My son attended Stanford camp 4 years ago and I found the topic to be very interesting. I didn't feel like CADad was condeming the camp or making overreaching comments, he did say it was worth it, although a couple of other posters did take some shots

I think all of these camps and showcases are a bit of a gamble especially for pitchers who will only play a small portion of the game. My son enjoyed Stanford camp and I was grateful that $tanford didn't have any interest!!

Just as an aside I watched a pro predraft workout where 1/2 the scouts including the crosschecker departed with 5 pitchers left to throw........

quote:

My son enjoyed Stanford camp and I was grateful that $tanford didn't have any interest!!

Ain't that the truth! There are at least a few of us out there who are relieved when high-dollar schools do NOT recruit our sons!

I think this whole topic has brought up an old problem. I think some people take offense when the old timers (even though CAdad is one) speak negatively of the recruiting process.

Most of you have extremely talented sons who do not need to put themselves on the line because they are simply good enough. For kids probably like CAdad's son, and my son, we do everything we can so that they can continue to play the game they really love.

When somebody signs on and bashes people for stressing about recruiting because the kids that are good enough get noticed, I can easily see how one could take offense. You're right when you say that if the kid is good enough, he will get noticed. But why do you blame us and speak condescendingly of those that worry and try to allow our sons to keep playing baseball? Would it be more honorable if we just didn't help them get to the college level?

That's not how I feel about some posts, as I respect most everyone's opinion. However, I'm simply showing the feelings that CAdad probably had after reading some of the posts.

Bob...great to hear from you!!! You started all this stuff innocently enough...remember Lodi in 86? Kids knew no other way to play then. Hadn't figured out the showcase strategy yet.

That is really lousy that someone would identify CADad and his post to Coach Stotz. I hope you don't allow one person's actions to drive you away from here.

Baseball168,
Your post is a good example of how things can get taken out of context.
This post was about the Stanford Camp held recently, and as I interpret it, the good and the bad points and discussion to follow. Most of the people who posted here in this topic have sent their players to the camp at one time or another and just this past one. I really think generally it was a good discussion, with people, all type of people including coaches giving their opinions on their experience as well as recruiting.
The most important thing is that, and I stated, the experience is different for everyone. Everyone has to decide what's the best way for their player to be seen by the right coaches for them. The most important thing is that every experience has to be taken at face value, you most likely will not always get the results everywhere you go. I think that many people are realistic in helping their players, and I have found some not to be realistic. If you polled most of the parents here who have gone through it, they most likely will tell you that after all the worrying, all the obsessing, all money spent or not spent, in the end everything worked out fine. I think that is what any Old Timer will tell you, regardless of their players talent level. I learned alot about the Stanford camp in this discussion, to be honest my son got a recruiting letter from Stanford and a brochure to the camp, but in reality Stanford was not a good choice for him. We also got some other invites from local Big schools here and in the east, but those weren't a good fit for him either. For son what worked was being on a high profile travel team from this area and traveling as a team (so coaches could see him pitch in a real game) to college campuses for tourneys. Or just meeting up with one team (for example at Auburn) to play. If I hadnt sat down to think it all through, most likely he could have been to every camp, showcase there was. That has nothing to do with level of talent but just by being practical. I think fanofgame pointed that out, she felt that her son got more exposure from venues that were free. You have to learn to take everything in that you read, do your homework and do not base your decisions on what worked or didn't work for someone else but what will work for your son based on academics as well as baseball and your budget.
Interesting, two people who took their kids to the camp have received calls in the past several days, one told me it was from a school they didnt even know was there.
Obviously the exposure was available to everyone.

Dear CADAD, I am very sorry that someone here from the hsbbweb chose to do something so silly as to send what was written here to Coach Stotz.

However, I don't think that you said anything in your posts that would make him blink an eye. He's been doing his job for over 30 years and he's heard and seen it all. Of course I am not speaking for him, but I would tend to believe if he were to read this entire thread, he would probably enjoy it and perhaps take the opportunity to reflect on ways to improve the Stanford Camp experience.

I hope you will stay with us and not let a childish act by someone here keep you from posting.

60" 6;
thank you. It is amazing that no one responded
to my question. "did you ask the coaches - how I be "better"???
Aaron; Willie Mays; Henry Aaron; Ted Williams; Torii Hunter they all ask questions.

Players today are "scared". Why??

Over 200 years of coaching experience at the Stanford Camp and no one ask the question!!!
WHY?

Bob Williams

Bob,
I bet if players these days could "text" the questions to the coaches, they would probably go non-stop.

Sadly,young people today are not the best communicators (in person), just my own personal observation.

Bob,
I am not getting what you are saying so I can't answer the question.

CAdad - I hope you will re-consider leaving this site. I have always appreciated your candid honesty. I think alot of times we shy away from certain topics so as not to ruffle anyone's feather's or to protect our sons. I hope you will consider sticking with us.

I also am very sorry to see that this thread has turned hurtful to some.

I'm not surprised that Stanford's coach might hear about the thread...it would seem understandable for someone to send an e-mail saying "there is a thread in this forum about your camp". But I hope one of our members wouldn't reveal the name of a dad and player who preferred not be be named. If you think about it though, if our members can figure out who another poster is, there may be enough info in past posts for a coach to also figure it out. Or even in the current thread...an '09 pitcher from a specific state, who threw only at CSM, started a game and threw 4 innings with stated velocity readings, narrows down the possibilities.

