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ThePitcher47
10 Posts |
 Posted - 12/05/2011 : 14:47:08
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Is it better to go to the Sandlot WS in Nashville or the PG in FT Meyers if they are running at the same time? Which tournament is better for 15/16 yr olds to get noticed by scouts?
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bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 12/05/2011 : 15:34:25
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Don't know anything about the Sandlott WS in Nashville, but you absolutely cannot go wrong with the PG event. In fact, the best tournament to go to would be the 17u PG event in Marietta, Ga. The 16u PG in Ft. Myers is good, but I believe the 17u event in Marietta is much more highly scouted. That would be my recommendation.
My son's team went to this event as a 15u and 16u and there are plenty of teams that do that. If you want a lot of exposure, the 17u in Marietta is the best (Other than the PG event in Jupiter, but that is probably too much for a 15 or 16 team). |
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Dr. Old School
314 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2011 : 10:18:39
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I was not aware that scouts go to the Sandlot WS in Nashville, but on the flip side, they won't be at the PG event in Ft. Myers either. As bballman said, they will all be in Marietta during that time for the WWBA events.
Keep in mind, though, that at 15 and mostly at 16 (summer before your freshman or sophomore year), not many scouts are going to pay a lot of attention. They know that there is a lot of changing that will go on between 15 and 18. There are a few exceptions but out of 1000 kids, maybe 1 or 2 get a look at these ages at showcases.
If you want to get your player's feet wet with scouts, go to the Young Harris Showcases in the late summer/early fall. They have a good accumulation of college scouts (D1, D2, D3, JUCO) and also do a good job of talking to the players about the process. This type of showcase camp will give them feedback on what the scouts saw, and what they need to work on. It is a good opportunity for the players to get an assessment from someone that has not been around them since they were 9. It also opens them up to seeing that there are lots of baseball opportunities out there. It is natural that players start making their list with top D1 schools (SEC, ACC, etc) but not everyone's skillset is suited for that, nor would those schools necessarily be the best option for them (Curriculum, playing time, etc).
It can also be a reality setter for some. I believe that if you can't get the lower tier schools to take interest in you, the chances of getting the top schools to look may be kind of tough. Also it would make sense that by the time you are starting your senior year you interest from each of the groups, in case things change for you (grades not as good as they need to be, injury occurs, school you are interested in has committed to a large number of players already, etc).
For those players that sign with a D1 school durign their Junior year, great. They don't really have to worry about it, but that is probably 1-5% of the players hoping to play in college. For the rest, some work will have to go into it. I have seen seniors at showcase who are panicking looking for anyone that will offer them a spot, without any thought as to whether it would be a good fit for them (team or school curriculum). Sowing some seeds early can be beneficial later. |
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bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2011 : 12:50:30
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All great points Old School. I thought my son would go D1 for a long time. I still think he can compete there, but due to grades, size (I believe), and some of the other things you talked about, he did not wind up there. He did wind up at a top notch D2 school that he will be going to next year.
Keep your options open. I also have seen the same thing you are talking about with 15 & 16 year olds. It still doesn't hurt to play in the PG in Marietta. You never know. If you have a school you are particularly interested in, start communications with them and let them know you will be there. Young Harris is a good one. The North Gwinnett HS one is a good one as well. Ususally in November. Also, if you are in Georgia, have your son try out for the Dugout Club top 100. First of all, it will give you a good idea if your son has what it takes to make it to the next level by whether or not you make the Top 100. If you don't make it, don't get discouraged, it doesn't necessarily mean you're not good enough for the next level. If you do make it, it's not a guarantee either, but you will get to see some of the better players in the state at the Top 100 games. If you make the Top 100 team and play at the event, there will be TONS of scouts there. It really is another good opportunity.
Once again, good luck to you. |
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Dr. Old School
314 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2011 : 14:45:13
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bballman,
Thanks for pointing that one piece out... I did not mean to imply that 15 & 16's should not play in the PG WWBA tournaments in Marietta in June/July. There will definately be scounts at those. At least at the EC park.
Thanks also for giving details on the other options. I just mentioned the Young Harris one as an example but your info does help show that there are several options to look at, not just one or two. |
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ThePitcher47
10 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2011 : 15:42:53
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| Thats Bballman and Dr. Old School for the advice! That helps alot! |
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Which Tourny is Better for 16yrs old
