WWBA Top Prospect Lists

2011?

Wow.

Please dont tell me they have 2012's and 2013's too.

Any list that is for '11 should be called the Physical Early Bloomers Prospect list.

I imagine if the WWBA had a National Championship for the younger ages they would (and should) have lists of the best players. Thats what we spend the $$ for,along with the great experience they are for both the player & the parents.
Have you ever heard of AAU national All-America Teams from thier National events? They do have them.

I can't see calling pre high school kids prospects. '11's just entered high school. They haven't played high school ball or any high school level summer equivilant.

I agree. You can take that up with Perfect Game.
Can you say All-Tournament Team.I just want to know if my son made the list, if it exists.

hey ! my son's not on that list!! :LOL:

of course, he doesn't play for east cobb either!

quote:

Originally posted by 55mom:
hey ! my son's not on that list!! :LOL:

Anyone you know on this list?

No, but I've seen them on TV!

quote:

hey ! my son's not on that list!! :LOL:

of course, he doesn't play for east cobb either!

55mom,

I noticed that East Cobb thing too.

Well there were four East Cobb teams in this 20 team tournament. It was the 2011/14U so there were some 2010s in it as well. And the East Cobb Astros went unbeaten to win it. And as most everyone knows East Cobb has a very good program. East Cobb had two players make the top 10 list. Runnerup NorCal, another very well known and respected program nationally had three players on the top 10.

These are freshman and sophomores in high school. I would be willing to bet that some of these kids will be prospects when they are seniors as well. Maybe “prospect” is the wrong word, but “all tournament” would be based on statistics and sometimes the best players don’t have the best statistics. We are always trying to find the best talent, no matter what age group it is.

BTW, here is who the top 10 played for…
East Cobb (GA) – 2 players
NorCal (CA) – 3 players
TriState Arsenal (NJ) – 1 player
Texas Tarheels (TX) – 1 player
Richmond Braves (VA) – 1 player
CT Rangers (CT) – 1 player
Diamond Devils (SC) – 1 player

I’ve never understood why these lists would bother anyone. It’s just recognizing some young players. If those players end up being top prospects when they are 17/18 no one will remember this list as having any importance. If some of those players get hurt, fail to get better, or what ever and don’t become prospects… It’s still a small accomplishment that they and their family can be proud of. Guess I don’t see any harm in that.

Some claim that this might give these kids a big head and cause them to somehow fail to get better. However, it’s never the parents of the kid being recognized that file that complaint. If making an all star team, all tournament team, MVP award, or top prospect list causes a player to fail, he was destined to fail in the first place! Sorry, I just don’t believe in that. There are way too many examples of players who have had lots of recognition at 12-13 year old, let alone 14, who have gone on to become high draft picks and play in the Major Leagues ie. Delmon Young, Justin Upton, Lastings Milledge, Jeff Clement, Ryan Sweeney, etc. Yes, there are even more who did not progress that far, but I doubt it had anything to do with being on a list when they were 14 years old. And for sure there will be lots of kids who aren’t on any list that will become the top prospects when they get older.

For us, it’s just interesting to follow good players no matter how old they are. We understand it is not as meaningful as when they get older. Then again some people say it’s never that important or meaningful. To a certain extent they might be right!

quote:

I’ve never understood why these lists would bother anyone.

It doesn't bother me and I am sure it is an honor to be on them.

The post that started this thread perplexes me however. Why didn't the person just contact the group organizers for the event to find out about the lists? Was it to let us know his son might be on one?

I am concerned that people are starting to use the forums to hype themselves and their kids and I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I think our forums first and foremost should be about sharing information to help kids make their high school team and then possibly make it into college someday. I think we all should contribute to helping one another toward those aims. For the life of me, I cannot see how someone who promotes themselves here (impliedly or directly) is helping anyone but themselves.

quote:

Originally posted by ClevelandDad:
I think our forums first and foremost should be about sharing information to help kids make their high school team and then possibly make it into college someday. I think we all should contribute to helping one another toward those aims.

