My son just received an invite to the Stanford Baseball Camp. I have seen other posts suggesting that this is a worthwhile event. I am hoping to get some feedback from the California forum regarding this camp/showcase before we decide if he should make the trip.

1) The package says that it is by invitation only event. Is this true or is it just a marketing ploy to make you feel special? If so does anyone know how they decide to invite someone?

2) The brochure say there are over 20 colleges represented at the camp. Are there typically other major D1 schools, or is it primarily smaller schools that work the camp with the Stanford staff?

3) If it was your kid, would you choose this over event over another national showcase / tournament to attend?

I guess the bottom line question, is this the place to be seen if you are interested in playing college ball in the West?

Thanks in advance for you advice.

I'd think very hard before passing on a chance to attend the Stanford Camp. My son attended twice, and 8-10 of the other players he plays ball with have attended. Every one of them has thought this was the best baseball camp they've had a chance to play at. There are many coaches from top notch schools attending. You will find more schools from the east and regions other than the west, but there are some coaches from West Coast schools too. The bottom line with the coaches who attend is they represent some of the finest universities in America.

I'd highly recommend the Stanford Camp to any high school player fortunate enought to have the opportunity of participating.

jerseydad - If your son is a fine academic student and a good baseball player....GO!

The types of schools scouting this event are, as 06catcherdad says, "some of the finest universities in America."

Can only repeat the posts above. do not hesitate, it is most definitely worth going.

just to add a couple things. The facilities are amazing. your son will get a taste of college life living in the Stanford dorms. the level of play and instruction is first rate.

the schools there, the summer my son went were far more than 20. Maybe 20 or so "officially" working in the camp, but dozens more had reps there in the stands. As I recall, most every Ivy school was there, all the service academies, major d-1 programs from around the country and some very fine d-3 schools. As I recall my son was contacted by about 6 or so schools after this camp and is now, very happily, attending one of them.

I really think this is a can't miss.

I also highly recommend the Stanford All-Star Camp. Excellent instruction, beautiful location, and great exposure to a large number of top national and local colleges. HOWEVER, Stanford does not invite their competition! In the past I have not seen the big CA schools attending this camp. Make sure the western colleges you are interested are planning to attend.

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Jersey/RHP'05...

Went. Agree. Only caveat is that the majority of schools attending are high academic out of states, many far east. Understandably not really Stanfords competition. Would check out the atendees. While there are more than the listed schools there in the stands...If your going in part for the exposure, make sure it fits your "market".

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