What makes a true showcase?

The problem with showcases is that players press to much. They think they have to hit HR's during BP or during a game and they end up swinging and missing or popping up to the SS. They have the feeling if they don't hit HR's that coaches aren't going to want them. If they don't bump 90 then coaches don't want them and so they end up throwing balls in the dirt or at the backstop.

With that being said - I think not only do the kids feel pressure from the situation of haivng scouts around them and watching their every move. I think a lot of pressure comes from mom/dad sitting behind the fence getting upset with them because they don't hit a HR. The player feels like they let down their parents and the parents rides their butt for it and takes them mentally away from what they need to be doing to impress a scout. I have been to a LOT of camps and have seen this happen way to often. Don't get me wrong, its good for parents to come and support their kids but this following message is for parents... Let your kid go out there and have fun and support them no matter how they do and most importantly, let them know you love them afterwards. Don't let your love for your child change because they had a bad day, it happens. Support your child during camps and games and let them you know you love them and are proud of them. There is nothing more than I remember than my parents telling me they were proud of me whether it is a good or bad game or telling them they love me after a game, its little stuff like that I remember and I cherish more than anything.

 

Good points. The kids perform better if we just leave them alone. A positive word when they are down is about all that is needed or wanted. Once they get to a football combine or baseball showcase they just need to perform. Hopefully they are prepared when they get there. Best just to leave them alone. I know when I started this the relationship between my son and I improved.

 

Lefty- even though I would catch you and Braves Jr wrestling in a hotel room the day of a game or the times that you, Micah and Braves jr would be playing streetball basketball where you needed helmets and pads..I just thought I would let you know... I love you, too!

 

Oh Braves i'm blushing!!! I knew you loved me.

 

I don't know what you mean by this One Putt. Andy preaches that philosophy to all his teams. When the '09s played the '10s this weekend in Wilmington it was obvious both teams wanted to win. I have not seen a group of guys who supported their teammates more and wanted to do their job to help the team scratch out a win than the 2010s team. It was not about individual performance. It was about winning as a team. They are the first to congratulate each other on successes and the first to take responsibility for contributions to a loss.

One thing Deuce touched on, that no one else has, is that guys like to play for the Dirtbags because they are playing with some of the best players out there and doing so will make them a better player. If you can play with guys like Lassiter, Holt, Hanover, Michael, (and so many more) it only raises your level of play. That is what the players on the Dirtbags look to do.....develop their game to be the best player they can possibly be.

 

So true. I wish I could have those days back, some of the best baseball memories I have had are from those two places.

 

No doubt there is a lot of talent on the '09's and '010's. I know a few of the '010's and they are talented.

 

Hard work

Put in the time in the weight room, refine your skills with someone who knows the game of baseball, play at a level of baseball you enjoy ( showcase, legion, little league, dixie, colt, palamino, triple crown) and if are blessed with a little bit of talent, you will be found by scouts and coaches. Willingness to put in the time will pay off at the end. Good luck to all players not matter what level they are playing.

 

Great post Heels

The fact is what you do off the field determines what you are capable of doing on it. Too many people think if they get on the "right" team or play in front of the "right" people everything else will take care of itself. The fact is if you work your butt off when no one is watching someone will want to watch you when you are playing. Your efforts should be focused on working to be the best player you can be. That does not mean taking ground balls or hitting in the cage or playing in a showcase game all the time. It could mean running , lifting , and flat out busting your butt when no one is around to see it. The hardest thing for the young guys in our program to understand is coming to the field many days in the off season and never picking up a bat or a glove. Practice may mean working on the things that can make you a better player. Like getting faster stronger and mentally tougher. Becoming a better baseball player is not always about actually playing games or practicing the game. Sometimes its about working on the things that can help you do those things better. How many kids are really willing to "practice for 3 hours" and never swing throw or catch? The ones that are get better.

 

Very encouraging, along with heels0710's post just above this one.