I would like to know of instances where kids were recruited at the WWBA World Championships in Jupiter, FL. My son is a 2015 and seems to be at the end of his chances to be recruited. He is hoping that there are still some schools that need players and will use this tournament to recruit.
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I would like to know of instances where kids were recruited at the WWBA World Championships in Jupiter, FL. My son is a 2015 and seems to be at the end of his chances to be recruited. He is hoping that there are still some schools that need players and will use this tournament to recruit.
Don't know the answer to your question. But looking at the number of elite teams that will be there, I bet the answer is that people do get recruited out of that event. Hard to imagine that much talent being gathered in one place, without a lot of eyes wanting to be on it. But somebody with actual knowledge will have more than a guess.
Also, it seems to me that the likelihood of an uncommitted 2015 being recruited by a D1 at this stage, at least as a scholarship player, are pretty low, but probably they are not yet at absolute zero. I say that because we are headed to the Arizona Senior Fall Classic in a week and LOTS of D1's will be there -- as will many others. I presume they are on the prowl for talented players to fill their last remaining spots for 2015's since the majority of the players will be 2015's.
On the other hand, speaking only from our limited experience, activity among D2's and D3's is starting to get heavy right about now. It's as if, they were waiting for the D1's to act first or something. Of the many schools we sent our son's schedule to, we have heard back just in the last days from 4 that they will come watch him play. We've also heard back from several that will not be there, but claim to be holding camps from which they heavily recruit. One very strong D2, for example, pointed out to us that their camp is right before the NLI signing deadline and that they traditionally attract the best remaining uncommitted players in the state. They strongly urged us to come. After a follow up email to them about whether they were really interested in the son, we've decided to attend that one. Just saying, then, that there is actually still time to get an offer from a D2. Actually seems like we're in prime time for them recruitment wise.
Anyway, I suspect that it might be the same way with the WWBA as with the Senior Fall Classic. If I were in your boat -- and I really practically am -- I'd write to a bunch of schools you are interested in who might possibly be there. The one thing about the Fall Classic is that they publish online not the schools that are going to be there this year (at least they haven't yet) but the schools that have been there in the past. So we started with that list and wrote to schools that were there either last year or the year before. Don't know if PG publishes such a list or is willing to make known which recruiters have signed up to be there.
NGkid is probably not a D1 talent. He is more of a D2 or D3 type. He has been in contact with alot of coaches but has not had an offer yet. Yesterday he spoke with a JUCO coach that already had 6 commits and that freaked him out. All of his friends are already committed somewhere some D1 and some D2. He is afraid that he may be running out of time.
Jupiter is a great tournament. Son went last year and is going again this year. My observation from last year's event was that it was primarily a pro scouting event, but there certainly were a lot of colleges there too. Mine was a 2014 at the time so we were in essentially a similar place as you are, however, he was in the midst of a position change (I know - nice time to figure that out!) so our situation was a little different. We did get some college contact out of it, in D1. That said, I believe the vast majority of the guys were Seniors that were already committed, or had pretty much decided they were going to opt for the draft. Given my son's particular situation, he decided to re-classify to a 2015 by doing a PG year, which is why we are going back to Jupiter in a couple of weeks. Mine committed a few months ago so we aren't going for the college exposure, it's just a great tournament with the very best players.
There will be lot's of JUCO's there recruiting. The JUCO's are just starting to lock in the 2015 class and will be all the way up until June. My son happened to solidify his spot at that event last year. So, there is still hope. Hope he has a great tourny!
My son went to Jupiter in 2009 as a favor to his travel team. He had already committed to his college, but decided to go for the experience. There were some college recruiters teams but it was mostly pro scouts. There are more golf carts per square inch at this event than anywhere on the planet.
If I was in your uncommitted shoes, I would request that those schools who are undecided on your son attend Jupiter to see him play again. Possibly they are interested and make the trip to see your son along with others.
Good luck!
I noted that the PG website has a button "Request Invite for Individual Signup". How does this work? What type of player does this pertain to?
My 2016 doesn't play for a travel team that is going to this event.
There will be lot's of JUCO's there recruiting. The JUCO's are just starting to lock in the 2015 class and will be all the way up until June. My son happened to solidify his spot at that event last year. So, there is still hope. Hope he has a great tourny!