The sad thing to me is that maybe the catchy title of the thread just threw things off a bit. My very first impression of the thread when I read it when it was only 1 page, was that the title sounded very negative, but the very first sentence by CADad was much more positive. If you read CADad's entire first post and forget about the title, he was doing part of what this forum is for: Telling other parents about a baseball experience, letting them know what to expect at least from one player and parent's perspective, and helping them to make an informed decision.

There were also some very informative follow-up posts by many members in this thread, but I understand how some of it might be read in a positive or negative light depending upon your reference point.

I'll also say though, that from everything I have EVER heard, Coach Stotz is a classy individual. I have a hunch he would be pretty understanding about the whole issue.

Again, I'm so sorry for any pain or hurt that has grown out of this thread!

Julie

Not knowing what Coach Stotz may have said, I think it is premature to suggest the source of the information came from a poster on the HSSBW. Last Tuesday I was howling with some coaches about a different message board.
The involved program and coach on that site were notified by another coach who followed the site pretty religiously and called the coach who's program was the subject of message board comments.
It has been said before: Coaches read this site. It is a great site for us, and great for coaches too.
So whether knowledge of this thread came from Coach Stotz reading it, another Coach calling him about it, or a poster, is unknown.
Personally, I think the discussion is a very good one. The Stanford Camp has changed as the NCAA compliance has required. But, I think it is important to point out that even before it changed, not every player got the result they hoped/expected in terms of college options. For baseball 168, there are Old timers who can relate to what you feel.... and know it is real. Our comments don't come from criticism, they come in hopes that you and your son will feel supported. Others have been where your son is and hopefully the experiences we post provide support for your efforts, not criticism of your concerns.
While it has changed with NCAA compliance requirements, the Stanford Camp continues to be the core recruiting place for many top tier DIII programs with top academics.
When the recruiting experience is being experienced, it can create great anxiety. It sure did for me. Was I happy our son went to the Stanford Camp looking to be recruited by Cal, Santa Clara, Boston College, Columbia and others..."only" to find his best option was a DIII????? Sure seemed "disappointing." Sure seemed like a reason to be anxious. My son was not a DI player..boy did that ring seem "wrong."
But, at the Stanford Camp, one coach saw him. That coach believed in him, recruited him, helped secure him a spot in a great university, pushed him in baseball and pushed him in the classroom where he got a degree in 4 years, and became one of his best friends for life.
baseball 168, many of us have been there. We are trying to offer experience in the rear view mirror for parents like you and CADad. It isn't criticism. It is cheerleading. It is hoping one day you can read a scouting report about your son that says he "understands the game...is versatile... a hard worker....is tenacious....and plays hard every inning." It is posting with a hope your son will have his college degree from a great university and be the baseball player he dreamed of being.
Right now, it looks like an injury will prevent our son from ever playing again. The main reason I post here anymore is to provide optimism and hope for parents and players who feel just like we did in 1999.

TPM and IheartBb";

A few Questions:

1. How many ways to score from 3b with less than two outs?
2. How can increase my velocity and arm speed?
3. What can I do to improve?
4. Can I increase my foot speed?
5. What can I do to develop "soft" hands?
6. Can I increase bat speed?
7. Can you teach me to read the bat?
8. How can I learn to read the pitcher?
9. What are you "looking" for in a college player?
10. Do you accept JC transfers?

With 400 years of coaching and pro experience at the Stanford camp. I would want to know the answers.

Our International players know these answers.

Bob

infielddad,

What a wonderful post, and very much on target!


One little note for those who read this and might not be familiar with infielddad's son's baseball situation:

Not only did IFdad's son go on to shine at an excellent DIII baseball program, he was drafted and played pro ball before an injury put his future baseball career in question. I mention that to confirm that even though the contact coming out of a camp or showcase might not be quite what was expected, it may lead to a terrific fit for that player.


Julie

Okay, Bob,
I am copying your 1-10 and sending it to my HS son, maybe he will have a better chance at communicating with coaches.
Thanks.

I want to clarify. I don't think that way of posts, I agree entirely with most of them. I was just saying that because I was trying to help explain why CAdad was possibly upset.

Bob,
I went back to reread your post which mentions entitlement.
Players don't ask those questions. Most likely because they feel they are good enough and don't have to. I hope that no one is offended, I know that it took awhile for own to learn how to ask and be willing to become a better player.
There are many schools that are successful because they have deep coaching traditions and philososphies that are passed down from coach to coach. You can find the answers at places like that.
This topic has taken a lot of twists and turns but I have learned and I have been through it.

IFD,
Good post, I was trying to say the same but you often say it better.

.

MN-Mom,

We'll said and astute.


IFD....

Great stuff! Thanks!

44
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Wow, say it ain't so, Joe! CADad is one of my favorite posters and I appeal to him to reconsider ever leaving HSBBW. His posts are always in-depth, informative, and reasonable. I can understand his anger that someone would reveal his identity to a college coach.. whoever did that you should be ashamed of yourself! Of course, it's not hard to figure out who the guy is but it's the intent that bothers me. Someone went out of their way to single him out for scrutiny and that's just plain
wrong.

At this point, I would like Coach Stotz to consider CADad's son for his team. The guy paid good money for his kid to be seen at Stanford, and he has been unfairly singled out when he (rather mildly) complained that he felt his son didn't get a good look-see. Sounds like a kid that really, really wants to play at Stanford. Perfect fit, and it would be a happy ending to this very unpleasant story. Let the tables turn.