ClevelandDad...

Please allow Me the honor of saying that your post is without a doubt the absolute BEST post I have yet to read here on hsbbw. Thank you for reminding me and hopefully others of what remaining humble is about.

quote:

Originally posted by ClevelandDad:

quote:

I’ve never understood why these lists would bother anyone.

It doesn't bother me and I am sure it is an honor to be on them.

The post that started this thread perplexes me however. Why didn't the person just contact the group organizers for the event to find out about the lists? Was it to let us know his son might be on one?

I am concerned that people are starting to use the forums to hype themselves and their kids and I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I think our forums first and foremost should be about sharing information to help kids make their high school team and then possibly make it into college someday. I think we all should contribute to helping one another toward those aims. For the life of me, I cannot see how someone who promotes themselves here (impliedly or directly) is helping anyone but themselves.

I agree this is a very good post.
It sort of hits home with a discussion going on in another thread and CD's and others posts made in that thread.
I am not very much into lists, in my experience as a parent the most important lists are who is on a college recruiters list and who is on a MLB list. Yes,some lists identify those who eventually make it to the most important lists, in the appropriate year where it counts most for the player.
I too am not understanding the intention of the post, as CD suggests, why not just go to the source first? It's the same way I feel about someone posting video of their 9 year old asking about mechanics. Or the same way when someone posts good thoughts for serious discussions and the next thing you know half dozen pics are posted and the topic goes south. Or someone posts something over and over in general items that has nothing to do with baseball (I've been guilty of that myself). Or someone's comments letting us all know what we already know about the high price of attending a tournaments (without not ever being there).

I realize the HSBBW has grown.I am not the one who should judge what should and should not be posted, but I have to wonder sometimes about the intentions of some of the posts. I think a good lesson in starting a post would be to think about it, does it add value to the HSBBW and where is the appropriate place to post it.

We should never lose site of the main reason for the HSBBW, supplying information regarding helping those with the HS, college baseball process and beyond.

JMO.

quote:

I realize the HSBBW has grown.I am not the one who should judge what should and should not be posted, but I have to wonder sometimes about the intentions of some of the posts.

TPM - this is a good point. Obviously, no one individual can control this thing (nor should they) we all love called the hsbbweb. What a special thing Bob Howdeshell created here! However, I think collectively we can control things. If people think this is mainly about hype, promoting, t-ball all-americans, free speech, etc., then this place may not be for them. If they want to participate for the "collective" good of everyone then the more members we have the better.

CD,
There are those who give advice, those who listen and then everyone else is in between.

We all have to be tolerant of those who are first learning about the HSBBW, and try to steer them in the right path. We always don't communicate that in the way intended, but that's what happens on message boards. What I am getting a kick out of is the folks who first came on when son's were beginning the process after I was done, have learned and now sharing their advice.

Some don't seem to understand the purpose of this site, that's ok, they'll be long gone eventually and the HSBBW will still be moving right along with those who do.

Infield_08, how did I know before looking at your list it was not going to be the one asked for?

quote:

Originally posted by Tiger Paw Mom:
CD,
There are those who give advice, those who listen and then everyone else is in between.

...Infidel_08, how did I know before looking at your list it was not going to be the one asked for?

I hope this was a clue.

I have no advice to give. I do listen and learn a lot. But my posts are almost never in between. Sorry if I de-reil threads from time to time.

No it wasn't a clue, just that I know your posting habits pretty well.

Actually it was a good distraction to a post that might have gotten ugly. I think that is important in some posts. You did a good job!

All very good points, but there could be mixed signals sent.

On one hand, I've read numerous times that it is not onloy OK, but it is encouraged to brag about the young one.

I don't really care one way or the other, but I do see a lot of threads that are geared towards this at many different levels of baseball. I actually enjoy reading most of them and it seems like others do to.

