They are starting to film my eldest pre-game and during the game. Then talking to him after the game. 4 MLB teams so far.

I am beginning to wonder if he may actually get drafted this June.

Time will tell I guess.

"They"? Meaning the Major League Scouting Bureau? It sounds like he’s on the right track so things will get interesting!!
Fungo

Fungo,

It wasnt the MLB scouting bureau.

This past weekend - it was 2 scouts - from 2 seperate MLB teams - that had the video on pregame and during the game. Then, both spoke to him at length after the game.

Prior to that - there were 2 others that did the same thing. I dont know if this was just normal stuff - or not.

Time will tell. You never know.

I have never seen pro scouts video players. Makes sense when you think about it. The Scouting Bureau does a lot of video and that's why I said what I did. Makes no difference if they're looking through a camera or just looking as long as they are there! Good luck!
Fungo

Thanks Fungo - it will be fun to see what happens the next couple months.

All I know is that he better keep hitting, fielding and running like a wild dog.

LOL

Its, that is great news. Congratulations. Hopefully your son will be able to experience the entire process as being "fun." From a baseball perspective, it is a really neat thing to hear over the internet, "with pick #....."
I know that seems like a long shot and lots can happen all of which is true. But it only takes one team and one scout to make things happen. Keep us posted.

ITS

This is outstanding news and only confirms what I've heard. I have heard the words come out of a top scout's mouth this week, who I will not name for obvious reasons, who said your son is as close to Ryne Sandberg as a college prospect can get and maybe even better !

Just got back in town and thought you would like to know that, sir.

Peace,
Shep

quote:

All I know is that he better keep hitting, fielding and running like a wild dog.

Its, with all due respect to Shep, one of the hardest things for players and parents is the "information" you receive. Unless you are a very top player, the process controls your son. I think the view you expressed of "hit, field and run" is exactly the right one. As time goes on, he may well hear all kinds of things, positive and negative. Control only what he can which is what he does on the field. While complimentary things really feel good at the time, they can set you up for a lot of disappointment in a process where your son might truly be just a number.

I appreciate all of the comments, feedback and advice - and read them closely.

I can never be disappointed by the game - or the draft - or both of my son's involvement in it. It is all a gift - as far as I am concerned.

Honestly - the only thing that really stings - is when they get injured - and cannot play.

After all these years - I have come to realize - that is the only constant.

No expectations - alot of hopes for good performances and enjoyment - but never really feeling let down by anything - except the inability to play because of injuries. Other than that - as a parent - I just wait for the next game - the next play - and the next at bat or pitch.

That is my bugaboo as a parent. LOL

(Felt the same way as a player as well.)

I appreciate all you guys are telling me.

Paul


Great news !!!

One other thing I would like to point out which people are always concerned with---"D" is not at a Division I school --he is at a Division II program---just goes to show once again that the MLB scouts look at schools other than Division I for talent

Great news its

Sure beats the alternative where they may not be showing interest in him. He is having a mighty fine year so this does not surprise me.

I need help keeping this all scouting activity in perspective. Arrghhh.

I have read through everything I could find about pro scouts, the draft, etc. in the last three weeks. We're taking a crash course as my son was just "discovered" by MLB about a month ago.

I should explain we live in a more rural area with a little more limited exposure than some kids; he had college attention and has signed at a JUCO, but no pro scouting attention until now.

Since then, he's filled out forms for the Scouting Bureau and a dozen teams, had requests for two in-home meetings --- all in the past three weeks.

At every game since the big discovery, there have been anywhere from 3 - 8 scouts that we could detect. The scouts' demeanor is as described elsewhere on HSBBW: some chat us up, some don't, some call on the phone, some don't.

It's a great situation for my son and very exciting, especially since he wasn't on MLB radar before now ---- what a thrilling ride. But, such a flurry in a short time right at the end of senior year with so much else going on.

How did/does everyone else stay grounded when this kind of thing happens?

ktcosmos

quote:

How did/does everyone else stay grounded when this kind of thing happens?

ktcosmos, It can be difficult. You are dealing with scouts, graduation, prom, and college all at the same time. It can also be hard sitting at the ball park and hearing the scouts talk about your son like he was a piece of merchandise they were thinking of purchasing…

Something that helped me was being told that no matter what my son decided to do (whether he goes to college or goes in the draft) the scouts would be following him from now on, so he better get use to them. I decided I better get use to them, too. I now just ignore them. If they want to talk they will come over and say hello and if they don’t I go about enjoying my son’s senior year and leave them alone to do their job in peace.

I also sat down with my son and had a long heart to heart about what to focus on. The scouts can add a lot of pressure to a player who isn’t use to them being around. First, I told him to concentrate on helping his high school team get to state this year. Second, to focus on getting to college by keeping his grades up and staying in shape. These are things he can control. He can not control whether the MLB teams will draft him or if they will draft him high enough to take a chance of giving up an education.

Also, I try to leave it all in God’s hands. Sometimes what one wants is not always what is best for them. Good luck to your son.

quote:

Originally posted by ktcosmos:

How did/does everyone else stay grounded when this kind of thing happens?

ktcosmos

KT,

There really isnt anything to be grounded about IMO.

For every good word - and good thing - there is someone - or some organization - that will say a bad thing about him - or give an underhanded compliment.

Ultimately - the kid plays - you go to work - after you come home - he calls you and tells you how things went - you enjoy the conversation, wish him well and smile.

Thats about it. IMO.

quote:

For every good word - and good thing - there is someone - or some organization - that will say a bad thing about him - or give an underhanded compliment.

So very true! I think that is God's way of keeping everyone grounded! Nice post Its.

Thanks for words of wisdom. A scout we met with last night told us just about exactly what you have all said here regarding tuning out the inevitable undercuts and just having fun playing the game.

Best of luck to everyone else out there in their regionals, state tournament, college and pro adventures.

ktcosmos

Its...you and your son just enjoy every minute. My son is going through the same thing this year...several clubs and the Scouting Bureau filmed him during several of his starts this year...have fun with it.

quote:

Originally posted by itsinthegame:
They are starting to film my eldest pre-game and during the game. Then talking to him after the game. 4 MLB teams so far.

I am beginning to wonder if he may actually get drafted this June.

Time will tell I guess.

True, there could be interest in your son. What you want to do is find out if it's an area scout, regional, or even a crosschecker. If it's the latter, then you'll know that a team has a bigger interest in your son than just a team having an scout check out players in his area......

I think you missed the whole point I was attempting to make.

I knew who they were prior to writing my first post - and understand the differences in the scouting hierarchy.

The only thing I have to do at this point is enjoy my kids games - and eat alot of hotdogs and cracker jacks. And smile.

If there is interest - it will make itself evident soon enough.

The point I was attempting to make was very simple. I am beginning to believe the possibility exists. That is all.