My son will be glad to hear that there will still be colleges there looking for players. We thought the same thing about the Junior Colleges until my son spoke to the coach a few days ago that said he already had 6 commits. I appreciate the responses.
NGKID,
Fenwaysouth gives some key advice. Ensure your son is in contact with all potential schools of interest and ensure they know the team he will be playing on and their game schedule when PG publishes it. If he is a pitcher, definitely ensure coaches know when and where pitching. Lots of college/pro scouts at this event and you want to make sure they are at your field getting a look at your son. Best of luck!
Twoson, ngkid,
PG puts together "PG teams" with individual players on them. My son did this one year when the PG National first started and it was a great experience.
As far as going to the event, you can not just show up and expect schools to magically find you, unless you are a complete stud, and by now they are all signed. Make sure the schools that you have been in contact with know when and where you will be playing, (and if not at least get some more emails out) so they know where you can be seen. I continue to be surprised how many parents and kids think that just going to an event some random coach is magically going to find them.
Good Luck.
Twoson, ngkid,
PG puts together "PG teams" with individual players on them. My son did this one year when the PG National first started and it was a great experience.
As far as going to the event, you can not just show up and expect schools to magically find you, unless you are a complete stud, and by now they are all signed. Make sure the schools that you have been in contact with know when and where you will be playing, (and if not at least get some more emails out) so they know where you can be seen. I continue to be surprised how many parents and kids think that just going to an event some random coach is magically going to find them.
Good Luck.
BOF, do you know about how long my son should expect to wait for an answer? Thanks
NGKID,
Fenwaysouth gives some key advice. Ensure your son is in contact with all potential schools of interest and ensure they know the team he will be playing on and their game schedule when PG publishes it. If he is a pitcher, definitely ensure coaches know when and where pitching. Lots of college/pro scouts at this event and you want to make sure they are at your field getting a look at your son. Best of luck!
I contacted Perfect Game this morning and asked them if there is a way to get a list of coaches that will be in attendance and I was told that they "don't have a check-in for college coaches so they have no way of knowing who is in attendance". I guess we can email individual schools and ask them if they plan to be there. BTW my son is a SS/2B. He plays shortstop on his high school team but the shortstop on his travel team is the #3 player in the state(PG Rank). Needless to say he doesn't get a whole lot of time at short. He mostly plays second.
Whether it's Jupiter or somewhere else, a good approach is to establish a communication relationship between schools of interest and the player. Hopefully your 2015 SS/2B can leverage any already established communications with coaches and let them know when and where he'll be. After Jupiter, I would have your son reach back out again as follow-up to those coaches to keep that communication flow going. For games that he did play in Jupiter, try to get a feel for coaches in attendance even if they weren't there to watch your son and try to connect with them. They may have been there to see someone else (even from the other team), but maybe your son stood out! Never hurts to try! Good luck.
Great insights here. We will go for the first time later this month for the pro angle. I will send an email to the 5 teams that have asked for questionnaires and let them know the team/schedule he will throw for while there. I've heard it is pretty cool, cant wait.
JAM3, call them if you have any questions, PG office staff are great on helping you out. You may even talk to Jerry's (PGStaff's) wife. 
As far as going to the event, you can not just show up and expect schools to magically find you, unless you are a complete stud, and by now they are all signed. Make sure the schools that you have been in contact with know when and where you will be playing, (and if not at least get some more emails out) so they know where you can be seen. I continue to be surprised how many parents and kids think that just going to an event some random coach is magically going to find them.
Good Luck.
Agree 100%. This advice goes for ANY event.
Ngkid tell your son to relax he still has time. You will see every major D1, many lower D1, 2 and 3 and many Juco's. Plus all the pro scouts know college coaches and send them names. You need to send an email to every school he has been in contact with and any other school he is interested in and let them know you will be there and with which team. Then email again your game schedule. My son committed to a juco before Jupiter last year but was the only one committed at that time to that school. He had 2 classmates commit before Jupiter, 1 in March and then 3 more in June 2 juco and 1 D1. He was drafted but didnt sign and is playing at a juco now that has 1 commit for the 2015 class. He has time but needs to make the calls and send the emails to let's schools know he is interested.
