my son played in the elite 24 last year. Some teams (well most) picked up additional arms to try and make a run at the ship. I talked to 2 late addition parents of a 13 year old's I wanted to know what they expected to get out of the experience. Their response was basically I want him to be seen. At first this seemed logical, elite 24 the best of the best, but then I stepped back and looked around, no one is looking 13 year old kids. Their were no scouts, no radar guns, no clipboards, and no video cameras.

This was excellent baseball in it's purest form, great competition, great facilities, yet it's just baseball albeit at a higher level but it's just ball. No one cares about a 13 year ols stud, except their parents. I actually was drinking the cool-aid too, these parents are hooked line and sinker. My point enjoy the moments when they are young, do not be concerned with ratings and rankings. Nothing matters until junior year of High School.

quote:

Originally posted by LabattsBlue:
Nothing matters until junior year of High School.

I agree with everything you said except for the part I quoted which I COMPLETELY disagree with.

A couple of schools offered me scholarships without having seen me based on the recommendation of a scout who saw me my frosh and soph years of HS. He was promoted to an advance MLB scout my Jr. year and recommended me to some of his college coaching friends.

I think it is more accurate to say people don't start watching you until you can contribute at the HS level.