On one hand I've often read advice about being pro active and promote/market your player. I can see where some might think this is a good place to do that. Are we now saying we've changed our mind? Or is it just OK that some players are mentioned and others are not? Or it's OK if they reach a certain level?

Like I said, I don't care either way, but I don't normally like too many rules. I do agree that contacting the organization if there is a complaint or question makes more sense.

This is a great site that has helped many people. I hope it doesn't ever change.

I do think this is a good discussion and something to think about. Even though it's off the original track.

Good points PG.

It's hard to define. Everyone has their thoughts and opinions.

There are some things that are kind of acceptable, I think it depends on where it is posted (as I am learning) and how it is posted (as I am learning). For example, we have a thread with announcements for commitments.
I am not to wonder why, some things just strike me as funny. Like for example, why does a parent have a link for their son's bio in their tag line? Or folks with links about their team? Do you provide a link under your name for PG, no that would be considered advertising or promoting, same thing, IMO. I just don't get those things, but that's me. I agree with about promoting your player, but in the right places. What purpose would you do it here?

I started the going pro thread so we could talk and share our experiences for others. I started a thread in general about bragging. Giving those opportunities to where it was appropriate and folks didn't feel funny.

PG, I follow your thinking and agree with you, there's no problem in recognizing early talent, but I think there are a lot of parents of these kids that are willing to pay top dollar thinking these lists are very important. That's the only part that worries me. At that age the money is best spent on quality games and instruction.

TPM,

Believe me, there are things posted here that I don't care for. But not once has it bothered me when someone posts something about their son.

People might think my involvement here is about PG. Wished I'd have selected a different username. I'm here because I've been a parent of baseball players, I love the game, I love young kids (please don't take that the wrong way) and I really like to read what most of the people who contribute here have to say. The "bragging" parent just doesn't bother me much. It's OK to be proud and the truth is, there are a lot of people who read this stuff here and some of them might be in a position to be able to help a young player. Now the "vindictive” parent who gets on here and cuts down everyone and everything that doesn’t work out their way… That’s a completely different story!

PG,
I get your point and always appreciate your input.

Thanks!

Bum,

You might be right, but top dollar won't get you on our lists. It doesn't cost a dime to get on the lists. Most people who pay us money don't end up on these kind of lists. That's why we hear so many complaints. I do think lots of people incorrectly believe they can buy themselves into the next level and talent is secondary.

At a young age I do think playing quality games and instruction are most important. Some do it all.

PG

quote:

At a young age I do think playing quality games and instruction are most important. Some do it all.

And I believe that those that mature early and also Showcase early.
That also have matured into there body's at an early age will get a lot of attention early.
It doesn't mean that a late Bloomer can not also achieve the same goal.
Perseverance.
JMO EH

We don't push our son to play all over. His talent has been recognized on several levels - we are happy with his progress. He is a pitcher - he is a very good one at that. At 14, we don't want to do anything that might hurt his arm - or confidence - down the road. So we have not actively looked for showcase teams. In fact, according to some, we may be too cautious. He does not take lessons for example. We do know that legion and showcase teams will be necessary in the future.

It seems like there are many reasons parents and players feel they have to push at an earlier and earlier age. Lack of confidence and lack of information may be two reasons. Which brought us here. One reason we feel confident taking our approach is the advice given on this board. My husband has been reading here for a year and a half at least. There are many ways to be noticed, many ways to be successful. Believe in your child and support them for starters.

Thanks everyone!

I think the lists that PG develops - when these kids are in their later high school years - have turned out to be very accurate.

What you need to do - IMO - to satisfy yourself that this is true is to actually go and get the lists - and then see what happened to the guys that were on the list.

What you will find is that an overwhelming majority of the players identified in high school by PG - went on to the next levels. College and Pro.

It really isnt my opinion - it is the facts.

