What I don't like about showcase?

1. I hate it when coaches call players or talk to them after a player does well and try to get them to play for their team. This is why the some showcase teams are always at the top. They all do this practice. Like others have said, if your good they will find you whatever team you play on.

 

Dislikes

#2 Too many teams. The field is very diluted. I want every player to move to a higher level if they want to, but is has almost become the travel ball of old.....There's more to it than playing at a tournament.

 

Or what about 14/15U Showcase Teams? What scout or college college is out watching them.....or what about a Senior Showcase Team that is playing after the draft is over........what do the players get out of this???? I know they are playing good competition, but they are paying a pretty penny for it too.

 

The 14-15 yo showcase is an upgraded version of the old travel teams. They come in many flavors--some outstanding to some that are not. In my opinion, what separates the teams, are the one's that offer development and training of the players. Their commitment is not towards a win/loss record at that level, but the development of the player and to progress to the next level.

The term showcase is a misnomer at that age, although you will find scouts at certain tournaments at this level. There are players that have made commitments to elite programs at this age.

The older age group is usually done differently. Some kids go play American Legion, while others continue to play a reduced select showcase schedule, as you mentioned for competition, at a very reduced rate---many for free. If they are playing for a baseball academy, then they are continuing their development and workouts to get ready for college.

Whether someone is playing "free" baseball or pay, its found in all the different options kids have in playing baseball. I find that's a family decision, so there is no blueprint which is best for one's child. I'm just glad for all the opportunities kids have to play baseball--rather that then finding them playing s****r.

 

I'm sure glad you said s****r and not l******e. Me and my boy might have to come after you...

 

You mean kickball?

 

Haha....I couldn't spell that

 

I can dodge a ball, but those sticks hurt.

 

Soccer

the up and coming sport!
for the last thirty years...........

 

what separates the teams, are the one's that offer development and training of the players. Their commitment is not towards a win/loss record at that level, but the development of the player and to progress to the next level.


personally I like the showcase format immensely... this being our first year at 15U. Are some teams better than others? Yes, but that was the case in LL too! I see a drive and intensity in our players and in the teams we play against that i did not see last summer in travel ball or legion. It is the highest and most competitive level of ball we could play at present. I saw two plays this past weekend worthy of Sportscenter top ten and one was against my son on a diving play on a ball hit down the line at first base. Unfortunately, the realities of our economy may being playing part in some kids ability to play at this level.

We are fortunate in that, as Braves pointed out, we are getting some of the best on field instruction we have ever had.

This is a journey.. we went through it with my daughter. 15U "showcase" may be a bit of a misnomer... but it is the place to be if you are young and dream the dream.