Ngkid tell your son to relax he still has time. You will see every major D1, many lower D1, 2 and 3 and many Juco's. Plus all the pro scouts know college coaches and send them names. You need to send an email to every school he has been in contact with and any other school he is interested in and let them know you will be there and with which team. Then email again your game schedule. My son committed to a juco before Jupiter last year but was the only one committed at that time to that school. He had 2 classmates commit before Jupiter, 1 in March and then 3 more in June 2 juco and 1 D1. He was drafted but didnt sign and is playing at a juco now that has 1 commit for the 2015 class. He has time but needs to make the calls and send the emails to let's schools know he is interested.
Thanks bb's. I will show him your post and reassure him that it isn't too late. I myself am looking forward to the Jupiter experience as I have heard that is something to behold. Good luck to everyone who goes and I hope to see you there.
ngkid, for another data point, my son had D1 college coaches watching his HS games during his HS senior season, (he was a two way but most were looking at him for pitching) He did not end up signing until May 1st of his senior year.
My son played last year. We found that it was more professional scouts out there - and the college coaches that were there were more so just checking out the new crop of players.
I've never seen such an event. At one of our games there were no less than 150+ scouts/golf carts watching...we parents were wedged in!
My sons college pitching coach found him at Jupiter but things have changed since then and so has recruiting and it was in the fall of his junior year. I would imagine it might be more difficult for a senior, although I know of a senior who did get signed from that tournament and after a successful D1 college career went onto become a ML player. But I think it was more the case of thinking people were going to find him and finding out that he had missed the boat with not being seen.
My personal opinion is that if your son has not been identified as a D1 player, it might not be worth the cost. Does your son just want to be a pick up (walk on) of does he want to be recruited by someone who sees him as having a specific role on the team?
My sons college pitching coach found him at Jupiter but things have changed since then and so has recruiting and it was in the fall of his junior year. I would imagine it might be more difficult for a senior, although I know of a senior who did get signed from that tournament and after a successful D1 college career went onto become a ML player. But I think it was more the case of thinking people were going to find him and finding out that he had missed the boat with not being seen.
My personal opinion is that if your son has not been identified as a D1 player, it might not be worth the cost. Does your son just want to be a pick up (walk on) of does he want to be recruited by someone who sees him as having a specific role on the team?
My son is probably not a D1 player. He is a 5'10" 150lb. SS/2B with 7.1.. 60 yd dash. He did have the top infield velocity at his last showcase of 87 across the infield.His GPA is @ 3.4 and he made a 20 on his ACT. He is mainly looking to play JUCO ball to get playing time and mature but D2 is also an option for him I think. His travel team is going to Jupiter and we want him to go for the experience. Some of the kids on his team will possibly be drafted next year.
Go and have fun! Regardless if anyone's kid will play at the next level (college or pro-ball) it is an awesome experience! Good luck
ngkid,
I never want to talk someone into doing something that won't end up helping them. So I will try to explain a few things I know to be true as well as a few things that are maybe.
Every MLB organization sends many of there scouting department to this event. Some clubs have sent there entire scouting department to the event. A safe estimate would be around 15 scouts per MLB team or 450 MLB scouts.
Most of the major college programs attend this event including all the SEC, ACC, Big 12, etc., schools. Typically they would send 2, but the rules have changed so many will now send 3 recruiters and usually at this event it will include the head coach. This accounts for anywhere between 350 to 500 college coaches.
DII and high level JUCOs do attend, but it is not a large number.
There have been some DIII colleges attend, but again it is not a large number.
There are also a large number (over 100) agents in attendance. For obvious reasons. This includes all the biggest and best agents in the business along with some who are just hoping to strike gold.
The event is very much geared for those teams and players that have a lot of talent. To that end, the results are unbelievable. For example there are well over 100 players that played who are now playing in the MLB playoffs.
When people ask me to describe this event, I tell them it is the most "unusual" baseball event I have ever seen. Kind of like a baseball carnival.
Some players come to be seen by MLB clubs, some to be seen by colleges, some just for the competition. I think it is possible to say it is an experience that will not be forgotten.
