If a kid is really focused on one or two schools is he really just as well off attending their camps and skipping the showcases, or is there something to be gained by the additional exposure? For that matter, how important is it to have attended a school's camps over the years??? Do kids really get "discovered" at camp?

I think it depends heavily on the school and the camp. Just one example thats cited here often is the Stanford all star camp. They clearly use that camp to "discover" and evaluate players. But they likely still want to see them compete more than once and more than at one venue.

Along the same line---how important is it for a kid to play travel fall ball? I wonder if any of you coaches can weigh in on this. Having just come off a busy summer travel ball season, does not playing on a travel fall team hurt? Would working out and perhaps going to Jupiter in October be enough? I'd love to hear anybody's input on this. Thanks

Not an easy answer as some of these camps are nothing more than moneymakers where large numbers of kids are run through. At those camps, unless you throw 90+ or hit a ball 450 feet (in both cases they've probably know of the player anyway) there probably is very little benefit.

On the other hand, if you've done your research and the camp has somewhat limited numbers where more individual instruction occurs, it's probably a good idea "if you are targeting a specific school". The opportunity to perform in front of coaches of a school he wants to attend for a couple hours/day over a few days can certainly get your son a good look. From personal experiences I know of at least 2 young men who will be playing college baseball next year due to attending their "targeted" school's camp.

The benefit to showcases is that there are many more schools in attendance. The downside is if you are not streaking during those few games (10-15 AB's?) then your opportunities are more restricted.

Either way, do your research and play as much as possible in front college coaches/recruiters. If the player is good enough, the opportunity will present itself.

Good luck and enjoy every minute!

TT53 - that was a well thought out answer. I agree with you. When looking at colleges I think in general, players and parents really need to conduct more research about the school and reflect upon what it is you are looking for in a college academic and athletic experience. That will help make decisions easier...

maybe the most important issues are.....have you or your son contacted that school? do they have a need for your sons position? if the answers are NO and NO then you need to get busy and find out if they might be interested. if the answers are YES and YES then you are definetely on the right track. some schools (usually higher profile) have a select camp and a larger camp with several other schools in attendance. if a Stanford or FSU is in the mix then i would have him do both camps if possible. that way you'll know you gave it your best shot. the first thing to be taken care of is to have your son, his coach and you contact the recruiting coach to find out what the real chances are of playing at these "two favorites"! kids do get "discovered" at these camps but sometimes that "discovery" is well assisted by the homework you do prior to attending.

I agree with justbaseball's response. It really depends on the school and the camp. The Stanford camp is tops among its peers and if you can attend - do so. Other individual school camps can also be worthwhile although many bring in numerous players and are pure moneymakers for the school. In those situations you have to make that spectacular play or hit that bomb at the exact time someone is watching you. If you are serious about a school - definitely attend the camp. At the least it will show the coaching staff your commitment and take the time to let them know how you feel about the school even if you don't hit that bomb at the right time. Regarding fall ball...I get this question a lot. It's often a drain after a long season and then summer ball. And quite often there is little visibility in fall ball. The plus side is it shows your commitment and a lot of coaches like to see that the player is playing year 'round. If you live in a warm part of the country and are not on a fall team, it could raise a flag to some coaches - just my opinion.

i have had at least one very frank D-1 coach tell me he could all but care less about h.s. stats even at the large school level because of the variables [level of competition, etc]. if that is true, then does that just leave showcases, summer ball, and maybe camp? what about that kid who has nothing but success in h.s. but does not have the wherewithal to play summer ball in the right locale or pay the big bucks for the showcases???

rcmax - one option, and there is more than one, would be to go the JC route as you can try out for a coach right on his field (unlike NCAA)..there are dozens of great JC programs in the SW region of the US, probably some very close to you...