Softball Player Talent ID Showcase

Baseball...

has been doing this awhile. Andy Partin, head of Impact Baseball, does showcases based here in the Carolinas. If you go to the Impact Baseball website you can see the set up for his last one, the Un-Signed Seniors / Underclassman Showcase. It was held at the USA Training Facility in Cary, N.C.. It was a pro style tryout format and also included games. Players from as far away as New York and Ohio attended, and this is more of a regional showcase! Close to 300 players attended. More importantly, around 40 schools, plus Pro Scouts, were there with radar guns, stop watches and note pads checking out the talent. It is a convenient way for recruiters to get the most bang for their buck and it's exciting for the kids to get the exposure.

I think the key to setting this up is to get as many of the college softball coaches (in the region) to commit to attending. Then the organizer must be sure that there is real talent on the field for the coaches to evaluate. It just can't be open to any player, they must be of the caliber to possibly play at the next level.

My son, who now plays college ball in NC, participated in a number of Andy's showcases. What I liked about it was that it was focused regionally. There are plenty of colleges here in the Carolinas and Virginia, I just didn't see the value of going all over the country to get him exposure. It would be nice if my DD had the same opportunity.

 

Sneak A Peek

 

Though I'm a softball parent, I have been to the impact baseball clinic watching some friends boys and it's right by my house. NEVER have I seen as many coaches and pro scouts in softball...we've been to asa nationals many times and to plantation rising stars many times. This is a well planned out venue and wow as soon as the pitcher goes to throw at least 50 guns go up!!

 

key, key, key...

... is to having the coaches and talent there at the same time! Abbyfan, your efforts should be commended, but spring, during season, just isn't a good time for coaches or players.

I wouldn't worry about conflicts with big tournaments. Isn't this all about getting the kids a chance to play at the next level? Carolina girls showing their talents to Carolina coaches at a venue and at a time that is convenient for all will be a success. Some Travel coaches won't like it, but if they really care about the girls and their future, they will adjust. It may start small (25-30 talented players) but as girls and parents start seeing commitments coming from this event, well... like in the movie "Field of Dreams", "they will come, Ray, they will surely come."

Imagine you have your showcase set for a fall weekend (BEFORE the signing date) with coaches from UNC, NCSU, USC, Clemson, ECU, UNCC, UNCW, UNCG, UNCP, ASU, WCU, Wake, Duke, UVA, VT, VCU, USC Upstate, Coastal, NCCU, WSSU, plus all the other DI's, DII's and DIII's committed to attend and it's the same weekend as a big national tournament in Florida, Texas, or wherever. Now imagine you are the parent of a talented girl from NC who is passionate about playing college ball. Where would you want your DD to be?

Look at the baseball roster at UNC, a team that is now a regular in the College World Series, and you'll see that a third, or more, are former "Dirtbags" (the Impact showcase team) who are from North Carolina. This shows that there is baseball talent here in the Carolinas that is as good as anywhere in the nation. I think it's true for softball also. It just needs to be showcased!