Then, just to be clear, it is possible to play well and go fairly unnoticed. The big name teams and players will often have hundreds of scouts and recruiters watching their games. The lesser know teams and players could have games with a much lower number watching. There are no games with no one watching.
I have no way of knowing the cost involved. I'm sure some teams are more expensive than others. We do have some PG teams, but theare really aren't open to anyone that wants to play. In fact, they are selective, though anyone can apply. We do want the best possible players there. After all, that is the reason there are so many scouts and recruiters and agents that attend every year.
I would say in your case, not knowing your player, but going by your posts... It might be a stretch if the only reason to go is to get a college offer. It would be a better idea to go and have fun and see what happens. Sometimes expectations just get in the way. If money is a major concern, I wouldn't spend it.
If you want to email me and tell me who your son is and which team he would be playing on, I might be able to give you a better answer to the questions you have. jerry@perfectgame.org
Best of luck
PGStaff,
I sent you an email. Thanks
Reviving old thread. With Jupiter coming up, I thought some parents might benefit from this discussion.
I'd be interested in hearing from ngkid, did anything happen?
About 4 days before we left to go to Jupiter last year my son visited a Junior college in Alabama. He was made an offer and committed on the spot. It was really a blessing and he is very satisfied with his decision. He was so relieved to have his commitment decided before we went to the tournament. We very much enjoyed ourselves at the Jupiter tournament and I wish we were going again. It is truly a sight to see the young men that go there and the talent that is on display. If you are considering it, and have the means, I doubt you will regret going. Thanks to everyone on this board for helping me and my son, because I believe he would not be playing college baseball if we had never found this site. We learned so much from you all.
P.S. 3 or 4 young men from his travel team were drafted last summer. One in the top 10 overall. Needless to say we saw our share of college and MLB scouts at each game in Jupiter. It was really a neat experience. Also to anyone that has dreams of playing college baseball that is still uncommitted, try not to stress too much yet. It only takes one offer to change everything and it could come very suddenly, as it did in my son's case.
My uncommitted 2016 LHP / OF / 1B will get to experience this event in a couple weeks for the first time and we cannot wait. I hate saying "we", but I have to admit, I cannot wait to experience this myself. While he does have a couple "options" right now and is still communicating with 6-7 schools, only a couple of them are on his top 5 list. It's hard to not have hopes of something else coming from this tourney, but I truly cannot wait for him to just have the experience of being there!! I'm sure it is something he (and I) will never forget and if something else happens, that will be awesome. If not, it will still be awesome to have such quality father - son time (and grandfather when my Dad comes over to watch!)
jjkaak1,
If you want to, please PM me your sons name and which team he will play for. I like to follow kids at that event. When you know someones name you kind of end up pulling for them.
Actually, that goes for all the members kids here. I can't see every game, but it's fun to have a list of new players to check out.
If you don't want to do that, no problem and best of luck.
PGStaff, I sent you a PM
Take Care
My son was a junior last year in Jupiter.
When he went to the camp of the school he ended up committing to a month later, they said seeing him in Jupiter was a big part of why they made the offer.
2018 just went to Ft. Myers... and is going to Jupiter with a 2016 canes team in a few days... I was always against committing early, but I am changing my tune.
PG WWBA in Fort Myers was a PHENOMENAL experience, jjkaak1! I am still in awe of the opportunity to players who have a chance to play there! My kiddo is a 2017 - and I'm hoping there is another PG event in his future! Good luck to your kid - and enjoy every single moment! I'm still not able to cut off my PG event armband - I want to go back! Best of luck!!
Thanks CAGIRL! I strongly encourage you to get him into as many PG events as you can. The Jupiter tourney will actually be my son's 27th PG event, but his first time in the World Championship down there. He's enjoyed every one of them, including several in Fort Myers, & it is a bit disheartening knowing it will soon be coming to an end...but, hopefully on to bigger and better things! The tourneys are always run very professionally and definitely the easiest way to accumulate the top talent from all corners!
Thank you jjkaak1!! Maybe I should look at PG showcase opportunities over the next 12 months? Please keep us posted on your event in Jupiter! Our youngest players from our PG WWBA team are headed to Georgia this weekend for the Freshman tourney - soooo envious! Wishing my son was a freshman again!