Having said that - I dont think lists for 12 year olds mean anything - but as PG said - they can still be fun for the kids and the parents. I dont see anything wrong with that.

I guess it comes down to how the parents and the player interpret the list.

And in reality - and with rare exception - only talent and performance will enable you to move to the next level.

The lists don't bother me at all. Although if I were to be given a vote (which I'm not expecting to get anytime soon ) I'd probably vote to have no lists at ages 12-15. But as PGStaff has pointed out, they are great for the parents and the scrapbooks.

From my point of view (which obviously hasn't been too popular with a sector of this site lately), the importants lists are:

* youth - the registration list for the local league or team.

* pre-HS - the list of players still playing somewhere, in some capacity...who haven't been s-u-c-k-e-d into full-time s-o-c-c-e-r or so discouraged that they quit the game altogether.

* early-HS - the list of players who made the local HS team or found a role to be involved somehow, someway.

* later-HS - the list of players who made the varsity HS team or found a role to be involved somehow, someway.

* college prospects - the list of colleges (and 1 college to me is a "list") who want your son to play for them. It might also include the list of players who made it onto a quality summer travel team as often that is where they get their "chance!"

* pro prospects - the list of teams interested in drafting your son.

The published lists quite accurately predict these last two categories and PG does a very good job in getting them correct. BTW, the one who got me to see things from this perspective is a good friend of PG's and a local (make that national) legend in elite travel baseball...and sometimes poster on this site.

I just prefer to look at all of this as a ladder...one step at a time, achieve the goal put directly in front of you. I've seen plenty of families spend a lot of money and attempt to skip a step or two only to realize a fair amount of disappointment.

And I think for the long-term health of the game of baseball we need to keep in mind that the weak LL player who still gains a love for the game through his parents or coach, despite his relative lack of longterm talent, is every bit as important to "America's Game" as the ones on the "lists."

I don't have a problem with lists either. My oldest was on Who's who or whatever that is. For $35 we oculd have purchased a neat book with his name in it. (whoopie) I guess the point is to stive for perspective.

I know of one '11 who is injured, and his dad made him go to a showcase. The only thing he could do was hit, and not very well from what I heard. What was the point of that? More harm than good could come out of that.

Just to be clear, one of the many things we do is compile lists. These lists can come back to bite us as kids get older and we move them down the list. Then there are the many who move up the lists.

The players are what make a list important. If the lists were always full of bad players they wouldn't be worth a plug nickel to anyone.

I think very much like most who are saying these lists aren't very important. They really aren't very important if you're not on them. Bottom line is... I don't really care if they're important. I feel they are completely harmless!

And I agree with "justbaseballs" list. That is a very good "list"!

55mom,

One thing I can asure you and I think many here already know. You can pay us $5,000 and it won't get your son on one of our lists unless we think he belongs there. It's not the Who's Who list.

In fact, we once lost a deal for more than $100,000 because we refused to put someone on an important list.

If you haven't figured it out, referring as though people can buy "our" reputation really bothers me.

I just don't ever tell people what they should or should not do. I can give thousands of stories about players who turned out 99 different ways based on 99 different things. I am just not smart enough to tell everyone what they should do. Don't even know what to do myself most of the time.

I wished we didn't do lists, but we do. I wish every kid could be listed, but they can't. I don't even care if any kid comes to our events. If that happens, just quit and do something else.

I'm happy that things are working out well for your son. That is what's important. I feel bad about the kid who was injured and his dad made him go to a showcase. I have no suggestions that could possibly mean anything to you. There is so much yet to learn and I'm afraid I don't have the time to learn it all.

PG - I'm pretty clueless about these things, at least right now. So, no I wasn't saying you could buy your way on. I guess it was a poor example, and I apologize. What I was trying to say is that parents just need to chill.

It seems to me there are several different groups that come up with top players lists. There is no way you can see all the top players at age 14 or 15. It does seem like that, as the guys get bigger and stronger and playing on there regional/national teams, they become more valid. At least nationally - it's a better comparison. Does that make sense?

