 8 or 9. I have provided him with professional trainers, but he took hold of the training and worked and worked. Once he began High School, he began to weight train. Three to four times each week, independent of team workouts during the off season he would get up at 5AM and be off to the YMCA to work out. Daily he would work on his hitting and fielding and throwing.
He played on travel teams that participated in the biggest tournaments, East Cobb and Jupiter, and received recognition for his abilities. He was invited to work out for the Yankees and the Cubs. He would set the pace or out work everyone that would not keep up.
He signed early with a great offer from a good D-2 after turning down a couple D-1 offers and numerous JUCO offers. He was positioned perfectly for his senior year, until he was injured.
Playing on a travel team he took a hard slide while trying to complete a double play from the 2nd base side and fractured a bone in his knee.
The senior year began with his coach telling about 8 pro teams that he was done for the season and there was no reason for them to come out. He would not be pitching, or hitting or fielding this season.
He had arthroscopic surgery in February and was not allowed to even attend school and was part of the “Homebound” program where he would work on-line and teachers would visit the house.
10 weeks later he was able to do “range of motion” only. Eventually he was able to put weight on his leg and begin to walk then begin to run. It is amazing what can happen to a leg over 10 weeks if it is not used.
Once he was given clearance to train I got him a speed and strength coach 100 miles away. 3 times a week he would head down and work for 2 hours and drive home. He did that through the summer eventually we were able to get him to work on his hitting, fielding and throwing again.
He was not happy that he was passed over in the draft, but without playing his entire senior season and a knee injury we were told that there was too much of a question mark.
He decommitted from the very good D-2 and decided to go the JUCO route to remain eligible each year. Still not 100% he worked his butt off all fall with the JUCO team. Morning workouts daily at 4:30 for pool workouts and 5:30 for weights.
He made the final cut and although originally recruited as a 3rd baseman has earned the SS position as a starter. The coach completely changed his swing which had garnered him much pro attention and although we are perplexed, my son takes it in stride and does the best he can do, still hitting his share of bombs through the fall season.
So what has worked for my son? He has made it to the “next level”. But, he is of the mind that if he does not play professionally he will not have met the goals that he has set out for himself. It has been a great ride, other that the injury, with many years of great enjoyment as a family at the ball field. But we are still hopeful that our son will be able to realize his dreams, I have not met many who work as hard in their quest to attain them.
floridafan, with a son like that, if he stays healthy someone will see what a dedicated hard worker that he is. The most important thing is he has a goal and is working towards it. I truly hope he realizes his goal to play professionally. He must be a joy to watch on the field, and I'm sure you must be very proud of him.
After reading this excellent thread, truly worthy of a Webby I had a question or two...
I'll use myself and my son as an example: I live in New England and have a son who is a 14U (8th grader) LHP. Mind you he is still a few years off from the recruitment stage but one thing I kept seeing pop up over and over again in the posts was to go to Jupiter for the WWBA event. Isn't this a travel team event? wouldn't you have to find a travel team and make this team to even have a shot to go to Jupiter? Unfortunately we do not live in California, Texas, Carolinas, Georgia etc..areas that have MANY travel teams that compete in these events. How is a player suppose to go to these events to get noticed if you don't have the vehicle (select travel teams)available to you or enough of them to take more then the top 12-15 kids in a whole region like New england..especially if you live in NH, Maine or VT? There is one team I know of that would qualify as one of these select teams and they are based over an hour away and choose from all of NE and beyond. So unless your kid is an immense talent and can make this one area team, how does someone like us get to these tournaments in an area that these teams just don't exist right now?
Is that when you decide to go more heavily with the showcase/camp route??
Just curious as not everyone has the option to just go to Jupiter or other WWBA events.
I'll use myself and my son as an example: I live in New England and have a son who is a 14U (8th grader) LHP. Mind you he is still a few years off from the recruitment stage but one thing I kept seeing pop up over and over again in the posts was to go to Jupiter for the WWBA event. Isn't this a travel team event? wouldn't you have to find a travel team and make this team to even have a shot to go to Jupiter? Unfortunately we do not live in California, Texas, Carolinas, Georgia etc..areas that have MANY travel teams that compete in these events. How is a player suppose to go to these events to get noticed if you don't have the vehicle (select travel teams)available to you or enough of them to take more then the top 12-15 kids in a whole region like New england..especially if you live in NH, Maine or VT? There is one team I know of that would qualify as one of these select teams and they are based over an hour away and choose from all of NE and beyond. So unless your kid is an immense talent and can make this one area team, how does someone like us get to these tournaments in an area that these teams just don't exist right now?
Is that when you decide to go more heavily with the showcase/camp route??
Just curious as not everyone has the option to just go to Jupiter or other WWBA events.
My oh my how this thread has morphed!!!!
TPM
Your statement was "Have things changed that much?"--my answer is yes !!
No I do not agree ---you are wrong---how do you know what happened back in the early 90's---I was involved --were you---how can you make a comparison?
Sometimes we oldies know things you don't--it is called experience--not the "I heard" fluff you post--I didnt hear I did--
Old Slugger---I do not know where you are coming from---
Your statement was "Have things changed that much?"--my answer is yes !!
No I do not agree ---you are wrong---how do you know what happened back in the early 90's---I was involved --were you---how can you make a comparison?
Sometimes we oldies know things you don't--it is called experience--not the "I heard" fluff you post--I didnt hear I did--
Old Slugger---I do not know where you are coming from---