My son has been "invited" to join an Under Armour national team for the Under Armour Winter Classic over Christmas Break in Tuscon. Sounds like a great opportunity for fun, playing against other travel teams at the Diamondbacks spring training complex. But, accepting the "invitation" costs about three grand!

Does anyone here have any feedback on these Baseball Factory/Under Armour events? The regional "tryout" that was held here in Colorado was a well run event, and provided a detailed evaluation that was consistent with evaluations that have been done by others, but there were no other college coaches/recruiters at the event (as luck would have it, the assistant coach/recruiter for one of the schools that my son is talking with was a paid field evaluator at the tryout).

The bits that I've found by searching the site have given mixed reviews, but I'd like to solicit some fresh comments.

Cheers...

John

quote:

the "invitation" costs about three grand!

That it does.

quote:

Sounds like a great opportunity for fun,

Could indeed be an opportunity for fun, ( I know we have had a few posters in the past who have said they did have fun ) but in my eyes, it depends on how much one is willing to pay " for fun ".

jcwells,
If you look at the date on the HSBBW archives regarding this subject, you will see that the comments are pretty up to date.
The topic usually comes up everytime the event is held.

I encourage others to post.
Perhaps someone has something new to say.

If I was a bettin' gal, I wouldn't be suprised if once again, you find the reviews/opinions to be mixed.

If you are looking for particular answers to certain questions regarding the event, ( such as: what scouts - if any - will be there & from where ) make sure you get a direct answer from those that run/own the event.

A lot of the ill feelings towards Baseball Factory/Under Armor was criticism that they were selling the All-American mantle as opposed to awarding it to those who deserved and earned it.

That may be changing. The week after the Aflac All-American game, BF/UA held their inagural All-America game at Wrigley Field. Many of the players went from Aflac to Chicago, so there were legitimate studs at this new event. Perhaps they are modifying the way they operate.

Many here have balked at the expense of the BA/UA events. As always, it's buyer beware.

Did someone say $3,000? That can't be can it? For a one time tournament? You sure that isn't a team entry fee? That sounds to high for a team entry fee though. Out of curiosity does that $3,000 cover travel, food and lodging at an expensive hotel. I know a good player that will be in Jupiter in October in front of over 500 scouts and colleges. He is with a team that pays for everything. He only has to get there.

My son got the same invitation and so did everyone that tried out in TN. They all made the "select" team and it is 3000.00 and that did not cover airfare. Jupiter is the way to go and you can get a personal invite on the PG website and they can put you with a team to play. I would say no no no to this and we did say no no no. Especially as a pitcher at a four game tournament.

I don't know what the cost might be, but I would look into the Goodwill Games in Australia that Consultant runs at the end of the year. I was hoping to get infidel_son to go last year, but he was concerned that he might get injured and mess up his senior year. It turned out that he stumbled out of the gates all on his own this past spring.

quote:

Originally posted by IndyCoach:
Did someone say $3,000? That can't be can it? For a one time tournament? You sure that isn't a team entry fee? That sounds to high for a team entry fee though. Out of curiosity does that $3,000 cover travel, food and lodging at an expensive hotel. I know a good player that will be in Jupiter in October in front of over 500 scouts and colleges. He is with a team that pays for everything. He only has to get there.

Coach, my son is a LHP senior. He went to Jupitor last year and team is not going this year. Would that team be interested?