Just a general question out here but when is a good age to start considering showcasing, if we decide to do it at all? My son is going to be a freshman starting in the fall.
Thanks in advance
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Pitcher or position player?
If a pitcher is throwing high 80s, or a hitter is jacking multiple HRs, then start now.
If a pitcher is throwing high 80s, or a hitter is jacking multiple HRs, then start now.
You will get a variety of opinions on here about this. For background, I've had two sons who have or will play D1 college ball (older one in the minor leagues now, double-A, younger one entering college this Fall).
My view is to go ahead and play high level travel ball with his age/grade level beginning now if your son is ready and you can afford it. If not, there is no great rush.
Entering freshman? In my view your son ought to be doing everything he can to prepare to make his HS team. Then after that, his HS varsity team. That would be (and was at this age) my one and only goal for my sons.
If, after his freshman year, he's pitching in the high 80s with a big frame or running a great 60 or mashing the ball out of the park, then maybe try a showcase to see what its about. I wouldn't be in a rush for this either.
Our sons did not attend any showcase until after their sophomore year on their HS varsity team. Then in each case it was just a local, get-your-feet-wet, showcase to see what it was all about. Both ended up or will end up at Pac-10/12 schools.
As a side note, most parents/kids that I have personally known who raced into this arena (high level travel ball and showcasing) because of their own evaluation of their kid...were not ready. That does not include parents/kids on this website...just local kids I know. I would say only about 20% (maybe less?) were actually cut out for it. A lotta $$ spent by the other 80% and some disappointment on the back end by some of them too. There is no great rush for this IMO.
My view is to go ahead and play high level travel ball with his age/grade level beginning now if your son is ready and you can afford it. If not, there is no great rush.
Entering freshman? In my view your son ought to be doing everything he can to prepare to make his HS team. Then after that, his HS varsity team. That would be (and was at this age) my one and only goal for my sons.
If, after his freshman year, he's pitching in the high 80s with a big frame or running a great 60 or mashing the ball out of the park, then maybe try a showcase to see what its about. I wouldn't be in a rush for this either.
Our sons did not attend any showcase until after their sophomore year on their HS varsity team. Then in each case it was just a local, get-your-feet-wet, showcase to see what it was all about. Both ended up or will end up at Pac-10/12 schools.
As a side note, most parents/kids that I have personally known who raced into this arena (high level travel ball and showcasing) because of their own evaluation of their kid...were not ready. That does not include parents/kids on this website...just local kids I know. I would say only about 20% (maybe less?) were actually cut out for it. A lotta $$ spent by the other 80% and some disappointment on the back end by some of them too. There is no great rush for this IMO.
Great replies. Thank you. He is a RHP/SS and does have some pop. He is 6-1, 170ish. Never been clocked or timed for 60.
He is on a good travel team and is the youngest player.
He is an entering freshman and our HS has 3 baseball teams. There's only been 1 freshamn in the last 6 yrs to play varsity. Recently they have had some good talent come through there. I think the approach of waiting until after his sophmore year is a good approach. Hopefully he grows a little more before then too!
Thanks again for the advice!
quote:My view is to go ahead and play high level travel ball with his age/grade level beginning now if your son is ready and you can afford it. If not, there is no great rush.
He is on a good travel team and is the youngest player.
quote:Entering freshman? In my view your son ought to be doing everything he can to prepare to make his HS team. Then after that, his HS varsity team. That would be (and was at this time) my one and only goal for my son.
He is an entering freshman and our HS has 3 baseball teams. There's only been 1 freshamn in the last 6 yrs to play varsity. Recently they have had some good talent come through there. I think the approach of waiting until after his sophmore year is a good approach. Hopefully he grows a little more before then too!
Thanks again for the advice!
Showcases emphasize things that can be timed or measured and skills that can be demonstrated quickly within the showcase format.
Therefore, it makes sense to go when your son can excel against his age group at the things they measure and can quickly observe. It makes sense to go again when he can show significant improvement over whatever he did the first time.
Justbaseball offers excellent advice on priorities, and the situation at your son's school reinforces his point.
Best wishes.
Therefore, it makes sense to go when your son can excel against his age group at the things they measure and can quickly observe. It makes sense to go again when he can show significant improvement over whatever he did the first time.
Justbaseball offers excellent advice on priorities, and the situation at your son's school reinforces his point.
Best wishes.