We know we have t's to cross and i's to dot, but just not now. We aren't there yet.

(I have to say I'm surprised that parents are trying to buy their kids way. I guess they get used to it at the younger age and just think they can continue. Don't they realize it will damage your credibility?)

thanks!

Thanks to all that slammed me.
You don't know me or my family.
How dare you judge either.
Being on the LIST may benefit my son in impressing some coaches he will be visiting soon, NOT any of you.

quote:

Originally posted by PGStaff:
Bum, You might be right, but top dollar won't get you on our lists.

Yes, I know. I was just talking about what some parents might perceive. If you've got a kid 14 y.o. and obviously not a prospect spend the money on getting better, that's what I'm saying. No, it's not PG's fault. I guess like Confucious says, "A fool and his money shall soon part."

Since USA Baseball is developing a 14 and under team for international play, lists of 13 and 14 year olds are going to gain popularity.

The better ball players who are 13 and 14 who make a good transition to the bigger field are in a sort of limbo otherwise.

At 13, a kid may be in middle school or a freshman in high school with little competitive ball for his age group. That kid may move to that other game or football just to have a chance to play.

I also believe that grooming a fine bunch of ballplayers at the 14 and under group will make our national teams more competitive in the long run.

There is nothing wrong with touting them, their abilities and their accomplishments.

A Gold Medal from international play will get a kid a bit more consideration from a high school coach as well.

All you old guys need to lighten up. 3-up-3-down comes on here with a question and you guys don't even hesitate to say he is bragging. He was explaining why he even asked the question when he mentioned his son did well at the WWBA events.

Also, for those who said that younger players aren't even prospects the first 2010 already signed with University of Florida. Just to let you know. I'm a 2010 and have recieved mail from colleges. My goodness don't consider that bragging, I'm just stating a fact.

Franchisee,

My son has two paper file boxes FULL of mail from colleges....................

My goodness don't consider that bragging, I'm just stating a fact.

Got his first letter when he was seven, just after T-Ball season, and, a game winning in-the-park grand slam homerun that went between the legs of the 2B and the RF to win the championship tournament.

If our scorekeeper hadn't recorded that as a hit, I don't think he would have ever signed D1 when he was 9.

Unfortunately, he was edged out of making the PG list that year by a kid named Duke from Waco, Texas.

Lord, I apologize.

To some, October means World Series, to me it means the naming of the the All-Embryonic prospect team. To my surprise the 2007 names were were announced this morning and the team picture was released. These kids keep looking younger and younger and you can tell they have been showcased at some of the best labs in the country and pampered with the finest test tubes and petri dishes money can buy..



Good looking team isn't it. I'm a little disappointed that they still overlook the Northern cells. When will they accept the fact that a frozen embryo in the long run will have a longer shelve life than one that has been constantly under the microscope?

Probably the proudest day of my life was back in 1985 when my "chip off the ol' cell" was named 3rd team on that brisk Autumn morning . The kid didn't have an arm yet, his foot speed was nonexistent, and he just got his duffel bag to hang his bat from and put his balls in. However, those who knew the game saw his size potential, had a good nucleolus to grow on, was not chemically altered, and knew his parental genetic markers that were not passed down were a result of life in the 70's. He had all the tools to be a cell a dad could be proud of.

Looks like a group with five tool talent.

Using the Boguscope we can peer into their future

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1kesqDBXh0&mode=related&search=

.

quote:

I'm a 2010 and have recieved mail from colleges.

Yes, colleges send mail to players.

Still get some sometimes.

Man, I hate to think where mine could be now, if he could have been on the All-Embryonic team with your embryo, rz1.

Or, if he had the missing genetic material from the '70's.

I tried to get that embryonic photo of my son, but my wife complained that the lens was too short to get a good shot.

This is really lite, now, ain't it?