Showcase baseball costs?

I hope it is over 25. We haven't had a good discussion for awhile. I just hope nobody takes this thread into a negative turn. It's not needed to compare one avenue to another (Showcase vs Legion.)

Here's what I like about the thread. A new family entering the recruiting stage (at least I think so), a ton of families (members) that have been through it, and valuable wisdom to be expressed.

About the financial note; whatever you can afford is worth it. The relationships that are built and the experiences you will receive really is priceless. I'll take a weekend or week long tournament with my family over a week at the beach anytime. It's much more rewarding!...and less expensive, too.

 

This is such a great topic -- so I felt like I had to chime in with my 2 cents worth. First and foremost, an honest evaluation of your son/player is very important. The very best players are definitely better advised to play for the very best showcase organization that they can play for. However, IMO, just playing for these teams will not necessarily make a kid better. There is no substitute for good, old-fashioned hard work -- on your own -- while using showcase for game reps, experience, etc.
Most kids, however, fit into the mid to lower tier talent pool. This does not mean that they cannot play -- all I'm saying is that most high school players are not good enough to play D1 baseball. The ones in this group, IMO are better off going to the particular camps that interest them, developing relationships on their own with coaches from these schools, and then choosing an organization that best fits their talent level -- whether that is showcase or legion just depends on the kid.
Yes, you will spend alot of cash helping your son chase his dream. Just remember that unless he is one of the absolute best players in your area, the money you spend helping your son get better (conditioning, pitching/hitting instruction, etc.) -- and the money you spend at the college camps that interest him -- IMO -- will be the best money you can spend. Enjoy the ride!

 

Dear Thirdbase,

Congratulations on beginning a great journey for you and your son. Enjoy every minute of it because it will fly by way too fast. I'll do my best to give my perspective. You will get lots of advice and information from the posters on TBR and I'm sure you will find it to be a valuable resource along the way.

Average Cost: "Tuition" and Fees - $2,000 - $4,500 per year (includes uniforms and coaches, lessons and practices in-season). Travel - expect an average of 7-10 tournaments per season. Hotels, Gas & Food based on your taste in hotels and appetite. You may find a long trip each season to either Georgia or Florida. Other trips will be within 2-3 hours tops. There are teams and associations to fit all levels of talent and budget. My advice would be to get an honest assessment of your son's talent level and find the best fit for his talent. You absolutely don't want to get in a situation where he will be left behind or lose interest. I promise you this --- a 13/14 year old player's talent is NOT the same as it will be at 17/18. Some improve, others fall off --- be aware of your son's talent and be realistic about the best fit.

Whatever you spend, it is worth it.... As long as your son is having fun, competing at the highest level his talent will support, and building memories that you will find priceless when it is over.

The programs in North and South Carolina all have strengths -- find the one where you son's talent and "fit" make the most sense. You'll know it when you see it.

 

Find a coach that is honest and realistic more than anything... And there are teams out there who charge a very reasonable price which basically covers baseballs, uniforms, and entry fees. Unless you are the TOP Dirtbags team, TOP Canes team, or SCP's... You really have to just find the team that fits your need because more than likely, college coaches don't know the name on the front of your jersey anyways. No matter who you play for, where you play, how much you pay, etc... If you can play the game, you will be seen. You have to swing and make solid contact, you have to throw strikes, you have to make the play, and you have to carry yourself in a positive manner.


www.eteamz.com/carolinaravens

 

Baseballlady

Which Canes team is $2,500 per season. Did you mean $2,500 per year?

 

BBL has left the building....

FOR GOOD, hopefully.

 

She didn't even spell Canes correctly. Maybe Herman "Caine" coaches a showcase team now that he's not running for President.

 

Dirtbags

In an effort to assist Thirdbase with the initial inquiry...............

Last year the Dirtbags was $1650/yr. That included participation in about 18-20 events from around June 1st through the end of October. The events included Impact Tournaments and Showcases as well as WWBA Summer and Fall National Championships in Ft. Myers (or Jupiter) and East Cobb.

The fee also included 1 pair of cleats, 1 pair of turf shoes, 2 pair of game pants, 4 game jerseys, 2 hats, and (from time to time) other items like bat bags and/or batting gloves, etc.............

The Impact events have been held in many locations including the following venues: UNC, NCSU, ECU, South Carolina, WCU, WF, Durham Athletic Park, Campbell, Elon, App State, Wingate, Belmont Abbey, UNCA, Brevard (and I know I'm missing a few).

The players are from all over the State of NC (and some in the past have come from VA, Ohio, Florida and Georgia). The team practices a couple of weekends during the summer/fall at a central location.

The Dirtbags have teams at 15U, 16U and 17U. Recently there have been at least two teams at each age division. Last year's Dirtbags team (2012's) included 8 UNC and 2 South Carolina commits among several others. Their website will tell you a lot more about the program and tryouts, etc.....

www.thedirtbags.com. It has been a very positive experience for our son.

Good luck!

 

Participation fee + travel expenses + instruction + camps

Dirtbag participation fee is less than I expected. (if you subtract a few hundred for the gear, that's $60-70 per tourney. Not too bad. )

Can you help me budget additional costs? (I'm assuming there are ways to save some money (carpool, dining in, etc). But also, some additional costs i haven't even considered that over-shadow the participation fee. ) I'm just fact finding and being organization agnostic...so don't beat me up.

Tryout fees
$100-150? Tryout Fee
Subscriptions (too see how your player ranks)
$100 Annual Impact Baseball subscription
$50? Annual Perfect Game Subscription
Showcase Id Camp (for additional exposure; assume 2 per year)
$150 Registration
$50 Additional Written evaluation fee
... or...
$250-300 per College camp
Per event (double for longer trips)
$80? Gas
$250? Lodging
$100? Food
$20 ? Ticket price (per person per weekend)
(if half are a few hours out of town... that's $450 x 9 events = $4050)
Other costs
Player instruction $50 per lesson ( ??? per season)
Membership to hitting/pitching facility $50 - 100 per month
Recruiting Video/Service cost - $ ???

 

Wow, 2 thoughts come to mind after reading your budget:

1) You forgot the cigars and beer? (Just ask... aguyyouknow)

2) So thats why I am broke!