Our son has been invited to participate in the 2008 Under Armour Pre-Season All American tournament in Tucson, on January 11-13,2008.

Is this a viable selective tournament and worth the time and money??

Cuttydog,
I have privately messaged you.

We have passed on it twice. It is the only "All American" event of which I am aware where the player has to pay $799 or else be cut from the list of honorees. Not to mention you have to pay your own air fare, hotel and other expenses to Arizona.

Take it as a compliment to be on the early list. As some players turn this down, they go deeper down their list. Some will get invitations in early January, i.e., on a few weeks' notice.

Having not attended, I cannot tell you if it's a great scouting event or what. What I can say is, if your son is a senior, he's probably already committed to his college. If he's a junior getting an invite this early, he's probably a bona fide stud. Either way, going to AZ in January is an expense you can spare yourself.

But you can still put it on his resume.

It is during quiet period, but but I think D2-3 NAIA schools can attend.

We got the package in the mail. You have been selected to the 2008 preseason UnderArmor All American Team. We got the phone call as well. I have to agree 100% with Midlodads post.

quote:

Under Armour All-American Team

Dang,..but the title sounds good, don't it??

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Originally posted by shortstopmom:

quote:

Under Armour All-American Team

Dang,..but the title sounds good, don't it??

It used to be the "Puma All-American", so this is more up to date with Under Armour putting it's name to it. The package used to have a printed certificate that they were all American’s, don't know if they still do, but it was kinda neat to have a Puma All American certificate and Under Armour All American certificate.

We never went and the certificates went out with the trash with all the other recruiting stuff when we were done with the process.

Now you get a plaque with your name on it, instead of the certificate. Maybe Under Armour is giving them more bucks? I got one of those letters too. We were wondering what to do also.

quote:

Originally posted by CatchingTheHeat:
Now you get a plaque with your name on it, instead of the certificate. Maybe Under Armour is giving them more bucks? I got one of those letters too. We were wondering what to do also.

A plaque before you even go? I heard in the early days they used to get other freebies, but for the price, it is not necessary free....

my son received the under armour all american packet in the mail today as well, has anyone on here ever gone and is it worth it esp if you already signed your nli, is it for trying to be seen to go pro? also today hegot the perfect game 2008 world showcase invitation, he has attended their underclass and national before, this seems to be once algain for the pros to look see and is this worth it as well, would love some comments thanks, mg

quote:

Originally posted by mg7158:
my son received the under armour all american packet in the mail today as well, has anyone on here ever gone and is it worth it esp if you already signed your nli, is it for trying to be seen to go pro? also today hegot the perfect game 2008 world showcase invitation, he has attended their underclass and national before, this seems to be once algain for the pros to look see and is this worth it as well, would love some comments thanks, mg

Congratulations on your son signing!

Since your son has already gone to Perfect Game's National and Underclass Nationals, this event would not be very productive for your son especially since he has already signed.

C o l o r me skeptical. I quickly looked at the 2007 list on this page and I only recognized one name on it. Granted, I don't know too many of the super studs' names, but I thought a list of 200 All-Americans might have more of the ones I am familiar with. Am I reading this wrong?

Infidel,

I believe that is the names of whose checks have cleared.

It was last year's (1/2007)list. Another note is how many were committed to a college, and even so, there are only a few beter known players on last year's players.

My son also received the packet from Under Armour....It is crazy to pay $800 bucks, hotel and air fare to participate in a event in January prior to the season when most kids are not throwing regulary.... Compared to AFLAC event which was total class and all expense paid --- for 38 kids, the Under Armour Event includes approximately 200 plus kids ---- so that being said -- not sure the history etc behind this event.....just seems strange regarding the number of kids selected and the overall expense involved.....seems like a self perpetuating all-american designation if you can step up to the plate and throw out the bucks to participate.

Never got a letter. So now I'm really suspicious of the validity of their list.

All of these so called showcases are not what they seem. If they charge a large sum for participtation plus you pay for travel and lodging, they aren't worth it. All they want is your money.
Do you know that most pro teams hold tryouts free of charge? The major league scouting bureau is in charge of them. Many college and pro team scouts attend. Look on the web site of your favorite pro team to see a schedule or search the major league scouting bureau.

The under armour stuff is suspect as far as some of the talent. I know someone invited that can't throw strikes to save his life. Still got invited.

quote:

Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
... It is the only "All American" event of which I am aware where the player has to pay $799 or else be cut from the list of honorees. ....

Please note that the $799 fee is waived in some cases. That info may help potential future attendees.