Which Team is Best for a Player: A++ or B+?

I know a lot of this will depend on the player and how much interest there is in him, but I've always felt that playing is the key.......

Even on a higher profile team it could be hard to be seen by a coach sitting on the bench......

Just make sure the team attracts the attention of college scouts. I know a couple of players who played for a team "a notch below" and they got very few looks this summer. They are changing teams this fall in the hope of getting some last-minute exposure.

IMHO, I believe you should go with a team that the player can get playing time on. Also, check the teams schedule to see where they play and ask around to see if schools you are interested in generally attend those tournaments.

The reputable travel teams have "track records"---you can get their history

This question amazes me. There is no question. You play on the best team you can. Scouts /recruiters do not waste their time and money watching low level teams. This is becoming more prevalent than ever as costs soar.
It also gets harder to break into a top teams lineup if you have not played on a top team. Sometimes there are good reasons you cannot play for a top team but you are going to have a tough time getting to the next level.

alot of travel teams have great records because they play a very weak schedule. You want to play on a team that you will play alot and plays in well scouted tournaments. Also attend as many HS Showcases and pro tryout camps as you can.

I saw some travel teams playing in a well know HS Tournament, one travel team threw 4 pitchers not one of them cracked 80 mph.

What level of competition is each team playing against? That's more important than the record of the team. If they are both playing against the same level of competition then I'd go for the playing time. If the better team is playing against better competition then I'd go for the better competition.

Thanks. This question related to next summer, when son is at the end of Sophmore year, and is a rising Junior. I guess that's when scouts begin taking a look.

One team is a well-known East Cobb team with 4 catcher spots on roster, the other is a new team with a former pro-coach who is reportedly excellent and only 2 catcher spots on roster. I hear they will play a similar schedule.

If you ask a question here you will get a variety of answers based on opinions on opportunities that worked for their sons.

Without a doubt I would have my son play on the team where he will play and get an opportunity to play against high profile teams.

When son was a rising sophmore (I know yours will be a junior) he turned down the best summer travel team in Florida (at the time) to play for YN Trails on a lessor known team run by his fall ball coach. That team, although not winners, had the most players fly to Houston for tryouts, 4, the other team had one. Those that jumped ship to go play with that team, saw little playing time when the right people were watching.

Big fish in small pond....
Small fish in Ocean...
or somewhere in between...

That is the key to help give your son the best opportunity to achieve his dreams... (whatever they may be....) Be it baseball... Your son needs to play... NO one will see him if he is sitting on the bench. So have him play against as high of competition as he possibly can and still get significant time. I'd suggest at minimum 75 to 80% for position players.. (you'd prefer more) C's are probaly more like 50 to 65% especially tournaments.

Competing against competition that over whelms him won't help either. You don't want him "SEEN" if he's stiking out and over-matched. (of course he probably won't be seeing significant playing time if that occurs unless the entire team is over its head.)

Coaching is also a big consideration...

quote:

former pro-coach who is reportedly excellent

Sounds like an excellent opportunity to me..

Consider.. is it better?... to be #4 catcher knowing #1 will get the bulk of time, #2 will get alot of the rest... #4 will see time in the bullpen and maybe some mop-up duty..

Or #2 on a team that will play a competitive schedule and a coach that will greatly improve your son's skills.

Of course if son is good enough to be #1 on top team... Duh that's easy...

So now is the time to do your homework and figure this out... (and you may be wrong at times) You have this fall to go and see how each team is conducted... Take that opportunity, and then REALISTICALLY evaluate your son's talent (or get outside opinions) and find the right fit.

SDBB, you hit the nail on the head. I wish I had thought to say all that!

Are you at liberty to say which teams your son is considering. You can pm me if you'd like. I may have some insights.....

Thanks everyone. PM sent, BillBill

Baseball is a game of tactile skills, which means you have to master techniques. But there is also the psychological requirement to do those skills under game situations and pressure. None of that can be done sitting on a bench.

Play for as many teams as you can, that will assure the most playing time you need to improve. Don't worry about how long you stay with one team in baseball. that will take care of itself based upon how well you are doing.

IT'S PLAY BALL!!!
NOT,
IT'S TIME TO GO SIT ON THE BENCH????