WWBA East Cobb Dilemma? Advice appreciated.

At his age he needs to play, compete and explor new horizons. When I here the statement "not interested in playing college ball outside the West Coast;" I start to question, is playing ball more important than being near home?

Let say he stays home; and by the fall he has no "acceptable" opportunities to play on the west coast. Would he stay home and go to school while having to forgo playing college ball?

Why not explore the unknown, see what transpires, open up new opportunities. At age 16 kids are clueless; that is why we as parents need to help them learn.

At that age my son was only looking at the west coast top 15 programs. The reality hit by the summer of his senior year in HS. If playing baseball was a priority, he needed to broaden his horizons.

In the end; we (both he as a student and we as his parents) are glad that he did. He will have a 4-year degree from a top school, played baseball in college, had the opportunity to play in three of the top summer collegiate leagues. If his mindset was "only on the west coast" I am doubtful it would have happened.

When 08Son played the 17U in 2007, every major west coast college was there. Heck, nearly every minor west coast college was there... I'd double check on the statement that the schools he is interested in won't be represented... It is an amazing event and one that is not to be missed if your son has the chance to go.

Don't want to talk anyone into anything, but glad that 08Dad posted that. I can't honestly tell you that it will be worth your money to go to Georgia because that will always depend on the players ability.

Many of the top West Coast college recruiters are in Georgia during that tournament. It's because some of those West Coast schools recruit nationally and also because many of the best players from California and the rest of the country are in Georgia playing in that tournament. In fact, a California team won it last year!

I'm not sure which event it is, but would guess that the Arizona trip would be a good one. Either way you go it might work out well.

Best of luck

Thanks for the responses. I agree ILVBB, my kid also needs to "broaden his horizons"...you just never know?

08Dad, thanks for the info (that's why I wanted to post something here), it's good to hear that there are schools from our area scouting in East Cobb too.

PG, my son has a few friends that played on that California team you're referring to. I've heard nothing but great things regarding the tournament, and I'm sure my son will be leaning towards that trip. It looks like our family budget will include East Cobb.

Thanks for the advice.