It is tough to find some info on the process, but it seems this is one of the top events in the country.

please correct me if I am wrong:
There is a camp then there is a invitation only tryout. then from the invite tryout they select kids for the national event in Cal.



We are a little new to this and left to google to find more info.

How does it rank to PG, TPX Top 96 and the like

Have you filled out the Area Code profile form yet?
http://www.hovpen.rivals.com/drawform.asp?form=802&SID=1130

Here are some camp dates:
http://ssbaseball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=723049

SSmom

Thanks for the links

do invitees go to the open camps aswell, or wait until the the invite only tryout

Does anyone know if there are camps located on the east coast? Searched and can't find any info..

thanks.

There is no comparison between Area Code and the other showcases mentioned. For one thing, you cannot pay to attend Area Code. First, a professional scout must recommend you be invited to the tryout in your area. Then, if you are chosen, you must pay your own way to Long Beach for the week long event which is basically a scouting combine that includes games between the players chosen to represent the Major League organizations who field teams. Scouts from all the MLB teams as well as most college coaches will be there. It all starts with a local scout recommending you be invited to attend the tryout. After that, it is entirely up to your performance at the tryout (with a little bias toward those players who attend with a reputation that precedes them).

my son attended the area code tryout in kansas city today...wow...i am not sure it was as good as it could have been without the rain and muddy conditions...the white sox is a first class orginization and our area scout is a teriffic guy...lots of talent!

My son had the good fortune of being invited to the Arizona Diamondbacks' Area Code tryout in Pensacola, Florida last June. Although he did not make the final Area Code team, the tryout was one of the highlights of his baseball life to date. The whole process was simply extraordinary. I will never forget how the Diamondbacks' scout sheared off my son's brand new wooden bat on the first BP pitch. Nor will I forget the incredible level of players on the field that day, and how the southeastern players rose to the challenge, and showed their best. If you are invited to an Area Code tryout, and have the money to cover the travel expenses, I would recommend making every possible effort to attend. It could lead to memories that you will cherish for the rest of your life, and if you make the team, an incredible honor and opportunity.

My son went to the east coast tryout in Dayton Ohio, and, WOW! My eyes opened to how much talent there is outside my little bubble here in PA. Everyone was very good. I was a little worried, but, My son made the team.!!

Hello;
In 1987, this was the reason I created the
Area Code games. No charge for the player, an opportunity to "open" the players eyes, provide the scouts with the best players in place.

In the first year, I also coached the Cubs AC team which included 12 future ML players and played 30 games prior to the AC games in Lodi.

There are over 500 players who played in the AC games and also played ML baseball.

Last night, I spoke at the Stanford camp to 400 players and parents regarding our International
Goodwill Series [1983-2008]. We will again travel to Australia December 17 for 12 games in 2 weeks.

This will be a very competitive journey to the land "down under'. Our coaches are pro scouts who will evaluate players for the 2009 draft.

We had 6 players drafted in 2008 from the 2007 trip and 12 players who obtain college scholarships.

Bob Williams

I had the opportunity to speak to a dad who's son attended last years event. He spoke highly of the Area Code games and said it is the "best" thing for a young player to get his name on the map.

I'm proud to say that my son made this year's team and I cannot wait to see these games in person. The process of the Area Code selection is truly based on talent, it is run by people who know baseball at its highest level.

Mr. Williams-
Are there any Area Code Games on the east coast or are these only available on the west coast? How do I follow a tryout schedule for my 2011 son?
Thanks

gamefan;

There is the East Coast showcase which copied our formula. It is operated by the pro scouts from the Eastern USA.

The best advice is to locate a pro scout who has seen your son play the game. If you complete a player profile on our web site, I can send to several scouts involved with the East Coast Showcase or the AC games.

Next year the concentration will be for the 2010
high school grads and a few 2011.

Bob Williams
<www.goodwillseries.org>

Thanks so much. I just filled out the form on his behalf and submitted it. Feel free to contact me via cell phone or email as provided in the profile.