talented players usually), coaches will begin to be less concerned with (but not
blind) to the naturally talented player and will look more for the “kid who can
really play”.
Forth: Showcases (in depth). The big ones like DeMarini Top 96 and the
DeMarini Invitational, Perfect Game USA, etc. are specifically geared for the very
top talent and quite honestly a waste of money and time for most players to
attend. If it costs more than $150 then it’s probably overpriced. If you really
want to get noticed at a showcase, consider the following:
1) Go to showcases that a particular college is conducting; preferably by a
college you might want to attend or play for– not a huge general
showcase like listed above. But also keep in mind that even with
colleges - a showcase is a “fundraiser” for them too.
2) Almost all college sponsored showcases are attended by other regional/
local colleges. The other colleges will range from 1 or 2 other DI
schools (just not from the same conference as the school sponsoring the
showcase), 2-4 DII schools, 2-4 DIII schools and possibly 1-2 NAIA or
two year schools. The same applies if a DII or DIII or NAIA, etc.
sponsors one.
3) The college you possibly want to play for might not be holding a
showcase BUT will be attending another college sponsored showcase –
so look at other colleges around the college you possibly want to attend
and see if they are having one because the college you want to play for
might be at that one.
4) Consider the price. If the cost is $70 and there are 10 schools there not
a bad “bang for your buck”. Divide the cost by the number of colleges
there. Plus you’re in front of the specific college you want to possibly go
to yet you’re also in front of other colleges that realistically could recruit
you too.
5) BE REALISTIC! Seriously consider your abilities currently. If unsure,
look at the numbers above. Use this only as a guide when considering a
showcase.
6) Talk to your High School/ summer coach and get his opinion/ direction
on your current skills and request he help locate and contact schools.
7) Do your homework and research the possible list of programs that
interest you.
Now consider this:
We are going to use Ohio as the example and Dayton as the focal point.
Just in Ohio alone, there are approximately 820 member high schools in the
Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). Now figure each school has
a baseball team with an average of 15 players on a team. That’s 12,300 high
school baseball players!
An average Varsity team is made up of about 40% seniors – that’s 4,920
So, if only 10% make it to go on to play college baseball – that’s 492.